Lets Get Together: Chapter 14

[sammybear78]

JC slammed the door behind him as he made his way into his house. He'd just dropped her off at the airport. She'd gotten a last minute modeling assignment that morning and she'd had to go cause "Who knew what this could do for her career?" He slammed his keys down and growled an expletive under his breath before yelling to the ceiling as he stared at it. "What career? She lives off of me!"

He took a deep breath and glanced over at the answering machine that was sitting on the kitchen counter across the room from him. The red light was blinking, indicating that he had a message and he crossed the room quickly, his fingers crossed mentally that it wasn't her.

Hey Jace… Chris here… Lance, Sam, Joe and I are heading to the theater right now to catch a movie. I don't know what we're seeing but no chick flicks, no cartoons, and no horror… so whatever else that leaves us with we're going to go see. I don't know what we're up to afterwards… but if you don't make the movie and are uh… free to do something, call my cell. You know the number. Oh and its just before seven now… catch ya later

He stared at the machine, considering if he should go out or not. He glanced down at his watch that read almost ten, figuring that they were out of the movie by now and that he could theoretically call if he wanted to. But did he want to?

Go. You'll have fun. It'll get your mind off…no, Sam will be there and if she finds out that I… now how is she going to find out, she left and if she calls, just say you went to bed early.

He shook his head and walked into his bedroom away from the phone, taking off his shoes and his shirt as he went, planning on staying in that night. He looked at the cordless that was sitting on his nightstand and sighed. He really wanted to go out and get a drink or something, anything to take his mind off his situation. You don't have a situation. You chose to be with her. You ARE happy. You love her. You like being with her. You like that she calls your home, her home and… and if I like all that then why am I dreading the day she comes back next week and am sighing with relief that she's gone?

He walked around his bed towards the phone and picked it up, starting to dial Chris' cell phone before turning the phone off and throwing it across the room. You don't want to go out. You don't want to see her. You want a nice quiet peaceful night at home. Isn't there a basketball game on? Yeah… basketball… He grinned, happy with his decision. Right basketball… popcorn… a nice cold beer… no guys… no girls… no…

He groaned, shaking his head as he walked out of his room towards the living room to turn the television on and zone out for the evening. He jumped onto the couch, his legs crossed at the knees on the cushion as he reached out, grabbing the remote off the table. When did my life get so complicated?

"Joshua darling????? Where's the little miss? We're going out and you have no choice." He heard yelled from behind him, the door slamming open and shut. It would be the moment Justin introduced me to him.

He sighed and turned around so that he could see over the back of the couch. "Hey Chris. Ever heard of knocking?"

"Nope. Don't like to use that particular skill. Come on, we're going."

"Going where?"

"Out. Come on, grab your woman and let's go."

"She's not here. I dropped her off at the airport about an hour ago. Another shoot." He sighed, glancing back at the basketball game that he'd just turned on.

"Even better." Chris grinned, coming around the couch to pull him off the sofa. "Let's go. Everyone's waiting in the car."

"Chris… I'm not even dressed to go out." He said, looking down at his bare feet and only jean-clad body.

"I don't mind. It's not like I haven't seen you like this before." Chris grinned at him, still pulling him towards the door.

"Chris…" JC stopped the forward momentum, his feet digging into the carpet. "I'm not going like this."

"Then get your shoes and a shirt and let's go." Chris said, letting go of his arm.

"Fine…" JC sighed, secretly glad that he'd stopped by and was trying to drag his ass out of the house. He went into his room, grabbing his shoes, plopping his baseball hat on his head, and reached for the first shirt in his closet before rushing back into the living room, trying to get the shirt on over his hat and his shoes on at the same time, while trying to lock the door behind him.

Chris shook his head at the sight. "Uh Jace…"

"I've got it."

"Want me to get the door for you?"

"Nah…" He said, his voice muffled by the shirt's material. He heard the lock click before resuming to get his shoes on and his shirt.

"Okay…" Chris said, walking towards the car, JC behind him. He rolled his eyes at the occupants of the car who were trying not to laugh at the spectacle that JC was making of himself.

"What are you two laughing at?" Sam asked, her view blocked by the two male bodies that were staring out the window.

"JC." Joe said, leaving it at that.

"Why? Is Chris dragging him or something?"

"Nope… just getting dressed on his way here is all." Lance said, one hand covering his mouth as JC tripped on the sidewalk, finally managing to get one shoe on.

"What?" Sam asked, her eyes widening. She tried to inconspicuously shove Joey aside, but he just grinned at her.

"He does have his pants on."

"Bite me, Joe. I just wanted to see what was so funny." She informed him.

"Yeah that’s why there's a small line of drool running down your chin."

"Shut up!" She hit him lightly in the arm before looking out the window, stopping cold as she stared at the amount of stomach that was showing as JC struggled to get his shirt on over his hat. "Uh…"

Lance put his hand out. "This viewing isn't PG rated. You're not allowed to see this."

Sam shoved his hand aside and glared at him. "You're about three seconds away from getting an ass beating."

"I'm really scared." Lance told her, blowing her a kiss as Chris opened the door, pushing Lance back over into the passenger seat.

"Move it, whitie. I'm driving."

"Where we going?" Joe asked, leaning up so that he could be heard in the front seat.

"I dunno. JC mentioned being hungry. Isn't there that new burger joint down the street or something?" Chris said, starting the car.

"Sounds good to me." Joe said, looking over as the backseat door opened and JC jumped in, his shirt finally on, still trying to get his other shoe on. "You okay there, buddy?" He tried not to laugh.

"Yeah…" He muttered, knowing how much humor they'd just gotten on his expense.

"Burgers sound good, JC?" Lance asked, turning around so that he faced him.

"Yeah…" He said again, trying not to look at Sam who was seated next to him. Nice impression there, Chasez. Probably thinks you can't even dress yourself.

Sam couldn't look over at him, staring down at her hands, the sight of his body still imprinted on her brain. Do not drool. Do not drool. Do not look over… She looked over and met his blue eyes. Oh dear… oh boy… what a body… I mean… oh damn…She blushed before looking back down at her lap. What an impression just now, doofus. He's going to think that you can't even speak, let alone be friendly.

"Burgers it is then." Chris called, out, checking his rearview mirror before pulling out onto the street, heading towards downtown.

"So how was work in the land of the mouse?"

Brande smiled, "Great. Fantastic. Absolutely Fabulous. Superb even."

Justin laughed, "That good huh?"

"Yeah. I went in on Monday doing the, 'Oh god, what am I doing here' thing, and found out that it's really something I like. A lot."

Justin checked over his shoulder and changed lanes, "So what exactly are you doing?"

He looked over to see her shift in her seat a bit, bringing her legs under her. "Well, it's kind of hard to explain. I'm a…understudy of sorts, for the Liaison between the show I'm working for and the stars. The Asst. Liaison I guess? Right now they got me doing all the lackey work, and following Bev around all day." she stopped and looked at him making sure he was paying attention. When he smiled and nodded she continued. "Bev's my boss, the one who's doing the job right now, but she's go a baby on the way and she needed someone to help her out, and then take over when she goes on maternity. I still can't believe they picked me though. I mean, it's crazy really. I have pretty much no experience. Just a few things when I was in college for the drama department, but…other than that…" She trailed off and looked over at Justin, "Doesn't that just seem strange to you?"

Justin shrugged and turned on his signal, pulling into the parking lot. "Not really. Disney's like that you know. When you applied, did you have the experience necessary?"

"Well yeah…but…"

Justin killed the engine and then turned fully to face her, "Then they probably thought you were good after the phone interview. Don't worry about it to much." He looked at the restaurant in front of them, then turned back to Brande. "How does burgers sound?"

"Great." They both got out of the car, and started walking to the front of the building. "Oh, I forgot to tell you one of the first acts I get to work with is an old friend of yours."

Justin opened the front door for her, "An old friend of mine?" He repeated puzzled.

Brande nodded, "Yep, from the MMC days. I haven't told Sam yet cause she thinks he's just all that and a bag of chips."

Justin stared at her shaking his head slightly, "MMC days? Who?"

"Tony Lucca."

Justin grinned, "Tony? Jeez, I haven't seen him in ages. I might have to stop by and say Hi." He stopped mid thought, and looked at Brande, "And maybe while I'm there, I can take you out for lunch too. That is…I mean….if you wouldn't mind."

Brande sighed a bit. He really was a nice guy, and sweet, and cute, he just wasn't…Joey. She saw his eyes dim, and she sighed again. I can't do this to him. "Yeah. Justin, that would be great."

Justin grinned, and turned to the look around the place for a seat. "Hmm…where should we…well damn…we just can't seem to get away from them can we?"

Brande looked to where he was looking and laughed when she saw Chris standing up by a table singing into a spoon.

"There you go, looking pitiful just because I let you go, there you go talkin' bout you want me back, well sometimes it be's like that, there you go talking bout you miss me so, that you love me so, why I let you go, there you go cause you life got old, look at you there you go….."

"Chris…"

Chris continued singing, dancing around the back of the empty restaurant, making his way to the jukebox, draping himself across it.

"Chris, you can stop now, really."

Chris grinned, and walked over to sit on Joey's lap. "Don't you wish you could change the hand of time don't you wish that you still were mine, don't you wish I'd take you back don't you wish that things were simple like that?"

Joey rolled his eyes, and shoved Chris off of his lap, and onto the ground.

"Ow! Man, that hurt."

Sam laughed as Chris slowly got up, holding onto his lower back. "Aw. Poor Chris. Do you have a boo boo?"

Chris smiled over at her, "Hey Sam. Bite me."

"When? Where? And how hard?"

Chris leaned down into her face and smiled wider, "Right here, right now, and as hard as you want."

JC watched the two stare at each other, each trying to hold back their laughter. He wondered how they could do it. How they could hold a normal conversation, and not get tongue-tied. Because Moron, they don't want her. JC blinked and looked away, I don't want her. I have a girlfriend. I have a girlfriend. Don't kid yourself, you have a really expensive and convent date for any awards show that pops up. JC groaned and looked back at Sam and Chris who had left the table and were over at the Jukebox, arguing over songs.

"No Chris."

"But…"

"No."

"But it's so you. I mean…the words are just…"

"No! I mean it. I don't…Chris…knock it…don't you...ARGH!"

Chris scampered back to the booth and grinned at the other two occupants. "Hello there fella's."

Joey and JC looked at each other before turning to Chris. "What song did you play?"

Chris grinned and looked directly at JC, "A song that I thought would…fit…"

Heard all about, yeah bout your reputation. And how it' bound to be a heartbreak situation. But I can't help it if I'm helpless everytime where you are. You walk I and my strength walks out the door. Say my name and can't fight it anymore. Oh I know I should go but I need your touch just to damn much. Lovin' you isn't really something I should do. Shouldn't want to spend my time with you. I should try to be strong. But baby you’re the right kind of wrong.

JC glared at the older man as the song continued. Why this song? He looked over at Sam who had her eyes closed, silently and unconsciously mouthing the words. He watched her, his eyes moving down her body, and then back up to her face. If only he wasn’t with…

When the song ended Sam opened her eyes and found her self-staring back into a pair of familiar blue eyes. Why is he watching me? She shook her head and turned her back to him, scanning over the selections of music. She found a song she wanted and began patting her pockets.

"Quarter. Quarter. I know I have a…damn." She turned and looked at the men at the table, "Any of you have a quarter I can borrow?"

Chris grinned and began digging into his front pocket. "Just one quarter huh?" He got one out and held it out, "You do know Samantha dearest what you can get for one more…"

"Shut it Chris." Sam growled.

"I got one." JC piped up, holding out his quarter to Sam.

"Thank you." She said softly taking his quarter, their fingertips brushing lightly against one another.

JC shivered at the her touch, "Anytime." He said just as softly, tearing his eyes from her to look at anything else in the restaurant.

She walked over the jukebox and stared at the selections some more…trying to make her final decision.

"Hey what are you two doing here?"

Brande and Justin turned to look at Lance who was holding a tray full of burgers, fries, and drinks.

"I was wondering where you were." Justin said.

Lance shifted the tray to a more comfortable position, "Food for the masses." He looked over his shoulder at the pick-up counter. A girl leaning on the counter smiled and waved slightly. He turned back to Justin and Brande and grinned, "Plus…" He shrugged, shifting the tray once again.

"Oh will you give me that?" Brande said taking the tray from Lance. She placed it levelly in the palm of her hand and stared at the two men. "Are we going to sit down?" Lance shook his head laughing at the look of amazement on Justin's face.

"How do you do that?"

Brande smiled, "Practice." Turning to Lance she nodded her head, "All right Sir Lance-A-Lot…lead the way."

Chris bopped his head up and down the tune out of the jukebox. "Not my favorite song in the world, but it's got a good beat."

Sam slid into the booth next to Chris and smiled, "Why thank you. I thought so myself."

Joey and JC both groaned as they finally recognized the song. Sam laughed, "What don’t like this song?"

"Not particularly" Joey mumbled, lying his head on the table. "Is Lance going to bring that food anytime…"

"And that makes you larger than life." A slightly off key female voice rang in, interrupting Joey's mumble. He looked up to see Brande standing there, holding a tray full of food.

"B. Babe! What are you doing here?" Chris said, as he reached over to grab the tray from her.

"I got hungry." Justin said as he walked up behind her. He placed his arms around her shoulders and leaned down, letting his chin rest on her head.

She rolled her eyes upward making an exasperated sound, "I am not your head rest." Lance came to stand next to her, and he placed an arm on her shoulder. "Nor am I your arm rest." She shrugged off Lance's arm, and shook her head dislodging Justin's chin, but did nothing about the arms around her shoulders.

Lance shrugged and scooted in next to Sam. "So are you two going to order?"

Brande shrugged turning her head upward slightly to look at Justin. "Did you want to hang out with these clowns all night?"

Justin started to chuckle as Sam made an irritated sound, "Excuse me. I am not…nor will I ever be part of this group of clowns."

"Oh I don't know. I think you kind of blend in pretty good. Ya'll need a back up dancer for the next tour. I'm sure that Sam would love to volunteer. Or maybe a personal masseuse? JC, how bout you?"

Sam narrowed her eyes at Brande as JC's rounded. Brande laughed, and moved behind Justin to shield herself from the wrath of Sam. Chris grinned at JC's face, and then looked over at Sam who was shooting daggers at Justin's chest.

"He can't protect you all night B. He's got to go home some time. And I know where you sleep."

Brande thought about that for a moment before shrugging, "Fine. I'll just go home with him then." The moment the words were out of her mouth, she knew she shouldn't have said them. Chris, JC and Lance all looked at her wide-eyed, as Sam tried not to snort. She glanced momentarily at Joey, but he wasn't looking her direction. It seemed he was much to interested in eating his burger.

I'll just go home with him then. She'd go home with him. Was she joking? She had to be joking. She couldn't…she wouldn't…she…Joey tore another chunk of his burger and chewed slowly. Why should he care? She wanted the Kid. She'd made that clear. Crystal.

"Oh yeah B. So you just going to move in with Justin then huh?"

Brande shrugged, "Maybe. Or I could just keep a member of the group with me at all times. After all, you can't kill any of them. If you do hundreds of thousands of teenies would be after your ass in a second." She smiled and reached out to pinch one of Lance's cheeks, "Can't hurt an adorable face like this. Now can ya'?"

Sam rolled her eyes, "Oh will you get out from behind Justin so he can go get your food?"

"Promise not to hurt me?"

Chris grinned and placed his arms around Sam, "I'll restrain her for ya' B."

"Thanks Chris." She stepped from behind Justin and stood in front of the table for a moment. The only available spot was next to Joey, and she really didn't want to…

"Lance, why don't you go sit by Joey, so Sam can prove that she won't kill Brande." JC piped up. Brande looked at JC, who nodded, indicating he understood. How did he…

"Uh…yeah…sure." Lance got up from his seat and moved next to Joey, allowing Brande to sit next to Sam.

"So, want anything in particular?" Justin asked her.

"Umm…naw. Whatever you get sounds good." She stopped at that, "Take that back. Whatever you get, just in smaller portions."

Everyone laughed at that, as Justin left the table to get their food. "So anything good on the 'ole Juke Box?" Brande asked.

Sam shrugged, " A lot of pop. Few oldies and soundtracks."

"Hmmm…" Brande mused as she started digging in her purse looking for a quarter. "Damn. Anyone got a…" She looked up to see three hands each with a quarter in it. "…quarter? Ok, that answers that then." She reached over and grabbed JC's then took Lance's and Chris's as well. "You are all to generous. Really." She stood up and made her way to the jukebox, looking over the selections.

Chris eyed Sam's plate, staring at her pickle. If she would only…he watched her attention stray from her plate to Lance. Now was the time. Do it CK…grab the pickle. You can do it. His hand began to snake out, inching towards her plate…almost there. Almost…

"Keep your hands off my plate." Sam said, not even bothering to look at him.

His hand froze in mid air. Joey and Lance both laughed as he pulled his hand away, "How did you…"

Sam turned and grinned, "I'm a girl. We know these things." Chris blinked and Sam laughed, "It's called perifial vision Chris."

Chris sulked in the booth, grabbing a fry to munch on. He looked across to JC's plate, his pickle sitting there. JC watched as he began to grin his eyes following Chris's own to his plate. Chris looked hopefully at JC. "Hey Jace if you don't…"

"Mine." JC said, and to prove that fact he grabbed his pickle and took a bite.

Joey looked over at Chris and grinned. Sometimes he was too much. His eyes flicked from face to face in the booth, and then he looked over to where Brande was standing at the jukebox. The sounds of Lauren Hill drifted out of the speakers, and he watched as Brande began moving to the beat, tapping together her two remaining quarters in her fingers, looking for another song.

Girls you know you better watch out. Some guys, some guys are only about. That thing that thing that thing. That thing that thing that thing.

His own head began to move up and down to the beat, his eyes never leaving her bouncing form.

"Good choice B." Lance said, bopping his head as well.

Brande turned around and smiled her eyes meeting Joey's for a moment before turning around quickly.

Justin came around the corner his body moving to the beat, "Hey who picked…" He saw Brande at the jukebox and grinned, "I knew there was a reason I liked you." He danced his way over to the jukebox and grabbed Brande around the waist, pulling her to him, his hips still moving to the beat.

"Justin what are you doing?" She laughed.

Justin continued to move, his body automatically going with the beat, "Dancing with you. What does it look like?"

"A really bad re-make of Dirty Dancing." Chris offered, his hand snaking towards Sam's plate again.

"Chris…" Sam warned.

"Damnit!" Chris laughed before shrugging. "Fine if I can't have your pickle. "Come on." He pulled her up and placed his arms around her waist.

"Chris, what do you think you are doing?"

"Dancing. I figure if the youngen's can, so can we." Sam laughed at him, before moving with him to the beat.

…The pretty face, men claiming that they did a bid men Need to take care of their three and four kids men They facing a court case when the child's support late Money taking, heart breaking now you wonder why women hate men The sneaky silent men the punk domestic violence men The quick to shoot the semen stop acting like boys and be men
How you gon' win when you ain't right within How you gon' win when you ain't right within How you gon' win when you ain't right within Come again Come again, come again, come again, come again Girls you know you better watch out Some guys, some guys are only about That thing, that thing, that thing…

"Randall. Your orders up."

Justin glared at the over head speaker, "Go ahead. Ruin the song why don't cha'." He let go of Brande and grinned, "Be right back. Hope you're hungry."

Brande watched him go and shook her head, "Why does that sound ominous?"

JC laughed and made Joey move so he could get out of the booth. He walked over and stood next to Brande, "Put it this way. A light lunch for him, a foot long sub, two bags of chips, and a large soda."

"Oi Vei." Brande mumbled.

JC laughed and looked at the two remaining quarters in her hand, "Well, what else you going to play?"

She looked over the titles and shrugged. "I don’t know." She handed one to JC, "You pick one, and I pick one. Sounds good?"

JC nodded and bent his head to pursue the titles. "Jace?"

He looked over at Brande, "Yeah?"

"How did you know…well…about me and …"

He smiled slightly, "I got some info from Chris, the rest. I guessed." He watched her face frown slightly and he ducked his head lower, "Hey, don't get mad at Chris. I asked. Joe and Justin are my friends. And so are you. I just wanted to make sure everything was…kosher. Ya' know?"

She nodded, "Yeah." Brande saw Justin come around the corner with their tray. "Soups on."

"Make your selection." JC told her.

She shook her head at the double meaning. If she could only go back and change things…then maybe…She put her coin in the slot and punched some numbers. "Thanks JC." She said, before turning back to the table and sitting down to her food.

JC shook his head and looked over the titles. Finally choosing a song, he placed his quarter in and punched the buttons. He turned around to see everyone sitting around the table, Justin bringing a chair up to the end, sitting next to Brande.

"Justin this is too much food!" Brande said looking at her plate.

Justin grinned, "Well what you don't eat, the rest of the guys can help. Right?"

Chris nodded enthusiastically, eyeing Brande's pickle. "Umm…if you want…I can start with that pickle of yours."

Brande wrinkled her nose, "Take it."

"Don't like pickles?" JC said as he sat down next to Lance.

"Nope. Never have."

"Why didn't you tell me? I would have told them to hold the pickle."

Sam started snickering which set everyone off at the table. Justin rolled his eyes at his own pun. "That's not what I…." He sighed as everyone started laughing harder.

Brande wiped a tear away and set a hand on Justin's arm, "It's all right. Sam and I used to do it all the time. Though, when we did it, it was on purpose…but…" She shrugged, "We still love you J."

Lance looked at Brande, "I never said I loved him."

"Me neither." Chris piped in.

JC looked in thought for a moment and grinned, "Nope. I didn't say anything like that either."

Justin's face fell, "No one loves me then?"

Three male heads shook no, while the fourth just grunted. Brande looked around the table, "Oh come on guys. Be nice to the boy." The heads just shook again, this time smiling.

"No where in our contract does it say we have to be nice to him." Lance said, taking a fry off of Brande's plate.

Justin glared around the table. "Fine. Since none of you love me, I guess I'll just have to take Brande to the Grammy's then."

Brande stopped her burger half way to her mouth. "Excuse me?"

Justin flushed and looked at Brande, "Err…well…I mean…I was going to ask you….and…umm…well…the Grammy's are in about a month…and…I don't know how long it takes you girls to find a dress…I mean…I usually take my mom or something, but uh…" He paused and took a deep breath. "B, wanna' go to the Grammy's?" He watched Brande's eyes nearly bulge out of her head.

"The Grammy's?" She repeated softly.

His body sagged slightly, "If you don't want to, I understand…"

Brande blinked, "No. No I would love too. It's just. The Grammy's." She looked at Justin amazed, "Do you know how many famous people are going to be there?"

Justin chuckled, "You know, a lot of people think I'm pretty famous."

"Yeah, but they don't know you like we know you J." Sam said trying not to grin.

"Oh yeah, speaking of the Grammy's. Sam, I need a date. You free that night?"

Sam looked over at Lance, "Oh yeah. That's a real nice way to ask."

Lance shrugged, "Hey, my other dates fell through and…"

"So I'm the reserves?"

Lance winced, "No. That's not what I meant. I mean…" He rubbed a hand over his face, "Sam, would you do me the honor of being my date to the Grammy's?"

"Well Lansten, since you put it so nicely. Yes I will." Sam thought about the Grammy's for a moment, and then looked at Brande. "You do realize we have to go shopping now. Right?"

Brande's eyes lit up, "Shopping. For really pretty dresses. This will be better than my prom."

JC looked at the two girls who were now talking about dresses. He glanced over at Justin who was happily eating his burger. He looked at Lance for a moment before finally deciding to ask him the question on his mind.

"Hey Lance." He whispered

"Yeah?"

"Why'd you tell Sam you had other dates. I mean normally when you have a girlfriend you take her, right?"

Lance shrugged, "Yeah, but the thing is, Sam's not my girlfriend." He looked over at the older man and smiled. "Hasn't been for awhile." He tried not to think about what this was going to do to everyone now that the other man knew she was single, but then again, if he didn't right the wrong, Sam would kill him.

JC blinked, "What?"

"We broke up a while ago. We're just friends." Lance told him, trying not to laugh as he bit the inside of his cheek at the complete look of utter disbelief that his friend was giving him.

"Oh," was all JC could say as his mind digested the information he was just given. Sam's…single? That meant…he shook his head at the thought. Knock it off man. I have a girlfriend remember? You wish you could forget though. The girl you put on the plane not more than 12 hours ago. Yeah good riddance. I love her. Do you? Do you really? Fine, I may not be IN love with her, but…we need each other. No, she needs you. You can live without her. But we've been together for so long, we have….history. Ancient history. It's become habit. I'm satisfied. Yeah, but are you happy? JC looked over at Sam who was grinning at the younger girl as they talked about dresses. Yeah man. You could be happy. All you've got to do is…He shook his head. No, no more. I'm tired of arguing with you. We wouldn't be arguing if you would just listen to me. Go away. I can't man. I'm you.

"Hey Jace you with us?"

JC looked up to see everyone leaving the table. "Uh…oh…yeah…umm…we headin' home?"

Chris nodded, "Yeah, I'm gonna' drop Sammy and Brande off at their place. You mind riding back with Justin?"

He shook his head, "Naw. No problem. I'll call you later."

Chris laughed, " I'll see you tomorrow. Recording, ten a.m., remember?"

JC nodded remembering the recording session they had, "Yeah. Sorry. Must have spaced."

Chris shook his head, "Well, just make sure you have your head on tomorrow." He turned and left the table mumbling, "Who would've thought I'd be saying that to JC?"

"So…uh…I'll call you tomorrow. If…that's ok with you?" Justin said, standing in front of Chris's car.

"Yes Justin. You can call me whenever you want."

Justin grinned, and tapped her nose with his index finger, "Be careful, I might hold that to ya'" He looked at the smile on her face, and felt his heart skip a beat. Kiss her you idiot.

Brande smiled back and shook her head slightly, "You're such a…" Justin's lips upon her own cut off anything else she was going to say. She stiffened at first, not expecting the sudden assault, but slowly relaxed. He was a good kisser. But he was nothing like…She pulled back slowly.

"I…I gotta' go…" She whispered.

Justin nodded, "Yeah…I'll…uh…call you."

"Okay."

Justin smiled and turned around quickly, heading to his car. Brande watched him go for a bit before heading to Chris's car.

"I might call before then though!" Justin yelled.

Brande turned and saw him leaning out of his car. "Go home."

Justin grinned, "I am. Talk to you later cutie!"

Sam rolled her eyes at the two. "Oh gag me." She said from the front seat of Chris's car.

"It's so cute it's sick isn't it?" Chris asked Lance.

"I feel like I'm going to loose my lunch" Lance agreed.

Shoot me now, Joey thought, but kept silent in the back seat. Brande opened the back door and slid in, her thigh brushing up against Joey's. The stared at each other a moment before looking off into two different directions.

"Everyone in?" Chris asked.

"Yes Chris. Can we go now?" Sam said.

"Uh yesa' Miss Daisy. Wesa' goin' home now."

~*~

"Who knew we'd be going to the Grammy's, Sam." Brande said, whirling around in a circle arms out to her sides, in the hotel room.

Sam sighed, rubbing her eyes. "I'm tired. Jet Lag sucks." She muttered, hanging up her garment bag while shoving her duffel in the closet.

"Sam… Grammy's… pay attention." Brande stopped to watch the other girl weave slightly as she stood up.

"I am… I am… it's just…" She turned at the sudden interruption that was the knocking on the door.

"Go away we don't want any." Brande grinned, yelling at whoever was on the other side.

Sam groaned, rolling her eyes slightly before ripping the door open. "What Chris…" She said leaning against the doorjamb heavily.

"Just wanted to make sure you two cuties had gotten here all right. And how did you know it was me?"

"You knock the same everywhere." She said, closing her eyes.

"Looks like someone isn't used to traveling cross country." Lance cooed, poking her in the arm.

"If you want to keep that finger, you will stop at anytime."

"Right." Lance struggled to keep the grin from crossing his face and lost. "Well, we just wanted to let you gals know what was going to happen today."

"Okay, I'm listening…" Sam sighed against the door.

"Hey B, you might want to listen to his too just in case Sam really isn't listening." Chris called out into the room.

"Okay… shoot…" She yelled back. "I can hear ya."

Lance laughed lightly, poking Sam again so that she'd open her eyes. "First we have the pre-show… that's when we'll walk down the red carpet, do interviews, smile for the cameras, basically schmooze with the media. Following me so far?"

"Uh huh… schmooze, smile, bat eyelashes…" Sam muttered.

"Right, then we'll go into the auditorium, be ushered into our seats where we'll sit for about three, three and a half hours."

"Oh don't forget we're performing…" Chris said.

"Right, how could I forget…" Lance muttered. "It's not like we've been rehearsing or anything for days on end and…"

"Lance…" Brande said spoke loudly over his muttering. "What next?"

"We party." Chris and Lance said in unison, grinning.

The two girls rolled their eyes before nodding. "Okay… so when does this shindig start?" Brande asked, glancing down at her watch.

Lance looked down at his own, his eyes widening. "We have an hour before we're supposed to be down at the limos."

"An hour?" Sam asked. "But that's…"

Lance turned to Chris. "We have an hour to get ready…"

"Only an hour?" Chris asked, his expression turning to panic.

Lance nodded. "Exactly one hour."

"But that's not enough…" Chris started to say.

"Guys, that's not enough…" Brande tried to interrupt.

Lance grabbed Chris arm and pulled him down the hall. "An hour girls." He yelled, practically sprinting while yanking Chris with him.

Sam shook her head, closing the door behind her. "You shower first."

"No, you go." Brande told her. "It'll help you wake up."

"Gotcha." Sam nodded slowly, grabbing her bag to enter the bathroom and get ready, while Brande sacked out on the couch, flipping channels before settling on Entertainment Tonight who was already starting to cover the Grammy's.

"It's been over an hour." Sam griped, her legs folded under her as she waited for the guys to show up at the door.

"Dude… did you see who just arrived on the carpet?" Brande asked, her dress poofed out behind her as she sat on the edge of the bed, her feet dangling over the edge.

"Brande… you're going to see these people in moments."

"I know but… my god, what is she wearing?"

"What everyone else will be wearing." Sam muttered as she glanced at the television and the scantily clad woman.

"We have to go." She heard yelled outside.

"Sounds like we're moving." Sam said, standing up to grab her heels and put them on her feet. She slipped the high heels on and wobbled a bit before righting herself. "I hate wearing heels on carpet." She muttered to herself as she walked over to the door to open it. On the other side stood Lance, his hand raised to knock. His eyes widened at her sudden appearance before they swept down her body, taking in the entire outfit she was wearing.

"Wow…" He breathed out as soon as he got the air back into his lungs. She was dressed simply in a long red dress, the bodice overlapping with a semi deep neckline, the material crepe like. Around her neck was wrapped a gold chain with a single crystal dangling from it with matching crystal drop earrings. She'd curled her short hair and put on the minimalist amount of make-up, except for her eyes which she'd outlined darkly, her eyes standing out in contrast to the simplicity of the outfit. "You look…"

She grinned. "Thanks. I tried."

"You're a lot more awake than you were." He laughed, glad that the jet lag was wearing off. He knew how hard it could be to function after making that trip.

"I took a shower, the warm water helped." She shook her head, stepping aside as Brande hurried out the door, slinging her purse over her arm.

"Do I even need this?" She muttered to the attachment to her shoulder that she called a purse.

"Nah… if you need anything, it's usually catered at the place and then later, all paid for." Justin said, strolling down the hall, head down as he tried to fix his tie. "Stupid thing won't…"

"Here let me." Brande said, pushing his hands aside as she tried to fix the knot that had slipped.

Justin looked up from the tie to see her face and lost all feeling in his knees as he stared down into her face. His eyes flew over her, wanting to see her entire outfit and thanked his lucky stars that he'd asked her. She was beautiful.

Her top was a dark green with gold embroidery along the edges, short sleeves covered her shoulders with a modest neckline showing only a hint of cleavage. The matching skirt was bell shaped, flowing out around her ankles, floor length so that he couldn't even see if she was wearing shoes. Her hair was pulled up on the sides with dark green clips and she'd dusted her nose with glitter, giving him the impression that she'd turned into a fairy since the last time that he'd seen her. "You look…. " He trailed off, not knowing how to put it into words.

Brande looked up and grinned impishly. "Thank you, you look nice as well."

He shook his head, knowing he'd sounded like a moron. "Done with that yet?"

"Almost…" She bit her lip as she slipped the last piece of fabric through the hole. "There. Done."

"Thanks, Brande." He whispered softly, before leaning down to give her a soft kiss on the lips.

"Don't ruin my make-up." She warned, smiling slightly to let him know she was kidding.

"We ready to go?" Lance asked, stepping from foot to foot impatiently. "We're supposed to be down there but because you couldn't tie your damn tie, we're late and…"

"Lance… calm yourself… we're fine." Justin said, holding out his elbow for Brande. "After you madam…" He said, leading her down the hallway.

Sam slipped her arm through Lance's. "Take a deep breath…. Now let it out." She told him softly.

"But…"

"It’s fine. It's not you're never late…" She smiled up at him.

"Do you have to bring that up now…" He sighed.

"When else would I?" She laughed, patting his arm gently. "But I'll leave it alone for now."

"Thanks." He muttered under his breath, walking a little faster to catch the elevator that was just opening for Brande and Justin.

"Where have you been?" Joey asked as the four came down the steps of the hotel, leading to the limousines.

"Tying my tie. Sorry." Justin shot him a glare, telling him to relax. At his side, Brande looked at Joe before quickly looking away. She didn't know what to say to him, this being the first time that she'd seen him in almost a month.

"Well get in. We need to go." He said abruptly, climbing in. Justin and Lance looked at each other before shrugging.

"I take it that means everyone else is already in." Sam laughed lightly, pulling up her skirt in one hand to climb in as Lance held the door for her. "Thanks." She said, smiling over her shoulder as she sat down, moving over a bit to allow him to sit next to her.

Brande and Justin followed suit, the door closing behind them as one of the bodyguards rapped the top of the car telling the driver that everyone was in and it was time to go. The car slowly pulled from the curb, moving towards the venue.

"It's about time you four made it down here. We thought we were going to have to leave without you for a minute or two there." Chris said, leaning back against the seat, patting the leg of the girl sitting next to him.

"I thought I said not to touch me, Chris." She told him, raising an eyebrow at him.

"But… I…" He started, frowning in his confusion.

Brande leaned forward, being seated across from the female. "Hi, I'm Brande."

The female grinned and stuck out her hand to shake Brande's. "Karen. Nice to meet you."

"How do you know, Chris?" Sam asked, joining the conversation as Lance was talking to JC and Joe.

"We work together. I'm the publicity manager for FuMan and I also manage the website as well. He and I have been friends for years and when he asked me to come tonight, I jumped at the chance. Haven't come as his date in awhile, but since he and that brunette that he was dating awhile ago broke up, I'm being relegated as date again."

"That's gotta be nice." Sam said. "Getting to go to all the shindigs without any of the responsibility of really being attached to him." She grinned, letting Chris know she was only joking.

"Oh yeah… " Karen grinned, lightly smacking him in the arm. "He knows I only come to these to pick up on the single men."

"I'm feeling unloved, Karen." He muttered.

"Oh you big baby. Quit your whining."

"You're just using me for my network of friends." He grumbled, slumping down in his seat, his arms folded over his chest.

"Don't slump, you'll wrinkle your suit and you've known that for years." She laughed, glad to be near him again, instead of across the country in Florida. She'd missed his infectious humor and subtle wit.

"Aw Karen… quit mothering me."

"I'm not…"

"Are too…"

"Man they sound like siblings." Sam muttered to Brande.

"But you have to admit its pretty funny to watch." She whispered, watching as Karen smacked Chris for some comment about her past boyfriends.

Sam zoned out as everyone talked around her, thinking about the Grammy's and how nervous she was beginning to feel. "You're going to be fine." Lance whispered to her, leaning over as he watched her twist her ring around her finger.

"I know… it just… I mean… all those people and…"

"You get used to it." A new voice emerged in the car.

Sam looked over and saw a striking woman sitting across from her. Her long black dress was almost sheer and the deep neckline left nothing to the imagination. Her brown hair flowed down her shoulders in waves and her eyes shot sparks across at her. Why though, Sam couldn't say. She also noticed that her hand was clasped firmly around JC's, her eyes widening as she realized who she was. "I don't think I ever would." She said softly, turning toward Lance with a plea in her eyes.

JC sighed, staring out the window, lost in thought. Ever since Sam had climbed into the car, he's had his face pressed to the glass, not wanting to see her, not wanting to notice how beautiful she was, especially compared to…

"Who are those two girls?" He heard whispered snidely to him.

"Justin and Lance's dates." He said, trying not to groan.

"Are they dating them?" He thought he could hear a touch of rudeness but wasn't sure.

"No, just friends to my knowledge." He tried not to bang his head against the glass, knowing what was coming.

"Are they friends of yours?"

He turned towards her and hissed. "Yes, they are. Can we not discuss this now, please?" His words short as he tried to keep a leash on his already volatile temper.

She crossed her arms over her chest, turning away from him. "Fine… "

He groaned, wanting to cover his face in shame. Why is she like this all the bloody time? You'd think that just being with me would be enough but no…

They felt the car slide to a stop and the door opened as one of the bodyguards stuck his head through the door. "Everyone ready?"

Lance reached over and squeezed Sam's hand. "I think so."

"Alrighty then… everyone out." He said, stepping back to allow the group to exit the vehicle.

Screams immediately assailed all of their ears. Sam looked behind her at Brande and tried to retreat, but couldn't because Chris was shoving her from behind. "Come on Sam. We got to get out too."

Sam smiled apologetically at Chris before moving forward.

"He could have at least brought someone who knows WHAT they are doing here."

JC looked over at his girlfriend and sighed. Brande hearing what she had said only smiled and looked at her. "She knows what she is doing. She's here for a friend. The question is really, What are you doing here?" She watched the other woman's eyes bulge. Brande grinned wider and looked at the woman's dress. "By the way. Nice dress." She eyed it one more time before looking up, "But I think you forgot something."

Everyone who was left in the limo watched as the younger girl trashed on JC's date.

"And what would that be?" She huffed.

Brande grinned and looked over at Justin nodding she was ready. Justin began to step out as Brande looked at her one more time, "A bra."

Chris and Joey began sputtering, as Karen openly laughed.

"I…I…I have never been more insulted in my life. JC, can't you tell your…friends, " She sneered at the word, "To control their girls."

Karen looked over at the other woman in the limo and grinned, "You know normally I wouldn't say anything…"

"Well then, why don't we stick with the norm?" She asked, leveling her eyes at Karen.

Karen grinned wider and shook her head, "But, thankfully this is a special occasion, so I'll give myself some privileges." She leaned across the seats and looked directly at the fuming woman, "Unlike some people, we aren't pet poodles on a leash." She looked at JC and sighed, "Real question is, who's really on the leash?"

Joey coughed a few times, as JC looked at Karen then to Chris. Chris only shrugged, and stepped out of the limo, offering his hand to Karen.

Joey looked back and forth between JC and his girlfriend before stepping out of the limo, leaving the last couple in his wake.

"JC, You can't expect me to go out there and sit next to those…"

"You know, " JC interrupted, "The only think I expect out of you this evening, is for you to shut your loud mouth and look pretty for the cameras."

Her face turned red as his words sunk in, "JC, you…I mean…have you no respect…"

"I have plenty of respect for those who deserve it." He looked out the limo and scooted down the seat, "Come on."

"AHHHHH"

"*N Sync. Over Here! *N Sync! *N Sync!"

"Justin! Look! Justin!"

Brande tightened her grip on Justin's hand, as they were lead down the red carpet. Flashbulbs popped, while the photographer's screams competed with the fans out on the sidewalk. Brande turned to look at Sam, who was coming up behind her. Sam's eyes were wide as she took everything in, from the celebrities, to the fans, to the mass amounts of paparazzi. She caught Brande's attention and mouthed "Crazy." Brande nodded in agreement, as she turned to look ahead of her again, not wanting to trip and embarrass herself in front of everyone.

"Ok, we gotta' stop at the E.T. platform real quick."

Brande looked up at Justin who had plastered his "I am a pop god" smile on, and was waving to the crowd. "What?" she asked.

He looked down at her and chuckled at her frightened expression. "Entertainment Tonight. It won’t be too bad. They are just going to ask us a few questions then we move into the press tent." He grinned down at her, "That's when things get really interesting." He heard a mumbled, "Oh lord have mercy all mighty." This time when he smiled, it was a genuine smile.

Sam watched as Justin started up the steps of the E.T platform. She looked at Lance and shook her head, "I don't have to go up there do I?"

"Yeah. You do. But the dates normally stand back a bit, so no worries. Ok? You can talk with Karen and Brande for a bit."

JC headed up the steps to the platform, noticing that Karen, Brande, and Sam stood a little ways back from their dates. He glanced at his girlfriend, who had now attached herself to his arm. No chance of getting her to stand back with the girls.

"Thanks Mary, and we are here on the red carpet with another group of for three Grammy's this evening, *N Sync. Hi guys."

"Hi Bob." Sam watched as all five smiled and preened for the camera, putting on their celebrity façade as they would the very coats they were wearing.

"Excited to be here?"

"Very." Justin leaned forward to speak into the microphone. "Being nominated at the Grammy's is an honor and none of us care whether we win or not. It's just great to be here."

"So there's a new album coming out, I hear."

"You heard right." JC cut in, cocking his head to the side as he thought about his answer. "This album is going to be crazy. The fans aren't going to know what to expect cause we're changing our sound again. It's going to be harder, you know. We're taking the dirty pop sound to the next level."

"But since we just got into the studio." Lance smiled brightly. "We really can't tell you anything more than that we're working hard to get it out by May because of the new tour and that if the fans liked No Strings Attached, they are definitely going to like the next one."

"Good luck at the Grammy's, guys, and may I say that your dates are all lovely."

"Yes you may, Bob." Justin grinned, turning to bring Brande forward and as the cameras focused on the three girls that were standing behind them, all three turned and looked down below.

"Look, isn't that…" Karen pointed down below them.

"Oh wow…. Sting…" Sam cried out, practically bouncing in excitement.

"Hey, I think I just saw…" Brande said, pointing in front of Sam's face in the opposite direction that everyone was looking.

Justin turned back around smiling wryly. "I think they're a little camera shy."

"That's quite alright, we caught the backs of their lovely heads on film and I'm sure the cameras will be going nuts when they see that you all brought new dates, well except for…" He smiled over at JC's date. "Nice to see you again."

She smiled brightly. "You too, Bob."

"Well, we need to get moving to the Press tent." Lance said, shaking the reporter's hand.

"Thanks for the interview guys and really… Good Luck tonight, you deserve it."

All five guys smiled and waved as they walked down the steps, taking the girls with them. Lance pulled Sam close to his side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "What was that?" He whispered in her ear.

She grinned, putting a slight amount of distance between them. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Sure ya don't." He laughed.

"Tonight isn't about us, Lance." Sam told him seriously. "It's about the five of you. I'm just here to support you and look nice."

"Which you do…" He grinned, wiggling his eyebrows up and down as he looked her up and down, pretending to ogle her.

She smacked his arm. "Not now…cameras are everywhere and the last thing we need is a rumor about us."

"I wouldn't mind."

"Lance…" She glared at him, playfully.

"What… I wouldn't? Look at it from my standpoint… They'd be hooking me up with a beautiful woman who also has a great personality. It'd be something new for me."

"You're too much." She shook her head, laughing softly.

"I know." He smiled, squeezing her shoulders once before letting her go as they walked up to where rows of photographers and reporters were waiting to catch all the nominees and presenters for their photo spreads.

"Oh lord…" Sam's eyes widened.

"You'll be fine. They'll probably ask for a few pictures of you girls, but for the most part, you'll be able to stand off to the side."

"Good… you know how much I…"

"NSYNC. Over here."

"They're here!"

"Look over here boys."

"Justin! JC! Over here. Smile."

Sam shook her head, putting more distance between her and Lance as she tried to move away from him and into the crowd.

"Oh no, you don't." He laughed, grabbing her hand. "You go that way and I'll lose you for the rest of the night."

"Like that would be a bad thing…" She muttered.

"Behave." He whispered as the guys moved up onto the platform as a group, smiling and laughing as demands were made on them to look left, right, front and back.

"I don't know how they do it." Karen said, shaking her head as she watched them. "I'd be punching someone by now."

"They're obviously professionals, unlike you."

Karen looked over her shoulder at the young woman who was only there because JC wanted her to be. "Where do you get off acting like…"

"JOEY! Yoohoo… Sorry I'm late." A new voice carried over the din, silencing whatever Karen had been about to say.

"Britney! Over here. Smile." Several reporters and photographers started yelling as everyone began to whisper and talk as Britney Spears walked into the area.

Brande's mouth dropped open slightly as the young woman stepped through the throng of people towards the group of men that were all smiling at her. Joey stepped forward offering his hand to her so that she could join them. She hugged each of the guys before stepping aside so that her own pictures could be taken before moving next to them so that a few group shots could be taken as well.

"How come she gets to be up there and I don't?"

"Because she's famous." Brande looked over and smiled fakely. "You however…" She looked the woman up and down "…are only a wannabe celebrity. Famous by association." She tried not to laugh as the other girl huffed and stomped off, moving closer to the stairs so that she could be available when the guys came down to head into the venue and take their seats in the auditorium.

"She's really getting on my nerves." Brande said, sneering slightly as the other girl moved away from them.

Sam shrugged. She watched the older woman stop by one of their bodyguards and begin to talk, gesturing wildly, before looking over her shoulder back at them. "What does he see in her?" She asked quietly.

Karen laughed then began to cough. "That must be the question of the hour then cause I was thinking the exact same thing."

Sam looked at Chris' date and smiled. She was really nice and she was glad to have her with them that night.

Brande looked up at the stage and saw the photographers taking pictures of Joey and Britney together. Her brow furrowed, wondering why they were singling the two of them out. Usually, they wanted Justin and her together. Her eyes widened when she heard one of the reporters yell something out. "Joe… Britney… so is there any new developments between you or are you just friends who decided to come to the awards together?" Brande's mouth dropped open as who was Joey's late date finally sunk in. Britney was Joey's date?

She looked the girl up and down from head to toe, taking in the sheer, crystal covered dress that was jagged at the edges. The outfit didn't leave much to the imagination as it only covered strategically picked places in a white bikini while the rest of the actual dress was sheer. The middle of the gown was cut out to expose her midriff and belly button ring. Three-inch clear plastic heels completed the outfit and Brande shook her head, feeling very dowdy and overweight in her own dress. She reached one hand up to run through her hair and grimaced as she saw Britney shake her head, tossing her long blonde hair that was braided in laces and crimped in others over her shoulder.

Brande could feel tears begin to gather in the corner of her eyes as she saw Joey run a hand up and down her back comfortingly. "I don't…" She started to say, drawing Sam and Karen's attention away from their own conversation.

Sam looked at Brande then up at the stage and grimaced, knowing now why the younger girl was upset. "They're just friends, Brande."

"I know that." She said unconvincingly.

Karen looked between the two then up at Joe and smacked her forehead. "I get it now."

Brande looked over at her. "Get what?"

"All of Chris' comments and the tension in the limo when the four of you climbed in. I knew about JC and…" She coughed, forgetting that the red head didn't know about his confusion." And his unwanted bimbo, but I didn't know about the triangle. Chris had mentioned it but I just chalked it up to his mental disillusionment's again."

Brande shrugged. "It's okay. I mean… he… I have no ties to him. It wasn't… he…" She shrugged again. "It just wasn't meant to be and…" She looked back up at the stage and saw Britney give Joey a kiss on the cheek. "And I can't compare to that."

Sam patted her arm, seeing the guys begin to come back down the stairs. Her eyes narrowed as JC wound his fingers through the other girl's hand as the two moved towards the venue. "It'll be okay, sweets." She said softly, before striking up a grin as Lance came over to the girls. "Hey handsome."

"Hey… We're heading in. Ready?" He grinned.

Sam looked around, seeing the photographers paying attention to the next batch of celebrities that had made an appearance. "What no pictures?"

"Want me to grab a few for you?" He asked, jerking a thumb back over his shoulder.

"No." Sam grabbed his hand. "That's fine."

He laughed. "I love teasing you."

"Bite me." She shook her head, following him in, before glancing over her shoulder to make sure Justin and Chris had made their way to the other girls so that she wasn't leaving them alone.

Justin looked down at Brande as they made their way into the auditorium, the outside screams of the fans and the shouts of the reporters and photographers fading into the background. "You okay?" He asked, noticing that the cheerfulness and excitement had deteriorated in her face and body, her shoulders slumped.

She looked up, trying to smile. "Yeah… just… I don't know. Guess I just got overwhelmed by everything." Overwhelmed… yeah right, more like got hit with reality. You could never compete with her and you know it. If that’s the type of girl that he usually goes with, you're better off with Justin. Admit it… it'll never happen. He even told you so. Then why do I feel so completely miserable?

"NSYNC? Please follow me. You're seats are down front in the third row." An usher said, coming up behind the group as soon as they entered into the hall.

Justin placed his hand on Brande's lower back, guiding her down the long, carpeted aisle towards their seats. Joey looked over, seeing Justin's head bent towards the younger girl as he whispered into her ear and gritted his teeth. Why are you jealous? You gave her up remember? Get over it Fatone. Get over her now. And don't forget he happens to be one of your best friends. He deserves to be happy. But she's not happy… you don't know that… I do… if she was happy, she wouldn't have kissed me… and then you gave her up. Why am I talking to myself?

"Here you are. Enjoy the show and someone will be out to get you when it's time for you to perform." The young man said, before disappearing to seat another guest.

"Well…" Chris said, looking at the entire group standing awkwardly, no one wanting to sit down first. "How do we want to do this?"

"Britney and I will sit on the end." Joey offered, grudgingly. "She's performing before us and it'll be easier for her to get out."

"We'll sit by them." Justin piped up, not noticing the tension brought by his announcement.

"Okay then JC and Lance can go. I want the end." Chris grinned, motioning them into the row.

Karen shook her head as everyone moved to sit down. "You're horrible." She whispered. "Sitting all of them like that. You're just asking for trouble."

Chris looked at her and grinned, before eyeing the row, noticing the Joey and Brande were seated next to each other as was Sam and JC. "I'm good, aren't I."

"Like I said… trouble." She laughed, before sitting down, offering him the seat next to her.

"Hey Joe…"

"Chris, why are you calling me?"

"I'm bored. Is this thing over with yet?"

"No and I'm hanging up now."

"Wait…"

"For what?"

"I miss you man, you're too far away."

"Goodbye Chris."

"Fine…"

Sam looked over as soon as she heard the whispering and shook her head, watching Chris dial then hearing Joey pick up his cell as it apparently buzzed against his thigh, having turned off the ringer for the show. She looked back at Chris and saw him make a face at whatever Joe had been saying before hanging up. She chuckled softly, before shifting in her seat, trying to find a comfortable place to sit.

"Quit fidgeting." Lance whispered, trying not to laugh at her disgruntled expression.

"I can't help it. These seats are so hard."

"We know, but still…."

"Fine." She wanted to cross her arms over her chest and pout, but knew that wouldn't be acceptable so instead she crossed her legs at the knees and leaned away from Lance, towards the other armrest. She looked up when she bumped someone's elbow and when her eyes connected with another pair of blue ones, her eyes widened and she jerked away. "Sorry." She whispered, leaning the other way, only to bump Lance.

Both guys looked over her head and laughed before focusing their attention back on the current presenter. She finally settled in the middle of the chair, her back almost straight as she tried not to lean towards anyone.

JC leaned over to ask Sam if she was having a good time, the urge to hear her voice and talk to her overwhelming but the moment he leaned, he was pulled back, having forgotten that her arm was looped through his. "What are you doing?"

"Just moving around in my seat. These things are so uncomfortable."

She smiled and patted his arm before leaning her head down on his shoulder, watching Jennifer Lopez walk on stage to perform. He shook his head, hoping she hadn't noticed the movement, wondering what he was doing. Chasez… get a grip…. Look at her she's beautiful, she's classy, she's everything you've ever looked for in a girl and… and… He looked down at her head and grimaced. And she's a total bitch.

"NSYNC?"

Chris looked over to see the same man that had seated them, standing next to him with a flashlight, whispering. "Yes…"

"You have thirty minutes before you're to perform. Please come with me backstage. I was sent to get you."

Chris nodded, before leaning over to whisper to Karen, then passed the message down the row, standing when he saw Joey stand, knowing everyone was ready. "Lead us away, Garcone." He joked, him and everyone leaving the girls to their own devices.