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Oct. 15th, 2003 10:37 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
amfiguree[Het] [N'sync] [PG-13]
Steal My Heart
(Meanwhile [continued from the time Naomi reaches Jive], At Jive)
Naomi parked the car and hopped out of it, looking for any sign of either Justin or JC. She turned slowly to see Justin’s face when he said, “Well, well, well... lookie here... is she something the cat dragged in?”
“Right, Justin... now I’m something the cat dragged in... who was going on about some wonderful savior twenty minutes ago?”
Justin pretended he hadn’t heard her. “JC! Hey! JC! Choc’s here!” Justin yelled then he scratched his head, “Where is that guy?”
“Hey Curly!” Justin heard Naomi shout. He turned to see both her and JC sitting comfortably in the car, with JC at the wheel. “Get in the car.”
“Come on, JC,” Justin howled as he tried to climb on top of JC and sit on his lap. “This is my car. All I want to do is drive it! Is that too much to ask?”
JC shoved Justin out of the car and pointed at the backseats before glaring at Justin and saying, “With your driving? Yes.”
Justin pouted, “Well, I’m not getting in that car unless you let me drive!”
“Suit yourself,” JC shrugged and zoomed off, leaving Justin speechless in a cloud of dust as Naomi giggled at his amazed expression.
“Chase? Shouldn’t we turn back now?”
JC grinned wickedly, “Oh no... we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet.”
Naomi bit her lip but couldn’t hide her grin, “I’m not sure I have the heart to take this any more.”
“HEY! HEY WAIT!” Naomi laughed when she turned around in her seat and saw Justin taking long strides towards the car. JC pressed lightly on the accelerator and the car sped forward. Justin widened his eyes in astonishment and then muttered, “Hell I’m already chasing the bloody thing, so why don’t I do it properly and just RUN?!”
Justin ran after the car as quickly as he could. Naomi giggled at the expression on his face and JC slowed down purposely. Justin came up to the car and glared at Naomi, “And I thought you’d be on my side!”
“No chance in hell, Justin baby.”
Justin was jogging alongside the car when JC came to an abrupt stop. Justin wiped the sweat off of his forehead and dove into the backseat. “Very funny, JC,” he muttered. “Fine! You win! You drive!”
JC smirked at Justin, “Justin, you should know by now that you should never mess with me. I can’t remember the last time you’ve won.”
“Ha ha. Very funny, JC.”
JC shrugged, “It’s true.”
“WHATEVER...” Justin glared at them. “How could you just leave me like that anyway? The last time I checked this baby was still mine!”
JC grinned, “Sorry J. Something happened to my foot.”
“Your foot? Please JC, you can do better than that!”
JC had a nonchalant expression on his face, “Nothing but the truth, man. Nothing but the truth.”
Naomi giggled and leaned her head against JC’s shoulder. Instinctively his arm wrapped around her shoulder. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“I’m just a bit tired,” Naomi confessed.
Justin’s ears perked up at her words and he pressed his hand quickly against her forehead, “Hmm... you’re not running a temperature, Choc... I sure hope ol’ Lance didn’t pass anything to you.”
Naomi shook her head sleepily and stifled a yawn. “No... no I don’t think he did. I’m just tired from the past two weeks... I haven’t really gotten much sleep. I think I’m not really used to this new schedule with you guys yet. I just need more time to adjust.”
JC nodded, squeezing her shoulder protectively. “If you ever need some time off, you let us know, okay?”
“Okay.”
Justin began humming a tune, hoping to lull Naomi to sleep. JC joined in and Naomi couldn’t help smiling at the life and passion in their voices. Even when they were humming, she could tell they enjoyed themselves. And honestly, that’s all that mattered. She closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.
JC smiled at her and leaned his cheek against her shoulder before he heard Justin say, “This might not be the job for her after all.”
“What do you mean?” JC asked.
“She hasn’t exactly been partying out with us at night. When our schedules go back to hectic after this break... how’s she gonna hold up?”
“She isn’t really our chaperone, you know. Sometimes I wonder what exactly she does for us. She goes around with us, yeah, but she doesn’t have to. Sometimes I feel like I’m supporting my wife instead of a friend.”
Justin chuckled, “Now that you mentioned it...” he tilted his head and looked at them. “You do look pretty cute together.”
JC frowned, “Justin, that’s not funny. If Lance ever heard you, I’d be history. Well, so would you.”
“WHATEVER...” Justin recalled the ‘almost-kiss’ JC and Naomi had shared and sighed. “But JC... have you ever thought that you might be good with her?”
“Countless times, J.”
“Then why aren’t you even trying to go for it?”
“Because... Lance is already after her, J. And I know I said that I would go after her as long as she was single... that is my theory. But Lance... he’s like my brother. I don’t want to fight over a girl with my brother.” JC gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. “I... I’d rather just let them be together.”
“Oh, right, JC. After you say that you would go after this girl as long as she is single regardless of whoever was after her, now you’re saying you aren’t even gonna try? All because Lance is your competitor?”
JC sighed and nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying, J.”
Justin glared at JC’s back, “Dammit JC! I don’t give a damn about your bloody morals in this case! I mean, would you look at her? Your shoulder is all she needs to get comfort! She’s actually sleeping through all our shouting, for God’s sake!”
JC rolled his eyes, but he looked at Naomi’s still figure for a second before he bit his lip and stared out at the road again. “Are you worried about her well being, Justin?” he asked, a slight quaver in his voice.
“YES!”
“Then that’s the exact reason why I can’t go after her as long as Lance is trying. Can you imagine how awkward and guilty she would feel when she had to sit around with us day after day? She would be torn between me and Lance! And... if I do go after her... and we break up... we may not even be friends after it all.” JC looked down at Naomi again and sighed, a frown creasing his forehead, “and her friendship is something I cannot do without, do you understand?”
Justin bit his lip, “I see... I’m sorry I yelled, JC. I guess you weigh the consequences really carefully before you try anything out. But... are these fears and worries really worth pushing away the feelings you have for her?”
“WHAT are the feelings I have for her, Justin? Can you tell me that? Because I’d like to know as well!” JC felt like slamming on the brakes and stopping the car in the middle of the road. But Naomi’s calm breathing soothed him and he swallowed a few mouthfuls of air before turning into the car park. “Forget it. Don’t raise this issue with Chris and Joey around. They’re not serious enough.”
“I wonder if they even have the brainpower to take it,” Justin smirked.
JC parked the car slowly and kissed Naomi on the forehead. “Time to wake up, Catch. We’re here.”
Naomi stirred and opened her eyes sleepily. “Five more minutes, James.”
JC chuckled and Justin pulled on his bandana, put on a pair of sunglasses and turned up his jacket collar. “It’s Chase, sweetie. Come on, Chris and Joey are waiting.”
Naomi shook herself awake. “Oh, right. Sorry Chase. I was dreaming for a minute there. Still drifting out of dreamland.”
JC put on a cap and a pair of sunglasses. “Are you trying to look inconspicuous?” Naomi asked them with a laugh.
Justin nodded. “Uh-huh.”
“Well with this outfit, you guys are practically screaming for attention.” Naomi told them, giggling as Justin pouted. “And besides, with four huge bodyguards around, I don’t think it’s virtually possible for you guys to melt away in the crowd.”
“Four huge bodyguards?” JC looked up and groaned. Chris and Joey were waving wildly at them and there were four burly figures standing not far away. “Jive must think that dinner at Hard Rock Cafe is as dangerous as an assassination field.”
“Have they ever thought of starting a band called ‘Men In Black’? They’d just have to scout for any talented bodyguards and BANG! That group would be a hit!” Naomi said and Justin giggled. They got out of the car and Chris yelled, “Hurry up, would ya?”
Naomi was right - they attracted a lot of attention. What with the funny outfits and the four towering bodyguards... there was no way they would just seem like ‘another face in the crowd’. They found out that Joey had booked a quiet table in the back just for them. Naomi was amazed at him, “Joey! Did you actually remember to book a table? Did you really remember? Or was it some absurd chance that Chris happened to bop you on the head and it just came rushing to you all at once?”
Joey looked hurt, “My memory isn’t all that bad. Chris is the old one.”
“Hey! Who knocked you on the head at three o’clock so you remembered to call this place up?” Chris demanded.
Joey blushed and Naomi wagged a finger at him, “Joey, you...” she dropped a kiss on his nose when Joey pretended to sniff. “You are the most adorable bear-like creature I have ever seen.”
Joey grinned but his face fell when she next said, “But you also have the worst memory I have ever seen.”
They laughed and sat down around the table. A waiter took their orders and they put the menus away and began to talk. “How’s Lance?” Joey asked.
Naomi shrugged, “I’m not sure. He was sleeping when I left Justin’s house.”
“Has his fever subsided yet?” Chris wanted to know.
“I think he’s better...” Naomi guessed. “Why don’t I call Alyssa so you guys can find out? I’m sure he’s woken up by now. Even if he was tired, he wouldn’t miss out on dinner for the world.”
Justin giggled, “That’s our Lance.”
Naomi grinned. “Right on.”
Chris and Joey stared at each other. “Are they making fun of Lance?”
“When he’s sick?”
“And needs to be looked after?”
“Aww...” Joey sighed. “Such terrible friends.”
Chris’ eyes were bright with mischief when he said, “I like it.”
They laughed.
A few girls suddenly materialized out of thin air and looked curiously at their table. “Aren’t they N’sync?” Naomi heard a girl whisper.
“It sure looks like them.”
“Well, there are only four of them. And why is that girl with them? And if they really are N’sync... where’s Lance?”
Naomi bit her lip at the obvious contempt in the girl’s voice. Are all the girls like this? Is it true that they really can’t stand the sight of a female with their idols? Do they really think they have a chance to marry these guys? Naomi almost laughed at the thought. She grinned and turned to JC.
“Chase, I think those girls are eyeing you guys.”
JC shrugged and grinned back at Naomi, “We get that all the time.”
“I just bet you do, poor boy.” Naomi giggled as Justin winked at one of the girls. “Justin are you crazy?”
“What? I’m just trying to be friendly with the fans!” Justin protested, giving the girls a huge smile.
“Friendly?” Joey’s eyebrows were raised in surprise. “I’ll show you friendly.” He got up and walked towards the girls, smiling sweetly. “Is there something I can help you with, little ladies?”
“Uh...” the girls stuttered, “We... we were just wondering if you guys were... you know, N’sync?”
“Oh!” Joey pretended to be surprised. “You think we’re N’sync? Well, that’s really sweet of you to notice but... did you want our autographs?”
The girls nodded excitedly and pulled out their notepads. Naomi was both surprised and amused to see pictures of N’sync stuck on every single page. “Those look like they took a lot of time and effort to do.”
“We took ages!” a girl told him as they followed Joey back to the table. “We carry them everywhere we go because we knew we’d meet you guys one day!”
“Who is she?” Another girl asked, pointing at Naomi.
“She’s a friend,” Chris reassured them.
“Where’s Lance?”
Naomi was amazed by the way the guys were talking to the girls. They were being so friendly and sweet that Naomi couldn’t resist a smile. “He’s sick,” JC said, scribbling his name on all of the four notepads quickly.
Justin grinned and did the same. “Look, we really enjoyed the chat with you four sweet girls, but tonight’s our night out and we’d like to spend more time with this lady here. She’s our close friend and we don’t get to see her very often.”
Naomi’s eyebrows shot up in amazement at Justin’s white lie. The girls’ eyes widened and Naomi thought she saw anger in their eyes. Whoa... fiery tempers.
The girls stormed off and JC gave her an apologetic look. “I forget they don’t like it when we’re too close to any other girls.”
Naomi giggled, “It doesn’t matter. I suppose I’m going to have to get used to those kind of glares soon, huh?”
Justin nodded and shrugged, “Well, yeah, kind of.”
“See, we’ve managed to keep you under wraps for now so it isn’t all that pressurizing... yet.” Chris told her. “But when we start touring again... I don’t think it’s gonna be that easy. They’ll be wondering who you are, why you’re with us on the tour etcetera. So... just as long as you keep insisting you’re only an employee, everything will... should be fine.”
JC nodded and smiled, “Uh-huh. But can we get our mind off of work? I thought we were out to relax. Not to talk business.”
Justin stared, amazed, at JC. “You’re telling us to get our minds off of work?” Justin quickly felt JC’s forehead. “Uh, Choc, call nine-one-one and then dial for MIB. JC’s either gone crackers or this isn’t JC at all.”
Naomi giggled and pulled out her cell phone. JC snatched it from her and glared at Justin. “Shut up, J, if you don’t want to die a very painful death.”
“Ooh...” Chris giggled.
Naomi grinned and snatched her phone back from JC. “I was going to dial the nut house, because somehow I don’t think Justin’s in his right mind.”
Joey hooted with laughter and Chris did a high-five with Naomi. JC chuckled and tilted his head to look at Justin, “Sorry, pal. Look’s like the girl’s on my side.”
“Choc...” Justin pleaded.
“Look, Justin. I’m not on anybody’s side. But you were trying to get JC eliminated. What else could I do?”
“Support me?” Justin suggested. And Naomi laughed.
All through dinner, Naomi had watched Justin, JC, Chris and Joey be completely at ease with each other. They had joked, teased, laughed and played around with each other. She could only imagine the chaos if Lance had been there as well. A few fans had come up to them and asked for their autographs, and some of them had stared curiously at Naomi.
Sometimes they looked at her as though she was a deadly disease they couldn’t wait to get rid of, some of them looked at her with knowing, bright smiles on their face, some completely ignored her presence and some of them even talked to her.
Naomi could hardly get over some of the infuriated glares she had received from some of the fans. She shuddered and tried to forget their eyes. JC wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said, “Don’t bother about them too much. Most of them are really nice, but some of them are a bit overenthusiastic. Still, it’s understandable right? I’m sure you know the feeling. I mean, you’re thirteen and the only thought racing through your mind is that you want that guy all to yourself.”
Naomi giggled and nodded while Justin smiled, glad that she had gotten over the fans. Most of the fans were nice enough but they got a bit worked up when they saw strangers with the band - especially female strangers. After a while, they warmed up to the idea though, and even encouraged it. But the beginning was always the most difficult part.
“Chris, Joey, where are you guys headed?”
“We thought we’d stop by at a pub or something. It’s pretty near by.”
“I’ll join you guys. JC, Naomi, what about you two?”
Naomi shook her head, “I’m kinda tired. I think I’ll catch a cab and go home and get some sleep.”
JC shook his head and his tone was stern when he next said, “There’s no way I’m letting you go home alone, Catch. Justin, why don’t we drop Catch home before we join those two at the pub?”
Justin nodded, “Sure.”
(Ten minutes later.)
“You know, you guys should have gone with them. I’m not a pop star, I can catch a cab back without worrying about getting shot down by fans.”
“Yeah, but you got the looks and the body and you are too innocent,” Justin countered. “You could be robbed or something. Who knows what goes on in the dirty minds of the cab drivers?” he giggled and Naomi shook her head, laughing.
“Most cab drivers are really decent people.”
JC smiled, “I’m sure they are. But it’s late and I wouldn’t rest easy if I didn’t see you home. Even if I was crazy enough to let Justin drive.”
Naomi giggled at Justin’s indignant look, “JC, I know you have a lot against my driving, but I haven’t gotten into an accident.”
“Yet.” JC finished, “That’s the key word. Tonight could be the night.”
“JC, gimme a break, would ya?”
“Forget it, Chase. Let the kid think he’s king of the world.” Naomi grinned and JC grinned back, giving her a thumbs-up.
“Kid?” Justin pretended to look carefully around. “I see no kid.”
JC rolled his eyes, “Oh yeah? Well, I see an immature brat sitting behind the wheel of this car.”
Naomi smiled, “I second that.”
Justin pouted, “You guys are ganging up against me. That is just plain unfair!”
“WATCH OUT, JUSTIN!” Naomi screamed as Justin took his eyes off of the road to glare at them. Justin whipped around and swerved to the right just in time to avoid a tree. “That was close,” Naomi sighed. Then she shook her head, “Okay, boy. You had your fun, now get OUT of that seat and let Chase drive.”
Naomi held up a hand, “I don’t care if Chase lets you drive later on because I won’t be in the car and I won’t be the one getting a heart attack. But for now, LET CHASE DRIVE!”
Justin pulled over at the curb, “Oh fine. But I’m driving later.”
JC winked at Naomi and slid over into the driver’s seat as Justin got out of the car, “Yes, O mighty Justin.”
Naomi rested comfortably on the seat, glad that she didn’t have to worry about any car collisions. “Are we there yet?” she asked, after a few minutes of peaceful silence.
“Uh-huh,” JC got out of the car and helped Naomi out. He kissed her cheek and hugged her, “Night sweetie. Sleep well, okay?”
Naomi couldn’t help noticing the dark eye-bags under JC’s eyes. “You look tired, Chase,” she told him. “Why don’t you spend the night at my place?”
“Are you sure?” JC asked. He had learnt long ago not to give Naomi the manly act. He was feeling really tired, there was no denying that.
“Positive, come on.”
“Justin, looks like you’re on your own, man. Tell Chris and Joey sorry, but I think I’m spending the night here.”
“You sure?” Justin asked.
“Yep...” JC and Naomi waved as Justin pulled out of the driveway before JC could change his mind. Naomi shook her head when Justin yelled goodbye. “I love that boy.”
“Don’t we all?” JC grinned at her and she grinned back.
(Half an hour later, In Naomi’s bedroom.)
“Somehow I get the feeling Ally won’t be coming home tonight,” Naomi grinned at JC. “She’ll just stay with Lance, you know.”
“It figures,” JC replied.
Naomi climbed into bed and patted the space next to her. JC looked at her uncertainly, “Are you sure about this?”
“Look, Chase, I didn’t invite you here to sleep on the couch.”
JC shrugged, “If you say so.” He climbed on the bed and lay down next to her. Strangely, he didn’t feel uncomfortable sleeping next to her. In fact, it felt oddly soothing. He wrapped his arms around her and she turned to face him.
They were so close to each other that their faces were almost touching. The scene at the beach flashed in JC’s mind and he screamed at himself not to try anything stupid again. Naomi smiled, her eyes half-closed, and JC couldn’t help marveling at her beauty. I must have been blind not to notice it before. JC’s hand reached slowly into Naomi’s hair. Gently he began massaging her scalp. He closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her soft hair against his hands.
Naomi’s eyes shot open in surprise. Her breath stuck in her throat when she saw the relaxed look on JC’s face. She could smell James’ aftershave on JC and it was driving her crazy. It was all she could do not to reach out and pull him down on top of her. Crazy thought, she told herself. Forget it.
JC’s eyes fluttered open and for a moment that seemed like eternity, they stared into each other’s eyes before JC smiled and asked tenderly, “Enjoying it?”
Hell yeah! Naomi thought, before blushing and realizing he was talking about the massage he was giving her. She smiled and nodded. JC smiled and tilted his head slightly. Naomi memorized the way he stared into her eyes. I want to remember him this way forever, she thought. His intense blue eyes, his face, his lips, his hair... JC’s face was deeply imprinted in her mind and Naomi knew she would never forget the way he had looked at her only seconds ago. She smiled, closed her eyes and snuggled closer to him.
JC pulled her close, and wiped her hair off of her face. His tired eyes wandered over her closed eyes, nose, lips and lingered on her hair. Her pale blue eyes would forever be stuck in his mind. He smiled, leaned his chin against her head and sighed, closing his eyes and inhaling the fragrance of her shampoo.
An image of her at the age of five floated into his mind...
“Chase? Are you sleeping here tonight? Did Mom Karen say okay?”
“Uh-huh. My mom is out and Mom Lizzie said I could stay here.” JC smiled when Naomi’s face brightened.
Naomi’s fingers clasped around his hand and he smiled affectionately at her. “What’s wrong, Catch?” he asked softly.
“Will you sleep in my room? With me?”
JC nodded and Naomi bounced up and down in delight. “Are our moms really good friends?” Naomi asked, as they made their way to her room.
JC nodded again, “Uh-huh. I think so.”
“They’re good friends because we’re good friends?”
JC shrugged, “I don’t know. I think so.”
Naomi giggled, “Oh.”
They were in Naomi’s room by then and both of them went into the bathroom together. JC helped Naomi tug off her shirt and pants and pulled on her nightgown over her head. When her head popped out of the collar, she began giggling and he smiled at her. She went into the room and lay down on the bed while he changed.
He hopped into the bed and gave her a hug. She kissed him on the cheek before they lay down quietly next to each other. “Catch?”
“What, Chase?”
“I’m not tired now.”
“I’m not either,” Naomi said, although he knew she was lying because she yawned widely.
He giggled, “Go to sleep, sleepyhead.”
“But... but I’m not... not tired!” Naomi protested again, in between her yawning fit. JC smiled as she struggled to keep awake.
“I know you are,” he told her. And he yawned, then shook his head. “Your yawning is contagious.”
Naomi giggled and JC couldn’t help but laugh along with her, “Even your laughter is contagious, Catch!”
“My yawning and my laughter is con... con... contacious!”
“Contagious!” JC corrected her. “That means that when you do it, everyone else starts doing it because you did it first.”
“Oh,” JC smiled as Naomi’s young mind tried desperately to grasp his words. Finally she understood what he meant - or so she thought. “You mean they copy me because I am contacious?”
“Contagious!” JC corrected again. “Yes, something like that.”
“They can’t do that!” Naomi shook her head, “I’m me, they’re them. I don’t want to be con... conta... contacious!”
“Contagious!” JC told her, before shaking his head and giving up. “Never mind.”
“But... but I don’t want to be contacious!”
“Don’t worry, Catch,” JC reassured you. “You’re not.”
“But I thought you said-”
“Never mind what I said just now. Even if you are contacious,” JC giggled at the word. “And even if everyone in the world starts copying exactly what you do, you’re the only one special to me.”
“Really?”
JC nodded and grinned when she smiled widely at him, showing all her brilliant white teeth. “Because even if they all try to be you, there’s only ONE Naomi Taylor in the whole wide world. And no one can take that special thing away from you.”
“Which special thing?”
“Our friendship.”
Naomi smiled and JC giggled at her words, “Then I don’t mind being contacious anymore.”
JC stroked her hair, “You are the most contacious thing in the world, Naomi Taylor.”
“I love you too, JC Chasez.”
JC looked down at her and grinned. She grinned back. He wrapped his arms around her and she wrapped her tiny arms around his waist. They were so close their noses were touching. And slowly, both of them fell asleep with the same smile on their faces.
JC smiled at the memory and looked at Naomi. “You are the most contacious thing in the world, Naomi Taylor,” he whispered softly.
Her arms went quietly around his waist, but her eyes remained closed, “I love you too, JC Chasez.”
JC smiled and closed his eyes, contented.
Half an hour later, James’ head peeked into the room and he smiled when he saw the two figures lying quietly on the bed, in the exact same place they had been years ago. “Good night...” he whispered, before slowly closing the door.
(The next morning, In Lance’s bedroom.)
Lance opened his eyes sleepily and tried to get up when he felt something soft lying on his chest. He looked down slowly and almost exclaimed in surprise when he saw Alyssa’s head resting tiredly on him. He smiled for a second before gently stroking her face. “Al? Honey? It’s time to wake up.”
Alyssa stirred when she felt the light touch on her cheek. “What’s for breakfast?” she mumbled without opening her eyes.
Lance grinned, an amused look on his face. “I don’t know, Al. Why don’t you decide and tell me?”
“Bacon, eggs and a nice cup of coffee.”
Lance laughed and Alyssa jerked awake. “Huh? What...? Oh... oops... sorry Lance,” Alyssa smiled sheepishly and Lance giggled at the blush that crept onto her cheeks. “Was I talking about breakfast again?”
“You mean you do it all the time?”
“Uh... well, that’s what Mayo tells me.”
Lance grinned, “Well, she was right.”
“Ugh!” Alyssa licked her lips nervously. “What did I say, exactly?”
“‘What’s for breakfast?’ and ‘bacon, eggs and a nice cup of coffee,’” Lance remembered, giggling at Alyssa’s embarrassed smile.
They laughed just as Lynn came into the room. “Well, it’s time you woke up. It’s nine already!”
“Eight?” Alyssa moaned. “It’s Sunday, Aunt Lynn! I usually sleep in till one!”
Lynn grinned and shook her head. “Well, breakfast is served and if I’m not wrong, I heard someone talking about bacon and eggs. Well, one of you must be quite the mind reader! And if I’m judging correctly, from the blush on your face, you must be the one, Alyssa!”
Alyssa smiled and nodded her head. “Well, yes, it was me, actually.”
“She was dreaming of them, Aunt Lynn,” Lance chuckled but howled when Alyssa elbowed him. “The mind reader seems to be you.”
Lynn giggled, “So it does. Come on, I have cereal too. If Justin doesn’t get up by ten, I’m going to drag him out of bed.”
“What time did he get home last night?” Alyssa asked. “I didn’t hear him come in.”
“He came back at two-thirty. It’s a miracle he made it through that door. He was drunk as hell, that boy. Chris and Joey had to get him into his room.” Lynn clucked her tongue. “Sometimes I wonder if he really is my son.”
Lance and Alyssa both knew Lynn was joking. They smiled, “We’ll be out in a few minutes, Aunt Lynn,” Lance reassured her.
Lance got up and went into the shower. Alyssa smiled when she realized how healthy he looked. “Guess he’s feeling better.” She grabbed his comb and brushed her hair quickly. She went out of the room. “Aunt Lynn! Would it matter if I used your toilet?”
“Go ahead dear!”
“Thank you!” Alyssa stepped into Lynn’s room. Justin’s dad was out of the country for the moment and Alyssa went into the toilet. She washed her face and smiled when she saw the spare toothbrush with her name written on it. She brushed her teeth and made her way to the kitchen. She sniffed and almost groaned when she smelt the aroma of sizzling bacon. “Yum!” she giggled.
Lance was pulling on his shirt when he thought of Naomi. He picked up the phone and dialed her number before he could change his mind. “Hello?” Lance was shocked when he heard JC’s sleepy voice over the line. “Taylor residence.”
“JC?”
“Lance?”
“Uh... can I speak to Naomi, please?”
JC rubbed his eyes and looked at the clock on the table - eight fifteen. “Hang on, she’s still sleeping...” Lance heard JC calling out to Naomi, “Catch? Catch? It’s Lance on the phone for you.”
Lance bit his lip when Naomi said, “Hey Lance. How are you feeling?”
“I’m... I’m good. Uh, listen, can you ask JC when he wants to come back because we’re gonna send Justin over to pick him.” Lance knew he was lying - they weren’t going to send Justin anywhere that early.
“Um... how about after breakfast? Chase has really missed James’ cooking. Why don’t you guys come over... if you can make it.”
Lance shrugged, even though she couldn’t see him. “I don’t think so... thanks Naomi. Tell JC to be ready at ten thirty, okay?”
“Sure. Bye Lance.”
“Bye.” Lance slammed down the phone as soon as Naomi hung up. “Dammit!” he ranted. “They slept on the same bed. And don’t ANYONE tell me I’m overreacting because he was woken up by MY call and she was sleeping. He had to wake her up! That means they were on the same bed!”
Lance swallowed painfully and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Damn!” he said to himself. “Just when I thought I had that little bit of a chance... DAMN!”
Alyssa heard Lance’s yelling and she quickly went back into the room. “Uh... Lance?” she called when she saw his ruffled expression. Usually Lance had a really gentle nature and he didn’t get riled up very easily. She walked over carefully to him. “Are you okay?”
Lance was chewing on his lip. “I have to get it out of him later. I have to clear this up once and for all. Does he like Naomi or not?”
Alyssa realized Lance was talking about JC. “Lance?” she waved her hand in front of his face when he didn’t seem to have heard her. “Uh... hello in there?”
Lance’s head jerked up when he heard Alyssa calling. “Huh? Oh... sorry Al. I was just... thinking... fuming aloud.”
“Fuming aloud, huh?” Alyssa sat down next to him, nodding her head slowly. “Right... that’s a new one.”
Lance shrugged then burst out, “THEY SLEPT ON THE SAME BED!”
“Mayo and JC?”
Lance nodded, struggling to keep his voice down. “Yes!” he hissed. “I just... I thought I had that little ray of hope and now... now I don’t know anymore.”
“Lance, I’m sorry, but I think you’re overreacting.”
“I’m overreacting? I’M overreacting? THEY-”
“I fell asleep over you and it was all innocent by play, right? Besides, Mayo and JC grew up together. They grew up sleeping on the same bed! You’re reading too deeply into this. You can clarify it with JC later... right now, let’s go grab a bite to eat.”
Lance took a few deep breaths, “Yeah... yeah, okay.”
(Meanwhile, At Naomi’s house.)
“Lance is going to be fuming mad,” JC mumbled to himself. “I can’t even begin to imagine what’s running through his head right now and in all honesty, I’m not sure I want to know. It must have something to do with ramming a truck over me and shaking me like... like I don’t know what.”
Naomi turned and rested her head against his chest, “What did you say, JC?”
“I... oh, never mind. Look, I’m going to get up now, okay? You get some more sleep. I’ll talk to you later when you’re fully awake.”
Naomi smiled tiredly, “Okay.”
JC hopped out of the bed, mentally cursing himself. I swear I will thank God if he just lets me escape from Lance’s clutches alive.
TBC
Steal My Heart
(Meanwhile [continued from the time Naomi reaches Jive], At Jive)
Naomi parked the car and hopped out of it, looking for any sign of either Justin or JC. She turned slowly to see Justin’s face when he said, “Well, well, well... lookie here... is she something the cat dragged in?”
“Right, Justin... now I’m something the cat dragged in... who was going on about some wonderful savior twenty minutes ago?”
Justin pretended he hadn’t heard her. “JC! Hey! JC! Choc’s here!” Justin yelled then he scratched his head, “Where is that guy?”
“Hey Curly!” Justin heard Naomi shout. He turned to see both her and JC sitting comfortably in the car, with JC at the wheel. “Get in the car.”
“Come on, JC,” Justin howled as he tried to climb on top of JC and sit on his lap. “This is my car. All I want to do is drive it! Is that too much to ask?”
JC shoved Justin out of the car and pointed at the backseats before glaring at Justin and saying, “With your driving? Yes.”
Justin pouted, “Well, I’m not getting in that car unless you let me drive!”
“Suit yourself,” JC shrugged and zoomed off, leaving Justin speechless in a cloud of dust as Naomi giggled at his amazed expression.
“Chase? Shouldn’t we turn back now?”
JC grinned wickedly, “Oh no... we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet.”
Naomi bit her lip but couldn’t hide her grin, “I’m not sure I have the heart to take this any more.”
“HEY! HEY WAIT!” Naomi laughed when she turned around in her seat and saw Justin taking long strides towards the car. JC pressed lightly on the accelerator and the car sped forward. Justin widened his eyes in astonishment and then muttered, “Hell I’m already chasing the bloody thing, so why don’t I do it properly and just RUN?!”
Justin ran after the car as quickly as he could. Naomi giggled at the expression on his face and JC slowed down purposely. Justin came up to the car and glared at Naomi, “And I thought you’d be on my side!”
“No chance in hell, Justin baby.”
Justin was jogging alongside the car when JC came to an abrupt stop. Justin wiped the sweat off of his forehead and dove into the backseat. “Very funny, JC,” he muttered. “Fine! You win! You drive!”
JC smirked at Justin, “Justin, you should know by now that you should never mess with me. I can’t remember the last time you’ve won.”
“Ha ha. Very funny, JC.”
JC shrugged, “It’s true.”
“WHATEVER...” Justin glared at them. “How could you just leave me like that anyway? The last time I checked this baby was still mine!”
JC grinned, “Sorry J. Something happened to my foot.”
“Your foot? Please JC, you can do better than that!”
JC had a nonchalant expression on his face, “Nothing but the truth, man. Nothing but the truth.”
Naomi giggled and leaned her head against JC’s shoulder. Instinctively his arm wrapped around her shoulder. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“I’m just a bit tired,” Naomi confessed.
Justin’s ears perked up at her words and he pressed his hand quickly against her forehead, “Hmm... you’re not running a temperature, Choc... I sure hope ol’ Lance didn’t pass anything to you.”
Naomi shook her head sleepily and stifled a yawn. “No... no I don’t think he did. I’m just tired from the past two weeks... I haven’t really gotten much sleep. I think I’m not really used to this new schedule with you guys yet. I just need more time to adjust.”
JC nodded, squeezing her shoulder protectively. “If you ever need some time off, you let us know, okay?”
“Okay.”
Justin began humming a tune, hoping to lull Naomi to sleep. JC joined in and Naomi couldn’t help smiling at the life and passion in their voices. Even when they were humming, she could tell they enjoyed themselves. And honestly, that’s all that mattered. She closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.
JC smiled at her and leaned his cheek against her shoulder before he heard Justin say, “This might not be the job for her after all.”
“What do you mean?” JC asked.
“She hasn’t exactly been partying out with us at night. When our schedules go back to hectic after this break... how’s she gonna hold up?”
“She isn’t really our chaperone, you know. Sometimes I wonder what exactly she does for us. She goes around with us, yeah, but she doesn’t have to. Sometimes I feel like I’m supporting my wife instead of a friend.”
Justin chuckled, “Now that you mentioned it...” he tilted his head and looked at them. “You do look pretty cute together.”
JC frowned, “Justin, that’s not funny. If Lance ever heard you, I’d be history. Well, so would you.”
“WHATEVER...” Justin recalled the ‘almost-kiss’ JC and Naomi had shared and sighed. “But JC... have you ever thought that you might be good with her?”
“Countless times, J.”
“Then why aren’t you even trying to go for it?”
“Because... Lance is already after her, J. And I know I said that I would go after her as long as she was single... that is my theory. But Lance... he’s like my brother. I don’t want to fight over a girl with my brother.” JC gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. “I... I’d rather just let them be together.”
“Oh, right, JC. After you say that you would go after this girl as long as she is single regardless of whoever was after her, now you’re saying you aren’t even gonna try? All because Lance is your competitor?”
JC sighed and nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying, J.”
Justin glared at JC’s back, “Dammit JC! I don’t give a damn about your bloody morals in this case! I mean, would you look at her? Your shoulder is all she needs to get comfort! She’s actually sleeping through all our shouting, for God’s sake!”
JC rolled his eyes, but he looked at Naomi’s still figure for a second before he bit his lip and stared out at the road again. “Are you worried about her well being, Justin?” he asked, a slight quaver in his voice.
“YES!”
“Then that’s the exact reason why I can’t go after her as long as Lance is trying. Can you imagine how awkward and guilty she would feel when she had to sit around with us day after day? She would be torn between me and Lance! And... if I do go after her... and we break up... we may not even be friends after it all.” JC looked down at Naomi again and sighed, a frown creasing his forehead, “and her friendship is something I cannot do without, do you understand?”
Justin bit his lip, “I see... I’m sorry I yelled, JC. I guess you weigh the consequences really carefully before you try anything out. But... are these fears and worries really worth pushing away the feelings you have for her?”
“WHAT are the feelings I have for her, Justin? Can you tell me that? Because I’d like to know as well!” JC felt like slamming on the brakes and stopping the car in the middle of the road. But Naomi’s calm breathing soothed him and he swallowed a few mouthfuls of air before turning into the car park. “Forget it. Don’t raise this issue with Chris and Joey around. They’re not serious enough.”
“I wonder if they even have the brainpower to take it,” Justin smirked.
JC parked the car slowly and kissed Naomi on the forehead. “Time to wake up, Catch. We’re here.”
Naomi stirred and opened her eyes sleepily. “Five more minutes, James.”
JC chuckled and Justin pulled on his bandana, put on a pair of sunglasses and turned up his jacket collar. “It’s Chase, sweetie. Come on, Chris and Joey are waiting.”
Naomi shook herself awake. “Oh, right. Sorry Chase. I was dreaming for a minute there. Still drifting out of dreamland.”
JC put on a cap and a pair of sunglasses. “Are you trying to look inconspicuous?” Naomi asked them with a laugh.
Justin nodded. “Uh-huh.”
“Well with this outfit, you guys are practically screaming for attention.” Naomi told them, giggling as Justin pouted. “And besides, with four huge bodyguards around, I don’t think it’s virtually possible for you guys to melt away in the crowd.”
“Four huge bodyguards?” JC looked up and groaned. Chris and Joey were waving wildly at them and there were four burly figures standing not far away. “Jive must think that dinner at Hard Rock Cafe is as dangerous as an assassination field.”
“Have they ever thought of starting a band called ‘Men In Black’? They’d just have to scout for any talented bodyguards and BANG! That group would be a hit!” Naomi said and Justin giggled. They got out of the car and Chris yelled, “Hurry up, would ya?”
Naomi was right - they attracted a lot of attention. What with the funny outfits and the four towering bodyguards... there was no way they would just seem like ‘another face in the crowd’. They found out that Joey had booked a quiet table in the back just for them. Naomi was amazed at him, “Joey! Did you actually remember to book a table? Did you really remember? Or was it some absurd chance that Chris happened to bop you on the head and it just came rushing to you all at once?”
Joey looked hurt, “My memory isn’t all that bad. Chris is the old one.”
“Hey! Who knocked you on the head at three o’clock so you remembered to call this place up?” Chris demanded.
Joey blushed and Naomi wagged a finger at him, “Joey, you...” she dropped a kiss on his nose when Joey pretended to sniff. “You are the most adorable bear-like creature I have ever seen.”
Joey grinned but his face fell when she next said, “But you also have the worst memory I have ever seen.”
They laughed and sat down around the table. A waiter took their orders and they put the menus away and began to talk. “How’s Lance?” Joey asked.
Naomi shrugged, “I’m not sure. He was sleeping when I left Justin’s house.”
“Has his fever subsided yet?” Chris wanted to know.
“I think he’s better...” Naomi guessed. “Why don’t I call Alyssa so you guys can find out? I’m sure he’s woken up by now. Even if he was tired, he wouldn’t miss out on dinner for the world.”
Justin giggled, “That’s our Lance.”
Naomi grinned. “Right on.”
Chris and Joey stared at each other. “Are they making fun of Lance?”
“When he’s sick?”
“And needs to be looked after?”
“Aww...” Joey sighed. “Such terrible friends.”
Chris’ eyes were bright with mischief when he said, “I like it.”
They laughed.
A few girls suddenly materialized out of thin air and looked curiously at their table. “Aren’t they N’sync?” Naomi heard a girl whisper.
“It sure looks like them.”
“Well, there are only four of them. And why is that girl with them? And if they really are N’sync... where’s Lance?”
Naomi bit her lip at the obvious contempt in the girl’s voice. Are all the girls like this? Is it true that they really can’t stand the sight of a female with their idols? Do they really think they have a chance to marry these guys? Naomi almost laughed at the thought. She grinned and turned to JC.
“Chase, I think those girls are eyeing you guys.”
JC shrugged and grinned back at Naomi, “We get that all the time.”
“I just bet you do, poor boy.” Naomi giggled as Justin winked at one of the girls. “Justin are you crazy?”
“What? I’m just trying to be friendly with the fans!” Justin protested, giving the girls a huge smile.
“Friendly?” Joey’s eyebrows were raised in surprise. “I’ll show you friendly.” He got up and walked towards the girls, smiling sweetly. “Is there something I can help you with, little ladies?”
“Uh...” the girls stuttered, “We... we were just wondering if you guys were... you know, N’sync?”
“Oh!” Joey pretended to be surprised. “You think we’re N’sync? Well, that’s really sweet of you to notice but... did you want our autographs?”
The girls nodded excitedly and pulled out their notepads. Naomi was both surprised and amused to see pictures of N’sync stuck on every single page. “Those look like they took a lot of time and effort to do.”
“We took ages!” a girl told him as they followed Joey back to the table. “We carry them everywhere we go because we knew we’d meet you guys one day!”
“Who is she?” Another girl asked, pointing at Naomi.
“She’s a friend,” Chris reassured them.
“Where’s Lance?”
Naomi was amazed by the way the guys were talking to the girls. They were being so friendly and sweet that Naomi couldn’t resist a smile. “He’s sick,” JC said, scribbling his name on all of the four notepads quickly.
Justin grinned and did the same. “Look, we really enjoyed the chat with you four sweet girls, but tonight’s our night out and we’d like to spend more time with this lady here. She’s our close friend and we don’t get to see her very often.”
Naomi’s eyebrows shot up in amazement at Justin’s white lie. The girls’ eyes widened and Naomi thought she saw anger in their eyes. Whoa... fiery tempers.
The girls stormed off and JC gave her an apologetic look. “I forget they don’t like it when we’re too close to any other girls.”
Naomi giggled, “It doesn’t matter. I suppose I’m going to have to get used to those kind of glares soon, huh?”
Justin nodded and shrugged, “Well, yeah, kind of.”
“See, we’ve managed to keep you under wraps for now so it isn’t all that pressurizing... yet.” Chris told her. “But when we start touring again... I don’t think it’s gonna be that easy. They’ll be wondering who you are, why you’re with us on the tour etcetera. So... just as long as you keep insisting you’re only an employee, everything will... should be fine.”
JC nodded and smiled, “Uh-huh. But can we get our mind off of work? I thought we were out to relax. Not to talk business.”
Justin stared, amazed, at JC. “You’re telling us to get our minds off of work?” Justin quickly felt JC’s forehead. “Uh, Choc, call nine-one-one and then dial for MIB. JC’s either gone crackers or this isn’t JC at all.”
Naomi giggled and pulled out her cell phone. JC snatched it from her and glared at Justin. “Shut up, J, if you don’t want to die a very painful death.”
“Ooh...” Chris giggled.
Naomi grinned and snatched her phone back from JC. “I was going to dial the nut house, because somehow I don’t think Justin’s in his right mind.”
Joey hooted with laughter and Chris did a high-five with Naomi. JC chuckled and tilted his head to look at Justin, “Sorry, pal. Look’s like the girl’s on my side.”
“Choc...” Justin pleaded.
“Look, Justin. I’m not on anybody’s side. But you were trying to get JC eliminated. What else could I do?”
“Support me?” Justin suggested. And Naomi laughed.
All through dinner, Naomi had watched Justin, JC, Chris and Joey be completely at ease with each other. They had joked, teased, laughed and played around with each other. She could only imagine the chaos if Lance had been there as well. A few fans had come up to them and asked for their autographs, and some of them had stared curiously at Naomi.
Sometimes they looked at her as though she was a deadly disease they couldn’t wait to get rid of, some of them looked at her with knowing, bright smiles on their face, some completely ignored her presence and some of them even talked to her.
Naomi could hardly get over some of the infuriated glares she had received from some of the fans. She shuddered and tried to forget their eyes. JC wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said, “Don’t bother about them too much. Most of them are really nice, but some of them are a bit overenthusiastic. Still, it’s understandable right? I’m sure you know the feeling. I mean, you’re thirteen and the only thought racing through your mind is that you want that guy all to yourself.”
Naomi giggled and nodded while Justin smiled, glad that she had gotten over the fans. Most of the fans were nice enough but they got a bit worked up when they saw strangers with the band - especially female strangers. After a while, they warmed up to the idea though, and even encouraged it. But the beginning was always the most difficult part.
“Chris, Joey, where are you guys headed?”
“We thought we’d stop by at a pub or something. It’s pretty near by.”
“I’ll join you guys. JC, Naomi, what about you two?”
Naomi shook her head, “I’m kinda tired. I think I’ll catch a cab and go home and get some sleep.”
JC shook his head and his tone was stern when he next said, “There’s no way I’m letting you go home alone, Catch. Justin, why don’t we drop Catch home before we join those two at the pub?”
Justin nodded, “Sure.”
(Ten minutes later.)
“You know, you guys should have gone with them. I’m not a pop star, I can catch a cab back without worrying about getting shot down by fans.”
“Yeah, but you got the looks and the body and you are too innocent,” Justin countered. “You could be robbed or something. Who knows what goes on in the dirty minds of the cab drivers?” he giggled and Naomi shook her head, laughing.
“Most cab drivers are really decent people.”
JC smiled, “I’m sure they are. But it’s late and I wouldn’t rest easy if I didn’t see you home. Even if I was crazy enough to let Justin drive.”
Naomi giggled at Justin’s indignant look, “JC, I know you have a lot against my driving, but I haven’t gotten into an accident.”
“Yet.” JC finished, “That’s the key word. Tonight could be the night.”
“JC, gimme a break, would ya?”
“Forget it, Chase. Let the kid think he’s king of the world.” Naomi grinned and JC grinned back, giving her a thumbs-up.
“Kid?” Justin pretended to look carefully around. “I see no kid.”
JC rolled his eyes, “Oh yeah? Well, I see an immature brat sitting behind the wheel of this car.”
Naomi smiled, “I second that.”
Justin pouted, “You guys are ganging up against me. That is just plain unfair!”
“WATCH OUT, JUSTIN!” Naomi screamed as Justin took his eyes off of the road to glare at them. Justin whipped around and swerved to the right just in time to avoid a tree. “That was close,” Naomi sighed. Then she shook her head, “Okay, boy. You had your fun, now get OUT of that seat and let Chase drive.”
Naomi held up a hand, “I don’t care if Chase lets you drive later on because I won’t be in the car and I won’t be the one getting a heart attack. But for now, LET CHASE DRIVE!”
Justin pulled over at the curb, “Oh fine. But I’m driving later.”
JC winked at Naomi and slid over into the driver’s seat as Justin got out of the car, “Yes, O mighty Justin.”
Naomi rested comfortably on the seat, glad that she didn’t have to worry about any car collisions. “Are we there yet?” she asked, after a few minutes of peaceful silence.
“Uh-huh,” JC got out of the car and helped Naomi out. He kissed her cheek and hugged her, “Night sweetie. Sleep well, okay?”
Naomi couldn’t help noticing the dark eye-bags under JC’s eyes. “You look tired, Chase,” she told him. “Why don’t you spend the night at my place?”
“Are you sure?” JC asked. He had learnt long ago not to give Naomi the manly act. He was feeling really tired, there was no denying that.
“Positive, come on.”
“Justin, looks like you’re on your own, man. Tell Chris and Joey sorry, but I think I’m spending the night here.”
“You sure?” Justin asked.
“Yep...” JC and Naomi waved as Justin pulled out of the driveway before JC could change his mind. Naomi shook her head when Justin yelled goodbye. “I love that boy.”
“Don’t we all?” JC grinned at her and she grinned back.
(Half an hour later, In Naomi’s bedroom.)
“Somehow I get the feeling Ally won’t be coming home tonight,” Naomi grinned at JC. “She’ll just stay with Lance, you know.”
“It figures,” JC replied.
Naomi climbed into bed and patted the space next to her. JC looked at her uncertainly, “Are you sure about this?”
“Look, Chase, I didn’t invite you here to sleep on the couch.”
JC shrugged, “If you say so.” He climbed on the bed and lay down next to her. Strangely, he didn’t feel uncomfortable sleeping next to her. In fact, it felt oddly soothing. He wrapped his arms around her and she turned to face him.
They were so close to each other that their faces were almost touching. The scene at the beach flashed in JC’s mind and he screamed at himself not to try anything stupid again. Naomi smiled, her eyes half-closed, and JC couldn’t help marveling at her beauty. I must have been blind not to notice it before. JC’s hand reached slowly into Naomi’s hair. Gently he began massaging her scalp. He closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her soft hair against his hands.
Naomi’s eyes shot open in surprise. Her breath stuck in her throat when she saw the relaxed look on JC’s face. She could smell James’ aftershave on JC and it was driving her crazy. It was all she could do not to reach out and pull him down on top of her. Crazy thought, she told herself. Forget it.
JC’s eyes fluttered open and for a moment that seemed like eternity, they stared into each other’s eyes before JC smiled and asked tenderly, “Enjoying it?”
Hell yeah! Naomi thought, before blushing and realizing he was talking about the massage he was giving her. She smiled and nodded. JC smiled and tilted his head slightly. Naomi memorized the way he stared into her eyes. I want to remember him this way forever, she thought. His intense blue eyes, his face, his lips, his hair... JC’s face was deeply imprinted in her mind and Naomi knew she would never forget the way he had looked at her only seconds ago. She smiled, closed her eyes and snuggled closer to him.
JC pulled her close, and wiped her hair off of her face. His tired eyes wandered over her closed eyes, nose, lips and lingered on her hair. Her pale blue eyes would forever be stuck in his mind. He smiled, leaned his chin against her head and sighed, closing his eyes and inhaling the fragrance of her shampoo.
An image of her at the age of five floated into his mind...
“Chase? Are you sleeping here tonight? Did Mom Karen say okay?”
“Uh-huh. My mom is out and Mom Lizzie said I could stay here.” JC smiled when Naomi’s face brightened.
Naomi’s fingers clasped around his hand and he smiled affectionately at her. “What’s wrong, Catch?” he asked softly.
“Will you sleep in my room? With me?”
JC nodded and Naomi bounced up and down in delight. “Are our moms really good friends?” Naomi asked, as they made their way to her room.
JC nodded again, “Uh-huh. I think so.”
“They’re good friends because we’re good friends?”
JC shrugged, “I don’t know. I think so.”
Naomi giggled, “Oh.”
They were in Naomi’s room by then and both of them went into the bathroom together. JC helped Naomi tug off her shirt and pants and pulled on her nightgown over her head. When her head popped out of the collar, she began giggling and he smiled at her. She went into the room and lay down on the bed while he changed.
He hopped into the bed and gave her a hug. She kissed him on the cheek before they lay down quietly next to each other. “Catch?”
“What, Chase?”
“I’m not tired now.”
“I’m not either,” Naomi said, although he knew she was lying because she yawned widely.
He giggled, “Go to sleep, sleepyhead.”
“But... but I’m not... not tired!” Naomi protested again, in between her yawning fit. JC smiled as she struggled to keep awake.
“I know you are,” he told her. And he yawned, then shook his head. “Your yawning is contagious.”
Naomi giggled and JC couldn’t help but laugh along with her, “Even your laughter is contagious, Catch!”
“My yawning and my laughter is con... con... contacious!”
“Contagious!” JC corrected her. “That means that when you do it, everyone else starts doing it because you did it first.”
“Oh,” JC smiled as Naomi’s young mind tried desperately to grasp his words. Finally she understood what he meant - or so she thought. “You mean they copy me because I am contacious?”
“Contagious!” JC corrected again. “Yes, something like that.”
“They can’t do that!” Naomi shook her head, “I’m me, they’re them. I don’t want to be con... conta... contacious!”
“Contagious!” JC told her, before shaking his head and giving up. “Never mind.”
“But... but I don’t want to be contacious!”
“Don’t worry, Catch,” JC reassured you. “You’re not.”
“But I thought you said-”
“Never mind what I said just now. Even if you are contacious,” JC giggled at the word. “And even if everyone in the world starts copying exactly what you do, you’re the only one special to me.”
“Really?”
JC nodded and grinned when she smiled widely at him, showing all her brilliant white teeth. “Because even if they all try to be you, there’s only ONE Naomi Taylor in the whole wide world. And no one can take that special thing away from you.”
“Which special thing?”
“Our friendship.”
Naomi smiled and JC giggled at her words, “Then I don’t mind being contacious anymore.”
JC stroked her hair, “You are the most contacious thing in the world, Naomi Taylor.”
“I love you too, JC Chasez.”
JC looked down at her and grinned. She grinned back. He wrapped his arms around her and she wrapped her tiny arms around his waist. They were so close their noses were touching. And slowly, both of them fell asleep with the same smile on their faces.
JC smiled at the memory and looked at Naomi. “You are the most contacious thing in the world, Naomi Taylor,” he whispered softly.
Her arms went quietly around his waist, but her eyes remained closed, “I love you too, JC Chasez.”
JC smiled and closed his eyes, contented.
Half an hour later, James’ head peeked into the room and he smiled when he saw the two figures lying quietly on the bed, in the exact same place they had been years ago. “Good night...” he whispered, before slowly closing the door.
(The next morning, In Lance’s bedroom.)
Lance opened his eyes sleepily and tried to get up when he felt something soft lying on his chest. He looked down slowly and almost exclaimed in surprise when he saw Alyssa’s head resting tiredly on him. He smiled for a second before gently stroking her face. “Al? Honey? It’s time to wake up.”
Alyssa stirred when she felt the light touch on her cheek. “What’s for breakfast?” she mumbled without opening her eyes.
Lance grinned, an amused look on his face. “I don’t know, Al. Why don’t you decide and tell me?”
“Bacon, eggs and a nice cup of coffee.”
Lance laughed and Alyssa jerked awake. “Huh? What...? Oh... oops... sorry Lance,” Alyssa smiled sheepishly and Lance giggled at the blush that crept onto her cheeks. “Was I talking about breakfast again?”
“You mean you do it all the time?”
“Uh... well, that’s what Mayo tells me.”
Lance grinned, “Well, she was right.”
“Ugh!” Alyssa licked her lips nervously. “What did I say, exactly?”
“‘What’s for breakfast?’ and ‘bacon, eggs and a nice cup of coffee,’” Lance remembered, giggling at Alyssa’s embarrassed smile.
They laughed just as Lynn came into the room. “Well, it’s time you woke up. It’s nine already!”
“Eight?” Alyssa moaned. “It’s Sunday, Aunt Lynn! I usually sleep in till one!”
Lynn grinned and shook her head. “Well, breakfast is served and if I’m not wrong, I heard someone talking about bacon and eggs. Well, one of you must be quite the mind reader! And if I’m judging correctly, from the blush on your face, you must be the one, Alyssa!”
Alyssa smiled and nodded her head. “Well, yes, it was me, actually.”
“She was dreaming of them, Aunt Lynn,” Lance chuckled but howled when Alyssa elbowed him. “The mind reader seems to be you.”
Lynn giggled, “So it does. Come on, I have cereal too. If Justin doesn’t get up by ten, I’m going to drag him out of bed.”
“What time did he get home last night?” Alyssa asked. “I didn’t hear him come in.”
“He came back at two-thirty. It’s a miracle he made it through that door. He was drunk as hell, that boy. Chris and Joey had to get him into his room.” Lynn clucked her tongue. “Sometimes I wonder if he really is my son.”
Lance and Alyssa both knew Lynn was joking. They smiled, “We’ll be out in a few minutes, Aunt Lynn,” Lance reassured her.
Lance got up and went into the shower. Alyssa smiled when she realized how healthy he looked. “Guess he’s feeling better.” She grabbed his comb and brushed her hair quickly. She went out of the room. “Aunt Lynn! Would it matter if I used your toilet?”
“Go ahead dear!”
“Thank you!” Alyssa stepped into Lynn’s room. Justin’s dad was out of the country for the moment and Alyssa went into the toilet. She washed her face and smiled when she saw the spare toothbrush with her name written on it. She brushed her teeth and made her way to the kitchen. She sniffed and almost groaned when she smelt the aroma of sizzling bacon. “Yum!” she giggled.
Lance was pulling on his shirt when he thought of Naomi. He picked up the phone and dialed her number before he could change his mind. “Hello?” Lance was shocked when he heard JC’s sleepy voice over the line. “Taylor residence.”
“JC?”
“Lance?”
“Uh... can I speak to Naomi, please?”
JC rubbed his eyes and looked at the clock on the table - eight fifteen. “Hang on, she’s still sleeping...” Lance heard JC calling out to Naomi, “Catch? Catch? It’s Lance on the phone for you.”
Lance bit his lip when Naomi said, “Hey Lance. How are you feeling?”
“I’m... I’m good. Uh, listen, can you ask JC when he wants to come back because we’re gonna send Justin over to pick him.” Lance knew he was lying - they weren’t going to send Justin anywhere that early.
“Um... how about after breakfast? Chase has really missed James’ cooking. Why don’t you guys come over... if you can make it.”
Lance shrugged, even though she couldn’t see him. “I don’t think so... thanks Naomi. Tell JC to be ready at ten thirty, okay?”
“Sure. Bye Lance.”
“Bye.” Lance slammed down the phone as soon as Naomi hung up. “Dammit!” he ranted. “They slept on the same bed. And don’t ANYONE tell me I’m overreacting because he was woken up by MY call and she was sleeping. He had to wake her up! That means they were on the same bed!”
Lance swallowed painfully and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Damn!” he said to himself. “Just when I thought I had that little bit of a chance... DAMN!”
Alyssa heard Lance’s yelling and she quickly went back into the room. “Uh... Lance?” she called when she saw his ruffled expression. Usually Lance had a really gentle nature and he didn’t get riled up very easily. She walked over carefully to him. “Are you okay?”
Lance was chewing on his lip. “I have to get it out of him later. I have to clear this up once and for all. Does he like Naomi or not?”
Alyssa realized Lance was talking about JC. “Lance?” she waved her hand in front of his face when he didn’t seem to have heard her. “Uh... hello in there?”
Lance’s head jerked up when he heard Alyssa calling. “Huh? Oh... sorry Al. I was just... thinking... fuming aloud.”
“Fuming aloud, huh?” Alyssa sat down next to him, nodding her head slowly. “Right... that’s a new one.”
Lance shrugged then burst out, “THEY SLEPT ON THE SAME BED!”
“Mayo and JC?”
Lance nodded, struggling to keep his voice down. “Yes!” he hissed. “I just... I thought I had that little ray of hope and now... now I don’t know anymore.”
“Lance, I’m sorry, but I think you’re overreacting.”
“I’m overreacting? I’M overreacting? THEY-”
“I fell asleep over you and it was all innocent by play, right? Besides, Mayo and JC grew up together. They grew up sleeping on the same bed! You’re reading too deeply into this. You can clarify it with JC later... right now, let’s go grab a bite to eat.”
Lance took a few deep breaths, “Yeah... yeah, okay.”
(Meanwhile, At Naomi’s house.)
“Lance is going to be fuming mad,” JC mumbled to himself. “I can’t even begin to imagine what’s running through his head right now and in all honesty, I’m not sure I want to know. It must have something to do with ramming a truck over me and shaking me like... like I don’t know what.”
Naomi turned and rested her head against his chest, “What did you say, JC?”
“I... oh, never mind. Look, I’m going to get up now, okay? You get some more sleep. I’ll talk to you later when you’re fully awake.”
Naomi smiled tiredly, “Okay.”
JC hopped out of the bed, mentally cursing himself. I swear I will thank God if he just lets me escape from Lance’s clutches alive.
TBC
