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Oct. 15th, 2003 10:42 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
amfiguree[Het] [N'sync] [PG-13]
Steal My Heart
(Three days later, At Naomi’s house.)
“Mayo? Mayo, wake up.”
Naomi turned her face away from the light as her eyelids opened sleepily. “Mmph... give me about an hour... no, two hours!”
Alyssa smiled at Naomi’s grumpy reply, “Come on, sleepyhead. We’re going to be late for work if you don’t hurry.”
“We?” Naomi’s head lifted slightly. “You’re quitting teaching?”
Alyssa poked out her tongue, “It was a slip of the tongue. There’s no way I’m quitting teaching. Not even if I could work for my boyfriend!”
“Your boyfriend?” Naomi giggled. “You guys went on, what, three dates in the past few days? And now Chase is your boyfriend? Dream on, Ally.”
“You’re just jealous because you don’t have a boyfriend from N’sync!” Alyssa taunted and giggled.
Naomi rolled her eyes, “No, but I have two guys who look after me like brothers, two guys who act like they’ve known me all their life, and one guy after me... and guess what? They’re all from N’sync!”
Alyssa chuckled at Naomi’s sarcastic reply. “That still doesn’t beat having a boyfriend from N’sync.”
“Look, if I wanted a boyfriend from N’sync, Lance is always open. I just need a bit more time to be sure. Tonight will be the deciding night, I guess. So... if you want to say your best girl pal is dating your best guy friend, who happens to be from N’sync, then you better pray that everything runs smoothly for Lance tonight.”
Alyssa giggled, “No way!”
“What? You won’t be rooting for the guy?”
“Uh-uh. I’m gonna be praying that it runs smoothly for you. I know Lance, and I bet you’ll be swept off of your feet.”
Naomi shrugged and gave Alyssa a confident grin, “If anyone’s shocked that badly, it’s gonna be Lance.”
“You got it wrong, Mayo. The title of that song is ‘It’s gonna be me’, not ‘It’s gonna be Lance’.” James’ head poked out of his room and he smiled at the two girls. “You were talking about N’sync song titles, weren’t you?”
Alyssa looked at Naomi, who looked back at Alyssa. They rolled their eyes and groaned in harmony. “Have you been surfing the net, bro?”
“Uh huh. You wouldn’t believe the stuff I found out about those guys. Lance was from Mississippi and he was the last band member to be recruited. JC and Justin were in the MMC, Mickey Mouse Club, and that’s how they met up. When-”
Alyssa held up a hand to James’ mouth, “We knew that, thank you.”
“Chase told me about the MMC thing before. Honestly, I wish I could have seen him then. But I guess he needed some privacy and all. Besides, I remember we never used to watch television then.”
Alyssa nodded, “No wonder we never heard of the club. Or of JC either.”
Naomi shrugged, “Anyway James, your information isn’t very useful, unfortunately. If you’re trying to become a fan, you really have to work harder. That’s the kind of stuff thirteen year olds have memorized by heart. Not to mention Chase’s favourite colour, Justin’s favourite hangout, Lance’s favourite music, Joey’s favourite birthday cake and Chris’ favourite hairstyle. The history of the band isn’t really going to help much at this stage, James, so why don’t you just give it up?”
James groaned and shook his head, “I just knew there was something I’d forgotten! Joey’s birthday cake! Damn!”
Alyssa giggled and Naomi couldn’t help but smile. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, shocked to find herself aching... everywhere.
Naomi groaned and blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Okay, Ally. Out of my way! I need to freshen up and get dressed so we can get out of here.”
“Oh, right...” Alyssa giggled. “I almost forgot that was the reason I came to wake you up.”
Naomi raised her eyebrows and walked painfully into her room. She glanced at the clock on the tabletop as she walked into the bathroom. Then she stopped and her eyes widened. She backtracked a few steps and STARED at the clock. She picked it up and shook it wildly. Then she held it up to her ear. “Hmm... it’s working... which means...”
Naomi’s eyes widened in disbelief. She threw her head back and yelled, “ALYSSA CARTER! WHY THE HELL DID YOU WAKE ME UP AT SIX FIFTEEN IN THE MORNING WHEN I ONLY HAVE TO BE THERE BY NINE?!”
Alyssa waltzed into the room with a sheepish expression on her face. “Well,” she began. “The guys will be there by eight to get things ready. They told you nine because they were worried you’d be bored!”
“And have you ever considered the fact that I might be bored and maybe they just don’t want me around? And did you take into the consideration the fact that I’ve been sleeping at God knows what time these past few nights?”
“I didn’t know you slept that late,” Alyssa admitted. “But, well, from the look of your eye-bags, I guess...”
Naomi sighed, threw her hands in the air and gave an exclamation of impatience. Alyssa hung her head in mock repentance. “I’m so sorry... won’t you forgive your best buddy in the world for wanting desperately to meet her boyfriend?”
“Ally, stop calling him your boyfriend.” Naomi groaned.
“But... I think he likes it.”
Naomi’s eyes popped out of her skull. “Uh, Ally, who do I get the feeling I’m not going to like what you said to him?”
“Um... I never said I would tell you anything.”
“Well, I’m not exactly giving you a choice,” Naomi glared at Alyssa. “Okay, I am. Death or the answer?”
Alyssa held up her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay! Well, I called him and I asked him where he was-”
“No, no, no!” Naomi was practically bursting with curiosity and excitement was gleaming in her eyes. “You know what I mean. I... want... DETAILS!”
“Okay!” Alyssa was practically jumping with nerves as she clutched at Naomi’s arm. “I know I’m acting really stupid here but... OH MY GOD!”
“So... what was it like?”
“Like? What was it like? Hell, I don’t know... I was thinking something along the lines of I WANT TO EAT HIM UP! Hmm... how does that sound?”
Naomi giggled, “Awesome.”
Alyssa giggled, “You think? I think so too!” Alyssa let out a high-pitched squeal and Naomi couldn’t resist doing the same. “I can’t believe this! It is so so incredible!” Alyssa was jumping up and down and Naomi shook her head at her friend’s joy.
“Okay! I’m happy for you too. But are you going to give me the details or do I have to resort to desperate measures?”
Alyssa nodded and bounced onto the bed. She grinned and bit her lip. Naomi bounced up and down with excitement and anticipation. “So?”
“Okay... here is our word-for-word conversation. I remembered every single detail and it was like... mmm...”
Naomi grinned at Alyssa’s dreamy expression. “Sounds good to me! Bring it on, girl friend!”
“So, I called him and he sounded so cute! He just woke up, he said. So I was worried I was the one who had woken him and-”
“WORD FOR WORD, Ally!”
“Okay...” Alyssa cleared her throat. “I said hello and he said hey girl and then he yawned and-”
“STOP!” Naomi screamed.
“What?” Alyssa asked irritably.
“I can’t understand it. Look, try again. Um... maybe you could, you know, say something like JC said so-and-so, then I said so-and-so.”
Alyssa made an impatient sound in her throat. “It’s too difficult. I’ll write it down instead and you can read it.”
Naomi nodded eagerly, “Okay. Write!”
Alyssa picked up a pen and a piece of colored paper. This was a piece of paper she was going to keep for as long as she could.
Alyssa: Hello? JC?
JC: Hey girl! What’s up? (Yawns)
Alyssa: Hey, are you okay? Did I wake you up or something?
JC: Oh no! I just woke up. (clears throat) Is something wrong?
Alyssa: (after a pause) I, um, I was missing you... so I thought I’d call.
JC: (coughs) Um, that was a sweet thought. Thank you, Alyssa.
Alyssa: (after a pause again) I... what time are you guys getting to Jive this morning?
JC: (sounding a bit disappointed) About eight. So it’s a good thing I’m up this early. Thanks for the call. It was kinda like a wake-up call. (Laughs)
Alyssa: (Laughs) No problem. I should call up to check on my boyfriend every once in a while, shouldn’t I?
JC: (sounding amazed and pleased) Your what?
Alyssa: (cheeks burning) Um, my boyfriend.
JC: Are... are we that close already?
Alyssa: (starting to feel alarmed) Um, I don’t know. I feel as though we are. I feel like I’ve liked you since forever, JC. I believe in love at first sight... so why not love in a few weeks? I’m sorry if you think it’s too rushed...
JC: (interrupts) No! No! It’s not rushed at all. Um... but... love? Do your feelings for me run that deep already?
Alyssa: (uncertainly) I don’t know... but...
JC: it just gives you a tingly feeling? (Finishing the sentence using lovers’ telepathy)
Alyssa: Maybe you think I’m just being the world’s biggest bitch but I just... there’s just that feeling I get... (feeling like a total moron)
JC: NO! (Vehemently) No, I’m not thinking that at all. (Softer, sweeter tone only lovers use) I kinda get the same feeling too... (LOVERS’ TELEPATHY AGAIN!)
Alyssa: (smiling shyly even though he cannot see it) Really?
JC: Uh-huh...
Alyssa: Um... okay. Thank you. I feel much better after that.
JC: (with a VERY concerned note in his voice) were you feeling miserable just now, Alyssa? Don’t be sad, sweetie.
Alyssa: I could never feel sad after talking to you, JC.
JC: Then we should talk more. A lot more. (Added slyly)
Alyssa: (blushing furiously) um... yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
JC: Well, then... I’ll talk to you later, okay, honey?
Alyssa: (grinning at the word ‘honey’) okay, sweetheart. Bye.
JC: (Kissed the receiver) Bye.
Alyssa: Wait! That kiss... do I get any more?
JC: (teasingly) Sure you do. I can’t let my girl go without getting a kiss from me, can I? You’ll get more... later.
Alyssa: (blushing like a tomato) Can’t wait. Bye.
Naomi looked up from the piece of paper and stared at the grinning Alyssa in the eyes. “You didn’t really say all that?”
“Of course I did.”
Naomi bit her lip and groaned. “You asked him if you’d get any more kisses? You... ugh Alyssa... this is the most romantic phone call I’ve heard in ages.”
Alyssa stared at Naomi, stunned. “Romantic? That’s romantic?”
“In a way.”
“Oh yeah right... get real, Taylor. That is NOTHING.”
“What?” Naomi’s mind reeled. “You’re already getting something as icky as that out of Chase and you’re still not satisfied? Whoa... we need a doctor!”
“NAY-OH-MEE!” Alyssa broke Naomi’s name into three syllabus and yelled. “There’s a romantic side of JC that you haven’t seen before.”
“Seeing is believing,” Naomi told her.
“Just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. You don’t have to see it in black and white to know that Lance likes you, or that JC’s super-protective of you, or that Justin loves you like a sister.”
“That’s different. Feelings can’t be seen, they have to be felt.”
Alyssa rolled her eyes, “And that’s why you’re telling me this isn’t romantic? Of course it’s not as romantic on paper but if you were one of us...”
“I don’t think I’d have the guts to take it.”
Alyssa stomped her foot, “Naomi Taylor! Stop saying stuff like that. You can tease me about anything and everything, but not THIS!”
Naomi held her hands up in front of her. “Who said I was teasing? I meant it, Alyssa! Okay, okay... don’t get all worked up.”
“Ugh! I am positively going to SLAP you,” Alyssa glared at Naomi, who pretended to cower under her gaze. If looks could kill, Naomi would have fallen into an automatic pit that would have been dug for her with a white rose in her hands at that very moment. “Now get your ass moving and let’s GO!”
Naomi shrugged, “You’re the boss.”
“Then GO!”
Naomi sighed, “Five minutes.”
“NOW!”
Naomi trudged to the toilet. “And I thought love was supposed to make you cheerful. Ally’s proving the theory - Love is sweet - all wrong.”
“I heard that!”
Naomi shuddered at Alyssa’s tone of voice. “Slip of the tongue!” she lied lamely. “I’ll be out soon.”
(Two hours later, At Jive’s car park.)
Alyssa gave Naomi a quick hug and hopped out of the car. “Thank you so much! I love you! Thank you thank you thank you!”
Naomi rolled her eyes and giggled, “Just remember you owe me one.”
“I owe you several for this!” Alyssa grinned and waved as Naomi circled the place for a space to park. Naomi waved back and shook her head when five minutes later, Alyssa flew into Jive, acting as though there was a tiger at her heels.
Alyssa swung the door open and crashed right into Lance’s chest. “Ow!” Alyssa howled, rubbing her head. Lance was rubbing his chest but looked up when he heard her voice. “Hey! Can’t you-”
“Alyssa! Hey girl!” Lance gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Lance!” Alyssa giggled and flung her arms around his neck. “HELLO! You called last night, didn’t you? And you didn’t even ask for me! Was your mind too full of your girlfriend-to-be?”
Lance blushed, “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, Al. Okay, next time I call, I will never forget to ask for you again. Happy now?”
Alyssa pretended to consider before laughing and nodding.
Lance studied her with a puzzled expression on his face. “It’s not that I’m not glad you’re here, but I thought we told Naomi nine...?”
Alyssa smiled slyly, blushing. “It’s, um, it’s my fault. Actually I-”
“Let me guess,” Lance grinned. “It’s got something to do with your, ahem, boyfriend. He wouldn’t happen to be around here, would he?”
Alyssa went even redder, “How do you know about that? I mean, what are you talking about?”
Lance shrugged, a shrewd smile on his face, “Hmm... well, the bad thing about being in love with JC is that we all have really big mouths and we’ll pry every bit of information out of each other. Even the, um, private stuff.” Lance giggled at Alyssa’s horrified look. “And... we absolutely love listening to romantic conversations on the phone. Some call it prying, but I think it’s looking out for each other.”
Alyssa’s stunned expression turned into a defiant one when she heard Lance hint about the phone calls. “You didn’t... you wouldn’t... not at six in the morning...”
Lance chuckled and shrugged, “Ah... never say never, my dear. I believe the kissing booth is, um, outside the recording booth.”
Alyssa frowned at Lance’s joke, but a smile tugged at her lips anyway. “When I find that guy... you THREE - oh yeah Justin, I know you’re there...” Alyssa grinned triumphantly when Justin walked out from behind a wall, his head down.
“I’m sorry,” Justin whined.
“As I was saying, you THREE are TOAST!” Alyssa practically ran to the recording booth as soon as she had finished. Justin and Lance stared after her. Then they looked at each other and began giggling.
“Phew, am I lucky!” Britney giggled as she stepped out from Justin’s hiding place. “She didn’t think innocent little me was in on this too, did she?”
Lance grinned. Justin ran a hand through his curls when Alyssa called, “Britney! How could you do this to me? How could you gang up with them!?”
Britney stuck her tongue out. “Uh-oh.”
Lance giggled, “Busted.”
“Hey all!” Naomi smiled as she entered the room. She looked at Justin, Lance and then at Britney. “Hi! I’m guessing, by your alikeness to the picture of the girl in Justin’s wallet that he moons over and shows me at least ten thousand times a day, that you must be the very famous Britney?”
Britney grinned. She liked Naomi already. “And I’m guessing you’re the older-cum-younger-sister that Justin talks about non-stop about... Naomi?”
Naomi extended her hand and Britney shook it warmly. “Guess I’ll have to count on you to teach him his manners when I’m not around.”
Naomi shrugged, but there was a twinkle in her eye. “Britney, your boyfriend needs some serious lessons here.”
Justin stared from Britney to Naomi and back to Britney again. He shook his head, shuddered and threw his hands in the air, “Women!”
Lance smiled, “Hey gorgeous. Slept well?”
Naomi blushed and Justin raised his eyebrows in shock. “Yes, very. Thank you, Lance. You’ve had sweet dreams so far, I hope?”
Lance grinned as Justin elbowed him, “Sugar sweet.”
Justin stared at them and Britney smiled at his look of confusion. “Hey, hey! Back up a step! Lance... that phone call rule applies to you too. Spill.”
Lance shrugged as Naomi whacked Justin on the shoulder and Britney giggled. “There’s nothing to say.”
Justin rolled his eyes, “Fine. Tell me when you’re ready. Come on sweetie, let’s leave these two alone.” Justin linked arms with Britney and they strolled serenely into the lift. Naomi shrugged when the lift doors closed and Justin gave her a naughty wink.
Lance smiled and stuck his hands in his pockets, “So... how about tonight? I mean, do you think there’s time to go home first?”
Naomi shrugged, “I brought an extra change of clothes anyway.”
Lance smiled. “Great. Come on, let’s go up.”
Naomi smiled and linked arms with him. She heard Lance sigh and giggled. “Come on good-looking. Let’s go.”
(Later in the evening, In Naomi’s bedroom.)
“Ally! There is NO way I’m going to be ready before Lance comes to get me!” Naomi wailed, “What am I going to do?”
“You’re lucky they let you leave early to get ready for the date,” Alyssa told her, patting her shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry. You look beautiful. Just make sure you don’t trip over that dress.”
“Oh no,” Naomi moaned. “Now I just know I’m going to act like a klutz.”
“Well, Lance is the N’sync klutz so you guys would make a perfect match,” Alyssa joked, trying to lighten things up.
Naomi buried her head in her hands, “Oh, this is a disaster!”
“Nonsense,” Alyssa chided her. “Stand up and turn around. You are going on that date, Cinders.”
Naomi stood up and twirled around, feeling extremely stupid. She had a long turquoise dress on. It bared her shoulders and swept the floor. Naomi sighed, feeling like a Barbie doll. Alyssa smiled and nodded. She forced Naomi back onto the chair and powdered her face lightly, applying a light coat of cheek-colour and stepped back, studying her ‘masterpiece’. She giggled when Naomi pouted.
“You look gorgeous,” Alyssa said consolingly.
Naomi shook her head and tied her long hair into a ponytail. Then she pulled the ribbon off with a groan. “Alyssa, my hair...”
Alyssa picked up a pin and in a matter of seconds, had Naomi’s hair stylishly tied up. Naomi managed a small smile, “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Alyssa smiled, when she heard the sound of a horn in the driveway. “That’s your cue,” she whispered, filled with excitement.
Naomi promptly went pale and clutched at Alyssa’s arm. “I can’t do this. It’s too difficult. I’ve thought of at least ten thousand ways this date could be screwed up. Ally, I can’t! Don’t do this to me!”
Alyssa sighed as she pushed her wailing best friend out of the room and into the living room. Lance was there and Naomi shut up. Her eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw him. “Um... hi... Lance.”
“H-hi...” Lance was just as flabbergasted to see her.
Naomi studied Lance. From his neat shirt and long pants to his black overcoat, he looked stunning. She looked up from his legs and her eyes slammed into his. There was a twinkle in the midst of the pale green ocean she was gazing into. It was a twinkle that spoke of excitement, wonder, happiness and... fear. Naomi tried to pull out of the trance she seemed to be stuck in but she couldn’t. They stared into each other’s eyes, enthralled, for a few seconds before James cleared his throat. They jumped and exchanged guilty looks.
James smiled sweetly and batted his eyelashes. “Thank you for your attention.” Lance blushed at James’ words. James shrugged and waved his hand to the door, “The door’s that way. Get out and be back before, oh I don’t know, three in the morning, would you say?” James said sarcastically.
Naomi rolled her eyes and slipped her arm through Lance’s. “James, you know perfectly well I’ll be back at twelve, latest. Come on Lance,” she smiled at him. “Let’s go.”
James leaned his arm on Alyssa’s shoulder as the young couple walked out of the room. “Beautiful,” he couldn’t help saying.
“What?”
“She looks beautiful. They look beautiful,” Then James sighed. “You’re not going to like this, Alyssa, but Naomi and JC look even more beautiful together.”
Alyssa narrowed her eyes, “James, say no more. You’re right, I don’t like what you’re saying and I don’t want to hear it. Clear?”
“Crystal,” James said, uncharacteristically obediently.
Alyssa sighed and her shoulders sagged as she walked back into the room. James stared after her, a small smile on his handsome face, “You’re only saying that because somewhere, deep down inside, you know you agree with me too.” He whispered after her, as the grin grew wider and wider.
Lance smiled when he saw Naomi raise her eyebrows when she saw the car. He had decorated it with balloons and streamers which were flapping in the cold night air. Naomi giggled and hopped into the car. Lance slid into the driver’s seat and handed her a pair of scissors. “Would you do the honors?”
Naomi chuckled and nodded. She took the scissors and snipped at the balloons. As they drove off, Naomi stared up into the sky, watching the multi-colored bubbles of air as they gently rose and flew away. She smiled. Lance squeezed her hand, “Impressed?”
Naomi resisted the urge to scream. She bit her lip and nodded. Lance’s green eyes were piercing into her. Plus, his hand was on hers. Dangerous combination. Naomi pulled away quickly and stared out of the window.
“What’s wrong?” Lance asked softly, and Naomi couldn’t help noticing the hurt tone in his voice.
She bit her lip and sighed, “Nothing’s wrong, Lance. You just don’t know how amazing you look tonight.” She grinned mischievously at him so he would know she was half-kidding. “I’m kinda feeling like Alyssa said - I want to eat you up!”
Lance laughed, “Uh-huh. Naomi, being with you always brings me on an ego trip.”
Naomi smiled, “Well, Ally tries to get rid of the ego and I just build it back. I mean, what’s a guy without an ego? Nothing but a brainless twit.”
Naomi giggled as Lance made an strangled noise and looked at her with an indignant expression on his face. “What?” she asked innocently. “Am I wrong?”
Lance shrugged and turned back to the road, but he couldn’t help smiling. “Well, you’re a woman. So in the Mother Nature Book Of Law And Order that makes you never wrong. Unfortunately, I am a male and I’m in a chauvinistic mood so yes, you are wrong. I am not a brainless twit with an ego.”
Naomi hid a smile, “Wow. Sure could’ve fooled me.”
Lance narrowed his eyes at her, “Is this ‘Pick On Your Date’ day or something?”
“Actually, it’s more like a ‘Pick On All Males’ day,” Naomi giggled.
“Just great,” Lance laughed. “I’m going to be sitting across you all through dinner and you’re probably going to sit back and insult me. Is that what you’re saying?”
“My sentiments exactly.”
Lance sighed, “Well it’s going to be one heck of an evening then, isn’t it?”
“Oh, you got that one right.” Naomi smiled, “Impressive.”
Lance rolled his eyes, “Naomi, do me a favor.”
“What’s that?”
“Just shut up.” Lance looked at Naomi and she looked back at him. She smiled and nodded. “Thank you!” Lance cheered, relaxing in his seat. A few moments later he looked at her and said, “What would you like for dinner?”
Naomi shrugged, “Anything’s fine,” she mouthed. Then zipped her lips together to show that she was still shutting up.
Lance sighed, “Tonight is not going to be easy, is it? All right, all right, you can talk now. Jesus Naomi!”
Naomi smiled, “Thank you!” she chuckled. Then she shrugged, “I supposed you’d made reservations by now. I didn’t know it would be a last minute kinda thing.”
Lance smiled brightly, “You supposed right then. I just asked so it would seem polite. I thought maybe we’d go to... ah, I shouldn’t tell you. That would ruin everything, wouldn’t it, Naomi?”
Naomi chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully. “Well maybe you could give me a tiny hint?”
“Uh-uh. Just stick around and you’ll see.” Lance chuckled at Naomi’s interested expression.
Naomi shrugged, “I’m not exactly going anywhere unless you let me.”
Lance grinned, “Does that mean you’re seeking my approval?”
“No, it just means I’m glued to this seat and until you stop the engine so I can get out, I’m stuck here anyway.”
Lance laughed, “Whatever you say.”
They drove along for a few minutes before Lance pulled up at a nearby park. He grinned slyly at Naomi, who gulped. “Okay, Lance. I’ve been hanging around long enough to know that that expression of yours means you’re up to no good.”
“What gave you that impression? I’m an angel!” Lance protested.
Naomi gave him a bored look, “Lance, sweetheart, I hate to burst your bubble, but even Joey’s more of an angel than you are.” Naomi raised her eyebrows at her own statement. “Hmm... come to think of it, that’s a pretty scary thought.”
Lance narrowed his eyes, “And here I thought I’d be able to regain some of the egotism Alyssa took away from me.”
Naomi smiled brightly, “Tough luck buddy.”
Lance laughed, “All right. Enough with the sarcasm for now, okay? Just humor me and put this on.” Lance handed Naomi a blindfold. “Oh come on, sweetie!”
Naomi sighed, “I get the feeling I’m going to regret this.”
She quickly put on the blindfold and waited impatiently as Lance pulled something out of the car. She hopped from one foot to another and sighed when Lance still wasn’t done. “Lance? Please please hurry. I feel like an idiot.”
Lance laughed, “I’m almost done. Just hang on a few seconds.”
Naomi sighed then brightened when Lance gently took her elbow and led her forward. They walked onto a soft patch of grass and Naomi giggled as the green blades tickled her ankles. Lance bent down and Naomi felt a soft wind at her ankles. “What are you doing, Lance?”
Lance smiled, “You’ll see. Just give me a second.”
After a few moments, Lance removed Naomi’s blindfold. She smiled, “Finally.” She opened her eyes and gasped involuntarily. They were at a park. There were sprinklers sending tiny blasts of water into the air. There were lights in the midst of the greenery and they were shining dimly. At her feet there was a blanket and on top of it was a basket of food. Naomi smiled when Lance bent down to open the basket.
“Lance, it’s beautiful,” she whispered, smiling. “Thank you.”
Lance looked up at her, took her hand and kissed the back of it, “Thank you for coming. Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get the food out of this basket.”
Naomi looked a little worried as she sat down. “Uh, Lance? You... you didn’t happen to cook that, did you?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Oh,” Naomi almost winced when she heard Lance’s words. Okay, so he cooked the food. No worries. Ally’s cooking is good and her teaching is even better. Relax. It’ll probably be the best meal you’ve ever tasted. After all, how many girls get to say Lance Bass of N’sync actually cooked a whole meal for them?
Lance giggled at her apprehensiveness. “Don’t worry,” he reassured her, as he pulled the food out of the basket. Naomi’s eyes almost popped out of her head. There was lasagna, spaghetti, all kinds of pasta, baked potatoes...
“Lance, you do realize there are only two of us, don’t you?”
Lance laughed, “Don’t worry. Justin’s offered to eat the leftovers. He’s a sucker for food, so it wasn’t really a big problem.”
Naomi laughed, “I’m resenting that comment on his behalf.”
Lance shrugged, but there was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “I’m agreeing with it on Joey, Chris and JC’s behalf.”
Naomi grinned and sat down opposite Lance. He put a candleholder in the middle of the blanket and lit the three candles standing on it. “You’re quite the romantic, aren’t you Lance?” Naomi asked, amazed by the atmosphere Lance had managed to create. “Or have you just been reading too many romance novels lately?”
Lance chuckled, but didn’t reply. He spread the food out, handed Naomi a plate, a fork and a spoon before grinning, “Tuck in.”
Naomi smiled and spooned the food onto her plate. Gingerly she tasted a bit of the spaghetti. Her eyes bulged when the food attacked her taste buds and Lance honestly thought she was going to faint. He bit his lip and gulped. “Uh, Naomi... that’s going a bit far, don’t you think? My cooking can’t be that bad.”
Naomi chewed a bit more before answering through gritted teeth, “Oh, it’s, um, very good Lance. I was a bit surprised I guess. Don’t worry. It’s, um, why don’t you try some?”
Lance heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.” He bit into his pasta and frowned, “Oh... I see...”
Naomi nodded slowly, an embarrassed smile on her face. “You see Lance, um, the food tastes great but... it’s rubbery.”
Lance licked his lips nervously. “Uh huh.” He swallowed his pasta with some difficulty and grinned sheepishly. “Looks like the atmosphere was for nothing, huh? I think the food’s enough to scare even the bravest girl away.”
Naomi laughed, “It was getting a bit tense anyway, Lance. I don’t usually manage to survive in a serious atmosphere for too long. Let’s just hang out and enjoy ourselves, okay? We’re both twenty-one so why don’t we do what everyone else is doing and just live the moment?”
Lance smiled, “All right then. Your wish is my command.”
Naomi stretched out and then flopped backwards onto the grass. She sighed contentedly as the grass tickled her and Lance smiled when he saw the picture Naomi made as she lay on the grass with her eyes closed peacefully. The grass surrounded her like a gentle glowing light. Naomi smiled and murmured, “Mmm... heaven.”
“You’re quite a nature person yourself, Naomi.” Lance commented as he lay down next to her with his hands placed under his head.
Naomi smiled, “My dad was never home much, because he was a lawyer and my mom was always busy with the housework. Usually Chase would come over to my house and we’d play in the garden. We had a tree house and everything. We used to play for hours on end and still we weren’t tired of it. We never got tired of it. We’d just sit around for hours, even on the wettest days, and just look at the scenery around us.”
Lance chuckled at the thought. “Well, well, well,” he said. “JC sounds quite the romantic. What did you guys use to do?”
“Well... we’d play just like any other brother and sister. It was always so much fun. To me it always seemed as though there was something magical about Chase. When we played together, it always felt so right. It was like there were no boundaries between us and for those few magical hours I would forget the troubles and worries plaguing me.” Naomi smiled, closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. “I miss those days.”
Lance smiled sadly, “I would too if I were you.”
Naomi twirled a curl of hair on her finger. She felt guilty for talking about JC when she was supposed to be on a date with Lance. She sat up and grinned at Lance, who grinned back. He sat up and ran a hand tenderly through her hair. Naomi’s eyebrows raised in amusement. “There was grass in your hair,” Lance said.
Naomi smiled. “I see.”
They stood up in unison as if they had planned it and began walking around the park, hand-in-hand. There wasn’t a soul to be seen and Naomi looked around in surprise. “Where is everyone?” she wondered aloud. “It’s so lonely and quiet and... beautiful. I feel like I’m dreaming.”
Lance smiled, “I booked the whole park. Would you like me to show you the bill? I’m sure you’ll realize that this is no dream when you see it.”
Naomi’s fingers tightened around Lance’s and she shook her head, “If I am dreaming, I don’t want to wake up. I think it’s perfect.”
Lance’s breath caught in his throat at her tone. He swallowed nervously and turned to look at her. Naomi’s hair was blowing gently in the wind and Lance could only stare at her beauty. She turned to him questioningly and he reached out to touch her cheek. She automatically leaned in to the warmth his hand provided. Lance smiled.
The mood is right. The feel is right. Everything’s perfect. Instinctively, Lance wrapped his arms around Naomi’s neck and her hands found their way into his hair, where her fingers began massaging gently. Lance almost groaned when he felt her gentle, soothing touch against his aching neck. He leaned forward slightly and Naomi closed her eyes, waiting for the kiss she knew was coming. Lance closed his eyes and they waited for the moment that was soon coming, Naomi tilted her head when she felt his lips press gently against hers...
TBC
Steal My Heart
(Three days later, At Naomi’s house.)
“Mayo? Mayo, wake up.”
Naomi turned her face away from the light as her eyelids opened sleepily. “Mmph... give me about an hour... no, two hours!”
Alyssa smiled at Naomi’s grumpy reply, “Come on, sleepyhead. We’re going to be late for work if you don’t hurry.”
“We?” Naomi’s head lifted slightly. “You’re quitting teaching?”
Alyssa poked out her tongue, “It was a slip of the tongue. There’s no way I’m quitting teaching. Not even if I could work for my boyfriend!”
“Your boyfriend?” Naomi giggled. “You guys went on, what, three dates in the past few days? And now Chase is your boyfriend? Dream on, Ally.”
“You’re just jealous because you don’t have a boyfriend from N’sync!” Alyssa taunted and giggled.
Naomi rolled her eyes, “No, but I have two guys who look after me like brothers, two guys who act like they’ve known me all their life, and one guy after me... and guess what? They’re all from N’sync!”
Alyssa chuckled at Naomi’s sarcastic reply. “That still doesn’t beat having a boyfriend from N’sync.”
“Look, if I wanted a boyfriend from N’sync, Lance is always open. I just need a bit more time to be sure. Tonight will be the deciding night, I guess. So... if you want to say your best girl pal is dating your best guy friend, who happens to be from N’sync, then you better pray that everything runs smoothly for Lance tonight.”
Alyssa giggled, “No way!”
“What? You won’t be rooting for the guy?”
“Uh-uh. I’m gonna be praying that it runs smoothly for you. I know Lance, and I bet you’ll be swept off of your feet.”
Naomi shrugged and gave Alyssa a confident grin, “If anyone’s shocked that badly, it’s gonna be Lance.”
“You got it wrong, Mayo. The title of that song is ‘It’s gonna be me’, not ‘It’s gonna be Lance’.” James’ head poked out of his room and he smiled at the two girls. “You were talking about N’sync song titles, weren’t you?”
Alyssa looked at Naomi, who looked back at Alyssa. They rolled their eyes and groaned in harmony. “Have you been surfing the net, bro?”
“Uh huh. You wouldn’t believe the stuff I found out about those guys. Lance was from Mississippi and he was the last band member to be recruited. JC and Justin were in the MMC, Mickey Mouse Club, and that’s how they met up. When-”
Alyssa held up a hand to James’ mouth, “We knew that, thank you.”
“Chase told me about the MMC thing before. Honestly, I wish I could have seen him then. But I guess he needed some privacy and all. Besides, I remember we never used to watch television then.”
Alyssa nodded, “No wonder we never heard of the club. Or of JC either.”
Naomi shrugged, “Anyway James, your information isn’t very useful, unfortunately. If you’re trying to become a fan, you really have to work harder. That’s the kind of stuff thirteen year olds have memorized by heart. Not to mention Chase’s favourite colour, Justin’s favourite hangout, Lance’s favourite music, Joey’s favourite birthday cake and Chris’ favourite hairstyle. The history of the band isn’t really going to help much at this stage, James, so why don’t you just give it up?”
James groaned and shook his head, “I just knew there was something I’d forgotten! Joey’s birthday cake! Damn!”
Alyssa giggled and Naomi couldn’t help but smile. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, shocked to find herself aching... everywhere.
Naomi groaned and blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Okay, Ally. Out of my way! I need to freshen up and get dressed so we can get out of here.”
“Oh, right...” Alyssa giggled. “I almost forgot that was the reason I came to wake you up.”
Naomi raised her eyebrows and walked painfully into her room. She glanced at the clock on the tabletop as she walked into the bathroom. Then she stopped and her eyes widened. She backtracked a few steps and STARED at the clock. She picked it up and shook it wildly. Then she held it up to her ear. “Hmm... it’s working... which means...”
Naomi’s eyes widened in disbelief. She threw her head back and yelled, “ALYSSA CARTER! WHY THE HELL DID YOU WAKE ME UP AT SIX FIFTEEN IN THE MORNING WHEN I ONLY HAVE TO BE THERE BY NINE?!”
Alyssa waltzed into the room with a sheepish expression on her face. “Well,” she began. “The guys will be there by eight to get things ready. They told you nine because they were worried you’d be bored!”
“And have you ever considered the fact that I might be bored and maybe they just don’t want me around? And did you take into the consideration the fact that I’ve been sleeping at God knows what time these past few nights?”
“I didn’t know you slept that late,” Alyssa admitted. “But, well, from the look of your eye-bags, I guess...”
Naomi sighed, threw her hands in the air and gave an exclamation of impatience. Alyssa hung her head in mock repentance. “I’m so sorry... won’t you forgive your best buddy in the world for wanting desperately to meet her boyfriend?”
“Ally, stop calling him your boyfriend.” Naomi groaned.
“But... I think he likes it.”
Naomi’s eyes popped out of her skull. “Uh, Ally, who do I get the feeling I’m not going to like what you said to him?”
“Um... I never said I would tell you anything.”
“Well, I’m not exactly giving you a choice,” Naomi glared at Alyssa. “Okay, I am. Death or the answer?”
Alyssa held up her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay! Well, I called him and I asked him where he was-”
“No, no, no!” Naomi was practically bursting with curiosity and excitement was gleaming in her eyes. “You know what I mean. I... want... DETAILS!”
“Okay!” Alyssa was practically jumping with nerves as she clutched at Naomi’s arm. “I know I’m acting really stupid here but... OH MY GOD!”
“So... what was it like?”
“Like? What was it like? Hell, I don’t know... I was thinking something along the lines of I WANT TO EAT HIM UP! Hmm... how does that sound?”
Naomi giggled, “Awesome.”
Alyssa giggled, “You think? I think so too!” Alyssa let out a high-pitched squeal and Naomi couldn’t resist doing the same. “I can’t believe this! It is so so incredible!” Alyssa was jumping up and down and Naomi shook her head at her friend’s joy.
“Okay! I’m happy for you too. But are you going to give me the details or do I have to resort to desperate measures?”
Alyssa nodded and bounced onto the bed. She grinned and bit her lip. Naomi bounced up and down with excitement and anticipation. “So?”
“Okay... here is our word-for-word conversation. I remembered every single detail and it was like... mmm...”
Naomi grinned at Alyssa’s dreamy expression. “Sounds good to me! Bring it on, girl friend!”
“So, I called him and he sounded so cute! He just woke up, he said. So I was worried I was the one who had woken him and-”
“WORD FOR WORD, Ally!”
“Okay...” Alyssa cleared her throat. “I said hello and he said hey girl and then he yawned and-”
“STOP!” Naomi screamed.
“What?” Alyssa asked irritably.
“I can’t understand it. Look, try again. Um... maybe you could, you know, say something like JC said so-and-so, then I said so-and-so.”
Alyssa made an impatient sound in her throat. “It’s too difficult. I’ll write it down instead and you can read it.”
Naomi nodded eagerly, “Okay. Write!”
Alyssa picked up a pen and a piece of colored paper. This was a piece of paper she was going to keep for as long as she could.
Alyssa: Hello? JC?
JC: Hey girl! What’s up? (Yawns)
Alyssa: Hey, are you okay? Did I wake you up or something?
JC: Oh no! I just woke up. (clears throat) Is something wrong?
Alyssa: (after a pause) I, um, I was missing you... so I thought I’d call.
JC: (coughs) Um, that was a sweet thought. Thank you, Alyssa.
Alyssa: (after a pause again) I... what time are you guys getting to Jive this morning?
JC: (sounding a bit disappointed) About eight. So it’s a good thing I’m up this early. Thanks for the call. It was kinda like a wake-up call. (Laughs)
Alyssa: (Laughs) No problem. I should call up to check on my boyfriend every once in a while, shouldn’t I?
JC: (sounding amazed and pleased) Your what?
Alyssa: (cheeks burning) Um, my boyfriend.
JC: Are... are we that close already?
Alyssa: (starting to feel alarmed) Um, I don’t know. I feel as though we are. I feel like I’ve liked you since forever, JC. I believe in love at first sight... so why not love in a few weeks? I’m sorry if you think it’s too rushed...
JC: (interrupts) No! No! It’s not rushed at all. Um... but... love? Do your feelings for me run that deep already?
Alyssa: (uncertainly) I don’t know... but...
JC: it just gives you a tingly feeling? (Finishing the sentence using lovers’ telepathy)
Alyssa: Maybe you think I’m just being the world’s biggest bitch but I just... there’s just that feeling I get... (feeling like a total moron)
JC: NO! (Vehemently) No, I’m not thinking that at all. (Softer, sweeter tone only lovers use) I kinda get the same feeling too... (LOVERS’ TELEPATHY AGAIN!)
Alyssa: (smiling shyly even though he cannot see it) Really?
JC: Uh-huh...
Alyssa: Um... okay. Thank you. I feel much better after that.
JC: (with a VERY concerned note in his voice) were you feeling miserable just now, Alyssa? Don’t be sad, sweetie.
Alyssa: I could never feel sad after talking to you, JC.
JC: Then we should talk more. A lot more. (Added slyly)
Alyssa: (blushing furiously) um... yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
JC: Well, then... I’ll talk to you later, okay, honey?
Alyssa: (grinning at the word ‘honey’) okay, sweetheart. Bye.
JC: (Kissed the receiver) Bye.
Alyssa: Wait! That kiss... do I get any more?
JC: (teasingly) Sure you do. I can’t let my girl go without getting a kiss from me, can I? You’ll get more... later.
Alyssa: (blushing like a tomato) Can’t wait. Bye.
Naomi looked up from the piece of paper and stared at the grinning Alyssa in the eyes. “You didn’t really say all that?”
“Of course I did.”
Naomi bit her lip and groaned. “You asked him if you’d get any more kisses? You... ugh Alyssa... this is the most romantic phone call I’ve heard in ages.”
Alyssa stared at Naomi, stunned. “Romantic? That’s romantic?”
“In a way.”
“Oh yeah right... get real, Taylor. That is NOTHING.”
“What?” Naomi’s mind reeled. “You’re already getting something as icky as that out of Chase and you’re still not satisfied? Whoa... we need a doctor!”
“NAY-OH-MEE!” Alyssa broke Naomi’s name into three syllabus and yelled. “There’s a romantic side of JC that you haven’t seen before.”
“Seeing is believing,” Naomi told her.
“Just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. You don’t have to see it in black and white to know that Lance likes you, or that JC’s super-protective of you, or that Justin loves you like a sister.”
“That’s different. Feelings can’t be seen, they have to be felt.”
Alyssa rolled her eyes, “And that’s why you’re telling me this isn’t romantic? Of course it’s not as romantic on paper but if you were one of us...”
“I don’t think I’d have the guts to take it.”
Alyssa stomped her foot, “Naomi Taylor! Stop saying stuff like that. You can tease me about anything and everything, but not THIS!”
Naomi held her hands up in front of her. “Who said I was teasing? I meant it, Alyssa! Okay, okay... don’t get all worked up.”
“Ugh! I am positively going to SLAP you,” Alyssa glared at Naomi, who pretended to cower under her gaze. If looks could kill, Naomi would have fallen into an automatic pit that would have been dug for her with a white rose in her hands at that very moment. “Now get your ass moving and let’s GO!”
Naomi shrugged, “You’re the boss.”
“Then GO!”
Naomi sighed, “Five minutes.”
“NOW!”
Naomi trudged to the toilet. “And I thought love was supposed to make you cheerful. Ally’s proving the theory - Love is sweet - all wrong.”
“I heard that!”
Naomi shuddered at Alyssa’s tone of voice. “Slip of the tongue!” she lied lamely. “I’ll be out soon.”
(Two hours later, At Jive’s car park.)
Alyssa gave Naomi a quick hug and hopped out of the car. “Thank you so much! I love you! Thank you thank you thank you!”
Naomi rolled her eyes and giggled, “Just remember you owe me one.”
“I owe you several for this!” Alyssa grinned and waved as Naomi circled the place for a space to park. Naomi waved back and shook her head when five minutes later, Alyssa flew into Jive, acting as though there was a tiger at her heels.
Alyssa swung the door open and crashed right into Lance’s chest. “Ow!” Alyssa howled, rubbing her head. Lance was rubbing his chest but looked up when he heard her voice. “Hey! Can’t you-”
“Alyssa! Hey girl!” Lance gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Lance!” Alyssa giggled and flung her arms around his neck. “HELLO! You called last night, didn’t you? And you didn’t even ask for me! Was your mind too full of your girlfriend-to-be?”
Lance blushed, “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, Al. Okay, next time I call, I will never forget to ask for you again. Happy now?”
Alyssa pretended to consider before laughing and nodding.
Lance studied her with a puzzled expression on his face. “It’s not that I’m not glad you’re here, but I thought we told Naomi nine...?”
Alyssa smiled slyly, blushing. “It’s, um, it’s my fault. Actually I-”
“Let me guess,” Lance grinned. “It’s got something to do with your, ahem, boyfriend. He wouldn’t happen to be around here, would he?”
Alyssa went even redder, “How do you know about that? I mean, what are you talking about?”
Lance shrugged, a shrewd smile on his face, “Hmm... well, the bad thing about being in love with JC is that we all have really big mouths and we’ll pry every bit of information out of each other. Even the, um, private stuff.” Lance giggled at Alyssa’s horrified look. “And... we absolutely love listening to romantic conversations on the phone. Some call it prying, but I think it’s looking out for each other.”
Alyssa’s stunned expression turned into a defiant one when she heard Lance hint about the phone calls. “You didn’t... you wouldn’t... not at six in the morning...”
Lance chuckled and shrugged, “Ah... never say never, my dear. I believe the kissing booth is, um, outside the recording booth.”
Alyssa frowned at Lance’s joke, but a smile tugged at her lips anyway. “When I find that guy... you THREE - oh yeah Justin, I know you’re there...” Alyssa grinned triumphantly when Justin walked out from behind a wall, his head down.
“I’m sorry,” Justin whined.
“As I was saying, you THREE are TOAST!” Alyssa practically ran to the recording booth as soon as she had finished. Justin and Lance stared after her. Then they looked at each other and began giggling.
“Phew, am I lucky!” Britney giggled as she stepped out from Justin’s hiding place. “She didn’t think innocent little me was in on this too, did she?”
Lance grinned. Justin ran a hand through his curls when Alyssa called, “Britney! How could you do this to me? How could you gang up with them!?”
Britney stuck her tongue out. “Uh-oh.”
Lance giggled, “Busted.”
“Hey all!” Naomi smiled as she entered the room. She looked at Justin, Lance and then at Britney. “Hi! I’m guessing, by your alikeness to the picture of the girl in Justin’s wallet that he moons over and shows me at least ten thousand times a day, that you must be the very famous Britney?”
Britney grinned. She liked Naomi already. “And I’m guessing you’re the older-cum-younger-sister that Justin talks about non-stop about... Naomi?”
Naomi extended her hand and Britney shook it warmly. “Guess I’ll have to count on you to teach him his manners when I’m not around.”
Naomi shrugged, but there was a twinkle in her eye. “Britney, your boyfriend needs some serious lessons here.”
Justin stared from Britney to Naomi and back to Britney again. He shook his head, shuddered and threw his hands in the air, “Women!”
Lance smiled, “Hey gorgeous. Slept well?”
Naomi blushed and Justin raised his eyebrows in shock. “Yes, very. Thank you, Lance. You’ve had sweet dreams so far, I hope?”
Lance grinned as Justin elbowed him, “Sugar sweet.”
Justin stared at them and Britney smiled at his look of confusion. “Hey, hey! Back up a step! Lance... that phone call rule applies to you too. Spill.”
Lance shrugged as Naomi whacked Justin on the shoulder and Britney giggled. “There’s nothing to say.”
Justin rolled his eyes, “Fine. Tell me when you’re ready. Come on sweetie, let’s leave these two alone.” Justin linked arms with Britney and they strolled serenely into the lift. Naomi shrugged when the lift doors closed and Justin gave her a naughty wink.
Lance smiled and stuck his hands in his pockets, “So... how about tonight? I mean, do you think there’s time to go home first?”
Naomi shrugged, “I brought an extra change of clothes anyway.”
Lance smiled. “Great. Come on, let’s go up.”
Naomi smiled and linked arms with him. She heard Lance sigh and giggled. “Come on good-looking. Let’s go.”
(Later in the evening, In Naomi’s bedroom.)
“Ally! There is NO way I’m going to be ready before Lance comes to get me!” Naomi wailed, “What am I going to do?”
“You’re lucky they let you leave early to get ready for the date,” Alyssa told her, patting her shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry. You look beautiful. Just make sure you don’t trip over that dress.”
“Oh no,” Naomi moaned. “Now I just know I’m going to act like a klutz.”
“Well, Lance is the N’sync klutz so you guys would make a perfect match,” Alyssa joked, trying to lighten things up.
Naomi buried her head in her hands, “Oh, this is a disaster!”
“Nonsense,” Alyssa chided her. “Stand up and turn around. You are going on that date, Cinders.”
Naomi stood up and twirled around, feeling extremely stupid. She had a long turquoise dress on. It bared her shoulders and swept the floor. Naomi sighed, feeling like a Barbie doll. Alyssa smiled and nodded. She forced Naomi back onto the chair and powdered her face lightly, applying a light coat of cheek-colour and stepped back, studying her ‘masterpiece’. She giggled when Naomi pouted.
“You look gorgeous,” Alyssa said consolingly.
Naomi shook her head and tied her long hair into a ponytail. Then she pulled the ribbon off with a groan. “Alyssa, my hair...”
Alyssa picked up a pin and in a matter of seconds, had Naomi’s hair stylishly tied up. Naomi managed a small smile, “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Alyssa smiled, when she heard the sound of a horn in the driveway. “That’s your cue,” she whispered, filled with excitement.
Naomi promptly went pale and clutched at Alyssa’s arm. “I can’t do this. It’s too difficult. I’ve thought of at least ten thousand ways this date could be screwed up. Ally, I can’t! Don’t do this to me!”
Alyssa sighed as she pushed her wailing best friend out of the room and into the living room. Lance was there and Naomi shut up. Her eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw him. “Um... hi... Lance.”
“H-hi...” Lance was just as flabbergasted to see her.
Naomi studied Lance. From his neat shirt and long pants to his black overcoat, he looked stunning. She looked up from his legs and her eyes slammed into his. There was a twinkle in the midst of the pale green ocean she was gazing into. It was a twinkle that spoke of excitement, wonder, happiness and... fear. Naomi tried to pull out of the trance she seemed to be stuck in but she couldn’t. They stared into each other’s eyes, enthralled, for a few seconds before James cleared his throat. They jumped and exchanged guilty looks.
James smiled sweetly and batted his eyelashes. “Thank you for your attention.” Lance blushed at James’ words. James shrugged and waved his hand to the door, “The door’s that way. Get out and be back before, oh I don’t know, three in the morning, would you say?” James said sarcastically.
Naomi rolled her eyes and slipped her arm through Lance’s. “James, you know perfectly well I’ll be back at twelve, latest. Come on Lance,” she smiled at him. “Let’s go.”
James leaned his arm on Alyssa’s shoulder as the young couple walked out of the room. “Beautiful,” he couldn’t help saying.
“What?”
“She looks beautiful. They look beautiful,” Then James sighed. “You’re not going to like this, Alyssa, but Naomi and JC look even more beautiful together.”
Alyssa narrowed her eyes, “James, say no more. You’re right, I don’t like what you’re saying and I don’t want to hear it. Clear?”
“Crystal,” James said, uncharacteristically obediently.
Alyssa sighed and her shoulders sagged as she walked back into the room. James stared after her, a small smile on his handsome face, “You’re only saying that because somewhere, deep down inside, you know you agree with me too.” He whispered after her, as the grin grew wider and wider.
Lance smiled when he saw Naomi raise her eyebrows when she saw the car. He had decorated it with balloons and streamers which were flapping in the cold night air. Naomi giggled and hopped into the car. Lance slid into the driver’s seat and handed her a pair of scissors. “Would you do the honors?”
Naomi chuckled and nodded. She took the scissors and snipped at the balloons. As they drove off, Naomi stared up into the sky, watching the multi-colored bubbles of air as they gently rose and flew away. She smiled. Lance squeezed her hand, “Impressed?”
Naomi resisted the urge to scream. She bit her lip and nodded. Lance’s green eyes were piercing into her. Plus, his hand was on hers. Dangerous combination. Naomi pulled away quickly and stared out of the window.
“What’s wrong?” Lance asked softly, and Naomi couldn’t help noticing the hurt tone in his voice.
She bit her lip and sighed, “Nothing’s wrong, Lance. You just don’t know how amazing you look tonight.” She grinned mischievously at him so he would know she was half-kidding. “I’m kinda feeling like Alyssa said - I want to eat you up!”
Lance laughed, “Uh-huh. Naomi, being with you always brings me on an ego trip.”
Naomi smiled, “Well, Ally tries to get rid of the ego and I just build it back. I mean, what’s a guy without an ego? Nothing but a brainless twit.”
Naomi giggled as Lance made an strangled noise and looked at her with an indignant expression on his face. “What?” she asked innocently. “Am I wrong?”
Lance shrugged and turned back to the road, but he couldn’t help smiling. “Well, you’re a woman. So in the Mother Nature Book Of Law And Order that makes you never wrong. Unfortunately, I am a male and I’m in a chauvinistic mood so yes, you are wrong. I am not a brainless twit with an ego.”
Naomi hid a smile, “Wow. Sure could’ve fooled me.”
Lance narrowed his eyes at her, “Is this ‘Pick On Your Date’ day or something?”
“Actually, it’s more like a ‘Pick On All Males’ day,” Naomi giggled.
“Just great,” Lance laughed. “I’m going to be sitting across you all through dinner and you’re probably going to sit back and insult me. Is that what you’re saying?”
“My sentiments exactly.”
Lance sighed, “Well it’s going to be one heck of an evening then, isn’t it?”
“Oh, you got that one right.” Naomi smiled, “Impressive.”
Lance rolled his eyes, “Naomi, do me a favor.”
“What’s that?”
“Just shut up.” Lance looked at Naomi and she looked back at him. She smiled and nodded. “Thank you!” Lance cheered, relaxing in his seat. A few moments later he looked at her and said, “What would you like for dinner?”
Naomi shrugged, “Anything’s fine,” she mouthed. Then zipped her lips together to show that she was still shutting up.
Lance sighed, “Tonight is not going to be easy, is it? All right, all right, you can talk now. Jesus Naomi!”
Naomi smiled, “Thank you!” she chuckled. Then she shrugged, “I supposed you’d made reservations by now. I didn’t know it would be a last minute kinda thing.”
Lance smiled brightly, “You supposed right then. I just asked so it would seem polite. I thought maybe we’d go to... ah, I shouldn’t tell you. That would ruin everything, wouldn’t it, Naomi?”
Naomi chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully. “Well maybe you could give me a tiny hint?”
“Uh-uh. Just stick around and you’ll see.” Lance chuckled at Naomi’s interested expression.
Naomi shrugged, “I’m not exactly going anywhere unless you let me.”
Lance grinned, “Does that mean you’re seeking my approval?”
“No, it just means I’m glued to this seat and until you stop the engine so I can get out, I’m stuck here anyway.”
Lance laughed, “Whatever you say.”
They drove along for a few minutes before Lance pulled up at a nearby park. He grinned slyly at Naomi, who gulped. “Okay, Lance. I’ve been hanging around long enough to know that that expression of yours means you’re up to no good.”
“What gave you that impression? I’m an angel!” Lance protested.
Naomi gave him a bored look, “Lance, sweetheart, I hate to burst your bubble, but even Joey’s more of an angel than you are.” Naomi raised her eyebrows at her own statement. “Hmm... come to think of it, that’s a pretty scary thought.”
Lance narrowed his eyes, “And here I thought I’d be able to regain some of the egotism Alyssa took away from me.”
Naomi smiled brightly, “Tough luck buddy.”
Lance laughed, “All right. Enough with the sarcasm for now, okay? Just humor me and put this on.” Lance handed Naomi a blindfold. “Oh come on, sweetie!”
Naomi sighed, “I get the feeling I’m going to regret this.”
She quickly put on the blindfold and waited impatiently as Lance pulled something out of the car. She hopped from one foot to another and sighed when Lance still wasn’t done. “Lance? Please please hurry. I feel like an idiot.”
Lance laughed, “I’m almost done. Just hang on a few seconds.”
Naomi sighed then brightened when Lance gently took her elbow and led her forward. They walked onto a soft patch of grass and Naomi giggled as the green blades tickled her ankles. Lance bent down and Naomi felt a soft wind at her ankles. “What are you doing, Lance?”
Lance smiled, “You’ll see. Just give me a second.”
After a few moments, Lance removed Naomi’s blindfold. She smiled, “Finally.” She opened her eyes and gasped involuntarily. They were at a park. There were sprinklers sending tiny blasts of water into the air. There were lights in the midst of the greenery and they were shining dimly. At her feet there was a blanket and on top of it was a basket of food. Naomi smiled when Lance bent down to open the basket.
“Lance, it’s beautiful,” she whispered, smiling. “Thank you.”
Lance looked up at her, took her hand and kissed the back of it, “Thank you for coming. Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get the food out of this basket.”
Naomi looked a little worried as she sat down. “Uh, Lance? You... you didn’t happen to cook that, did you?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Oh,” Naomi almost winced when she heard Lance’s words. Okay, so he cooked the food. No worries. Ally’s cooking is good and her teaching is even better. Relax. It’ll probably be the best meal you’ve ever tasted. After all, how many girls get to say Lance Bass of N’sync actually cooked a whole meal for them?
Lance giggled at her apprehensiveness. “Don’t worry,” he reassured her, as he pulled the food out of the basket. Naomi’s eyes almost popped out of her head. There was lasagna, spaghetti, all kinds of pasta, baked potatoes...
“Lance, you do realize there are only two of us, don’t you?”
Lance laughed, “Don’t worry. Justin’s offered to eat the leftovers. He’s a sucker for food, so it wasn’t really a big problem.”
Naomi laughed, “I’m resenting that comment on his behalf.”
Lance shrugged, but there was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “I’m agreeing with it on Joey, Chris and JC’s behalf.”
Naomi grinned and sat down opposite Lance. He put a candleholder in the middle of the blanket and lit the three candles standing on it. “You’re quite the romantic, aren’t you Lance?” Naomi asked, amazed by the atmosphere Lance had managed to create. “Or have you just been reading too many romance novels lately?”
Lance chuckled, but didn’t reply. He spread the food out, handed Naomi a plate, a fork and a spoon before grinning, “Tuck in.”
Naomi smiled and spooned the food onto her plate. Gingerly she tasted a bit of the spaghetti. Her eyes bulged when the food attacked her taste buds and Lance honestly thought she was going to faint. He bit his lip and gulped. “Uh, Naomi... that’s going a bit far, don’t you think? My cooking can’t be that bad.”
Naomi chewed a bit more before answering through gritted teeth, “Oh, it’s, um, very good Lance. I was a bit surprised I guess. Don’t worry. It’s, um, why don’t you try some?”
Lance heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.” He bit into his pasta and frowned, “Oh... I see...”
Naomi nodded slowly, an embarrassed smile on her face. “You see Lance, um, the food tastes great but... it’s rubbery.”
Lance licked his lips nervously. “Uh huh.” He swallowed his pasta with some difficulty and grinned sheepishly. “Looks like the atmosphere was for nothing, huh? I think the food’s enough to scare even the bravest girl away.”
Naomi laughed, “It was getting a bit tense anyway, Lance. I don’t usually manage to survive in a serious atmosphere for too long. Let’s just hang out and enjoy ourselves, okay? We’re both twenty-one so why don’t we do what everyone else is doing and just live the moment?”
Lance smiled, “All right then. Your wish is my command.”
Naomi stretched out and then flopped backwards onto the grass. She sighed contentedly as the grass tickled her and Lance smiled when he saw the picture Naomi made as she lay on the grass with her eyes closed peacefully. The grass surrounded her like a gentle glowing light. Naomi smiled and murmured, “Mmm... heaven.”
“You’re quite a nature person yourself, Naomi.” Lance commented as he lay down next to her with his hands placed under his head.
Naomi smiled, “My dad was never home much, because he was a lawyer and my mom was always busy with the housework. Usually Chase would come over to my house and we’d play in the garden. We had a tree house and everything. We used to play for hours on end and still we weren’t tired of it. We never got tired of it. We’d just sit around for hours, even on the wettest days, and just look at the scenery around us.”
Lance chuckled at the thought. “Well, well, well,” he said. “JC sounds quite the romantic. What did you guys use to do?”
“Well... we’d play just like any other brother and sister. It was always so much fun. To me it always seemed as though there was something magical about Chase. When we played together, it always felt so right. It was like there were no boundaries between us and for those few magical hours I would forget the troubles and worries plaguing me.” Naomi smiled, closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. “I miss those days.”
Lance smiled sadly, “I would too if I were you.”
Naomi twirled a curl of hair on her finger. She felt guilty for talking about JC when she was supposed to be on a date with Lance. She sat up and grinned at Lance, who grinned back. He sat up and ran a hand tenderly through her hair. Naomi’s eyebrows raised in amusement. “There was grass in your hair,” Lance said.
Naomi smiled. “I see.”
They stood up in unison as if they had planned it and began walking around the park, hand-in-hand. There wasn’t a soul to be seen and Naomi looked around in surprise. “Where is everyone?” she wondered aloud. “It’s so lonely and quiet and... beautiful. I feel like I’m dreaming.”
Lance smiled, “I booked the whole park. Would you like me to show you the bill? I’m sure you’ll realize that this is no dream when you see it.”
Naomi’s fingers tightened around Lance’s and she shook her head, “If I am dreaming, I don’t want to wake up. I think it’s perfect.”
Lance’s breath caught in his throat at her tone. He swallowed nervously and turned to look at her. Naomi’s hair was blowing gently in the wind and Lance could only stare at her beauty. She turned to him questioningly and he reached out to touch her cheek. She automatically leaned in to the warmth his hand provided. Lance smiled.
The mood is right. The feel is right. Everything’s perfect. Instinctively, Lance wrapped his arms around Naomi’s neck and her hands found their way into his hair, where her fingers began massaging gently. Lance almost groaned when he felt her gentle, soothing touch against his aching neck. He leaned forward slightly and Naomi closed her eyes, waiting for the kiss she knew was coming. Lance closed his eyes and they waited for the moment that was soon coming, Naomi tilted her head when she felt his lips press gently against hers...
TBC
