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[Het] [N'sync] [PG-13]
Steal My Heart
(Naomi’s house, forty-five minutes ago)
“Morning!” JC yawned, stretching his long limbs and trying to get the sleep out of his system. He almost groaned when his body screamed in protest at the movement. He was aching EVERYWHERE and he cursed under his breath, trying to get the crick out of his neck. It took a while but his body finally relaxed enough to put him out of his miserable torture. He yawned again then reached up to poke Alyssa in the ribs. “Wake up sleepy, we’ve got a mission on our hands.”
Alyssa moaned her protests and tried to flip over, putting the pillow over her head so she wouldn’t have to listen to JC’s bitching. But JC clapped his hand over her head with a stern, almost fatherly, expression on his face.
“Out of bed!” he ordered. “NOW!”
“All right, all right! I’m up, I’m up!” Alyssa grumbled, pulling herself reluctantly out of the warm covers of the bed.
JC grinned at Alyssa’s grumpiness. “Come on sweetheart,” he said, switching tactics almost immediately. From his role as a ‘strict father’ he went straight for the ‘baiting’ tactic. JC gave Alyssa a quick hug. “Do it for old Poofu.”
At the mere hint of Lance, Alyssa brightened. She jumped out of bed and ran for the toilet, but JC stepped inside first and slammed the door in her face. “Aww man! Come on, Jace! Let me go first!”
“No, just gimme five minutes! If I let you in here first, you’ll take forever and I’d never be able to get my shower.”
“You suck, JC.”
“I know,” JC smirked, the smile apparent in his voice. He turned on the faucet and doused himself in cold water, blocking out all sounds of Alyssa’s grumbling. (“Yeah, yeah...”) It wasn’t often that he woke up early without protest - hell, that practically NEVER happened in his life; it was good enough if the guys managed to wake him up after shaking him five times - but this morning had been different.
He had actually WANTED to get up and that was rare, really rare. It was even rarer than a blue moon, for crying out loud. But the thought of Naomi’s smiling face as she fooled around with Justin had made him ache to get up. He grinned, wiping the water out of his eyes. Well, well, well... who would’ve guessed it? I, JC Chasez, would actually want to wake up. Voluntarily! Intentionally! Jeez, the world must be coming to an end.
JC laughed out loud, shaking his head. Then he sobered up, thoughts of Naomi starting to cloud his mind. Her beautiful smile, confident, almost arrogant walk, her childishness that always made him smile, her seriousness, her frown, her laughter, her voice... he couldn’t stop thinking about her. And it killed him to know that he would only be able to see her three hours down the road.
“Come on, Jace,” he told himself, “Buck up. You hadn’t seen her in, like, eight years so what’s a dang couple of hours?”
JC’s eyebrows knitted into a frown as his fingers worked shampoo into his hair. “Maybe it’s because we hadn’t met in so long... god, I owe her so much time... okay, so I’m aching to see her again too, but that’s not the point. I do NOT go gaga over girls! C’mon JC, just thinking of her makes your world spin. Jesus!”
JC almost laughed out loud as the water hit his scalp and washed the shampoo suds out of his hair. “I think talking to myself is starting to become a bad habit of mine.” He shrugged and rolled his neck, trying to relax his aching muscles. “Okaaaayyyy, I also think sleeping on big, comfortable beds or whatever all the time makes me resistant to the floor.”
He giggled, choking a little when some water entered his mouth. He spat it out and began soaping his body. “Ugh,” he muttered when he felt the stubble growing on his chin. “Now I’m gonna have to borrow the stupid razor from James.”
JC was feeling moody, that was for sure. One minute he felt all giggly and light-headed with love and the next... the next he felt like crap.
He sighed. Then suddenly brightened at the thought of Naomi giggling as she ran her hand over his chin, feeling the stubble there tickling her. She used to love doing that, he remembered, to her dad whenever he came home from a business trip. And when she finally got tired of it she would look for him and feel HIS chin, asking why twelve-year-old boys didn’t have ‘little hairs on their chins’. JC grinned, feeling all his grumpiness vanish suddenly.
A memory came rushing back to him and JC realized that Naomi’s show of affection for those that she cared for always amazed him and brightened his day. Sometimes when JC sat back and thought about his friendship with Naomi, he’d think of Lizzie and wonder if she had ever liked him. It saddened him to think about that but this memory vividly brought back his feelings at the time.
“Daddy, Daddy! You’re home!” Naomi yelled, laughing as she flew down the stairs to meet her father.
Norman smiled and caught Naomi in his arms when she dashed at him, the impact forcing him to back up a few steps. He chuckled as he swung her around in circles, smiling as he listened to her giddy laughter.
He set Naomi on the ground gently after nuzzling his cheek against hers, making her giggle.
“I thought you were coming home tomorrow, honey,” Lizzie smiled tenderly as her husband pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She took his coat and slung it over the armchair. “Was there a change in schedule?”
“What? You mean you’re not happy to see me?” Norman pretended to frown. “Oh no. I suppose I should go back to work for a few hours and practice coming home again. What do you think, Naomi?”
“NO!” Naomi laughed, still a little giddy. She hugged Norman around the waist, “Stay right here! I’m so glad you’re home, daddy! I missed you SOOO much. Don’t go to work anymore.”
Norman smiled ruefully at Naomi’s statement, wishing he could comply with her request and yet knowing he couldn’t. “I’m sorry sweetie, I can’t do that. I’ll stay home for a couple of days, all right? And all the time will be reserved just for you and mommy. How about that? Would that be a good idea?”
Norman was down on one knee, holding Naomi’s small hands in his bigger ones. “Yeah,” Naomi said softly, without looking up at him. “I’d like that.”
“All right, it’s settled then?”
Naomi nodded, finally staring into Norman’s intense blue eyes with her own pale ones. “Yeah, it’s a deal.”
Lizzie looked fondly at the two of them, glad that Norman was home and that Naomi was looking happier than she had for the past few days. The happy trio had clean forgotten about the young boy who stood, rather uncomfortably, at a corner, not sure what to do with himself. He had seen the emotional side of the family, but it was always a bit uncomfortable watching them when they were acting like he didn’t exist.
He knew that they didn’t mean it. They were just so happy to see each other again that he kinda slipped their mind. He didn’t bear a grudge against that, but he was desperately hoping that Naomi would suddenly remember he was there.
Naomi was nestled against Norman’s broad chest, enjoying the sense of security she felt there. Her father had always been her world, just as she was his. He was constantly on her mind and her heart ached every time he had to leave the country for a business trip. Most children would have gotten used to it, since Norman traveled so often, but Naomi had never gotten accustomed to that feeling of loss.
She could always feel it when her father wasn’t around. It was as though a part of her had gone with him and without it, she felt lost and alone. The only thing that kept her from breaking down completely was JC. And her mom.
But her mom would be so busy trying to keep everything in order that sometimes she didn’t have the time to give. Luckily for her, Naomi would always have JC by her side. He kept her sane and he kept her going and she would always thank God for sending her miraculous friend her way.
Suddenly, Naomi head jerked up when she remembered that her best friend was still hanging around and she banged her head against Norman’s chin. “OW!” they both yelled, then they giggled.
No one was badly hurt, but JC slipped from Naomi’s mind yet again.
It wasn’t till later on when JC’s voice traveled to their ears that Naomi recalled her friend’s presence and berated herself for forgetting about him in the first place. “Um... daddy Norman?”
Norman looked up in surprise when he saw the young twelve-year-old boy standing timidly, almost fearfully, in the corner of the room. The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile that crinkled his eyes and made them twinkle.
“Well, hello there, Josh... I haven’t seen you in a while. How are you? Are Karen and Roy doing okay?”
JC nodded, grinning. He felt much better and a whole lot more at ease. “Um, I’m okay. Mom and Dad... yeah, they’re fine too.”
Lizzie smiled wanly at JC, and JC suddenly felt shy and all his unease returned in a flash. It always seemed to him that Lizzie had something against him. Her cold smiles and stares usually unnerved him and today was no exception.
“I’m sorry Joshua. We forgot you were here,” Lizzie nodded curtly at him. JC almost winced at the way Lizzie said his name - she always said his full name, and sometimes that freaked him out, because it seemed so cold and distant.
“Um... that’s okay,” JC said quietly, almost nervously. When Lizzie directed another fierce stare at him, JC finally understood what she wanted him to do. “I, uh... I think I should go now. Dinner should be starting soon.”
Naomi’s face fell. She didn’t see or feel the cold treatment Lizzie was gladly giving JC. She was worried that her friend was angry with her for forgetting him. “I’m sorry, Chase. I didn’t mean to-”
“No, no! It’s not that!” JC shook his head quickly, gulping when Lizzie gave him yet another look, as if daring him to keep talking. “I just... I’ve got a lot of, um... homework. And I think you and Daddy Norman should, uh, talk a while.”
“But you can stay!” Naomi protested.
Norman looked at his daughter’s frown and couldn’t resist a grin, knowing full well that Naomi wanted JC around. “Why don’t you stay and join us for dinner, Josh?” he offered, smiling benevolently at JC.
JC bit his lip as Lizzie began tapping her foot against the floor. “Um... I don’t think...” he began, but Lizzie cut him off.
“Yes, Joshua, why don’t you stay?”
JC looked up at Lizzie in surprise and he saw that her eyes had softened. She was looking at Naomi and the pout on her daughter’s face made her heart melt. She smiled down at JC again, and this time, the smile was friendlier. JC agreed quickly, thankful that Lizzie had dropped the cold front.
He turned back to Naomi and grinned when he saw she was stroking Norman’s chin, giggling softly as she did so.
Norman rubbed his chin against Naomi’s soft fingers, chuckling. He loved making his daughter laugh. She was perfectly beautiful in his eyes and he hoped that she would one day realize that.
JC stared at them for a while, still smiling. After a few minutes, Naomi got off Norman’s lap and walked towards JC, hands outstretched. JC didn’t even flinch; he just stood there curiously, wondering what Naomi wanted to do.
He grinned when her small hand cupped his chin and realized that she was trying to feel for his beard. He shook his head slowly at her disappointed look. “Catch, I don’t have a beard yet. I won’t grow one for a long time yet.”
Naomi’s face fell. But then JC ruffled her hair and she brightened, a mischievous grin on her face. “I’m gonna get you for that, Chase!”
JC shook his head, shaking with laughter, as he ran away from her. “I don’t think so, Catch.”
Norman smiled as he watched the two kids wrestle playfully in the grass. They were rolling on top of each other and Norman shook his head. He sighed wistfully, thinking of his younger days.
“Dad?”
Norman’s head jerked up for the second time that day and he smiled when he saw his thirteen-year-old son. “I’m home, James.”
James smiled and threw his arms around his father. “I missed you.”
“I did too.”
James turned his head to lean against Norman’s shoulder and father and son continued watching the younger children. “Are they gonna be this way forever, dad?” James asked softly, after a moment of silence.
Norman hugged his son close and whispered, “I hope so, James. I hope so.”
The hint of a smile played on JC’s lips as the memory sent a rush of warmth through him. “I miss you, Dad Norman,” he whispered softly, allowing a solitary tear to trickle down his cheek. There was never a day that went by that he hadn’t thought of Norman. They had shared a special bond and JC had loved the man as dearly as he loved his own father.
JC managed to compose himself and quickly rinsed himself clean. I bet I’ve taken a LOT longer than five minutes and any longer will have Alyssa busting in here to shove my ass outta this place.
JC grinned at his choice of words. “Well, if it was Catch then I probably wouldn’t mind,” he blushed.
Then he rolled his eyes. Yep, there I go. Off talking to myself again. As usual. Damn JC, you’re going to drive yourself insane if you keep on talking to yourself this way. I think I should go see a psychiatrist.
JC shook his head, then rubbed his temples. It seemed to be a habit now, just like him chewing on his bottom lip when he was nervous.
Alyssa’s voice broke into his thoughts and shook him out of his reverie. “HEY! JC! Are you done in there yet?”
JC shrugged on his T-shirt and pulled on a pair of worn jeans. It was true he wore atrocious clothes during shows, appearances and sometimes concerts but that was solely because the PRs thought it would be good for ONE of them to make a lasting impression. What JC couldn’t understand was why it had to be him. Out of all the band members, he was probably the one who dressed simplest. It drove him up the wall trying on all the tasteless clothes and having to say he LIKED them was even worse. “Coming!” he yelled back, in reply to Alyssa’s earlier question, before drifting back into his daydream about Naomi.
“Yeah, yeah,” Alyssa muttered, sitting back down on the edge of the bed. She should have known there wasn’t the slightest chance that JC would take five minutes to shower. She sighed and toyed around with the idea of Lance in her mind’s eye for a few minutes before giggling dizzily.
She could imagine Lance as though he was really there with her. His GORGEOUS sea-green eyes, slightly chubby cheeks, broad shoulders, spiky blonde hair, those kissable lips... Alyssa almost swooned at the thought.
If the THOUGHT of his lips is enough to send you in a fit of butterflies, imagine what actually KISSING them would do to you. Oh God... okay, okay, calm down Alyssa. It’s no biggie. He’s a guy. You’ve kissed guys before. Hell, you’ve kissed a lotta guys before! So calm down... take a deep breath... that’s it...
Alyssa laughed, “I can’t believe I’m coaching myself on this. I mean, it’s just plain ridiculous!”
Alyssa tried to get Lance off of her mind but, of course, was unsuccessful. He was constantly in her head, haunting her... She sighed and ran her hands through her hair, trying to untangle it a little but to no avail.
How do I get my mind off of him?’ Alyssa wondered. Is that even remotely possible? How can I moon over a guy who’s practically been my best friend for the past few weeks? Damn, is that even LEGAL? I mean, isn’t there, like, a law about falling in love with your best friend? You don’t just go, ‘hey, we’ve been best friends for a couple of weeks and it suddenly hit me that I’m in love with you!’. Jesus, what am I THINKING?’
Alyssa literally ran to the closet and began pulling clothes out of it. It was the only thing that could calm her down when she was in a frenzy and Naomi often joked about that. Soon, there was a small heap of clothes on the bed. Alyssa shook her head and tried to keep her shaking hands from tugging at anymore unsuitable clothing.
She stared at the pile of clothing on the bed and chuckled mirthlessly. Okay, so I’ve suddenly lost my sense of fashion taste today. These clothes went out of style, like, 2 years ago! Come on, Ally, LOOK through the closet and FIND something you like BEFORE ripping it off of it’s hanger. You can do that, can’t you?
With a slight nod to herself, Alyssa tried picking out a dress that hadn’t been cruelly torn off of it’s hanger. Her trained eyes skimmed quickly over the blues, reds, whites and finally landed on the yellows. She grinned and picked out the perfect dress. It was strapless, didn’t hide EVERYTHING and yet didn’t reveal too much. Alyssa pressed it against her body and spun around, laughing and admiring herself in the full-length mirror for a few seconds before throwing it carelessly onto the bed and hanging the rest of the dresses back in the wardrobe.
I guess that’s the good part about being a teacher, Alyssa thought to herself. You’re always so damned organized.
She amused herself with the thought of Lance’s shocked expression as he gave her a complete look over and giggled. “Leaving me bored out here is DEFINITELY a bad idea. I’m NEVER going to try this again.”
She began whistling tunelessly to herself, smiling as she heard the faucet in James’ bathroom being turned on. Days like these were altogether too rare and sometimes Alyssa missed the privilege of living off of someone, like she had as a child, but that thought was cleared away quickly enough. She loved her career, loved feeling independent and she wouldn’t change it for the world.
JC finally emerged from the toilet, ten minutes later. “Okay, I’m done. Please, be my guest and go right ahead.”
“Why didn’t you just lock yourself in the toilet and refuse to come out?” Alyssa grumbled, her back still facing him. When she finally turned around a grin appeared on her face and she laughed. “Whoa, you’re looking good!”
JC knew she was making a dig about his usually ‘weird’ taste in clothes. But he just shrugged. He was in too good a mood to argue or even have a friendly debate. He winked at her before smiling demurely and saying, “You’re not too bad yourself.”
Alyssa chuckled, shaking her head, and went into the toilet, glad to finally be able to get a cool shower and freshen up.
“I wonder what Lance is doing now,” Alyssa murmured as she stepped into the shower and allowed the warm water to run down her back. “I just wanna get him in here with me and...” Alyssa’s cheeks flushed and her eyes popped open.
Okay, NOT a good idea, Alyssa Carter. Forget it, do you understand? That was a... totally scream-worthy mental image. Alyssa gave herself a stern shake and shook her head. Okay, STOP THAT! Bad Alyssa.
No, wait! What’s wrong with me fantasizing about him? After all, if I can’t see the real thing, then who’s to say I can’t dream it? Alyssa blushed ever harder and she felt her spine tingle. Oh my god, did I just think what I think I thought?
JC cocked an eyebrow when he heard Alyssa let out a soft giggle and a contented sigh. He shrugged to himself, knowing how she sometimes had weird giggling habits. But when he saw the dress Alyssa had picked out lying on the bed, a grin stained his lips and he chuckled. “Damn that girl’s got style.”
He fingered the dress and smiled. Catch would look beautiful in this. Hang on, she looks beautiful in anything. Well, even when she’s NOT in anything. JC blushed but he had to bite his bottom lip to keep himself from laughing.
He gave himself a mental shake and called out to Alyssa, “Ally, I’m going to go grab a bite or something, okay? D’you want me to lock the door or something?”
“Yeah!” Alyssa’s voice traveled out to the room. “Lock the door when you leave. I’ll be out in a while.”
“Hopefully,” JC muttered, as he slid out of the room noiselessly, locking the door with a quiet click.
JC sighed, wandering around the house aimlessly for a few minutes and smiling when he heard James in the kitchen. The guy was like the older brother JC had never had and JC couldn’t imagine a better one.
JC couldn’t even begin to count the times James had helped him out. The talks they had shared those nights when JC couldn’t fall asleep, the times they had just sat around and watched Naomi breathing as she slept peacefully... those were some of the times that JC treasured most in his life. He missed the serenity of it all.
“James?” thirteen-year-old JC whispered as the two young boys watched Naomi dream peacefully.
“What, kid?”
“I’m not a kid.”
“Yeah, you are. I’ll stop calling you that when you’re older. When you actually stop BEHAVING like a kid.” James smirked.
“I don’t.”
“Uh huh. Whatever, kid.”
JC let the nickname slide for the moment and whispered, “Do you think I’ll be able to stay with Catch forever and ever?”
James looked misconstrued by the abrupt change of subject but he collected himself quickly and smiled at JC. “I don’t know. I mean, you guys are just too cute together. And every time Naomi sees you, she smiles like... I don’t know... but her eyes light up and she goes all... giggly. I hope you guys’ll stay together. I really do. But I can’t promise you anything, kid. You’re gonna have to go find that answer for yourself.”
The two boys were silent for a moment. Then...
“Maybe when you find that answer, I’ll stop calling you kid.”
JC looked up at James, then back at Naomi’s sleeping figure. “Promise?”
“Yeah. I promise, kid.”
“James?” JC called, as the memory warmed his heart.
“Yeah, Jace?”
JC smiled, knowing that James had checked Naomi’s room the night before. It was sort of customary for him and JC had grown used to it long before his career had started. “Naomi’s in Justin’s house. I just thought you should know.”
“Okay.”
“And James?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m not a kid anymore.”
“You sure aren’t, Jace. You sure aren’t.”
JC smiled at James’ proud tone. The guy had watched him grow up and he knew that James felt protective over him as well. It was such a wonderful feeling for JC to know that so many people genuinely cared about him. And I don’t even know what I’ve done to deserve this, JC thought to himself.
He was about to go out into the garden to think when he heard Alyssa call his name. He stared out the glass sliding doors for a second before sighing and turning abruptly, slamming right into Alyssa.
Forehead met forehead and JC saw stars. Automatically, his arms circled her waist to steady himself. Her arms reached around him desperately, grasping frantically for something to balance herself. Her hands clasped around JC’s neck as the couple tried hopelessly to steady themselves.
“Dammit!” JC cursed, blinking rapidly. He held her closer as he tried to get the birds that were flying crazily around his head to go away.
“Oh yeah, you got that right,” Alyssa moaned, trying to press her hand to her aching head in a bid to ease the throbbing.
JC stumbled forward at her movement and quickly raised his hands to push against the wall Alyssa was now leaning against, keeping himself from pressing onto her body and cutting off her oxygen supply.
JC knew they were in a tricky situation and his head was still spinning. That was definitely NOT a good sign. Alyssa’s back was against the wall and JC’s hands were on the either sides of her head, supporting his weight.
“Okaaaayyyy...” Alyssa mumbled, rubbing her temples. “I know now for a fact that you’ve got a hard head. A really hard head.”
JC chuckled but stopped when his head began to throb even harder, “You shouldn’t have stood behind me like that,” he chided. “Someone could have gotten hurt.”
Alyssa whimpered, “Someone already DID. Me.”
For a minute, JC’s vision blurred and he groaned. “God, my head feels like it’s going to split into two. Do they provide you with a metal covering for your brains or something at the school? Cos it sure feels that way.”
Alyssa laughed but it was cut short. “Don’t make me laugh. My head hurts even more.” she moaned.
JC rested his head on her shoulder blade for a few seconds, nuzzling against her neck. “Shit, this hurts.”
“I know,” Alyssa told him, resting her head against the wall with her eyes closed and waiting for the pain to go away. “Believe me, I know.”
They stood like that for a few seconds before JC smiled weakly and finally stood up straight. “Phew, my head’s not spinning anymore.”
Alyssa just grinned pathetically. And that’s when Naomi, Lance and Justin walked through the front door.
Naomi shook her head in disbelief. Shock registered on her face for a split second before that faded away as well. She clutched at Lance’s arm, hoping it had just been her imagination, but knowing better. Justin was oblivious to her feelings and just bounced up to the other two who had obviously been making out a few seconds ago.
Naomi couldn’t help the tears that were starting to fill in her eyes. She couldn’t believe it. They looked so happy together and those big, goofy grins on their faces didn’t serve to prove her assumptions wrong. Naomi remembered that grin on JC’s face all too well. It was the same grin that had appeared there the time they had kissed when they were kids - the kiss she had given him when she was four. Her first kiss. She’d never forget that.
Before, the memory of the kiss used to delight her and amuse her... sometimes even make her blush. But now all she felt was contempt. Her stomach churned and she had to turn away from the new happy couple to wipe the liquid crystals of her emotions away.
Naomi could feel Lance stiffening at her side but she didn’t know what to do about that. She felt dead inside and she couldn’t bring herself to comfort another person. Not yet. It was too painful for her.
She took a deep breath and turned back to face JC and Alyssa with a fake smile plastered on her face.
Lance watched with a numbing amazement as Justin talked to Alyssa and JC. All of them, with the exception of Justin, were uncomfortable and ill-at-ease. “Did we come at a bad time?” Lance offered lamely, though he felt like his mouth was stuffed with cotton. It took a lot for him to say those words and even then, his voice came out funny and his southern drawl sounded thicker than usual.
Justin thought Lance was being funny and giggled. “Yeah, it was pretty obvious what you two were up to.”
Lance threw Justin a withering look before turning his attention back on Alyssa. She looked flushed - just the way someone looked after they were kissed... or kissING. He made a soft growling noise in his chest but relaxed when Naomi touched his arm gently, helping him to keep his cool.
“No!” JC and Alyssa both said quickly, in response to Lance’s earlier question. “I mean, uh, no time’s a bad time.”
Lance felt like time had frozen. He saw Alyssa look at JC, her actions all seemingly in slow motion. JC’s hand tightened protectively around Alyssa’s and Lance grimaced when he heard her sigh contentedly.
Lance heard Naomi stifle a sob and he knew she was hurting just as badly as he was, if not worse. He looked at her expectantly and caved when he saw the tears glistening in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her, disregarding the fact that Justin, Alyssa and JC were watching them. Well, gaping at them more like it.
Naomi responded quickly, her hands snaking around his waist. “I just need to be held,” she whispered, so only Lance could hear. “I just need to know that someone cares. I need to know that someone gives a damn that my heart is breaking just seeing them together like that. I need to feel that-”
“Someone understands what you’re going through,” Lance finished softly. “I know, Naomi. I know. It’s okay.”
“No... no it’s not okay,” Naomi cried, burying her face in his shirt and wetting it slightly with her tears. “It’s not okay.”
Lance bit his lip. He knew Naomi was right. It wasn’t okay. It wasn’t going to BE okay. They had to sort things out. “Naomi, should we...?”
Naomi looked up at him and Lance saw the answer to his unfinished question in her eyes. “I need to know, Lance. I need to KNOW they’re in love. I can’t just give up... I WON’T. It’s not fair to either of us.”
Lance nodded slowly as Naomi pulled away, her eyes dry. He cleared his throat and turned to face the three flabbergasted individuals, continuing with the conversation as though there hadn’t been any interruption. “Yeah... well, we just dropped by to-”
“Congratulate you!” Justin giggled, suddenly getting back into the crazy mood he had been in all morning. “And Alyssa! And Lance and Naomi! For getting together! I mean, look at y’all! One night and you’re all hooked up and everything!”
The other four people in the room looked at each other, then at Justin. JC saw the questions and uncertainty in Alyssa’s eyes, brief as their contact was. What if they’re in love? What if they really DID hook up?
They can’t have! JC thought wildly. Not now! It’s impossible! They can’t have hooked up in one damned night!
Oh, and why not? A part of him mocked. You went out on ONE pathetic date with Alyssa - one that was supposedly SPECIAL, and the next minute WHAM! You’re her boyfriend. You’re kissing her at all the opportunities possible. And now? Now you don’t even remember when you last went out with her.
JC stared guiltily at the ground as Alyssa watched him curiously. Her brain was on overload and she wished she knew what was going to happen. She couldn’t stand all the suspense. She’d never been any good at mystery stories.
Justin was still ranting when Naomi finally tuned back into the conversation. “I mean, you should have at least given us SOME kind of hint. The guy’s are gonna be shocked! One minute you’re all single and the next you’re together? They’ll be like, what kinda stunt are you four trying to pull? But... Oh my god, this is so cool! Now I’m not the ONLY one with a girlfriend! This is unbelievable! I am SO happy for you guys!”
Naomi looked at Lance. One of his eyebrows were raised skeptically as he tapped his foot on the ground. Naomi was about to open her mouth and tell Justin to shut up when Lance did that for her.
“Justin, shut up.”
“What?”
Lance rolled his eyes. “Look, I know you’re happy for us but there are some things that Naomi and I-”
Lance was cut off when Justin’s cell phone began ringing shrilly. He ignored it and looked curiously at Lance, waiting for him to continue. But Lance shook his head and looked at the phone pointedly.
Justin sighed and answered it at last. “Hello?”
Naomi was debating with herself whether or not it was a good idea for Lance and her to come clean with their feelings when it was apparent that their best friends were in love when Justin shocked them all by screeching, “WHAT? How the hell did that happen?” JC, Alyssa, Lance and Naomi could only stare at him, wondering what was going on. Naomi’s brain froze when she caught the look on Justin’s face.
His face had taken on an unreadable expression and that’s what scared her. Usually, it was more than easy for her to see through him, and for her to tell what he was feeling. But now it was like he had put on a mask and Naomi was freaking out.
The phone call was a pretty long one and all the while Justin was the only one speaking. The others just looked at him with fear and concern written all over their faces. Naomi monitored Justin carefully, looking for any sign, no matter how small, to hint to her what exactly was going on. She found none.
JC knew Naomi was scrutinizing Justin as carefully as he was. But he was certain she wasn’t on to anything. He hadn’t had any luck either. Justin’s face was a complete blank and that was never a good sign. The only other time he had acted the same way was when he had gotten the call informing him that his mom was in the hospital for a heart transplant.
“Shit... uh huh... yeah... okay, I’ll tell them.” Justin slammed the phone down, glaring at it with a fury so intense Naomi could practically feel him burning up. She knew Alyssa had made a big mistake the moment the girl opened her mouth.
“Um, what just hap-”
“Shut up Alyssa,” Justin growled, scrubbing his hands over his face, as if drained of energy. He looked about ready to collapse.
Lance’s eyes widened. Justin got upset sometimes, but he would NEVER intentionally hurt someone the way he had with Alyssa. The moment those words had shot out of Justin’s mouth, Lance knew that his friend had just been fed with some seriously alarming news. Lance could sense Justin’s worry though, so that was a good sign. Justin was beginning to open up again. He had never been able to hide his feelings for long.
Naomi had never seen Justin that upset. She went to him and gave him a reassuring hug, feeling him tense up before relaxing and going completely lax in her arms. Naomi was strong, but not strong enough to hold Justin up. They slid to the ground together, Justin’s head resting on Naomi’s shoulder.
He was shaking as silent sobs wracked his body and Naomi rubbed his back reassuringly. JC’s jaw dropped to the ground when he saw the way Naomi seemed to be able to calm Justin down, almost intuitively. It was practically impossible to TOUCH the guy when he was upset and Naomi had gotten him to break down in a matter of seconds. It just wasn’t possible. But it was happening. And JC let out a sigh of relief.
Justin wasn’t the easiest person to calm when he was riled up, but Naomi knew, instinctively, just what she had to do. “What happened, Justin?” she asked softly, stroking his baby-soft curls.
“It’s Chris...” Justin sobbed out and Naomi was stunned to feel the wetness of his tears drenching her shoulder. “He got into an accident, Naomi. He... he’s undergoing operation right now. They... they said his condition’s unstable.”
Naomi felt Justin arms tighten around her, as if seeking comfort from her embrace. She lay her head on his shoulder and continued rubbing his back. But the shock coursed through her, slowly numbing her.
Lance’s jaw dropped, as JC’s had moments before and Alyssa could only stare at Lance in apprehension.
There was a tense, almost eerie silence before JC whispered, “Which hospital?”
TBC
Steal My Heart
(Naomi’s house, forty-five minutes ago)
“Morning!” JC yawned, stretching his long limbs and trying to get the sleep out of his system. He almost groaned when his body screamed in protest at the movement. He was aching EVERYWHERE and he cursed under his breath, trying to get the crick out of his neck. It took a while but his body finally relaxed enough to put him out of his miserable torture. He yawned again then reached up to poke Alyssa in the ribs. “Wake up sleepy, we’ve got a mission on our hands.”
Alyssa moaned her protests and tried to flip over, putting the pillow over her head so she wouldn’t have to listen to JC’s bitching. But JC clapped his hand over her head with a stern, almost fatherly, expression on his face.
“Out of bed!” he ordered. “NOW!”
“All right, all right! I’m up, I’m up!” Alyssa grumbled, pulling herself reluctantly out of the warm covers of the bed.
JC grinned at Alyssa’s grumpiness. “Come on sweetheart,” he said, switching tactics almost immediately. From his role as a ‘strict father’ he went straight for the ‘baiting’ tactic. JC gave Alyssa a quick hug. “Do it for old Poofu.”
At the mere hint of Lance, Alyssa brightened. She jumped out of bed and ran for the toilet, but JC stepped inside first and slammed the door in her face. “Aww man! Come on, Jace! Let me go first!”
“No, just gimme five minutes! If I let you in here first, you’ll take forever and I’d never be able to get my shower.”
“You suck, JC.”
“I know,” JC smirked, the smile apparent in his voice. He turned on the faucet and doused himself in cold water, blocking out all sounds of Alyssa’s grumbling. (“Yeah, yeah...”) It wasn’t often that he woke up early without protest - hell, that practically NEVER happened in his life; it was good enough if the guys managed to wake him up after shaking him five times - but this morning had been different.
He had actually WANTED to get up and that was rare, really rare. It was even rarer than a blue moon, for crying out loud. But the thought of Naomi’s smiling face as she fooled around with Justin had made him ache to get up. He grinned, wiping the water out of his eyes. Well, well, well... who would’ve guessed it? I, JC Chasez, would actually want to wake up. Voluntarily! Intentionally! Jeez, the world must be coming to an end.
JC laughed out loud, shaking his head. Then he sobered up, thoughts of Naomi starting to cloud his mind. Her beautiful smile, confident, almost arrogant walk, her childishness that always made him smile, her seriousness, her frown, her laughter, her voice... he couldn’t stop thinking about her. And it killed him to know that he would only be able to see her three hours down the road.
“Come on, Jace,” he told himself, “Buck up. You hadn’t seen her in, like, eight years so what’s a dang couple of hours?”
JC’s eyebrows knitted into a frown as his fingers worked shampoo into his hair. “Maybe it’s because we hadn’t met in so long... god, I owe her so much time... okay, so I’m aching to see her again too, but that’s not the point. I do NOT go gaga over girls! C’mon JC, just thinking of her makes your world spin. Jesus!”
JC almost laughed out loud as the water hit his scalp and washed the shampoo suds out of his hair. “I think talking to myself is starting to become a bad habit of mine.” He shrugged and rolled his neck, trying to relax his aching muscles. “Okaaaayyyy, I also think sleeping on big, comfortable beds or whatever all the time makes me resistant to the floor.”
He giggled, choking a little when some water entered his mouth. He spat it out and began soaping his body. “Ugh,” he muttered when he felt the stubble growing on his chin. “Now I’m gonna have to borrow the stupid razor from James.”
JC was feeling moody, that was for sure. One minute he felt all giggly and light-headed with love and the next... the next he felt like crap.
He sighed. Then suddenly brightened at the thought of Naomi giggling as she ran her hand over his chin, feeling the stubble there tickling her. She used to love doing that, he remembered, to her dad whenever he came home from a business trip. And when she finally got tired of it she would look for him and feel HIS chin, asking why twelve-year-old boys didn’t have ‘little hairs on their chins’. JC grinned, feeling all his grumpiness vanish suddenly.
A memory came rushing back to him and JC realized that Naomi’s show of affection for those that she cared for always amazed him and brightened his day. Sometimes when JC sat back and thought about his friendship with Naomi, he’d think of Lizzie and wonder if she had ever liked him. It saddened him to think about that but this memory vividly brought back his feelings at the time.
“Daddy, Daddy! You’re home!” Naomi yelled, laughing as she flew down the stairs to meet her father.
Norman smiled and caught Naomi in his arms when she dashed at him, the impact forcing him to back up a few steps. He chuckled as he swung her around in circles, smiling as he listened to her giddy laughter.
He set Naomi on the ground gently after nuzzling his cheek against hers, making her giggle.
“I thought you were coming home tomorrow, honey,” Lizzie smiled tenderly as her husband pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She took his coat and slung it over the armchair. “Was there a change in schedule?”
“What? You mean you’re not happy to see me?” Norman pretended to frown. “Oh no. I suppose I should go back to work for a few hours and practice coming home again. What do you think, Naomi?”
“NO!” Naomi laughed, still a little giddy. She hugged Norman around the waist, “Stay right here! I’m so glad you’re home, daddy! I missed you SOOO much. Don’t go to work anymore.”
Norman smiled ruefully at Naomi’s statement, wishing he could comply with her request and yet knowing he couldn’t. “I’m sorry sweetie, I can’t do that. I’ll stay home for a couple of days, all right? And all the time will be reserved just for you and mommy. How about that? Would that be a good idea?”
Norman was down on one knee, holding Naomi’s small hands in his bigger ones. “Yeah,” Naomi said softly, without looking up at him. “I’d like that.”
“All right, it’s settled then?”
Naomi nodded, finally staring into Norman’s intense blue eyes with her own pale ones. “Yeah, it’s a deal.”
Lizzie looked fondly at the two of them, glad that Norman was home and that Naomi was looking happier than she had for the past few days. The happy trio had clean forgotten about the young boy who stood, rather uncomfortably, at a corner, not sure what to do with himself. He had seen the emotional side of the family, but it was always a bit uncomfortable watching them when they were acting like he didn’t exist.
He knew that they didn’t mean it. They were just so happy to see each other again that he kinda slipped their mind. He didn’t bear a grudge against that, but he was desperately hoping that Naomi would suddenly remember he was there.
Naomi was nestled against Norman’s broad chest, enjoying the sense of security she felt there. Her father had always been her world, just as she was his. He was constantly on her mind and her heart ached every time he had to leave the country for a business trip. Most children would have gotten used to it, since Norman traveled so often, but Naomi had never gotten accustomed to that feeling of loss.
She could always feel it when her father wasn’t around. It was as though a part of her had gone with him and without it, she felt lost and alone. The only thing that kept her from breaking down completely was JC. And her mom.
But her mom would be so busy trying to keep everything in order that sometimes she didn’t have the time to give. Luckily for her, Naomi would always have JC by her side. He kept her sane and he kept her going and she would always thank God for sending her miraculous friend her way.
Suddenly, Naomi head jerked up when she remembered that her best friend was still hanging around and she banged her head against Norman’s chin. “OW!” they both yelled, then they giggled.
No one was badly hurt, but JC slipped from Naomi’s mind yet again.
It wasn’t till later on when JC’s voice traveled to their ears that Naomi recalled her friend’s presence and berated herself for forgetting about him in the first place. “Um... daddy Norman?”
Norman looked up in surprise when he saw the young twelve-year-old boy standing timidly, almost fearfully, in the corner of the room. The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile that crinkled his eyes and made them twinkle.
“Well, hello there, Josh... I haven’t seen you in a while. How are you? Are Karen and Roy doing okay?”
JC nodded, grinning. He felt much better and a whole lot more at ease. “Um, I’m okay. Mom and Dad... yeah, they’re fine too.”
Lizzie smiled wanly at JC, and JC suddenly felt shy and all his unease returned in a flash. It always seemed to him that Lizzie had something against him. Her cold smiles and stares usually unnerved him and today was no exception.
“I’m sorry Joshua. We forgot you were here,” Lizzie nodded curtly at him. JC almost winced at the way Lizzie said his name - she always said his full name, and sometimes that freaked him out, because it seemed so cold and distant.
“Um... that’s okay,” JC said quietly, almost nervously. When Lizzie directed another fierce stare at him, JC finally understood what she wanted him to do. “I, uh... I think I should go now. Dinner should be starting soon.”
Naomi’s face fell. She didn’t see or feel the cold treatment Lizzie was gladly giving JC. She was worried that her friend was angry with her for forgetting him. “I’m sorry, Chase. I didn’t mean to-”
“No, no! It’s not that!” JC shook his head quickly, gulping when Lizzie gave him yet another look, as if daring him to keep talking. “I just... I’ve got a lot of, um... homework. And I think you and Daddy Norman should, uh, talk a while.”
“But you can stay!” Naomi protested.
Norman looked at his daughter’s frown and couldn’t resist a grin, knowing full well that Naomi wanted JC around. “Why don’t you stay and join us for dinner, Josh?” he offered, smiling benevolently at JC.
JC bit his lip as Lizzie began tapping her foot against the floor. “Um... I don’t think...” he began, but Lizzie cut him off.
“Yes, Joshua, why don’t you stay?”
JC looked up at Lizzie in surprise and he saw that her eyes had softened. She was looking at Naomi and the pout on her daughter’s face made her heart melt. She smiled down at JC again, and this time, the smile was friendlier. JC agreed quickly, thankful that Lizzie had dropped the cold front.
He turned back to Naomi and grinned when he saw she was stroking Norman’s chin, giggling softly as she did so.
Norman rubbed his chin against Naomi’s soft fingers, chuckling. He loved making his daughter laugh. She was perfectly beautiful in his eyes and he hoped that she would one day realize that.
JC stared at them for a while, still smiling. After a few minutes, Naomi got off Norman’s lap and walked towards JC, hands outstretched. JC didn’t even flinch; he just stood there curiously, wondering what Naomi wanted to do.
He grinned when her small hand cupped his chin and realized that she was trying to feel for his beard. He shook his head slowly at her disappointed look. “Catch, I don’t have a beard yet. I won’t grow one for a long time yet.”
Naomi’s face fell. But then JC ruffled her hair and she brightened, a mischievous grin on her face. “I’m gonna get you for that, Chase!”
JC shook his head, shaking with laughter, as he ran away from her. “I don’t think so, Catch.”
Norman smiled as he watched the two kids wrestle playfully in the grass. They were rolling on top of each other and Norman shook his head. He sighed wistfully, thinking of his younger days.
“Dad?”
Norman’s head jerked up for the second time that day and he smiled when he saw his thirteen-year-old son. “I’m home, James.”
James smiled and threw his arms around his father. “I missed you.”
“I did too.”
James turned his head to lean against Norman’s shoulder and father and son continued watching the younger children. “Are they gonna be this way forever, dad?” James asked softly, after a moment of silence.
Norman hugged his son close and whispered, “I hope so, James. I hope so.”
The hint of a smile played on JC’s lips as the memory sent a rush of warmth through him. “I miss you, Dad Norman,” he whispered softly, allowing a solitary tear to trickle down his cheek. There was never a day that went by that he hadn’t thought of Norman. They had shared a special bond and JC had loved the man as dearly as he loved his own father.
JC managed to compose himself and quickly rinsed himself clean. I bet I’ve taken a LOT longer than five minutes and any longer will have Alyssa busting in here to shove my ass outta this place.
JC grinned at his choice of words. “Well, if it was Catch then I probably wouldn’t mind,” he blushed.
Then he rolled his eyes. Yep, there I go. Off talking to myself again. As usual. Damn JC, you’re going to drive yourself insane if you keep on talking to yourself this way. I think I should go see a psychiatrist.
JC shook his head, then rubbed his temples. It seemed to be a habit now, just like him chewing on his bottom lip when he was nervous.
Alyssa’s voice broke into his thoughts and shook him out of his reverie. “HEY! JC! Are you done in there yet?”
JC shrugged on his T-shirt and pulled on a pair of worn jeans. It was true he wore atrocious clothes during shows, appearances and sometimes concerts but that was solely because the PRs thought it would be good for ONE of them to make a lasting impression. What JC couldn’t understand was why it had to be him. Out of all the band members, he was probably the one who dressed simplest. It drove him up the wall trying on all the tasteless clothes and having to say he LIKED them was even worse. “Coming!” he yelled back, in reply to Alyssa’s earlier question, before drifting back into his daydream about Naomi.
“Yeah, yeah,” Alyssa muttered, sitting back down on the edge of the bed. She should have known there wasn’t the slightest chance that JC would take five minutes to shower. She sighed and toyed around with the idea of Lance in her mind’s eye for a few minutes before giggling dizzily.
She could imagine Lance as though he was really there with her. His GORGEOUS sea-green eyes, slightly chubby cheeks, broad shoulders, spiky blonde hair, those kissable lips... Alyssa almost swooned at the thought.
If the THOUGHT of his lips is enough to send you in a fit of butterflies, imagine what actually KISSING them would do to you. Oh God... okay, okay, calm down Alyssa. It’s no biggie. He’s a guy. You’ve kissed guys before. Hell, you’ve kissed a lotta guys before! So calm down... take a deep breath... that’s it...
Alyssa laughed, “I can’t believe I’m coaching myself on this. I mean, it’s just plain ridiculous!”
Alyssa tried to get Lance off of her mind but, of course, was unsuccessful. He was constantly in her head, haunting her... She sighed and ran her hands through her hair, trying to untangle it a little but to no avail.
How do I get my mind off of him?’ Alyssa wondered. Is that even remotely possible? How can I moon over a guy who’s practically been my best friend for the past few weeks? Damn, is that even LEGAL? I mean, isn’t there, like, a law about falling in love with your best friend? You don’t just go, ‘hey, we’ve been best friends for a couple of weeks and it suddenly hit me that I’m in love with you!’. Jesus, what am I THINKING?’
Alyssa literally ran to the closet and began pulling clothes out of it. It was the only thing that could calm her down when she was in a frenzy and Naomi often joked about that. Soon, there was a small heap of clothes on the bed. Alyssa shook her head and tried to keep her shaking hands from tugging at anymore unsuitable clothing.
She stared at the pile of clothing on the bed and chuckled mirthlessly. Okay, so I’ve suddenly lost my sense of fashion taste today. These clothes went out of style, like, 2 years ago! Come on, Ally, LOOK through the closet and FIND something you like BEFORE ripping it off of it’s hanger. You can do that, can’t you?
With a slight nod to herself, Alyssa tried picking out a dress that hadn’t been cruelly torn off of it’s hanger. Her trained eyes skimmed quickly over the blues, reds, whites and finally landed on the yellows. She grinned and picked out the perfect dress. It was strapless, didn’t hide EVERYTHING and yet didn’t reveal too much. Alyssa pressed it against her body and spun around, laughing and admiring herself in the full-length mirror for a few seconds before throwing it carelessly onto the bed and hanging the rest of the dresses back in the wardrobe.
I guess that’s the good part about being a teacher, Alyssa thought to herself. You’re always so damned organized.
She amused herself with the thought of Lance’s shocked expression as he gave her a complete look over and giggled. “Leaving me bored out here is DEFINITELY a bad idea. I’m NEVER going to try this again.”
She began whistling tunelessly to herself, smiling as she heard the faucet in James’ bathroom being turned on. Days like these were altogether too rare and sometimes Alyssa missed the privilege of living off of someone, like she had as a child, but that thought was cleared away quickly enough. She loved her career, loved feeling independent and she wouldn’t change it for the world.
JC finally emerged from the toilet, ten minutes later. “Okay, I’m done. Please, be my guest and go right ahead.”
“Why didn’t you just lock yourself in the toilet and refuse to come out?” Alyssa grumbled, her back still facing him. When she finally turned around a grin appeared on her face and she laughed. “Whoa, you’re looking good!”
JC knew she was making a dig about his usually ‘weird’ taste in clothes. But he just shrugged. He was in too good a mood to argue or even have a friendly debate. He winked at her before smiling demurely and saying, “You’re not too bad yourself.”
Alyssa chuckled, shaking her head, and went into the toilet, glad to finally be able to get a cool shower and freshen up.
“I wonder what Lance is doing now,” Alyssa murmured as she stepped into the shower and allowed the warm water to run down her back. “I just wanna get him in here with me and...” Alyssa’s cheeks flushed and her eyes popped open.
Okay, NOT a good idea, Alyssa Carter. Forget it, do you understand? That was a... totally scream-worthy mental image. Alyssa gave herself a stern shake and shook her head. Okay, STOP THAT! Bad Alyssa.
No, wait! What’s wrong with me fantasizing about him? After all, if I can’t see the real thing, then who’s to say I can’t dream it? Alyssa blushed ever harder and she felt her spine tingle. Oh my god, did I just think what I think I thought?
JC cocked an eyebrow when he heard Alyssa let out a soft giggle and a contented sigh. He shrugged to himself, knowing how she sometimes had weird giggling habits. But when he saw the dress Alyssa had picked out lying on the bed, a grin stained his lips and he chuckled. “Damn that girl’s got style.”
He fingered the dress and smiled. Catch would look beautiful in this. Hang on, she looks beautiful in anything. Well, even when she’s NOT in anything. JC blushed but he had to bite his bottom lip to keep himself from laughing.
He gave himself a mental shake and called out to Alyssa, “Ally, I’m going to go grab a bite or something, okay? D’you want me to lock the door or something?”
“Yeah!” Alyssa’s voice traveled out to the room. “Lock the door when you leave. I’ll be out in a while.”
“Hopefully,” JC muttered, as he slid out of the room noiselessly, locking the door with a quiet click.
JC sighed, wandering around the house aimlessly for a few minutes and smiling when he heard James in the kitchen. The guy was like the older brother JC had never had and JC couldn’t imagine a better one.
JC couldn’t even begin to count the times James had helped him out. The talks they had shared those nights when JC couldn’t fall asleep, the times they had just sat around and watched Naomi breathing as she slept peacefully... those were some of the times that JC treasured most in his life. He missed the serenity of it all.
“James?” thirteen-year-old JC whispered as the two young boys watched Naomi dream peacefully.
“What, kid?”
“I’m not a kid.”
“Yeah, you are. I’ll stop calling you that when you’re older. When you actually stop BEHAVING like a kid.” James smirked.
“I don’t.”
“Uh huh. Whatever, kid.”
JC let the nickname slide for the moment and whispered, “Do you think I’ll be able to stay with Catch forever and ever?”
James looked misconstrued by the abrupt change of subject but he collected himself quickly and smiled at JC. “I don’t know. I mean, you guys are just too cute together. And every time Naomi sees you, she smiles like... I don’t know... but her eyes light up and she goes all... giggly. I hope you guys’ll stay together. I really do. But I can’t promise you anything, kid. You’re gonna have to go find that answer for yourself.”
The two boys were silent for a moment. Then...
“Maybe when you find that answer, I’ll stop calling you kid.”
JC looked up at James, then back at Naomi’s sleeping figure. “Promise?”
“Yeah. I promise, kid.”
“James?” JC called, as the memory warmed his heart.
“Yeah, Jace?”
JC smiled, knowing that James had checked Naomi’s room the night before. It was sort of customary for him and JC had grown used to it long before his career had started. “Naomi’s in Justin’s house. I just thought you should know.”
“Okay.”
“And James?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m not a kid anymore.”
“You sure aren’t, Jace. You sure aren’t.”
JC smiled at James’ proud tone. The guy had watched him grow up and he knew that James felt protective over him as well. It was such a wonderful feeling for JC to know that so many people genuinely cared about him. And I don’t even know what I’ve done to deserve this, JC thought to himself.
He was about to go out into the garden to think when he heard Alyssa call his name. He stared out the glass sliding doors for a second before sighing and turning abruptly, slamming right into Alyssa.
Forehead met forehead and JC saw stars. Automatically, his arms circled her waist to steady himself. Her arms reached around him desperately, grasping frantically for something to balance herself. Her hands clasped around JC’s neck as the couple tried hopelessly to steady themselves.
“Dammit!” JC cursed, blinking rapidly. He held her closer as he tried to get the birds that were flying crazily around his head to go away.
“Oh yeah, you got that right,” Alyssa moaned, trying to press her hand to her aching head in a bid to ease the throbbing.
JC stumbled forward at her movement and quickly raised his hands to push against the wall Alyssa was now leaning against, keeping himself from pressing onto her body and cutting off her oxygen supply.
JC knew they were in a tricky situation and his head was still spinning. That was definitely NOT a good sign. Alyssa’s back was against the wall and JC’s hands were on the either sides of her head, supporting his weight.
“Okaaaayyyy...” Alyssa mumbled, rubbing her temples. “I know now for a fact that you’ve got a hard head. A really hard head.”
JC chuckled but stopped when his head began to throb even harder, “You shouldn’t have stood behind me like that,” he chided. “Someone could have gotten hurt.”
Alyssa whimpered, “Someone already DID. Me.”
For a minute, JC’s vision blurred and he groaned. “God, my head feels like it’s going to split into two. Do they provide you with a metal covering for your brains or something at the school? Cos it sure feels that way.”
Alyssa laughed but it was cut short. “Don’t make me laugh. My head hurts even more.” she moaned.
JC rested his head on her shoulder blade for a few seconds, nuzzling against her neck. “Shit, this hurts.”
“I know,” Alyssa told him, resting her head against the wall with her eyes closed and waiting for the pain to go away. “Believe me, I know.”
They stood like that for a few seconds before JC smiled weakly and finally stood up straight. “Phew, my head’s not spinning anymore.”
Alyssa just grinned pathetically. And that’s when Naomi, Lance and Justin walked through the front door.
Naomi shook her head in disbelief. Shock registered on her face for a split second before that faded away as well. She clutched at Lance’s arm, hoping it had just been her imagination, but knowing better. Justin was oblivious to her feelings and just bounced up to the other two who had obviously been making out a few seconds ago.
Naomi couldn’t help the tears that were starting to fill in her eyes. She couldn’t believe it. They looked so happy together and those big, goofy grins on their faces didn’t serve to prove her assumptions wrong. Naomi remembered that grin on JC’s face all too well. It was the same grin that had appeared there the time they had kissed when they were kids - the kiss she had given him when she was four. Her first kiss. She’d never forget that.
Before, the memory of the kiss used to delight her and amuse her... sometimes even make her blush. But now all she felt was contempt. Her stomach churned and she had to turn away from the new happy couple to wipe the liquid crystals of her emotions away.
Naomi could feel Lance stiffening at her side but she didn’t know what to do about that. She felt dead inside and she couldn’t bring herself to comfort another person. Not yet. It was too painful for her.
She took a deep breath and turned back to face JC and Alyssa with a fake smile plastered on her face.
Lance watched with a numbing amazement as Justin talked to Alyssa and JC. All of them, with the exception of Justin, were uncomfortable and ill-at-ease. “Did we come at a bad time?” Lance offered lamely, though he felt like his mouth was stuffed with cotton. It took a lot for him to say those words and even then, his voice came out funny and his southern drawl sounded thicker than usual.
Justin thought Lance was being funny and giggled. “Yeah, it was pretty obvious what you two were up to.”
Lance threw Justin a withering look before turning his attention back on Alyssa. She looked flushed - just the way someone looked after they were kissed... or kissING. He made a soft growling noise in his chest but relaxed when Naomi touched his arm gently, helping him to keep his cool.
“No!” JC and Alyssa both said quickly, in response to Lance’s earlier question. “I mean, uh, no time’s a bad time.”
Lance felt like time had frozen. He saw Alyssa look at JC, her actions all seemingly in slow motion. JC’s hand tightened protectively around Alyssa’s and Lance grimaced when he heard her sigh contentedly.
Lance heard Naomi stifle a sob and he knew she was hurting just as badly as he was, if not worse. He looked at her expectantly and caved when he saw the tears glistening in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her, disregarding the fact that Justin, Alyssa and JC were watching them. Well, gaping at them more like it.
Naomi responded quickly, her hands snaking around his waist. “I just need to be held,” she whispered, so only Lance could hear. “I just need to know that someone cares. I need to know that someone gives a damn that my heart is breaking just seeing them together like that. I need to feel that-”
“Someone understands what you’re going through,” Lance finished softly. “I know, Naomi. I know. It’s okay.”
“No... no it’s not okay,” Naomi cried, burying her face in his shirt and wetting it slightly with her tears. “It’s not okay.”
Lance bit his lip. He knew Naomi was right. It wasn’t okay. It wasn’t going to BE okay. They had to sort things out. “Naomi, should we...?”
Naomi looked up at him and Lance saw the answer to his unfinished question in her eyes. “I need to know, Lance. I need to KNOW they’re in love. I can’t just give up... I WON’T. It’s not fair to either of us.”
Lance nodded slowly as Naomi pulled away, her eyes dry. He cleared his throat and turned to face the three flabbergasted individuals, continuing with the conversation as though there hadn’t been any interruption. “Yeah... well, we just dropped by to-”
“Congratulate you!” Justin giggled, suddenly getting back into the crazy mood he had been in all morning. “And Alyssa! And Lance and Naomi! For getting together! I mean, look at y’all! One night and you’re all hooked up and everything!”
The other four people in the room looked at each other, then at Justin. JC saw the questions and uncertainty in Alyssa’s eyes, brief as their contact was. What if they’re in love? What if they really DID hook up?
They can’t have! JC thought wildly. Not now! It’s impossible! They can’t have hooked up in one damned night!
Oh, and why not? A part of him mocked. You went out on ONE pathetic date with Alyssa - one that was supposedly SPECIAL, and the next minute WHAM! You’re her boyfriend. You’re kissing her at all the opportunities possible. And now? Now you don’t even remember when you last went out with her.
JC stared guiltily at the ground as Alyssa watched him curiously. Her brain was on overload and she wished she knew what was going to happen. She couldn’t stand all the suspense. She’d never been any good at mystery stories.
Justin was still ranting when Naomi finally tuned back into the conversation. “I mean, you should have at least given us SOME kind of hint. The guy’s are gonna be shocked! One minute you’re all single and the next you’re together? They’ll be like, what kinda stunt are you four trying to pull? But... Oh my god, this is so cool! Now I’m not the ONLY one with a girlfriend! This is unbelievable! I am SO happy for you guys!”
Naomi looked at Lance. One of his eyebrows were raised skeptically as he tapped his foot on the ground. Naomi was about to open her mouth and tell Justin to shut up when Lance did that for her.
“Justin, shut up.”
“What?”
Lance rolled his eyes. “Look, I know you’re happy for us but there are some things that Naomi and I-”
Lance was cut off when Justin’s cell phone began ringing shrilly. He ignored it and looked curiously at Lance, waiting for him to continue. But Lance shook his head and looked at the phone pointedly.
Justin sighed and answered it at last. “Hello?”
Naomi was debating with herself whether or not it was a good idea for Lance and her to come clean with their feelings when it was apparent that their best friends were in love when Justin shocked them all by screeching, “WHAT? How the hell did that happen?” JC, Alyssa, Lance and Naomi could only stare at him, wondering what was going on. Naomi’s brain froze when she caught the look on Justin’s face.
His face had taken on an unreadable expression and that’s what scared her. Usually, it was more than easy for her to see through him, and for her to tell what he was feeling. But now it was like he had put on a mask and Naomi was freaking out.
The phone call was a pretty long one and all the while Justin was the only one speaking. The others just looked at him with fear and concern written all over their faces. Naomi monitored Justin carefully, looking for any sign, no matter how small, to hint to her what exactly was going on. She found none.
JC knew Naomi was scrutinizing Justin as carefully as he was. But he was certain she wasn’t on to anything. He hadn’t had any luck either. Justin’s face was a complete blank and that was never a good sign. The only other time he had acted the same way was when he had gotten the call informing him that his mom was in the hospital for a heart transplant.
“Shit... uh huh... yeah... okay, I’ll tell them.” Justin slammed the phone down, glaring at it with a fury so intense Naomi could practically feel him burning up. She knew Alyssa had made a big mistake the moment the girl opened her mouth.
“Um, what just hap-”
“Shut up Alyssa,” Justin growled, scrubbing his hands over his face, as if drained of energy. He looked about ready to collapse.
Lance’s eyes widened. Justin got upset sometimes, but he would NEVER intentionally hurt someone the way he had with Alyssa. The moment those words had shot out of Justin’s mouth, Lance knew that his friend had just been fed with some seriously alarming news. Lance could sense Justin’s worry though, so that was a good sign. Justin was beginning to open up again. He had never been able to hide his feelings for long.
Naomi had never seen Justin that upset. She went to him and gave him a reassuring hug, feeling him tense up before relaxing and going completely lax in her arms. Naomi was strong, but not strong enough to hold Justin up. They slid to the ground together, Justin’s head resting on Naomi’s shoulder.
He was shaking as silent sobs wracked his body and Naomi rubbed his back reassuringly. JC’s jaw dropped to the ground when he saw the way Naomi seemed to be able to calm Justin down, almost intuitively. It was practically impossible to TOUCH the guy when he was upset and Naomi had gotten him to break down in a matter of seconds. It just wasn’t possible. But it was happening. And JC let out a sigh of relief.
Justin wasn’t the easiest person to calm when he was riled up, but Naomi knew, instinctively, just what she had to do. “What happened, Justin?” she asked softly, stroking his baby-soft curls.
“It’s Chris...” Justin sobbed out and Naomi was stunned to feel the wetness of his tears drenching her shoulder. “He got into an accident, Naomi. He... he’s undergoing operation right now. They... they said his condition’s unstable.”
Naomi felt Justin arms tighten around her, as if seeking comfort from her embrace. She lay her head on his shoulder and continued rubbing his back. But the shock coursed through her, slowly numbing her.
Lance’s jaw dropped, as JC’s had moments before and Alyssa could only stare at Lance in apprehension.
There was a tense, almost eerie silence before JC whispered, “Which hospital?”
TBC