*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lance walked up to Nick and, after slapping his hand, pat him on the back.  "Hey, Nick," he said.  "Haven't seen you in ages.  How you been?"

"Pretty good, pretty good," Nick said, beaming.  "New album's been a bitch to record, but it's going great."

"I know the feeling.  How's Jess?" Lance approached the subject cautiously.

Nick looked at him a little oddly.  "She's good," he said.  "We're good.  She's in the bathroom with Britney now, I believe, fixing the rumors from the latest magazine."

Lance frowned.  "What do you mean?"

Nick's mouth twisted angrily.  "Some writers think it's fun to take her words out of context and print shit like she hates Britney and Christina, when she doesn't."

Lance's eyebrows rose.  "Oh," he said, reflexively taking a step back.  He glanced and saw Joey waving to him.  "Hey, I gotta run," he said, "but tell her I said hi.  And you two..." Lance paused and his stomach twisted.  "You two are great together.  Really...great."

Nick instantly brightened.  "Thanks, man."

Lance smiled and shook his hand before he walked away.  "No problem."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"No WAY that girl's a virgin," Chris said. "No freakin' way."

"Why not?" Lance asked.  "She's southern.  She's got--"

"You're southern," Chris said flatly, "and you're sure as fuck not a virgin."

Lance colored.  "Jealous."

"Hi, pot, I'm kettle," Chris muttered, before continuing.  "She's dating Nick Lachey.  The guy that's built like a trucker?  He could bench press like, six of me and oh, I don't know, twelve of JC.  He's not a virgin either.  She can't be."

"She says she is," Lance said.  "I believe her."

"Well maybe," Chris said.  "But I don't believe for a second that Nick went celibate for her."

Lance shrugged.  "Believe what you want," he said.  "I believe them.  She's a great girl.  Sweet, loves her family, had good morals, an amazing voice."

"Big mouth," Chris snickered.  "You know, there's more than one thing to be a virgin to. She could--"

Lance stood up, suddenly angry.  "Shut up, Chris. Just shut up.  Does everything have to be a fucking joke for you?"

Chris shot him an odd look.  "Hey, man, I'm just voicing my opinion here.  No need to get all pissy about it."

"I'm not pissy," Lance mumbled.

"You are too."

Lance moved to the door, ignoring the now familiar twisting in his stomach.  "Whatever, Chris."

"Hey," Chris said, a sly smile on his face.  "Would you do what Nick is supposedly doing? Give up sex for her?"

"In a second," Lance said without thinking.  Then he reddened again.  "Shit."

He didn't have to look behind him to know Chris was smirking.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Lance has the hots for Lachey's chick," Chris said.

"Do not," Lance mumbled.

"Does this mean you'll stop making eyes at Britney?" Joey teased.

"Fuck off," Lance said.  "I don't."

"Oh you do," Joey said.  "I think the only ones that haven't noticed that are the happy couple themselves, and if Justin noticed he'd kick your ass back to Mississippi."

"I don't look at--"

"Don't fight it," Chris said.  "It's two on one."

"Don't you guys have somewhere to be?  Somewhere to leave me alone? Please?"

Joey checked his watch.  "Nope, I'm good.  Thanks for asking, though."

"Sorry, bud," Chris said.  "Stuck with me too."

Joey rubbed Lance's head.  "Hey," he said.  "It's cool that you've got a little crush.  I was getting worried."

Lance blushed.  "Shut up," he mumbled.

"Aw," Chris said.  "Look, you made him blush.  Do it again."

"How much money would it take to get you to disappear off the face of the earth?"

"More than what's in your piggy bank, little boy."

Joey laughed and slapped Lance on the back.  "You know," he said.  "I do think it's cool.  And that virgin thing is sexy as hell."

Lance rolled his eyes.

He needed new best friends.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hey, Lance, your girl is over there," JC said.  Chris snickered.

Lance looked at dumbly at JC for a second and then turned to Chris.  "You told him.  You asshole.  Shut up, I don't--"

"You do too, stop lyin'," Chris said. 

Lance stood up.  He hated these stupid parties.  "If I did," he said, "which I don't, it wouldn't make a difference.  She loves Nick, Nick loves her, Nick would kick my ass if he thought I was gonna make a move.  End of story.  You guys can go find a new hobby."

"But Lance," JC snickered, "this one's so much fun."

Lance rolled his eyes and walked away.  They'd been at it for months now, Chris and Joey, and now JC was added into the mix. He couldn't wait until someone told Justin.  He'd never hear the end of it.

"Hey, Bass!" he heard. 

Lance turned.  "Hey, Nick," he said.  "How ya been?"

"Pretty good," Nick said.  "Though I suppose you're better.  Grammy nominations?  That kicks ass."

Lance smiled.  "Thanks," he said.

"No, really," Nick said.  "No one deserves it more than you guys."

Lance's smile widened, surprised at the compliment.  "Thanks, Nick," he said.  "That means a lot, comin' from you."

Nick smiled brightly.  "No problem," he said, and Lance's stomach twisted again, because really, if he had wanted Jessica, (which he didn't, and he firmly told himself that daily), he wouldn't do anything about it, because Nick was really a great guy.  "Hey," Nick said, interrupting Lance's thoughts, "I got ditched by my band.  Wanna hang out for a bit?"

Lance glanced to where Chris was pointing to him and pretending to punch out JC and rolled his eyes.  "Sure," he said.  "I'm tired of baby-sitting anyway."  He sighed when JC grabbed his head and pretended to fall over.

Nick grinned and looked at them.  "Can't imagine how that would happen."  He led Lance to where he was sitting and Lance felt his stomach twist.  "Hey, Jess," Nick said, kissing her on the forehead.  "Missed you."

"You too," she said, then noticed Lance.  "Hey, Lance!" she said brightly.  "How you doin'?"  She stood up to give him a hug.

Lance kissed her on the cheek.  "Hey, Jessica," he said.  "I'm good, how about you?"

"Great," she said.  "Wow, it's been a long time since I've seen you."

"Too long," Lance agreed.

Nick smiled.  "I'll let you two catch up.  Anyone else want a drink?" 

Lance held his up.  "I'm good," he said, "but thanks."  Jessica just shook her head.  "What's it been now," he turned towards her, "three, four months since last time I saw you?"

"Somethin' like that," she agreed, nodding.  "How's the new album coming?"

"We're writing it," Lance said.  "Most of us, anyway.  Justin and JC have some good songs already."

"That's great," she said.  "I'll have to get it when it comes out."

"Yeah," Lance said, wondering why he was acting like such a loser.  "Aw, man," he sighed.  "Have you met Chris yet?"

Jessica shook her head.  "Don't think so," she said.  "Why?"

"Consider yourself lucky," he said.  "Up until now."

"Hey, Lance, you disappeared on us, buddy," Chris said from behind Jessica.  "And I don't think we've been properly introduced.  I'm Chris, and you must be the lovely Jessica."

Jessica laughed.  "I suppose so," she said, laughing again when Chris extravagantly kissed her hand.

"Keep your lips off my woman, Kirkpatrick."

Lance laughed when Chris' eyes widened comically.  He slowly turned around and bowed to Nick.  "Yessir," he said.

Nick grinned and slapped Chris on the back.  "Nice seein' you again, pal."

"Nice seeing your biceps again," Chris muttered.

Jessica turned to Lance.  "He always like this?" she asked.

"Worse," Lance said, feeling the ice break.  He smiled broadly, for real this time.  "He's an idiot, but he really means well."

"Yeah," Jessica laughed, watching Chris poke at Nick's arm.  "I'll bet."

Lance smiled.  "I've been meaning to ask you," he began, "how the hell did you get that song?"

Jessica laughed.  "I know exactly which one you're talking about.  The one with Jack and Diane?"

"Yeah," Lance said.

"Tommy," Jessica said, "he can do some pretty amazing things."

"That's right," Lance sighed dramatically.  "You got a cool manager first time around, and we got the money stealing bastard.  He tried to get that song, you know, but I guess the name Lou Pearlman isn't as big as he thought." Lance smirked.  "Oh, well.  It sounds great with your song."

Jessica smiled softly.  "Thanks," she said.

Chris left Nick and poked Lance in the back.  "I'm going to go find Shazam," he said.  "Introduce him to this lovely lady.  They'd make a cute couple, you think?" he winked at Lance, then turned to Nick.  "Eh, I mean, woah, look at the time, I'm gonna go, and--"

"Hey," Lance said to Nick, "wanna help me start the boyband member exchange program?"

"I'm not in a boyband," Nick said.  "It's a vocal group." 

"Right," Lance said.  "I keep forgetting.  Actually, you can keep your group intact if you just pay me for the soprano."

"Really?" Nick asked, acting interested.  "How much?"

"Well," Lance lowered his voice.  "It normally wouldn't be this low, but."  He leaned forward and glanced around.  "But I like you.  Five bucks and he's yours."

Jessica burst out laughing but Nick managed to keep a straight face.  "I'm afraid I can't."

"Fine," Lance said. "Four-fifty.  That's my final offer."

"Deal," Nick said, and they shook hands formally.

"Hey, Chris," Jessica said when Chris came back, JC in tow.  "Lance just sold you to 98 Degrees."

"Really?" Chris asked, interested.  "How much did he get for me?"

"Four dollars and fifty cents," Nick said, counting money into Lance's hand.  "A dollar for each remaining NSYNCer, and an extra fifty cents for the one that made the deal.  Welcome to the group."

"Four bucks?" Chris shrieked.  "I'm worth at least four-seventy-five."

JC was looking curiously at Lance.  "Can I get my money now?" he asked.  "I saw one of those sticker-vending machines and I thought I could find a Justin sticker for my collection."

"JC puts stickers of Justin up all over the bus walls," Lance informed Jessica.  "That way, we can stare at our resident heartthrob and realize that we'll never be as perfect as him." He winked to show he was kidding.

"What? You're going to use the money for me to buy a Justin sticker?  Couldn't you at least get me, JC?  I thought I meant something to you!" Chris sniffed dramatically and latched himself onto Nick's arm.  "I'm so glad I'm not with those meanies anymore, Nicky," he said.  "We'll have SO much fun together!"

Nick pushed Chris off his arm.  "I changed my mind," he said to Lance.  "I want a refund."

Lance sighed and handed back the money.  "Maybe the Backstreet Boys will want a soprano."

"I'm not a soprano!" Chris said indignantly.  "Just because you--"

Lance flicked his wrist at him.  "So," he said, back to Jessica.  "Whose birthday party is this, anyway?"

"Got me," she shrugged.

Chris squawked.  "Hey, wait!  I thought you liked me!"

"She likes me better," Lance said.  "Go away."

Nick sat back down.  "I've got you both beat."

Lance ignored his stomach.  "True," he conceded.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lance found his conversation with Jessica and Nick interrupted when Chris ran over, wide eyed.  "Lance, we gotta go. Now."

Lance read his eyes.  "What happened?"

"JC," Chris said, and Lance immediately knew what he meant.

"Again?!  What--"

"I don't know!" Chris said.  "I went to get us a drink, and I turn around and there's some guy in his face.  We gotta get out of here."

Lance stood up so fast his chair clattered to the floor.  He shot a stricken look at Jessica and Nick.  "I'm sorry," he said.  "We gotta run."

Nick stood up, confused.  "Wait, what happened?"

"Some people don't like our group," Chris said wryly.  "And JC's the little one."

Jessica looked at Lance.  "Keep in touch," she said softly, and Lance nodded before turning back to Chris.

"Where is he?  Shit, you know," he said, "this is why we need to bring Joey more often."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lance handed JC an icepack.  "This is why you need to gain some fucking weight, JC."

JC sighed.  "I know," he said.  "Or just stop going out."

"Hey, I didn't say that," Lance said.  "Of course you have to go out.  You wouldn't be my friend if you didn't go out." Lance grinned.  "You just need to learn how to fight.  Be scrappy, like Chriss-ofer."

"I don't wanna fight," JC mumbled.  "It sucks."

"It does," Lance said.

"So," JC asked, "you like Jessica, really, don't you?"

Lance looked down.  "Wouldn't that be stupid," he muttered with a trace of red across his cheeks.

"I'm sorry," JC said softly.

"Me too," Lance said.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chris and Joey slowed the teasing down a little bit after that night.

They didn't stop altogether, but they didn't do it as much.  Lance had a feeling JC had something to do with it.

He was glad.

He didn't know how much more of it he would've been able to take.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Britney and Justin are cute," Jessica said.

Lance quirked a brow.  "If you can stand it for long periods of time, then yes, they are," he said.  "But if you see it all the time, then it can get rather redundant."

"How often does she visit?"

"Often enough," Lance sighed.  "But that's okay, they don't really see each other.  You don't see Nick very often, do you?"

"Not often enough," Jessica said.  "But those are the breaks, you know? We both knew what was gonna happen coming into it." She shrugged and ate a fry.  "We make it work though."

"Anyone can see how much you two love each other," Lance said.  He'd learned to ignore the twisting stomach now.  Along with the slight pain behind his eyes. 

"Thanks," she said quietly.  She dusted her hands off.  "Anyway, we didn't come here to talk about relationships, we came to shop!"

Lance groaned.  "No more," he said.  "Three hours already."

"Come on, Nick can take four.  You have to beat him, I'm getting tired of him as a shopping partner.  And he doesn't even like shopping that much.  That's why I'm here with you," she said, beaming.

Lance sighed and stood up.  "You should try Justin.  He can outlast anyone."

Jessica rolled her eyes.  "If I wanted to shop with Justin, I would've asked him.  I wanted to shop with you."

Lance didn't complain the rest of the day.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hey, it's Jessica's new shopping buddy," Chris said when Lance came back and dumped his bags on the floor.

He pulled his hat off his head before answering.  "Shut up," he said.

"I don't know, Lance, you were gone for what, five hours?  Are you sure you were shopping?" Joey asked slyly.

"I was breaking Nick's record," Lance mumbled, reaching over for his stuff. "For shopping," he clarified quickly, before Joey and Chris could pick up on it.

"So did you pry any deep dark secrets out of her?" Chris asked.

Lance turned to him.  "Do you ever go away?"

"No, sorry.  You should know that by now."

Lance sighed.  "No, to answer your question.  Her, as you call them, 'deep dark secrets' are for her.  I don't have any business with them.  And I doubt she has any, anyway.  She's open about most of her life."

"Look," Joey whispered to Chris.  "Our little boy is growing up and getting all dreamy-eyed."

Lance glared at him. "Shut up," he said.

"So the virgin thing, that's true?" Chris asked.

"Of course it's true," Lance said.  "She promised her dad that she'd be a virgin until she was married.  She still has the ring he gave her when she did."

"That's so sweet," Chris said, batting his eyelashes.

Lance looked down and picked up one of his bags.  "I think it is," he mumbled under his breath.

Chris and Joey exchanged a look.  "You like her," Joey said.

"She's a nice person," Lance said defensively.

"No, you like her."

"So what if I do?" Lance said, frustrated.  "It doesn't matter anyway.  Did we forget the name Nick Lachey? You know, big brawny guy?  Boyfriend?  My friend?  Nick-anything-with-her-would-be-impossible-Lachey?"

"You never know," Chris said. 

"Yes I do," Lance said bitterly.  "Yes I do.  And it would figure, you know?" he said, walking towards the door.  "If it weren't for Nick she'd be everything I wanted.  Sweet, smart, southern, loves to sing, she's as religious as I am...did you know her father's a minister?  God.  I'm." Lance paused, reddening at what he'd said.  "I'm gonna go and, um, sleep, or something.  It's been a long day."

"All right, Lance," Joey said, a little sadly.  "See you tomorrow."

Lance smiled at him.  "Night, guys."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"You need to cheer up, Lance!" Britney told him, poking him in the back.  "You haven't smiled since I've been here!"

Lance smiled weakly.  "How's that?" he asked.

"That, son, is a fake-ass smile," Britney informed him.  "What's on your mind?" she plopped down to the couch next to him.

Lance didn't answer for a second.  "Brit," he said, "when you auditioned for Mouse Club, did you.  Do you remember Jessica?"

Britney frowned.  "A little," she said.  "She had a hell of a voice, even then.  I was surprised when she didn't make it.  Why do you ask?"

Lance shrugged.  "I was just wondering," he said. 

"She did pretty well for herself though, don't you think?" Britney asked, nudging his shoulder.  "Tommy Mottola, the gospel career, hell, Nick Lachey."  She frowned when Lance's shoulders sagged - just a little - at the last word.  "Oh, God," she said.

Lance looked up at her.  "What?"

"You like her!" Britney said.  "Ah! That's so cute!"

Lance frowned.  "No-- what--"

Britney rolled her eyes.  "Honey I'm a girl.  I know these things.  Too bad about the big bad boyfriend though." She stood up.  "I gotta meet J, but, you know, if Nick wasn't in the picture?"

Lance looked up at her.

"You'd two would be awesome together."

Lance smiled.  "Thanks, Brit."

"No problem, kid."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Wait, since when?" Justin asked.  "Where was I?"

"With Britney," JC informed him mildly.  "You missed it all."

"Oh," Justin frowned.  "Lance? Likes Jessica?"

"Yes," Chris sighed.  "Do you understand now, Infant?"

"I suppose," Justin said, looking at the ceiling.  "Jessica Simpson?"

"Yes," Lance said flatly, coming into the room.  "And I'm so glad y'all decided to have a conversation about me while you thought I was sleeping.  Really. That's so nice of you."

"Oh, no problem!" JC said brightly.  "Would you like to join in?"

"No," Lance said wryly.  "I'll pass.  Where's Joey during this fun little get-together?"

"Shopping," JC said.  "Buying us liquor."

"Oh, good, because y'all need it," Lance rolled his eyes.

"Jessica Simpson?" Justin asked again.

"YES!" JC said, his patience gone.

"That's funny," said Justin.  "Because--"

"Yes, Justin, ha ha ha. It's hilarious," Lance said.

"You didn't let me finish," Justin pouted.  "Because Britney thinks Jessica likes Lance."

Lance's head shot up.  "What?!"

Justin nodded.  "Oh, yeah," he said.  "She said you're all she talks about, even more than Nick.  It's all about what a fun shopping partner you are."

"Great," Lance muttered.  "So I get to be the gay best friend.  Good thing I'm straight."

"Jessica also thinks you're cute," Justin informed him.

Lance narrowed his eyes.  "Don't lie," he said.

"I'm not, honest to God," Justin said.  "That's what Britney said."

"Jesus," Lance said, turning to Chris.  "Why the hell did you tell everyone but the one that would've helped?"

Chris shrugged.  "He usually don't know jack," he said.

"Thanks a lot, Chris," Justin said.  "You asshole."

"What?" Chris asked.  "Your mom? What'd you say?"

"Fuck you," Justin said.  "That's--"

"Just name the time and place, sugar," Chris said.

"God! You're impossible!"

"You know," JC cut in.  "You two.  You'd be pretty together."

"Me and Justin? Why thank you, JC, I didn't know you cared!"

"Shut up, you dick," JC said.  "Lance, you and Jessica.  It'd be pretty."

Lance raised his eyebrows.  "Pretty?" he asked.

"Yes," JC said, "as in aesthetically pleasing.  Pretty."

"Got it," Lance said.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"I think we all seem to be forgetting something," Lance said.  "Nick?"

"Oh," Justin said.  "Don't worry about that.  Jessica is thinking about breaking up with him."

"She's what?!" Lance asked.

"Honestly," Justin rolled his eyes.  "Don't you ever notice these things?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hey, Jess, what's goin' on?" Lance asked, both his head and his heart brimming with all the new information.  "You called?"

"Yeah," Jessica said.  She sounded quiet. "I, um." she cleared her throat.  "I kind of want your advice."

"Shoot," Lance said, growing worried.  "What's up?"

"Well," she said.  "Say, hypothetically, we were dating--"

Hypothetically? How bout real life?  Shut up, Lance, you moron.  Lance shook his head.  "Uh huh."

"Okay, and, um.  I, you know, wanted to break up with you because I felt like I couldn't be independent, or something.  Would you find that a stupid reason?"

Lance felt his heart sinking.  So she wanted independence.  "Well," he said.  "Would we be, hypothetically, of course, talking about the time of your and Nick's relationship?"

"Yeah," she said softly.

"Well," he said, swallowing.  "It's been like, two years.  You've been with him since you were 19 and you're almost 21.  There's a big difference between 19 and 21."

"Yeah," she agreed. 

"So," he said, "hypothetically, I'd like to say I would respect that.  But, Jess?"

"What?"

"Nick has loved you for a long time," he said quietly.  "He has a different personality.  I don't think he'll mind.  But he'll be upset.  I know him."

"We never see each other," she said.  "That's another problem.  I've seen him twice in the past three months and that's not fair to either of us.  I love him--" her voice broke, a little bit, and Lance's heart broke a little with it.  "--but I can't do that anymore.  And honestly?" Lance waited.  "I used to think I would be with him forever, I really did, I mean, we were gonna get engaged after I turned 21.  But I don't think like that anymore."

"You should tell him that," Lance said softly.

"I know," she said.  "But I don't know how."

"Tell him the same way you told me.  You can't grow and depend on him at the same time.  You can't be in a relationship where you only see each other once every six weeks."

"I love him, Lance," she said.

"I know sweetie," Lance said, feeling his throat constrict painfully.  "I know."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lance shut off his phone with a realization that this little "crush" had gone above and beyond that.

Now, she was one of his best friends instead of just the girl he admired from afar.

Now...it was more than a crush.

And he had no idea what to do about it.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"What's the story?" Chris asked.

"She's probably gonna break up with him," Lance said quietly.

"Hey! That's. A good thing, right?" Chris hesitated at Lance's look.

"No," Lance said.  "She still loves him.  More, if not as much as ever.  This is gonna break her heart no matter what she does.  I don't even...I want her to be happy, you know? I don't care anymore.  I just want her to be happy."  He covered his face.  "This is such a fucking mess."

"Lance," Chris said slowly.  "You don't like her, do you?"

Lance slowly shook his head. 

"You love her."

Lance nodded.

"Jesus, Lance," Chris said.  "This is--"

"A mess," Lance said miserably.  "No matter what happens, it's going to be a big huge fucking mess.  God, why did I have to meet her?"

"Don't say that," Chris said quietly.  "Don't say that."

"I'm sorry," Lance said, swallowing.  "I'm being an idiot.  I'm okay.  I'm her friend.  I have to help her decide what she's doing, right?  This isn't about me."

"Lance, that's not what I--" Chris began, but Lance stood up.

"No," he said.  "No, I was being stupid.  I'm fine."  He left the room and a frowning Chris behind him, his strides long and purposeful.

Inside, he was dying.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Lance here."

"Lance?"

Lance barely recognized the voice.  "Jessica?  What's--"

"I broke up with him," Jessica said.

"Oh, jeez, Jess," Lance said.  "Are you okay?"

"Me?" Jessica asked.  "Oh, I'm fine.  I mean, I broke up with him!  Why wouldn't I be fine?  I'm fine!"

She burst into tears.

"Jess," Lance said.  "Jess. Jessie.  Hey.  It's gonna be okay. Everything will work out okay."  He wished he were better at this.  "Jess--"

"God, he was so fucking sad," Jessica said, and Lance winced because Jessica never, ever, used the word fuck. 

"Jess--"

"I'm sorry, Lance, I'm being such a--"

"No," he said.  "No, keep crying.  It's okay.  I'm here.  Talk to me," he said softly.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hey, man, you look tired," JC said when Lance walked in the room the next morning.

"I was on the phone all night," Lance said, by way of explanation.

"With who?" JC asked curiously.

"Jessica," Lance said.  "She and Nick broke up yesterday.

"Oh!" JC said brightly.  "That's--" he stopped and frowned seeing Chris' motions behind Lance.  "--not good." His brow furrowed.  "Why not?  I mean. Yeah. Not good."

Chris rolled his eyes.  "JC," he said, "you wonder why we no longer let you speak."

JC frowned, hurt.  "Sorry," he said.

"You guys are both idiots," Lance said.  "Okay?  This sucks.  I feel horrible."

"Don't," Chris said.  "This isn't your fault."

"I feel like it is," Lance said.  "And guilty because now I have a shred of a chance with her." His voice was hollow.

"He loves her," Chris mouthed to JC, who nodded knowingly.  "Lance," Chris said, "don't worry.  It'll work out."

"You know," Lance said, "that's what I kept telling her last night.  Why don't I believe it?  It's a mess, just like I knew it would be."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Lance, it's so good to see you," Jessica said, giving him a hug.  "Thanks so much.  I owe you."

"Nah," Lance said.  "I'm your friend.  You don't owe me anything."

"You're the nicest guy in the world, you know," Jessica said quietly. 

Lance blushed.  "I don't think so, but thanks."  He glanced to his feet.  "How are you doing?"

"Better," she said.  "And Nick is better too.  It's good this way, you know, I get lonely and all, but.  I'm not attached, so, I mean." She stopped.

Let the awkwardness begin...now, Lance thought wryly.  "You guys still talk?"

"All the time," she said.  "I'll always love him, you know? Just...not the same way."

"Yeah," Lance began, and then stopped.

She opened her mouth to say something, and stopped.

Lance shook his head.  "Okay, this is stupid," he said.  "I can't-- This is stupid of me to do, but.  I kind of. like you. and.  A lot.  I just...thoughtyoushouldknow." He rushed out the last part.  "You're one of my best friends, Jess," he said.  "And somewhere along the line, for me...it turned into something more."

"Oh," Jessica said.  "Oh, Lance, I--"

"Don't feel the same," Lance said.  "I didn't expect you to.  I just couldn't not say anything about it anymore.  I just hope nothing gets weird."

"Lance, I...I'm not ready for anything," she said.  "I don't need--"

"I know," Lance said.  "I'm not asking for anything."

"I can't--"

"I know," Lance said again.  "I'm an idiot, I know.  I'll just. leave you alone."

"Lance," she said.  "Wait--"

Lance didn't turn around.

He was too busy trying to keep his heart from shattering.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Justin," Lance said, "next time, do me a big fucking favor and don't lie to me.  Or at least don't tell me anything, okay? Because I'm a big fucking idiot who doesn't know what to do with his words."

"Lance, wait," Justin said.  "What happened?"

"I told her," Lance said, and shrugged.  "I told her."

"And?"

Lance snorted bitterly.  "What do you think?  She doesn't feel the same way I do.  God I'm such an idiot."

"Lance," Justin said.  "Lance I swear, I wasn't lying.  Maybe she's just--"

"Getting over a two year relationship and I screwed it all to hell? Yeah. Maybe.  I'm going to bed."

"You're acting like a baby," Justin said.  "She doesn't react the way you want her to and you get all pissed about it?  That's not--"

"Leave me alone, Justin.  I don't need your analysis of my head right now."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I don't know if he wants to see--"

"JC, let me in," Lance heard her say.  "I acted like a bitch.  I need to talk to him."

JC sighed, but the door to Lance's room clicked open.

"You awake?" she asked.  "Lance?"

Lance sat up.  "I'm up," he said.

"Look," she said, "I'm sorry.  I was surprised, and I--"

"Jess," he said, "it's okay, friends, all right?  I'm not going to hit on you or anything."  He was horrified to hear his voice catch.  He cleared his throat.

"No," she said, "not friends."

Lance's eyebrows knit and his heart broke a little more.  "What do you mean?" he asked, praying that he was misinterpreting it.

"I mean," she said, "I don't think just friends is good enough."

Lance felt his heart stir.  "What?"

Jessica smiled.  "I think," she said, "that you are one of the nicest guys in the universe, and it's been long enough since we broke up to know that I wouldn't be rebounding and hurting you in the process."

Lance frowned.  "So you're saying--"

She sat down next to him.  "I'm saying, Lance," she said, "that I think we should give this a try."

Lance's eyes widened.  "You're not just saying that, are you?"

Jessica leaned forward and kissed him.  "No," she said, pulling away before Lance was ready to let go.  "I'm not."

Lance sat up straighter.  "How bout," he said.  "How bout you convince me some more?"

Jessica smiled and kissed him again.

"Wait," he said.  "Does this mean we're...together?"

"I would hope so," Jessica said.  "You have to earn a kiss from me and I'd be pissed if I wasted two."

"You didn't," Lance said.  "Waste two.  I.  Um.  This is good.  I like this."

"Good," Jessica said.  "Me too."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hey! Mopey the eighth dwarf!  You've been in there too long, you little shit."

Lance blushed.  "I really don't like them," he said.

"No," she said, looking up from where she was lying on his chest, "you love them.  That's one of the things I like about you."

"Yeah?" Lance asked, his eyebrow raising.  "Then, by all means, I love them to death.  What the HELL do you want, Christopher?"

"Uh oh," Justin snickered, "he said Christopher." 

"Screw you, asshole," Chris said.  "Lance, get your ass out of the fucking bed before I--" he burst in the door.  "Oh, you. Hi. I. Didn't.  Whoops?"

"Yeah, whoops," Lance said.  "Can I help you, Chris. topher?"

"Well, I just wanted you to get up. But! I suppose she beat me to it.  So I'll just go now, and..." Chris was out the door.  "JC! YOU ASSHOLE! YOU SAID HE WAS ALONE!"

They both heard JC's high-pitched giggle and grinned.

"I like your friends," she said.

"Good," he told her, "because we're a package deal.  I come with baggage."

"Yeah, me too," she said.  "And, I don't even put out.  Imagine that."  She said it lightly, but looked at him cautiously.

Lance smiled down at her.  "I don't care," he said.  "I respect that.  And think it's cool.  You know that.  And, my mom will love you for it.  She'll love you no matter what, though."

"Good," Jessica said.  "I should tell you, though, that my family was real close to Nick, and--"

"That's okay," Lance said.  "I've faced families before.  It's Nick I'm worried about."

"He'll be okay," Jessica said.  "He just--"

"Sorry to interrupt," JC said breathlessly, slamming the door behind him.  "I--"

Chris slammed into the door.  "I'm SO going to get you, Chasez," Chris said.

"In your dreams," JC said.  He turned back to Lance and Jessica.  "Sorry for--Oh, I was right.  Pretty."  He smiled to himself and started drumming his fingers against his knee.

Jessica looked at Lance.  "He goes off like that, sometimes," Lance said, blushing a little.  "Just ignore him."

JC listened at the door again, then looked at Lance and Jessica.  "I'll be leaving now.  I think it's safe."  He smiled brightly at them, a happy, beaming smile.  "Pretty," he said again, and closed the door behind him.

"He's cute," Jessica said.  Lance raised an eyebrow.  "Not like you, of course.  He's just...cute in his own weird way."

Lance smiled.  He felt like he'd never stop, everything felt right.  "Well, I suppose you're allowed to think that."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Bass," Lance heard behind him.  He froze, then slowly turned around.

"Hey. Um, Nick.  How are you?"

"Single," Nick said conversationally.  "How about you? Oh. never mind."

"Listen," Lance said.  "Nick, I--"

"You know, Lance, you're my friend."

"I know," Lance said.  "I--"

"And that's why I'm going to say that if I can't be with her.  Then."  Nick stopped and looked away.  "I'm glad it's you."

"Thanks, Nick," Lance said softly.  "I appreciate that.  I didn't...I didn't want to hurt you, and neither did she."

"I know," Nick said with a small smile.  "It's.  There's something about her.  I know, I felt it too." He stopped, and his hand grabbed Lance's arm.  "Don't you dare hurt her, Bass.  Don't you dare."

Lance twisted his arm. "I won't, okay?  I won't."  He waited.  "Okay, ow, ow with the pain, Nick."

Nick let go.  "Good," he said.  "You love her?"

Lance faltered. "I-- No. Yes.  I..do."

Nick frowned.  "Does she know?"  Lance shook his head.  "Tell her," Nick said.  "Make sure you tell her. As much as you can."

"Nick--"

"Lance, just, I'm happy for you, okay?"

Lance watched him leave sadly, knowing they'd never be the same again.

He felt arms wrap around him and he turned around.  "Hey," he said softly.

"Hey, you," Jessica said.  "Things okay? He didn't flatten you."

"Flattened my arm," Lance said, and she laughed.

"Better than you," she said.

"I guess," Lance said dramatically.

Jessica shook her head at him.  "You're crazy."

"About you." Lance stopped.  "Oh, fuck me, I'm cheesy.  God!"

Jessica laughed.  "No, no! It's cute."

"Yeah," Lance said, his face red.  "Cute."  He sighed.  "Let's go outside, shall we?" He frowned.  "Oh, God.  Hey, baby, what's your star sign?"

Jessica smiled.  "Sure," she said.  "So," Jessica said once they made it outside, "your tour is soon."

"Yeah," Lance said.  "You can visit whenever you feel like, you know.  Just show up.  In between promotions, whatever."

"Yeah, okay," Jessica said quietly.

"Jess," Lance said lowly, "this is gonna work.  I'm counting on this working, okay?"

"I know," she said. 

"And," he said, "I'm not even shooting the movie anymore.  I won't be dead on my feet."

"I know," she said.  "I--"

"If I don't see you for three weeks, I'll leave the tour to find you, okay?" Lance said.  "This is going to work."

"I believe you," Jessica smiled.  "Don't leave your tour.  The guys would kill you.  I'll find you."

Lance leaned down to kiss her.  "Good," he said against her lips, smiling as he felt her smile.  "That's what I like to hear."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Guys, come on," Lance said.  "Her record is out today.  She's doing a signing right before our show!  Come on!  Please?"

"Oh," JC said, "I don't know.  We already--"

"JC, please," Lance said.  He turned to Justin.  "Baby J?  Come on!"

"Well, I think it'll be okay," Joey said.  "We just have to clear it."  He sighed as if it were some great obstacle.

"I suppose," Chris said.

"Well, I guess," Justin sighed in the same way Joey had.

Lance turned to JC.  "JC?" he asked hopefully.

JC sighed deeply.  "I guess," he said.

"Thank you!" Lance practically ran out of the room.

"Look," Chris said.  "He's such a little boy."

"I think it's cute," JC said.  "As if we wouldn't let loverboy's girlfriend sing a few songs on the day of her album release."

"He's excited," Justin said.  "Leave the poor boy alone."

"I can hear you," Lance said.

"YOU'RE FOUR!" Chris shouted at him.

"Hey," Joey said, "now we know two things that will never fail to excite him.  Jessica and pyro.  Someone write that down."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"You'd think he forgot Meredith has an album out today," Chris muttered in Joey's ear.

"No, you loud ass," Lance said, holding out the flowers in his hand.  "These are for her."

"Then what are you giving Jess?"

Lance's eyes glinted.  "Something else," he said.

"You giving it to her onstage?"

"No," Lance said, his voice sad.  "No one knows, remember?  Fans are still set on her and Nick getting back together.  Meredith is getting her flowers onstage, though." He paused.  "It's almost the song for them, right?"

"When are you giving them to her?"

"During "Rose is a Rose"," Lance said.

"Almost, you cheesy bastard," Joey said gently.  "What are you so nervous about?"

"I don't know," Lance said.  "Later.  I hope she--never mind.  I--"

"You know, a while back you said the cute ones never last," Joey said.  "You said it was too cute."

"Yeah?" Lance asked.  "I changed my mind.  I'm making this last."  He stopped.  "I'm gonna go-- it's."

Chris and Joey watched him present Meredith with her flowers and wave to the audience, then he came back and started to get ready for "Pop" so he could try to watch Jessica sing.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Oh, Jesus," Joey said, "she's sick as hell."

Lance was pacing worriedly, when the song ended and Jessica suddenly appeared backstage.  He thrust a waterbottle at her.  "Are you okay?  This is all my fault," he muttered.  "I shouldn't have--"

"Lance," she said, her voice scratchy.  "I wanna finish, okay?  I'm not gonna let you stop me."

"Jess, please," Lance pleaded. "I know you--"

"I'm gonna finish, Lance," she said.  "I don't want to let your fans down."

When she did "I Wanna Love You Forever," Chris and Joey laughed at Lance.  "Dude, you're letting her sing that song to some random guy?"

"It was my idea," Lance muttered.  "So bug off."  He paced anxiously as her voice kept failing her.  "She still sounds great, for being sick as hell."

"She does," Chris agreed.

Jessica finished with "Irresistible," during which her voice was almost nonexistent, and she got a standing ovation.  When she came backstage she ducked away from Lance's lips.  "I don't want you sick," she explained in her hoarse voice, kissing him on the cheek and making him settle for a hug instead.  "Now go have a kickass show." She slapped him on the butt.

"Oooh! Dominating!" Chris said.  "Do I get a slap?"

"No," Jessica said, "but you get a kick." She kicked him and then turned back to her water.  "I'll be watching you, Lance."

Lance grinned.  "Meet me backstage, after," he said, pushing at Anthony's arms.  "You're a pain in the ass, Anthony, you know that?  Bye Jess!"

She waved with a grin.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"So," Lance said on the bus.  "Congratulations on your album."

"Thanks," Jessica said.  "I hope it does well."

"It'll do great," Lance said.  "And for good luck, I got you something."  He walked behind her.

"Lance--"

"No," he said, "I wanted to."  He placed a necklace around her neck.

She looked down and fingered the small silver music note.  "Lance, it's gorgeous," she said.  "Thank you, I don't-- I don't know what to say."

"Say you like it," Lance pleaded hopefully.  His stomach twisted again, but in a good way now.  He liked it this way.

"I love it," she said.

Lance cleared his throat.  "Not as much as I love you," he said.

Jessica looked up, her eyes widening a little.  "You--"

"Yeah," Lance said.  "I hope that's okay.  I think I kind of have ever since I really, kind of. Um. Started getting to know you."

"That's good," Jessica said, her eyes still wide.  "Because, you know, I love you too.  So it works out real well like that."

Lance sat down next to her.  "Yeah," he said, smiling broadly and putting his hand on top of hers.  "I guess it does.  I guess it does."

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