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Oct. 15th, 2003 10:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
amfiguree[Het] [N'sync] [PG-13]
Steal My Heart
Naomi stared at the road ahead for a few seconds before turning her head slightly to look at Lance. He was coughing and breaking into a cold sweat. Naomi bit her lip and her hand traveled slowly to cover his. Lance looked up at her in surprise and forced a weak smile. His eyes were watery and red, he sounded like he had a stuffed nose and his voice sounded scratchy and hoarse. His breathing was ragged and Naomi sighed. “Lance, you’re staying at Justin’s house, right?.”
“Mmhmm...” Lance mumbled groggily.
When they finally got to Justin’s house, Naomi parked the car in the driveway and gingerly helped Lance into the house. He could hardly stand and that worried Naomi. She was used to seeing Lance bubbly and full of life and seeing him that way scared her. She felt his forehead again and grimaced when she felt how hot it was.
“I... I’m okay...” Lance tried to reassure her, in between his coughing. “It’s... you should get back... to Jive. They’ll be waiting for you.”
Naomi shook her head firmly. “They’ll call if they need me. Now, take a warm shower, get into bed and get some rest!”
“Are you gonna help me shower?” Lance managed to ask mischievously, despite his coughing and Naomi hid a grin.
“Absolutely... not!” She giggled at the look of mock disappointment shown clearly on his handsome face.
“Aww... but Naomi...”
“No! Come on, Lance, you’re not feeling good and you really should be getting some rest,” Naomi insisted, pushing him gently in the direction of the toilet. After you take your shower, you’ll probably feel much better.”
Lance pouted and Naomi knocked him gently on the head. He pretended to howl and she giggled, “Now do you understand that when I say something, I mean business? I hope that knock got it through that thick skull of yours.”
Lance nodded like an overgrown baby and Naomi shook her head. “Lance, I mean it. If you’re not in the shower in the next five seconds, I’m gonna have your head.”
Lance walked into the shower and managed a weak grin at Naomi before slamming the door shut. Naomi sighed and plopped down on his bed. She jumped to her feet when Lynn walked into the room. “Aunt Lynn! Um, I’m sorry I came over without telling you first, but there was a bit-”
“I know, sweetie. Lance is sick, isn’t he? The poor boy... he’s always working too hard. These five boys are like sons to me and I’d hate to see anything happen to them.” Lynn smiled at Naomi. “Justin called me about ten minutes ago to tell me you were coming over. He knew you’d forget.”
“Thank God for that boy.” Naomi giggled and Lynn patted her on the back. “Thank you for giving birth to such a wonderful person, Aunt Lynn. I honestly don’t know what I would do without him. He’s been such a good friend to me all this time.”
Lynn smiled and stroked Naomi’s hair. “Do you know something, Naomi? It’s Justin’s good fortune to have met you. You have a good heart, my dear.”
Naomi smiled and blushed at the compliment, “Thank you, Aunt Lynn. Is... is Justin going to be back anytime soon?”
“Oh... I don’t think so, dear. I think the boys are going out for dinner tonight. JC and Justin are still at Jive, trying to perfect the recording but Chris and Joey are out partying. Something along those lines.” Lynn smiled and got off the couch. “Well, I’m going to prepare some tea... do you want any, sweetheart?”
“Oh... no thank you, Aunt Lynn,” Naomi smiled at Lynn’s retreating figure, then sighed. As much as she liked Lance, spending the whole night with him was... well, a bit much. She had hoped Justin would be back before six so she could at least go home for dinner with James. She hadn’t been spending much time with him lately.
Naomi couldn’t hear the sound of the water anymore and she guessed that Lance would be out soon. She hopped over the couch and knocked softly on the door. “Hey in there,” she called. “Are you done?”
Lance’s muffled voice replied, “Give me a minute.”
Naomi took a step back as the door opened. She stifled a gasp when Lance came out of the toilet, without a shirt on. She swallowed nervously and almost sighed when her eyes traveled down to his chest. Damn! This guy’s got it good! Beads of water were still trickling down his hair and upper body. Lance shook his hair out of his eyes and smiled at her, even though his head was spinning.
Naomi shook herself and took the towel out of his hands. She gave him some medicine before she wrapped the towel warmly around Lance’s shoulders and pushed him gently towards his room.
Lance pushed the door open and Naomi helped him sit down on the bed. She clambered up onto the bed behind him and started drying his hair with the towel. “I would be crazy if I let you sleep with wet hair - especially when you’re sick.”
Lance groaned but he sat quietly and let Naomi finish drying his hair. He closed his eyes and inhaled softly as her light perfume attacked his senses and left him feeling weak in the knees. He could hardly believe her closeness and he resisted the urge to pull her to him and press his lips over hers. He almost sighed when her fingers began gently massaging his hair. His shoulders relaxed visibly and Naomi smiled.
She was having a hard time controlling herself as well. His back was so intriguingly manly to her that she was doing everything she could not to lean against it and wrap her arms around his waist. She bit her lip and continued massaging his baby-soft hair gently. She leaned forward slightly and almost swooned when she inhaled the scent of his soap. Mentally, she shook herself and jumped off the bed.
Lance glanced at her curiously and she shook her head when he began coughing again. She threw his shirt and him and said, “Wear that. Come on. I can’t believe I let you walk around shirtless when you have a cough and a fever! Jesus, what is wrong with me?”
Lance smiled when she continued rambling nervously. He slipped the shirt on and lay down on the bed. Naomi sighed and sat down next to him. She lifted her hand and began gently stroking his forehead. “You’ll be a good wife. Whoever marries you is a lucky man,” Lance commented and smiled when Naomi’s cheeks burned.
“Thank you Lance... you’ll make a good husband yourself.” Naomi grinned, imagining a beautiful young lady swooning at the sight of a shirtless Lance, as she herself had almost done. She giggled and Lance turned red.
Naomi continued stroking Lance’s forehead gently as she sank into a reverie. Lance looked at her, smiling at the thoughtful look on her face. He was tired and his eyes were closing but he wanted to hear her sing. He had heard from Justin that she had an incredible voice, and considering that Justin had a beautiful voice himself, Lance figured that Naomi’s voice must sound like heaven.
“Naomi, I know this sounds like a lot to ask but... do you think you could maybe sing something for me?” Lance asked, his usually deep voice sounding raspy and weak. Naomi flinched at the sound of it and nodded quickly.
“I’d love to, Lance.”
Naomi almost started singing when she gave Lance a funny look. “Did Justin say something to you about my voice, by any chance?”
Lance giggled and nodded, “Well, actually, yeah, he did mention it a couple of times. Wait, scratch that, he mentioned it continually.”
Naomi sighed but couldn’t resist a laugh, “Since when does Justin sing my praises to you?”
“Uh... he sings your praises to everyone, Naomi. You know how attached he’s become to you now.”
Naomi nodded. “I love that boy like a brother and one of these days I’m going to repay him for everything he’s done for me.”
Lance nodded sleepily, “Mmhmm...”
Naomi smiled at his sleepy murmur. “I guess you want me to sing a lullaby for you?”
Lance sighed his consent again.
“Rock-a-bye baby, on the treetops, when the wind blows, the cradle will rock... when the bough breaks, the cradle will fall...”
Lance shifted uneasily and Naomi giggled. “Bad choice, huh? Hmm... let me think. I’m not very good with lullabies..”
Lance smiled sleepily, “But Justin was right,” he commented, his voice soft. Naomi swallowed and sighed, there was something to Lance’s voice that made it sound so sexy. “You have a beautiful voice, Naomi.”
“Thank you, Lance.” Naomi smiled at him when he closed his eyes and snuggled deeper under the covers. She began humming softly when she saw Lance fidget a little. Lance sighed in contentment and Naomi continued stroking his forehead.
After a while, Lance dropped to sleep. Naomi stared at his peaceful, tired face for a second before there was a soft knock on the door. “Come in,” Naomi said softly.
The door opened and Alyssa came in, smiling. “Hey.”
“Hey,” Naomi whispered back. “He just fell asleep. How did you get here?”
“I took a cab.”
Naomi smiled then reached quickly for her cell phone when it began to ring. She got up and hurried out of the room when she saw Lance beginning to stir. “Hello?” she said, as soon as she was out of the room.
“Catch? Do you think you could drive over here and bring me and Justin to meet the other two? By the way, how’s Lance?”
“Uh... I think I can go get you two... Alyssa just got here so she can look after Lance while I go meet you two... but...”
“But what?”
“But I’m a little worried about him. He’s sleeping now and I guess he’ll be okay, but his fever hasn’t really subsided yet.”
“Ahh... I see...” JC sounded really worried. “So... tell you what, Justin and I will catch a cab or something. You girls stay there and make sure Lance is okay. Call me if anything happens, okay?”
“Chase, don’t be ridiculous. You’re going to just stop a cab in the middle of the road and say, ‘hey, do you think you could drive us to place ABC?’” Naomi demanded, giggling despite herself.
“Uh... yeah.”
“Chase, are you feeling okay? Or did Lance’s fever happen to spread to your brain and kill a few cells as well? Do you know who you are? JC Chasez and Justin Timberlake don’t stop cabs in the middle of the road to meet two other band members of N’sync!” Naomi was shaking her head in amazement at JC’s craziness.
“Oh... right. I kinda forgot who we were for a second there.” He sighed ruefully and Naomi could see clearly his sheepish look in her mind’s eye.
“What’s wrong with your car, anyway, Chase?”
“I don’t know. The engine won’t start. Justin’s kicking it and swearing at it and all but it just won’t listen.”
Again, Naomi could practically see JC shrugging. She giggled and said, “Aww... the poor baby.”
“Uh-huh... Justin’s really wearing himself out.”
“I’m not talking about Justin, silly, I’m talking about the poor car!” Naomi laughed and JC laughed along with her.
Suddenly, she heard JC exclaim indignantly and she heard someone panting over the phone. With a little scream, she dropped the phone, but not before she heard Justin’s voice, “Choc?”
Naomi picked up the phone with a sigh of relief. “Justin, you are nineteen years old and I really think you should learn to stop snatching phones like that!”
“Okay, okay... I’m sorry.”
Naomi licked her lips and calmed herself. “Anyway, what do you want?”
“Choc, sweetie, my wonderful savior... PLEASE COME PICK US UP! I know Alyssa’s there, I saw her leave and heard her saying she was going to see Lance. He’s a strong guy and I have no doubt that after you’ve attended to him for so long, he’s feeling much better. Please come and pick us up! I know JC’s stupid...”
Naomi giggled when she heard JC and Justin begin squabbling about JC’s stupidity. Finally, Justin got back on the phone, “As I was saying, I know JC’s not... uh, always as smart as he seems, but I’ve got enough common sense to know that we CAN’T JUST WALK OUT THERE AND CATCH A CAB!”
Naomi grinned, “Put Chase back on the phone and let me consider carefully, okay? I don’t know if it’s safe to leave Lance alone with destruction girl.”
Justin giggled as he handed the phone back to JC. “Catch? So... how about it? I seriously think Justin has gone insane and I think that if Lance still isn’t looking good then you should stay and look after him because Alyssa isn’t the most responsible person in the world. And we all know that.”
“I guess you’re right, Chase... but I was kinda looking forward to spending some time with James. I haven’t had dinner with him in ages.”
“I’m sorry, Catch,” JC sighed. “Look, tell you what. You make up your mind and call me back. Whatever the case I don’t think you’re gonna be able to make it for dinner with James tonight. I know this job is really time-consuming and I’m sorry. How about this? Tonight you sacrifice one more night out and we’ll leave you alone for the next few days so you can enjoy a quiet dinner with James.”
Naomi bit her lip, uncertainty creeping slowly into her mind. “Um... oh, all right. I guess Lance will be okay if I leave him with Ally for a little while. I guess you’re right about her not being the most responsible person, but she really loves Lance and I think leaving him with her should be safe. Okay, I’ll meet up with you guys for dinner tonight but the next few days... the next few days are gonna be reserved especially for James.”
“It’s a deal,” JC grinned.
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Right. See ya soon, Catch.”
“Later Chase.”
Naomi sighed as she clicked her cell phone off and went silently into the room. She smiled guiltily at Lance’s sleeping figure and then at Alyssa. “I don’t like that guilty look, Mayo. What’s wrong?”
“I... I’m meeting the guys for dinner tonight. Do you think you could take over as nurse for today?”
“Oh no... that’s not the whole truth. You always make the situation sound so bad. You’d never leave Lance sick like this just to go for dinner. Let me guess, JC’s car broke down or something, right?”
“Ally... are you a mind-reader?”
Alyssa giggled, “In some ways, yes.” She shook her head at Naomi, “But you go along and have fun tonight.”
“I’m going to spend the next few nights with James... maybe you can try getting home early so we three can have dinner together? I know the college is reopening soon and I must say they’ve gotten quite a lot of work done. Three weeks is a short time.”
“They’ve extended my vacation by one week,” Alyssa grinned at Naomi’s surprised but pleased expression. “Like you said, three weeks is a short time. Make sure James prepares more food tomorrow night. I’ll be there.”
Naomi smiled at her best friend, “Okay.” She leant over Lance and kissed him lightly on the cheek, much to Alyssa’s surprise and amusement. “Get well, honey,” she whispered so only he could hear. Then she straightened and smiled at Alyssa, “Give Lance my love. I gotta go now. Bye Ally!”
Alyssa waved and grinned as Naomi ran out of the room. “That girl is just too blind.”
Naomi ran out into the garden and saw Lynn watering the plants. “Aunt Lynn! Justin called me and asked me to go over to Jive to pick them up! Can you tell Ally to call me and update me on Lance’s condition?”
“Sure thing, dear. Go ahead and make sure you have fun!”
“I will! Thanks Aunt Lynn!”
Naomi hopped nimbly into Justin’s car, jammed her foot on the accelerator pedal and whizzed out of the driveway, calling goodbye to Lynn and waving wildly. Lynn smiled as she waved back, “Well, well, well... what do you know? It looks like Justin has rubbed off on that girl after all.”
Naomi waited till Justin’s house was out of sight before sighing and slowing down. Her shoulders drooped and she felt as though a heavy load had been stuffed into her mind just as she thought she had everything sorted out. This time, though, it had nothing to do with Marcus and everything to do with Lance... and JC.
Naomi drove slowly, trying desperately to understand the emotions raging inside her. “Dammit... why can’t this be just a little bit simpler? Hell, why is it this has to happen at all? And here I thought this job would be just what I needed. Ha!”
Naomi took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and get a grip on the situation. She was thinking about it over and over again when suddenly, her eyes widened and everything Justin said seemed to make sense. And slowly, she began to understand what he was trying to say. “The only reason Justin and Britney have gotten together is because... he acts on impulse... he follows his heart! That’s it! When he’s confused, he doesn’t try to analyze the situation... he just does what he thinks is right... what his heart tells him to do...”
Naomi slowed down and stopped when the traffic light turned red, still thinking aloud. She groaned and slapped her forehead, “But what do you do when even your heart is confused? When I’m with Lance, I feel like... well... usually the words, ‘Damn! He is SEXY!’ would be appropriate but... sometimes I get the feeling it’s more than that. Sometimes I wonder... if he took me in his arms and kissed me... would I push him away?”
Naomi bit her lip, “Then Chase... that night at the beach... does it mean as much to him as it does to me? He was about to kiss me. And it looked like it would have been more than just a brotherly kiss, but... what if I’m just reading too deeply into the whole thing? Maybe he just meant it as a joke... maybe that look that just screamed ‘I WANT YOU’... maybe he didn’t mean it that way at all.”
Naomi almost laughed, “Out of everything I’ve been accused of being, oversensitive was never one of them. So... what did it mean? How am I supposed to behave around him now? Is he going to act like everything’s okay? Is he going to pretend that whole episode never happened? I guess... I’ll just see how he reacts later on. Then I’ll make my decision. But... what if he makes a move that I’m not ready for? What if that kiss did mean something after all? Jesus, Justin! Being as impulsive as you are is definitely a chore!”
Naomi started giggling when she realized that she was alone in the car, “Wonderful Naomi! You’re so stressed you’ve been reduced to talking to yourself, is that it?” Shaking her head, she laughed and sped off as the light turned green.
(One hour later, At Justin’s house.)
“Mmm...” Lance groaned, opening his eyes groggily, sleep still clouding his brain. He tried to open his eyes wider but groaned and gave up when the light hit his face. He lay completely still for a minute and Alyssa wondered if he had gone to sleep again. Then his hand scrubbed his face and he sat up slowly, his hair looking like a lion’s mane.
Alyssa bit her lip and resisted the urge to giggle. Lance blinked a couple of times then smiled in when he recognized the petite figure next to him. “Al?” he grinned when she giggled and nodded. “Where’s Naomi?”
Alyssa pulled a face. “You don’t even thank me for coming here to see you or look after you but the first thing you say is, ‘Where’s Naomi?’. So much for gratitude.”
Lance giggled, “I’m so sorry, Alyssa. THANK YOU for coming here to see and THANK YOU for looking after me. Okay, I’ve thanked you. So... where’s Naomi?”
Alyssa sighed, “She’s left.”
“What?” Lance felt miserable and frustrated. He expected to feel sorely disappointed to see Alyssa in Naomi’s place, but strangely, he didn’t. In face, he felt a strange kind of gladness and relief. “Why?”
“JC called and he needed a lift. His car broke down and he and Justin are stranded at Jive,” Alyssa informed Lance.
“But... they could have just-”
“Don’t tell me you really think they could’ve called Chris or Joey, Lance. Those two were out partying and they can’t just catch a cab or a bus. Besides, isn’t having me here enough for you?” Alyssa made a sad face at her last statement.
Lance couldn’t resist a smile, “Of course I’m glad to see you, Al. You know that. I’m always glad to see you. I just... oh never mind. You’re here and that’s what counts. Thanks for dropping by. It must’ve been boring watching me sleep.”
“How do you know I didn’t just drop by when you coincidentally happened to be waking up?” Alyssa challenged.
“Oh come on, Al. I know Naomi isn’t that irresponsible. She would have made sure someone was here to watch over me while she was away. Which reminds me, why didn’t she just send you instead?”
“Oh THANK YOU for that vote of confidence, Lance. I know you’re always glad to see my angelic face hanging around you, but you don’t have to be that sweet about it. After all, I’m only a human being and I really don’t deserve to be thanked that way.”
Lance grinned sheepishly and said, “Sorry Al. I didn’t mean it like that but... forget it. It’s great you’re here. Anyway, are those three coming here for dinner? Or are they going out some place?”
“They’re going out for dinner with Chris and Joey. And hopefully, they’ll get back some time before three a.m. You know how Justin gets. He really should be getting more sleep than the rest, considering how light a sleeper he is, but he seems to be more of a party animal than JC is,” Alyssa shrugged and sighed, “But who asked me? I’m no expert on men. No siree. Their minds are too complex for women like me to comprehend.”
Lance giggled, “You’re right I guess. You know us far too well, Al. But Justin deserves a break. Last year was really pretty hectic. Right up to about a few months ago, we were up to our heads in work. Now we’re mainly concentrating on getting that album done before we go on any more tours, so...”
“I KNOW, Lance!” Alyssa rolled her eyes. “I have been hanging out with you for more than two weeks. That may be a pretty short time, but you guys are so OPEN with how relieved you are that the busy period is finally over that I might cover my hands over my ears the next time I hear the word VACATION!”
Lance smiled, “Sorry. We’re all just a bit excited because-”
“LANCE! I’m warning you...”
“Okay, okay!” Lance held his arms up above his head in mock surrender. “You win. Game over. Topic closed.”
Alyssa nodded and felt his forehead, “Hmm... your fever seems to have subsided. How are you feeling?”
“Me? I’m feeling fine. That medicine Naomi gave me certainly did a lot of work.” Lance sighed and stretched out lazily over the bed.
“The medicine did it?” Alyssa pretended to be surprised. “I thought it was the magical kiss on the cheek that did it. Oh well... I’m not always right.”
“Kiss? On the cheek? When?”
Alyssa giggled at Lance’s flabbergasted expression, “Cool it, lover boy. You were sleeping, she was leaving, she felt guilty and SMACK! Kiss on the cheek. That’s it. End of story.”
“That’s it?”
“What? You expected her to carry you off on a beautiful pony and ride into the sunset with you?” Alyssa demanded.
“Well... yeah.”
“Listen, sweetie, you were burning up, you were sleeping, she wasn’t strong enough to carry you onto a pony, there wasn’t a pony in the first place, and it was TOO EARLY FOR THE SUN TO BE SETTING!”
Lance giggled, “You know something? You’ve got a point. Hell, you’ve got a lot of points.”
Alyssa smiled smugly at Lance. “What else would you expect?”
“In all honesty? Everything.”
Alyssa looked at Lance and he looked back at her. They smiled.
“Are you feeling good enough to get up and walk on your own two feet far enough to have dinner at the table with me?” Alyssa asked, patting Lance gently on the head.
Lance looked up at her and sighed, “Well, actually... no.”
Alyssa frowned, “I’m serious Lance. Are you still feeling sore?”
“Well, a little bit. I’m not as sick as before, but I’ve felt better,” Lance admitted. “I honestly don’t think I could make it to the table without banging into a few walls and breaking a few things on the way.”
Alyssa winced at the image of Lance slamming into a pillar. “Okaaaayyyy... I kinda get the point.”
Lance shrugged helplessly. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be silly, Lance. This isn’t your fault. Did you ask to fall sick?”
“You won’t believe this but... yeah.”
“Seriously?”
“Nope.”
Alyssa giggled and Lance laughed, “I should have known.” Alyssa said. “You’re never serious when we’re together.”
Lance shrugged, “You’re not someone I want to get serious with.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened and Lance clapped a hand over his mouth. “I swear I didn’t mean it that way. You’re really pretty and I bet there are a thousand men just drooling to check you into a hotel room. I just meant that you’re someone fun to be around, and I don’t act serious when I’m with you,” he mumbled through his fingers.
Alyssa shrugged and grinned, “I know what you meant. You don’t have to get all uptight and worried.”
Lance relaxed at her words. He slowly dropped his hand from his mouth and wondered why he had been so worried about his slip-up. Of course I wouldn’t want to get serious with Al, there’s no reason I should. She’s my best girl pal... not someone I’d push into bed and... well... she’s got the body for it but... WHAT AM I THINKING?!
Alyssa watched in amusement as Lance’s eyes bulged. Then she lunged forward and strangled him playfully. She glared at him and he raised his eyebrows in challenge. An evil grin spread over her face and she began wrestling playfully with him.
Two minutes later, the sheets were tossed off of the bed, the blanket was in a heap on the floor and Alyssa was in the process of wringing his neck when Lynn opened the door. She stared at the two youngsters with as much surprise as they felt. Alyssa bounced off of the bed and Lance quickly began pulling the sheets and blankets back on top of the bed. “Uh... we were just, uh... I... well...”
Lynn held up a hand and shook her head, “Save it. I’m not sure I really want to hear it,” she looked at Lance with a playful twinkle in her eyes. “But you be careful with what you do to this girl, young man. Because I’m sure Naomi will have your head if she’s hurt in any way, big or small.”
Alyssa blushed and Lance grinned, “I’m sorry, Aunt Lynn. We were just playing around. You know, she was trying to strangle me and all...”
Lynn looked at Alyssa strangely, “Now why would a sweet girl like Alyssa Carter want to do that, Lance?”
Alyssa grinned and Lance choked. “What... what did you say, Aunt Lynn? Sweet? You’re... you’re calling Alyssa... Alyssa CARTER... a sweet girl?”
“That’s what I said.”
Lance burst out laughing and Alyssa frowned at him, a pout on her face. She elbowed him in the ribs and even Lynn couldn’t help but smile when Lance howled. “You don’t have to be that obvious about it.”
Lance finally got over his choking fit. “Sorry...”
“Well, anyway, I came in here to tell you two that I’m going out for dinner with a few friends now. You two stay here and make yourselves at home.”
Alyssa nodded and thanked Lynn. With a chuckle, Lynn left Lance and Alyssa alone. “So... how about lasagna for dinner?” Alyssa cackled evilly when Lance’s face burned.
Alyssa and Lance were eating in Lance’s room. ‘Dinner in bed’ as Alyssa called it. Alyssa had cooked lasagna and he had changed into his pajamas and taken another warm shower while she did. Lance found himself wishing he was half as good at cooking as Alyssa was. Just half as good and he would die a contented man.
“Mmm... Alyssa, I swear you cook the best meals I have ever tasted in my life!” Lance told her, relishing the food with a satisfied look on his face.
“Well, considering your cooking skills, I’m not surprised.”
Lance grinned, “Ouch.”
“Anyway, this does taste good, if I do say so myself.”
Lance sighed, “Alyssa... stop rubbing it in, would ya? I know my cooking absolutely stinks but I think you should at least leave me with some self-esteem.”
“Your ego, Mr. Lansten Bass, is big enough to fill this whole room without me adding on to it!” Alyssa poked him in the chest and giggled when he flinched in mock pain.
“Hey!” Lance protested. “I resent that!”
“Whatever...” Alyssa giggled.
They ate in companionable silence for a few moments when Alyssa’s eyes started travelling with a mind of their own. They wandered aimlessly over Lance’s slightly muscular arms, and the way he held his fork and knife in his hands was fixed in her mind. Lance’s shirt hugged his body and as her eyes ran over his chest, she almost groaned aloud. Lance heard her breathing heavily and he almost fell off the bed when he looked up and saw the look in her eyes... the look that read ‘DAMN! That is SEXY!’
“Uh... Alyssa? Just what are you looking at that is, um, intriguing you so badly?” he asked, half-amused and half-amazed.
“I... um... well...” Alyssa stuttered, not knowing what to say. “I was, uh, looking at... at...” You! She wanted to scream. I was looking at you and thinking how damn sexy you are! Instead, she said, “I was looking at... at the... the lasagna! Yeah...”
“Uh... I’m sorry if I misread that look in your eyes just screaming ‘that is sexy’... but if I’m not misreading you then... you think lasagna is sexy?”
“I... it’s not... I mean... oh dammit Lance... why would I be thinking about sexy lasagna when I have the world’s sexiest guy in front of my face?” The minute the words came out of her mouth, Alyssa knew she had made a big mistake. She bit her lip and an embarrassed look masked her face. “Oh my god! I am so sorry. I didn’t mean that. Well, yes I did, but... I’M SORRY LANCE! Don’t take it the wrong way. Oh my god, I can’t believe I said that! Dammit Ally, what the hell were you thinking?”
Lance bit his bottom lip and chewed on it, “Forget it, Al. I know that was just a moment of temporary insanity on your part.”
“Temp... temporary insanity... right, right...” Alyssa bit her lip. Temporary insanity, my ass! Don’t you even think about denying it, girl. You always had it bad for Lance. The only reason things are any different now is because you guys are good, no, best friends and... he has feelings for your best friend! And you happen to think JC is kinda cute too. So just stick with JC and let Lance be with Naomi. She’s already starting to fall for him... I think.
Lance switched on the television when they seemed to have run out of things to say. Alyssa was being strangely quiet and he just couldn’t deal with the uncomfortable silence anymore. That’s funny, he thought to himself. This never happened to us before. We always knew what to say and there was never any hesitation. Okay, so this situation is a bit different... she just admitted she thought, no, she thinks you’re sexy. It’s no big deal...
Dammit Lance, who do you think you’re trying to fool? It’s ridiculous! Alyssa telling you in your face how appealing you are... well, that should be enough to make you want to order her out of the house! Does this mean... that you’re starting to like her too? Or... was everything with Naomi just infatuation? And was there more to your feelings for Alyssa than you thought? Lance sighed in confusion.
His head jerked up when he heard Alyssa giggle. “What?”
“I was just thinking how all men seem to have to flip through at least fifty different channels before they pick the one they started out with in the first place.”
Lance smiled despite himself, “Hmm... I never thought of it that way before. I guess you’re right,” he admitted, switching the channels anyway. “But maybe it’s because we want to check out all the possible programs before carefully making our pick.”
“You’re not even looking at the television.”
Lance shrugged and grinned, spooning the last bit of lasagna into his mouth. Alyssa swallowed her last piece of lasagna. “Was that nice?”
“I’m actually resisting the urge to lick the plates clean. Does that tell you anything?” Lance laughed as Alyssa took the plates and headed for the kitchen.
Just as she left the room, she poked her head back in and said, “Oh, and by the way Lance, just so you know, that was micro-waved.”
Lance grinned, and a pink tinge appeared on his cheeks. “It doesn’t matter,” He told Alyssa. “It tastes better than my cooking anyway.”
Alyssa chuckled as she headed down the hall, calling over her shoulder, “That’s true, Lance. That’s very true.”
Lance sighed, glad that the awkward moment was over. He switched off the television and lay his head back on the pillow. He hated to admit it, but his head was starting to spin again. His throat felt much better but his head felt like it was splitting in two. He didn’t want to tell Alyssa, because he knew she would make a big deal out of it.
But as soon as Alyssa re-entered his room and saw the frown creasing his forehead, she knew that he wasn’t feeling as good as he claimed to be. “Lance? Tell me honestly, how are you feeling?”
“Much better.”
“Oh don’t give me that crap. I know you’re not feeling good. You’re going pale again and you’re frowning. Do you know how much that small action of yours is giving away?” Alyssa folded her arms across her chest as she plopped down next to Lance.
Lance forced a smile. “I swear I felt fine a minute ago. But as soon as you left the room my head just started pounding away.”
“Finally you’ve admitted to it!” Alyssa sighed and shook her head at Lance. She tucked him under the covers, despite his protests. “I don’t care that you haven’t brushed your teeth, Lance. I don’t care that you haven’t done whatever you do in the toilet at night. One night won’t kill you! You need your rest and you need it NOW!”
Lance started protesting again and Alyssa bent over and brushed her lips lightly against his, hoping to shut him up. She almost swooned as she straightened again but she tried to look unaffected as she continued tucking him in. Her kiss served it’s purpose, though. Lance was quiet and he looked stunned.
Alyssa sat down again and she swallowed painfully when she remembered the texture of Lance’s full lips. Soft and tender... and yet... there was still something manly and... appealing about his lips. Lance could feel the butterflies in his stomach and he tried desperately to ignore it. Damn! That was good... and about a million baaaaaddd thoughts are racing through my head right now - mostly they’re about Al’s damn lips - but whoa! Lance... stop, Lance... this is getting dirty. Hell, that was plain wicked! “Um... how... how was dinner?” he asked Alyssa, trying to get her mind off of the kiss she had just given him when he felt as though he couldn’t even think straight.
“It was... yummy.” Alyssa licked her lips mischievously and grinned when Lance blushed. Then uneasiness of the moment slowly ebbed away and Alyssa sighed with relief when Lance chuckled.
Definitely yummy... especially when I get a taste of Lance Bass’ lips as dessert!
(Ten minutes later.)
Alyssa smiled down at Lance’s sleeping figure. She sighed and stroked his cheek gently. Then she bent down and dropped a kiss on his nose, giggling when he shifted and moved his nose. She couldn’t help thinking how rabbit-like he looked at that moment. A cute rabbit with a woffly nose, she thought.
Alyssa leaned her head gently on Lance’s chest, smiling. She closed her eyes and soon fell asleep, lulled by Lance’s deep and even breathing and the rise and fall of his chest as he slept peacefully on...
TBC
Steal My Heart
Naomi stared at the road ahead for a few seconds before turning her head slightly to look at Lance. He was coughing and breaking into a cold sweat. Naomi bit her lip and her hand traveled slowly to cover his. Lance looked up at her in surprise and forced a weak smile. His eyes were watery and red, he sounded like he had a stuffed nose and his voice sounded scratchy and hoarse. His breathing was ragged and Naomi sighed. “Lance, you’re staying at Justin’s house, right?.”
“Mmhmm...” Lance mumbled groggily.
When they finally got to Justin’s house, Naomi parked the car in the driveway and gingerly helped Lance into the house. He could hardly stand and that worried Naomi. She was used to seeing Lance bubbly and full of life and seeing him that way scared her. She felt his forehead again and grimaced when she felt how hot it was.
“I... I’m okay...” Lance tried to reassure her, in between his coughing. “It’s... you should get back... to Jive. They’ll be waiting for you.”
Naomi shook her head firmly. “They’ll call if they need me. Now, take a warm shower, get into bed and get some rest!”
“Are you gonna help me shower?” Lance managed to ask mischievously, despite his coughing and Naomi hid a grin.
“Absolutely... not!” She giggled at the look of mock disappointment shown clearly on his handsome face.
“Aww... but Naomi...”
“No! Come on, Lance, you’re not feeling good and you really should be getting some rest,” Naomi insisted, pushing him gently in the direction of the toilet. After you take your shower, you’ll probably feel much better.”
Lance pouted and Naomi knocked him gently on the head. He pretended to howl and she giggled, “Now do you understand that when I say something, I mean business? I hope that knock got it through that thick skull of yours.”
Lance nodded like an overgrown baby and Naomi shook her head. “Lance, I mean it. If you’re not in the shower in the next five seconds, I’m gonna have your head.”
Lance walked into the shower and managed a weak grin at Naomi before slamming the door shut. Naomi sighed and plopped down on his bed. She jumped to her feet when Lynn walked into the room. “Aunt Lynn! Um, I’m sorry I came over without telling you first, but there was a bit-”
“I know, sweetie. Lance is sick, isn’t he? The poor boy... he’s always working too hard. These five boys are like sons to me and I’d hate to see anything happen to them.” Lynn smiled at Naomi. “Justin called me about ten minutes ago to tell me you were coming over. He knew you’d forget.”
“Thank God for that boy.” Naomi giggled and Lynn patted her on the back. “Thank you for giving birth to such a wonderful person, Aunt Lynn. I honestly don’t know what I would do without him. He’s been such a good friend to me all this time.”
Lynn smiled and stroked Naomi’s hair. “Do you know something, Naomi? It’s Justin’s good fortune to have met you. You have a good heart, my dear.”
Naomi smiled and blushed at the compliment, “Thank you, Aunt Lynn. Is... is Justin going to be back anytime soon?”
“Oh... I don’t think so, dear. I think the boys are going out for dinner tonight. JC and Justin are still at Jive, trying to perfect the recording but Chris and Joey are out partying. Something along those lines.” Lynn smiled and got off the couch. “Well, I’m going to prepare some tea... do you want any, sweetheart?”
“Oh... no thank you, Aunt Lynn,” Naomi smiled at Lynn’s retreating figure, then sighed. As much as she liked Lance, spending the whole night with him was... well, a bit much. She had hoped Justin would be back before six so she could at least go home for dinner with James. She hadn’t been spending much time with him lately.
Naomi couldn’t hear the sound of the water anymore and she guessed that Lance would be out soon. She hopped over the couch and knocked softly on the door. “Hey in there,” she called. “Are you done?”
Lance’s muffled voice replied, “Give me a minute.”
Naomi took a step back as the door opened. She stifled a gasp when Lance came out of the toilet, without a shirt on. She swallowed nervously and almost sighed when her eyes traveled down to his chest. Damn! This guy’s got it good! Beads of water were still trickling down his hair and upper body. Lance shook his hair out of his eyes and smiled at her, even though his head was spinning.
Naomi shook herself and took the towel out of his hands. She gave him some medicine before she wrapped the towel warmly around Lance’s shoulders and pushed him gently towards his room.
Lance pushed the door open and Naomi helped him sit down on the bed. She clambered up onto the bed behind him and started drying his hair with the towel. “I would be crazy if I let you sleep with wet hair - especially when you’re sick.”
Lance groaned but he sat quietly and let Naomi finish drying his hair. He closed his eyes and inhaled softly as her light perfume attacked his senses and left him feeling weak in the knees. He could hardly believe her closeness and he resisted the urge to pull her to him and press his lips over hers. He almost sighed when her fingers began gently massaging his hair. His shoulders relaxed visibly and Naomi smiled.
She was having a hard time controlling herself as well. His back was so intriguingly manly to her that she was doing everything she could not to lean against it and wrap her arms around his waist. She bit her lip and continued massaging his baby-soft hair gently. She leaned forward slightly and almost swooned when she inhaled the scent of his soap. Mentally, she shook herself and jumped off the bed.
Lance glanced at her curiously and she shook her head when he began coughing again. She threw his shirt and him and said, “Wear that. Come on. I can’t believe I let you walk around shirtless when you have a cough and a fever! Jesus, what is wrong with me?”
Lance smiled when she continued rambling nervously. He slipped the shirt on and lay down on the bed. Naomi sighed and sat down next to him. She lifted her hand and began gently stroking his forehead. “You’ll be a good wife. Whoever marries you is a lucky man,” Lance commented and smiled when Naomi’s cheeks burned.
“Thank you Lance... you’ll make a good husband yourself.” Naomi grinned, imagining a beautiful young lady swooning at the sight of a shirtless Lance, as she herself had almost done. She giggled and Lance turned red.
Naomi continued stroking Lance’s forehead gently as she sank into a reverie. Lance looked at her, smiling at the thoughtful look on her face. He was tired and his eyes were closing but he wanted to hear her sing. He had heard from Justin that she had an incredible voice, and considering that Justin had a beautiful voice himself, Lance figured that Naomi’s voice must sound like heaven.
“Naomi, I know this sounds like a lot to ask but... do you think you could maybe sing something for me?” Lance asked, his usually deep voice sounding raspy and weak. Naomi flinched at the sound of it and nodded quickly.
“I’d love to, Lance.”
Naomi almost started singing when she gave Lance a funny look. “Did Justin say something to you about my voice, by any chance?”
Lance giggled and nodded, “Well, actually, yeah, he did mention it a couple of times. Wait, scratch that, he mentioned it continually.”
Naomi sighed but couldn’t resist a laugh, “Since when does Justin sing my praises to you?”
“Uh... he sings your praises to everyone, Naomi. You know how attached he’s become to you now.”
Naomi nodded. “I love that boy like a brother and one of these days I’m going to repay him for everything he’s done for me.”
Lance nodded sleepily, “Mmhmm...”
Naomi smiled at his sleepy murmur. “I guess you want me to sing a lullaby for you?”
Lance sighed his consent again.
“Rock-a-bye baby, on the treetops, when the wind blows, the cradle will rock... when the bough breaks, the cradle will fall...”
Lance shifted uneasily and Naomi giggled. “Bad choice, huh? Hmm... let me think. I’m not very good with lullabies..”
Lance smiled sleepily, “But Justin was right,” he commented, his voice soft. Naomi swallowed and sighed, there was something to Lance’s voice that made it sound so sexy. “You have a beautiful voice, Naomi.”
“Thank you, Lance.” Naomi smiled at him when he closed his eyes and snuggled deeper under the covers. She began humming softly when she saw Lance fidget a little. Lance sighed in contentment and Naomi continued stroking his forehead.
After a while, Lance dropped to sleep. Naomi stared at his peaceful, tired face for a second before there was a soft knock on the door. “Come in,” Naomi said softly.
The door opened and Alyssa came in, smiling. “Hey.”
“Hey,” Naomi whispered back. “He just fell asleep. How did you get here?”
“I took a cab.”
Naomi smiled then reached quickly for her cell phone when it began to ring. She got up and hurried out of the room when she saw Lance beginning to stir. “Hello?” she said, as soon as she was out of the room.
“Catch? Do you think you could drive over here and bring me and Justin to meet the other two? By the way, how’s Lance?”
“Uh... I think I can go get you two... Alyssa just got here so she can look after Lance while I go meet you two... but...”
“But what?”
“But I’m a little worried about him. He’s sleeping now and I guess he’ll be okay, but his fever hasn’t really subsided yet.”
“Ahh... I see...” JC sounded really worried. “So... tell you what, Justin and I will catch a cab or something. You girls stay there and make sure Lance is okay. Call me if anything happens, okay?”
“Chase, don’t be ridiculous. You’re going to just stop a cab in the middle of the road and say, ‘hey, do you think you could drive us to place ABC?’” Naomi demanded, giggling despite herself.
“Uh... yeah.”
“Chase, are you feeling okay? Or did Lance’s fever happen to spread to your brain and kill a few cells as well? Do you know who you are? JC Chasez and Justin Timberlake don’t stop cabs in the middle of the road to meet two other band members of N’sync!” Naomi was shaking her head in amazement at JC’s craziness.
“Oh... right. I kinda forgot who we were for a second there.” He sighed ruefully and Naomi could see clearly his sheepish look in her mind’s eye.
“What’s wrong with your car, anyway, Chase?”
“I don’t know. The engine won’t start. Justin’s kicking it and swearing at it and all but it just won’t listen.”
Again, Naomi could practically see JC shrugging. She giggled and said, “Aww... the poor baby.”
“Uh-huh... Justin’s really wearing himself out.”
“I’m not talking about Justin, silly, I’m talking about the poor car!” Naomi laughed and JC laughed along with her.
Suddenly, she heard JC exclaim indignantly and she heard someone panting over the phone. With a little scream, she dropped the phone, but not before she heard Justin’s voice, “Choc?”
Naomi picked up the phone with a sigh of relief. “Justin, you are nineteen years old and I really think you should learn to stop snatching phones like that!”
“Okay, okay... I’m sorry.”
Naomi licked her lips and calmed herself. “Anyway, what do you want?”
“Choc, sweetie, my wonderful savior... PLEASE COME PICK US UP! I know Alyssa’s there, I saw her leave and heard her saying she was going to see Lance. He’s a strong guy and I have no doubt that after you’ve attended to him for so long, he’s feeling much better. Please come and pick us up! I know JC’s stupid...”
Naomi giggled when she heard JC and Justin begin squabbling about JC’s stupidity. Finally, Justin got back on the phone, “As I was saying, I know JC’s not... uh, always as smart as he seems, but I’ve got enough common sense to know that we CAN’T JUST WALK OUT THERE AND CATCH A CAB!”
Naomi grinned, “Put Chase back on the phone and let me consider carefully, okay? I don’t know if it’s safe to leave Lance alone with destruction girl.”
Justin giggled as he handed the phone back to JC. “Catch? So... how about it? I seriously think Justin has gone insane and I think that if Lance still isn’t looking good then you should stay and look after him because Alyssa isn’t the most responsible person in the world. And we all know that.”
“I guess you’re right, Chase... but I was kinda looking forward to spending some time with James. I haven’t had dinner with him in ages.”
“I’m sorry, Catch,” JC sighed. “Look, tell you what. You make up your mind and call me back. Whatever the case I don’t think you’re gonna be able to make it for dinner with James tonight. I know this job is really time-consuming and I’m sorry. How about this? Tonight you sacrifice one more night out and we’ll leave you alone for the next few days so you can enjoy a quiet dinner with James.”
Naomi bit her lip, uncertainty creeping slowly into her mind. “Um... oh, all right. I guess Lance will be okay if I leave him with Ally for a little while. I guess you’re right about her not being the most responsible person, but she really loves Lance and I think leaving him with her should be safe. Okay, I’ll meet up with you guys for dinner tonight but the next few days... the next few days are gonna be reserved especially for James.”
“It’s a deal,” JC grinned.
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Right. See ya soon, Catch.”
“Later Chase.”
Naomi sighed as she clicked her cell phone off and went silently into the room. She smiled guiltily at Lance’s sleeping figure and then at Alyssa. “I don’t like that guilty look, Mayo. What’s wrong?”
“I... I’m meeting the guys for dinner tonight. Do you think you could take over as nurse for today?”
“Oh no... that’s not the whole truth. You always make the situation sound so bad. You’d never leave Lance sick like this just to go for dinner. Let me guess, JC’s car broke down or something, right?”
“Ally... are you a mind-reader?”
Alyssa giggled, “In some ways, yes.” She shook her head at Naomi, “But you go along and have fun tonight.”
“I’m going to spend the next few nights with James... maybe you can try getting home early so we three can have dinner together? I know the college is reopening soon and I must say they’ve gotten quite a lot of work done. Three weeks is a short time.”
“They’ve extended my vacation by one week,” Alyssa grinned at Naomi’s surprised but pleased expression. “Like you said, three weeks is a short time. Make sure James prepares more food tomorrow night. I’ll be there.”
Naomi smiled at her best friend, “Okay.” She leant over Lance and kissed him lightly on the cheek, much to Alyssa’s surprise and amusement. “Get well, honey,” she whispered so only he could hear. Then she straightened and smiled at Alyssa, “Give Lance my love. I gotta go now. Bye Ally!”
Alyssa waved and grinned as Naomi ran out of the room. “That girl is just too blind.”
Naomi ran out into the garden and saw Lynn watering the plants. “Aunt Lynn! Justin called me and asked me to go over to Jive to pick them up! Can you tell Ally to call me and update me on Lance’s condition?”
“Sure thing, dear. Go ahead and make sure you have fun!”
“I will! Thanks Aunt Lynn!”
Naomi hopped nimbly into Justin’s car, jammed her foot on the accelerator pedal and whizzed out of the driveway, calling goodbye to Lynn and waving wildly. Lynn smiled as she waved back, “Well, well, well... what do you know? It looks like Justin has rubbed off on that girl after all.”
Naomi waited till Justin’s house was out of sight before sighing and slowing down. Her shoulders drooped and she felt as though a heavy load had been stuffed into her mind just as she thought she had everything sorted out. This time, though, it had nothing to do with Marcus and everything to do with Lance... and JC.
Naomi drove slowly, trying desperately to understand the emotions raging inside her. “Dammit... why can’t this be just a little bit simpler? Hell, why is it this has to happen at all? And here I thought this job would be just what I needed. Ha!”
Naomi took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and get a grip on the situation. She was thinking about it over and over again when suddenly, her eyes widened and everything Justin said seemed to make sense. And slowly, she began to understand what he was trying to say. “The only reason Justin and Britney have gotten together is because... he acts on impulse... he follows his heart! That’s it! When he’s confused, he doesn’t try to analyze the situation... he just does what he thinks is right... what his heart tells him to do...”
Naomi slowed down and stopped when the traffic light turned red, still thinking aloud. She groaned and slapped her forehead, “But what do you do when even your heart is confused? When I’m with Lance, I feel like... well... usually the words, ‘Damn! He is SEXY!’ would be appropriate but... sometimes I get the feeling it’s more than that. Sometimes I wonder... if he took me in his arms and kissed me... would I push him away?”
Naomi bit her lip, “Then Chase... that night at the beach... does it mean as much to him as it does to me? He was about to kiss me. And it looked like it would have been more than just a brotherly kiss, but... what if I’m just reading too deeply into the whole thing? Maybe he just meant it as a joke... maybe that look that just screamed ‘I WANT YOU’... maybe he didn’t mean it that way at all.”
Naomi almost laughed, “Out of everything I’ve been accused of being, oversensitive was never one of them. So... what did it mean? How am I supposed to behave around him now? Is he going to act like everything’s okay? Is he going to pretend that whole episode never happened? I guess... I’ll just see how he reacts later on. Then I’ll make my decision. But... what if he makes a move that I’m not ready for? What if that kiss did mean something after all? Jesus, Justin! Being as impulsive as you are is definitely a chore!”
Naomi started giggling when she realized that she was alone in the car, “Wonderful Naomi! You’re so stressed you’ve been reduced to talking to yourself, is that it?” Shaking her head, she laughed and sped off as the light turned green.
(One hour later, At Justin’s house.)
“Mmm...” Lance groaned, opening his eyes groggily, sleep still clouding his brain. He tried to open his eyes wider but groaned and gave up when the light hit his face. He lay completely still for a minute and Alyssa wondered if he had gone to sleep again. Then his hand scrubbed his face and he sat up slowly, his hair looking like a lion’s mane.
Alyssa bit her lip and resisted the urge to giggle. Lance blinked a couple of times then smiled in when he recognized the petite figure next to him. “Al?” he grinned when she giggled and nodded. “Where’s Naomi?”
Alyssa pulled a face. “You don’t even thank me for coming here to see you or look after you but the first thing you say is, ‘Where’s Naomi?’. So much for gratitude.”
Lance giggled, “I’m so sorry, Alyssa. THANK YOU for coming here to see and THANK YOU for looking after me. Okay, I’ve thanked you. So... where’s Naomi?”
Alyssa sighed, “She’s left.”
“What?” Lance felt miserable and frustrated. He expected to feel sorely disappointed to see Alyssa in Naomi’s place, but strangely, he didn’t. In face, he felt a strange kind of gladness and relief. “Why?”
“JC called and he needed a lift. His car broke down and he and Justin are stranded at Jive,” Alyssa informed Lance.
“But... they could have just-”
“Don’t tell me you really think they could’ve called Chris or Joey, Lance. Those two were out partying and they can’t just catch a cab or a bus. Besides, isn’t having me here enough for you?” Alyssa made a sad face at her last statement.
Lance couldn’t resist a smile, “Of course I’m glad to see you, Al. You know that. I’m always glad to see you. I just... oh never mind. You’re here and that’s what counts. Thanks for dropping by. It must’ve been boring watching me sleep.”
“How do you know I didn’t just drop by when you coincidentally happened to be waking up?” Alyssa challenged.
“Oh come on, Al. I know Naomi isn’t that irresponsible. She would have made sure someone was here to watch over me while she was away. Which reminds me, why didn’t she just send you instead?”
“Oh THANK YOU for that vote of confidence, Lance. I know you’re always glad to see my angelic face hanging around you, but you don’t have to be that sweet about it. After all, I’m only a human being and I really don’t deserve to be thanked that way.”
Lance grinned sheepishly and said, “Sorry Al. I didn’t mean it like that but... forget it. It’s great you’re here. Anyway, are those three coming here for dinner? Or are they going out some place?”
“They’re going out for dinner with Chris and Joey. And hopefully, they’ll get back some time before three a.m. You know how Justin gets. He really should be getting more sleep than the rest, considering how light a sleeper he is, but he seems to be more of a party animal than JC is,” Alyssa shrugged and sighed, “But who asked me? I’m no expert on men. No siree. Their minds are too complex for women like me to comprehend.”
Lance giggled, “You’re right I guess. You know us far too well, Al. But Justin deserves a break. Last year was really pretty hectic. Right up to about a few months ago, we were up to our heads in work. Now we’re mainly concentrating on getting that album done before we go on any more tours, so...”
“I KNOW, Lance!” Alyssa rolled her eyes. “I have been hanging out with you for more than two weeks. That may be a pretty short time, but you guys are so OPEN with how relieved you are that the busy period is finally over that I might cover my hands over my ears the next time I hear the word VACATION!”
Lance smiled, “Sorry. We’re all just a bit excited because-”
“LANCE! I’m warning you...”
“Okay, okay!” Lance held his arms up above his head in mock surrender. “You win. Game over. Topic closed.”
Alyssa nodded and felt his forehead, “Hmm... your fever seems to have subsided. How are you feeling?”
“Me? I’m feeling fine. That medicine Naomi gave me certainly did a lot of work.” Lance sighed and stretched out lazily over the bed.
“The medicine did it?” Alyssa pretended to be surprised. “I thought it was the magical kiss on the cheek that did it. Oh well... I’m not always right.”
“Kiss? On the cheek? When?”
Alyssa giggled at Lance’s flabbergasted expression, “Cool it, lover boy. You were sleeping, she was leaving, she felt guilty and SMACK! Kiss on the cheek. That’s it. End of story.”
“That’s it?”
“What? You expected her to carry you off on a beautiful pony and ride into the sunset with you?” Alyssa demanded.
“Well... yeah.”
“Listen, sweetie, you were burning up, you were sleeping, she wasn’t strong enough to carry you onto a pony, there wasn’t a pony in the first place, and it was TOO EARLY FOR THE SUN TO BE SETTING!”
Lance giggled, “You know something? You’ve got a point. Hell, you’ve got a lot of points.”
Alyssa smiled smugly at Lance. “What else would you expect?”
“In all honesty? Everything.”
Alyssa looked at Lance and he looked back at her. They smiled.
“Are you feeling good enough to get up and walk on your own two feet far enough to have dinner at the table with me?” Alyssa asked, patting Lance gently on the head.
Lance looked up at her and sighed, “Well, actually... no.”
Alyssa frowned, “I’m serious Lance. Are you still feeling sore?”
“Well, a little bit. I’m not as sick as before, but I’ve felt better,” Lance admitted. “I honestly don’t think I could make it to the table without banging into a few walls and breaking a few things on the way.”
Alyssa winced at the image of Lance slamming into a pillar. “Okaaaayyyy... I kinda get the point.”
Lance shrugged helplessly. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be silly, Lance. This isn’t your fault. Did you ask to fall sick?”
“You won’t believe this but... yeah.”
“Seriously?”
“Nope.”
Alyssa giggled and Lance laughed, “I should have known.” Alyssa said. “You’re never serious when we’re together.”
Lance shrugged, “You’re not someone I want to get serious with.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened and Lance clapped a hand over his mouth. “I swear I didn’t mean it that way. You’re really pretty and I bet there are a thousand men just drooling to check you into a hotel room. I just meant that you’re someone fun to be around, and I don’t act serious when I’m with you,” he mumbled through his fingers.
Alyssa shrugged and grinned, “I know what you meant. You don’t have to get all uptight and worried.”
Lance relaxed at her words. He slowly dropped his hand from his mouth and wondered why he had been so worried about his slip-up. Of course I wouldn’t want to get serious with Al, there’s no reason I should. She’s my best girl pal... not someone I’d push into bed and... well... she’s got the body for it but... WHAT AM I THINKING?!
Alyssa watched in amusement as Lance’s eyes bulged. Then she lunged forward and strangled him playfully. She glared at him and he raised his eyebrows in challenge. An evil grin spread over her face and she began wrestling playfully with him.
Two minutes later, the sheets were tossed off of the bed, the blanket was in a heap on the floor and Alyssa was in the process of wringing his neck when Lynn opened the door. She stared at the two youngsters with as much surprise as they felt. Alyssa bounced off of the bed and Lance quickly began pulling the sheets and blankets back on top of the bed. “Uh... we were just, uh... I... well...”
Lynn held up a hand and shook her head, “Save it. I’m not sure I really want to hear it,” she looked at Lance with a playful twinkle in her eyes. “But you be careful with what you do to this girl, young man. Because I’m sure Naomi will have your head if she’s hurt in any way, big or small.”
Alyssa blushed and Lance grinned, “I’m sorry, Aunt Lynn. We were just playing around. You know, she was trying to strangle me and all...”
Lynn looked at Alyssa strangely, “Now why would a sweet girl like Alyssa Carter want to do that, Lance?”
Alyssa grinned and Lance choked. “What... what did you say, Aunt Lynn? Sweet? You’re... you’re calling Alyssa... Alyssa CARTER... a sweet girl?”
“That’s what I said.”
Lance burst out laughing and Alyssa frowned at him, a pout on her face. She elbowed him in the ribs and even Lynn couldn’t help but smile when Lance howled. “You don’t have to be that obvious about it.”
Lance finally got over his choking fit. “Sorry...”
“Well, anyway, I came in here to tell you two that I’m going out for dinner with a few friends now. You two stay here and make yourselves at home.”
Alyssa nodded and thanked Lynn. With a chuckle, Lynn left Lance and Alyssa alone. “So... how about lasagna for dinner?” Alyssa cackled evilly when Lance’s face burned.
Alyssa and Lance were eating in Lance’s room. ‘Dinner in bed’ as Alyssa called it. Alyssa had cooked lasagna and he had changed into his pajamas and taken another warm shower while she did. Lance found himself wishing he was half as good at cooking as Alyssa was. Just half as good and he would die a contented man.
“Mmm... Alyssa, I swear you cook the best meals I have ever tasted in my life!” Lance told her, relishing the food with a satisfied look on his face.
“Well, considering your cooking skills, I’m not surprised.”
Lance grinned, “Ouch.”
“Anyway, this does taste good, if I do say so myself.”
Lance sighed, “Alyssa... stop rubbing it in, would ya? I know my cooking absolutely stinks but I think you should at least leave me with some self-esteem.”
“Your ego, Mr. Lansten Bass, is big enough to fill this whole room without me adding on to it!” Alyssa poked him in the chest and giggled when he flinched in mock pain.
“Hey!” Lance protested. “I resent that!”
“Whatever...” Alyssa giggled.
They ate in companionable silence for a few moments when Alyssa’s eyes started travelling with a mind of their own. They wandered aimlessly over Lance’s slightly muscular arms, and the way he held his fork and knife in his hands was fixed in her mind. Lance’s shirt hugged his body and as her eyes ran over his chest, she almost groaned aloud. Lance heard her breathing heavily and he almost fell off the bed when he looked up and saw the look in her eyes... the look that read ‘DAMN! That is SEXY!’
“Uh... Alyssa? Just what are you looking at that is, um, intriguing you so badly?” he asked, half-amused and half-amazed.
“I... um... well...” Alyssa stuttered, not knowing what to say. “I was, uh, looking at... at...” You! She wanted to scream. I was looking at you and thinking how damn sexy you are! Instead, she said, “I was looking at... at the... the lasagna! Yeah...”
“Uh... I’m sorry if I misread that look in your eyes just screaming ‘that is sexy’... but if I’m not misreading you then... you think lasagna is sexy?”
“I... it’s not... I mean... oh dammit Lance... why would I be thinking about sexy lasagna when I have the world’s sexiest guy in front of my face?” The minute the words came out of her mouth, Alyssa knew she had made a big mistake. She bit her lip and an embarrassed look masked her face. “Oh my god! I am so sorry. I didn’t mean that. Well, yes I did, but... I’M SORRY LANCE! Don’t take it the wrong way. Oh my god, I can’t believe I said that! Dammit Ally, what the hell were you thinking?”
Lance bit his bottom lip and chewed on it, “Forget it, Al. I know that was just a moment of temporary insanity on your part.”
“Temp... temporary insanity... right, right...” Alyssa bit her lip. Temporary insanity, my ass! Don’t you even think about denying it, girl. You always had it bad for Lance. The only reason things are any different now is because you guys are good, no, best friends and... he has feelings for your best friend! And you happen to think JC is kinda cute too. So just stick with JC and let Lance be with Naomi. She’s already starting to fall for him... I think.
Lance switched on the television when they seemed to have run out of things to say. Alyssa was being strangely quiet and he just couldn’t deal with the uncomfortable silence anymore. That’s funny, he thought to himself. This never happened to us before. We always knew what to say and there was never any hesitation. Okay, so this situation is a bit different... she just admitted she thought, no, she thinks you’re sexy. It’s no big deal...
Dammit Lance, who do you think you’re trying to fool? It’s ridiculous! Alyssa telling you in your face how appealing you are... well, that should be enough to make you want to order her out of the house! Does this mean... that you’re starting to like her too? Or... was everything with Naomi just infatuation? And was there more to your feelings for Alyssa than you thought? Lance sighed in confusion.
His head jerked up when he heard Alyssa giggle. “What?”
“I was just thinking how all men seem to have to flip through at least fifty different channels before they pick the one they started out with in the first place.”
Lance smiled despite himself, “Hmm... I never thought of it that way before. I guess you’re right,” he admitted, switching the channels anyway. “But maybe it’s because we want to check out all the possible programs before carefully making our pick.”
“You’re not even looking at the television.”
Lance shrugged and grinned, spooning the last bit of lasagna into his mouth. Alyssa swallowed her last piece of lasagna. “Was that nice?”
“I’m actually resisting the urge to lick the plates clean. Does that tell you anything?” Lance laughed as Alyssa took the plates and headed for the kitchen.
Just as she left the room, she poked her head back in and said, “Oh, and by the way Lance, just so you know, that was micro-waved.”
Lance grinned, and a pink tinge appeared on his cheeks. “It doesn’t matter,” He told Alyssa. “It tastes better than my cooking anyway.”
Alyssa chuckled as she headed down the hall, calling over her shoulder, “That’s true, Lance. That’s very true.”
Lance sighed, glad that the awkward moment was over. He switched off the television and lay his head back on the pillow. He hated to admit it, but his head was starting to spin again. His throat felt much better but his head felt like it was splitting in two. He didn’t want to tell Alyssa, because he knew she would make a big deal out of it.
But as soon as Alyssa re-entered his room and saw the frown creasing his forehead, she knew that he wasn’t feeling as good as he claimed to be. “Lance? Tell me honestly, how are you feeling?”
“Much better.”
“Oh don’t give me that crap. I know you’re not feeling good. You’re going pale again and you’re frowning. Do you know how much that small action of yours is giving away?” Alyssa folded her arms across her chest as she plopped down next to Lance.
Lance forced a smile. “I swear I felt fine a minute ago. But as soon as you left the room my head just started pounding away.”
“Finally you’ve admitted to it!” Alyssa sighed and shook her head at Lance. She tucked him under the covers, despite his protests. “I don’t care that you haven’t brushed your teeth, Lance. I don’t care that you haven’t done whatever you do in the toilet at night. One night won’t kill you! You need your rest and you need it NOW!”
Lance started protesting again and Alyssa bent over and brushed her lips lightly against his, hoping to shut him up. She almost swooned as she straightened again but she tried to look unaffected as she continued tucking him in. Her kiss served it’s purpose, though. Lance was quiet and he looked stunned.
Alyssa sat down again and she swallowed painfully when she remembered the texture of Lance’s full lips. Soft and tender... and yet... there was still something manly and... appealing about his lips. Lance could feel the butterflies in his stomach and he tried desperately to ignore it. Damn! That was good... and about a million baaaaaddd thoughts are racing through my head right now - mostly they’re about Al’s damn lips - but whoa! Lance... stop, Lance... this is getting dirty. Hell, that was plain wicked! “Um... how... how was dinner?” he asked Alyssa, trying to get her mind off of the kiss she had just given him when he felt as though he couldn’t even think straight.
“It was... yummy.” Alyssa licked her lips mischievously and grinned when Lance blushed. Then uneasiness of the moment slowly ebbed away and Alyssa sighed with relief when Lance chuckled.
Definitely yummy... especially when I get a taste of Lance Bass’ lips as dessert!
(Ten minutes later.)
Alyssa smiled down at Lance’s sleeping figure. She sighed and stroked his cheek gently. Then she bent down and dropped a kiss on his nose, giggling when he shifted and moved his nose. She couldn’t help thinking how rabbit-like he looked at that moment. A cute rabbit with a woffly nose, she thought.
Alyssa leaned her head gently on Lance’s chest, smiling. She closed her eyes and soon fell asleep, lulled by Lance’s deep and even breathing and the rise and fall of his chest as he slept peacefully on...
TBC
