Altered Destinies
by Annie

"Hi, I'm Carson Daly, welcome back to TRL. Today there are thousands of people all lined up around Times Square, hoping to get a glance at today's most successful band, *NSync, who are going to be arriving on the show shortly."
Carson paused as the audience in the studio started screaming.
"So, we're going to take a break, and when we get back, the guys from *NSync are going to be here, and we'll hear all about their new album and their lawsuit with Lou Pearlman. Stay right there."

Justin Timberlake made sure that every part of him looked good as he looked in the large mirror backstage on the set of TRL.
It was always important to try and look his best, to try not to be upstaged, but it never worked. The group had gotten together about four years ago, and Justin had thought that since he and JC Chasez, his fellow bandmate, were the lead singers, they would be the most popular.
That wasn't the case, and it drove Justin insane. Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick, two more bandmates, had their small share of fans that lusted after them, and that was fine with Justin, as long as more people loved him.
And he hated that he was the lead singer, he worked harder, he danced better, and the fans still loved Brandon the best. Justin frowned as the picture of Brandon Crane, the group's bass singer, came into his mind. Just a little shorter than JC, and just as skinny, Brandon had it all. He had dark brown hair that he put golden blonde highlights in, his teeth were perfectly straight, and everyone fell for his deep green eyes.
Justin sighed and tried to flatten his curly hair just a little bit. It didn't help either, that Brandon was only a year older than him. Their birthdays were even in the same month, and to the media, Justin and Brandon were best friends.
To the media, Brandon was a nice, humble guy.
To Justin, he was an asshole.
Sure, Chris, Joey, and JC put up with Brandon, but he didn't really bother them. Brandon knew all of the right buttons to push with Justin, and no matter what he did, Justin just couldn't seem to ever get the upper hand on him.
"Time to go, curly," Chirs said, coming into the dressing room. Justin checked himself one more time, and decided, by looking at him, that he would at least look better than Chris.

"Hey, welcome back to TRL, where I have the guys of *NSync standing right here with me," Carson said as the audience started screaming.
"Hi guys, good to have you here. All right, so we hear that you're coming out with a new album pretty soon, and that ought to please the fans."
"Yeah, the album is in the preproduction works right now, and we're planning on the release date to be sometime early next year," JC said.
"Does your current lawsuit with Lou Pearlman have anything to do with the delay of the album's release?"
"We're hoping that everything can be settled soon, and since we're not really at liberty to talk much about the lawsuit..." Chris said, letting his sentence trail off.
"So, Brandon, will you be getting more solos now that you guys have more say in the songs on this new album?" Carson asked, trying to get the topic off the lawsuit, as it was obviously a very touchy subject.
Brandon laughed and flashed the camera a grin. "Well, if Justin can give up his precious song time, probably."
"It's not my fault I sound better than you," Justin said, flashing everyone his trademark grin. To everyone watching, it looked like they were joking. To the band, it was genuine meaning.
Carson laughed and said, "Well, we've got to get into the number five video, but *NSync will still be here when it's over. Number five today is Blink 182 with "What's My Age Again?"

"I hate going on that show, Carson Daly is such a flake," Brandon muttered as the group loaded into their limo.
"Everyone's a flake to you, Brandon. Probably because you *are* one yourself," Joey said with a grin.
"At least I fit into size four pants," Brandon said.
"Hey, he was kidding man," JC said.
"Even kidding hurts Brandon's larger-than-life ego," Justin muttered, and no one heard him.
"I think Carson Daly is a nice guy, that has to put up with screaming fans and the pressure to impress every famous person he meets," JC said as the limo headed back to their hotel.
"Whatever. He's still a flake, and when do we meet our new manager at Jive, and when do we have to go back to court?" Brandon asked.
"It's your turn to keep track of all the business stuff for this week," Chris said.
"No, it's not, it's Justin's week," Brandon argued.
"It is not, my week was last week. It said so on the business schedule," Justin said.
"God, like I even keep those. Anyway, we wouldn't have this problem if one of you was actually *good* at business and all that crap."
"Look who's talking Mr. I-suck-worse-than-Joey-at-business," Justin commented.
"Hey!" Joey exclaimed.
"Guys, not now, okay? I'll look it up when we get back to the hotel," JC said.
"Whatever," Brandon muttered.

James Lance Bass always went by Lance, because he thought that James sounded to professional, and Jim was kinda dorky. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was eight o'clock. He hadn't even realized it, he had been so into what he was working on.
When Lance had first been hired by Jive Records, he never thought he'd be where he was at that moment. One of Jive's big-shot managers. One of the real money makers for the company. Someone who actually got to go somewhere in life. Someone who would become the new manager of the hottest music sensation on the planet, starting at nine the next morning.
Most people that Lance worked with thought that this new career turn would change Lance, that it would turn him from "Nice southern boy" to "Evil, corporate business guy". Lance worked with some pretty scummy people, who had either slept their way up, or cheated their way up, and when he had gotten his promotion about three years ago, he promised himself that he would never be like those coworkers he despised.
This new opportunity wasn't going to change that.
Lance grabbed his briefcase and flipped off the lights to his office, locking the door on his way out. As he walked down the hallway to the elevator, he heard someone calling him.
"Lance, you're still here. Good, we need to talk."
Lance groaned inwardly. It was Jerry Smith, probably the most sleazy guy in the whole building. Jerry had been the only executive manager at Jive when Lance had worked in a lower station, but the "boys upstairs" had been so impressed with Lance's work, that they made one more executive manager spot available, and placed him in it. Lance knew that had always bothered Jerry, and he knew it bothered him even more that Lance had been assigned as *NSync's manager. Jerry had been assigned as Backstreet Boy's manager, and Lance hadn't been jealous. Jerry had been working longer in the business. When *NSync had suddenly made the huge move to Jive, Jerry had been sure he would get them as well. That hadn't been the case, and it had pissed the hell out of Jerry.
"Lance, about tomorrow, I know that *NSync is meeting up with you, and I just wanted to give you a few pointers, since I have experience in meeting and managing successful bands," Jerry said.
Lance smiled and hit the elevator button. "Thanks Jerry, but I've already talked to Mr. Robbins about it."
Mr. Robbins was "the big boys upstairs". He was the guy Lance and Jerry reported too. He was the big boss, the one everyone was scared of.
"Oh, well, I was just offering. If you need any help, just let me know, and I'll be sure to take over for you," Jerry told Lance with a false smile.
"I'm sure you will," Lance replied as the elevator door opened and he stepped inside.
'God is this really happening? Am I really here?' Lance thought nervously as the elevator moved downward.
He just hoped he would be prepared enough for the biggest moment of his life.
He didn't know it would be the biggest moment in more ways than one.

"So what's his name anyway?" Brandon asked, making sure his nails looked all right.

"Who's name?" Chris asked, holding onto the door handle as the limo turned a corner sharply.

"Our new manager," Brandon said, like Chris was stupid for not automatically knowing the answer.

"Lance. Lance Bass," JC said, looking at a piece of paper. "Woah, check this out guys, he's only 20 years old. And he's that successful? Wow."

"Excuse me, I believe two people in this limousine are younger than that, and have become more successful than some manager at Jive Records," Brandon said haughtily.

"I'm talking about in the regular business world, Brandon, not boy-band land," JC told him.

"How much longer?" Brandon asked, changing the subject.

"We're here," Joey said as the limo pulled up to a large office building with the words Jive Records across the front.

The five band members got out, and their security guards, which had followed in another limo, pulled up and got out, coming over to the boys before a mass of screaming fans could see them or something.

They entered the building and saw three guys standing by the reception desk. One had really gray hair and a huge stomach, and the guys were reminded briefly of Lou Pearlman. The one standing in the middle had brown hair on the sides of his head, but he was completely bald on top. He had a sharp, pointed up nose and beady brown eyes.

"He looks like a rat," Justin whispered to JC, indicating the middle man, and JC tried to choke down his laugh.

"Hello boys, I'm Reginald Robbins, and this is your official welcome to Jive Records," the old, fat man said, extending his hand. Each of the guys shook it.

"This is Jerry Smith, he manages the Backstreet Boys," Reginald said, and they boys all shook Jerry's hand as well.

"And this is Lance Bass, your new manager." Justin looked over at him, and saw that he looked nothing like the other two. He was slender, and he had spiked up blonde hair, and intense green eyes. And, Justin noticed as they shook hands, a killer smile.

"I just want to say, before I officially become your manager and -have- to say these things, you guys are so talented. If you weren't already sitting on top of the world, I'd tell you that's where you'd be heading."

"Yeah, too bad we beat you to the punch," Brandon said, giving Lance a grin. Lance gave Brandon a smile back, and Justin noticed that it was false. That made him glad, that Lance could see right through Brandon.

"Well, I can take you guys on a tour of the building if you want, but there's really not much to see," Lance said, and Justin wished he'd stop smiling, because he couldn't stop looking at him.

"Well, we really can't-"

"We'd love to go on a tour," Justin said, interrupting Brandon.

"Uh... Lance, don't you have to work out some legal papers or something? I can take these boys on a tour," Jerry said, approaching Lance.

Lance decided not to make a scene and said, "Sure Jerry, just don't get lost this time."

Jerry looked over and saw all of *NSync trying not to laugh. He straightened his brown dress jacked and said, "Right then. This way, boys."

Lance gave the guys one last smile and waved. Justin hoped he wasn't the only one who waved back.

"All right, this is the first floor. We have lots of offices on this floor," Jerry said as the guys followed him.

"Don't you have offices on every floor, hence this being an office -building-?" Joey asked, trying to sound serious.

"What about this guy, Lance? Is he good at what he does?" Brandon asked, changing the subject. "He seems too young to be at such a high position at such a successful business company."

"Well," Jerry said with a laugh. "It's easy to get to the top when you slip it to the big boys, if you know what I mean."

"You mean he got to where he is by having sex?" Brandon asked bluntly.

Justin looked at Jerry, and he didn't really believe him. "Lance doesn't seem like the type to earn his job dishonestly."

Jerry looked at Justin. "You don't even know Lance."

"We don't know you. Why should we trust what you say?" Joey asked, not believing what Jerry had suggested either. Lance had seemed too nice, but there was something about Jerry that made everyone edgy.

"You boys take everything too seriously, I was joking," Jerry said, adjusting his tie, and Justin could tell that he was nervous.

"Can we see the rest of the building now?" JC asked.

Jerry nodded and they continued on with their tour.

"Do you think what Jerry said is true?" Brandon asked, as Chris and Joey jumped into the pool and splashed him, JC, and Justin.

"No, I think that guy's a sleaze and a half. No wonder he's the Backstreet Boy's manager," Justin said, wiping the water from his face.

"He said he was just kidding, but I definitely think there's something going on between him and Lance," JC said, wiping off his sunglasses.

"You think they're having sex?" Brandon asked.

"No, you pervert, I mean that they have problems with each other. Wasn't it obvious, the way Jerry jumped at the chance to take us on tour, and how Lance didn't say anything. I think Jerry's jealous. I mean, the guy's like, what? Forty something, and Lance is only 20."

"Yeah, and I mean, we're a lot bigger than the Backstreet Boys, so of course Jerry's going to be jealous," Brandon said.

"Wow, the ego grew even more," Justin muttered.

"The Backstreet Boys have talent, Brandon, and they're big too," JC said.

"Yeah, talent's the only thing they've got. You guys should just be thankful that I'm in this group, because without me, who would love you guys?"

Justin clenched his fists, but didn't say anything, while JC was glad he was wearing sunglasses so Brandon couldn't see his look.

"Hey, albino boys, you wanna come swimming with us?" Chris asked from the pool.

"That's why we're sitting here, because we don't want to be albino boys," JC said, going back to his magazine.

"Sure, I'll come," Justin said, taking off his wifebeater and jumping into the pool right in front of Brandon's chair.

Justin hoped he had soaked him.

Jerry walked into Lance's office to see Lance typing up a document on the computer.

"You need something, Jerry?" Lance asked, not even turning his attention away from the screen.

"Look, about those boys, I've already told you, but I'll say it again. You can't handle them. I'm sure if you requested it to Reggie, he'd let you take the Backstreet Boys and give me *NSync. I have more experience, Lance."

"Look, I know you're only asking this because you want a bigger paycheck, Jerry, but I don't. I love this job, and I'd do it for free. I'm sorry that I got the job you wanted, but you have the Backstreet Boys, and that's a great accomplishment."

"You don't even know what's out there in the world Lance. You're just barely an adult, you probably still go to clubs with your friends on weekends, and party until dawn. You're not responsible, and you don't deserve this job."

Lance turned away from his screen and looked at Jerry.

"I worked ten times harder than you ever had to so I could get to where I am now. We both know how you got your job, so let's talk about who deserves what," Lance said.

Jerry narrowed his eyes. "Fine. Take *NSync and shove them up your ass, I don't care. Backstreet Boys are going to make a comeback, and then we'll see who manages the better band."

Jerry turned to leave, but Lance called out his name and he stopped.

"What?" Jerry asked, turning around.

"Did you ever think that maybe the reason Backstreet Boys aren't big anymore is because of you?"

"Just wait Lance, everyone gets what's coming to them. Even two faced little brats like you."

Lance and Jerry just glared at each other for a moment before Jerry turned and left.

Justin looked at the digital clock next to his bed and sighed. It was two in the morning and he still couldn't get to sleep. And he needed to, they had a busy day coming up.

And a meeting with Lance.

Justin knew that's what was keeping him awake. He couldn't stop thinking about Lance, and he didn't even know him.

In the bed next to him, Brandon snored loudly and Justin got up, and shoved a pillow in his face.

'Or maybe it's him,' Justin thought.

He knew it wasn't, though.

"You look like shit, Justin."

Justin just glared at Brandon as he sat down next to JC at the breakfast table.

"Well, you snore like you're trying to suck up the whole city through your nostrils," Justin said.

"So it was you who put the pillow on my head last night," Brandon said, looking angry.

"Who else could it have been, smart one?"

"Guys, just can it. Think you can do that for five minutes?" Chris asked, rubbing his temples.

"You okay man?" JC asked. Chris nodded and said, "I just have a killer headache, and I want silence and peace."

"Take some Advil or something, if you're going to be grumpy all day," Brandon said, biting into his bagel.

"When do we meet up with Lance again?" Justin asked, wanting to know and wanting to shut Brandon up.

"Like any of us know, Justin."

Justin just gave Brandon a look and turned to JC. "Why are you looking at me? It's not my week to keep track of our schedule. It's Brandon's."

"Whatever, you're so full of bullshit JC, it's not my week!"

"It is too, we talked about it in the limo yesterday. It's your job to find out about all of our stuff we have this week. God, is it that hard to understand?"

"I'm going to lie down," Chris muttered as he got up.

"Feel better," Justin and Joey said, and then turned their attention back to JC and Brandon.

"Look, I'm here because I look better than all of you and everyone loves me more, not because I'm good at business and all that shit," Brandon told JC.

"Okay, well, we, and when I say we, I mean you too, all decided to take turns handling business, and I'm not going to let us look like irresponsible little famous kids just because your ego syndrome is bigger this week than it is most of the time."

"Geez, sorry I asked," Justin muttered.

"I don't have an ego syndrome and I don't have to sit here and take this from you," Brandon said, getting up. "If it really means so goddamn much to you, then I'll go figure out our stupid schedule, but don't insult me, because you have no room to talk, Mr. Spazzy-whiny-I-need-to-see-a-dentist-complex-retard!"

Justin watched with his mouth open as Brandon stalked away.

"Want me to monitor my questions by you before I ask them?" Justin asked with an amused smile.

"Shut up, Justin."

"How good does it make you look when your band is twenty minutes late?" Jerry asked as he leaned in the doorway of Lance's office, looking at Lance, who was looking slightly nervous.

"Don't you have to go brown-nose or screw someone right now Jerry?" Lance asked, glancing at his watch for about the tenth time that minute.

"Sorry, don't do that anymore, I have the job I want," Jerry said with a grin.

"You make me sick."

"So, where are your golden boys, Lance? I thought they were supposed to be here at ten and it's now ten twenty-five," Jerry said, glancing at his watch as he said the time.

"I know what time it is," Lance told him with annoyance in his voice.

Jerry grinned that proud, smirk-like grin, and Lance just wanted to rip it off his face. "Well, it doesn't really show good managing if the band starts showing up late. Did you even tell them what time the meeting was, Lance?" Jerry asked.

"They had it on schedule, Jerry. This meeting was pre-planned."

Jerry grinned again and Lance almost threw his stapler at him. "I know, but things and times can get changed, Lance."

Lance looked at Jerry in confusion before realization dawned on his face. "You didn't change the schedule, did you?"

"I wish, but no, I just said that to piss you off."

"Get out of my office, Jerry. If you're not here to give me something or pick something up from me, then get out," Lance said, moving over to the door to shut it.

"Okay, if I see your boys, I'll make sure to tell them where to go," Jerry said, stepping out of the doorway.

"Yeah, I'm sure you will," Lance muttered as the door clicked shut.

Justin glanced at his watch as he practically ran up the stairs leading to the doors of Jive Records.

"Shit, shit, shit," he said as he looked at his watch and saw that it was 11:30. He opened the doors, and he knew he looked weird in his blue jeans, yellow windbreaker and sneakers running through a nice building with nicely dressed people, but he didn't care.

He hurried to the elevator, and then he realized that he didn't know what floor Lance was even on. He turned and looked around before he found the receptionist's desk, and he hurried over, pushing the approaching man out of the way.

"What floor is Lance Bass on?" he asked. She gave Justin a dirty look and said, "Third."

Justin nodded his thanks and hurried to the elevator, holding his arm out to stop it right before it closed and stepping in, hitting the third floor button.

"Justin?" someone asked, and Justin realized there was someone else in the elevator with him. He turned to see who it was, and groaned inwardly when he saw Jerry.

"Hello again," Justin said politely, silently hurrying the elevator along.

"Why are you here?" Jerry asked.

"I'm here to see Lance, because you know, we had a meeting and, well it's really not your business, because you're not our manager, so this is where I get off," Justin said as the elevator stopped and he walked out. Jerry followed him.

"You know it's not a good image for you or him if your band starts showing up late for meetings," Jerry said, and then he took in that Justin was the only one there. "Where's everyone else?" Jerry asked, but Justin ignored him and looked at all the office doors, searching for one that said 'Lance Bass' on it.

"Can I help you sir?" a redheaded girl chewing bubblegum asked as Justin came into a place with a lot of cubicles after turning out of the hallway.

"Lance Bass' office, where is that?" Justin asked.

"Right over there, hon," the woman said, pointing off to her right. Justin nodded his thanks and walked over towards Lance's office, noticing that Jerry was still following him.

Justin knocked and he heard a muffled voice ask, "Who is it?"

"Um, it's Justin, from *NSync," Justin said, feeling really stupid as he said the last part.

The door opened and Lance smiled at Justin. "Come in," he said, noticing Jerry behind Justin. Justin entered Lance's office, and Lance shut the door.

"I'm so sorry that we didn't show up for the meeting. It's just that we all basically suck at keeping track of business and all of that stuff, so we take turns keeping track, and it was Brandon's week, and when he finally decided to go look up what time our meeting was, it was already eleven o'clock, and JC wanted to call and reschedule, but I said that I'd come and work it out with you, so here I am," Justin said with, taking a deep breath afterwards.

Lance just smiled and said, "That's fine, I just wanted to go over some basics for the new album and that was about it. It's really no big deal, so don't worry about it. Don't start thinking that it's okay to miss meeting, though, because it's not, I'm just not going to go all red-faced and start yelling at you, because everyone makes mistakes," Lance said with a smile.

"Well, I guess if there's nothing you needed to tell us that was really important, I'll just go back to the hotel," Justin said, and he hoped he didn't sound disappointed, even though he was.

Lance was quiet for a moment and Justin turned to leave, but Lance stopped him. "I'm about to go on my lunch break. Have you had lunch yet?" Lance asked. Justin shook his head. "Well, do you want to come with me?"

Justin smiled and nodded. "Besides, I bet you fancy managers know all sorts of expensive places to eat."

"Yeah, and big shot celebrities only go to Burger King," Lance said as they left his office and walked towards the elevator, passing Jerry's office on the way. He watched them go with a scowl, but neither of them noticed.

"Well, Arby's and McDonald's too. McDonald's is very instrumental in our breakfast needs," Justin said as they got to the elevator. They were quiet until they got to the parking lot and Lance pulled out his keys from his pocked, and pushed a little button on his automatic car control.

Justin saw the headlights of a black BMW flash and his jaw dropped open. "Man, you have a -nice- car!" he exclaimed. Lance laughed. "It's my aunt's car, she lives around here, and I drive it to work because if I came in my jeep that wouldn't look very professional, and my hair would get all messed up," he said with a grin.

"Does anyone else know this?" Justin asked with a grin. "Nope." Justin laughed. "Smooth, man."

"So, tell me about, like, what you did as a child and stuff like that," Justin said as they sat in a booth at the restaurant Lance had taken them to, waiting for their food.

"Well, I grew up in Mississippi. Not the most exciting place in the world, but it's fun. Everyone's really nice there. I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid, and then I was into singing for a while."

"No kidding?"

"Nope, I even got offered a chance to sing with "The Mississippi Show Stoppers", but I turned them down, because that's when I was really getting into managing."

"The who?" Justin asked.

"The Mississippi Show Stoppers. They're not famous or anything, but it would've been fun."

"So, what else did you do?"

Lance looked down at his hands and then took a drink of water from his glass. "Uh, I used to dress up as this big dog and go around and entertain little kids."

Justin started laughing. "You're kidding, right? Did the dog have a name?"

Lance looked away, his face red. "Poo-foo," Lance muttered.

"Poo-foo? Are you serious? That's awful," Justin said, laughing even harder.

"What about you? What did you do growing up?" Lance asked, changing the subject.

"Well, I've always been into entertaining people, and I started out really early. I was on that show, the remake of the Mickey Mouse Club for a couple of years with JC, and Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Keri Russell. After that, I met Chris, who was forming a band, I asked JC and Joey came along, and then we needed to find a bass singer, and I was going to ask my vocal trainer if he knew anyone, but we heard Brandon singing at a club the night before I was going to make the call, and he joined us."

"Who was your vocal trainer back then?"

"Mark Stewart," Justin said. Lance looked at him with wide eyes. "No way. Back when I was into singing, I had a vocal trainer and that was him."

"Really? Wow, that's weird," Justin said as a waitress came and brought them their food.

"So, how long have you guys all been together?" Lance asked. "You mean the group? We got together in 1995, so almost five years. Wow, has it really been that long?" Justin asked himself.

"Well, you guys sure have come a long way since then."

"Yeah, we have, haven't we?"

Lance smiled and nodded.

They spent the rest of the meal talking about their general interests, and both were sad when the waitress came and gave them the check.

Lance pulled out his wallet and placed two twenties on the table. "I can pay for my food," Justin said.

"It's okay, this was on me."

"Okay, but next time we go out to eat, I'm paying," Justin said.

"You want there to be a next time?" Lance asked. Justin blushed and said, "Well, I mean, if we ever go out again...if you want to...I mean-" "I'd love to eat out with you again," Lance said, giving Justin the smile that made him weak in the knees.

"Okay, then maybe I'll swing by your office sometime, if I'm ever feeling hungry," Justin said, grinning.

"And maybe I'll be hungry myself."

Lance stopped in front of Justin's hotel and pulled over to the sidewalk to let Justin out.

"Thanks for lunch Lance, I had a really fun time," Justin said.

"I did too. And, you're welcome."

"Okay, well, I'll see you later then?"

Lance nodded and Justin got out of the car, waving to Lance as he drove away.

Justin walked to his hotel room in a daze, feeling like a little school girl who had just been given a smile by her biggest crush. Justin knew that there was no way that Lance could be gay, and he knew that he shouldn't even start to develop feelings for him, but Justin knew that if he spent another afternoon like the one he had just spent with Lance, he'd start liking him more than a friend. And a manager.

"No, I can't like him, he's a manager, he's a manager," Justin said to himself as he pulled out his room key and unlocked his door. Brandon was sitting on his bed watching TV and Justin hoped he would just leave him alone.

"Long time to be gone at a meeting," Brandon said, his eyes never leaving the TV.

"Yeah, well, there was a lot to talk about," Justin said, knowing it wasn't a lie. There -had- been a lot to talk about.

Brandon looked over at Justin. "Did you tell him about you?"

"What do you mean? That I'm not into girls? Why should it matter to him?" Justin asked.

"Because, he's our manager, and if you get caught giving head to some guy, he's gonna need to know what to tell the press."

"Why does this suddenly interest you so much?" Justin asked.

"Because someone called here just before you came in. It was Lance, and he said you left your sunglasses in his car on the way back from lunch."

"Care to explain that, Justin?"

"Fine, I went to lunch with Lance, that doesn't mean anything," Justin said, moving over to his bed and sitting down.

"It means everything, Justin. Are you going to start pining over him? Are you going to fall head over heels and profess your undying love? Does he even swing your way?"

"Look, it was just an innocent thing as friends, Brandon. I apologized for us not making the meeting and he invited me to lunch. I said yes, and that's it. There's nothing more to it," Justin said, hoping at least Brandon believed his lie, because he sure didn't.

"Good, because for a minute there, I thought you had a crush on him or something."

"Wow, for a minute there, you actually cared," Justin said sarcastically.

"Yeah. Wow."

Lance smiled at Lacy, the secretary on his floor as he made his way back to his office. He figured if he saw anyone he'd just give them a smile, he was in such a good mood.

And as good as he felt, he was also terrified. He wasn't stupid, he knew how things worked, how they were supposed to be, and he that he -wasn't- supposed to have more than friendship feelings for Justin. Getting involved with Justin was wrong because he was Justin's manager. How would that look, a manager and the managed, together like that?

'Besides, he's not even gay, he has millions of girls influencing him,' Lance told himself as he entered his office.

"Have a nice lunch?" a voice asked, making Lance jump.

"God! Don't do that!"

"My name's Jerry, but if you insist on calling me God, then-"

"What do you want?" Lance asked, interrupting him.

"Oh, you know, the usual... a bill here, a check there, and lunch with a client..."

"So that's what you want. Well, there's nothing to tell Jerry, so why don't you go waste someone else's time?" Lance asked as he grabbed a manilla folder from the top of his file cabinet and went to his desk, opening the file.

"What's that?"

"Business that is not yours. Look, I have actual work to do, could you please leave?"

Jerry gave Lance a scowl. "Fine, but something's up with you, and I'm gonna find out what. You don't just take clients out to lunch when you barely know them. I'll figure it all out soon enough."

Lance watched Jerry go and stuck his tongue out as soon as the door closed. And for some reason, the gesture reminded him of something Justin would do.

"So, was Lance pissed?" Chris asked as he came and joined Justin by the side of the pool. JC and Joey followed and they all sat around Justin, waiting to see what he said.

"Nah, he was totally cool about it. He didn't even care, he just said don't make it a habit."

"Then what took you so long?"

Justin looked over at Joey, wishing he hadn't asked the question. Justin decided though, that he loved these guys a lot more than Brandon, and if Brandon knew the semi truth, they should know the whole truth.

"He asked me to lunch because he was just about to leave when I got there. Yes, I enjoyed, yes, I think I like him like that, and no, I'm don't know if he's gay. Anymore questions?"

Everyone was quiet for a moment before Chris spoke up. "Wow, sounds cool. You two would make a cute couple."

"What? You mean you're cool with it if I get involved with our -manager-!" Justin asked incredulously.

"Justin, we're your friends and we love you, and we support any decision you make," JC said.

"It's just that Brandon said-"

"And you listened to Brandon? How does he know anyway?" Joey asked, knowing that Justin wouldn't tell Brandon something like this before the rest of them.

"Lance called up my hotel room, because I left my sunglasses in his car. I wasn't in the room yet, so Brandon took the call. I lied and said it was an innocent lunch, so if you guys wouldn't mention the fact that I really do like Lance, then..." Justin trailed off.

"Like we would," Chris said with a smile.

"So, are you going to tell him how you feel?" Joey asked.

"Well, first, I have to make sure he's, you know, gay. And even if he is, he might not be interested. I want to make sure of everything before I try something. I mean, during lunch today, we just talked about everything. I feel like I know him so well now, ya know? Like an instant connection, and I don't wanna mess that up," Justin said.

"Sounds like Curly's in love," JC said with a smile.

"No, like. I'm just in like, for now."

"So, did you get any dirt on him?" Joey asked with a sly smile. Justin grinned. "You wanna know what one of his old jobs was?"

"He was a dog named Poo-foo."

Lance tapped his thumbs on the steering wheel of the car as the song on the radio played. He was on the freeway, and the traffic wasn't moving. Looking at the clock in his car, he saw that it was almost seven o'clock. He sighed as he waited for the car in front of him to start moving.

"Okay, lots of requests for this song, I guess it has something to do with their legal problems or something. Here's *NSync, with "God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You", right here on Star 94.7"

Lance glanced at his radio as the opened chords for the song started, and noticed as Justin's vocals filled the car, that his glasses were still sitting on the passenger seat. The traffic started moving and Lance got off at the next exit, heading for Justin's hotel.

"You're love is like a river, peaceful and deep..." Lance sang as he drove. He was having one of his moments, one of the moments where he wished that he hadn't given up singing. Maybe he could've gotten somewhere if he hadn't. That, and hearing Justin's voice was depressing Lance, so he changed the station.

"How sad is that? A manager that sings along to the songs of his band," Lance said to himself as he pulled up into the parking lot of the hotel. He walked into the entrance and went up to the front desk. He considered asking for Justin's room number, so he could see Justin himself, but thought that just leaving the glasses would be better.

'No, just easier,' his mind told him.

"Yes, hi, I'd like to leave these for Justin Timberlake," Lance said, handing the sunglasses to the receptionist.

"Let's see, Timberlake, Timberlake, Timberlake... nope, sorry, no Justin Timberlake listed here," she said, looking down the list.

"No? Oh... he's probably under another name so people won't know where to find him. Uh, I'm the manager for the band *NSync, and they're staying here, most likely under a false name, and I just need to get these to Justin," Lance said.

The lady looked at him for a moment before saying, "Nice try, but you're too young to be a manager for a group like them. Now get out, you're wasting my time."

"But-"

"Now, before I call security."

Lance sighed and walked out of the building, heading back to his car. He wasn't looking, and bumped into someone, knocking himself over.

"I'm so sorry," a voice from above him said as the person helped Lance up.

"Justin?" Lance asked, seeing who it was.

"Lance! What are you doing here?" Justin asked, his face breaking out into a grin.

"I came to return your sunglasses, but the lady at the front desk didn't believe that I was your manager," Lance said with a laugh, handing Justin his glasses.

"Thanks, but you didn't have to come all the way out here just to give me these," Justin told him as he took the glasses from Lance, their hands brushing briefly before they both pulled them back.

"I wanted to," Lance said, smiling shyly. No one said anything, and Lance decided he was about to say good-bye, when Justin asked, "Are you dating anyone?"

Lance looked at Justin oddly for a moment, wondering why it would matter to him. Deciding Justin was just curious, Lance answered, "No, my last boyfriend dumped me for a gymnast who was sure he was going to be in the Olympics. Not sure if that happened or not," Lance said.

"So... you're gay?" Justin asked in disbelief. He couldn't believe it. This was too good to be true.

"Yeah. That doesn't bother you, does it?" Lance asked, suddenly worried Justin would be totally disgusted with him.

"No," Justin said with a smile. "It doesn't."

They looked at each other for a long time, and Lance was trying to read Justin's eyes. What was there? Was it... want? Did Justin want him?

Justin leaned forward, and Lance tried to say something. "Justin-"

"Shh, don't say anything," Justin whispered.

"We can't do this," Lance said with a smile as Justin's lips met his. It was a gentle, short kiss, and they both broke away at the same time.

"I wanted to do that all day," Justin said with a smile.

"Me too," Lance told him, smiling back.

"Come here," Justin said, grabbing Lance's hand in his own and pulling him towards the front office. He opened the door and released Lance's hand, only to put his arm around Lance's shoulders.

"Mr. Timberlake, can I get you anything?" the lady asked nervously.

"Nope, just wanted to introduce you to my manager, Lance Bass."

The look on her face was priceless.

Justin and Lance went back to Lance's car in a fit of giggles. "Did you see her face? Oh my god, did you see it?" Justin asked, still laughing as they approached Lance's car.

Lance nodded with a chuckle. Suddenly, though, he walked over to the passenger side of the car and stood up as straight as he could, putting one hand behind his back. "Where to, Mr. Timberlake?" Lance asked, trying to impersonate a British accent and opening the door. Justin grinned and said, "Surprise me."

Lance held out his hand, grinning, and Justin let Lance to help him into the car. Lance shut the door and hurriedly got in, starting up the car and backing out of the parking lot.

"I have an idea. I want to see your place," Justin said.

"My place? Why would you want to do that?" Lance asked. Justin put his hand on Lance's thigh. "Now that we're dating I think that I need to see what the place you live in looks like," Justin said with a laugh.

"Yeah, about that... Justin, I think we need to define what 'dating' means," Lance said.

"Well, it's what two people do when they like each other, and-"

"You know what I mean, Justin. I just barely found out you were gay -and- that you liked me. And I like you, too, I do. That's why we need to talk about this. I want us to take it slow, so that it's not screwed up. That we do things right, because I really want this chance with you."

"Well, it's kinda the same for me too. I didn't know you were gay until you told me you used to have a boyfriend," Justin said, getting defensive.

"Justin, I'm not yelling at you, I'm just saying I want to do this right. I just want to take it slow. Is that okay?" Lance asked, putting his hand on top of Justin's and moving it off his thigh, entwining their fingers instead.

"Yeah, I don't wanna mess this up either. But... can I still call you my boyfriend? Can I still say we're dating?"

Lance smiled. "I am, and we are."

"Crunk!" Justin exclaimed with a smile.

"What?" Lance asked with a laugh.

Suddenly, Justin's face lost all humor and happiness as he looked at Lance seriously and said. "Lance, you're my manager. Do they allow, you know, us dating?" All day, Lance had been telling himself that he couldn't get involved with Justin because of that very reason, but when they had kissed, it had been the last thing on his mind. Now it all came back, hitting him full force.

"No, technically, I can't date you because you're my "client", and that's not allowed."

"So, what do we do?" Justin asked, and Lance could hear the fear in his voice. "Don't worry," Lance said giving Justin a small smile and squeezing his hand. "They don't have to know about it."

"You mean, like, keep it a secret?" Justin asked.

Lance nodded. "If you're not comfortable with that, then-"

"No! No, it's fine, I mean, we couldn't exactly go public anyway," Justin said, smiling.

"So, you still want to see my apartment?" Lance asked.

"Yeah!" Justin said and Lance laughed at how much he sounded like an excited little kid.

"You live in -these-!" Justin exclaimed, looking at the large apartment building.

"Yep," Lance said as he pulled into his parking spot. "Man, are you like rolling the dough or something?"

"I wish, but no. It looks a lot nicer than it really is."

They walked in and Lance waved to the doorman before taking Justin's hand in his own and heading to the elevator.

"No one will see us here?" Justin asked, looking around.

"Stop worrying and just hold my hand," Lance said and Justin grinned.

"Well... if you insist."

They stepped into the elevator and Justin asked, "What floor are you on?"

"Fifth," Lance said, reaching out to hit the button, but Justin stopped him. "Let me, I need to get used to it."

Justin hit the 'five' button and elevator music started to play as they went up.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Justin said, and they both started laughing.

"You should hear it on Sunday. It's organ church music. It's pretty awful."

The elevator stopped, and Justin and Lance got exited in a fit of giggles. Lance stopped in front of a door and Justin looked up at the number.

"Okay, you're in apartment number 512. Now I know where to come and bother you at all hours of the day and night!" Justin told him with a gleeful look as Lance opened the door and they went inside.

"Wow," Justin said as he looked around. The walls and carpet were all white, and there was a large glass table by a maroon couch and chair, and a decently sized television. Shelves were all around, holding little porcelain trinkets and pictures of what Justin guessed were Lance's family and friends. Off to the left of the couches was the kitchen with a counter that had three stools behind it. The sink was in the center of the counter and the stove, which was off the other side with some cabinets. The refrigerator was across from the sink on the other side of the room. Off to Justin's right were two doors, both open. One was the bathroom, and Justin went into it, looking at the blue and green tiled floor and baby blue walls. There was a large sink imbedded in a marble counter, and drawers and cabinets beneath it. The large mirror above the sink ran all the way until the counter ended. The toilet was right by it, and after that there was the bath and shower.

Justin whistled lowly as he came out of the bathroom. "Man, nice place."

"Thanks," Lance said as he put his keys on the kitchen counter and opened up his fridge. "Want anything to eat? Drink? Both?" Lance asked.

"Nah, I already had dinner with the guys. We ordered Pizza," Justin said as he looked into Lance's bedroom.

He had a large window at the end of it, and there was a desk right to the side of the window. The bed was positioned vertically in the center of the room, and there was a mirror attached to a dresser right across from the bed. Justin walked in and looked over to see what was on the other side of the room, and saw that it was a large closet.

Justin nodded his approval, and went back out and sat on the couch.

"Like it?" Lance asked, sitting down with a sandwich in his hand.

Justin nodded and said, "I can't believe someone like you, who has a place like this, is eating a peanut butter sandwich."

"I wont tell if you wont," Lance said as he took another bite of his sandwich. Justin watched him eat, and after Lance noticed that was -all- Justin was doing, he said, "You can turn on the TV or something, you don't have to watch me eat."

Justin smiled. "This is entertainment enough." Lance took another bite of his sandwich, and watched Justin watch him. "All right, that's just unnerving, so stop it!" Lance said with a laugh.

Justin just smiled at Lance and said, "You have some peanut butter on your face."

"Where? Here?" Lance asked, feeling his face to see where it was. "No, Lance... now you're just smearing it... here, let me," Justin said as he took Lance's face in his hands. Their eyes locked and they looked at each other for a moment, before Justin leaned forward and licked the peanut butter off Lance's face.

"There," he whispered. "It's gone."

Lance placed his sandwich down on the table and pulled Justin to him, kissing him hungrily, leaning back, brining Justin on top of him.

"I though we were going to take this slow," Justin said between kissed.

"We are, but making out isn't a slow process," Lance said. Justin grinned.

"Oh, well then by all means, please proceed."

"Yes JC, I can read a goddamn clock, I know what time it is," Brandon said into the phone.

"No, I don't know where he went... Yes, I know I should care, but I don't.... He can take care of himself... Eighteen is old enough to be out doing whatever. Look, I know you take this 'daddy' role seriously, but please, spare me... I don't care if you hang up on me, JC, it's still not going to help you find Justin... hello? JC? Wow, he actually hung up on me. Didn't think he would," Brandon said, turning back to his magazine.

"Damn him!" JC exclaimed from his room down one floor, looking evilly at the phone.

"Calm down, I'm sure Justin's fine," Chris said.

"Nobody's seen him since seven o'clock! It's midnight, where could he have gone?" JC asked.

"Did you try Lance's? You know how he has that thing for Lance, maybe he's with him," Joey said.

"I tried the office, but he had already left, and I don't know his home number," JC told Joey.

"Did you try the operator or the phone book? How many Lance Basses can there be?" Chris asked.

The room was quiet, and suddenly the phone rang, making everyone jump.

"What?" JC asked irritably on the phone.

"Sorry, I can call back," Justin said.

"Justin! Where the -hell- have you been?" JC asked angrily.

"Sorry, sorry, I know I should've told you where I was going, but I didn't really know, and I was going to call you, but I got... distracted, and I'm sorry, but I'm on my way back right now," Justin said.

"Where are you? Who are you with?"

"I'm sorry, the battery on this phone is going dead. I'll talk to you when I get back," Justin said, hanging up Lance's cell phone.

"The battery isn't dead, I just recharged it," Lance said, looking at Justin.

"I know, I just like messing with JC," Justin said with a grin.

Lance just laughed and shook his head.

They arrived at Justin's hotel sooner than they both had wanted too, and Lance locked Justin's door, hurrying out and running around the car to open the door for Justin.

"Hey, always start what you finish," Lance said, smiling at Justin.

"I'll remember that next time we're making out," Justin told him.

"See you later?"

"See you -tomorrow-," Justin said, pulling Lance into a kiss.

"Bye."

"Bye," Justin waved to Lance as he watched him drive away. As soon as Lance's car was out of sight, Justin turned and headed for JC's room.

He didn't see Brandon, watching him from the balcony above.

"JC?"

"What?"

"Have you ever... you know, known something about someone that could... say, ruin them?"

JC looked down from his magazine at Brandon. They were sitting by the pool in long layout chairs, while Justin, Joey, and Chris played around in the pool.

"What do you mean? You got something on me that's gonna ruin me?"

"No! God, it was hypothetical," Brandon muttered.

"Wow, big words," JC said, grinning.

"I'm not kidding! What would you do if you knew something about someone? What would you do if you hated that person?"

JC put his magazine down in his lap. "You're really serious about this?" he asked.

"Would I ask you if I wasn't?"

"Okay, calm down. I don't know why you're asking me potential disastrous questions, but if I knew something about someone that I didn't like... I don't know, I'd probably let them know I knew and tell them their secret's safe with me. I'm not into blackmail."

"Well, you're not me. Thanks JC, I knew you could actually pull off the father figure talks every now and then," Brandon said, getting up.

JC just gave Brandon a look and turned back to his magazine. Brandon walked back to his hotel room in thought.

'They kissed, I saw it, and I could blackmail them both. I could get everything I want out of Justin, get Lance to give me my solos, I could do anything. But the problem with blackmail is, eventually, it's back fires or stops working. They could just break up and then what would I have as proof? Besides, they could just lie to the media, and all the other guys would back them up. No, I gotta do something that's to my advantage. Something that will actually work.'

Brandon looked back and he could still see the pool, and see Justin standing on the edge, grinning as Joey tried to grab him, and Justin back up just a little bit each time, out of Joey's reach.

'God, look at him. So happy, so carefree, so goddamn fine with everything in his life, just because he's got some fuck toy now. Well, I'll wipe that smile off your face so fast, Justin, you won't remember what it felt like to even smile to begin with.'

Laughing, Justin was pulled into the pool by Joey, with Chris' help.

'Just wait. Just you wait.'

Lance stared at his computer screen. He was trying to get some work done, but he just couldn't concentrate. He was too excited. Justin was coming by and they were going out for lunch again. That, and the fact that his secretary, Lucy, had two tickets to 'The Phantom of the Opera', and since her husband had gotten sick, she didn't want them and had given them to Lance. He had made dinner reservations at a really fancy French restaurant, so they could eat and then go to the show. Lance just hoped Justin could go.

There was a knock at Lance's office door, and he smiled. "Come in."

The smile disappeared when Lance saw that it was Jerry, not Justin. "What do you want?" Lance asked, irritated. Jerry had been bothering him more than usual lately, and Lance had a feeling it had something to do with Justin.

"Hope you didn't have any lunch plans, the three o'clock meeting's been moved up to noon." Jerry said, and Lance could tell he was enjoying it.

"What? Well, I won't be able to make it, I have plans."

"With who?" Jerry asked with a smirk.

"Me," Justin said, pushing past Jerry to enter the room. Lance smiled the moment he saw Justin, in what looked like his rehearsal clothes.

"Well, sorry you wasted your time... Brandon, was it?" Lance glared at Jerry, knowing he had done that on purpose.

"No, Justin. Why did I waste my time?" Justin said, trying to sound pleasant.

"Because our meeting was supposed to be at three and they moved it up to noon. I don't know how long I'll be," Lance said, feeling even worse when he saw the look of disappointment on Justin's face.

"That's okay, I'll wait here for you," Justin said, moving over to one of the chairs in front of Lance's desk and sitting down.

"What? You can't do that," Jerry said.

"Get out, Jerry, I'll see you at the meeting," Lance said. Jerry glared at Lance and left his office.

"You don't have anything today? You really want to wait?" Lance asked. Justin smiled and nodded. "You're worth it."

"Aww, you're sweet," Lance said, leaning over his desk to kiss Justin, who met him halfway.

The pulled away and smiled at each other. "Are you busy tomorrow night?" Lance asked.

"No, why?"

"Well, I have reservations at this restaurant and then two tickets to 'The Phantom of the Opera', but if you don't want to go, I understand and-"

"I'd love to," Justin said, cutting Lance off. Lance smiled. "Okay, well, it's a date then."

"I can't wait," Justin told Lance as they kissed again.

Lance pulled away with a frustrated moan. "I have to go, I'll try and hurry. I'm so sorry about this whole thing, I swear, Jerry did this on purpose," Lance said.

"You two don't get along well, do you?"

Lance laughed. "Oh no, Jerry and I are the best of friends."

"Yeah, I can see that," Justin said with a smile.

"See you later," Lance told Justin, going over and giving him one last kiss.

Justin waved as Lance left the office, and then turned to look around the office, trying to find something to do.

Lance looked at his watch with a groan as he hurried back to his office. It was 1:30, Justin had been waiting almost two hours for him.

Lance walked into his office, already starting his sentence. "Justin, I'm so sorry, I tried to get out as fast as I... could." Lance looked around his office, stunned. Everything had been rearranged, and Justin was sitting at Lance's now cleared off desk with a bunch of Chinese food boxes on it.

"I hope you don't mind about me moving everything around, because I was sitting at your desk, and I noticed that the sun from your window made it hard to see the screen, even with the blinds closed, so I moved it into a position where the sun wouldn't hit it, and then your plants weren't getting enough sun, and I hit my knee on the file cabinet more than once coming in and out of here, so I moved that too, and then I went and got us lunch. If you don't like it, I'll move it all back," Justin said, and Lance noticed how cute he looked, acting all nervous.

"No, it's wonderful Justin, thank you so much. I've been meaning to rearrange everything in here for a while now, and you've done a great job. And you got food!" Lance said, smiling. He was starving.

"Yeah, well, I told you that the next meal was on me," Justin told him.

"Yeah..." Lance said with a grin as he opened up one of the boxes and dipped his finger in the soupy sauce, running it along Justin's cheek. "You did. And now it is," Lance whispered, moving to Justin's cheek and licking along the trail he had made with his finger.

"Damn, that's good," Justin moaned.

"I know," Lance said, pulling away. "What place did you go too?"

Justin rolled his eyes and opened another box, starting to eat. Lance and Justin ate their meal in silence, just enjoying each other's company.

"So, what time will you pick me up for our date?" Justin asked.

"Tomorrow at six."

"So I'll finally get to see you in something else besides a suit?" Justin asked with a smile.

"It's an opera, Justin. Suits required," Lance said.

Justin sighed dramatically. "I guess I'll just have to wait. Remember, you owe me a viewing of yourself in normal clothing!"

Lance laughed. "Okay, I will."

"Justin, that's like the thousandth time you've looked in the mirror, you're fine, trust me," JC said.

"No, I have to look perfect. This isn't perfect. My hair looks lopsided, it's going everywhere, and the tie is going on straight enough!"

JC laughed. "Justin, you're worrying too much. Just go, have fun, don't stay out too late, practice safe sex..." JC couldn't keep going he was laughing so hard. Justin threw a pillow at him.

"I'm not gonna have sex with him, not yet anyway."

"Oh, so you -are- planning on having sex with him then?" JC asked, grinning.

"Shut up," Justin said with a laugh. "That's my business."

"You know, you and Lance should just hang out with us, you know? So we can all get to know Lance a little better."

"Yeah," Justin agreed, spraying on his cologne. "But not tonight."

"I know, you're going on your big, fancy date with the successful twenty year old business man. Justin's moving up in the world," JC said with false melancholy.

Justin chuckled. "Yeah, don't get too jealous. Okay, I guess I look as good as I can get. I better go, Lance should be here by now. So... don't wait up, I guess," Justin said, heading for the door.

JC smiled. "Remember, safe sex."

Justin rolled his eyes and left, heading for the lobby, where Lance would meet him. Justin hoped that same receptionist would be working, just so she could see Lance again.

Justin was almost to the lobby when someone across the parking lot crossed his eye. It was Brandon, carrying an ice bucket, looking directly at Justin. Justin smiled and waved, walking into the lobby, where Lance was sitting in a chair, waiting.

"Hey," Justin said, making sure no one was watching and giving Lance a quick kiss.

"Ready to go?" Lance asked, car keys in hand. Justin nodded and they walked out of the lobby.

"You look really good in that tux, Justin," Lance said, and Justin blushed. They got into Lance's car and only as they were driving away did Justin notice Brandon, still watching him.

"I called in a reservation two days ago, you've got to be kidding me," Lance said, looking at the waiter who was running the entrance to the restaurant.

"I'm sorry sir, but you're not listed here."

"The lady's name was Julie, she took the reservation for me."

The man nodded and said, "Oh, I'm sorry, but Julie takes down reservations on a notepad, and some of the reservations were lost when it caught on fire in the kitchen, I apologize for this, sir. Would you like me to put you down for tomorrow night?"

"No," Lance said, taking Justin by the arm and leaving.

"Wow, for such a nice place, they sure suck," Justin said, trying to make Lance feel better. Lance smiled and said, "I'm sorry about this, Justin. Is there any place you want to go to eat before we get to the show?"

"McDonalds?" Justin asked with a boyish grin.

"Okay, McDonald's it is. And do want fries with your happy meal?"

Lance and Justin walked towards the theater, both just wanting to hold each other's hand, but not doing so because they were in public.

"This is odd, there should be a line," Lance said as he got up to the door. He stopped when he saw a big sign on the door that read: PERFORMANCE CANCELLED.

"What?" Lance asked.

There was a lady at the ticket window who saw Lance and Justin, and she leaned out so they could hear her. "The show was canceled tonight. There were some problems with the set, and it has to be repaired. Your tickets can be refunded," she said. Lance went over and handed them to her, and she gave him the money for them.

They walked back to Lance's car and once they got in, Lance sighed. "I'm so sorry. I mean, this was supposed to be romantic, and it ended up with us going to McDonald's."

"Hey," Justin said, putting his hand on Lance's leg. "The night's not over yet."

"What is there to do?" Lance asked.

"Just drive, I'll tell you where to go."

Lance gave Justin a strange look, but did as he was told.

"You'll love this, trust me."

Lance drove, following Justin's directions, and after a while, there were fewer buildings and less lights as they went, and then there were no buildings or lights at all.

"Justin, did you want to take us out into the middle of nowhere?" Lance asked.

"Stop here," Justin said, and Lance stopped the car. Justin reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a red bandanna. He leaned over and put it over Lance's eyes, tying it behind his head.

"Why are you blindfolding me?" Lance asked.

"You'll see," Justin whispered, getting out of the car and moving over to Lance's side, opening the door and pulling him out.

"Just take my hand and walk. Do you trust me?" Justin asked. Lance nodded.

After about five minutes of walking, Lance couldn't stand the silence anymore. "Are we there yet?" he asked.

Justin stopped and said, "Yeah." He moved behind Lance and slipped off the blindfold.

Lance looked around him in awe. All around him and Justin they were surrounded by trees, and they were standing in the middle of a green clearing. "Justin... how did you know about this place?"

"My family found it when we were driving around out here one time. I thought you might like it here. We can lay together and look at the stars... it'll be romantic," Justin said, rubbing his fingers over Lance's.

Justin and Lance didn't know how long they were there, looking up at the starry sky, lying next to each other, their fingers entwined the whole time. They didn't care how long it had been. It didn't matter.

"I got you something," Lance said, breaking the silence.

Justin looked over at him with an excited grin. "Really. What is it?"

Lance sat up and reached into the pocket of his pants, pulling out a small, wrapped box. He handed it to Justin.

Justin looked at Lance excitedly before he tore off the paper and opened the small box.

"Oh Lance..." Justin reached into the box and pulled out a simple, silver necklace. Justin let it run down his hand, and when the moonlight hit it just right, it made it glimmer.

Justin looked up at Lance. "Thank you," he said, surprised that his voice was only a whisper. Justin handed Lance the necklace and turned around, so Lance could put it on him. The necklace slid on perfectly.

"I don't have anything to give you," Justin said sadly.

"It's okay, just you here is enough for me," Lance replied.

Justin looked at himself for a moment before his eyes fell upon his right hand. He pulled off the gold ring that had been on his ring finger. "I got this gold ring when our first album went gold. It's kinda like my good luck charm. It's yours now," Justin said, grabbing Lance's hand and sliding the ring on his finger.

Lance smiled and they kissed, the light of the moon about shining down on them, making Justin's necklace and Lance's ring shine.

JC flipped the channels on the TV in his hotel room, not really paying attention to what was on. He was more eager to hear about how Justin's date with Lance had gone.

JC had known Justin for a long time, they had been best friends ever since their Mickey Mouse Club days, and JC had never seen Justin like this, acting so different because of another person. Justin could deny it all he wanted, but JC knew the truth. He loved Lance. If he didn't, Justin wouldn't act so weird and crazy.

There was a soft knock on JC's door, and JC knew that Justin was back. "Come in," he called, turning off the TV. Justin walked in with a dreamy grin on his face.

"JC, I think I'm falling in love."

Justin sat in the recording studio, reflecting on the past couple of months of his life. One minute, Lou had been their manager, and life had sucked. The next minute, Lance had become their manager, and life had never been better. Justin smiled and started fingering the necklace Lance had given him without realizing it. Justin couldn�t imagine his life without Lance in it anymore. He didn�t want to.

Lance, Justin was convinced, was the best thing in his life, right next to the group. Justin had fallen hard and fast for Lance, and while they hadn�t actually declared their love for one another yet, Justin knew