Happy JuC day!
Mar. 18th, 2006 08:14 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsThis is my contribution for JuC day. Thanks go to ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
digital_diva, rikes and bayouskye for checking this over. I've prodded at the story since they saw it, so any mistakes are mine and mine alone.
Justin can’t remember when he first loved JC.
That realisation is woven within tightly bound threads, four men, four ties that Justin held close. Friendships that deepened with the passing of time until he could honestly say he loved them all. Except some time, way back in those insane days and exhaustion filled nights, his love for JC changed. Each smile, each whisper in the dark capturing his heart.
~*~*~*~
Justin pats his wallet through his jeans, and then takes a final look in the mirror before stepping outside. The corridor is deserted, the silence amplified by the thick carpet that muffles his footsteps as he walks. Justin can hear his heart, three beats for every step, and he taps his fingers against his thigh. He hums waiting for the elevator, and the beat swells until he shakes his head and hurries to the stairs.
He trails his hand over the banister and ignores each second stair until he’s finally on the first floor. Justin hesitates then, palm pressed against the glossy gold and glass door, on show for all to see. He breathes deep, ignoring the looks of recognition, the silent whispers that fill the air.
The lobby is filled with hushed voices when Justin opens the door. He smiles at a young girl and her mom, signing a napkin as the mom praises his music and her daughter glows. He thanks them and escapes with a final smile. It fades as he approaches the bar, fingers pressed hard against his thigh.
~*~*~*~
Affection was easy back then.
Chris’ arm over Justin’s shoulder, they slept on the bus with heads close. Blonde curls against dark strands as they drove through the night.
Swept without warning into Joey’s arms. Justin’s feet kicking as they twirled, belly churning and laughing as his world crazily span.
Homework with Lance, lying on the bed, horded candy mixed with pens. Books open and forgotten as they watched tv.
Hours spent talking with JC, as that friendship became more.
Justin was hot, skin tight with heat as he shivered. His mom’s eyes shadowed as she picked up her purse. Ready to go out to look for medicine, leaving Justin huddled miserably around his pillow. Minutes later and he was alone. Eyes drifting closed before opening them at the sound of the door. Careful footsteps and his skin heated further at the feel of a gentle thumb across his face, as JC swept away the tears that had trickled across Justin’s cheeks. Wordless murmurs and JC kissed Justin’s forehead, a brief touch of lips before he settled on the floor, head resting against the bed as Justin finally slept.
Lights flashed in Justin’s eyes as he ran across the stage. He skidded to a halt, arms outstretched and microphone held out to the crowd as they sang. Justin grinned, spun around and ran once more. Laughing as he grabbed Chris’ hand and twirled him around, jumping at Joey’s back and holding on as they danced in the spotlight. Sung to Lance as they shared a look, that this was happening, the crowd really was shouting their names. Shivered when JC’s arms held tight, hot against Justin’s body, his mouth pressed to Justin’s neck before breaking away with a knowing smile.
Tentative at first, Justin kissed JC. Tiny touches, dry lips under his own. His hands bunched in JC’s shirt as they backed against the wall. Justin’s eyes opened, and he blinked at JC, the gleam of his eyes, the sweep of dark lashes so close.
~*~*~*~
JC’s in a booth by the bar. There’s a lamp above him and the light spills onto his hair, making it gleam. He’s drinking, fingers wrapped around a tall glass, and a green straw brushes against his cheek. Justin can’t help smiling, tension easing as he moves through the room.
“Justin.” JC smiles wide, and he stands, wrapping himself around Justin when he gets close. It’s an awkward angle and Justin’s leaning into the booth, the drink a wet patch down his back. He doesn’t move, just holds on until acceptable public behaviour means he has to pull away.
“You’re looking good, no more hawk, thank god.”
“You know you loved it.” JC pats at his hair, and humour sparkles in his eyes as he sits down.
“If it makes you feel better, yeah, I loved it.” Justin slides into the booth, years of practice allowing him to evade JC’s batting hands. Their laughter attracts attention, but Justin shrugs it aside, ignoring the looks as JC escalates his attack. Justin thinks he hears something about fuzzy neck hair, but the insult is buried under JC’s giggles. A sound that causes Justin to laugh too, until they’re good to do nothing but lay back in the booth and smile like the idiots they really are.
There’s easy silence. Then JC runs his hands down his shirt, smoothes the fabric, crumpling it once more when he wraps the hem around his fingers and worries at a button with his thumb. “It’s been two months.” He looks at Justin, the unsaid words clear.
“I’ve been busy.” Justin doesn’t elaborate, he doesn’t have to. They both know how it is, how it’ll always be.
“I got you something.” JC pushes a glass toward Justin. The drink is neon blue and Justin wrinkles his nose, poking at the miniature sparkling palm tree that’s hooked on the side.
“It’s good, you’ll like it, promise.” JC picks up his own glass, frowning when he looks inside. “I need another.”
Justin plucks out the tree and takes a drink, unsurprised when it tastes good. They’ve been together forever now, and JC knows what Justin likes. He drains the glass, blinking against the burn of alcohol and wraps his fingers around JC’s wrist. “I have a mini bar in my room, it’s fully stocked even.”
JC smiles, “let’s go.”
~*~*~*~
Admitting all had been an anti-climax really.
The room had been tiny, one of those backstage closets that pretended to be a dressing room. One battered couch and a mirror circled with lights, half of which were blown. Make-up was scattered on the cracked counter, and JC perched on a stool, peering into the mirror as he carefully blended the foundation into his skin.
Balanced on a couch arm, Justin watched, focussed on JC’s fingers, the way they stroked across his face, and started when Chris clapped inches from his nose.
“Give me a heart-attack why don’t you.” Justin scowled, slapping at Chris’ shoulder and tried to push him away, but Chris was solid, wedged in his corner of the couch.
“You need to stop mooning at JC and entertain me. I’m dying of boredom here.” A flurry of movement and Chris was lying across Justin’s lap. His braids snaked down Justin’s leg and his eyes were dark as he looked up and smiled. “I’m pretty too, look at me.”
“You’re not pretty.” Justin grabbed a braid and tugged, his frown matched by an ever widening Chris smile. He tugged again, hating the involuntary curl of his own lips as Chris batted his eyes.
“I am pretty, Lance tells me so every night.” Chris stretched out his leg, toeing Lance in his side.
“In your dreams, maybe.” Never looking up from his magazine, Lance grabbed hold of Chris’s ankle and pulled, spilling him down onto the couch.
“You’re a bully, Bass.” Chris shook his head, ignoring Lance’s snort as he twisted around. He looked up; one leg twisted under him, guileless and innocent as he looked JC’s way. “I notice you didn’t deny mooning at JC.”
“That’s because….”
“He was mooning.” JC interrupted, he placed the foundation on the counter and turned to face the room. “Justin and I have a thing.”
“A thing.” Joey looked up from fastening his pants. “Lance, that banging against our wall was JC and Justin’s thing.”
“So I hear.” Lance placed the magazine on his lap, movement deliberate as he glanced from Justin to JC. “I guess that means that mark on Justin’s neck is their thing too.”
Justin’s hand flew to his neck. “I don’t have a mark, and we weren’t banging, and…” He glared around the room. “….you all suck.”
“Even JC? Because dude, too much information.” Joey paused, his shirt hanging open as he considered. “Then again, I’m a man of the times, I can hear these things.”
“Not from me you won’t.” Justin rubbed at the crease between his eyes, shaking his head as Joey, curious to the end, sat next to JC, leaning forward to talk.
“You know, just because you have a thing doesn’t mean I can’t be pretty.” Chris smiled again, eyelashes fluttering crazily as Justin gave into laughter. Sometimes, it was the only thing to do.
~*~*~*~
There’s a moment when Justin’s surrounded by fans, signing autographs as JC stands to the side. He looks amused as Justin scribbles his name, scrawling across scraps of paper and napkins from the bar. Justin understands why they don’t recognise JC, he’s older now, tamer somehow, but still; Justin would recognise him in the biggest crowd.
The group is a small one, older ladies with children clutching their hands, while watchful hotel staff stand close at all times. Justin talks to each fan, crouching to smile at a small boy, joking and laughing until finally he’s alone. He looks at JC, shrugging an apology.
“You’ve still got it, baby.” JC leans against the wall, relaxed as Justin walks close and flexes his hand.
“You know it.” Justin winks, and presses the button for the elevator. They wait in silence, so close Justin can feel the heat of JC’s body, and their hands brush together as they step inside. Digging out his key card, Justin swipes then selects the penthouse floor. It takes forever, but soon Justin’s leading JC to his suite, both silent as he opens the door.
Seconds and soon they’ll be alone, and Justin’s heart thumps, anticipation all the keener after so long apart.
~*~*~*~
For a few golden weeks, things were fine. Then reality came crashing down.
They were called out of rehearsal late one night, stepping out into darkness heavy with heat. Justin’s t-shirt was plastered to his body, and he pulled it from his skin, wiped his forearm across his face.
JC was on the ground, head forward, the base of his back pressed against the rough brick wall. He was trying to look unconcerned, but Justin could see the tension in his spine, and his hands itched to stroke that away, rubbing until JC was pliant under his hands.
“JC, Justin.” Debbie smiled a greeting. As Lou’s assistant she was always professional, tonight that was frayed, crisp edges blurred with heat. She walked closer, heels clacking against concrete, waiting until JC stood.
“Mr Pearlman has some concerns.” She looked at them both, and even as Justin sympathised with her position, he hated her for the words she was about to say. “He’s been made aware you’re in a relationship, and wants me to remind you that in terms of your career, that’s a bad choice.”
“Lou can’t control our private lives.” Justin voiced the expected protest, even as his skin fought to crawl from his body.
“Technically, you’re right.” Debbie hesitated, and her professionalism seemed to melt away. “You’re happy, anyone can see that, but you’ve both been in the business a long time, boybands don’t have couples. It would be career suicide.”
“Vocal harmony group,” JC corrected, but his attention was elsewhere, as if looking at something far away.
“Okay, vocal harmony group, but you know he’s right.” She sighed, looking at Justin in appeal. “It sucks, but that’s how it is.”
“I know.” Justin glanced at JC who shrugged. “We’ll be good.”
“Like I believe that.” Debbie smiled, her relief obvious and Justin hoped she was being paid well for doing Lou’s dirty work. “Just keep it low, okay? No one cares that you’re together, as long as you do it behind closed doors.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t sully the ideal.” JC addressed Debbie, all the while looking Justin’s way. Emotions chased across his face, past conversations and the determination to succeed.
~*~*~*~
Justin toes off his sneakers when he walks into the room. His feet sink into the soft carpet as he pads to open the blinds, revealing the city in all its glory far below. Pinpoints of lights stretch into the distance. He looks out, stretching darkness overlain with the sharp reflection of his room.
“Justin.” JC breathes, and he’s close, only inches away and Justin shivers and turns. He backs against the window, glass cool through the fabric of his shirt, and JC’s suddenly in his arms. His fingers dig in hard, and Justin clings, needing the contact, the reassurance that JC is his once more.
It’s always like this, rediscovering one another after time apart. The soft brush of JC’s hair, sweet kisses, the taste of sickly alcohol lingering on JC’s lips. It’s the new overlain with old familiar touches that Justin craves, even as he delights in each new discovery. Fingers gliding over streaks of grey hair as JC arches under the touch, moaning softly against Justin’s neck.
“Bed, come on.”
They stumble, impatient, falling back onto the bed. Justin’s leg trails on the floor, the other pushed into the covers as JC straddles him. Bony knees digging into Justin’s sides.
“I keep away, and forget.” JC leans forward, each word accompanied by a nip at Justin’s neck. “How much I miss you.” He licks across Justin’s lips, tiny touches -- so close. “Then I see you again, and it all comes crashing back.”
Justin knows that feeling well, fights for the words to agree, but they’re lost in sensation that sweeps them away.
~*~*~*~
They were going to make it; whatever that took.
Justin hung up the phone. Torn once more, he bent forward, holding onto his knees. It shouldn’t be like this. Love was supposed to be easy, one person, one love. He loved JC, that was a given. How could he be falling in love with Britney too?
It had seemed easy when they talked. Pressed together in one bed as they discussed possible beards. Constructing covers for future relationships that would conceal their own, a conversation that’s a life time away. Justin can’t believe he was so naive.
“Are you ready?” JC opened the connecting door. He was dressed already, suit perfect and Justin uncurled, smoothing the line of his pants before fastening his own black tie. He checked the mirror, fussing with his curls as JC checked his watch with an obvious hint about time.
“Give me a minute and I’ll be done.” Justin pulled on his jacket, almost a match to JC’s own. “You look good.” He talked into the mirror, pleased at JC’s smile.
“So do you, the orange looks good.”
“Peach,” Justin corrected, acknowledging JC’s look with a shrugged. “Well it is.”
JC didn’t reply, seemingly fascinated with the picture on the wall. Justin looked at it too, but couldn’t see the appeal. Vivid red splodges against a blue background, very abstract art, very JC.
“We need to go.” JC took a step toward the door. His own date would be waiting downstairs, maybe making small talk with Britney as they wait. They’re close to being late, but Justin turns, grabbing hold of JC’s arm.
“Britney needs to leave tonight. I’ll be waiting for you.”
JC sighed and for a moment Justin thought he was going to say no. “I’ll be here.” A kiss, more a brush of lips and JC’s gone, leaving Justin alone.
~*~*~*~
“I should go.” JC’s leaning against the pile of pillows. The sheet is pulled low on his waist and he looks sleepy and content. Justin rests his hand on JC’s stomach, tracing invisible patterns against his skin. His eyes fight to close, and he yawns wide.
“No, stay.” He can feel JC thinking, but knows he’ll stay, he always does. It’s what they do, bound by a love that may stretch but never breaks.
“If you insist.” JC takes Justin’s hand and links their fingers as they both drift into sleep.
Justin squeezes once. A reassurance that JC’s there once more. He’s loved and lost Britney, loves Cameron now, but JC’s his only constant. That will never change.
digital_diva, rikes and bayouskye for checking this over. I've prodded at the story since they saw it, so any mistakes are mine and mine alone.Justin can’t remember when he first loved JC.
That realisation is woven within tightly bound threads, four men, four ties that Justin held close. Friendships that deepened with the passing of time until he could honestly say he loved them all. Except some time, way back in those insane days and exhaustion filled nights, his love for JC changed. Each smile, each whisper in the dark capturing his heart.
~*~*~*~
Justin pats his wallet through his jeans, and then takes a final look in the mirror before stepping outside. The corridor is deserted, the silence amplified by the thick carpet that muffles his footsteps as he walks. Justin can hear his heart, three beats for every step, and he taps his fingers against his thigh. He hums waiting for the elevator, and the beat swells until he shakes his head and hurries to the stairs.
He trails his hand over the banister and ignores each second stair until he’s finally on the first floor. Justin hesitates then, palm pressed against the glossy gold and glass door, on show for all to see. He breathes deep, ignoring the looks of recognition, the silent whispers that fill the air.
The lobby is filled with hushed voices when Justin opens the door. He smiles at a young girl and her mom, signing a napkin as the mom praises his music and her daughter glows. He thanks them and escapes with a final smile. It fades as he approaches the bar, fingers pressed hard against his thigh.
~*~*~*~
Affection was easy back then.
Chris’ arm over Justin’s shoulder, they slept on the bus with heads close. Blonde curls against dark strands as they drove through the night.
Swept without warning into Joey’s arms. Justin’s feet kicking as they twirled, belly churning and laughing as his world crazily span.
Homework with Lance, lying on the bed, horded candy mixed with pens. Books open and forgotten as they watched tv.
Hours spent talking with JC, as that friendship became more.
Justin was hot, skin tight with heat as he shivered. His mom’s eyes shadowed as she picked up her purse. Ready to go out to look for medicine, leaving Justin huddled miserably around his pillow. Minutes later and he was alone. Eyes drifting closed before opening them at the sound of the door. Careful footsteps and his skin heated further at the feel of a gentle thumb across his face, as JC swept away the tears that had trickled across Justin’s cheeks. Wordless murmurs and JC kissed Justin’s forehead, a brief touch of lips before he settled on the floor, head resting against the bed as Justin finally slept.
Lights flashed in Justin’s eyes as he ran across the stage. He skidded to a halt, arms outstretched and microphone held out to the crowd as they sang. Justin grinned, spun around and ran once more. Laughing as he grabbed Chris’ hand and twirled him around, jumping at Joey’s back and holding on as they danced in the spotlight. Sung to Lance as they shared a look, that this was happening, the crowd really was shouting their names. Shivered when JC’s arms held tight, hot against Justin’s body, his mouth pressed to Justin’s neck before breaking away with a knowing smile.
Tentative at first, Justin kissed JC. Tiny touches, dry lips under his own. His hands bunched in JC’s shirt as they backed against the wall. Justin’s eyes opened, and he blinked at JC, the gleam of his eyes, the sweep of dark lashes so close.
~*~*~*~
JC’s in a booth by the bar. There’s a lamp above him and the light spills onto his hair, making it gleam. He’s drinking, fingers wrapped around a tall glass, and a green straw brushes against his cheek. Justin can’t help smiling, tension easing as he moves through the room.
“Justin.” JC smiles wide, and he stands, wrapping himself around Justin when he gets close. It’s an awkward angle and Justin’s leaning into the booth, the drink a wet patch down his back. He doesn’t move, just holds on until acceptable public behaviour means he has to pull away.
“You’re looking good, no more hawk, thank god.”
“You know you loved it.” JC pats at his hair, and humour sparkles in his eyes as he sits down.
“If it makes you feel better, yeah, I loved it.” Justin slides into the booth, years of practice allowing him to evade JC’s batting hands. Their laughter attracts attention, but Justin shrugs it aside, ignoring the looks as JC escalates his attack. Justin thinks he hears something about fuzzy neck hair, but the insult is buried under JC’s giggles. A sound that causes Justin to laugh too, until they’re good to do nothing but lay back in the booth and smile like the idiots they really are.
There’s easy silence. Then JC runs his hands down his shirt, smoothes the fabric, crumpling it once more when he wraps the hem around his fingers and worries at a button with his thumb. “It’s been two months.” He looks at Justin, the unsaid words clear.
“I’ve been busy.” Justin doesn’t elaborate, he doesn’t have to. They both know how it is, how it’ll always be.
“I got you something.” JC pushes a glass toward Justin. The drink is neon blue and Justin wrinkles his nose, poking at the miniature sparkling palm tree that’s hooked on the side.
“It’s good, you’ll like it, promise.” JC picks up his own glass, frowning when he looks inside. “I need another.”
Justin plucks out the tree and takes a drink, unsurprised when it tastes good. They’ve been together forever now, and JC knows what Justin likes. He drains the glass, blinking against the burn of alcohol and wraps his fingers around JC’s wrist. “I have a mini bar in my room, it’s fully stocked even.”
JC smiles, “let’s go.”
~*~*~*~
Admitting all had been an anti-climax really.
The room had been tiny, one of those backstage closets that pretended to be a dressing room. One battered couch and a mirror circled with lights, half of which were blown. Make-up was scattered on the cracked counter, and JC perched on a stool, peering into the mirror as he carefully blended the foundation into his skin.
Balanced on a couch arm, Justin watched, focussed on JC’s fingers, the way they stroked across his face, and started when Chris clapped inches from his nose.
“Give me a heart-attack why don’t you.” Justin scowled, slapping at Chris’ shoulder and tried to push him away, but Chris was solid, wedged in his corner of the couch.
“You need to stop mooning at JC and entertain me. I’m dying of boredom here.” A flurry of movement and Chris was lying across Justin’s lap. His braids snaked down Justin’s leg and his eyes were dark as he looked up and smiled. “I’m pretty too, look at me.”
“You’re not pretty.” Justin grabbed a braid and tugged, his frown matched by an ever widening Chris smile. He tugged again, hating the involuntary curl of his own lips as Chris batted his eyes.
“I am pretty, Lance tells me so every night.” Chris stretched out his leg, toeing Lance in his side.
“In your dreams, maybe.” Never looking up from his magazine, Lance grabbed hold of Chris’s ankle and pulled, spilling him down onto the couch.
“You’re a bully, Bass.” Chris shook his head, ignoring Lance’s snort as he twisted around. He looked up; one leg twisted under him, guileless and innocent as he looked JC’s way. “I notice you didn’t deny mooning at JC.”
“That’s because….”
“He was mooning.” JC interrupted, he placed the foundation on the counter and turned to face the room. “Justin and I have a thing.”
“A thing.” Joey looked up from fastening his pants. “Lance, that banging against our wall was JC and Justin’s thing.”
“So I hear.” Lance placed the magazine on his lap, movement deliberate as he glanced from Justin to JC. “I guess that means that mark on Justin’s neck is their thing too.”
Justin’s hand flew to his neck. “I don’t have a mark, and we weren’t banging, and…” He glared around the room. “….you all suck.”
“Even JC? Because dude, too much information.” Joey paused, his shirt hanging open as he considered. “Then again, I’m a man of the times, I can hear these things.”
“Not from me you won’t.” Justin rubbed at the crease between his eyes, shaking his head as Joey, curious to the end, sat next to JC, leaning forward to talk.
“You know, just because you have a thing doesn’t mean I can’t be pretty.” Chris smiled again, eyelashes fluttering crazily as Justin gave into laughter. Sometimes, it was the only thing to do.
~*~*~*~
There’s a moment when Justin’s surrounded by fans, signing autographs as JC stands to the side. He looks amused as Justin scribbles his name, scrawling across scraps of paper and napkins from the bar. Justin understands why they don’t recognise JC, he’s older now, tamer somehow, but still; Justin would recognise him in the biggest crowd.
The group is a small one, older ladies with children clutching their hands, while watchful hotel staff stand close at all times. Justin talks to each fan, crouching to smile at a small boy, joking and laughing until finally he’s alone. He looks at JC, shrugging an apology.
“You’ve still got it, baby.” JC leans against the wall, relaxed as Justin walks close and flexes his hand.
“You know it.” Justin winks, and presses the button for the elevator. They wait in silence, so close Justin can feel the heat of JC’s body, and their hands brush together as they step inside. Digging out his key card, Justin swipes then selects the penthouse floor. It takes forever, but soon Justin’s leading JC to his suite, both silent as he opens the door.
Seconds and soon they’ll be alone, and Justin’s heart thumps, anticipation all the keener after so long apart.
~*~*~*~
For a few golden weeks, things were fine. Then reality came crashing down.
They were called out of rehearsal late one night, stepping out into darkness heavy with heat. Justin’s t-shirt was plastered to his body, and he pulled it from his skin, wiped his forearm across his face.
JC was on the ground, head forward, the base of his back pressed against the rough brick wall. He was trying to look unconcerned, but Justin could see the tension in his spine, and his hands itched to stroke that away, rubbing until JC was pliant under his hands.
“JC, Justin.” Debbie smiled a greeting. As Lou’s assistant she was always professional, tonight that was frayed, crisp edges blurred with heat. She walked closer, heels clacking against concrete, waiting until JC stood.
“Mr Pearlman has some concerns.” She looked at them both, and even as Justin sympathised with her position, he hated her for the words she was about to say. “He’s been made aware you’re in a relationship, and wants me to remind you that in terms of your career, that’s a bad choice.”
“Lou can’t control our private lives.” Justin voiced the expected protest, even as his skin fought to crawl from his body.
“Technically, you’re right.” Debbie hesitated, and her professionalism seemed to melt away. “You’re happy, anyone can see that, but you’ve both been in the business a long time, boybands don’t have couples. It would be career suicide.”
“Vocal harmony group,” JC corrected, but his attention was elsewhere, as if looking at something far away.
“Okay, vocal harmony group, but you know he’s right.” She sighed, looking at Justin in appeal. “It sucks, but that’s how it is.”
“I know.” Justin glanced at JC who shrugged. “We’ll be good.”
“Like I believe that.” Debbie smiled, her relief obvious and Justin hoped she was being paid well for doing Lou’s dirty work. “Just keep it low, okay? No one cares that you’re together, as long as you do it behind closed doors.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t sully the ideal.” JC addressed Debbie, all the while looking Justin’s way. Emotions chased across his face, past conversations and the determination to succeed.
~*~*~*~
Justin toes off his sneakers when he walks into the room. His feet sink into the soft carpet as he pads to open the blinds, revealing the city in all its glory far below. Pinpoints of lights stretch into the distance. He looks out, stretching darkness overlain with the sharp reflection of his room.
“Justin.” JC breathes, and he’s close, only inches away and Justin shivers and turns. He backs against the window, glass cool through the fabric of his shirt, and JC’s suddenly in his arms. His fingers dig in hard, and Justin clings, needing the contact, the reassurance that JC is his once more.
It’s always like this, rediscovering one another after time apart. The soft brush of JC’s hair, sweet kisses, the taste of sickly alcohol lingering on JC’s lips. It’s the new overlain with old familiar touches that Justin craves, even as he delights in each new discovery. Fingers gliding over streaks of grey hair as JC arches under the touch, moaning softly against Justin’s neck.
“Bed, come on.”
They stumble, impatient, falling back onto the bed. Justin’s leg trails on the floor, the other pushed into the covers as JC straddles him. Bony knees digging into Justin’s sides.
“I keep away, and forget.” JC leans forward, each word accompanied by a nip at Justin’s neck. “How much I miss you.” He licks across Justin’s lips, tiny touches -- so close. “Then I see you again, and it all comes crashing back.”
Justin knows that feeling well, fights for the words to agree, but they’re lost in sensation that sweeps them away.
~*~*~*~
They were going to make it; whatever that took.
Justin hung up the phone. Torn once more, he bent forward, holding onto his knees. It shouldn’t be like this. Love was supposed to be easy, one person, one love. He loved JC, that was a given. How could he be falling in love with Britney too?
It had seemed easy when they talked. Pressed together in one bed as they discussed possible beards. Constructing covers for future relationships that would conceal their own, a conversation that’s a life time away. Justin can’t believe he was so naive.
“Are you ready?” JC opened the connecting door. He was dressed already, suit perfect and Justin uncurled, smoothing the line of his pants before fastening his own black tie. He checked the mirror, fussing with his curls as JC checked his watch with an obvious hint about time.
“Give me a minute and I’ll be done.” Justin pulled on his jacket, almost a match to JC’s own. “You look good.” He talked into the mirror, pleased at JC’s smile.
“So do you, the orange looks good.”
“Peach,” Justin corrected, acknowledging JC’s look with a shrugged. “Well it is.”
JC didn’t reply, seemingly fascinated with the picture on the wall. Justin looked at it too, but couldn’t see the appeal. Vivid red splodges against a blue background, very abstract art, very JC.
“We need to go.” JC took a step toward the door. His own date would be waiting downstairs, maybe making small talk with Britney as they wait. They’re close to being late, but Justin turns, grabbing hold of JC’s arm.
“Britney needs to leave tonight. I’ll be waiting for you.”
JC sighed and for a moment Justin thought he was going to say no. “I’ll be here.” A kiss, more a brush of lips and JC’s gone, leaving Justin alone.
~*~*~*~
“I should go.” JC’s leaning against the pile of pillows. The sheet is pulled low on his waist and he looks sleepy and content. Justin rests his hand on JC’s stomach, tracing invisible patterns against his skin. His eyes fight to close, and he yawns wide.
“No, stay.” He can feel JC thinking, but knows he’ll stay, he always does. It’s what they do, bound by a love that may stretch but never breaks.
“If you insist.” JC takes Justin’s hand and links their fingers as they both drift into sleep.
Justin squeezes once. A reassurance that JC’s there once more. He’s loved and lost Britney, loves Cameron now, but JC’s his only constant. That will never change.
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Date: 2006-03-18 08:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-18 08:33 pm (UTC)Now go and post this in
But that would mean joining! ;)
Thanks again. *mwah*
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Date: 2006-03-18 08:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-18 08:41 pm (UTC)*g*
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Date: 2006-03-18 08:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-18 08:42 pm (UTC)You were wonderful stepping up to help. *mwah*
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Date: 2006-03-18 08:38 pm (UTC)I'm just glad you kept my favorite part ;-)
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Date: 2006-03-18 08:43 pm (UTC)Anyway, it was only Justin saying that. What does he know?
Thank you. *smooch*
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Date: 2006-03-18 09:30 pm (UTC)hehehehehehehehe
I loved this. Thank you for sharing :-D
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Date: 2006-03-18 09:39 pm (UTC)I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank you :)
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Date: 2006-03-18 10:50 pm (UTC)Oh, this is so lovely - more than anything, it's the feeling of the whole fic that gets me - sort of comfortable and special and pretty, just like them.
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Date: 2006-03-19 10:37 am (UTC)sort of comfortable and special and pretty, just like them.
Yep, that's them alright.
I'm so glad you liked the story, thanks so much for the comment.
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Date: 2006-03-18 11:06 pm (UTC)I love this part, too:
“I am pretty, Lance tells me so every night.” Chris stretched out his leg, toeing Lance in his side.
“In your dreams, maybe.” Never looking up from his magazine, Lance grabbed hold of Chris’s ankle and pulled, spilling him down onto the couch.
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Date: 2006-03-19 10:35 am (UTC)Each time I write JuC it ends up with them loving one another but not being able to be together in the way that they wish. Unless Justin broke up with Cameron, who he really seems to love, I can't see it realistically being any other way.
That's one of my favourite parts too.
I'm glad you liked the story, thanks so much for the comment.
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Date: 2006-03-19 02:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-19 07:26 am (UTC)Thank you for sharing in the JuC love. ;)
And I'll have to thank rikes for her manipulative ways too!
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Date: 2006-03-19 10:30 am (UTC)And yeah, Rikes is totally manipulative. It's a good job I like her *g*
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Date: 2006-03-19 01:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-19 09:29 pm (UTC)I'm glad you like it. It was so weird posting something without knowing your opinion first. You're such an important part of my story writing process that you were a big miss. I'm such a wuss *g*
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Date: 2006-03-19 10:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-19 04:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-19 09:27 pm (UTC)I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)
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Date: 2006-03-20 03:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-23 03:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-20 10:04 pm (UTC)“A thing.” Joey looked up from fastening his pants. “Lance, that banging against our wall was JC and Justin’s thing.”
I loved that part. Busted right out with a laugh.
Hate that they'd have to hide like this. That seeing each other after so long has to be a crash of pent up emotion and feelings. But, I love that they understand each other and know that the other is their constant.
Great job!
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Date: 2006-03-23 02:43 pm (UTC)Thank you :)
When I started to think of this story I knew I wanted to set it in present time. I was thinking of Justin and JC and the desire to succeed they both have, and that would mean they'd have to hide. It's sad, but that's the way things are.
At the same time, they've been together forever and it doesn't look like that'll change.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
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Date: 2006-03-22 05:14 pm (UTC)Bravo!
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Date: 2006-03-22 07:37 pm (UTC)Thank you so much for the comment :)
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Date: 2006-03-25 05:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-03-27 02:32 pm (UTC)