happy new year!!

happy new year! well i did it. i wrote my story for secret santa, Its called 'Love, friendships and other mishaps'




'Love friendship and other mishaps' for Loey
When Chris came into the office, Lance was typing away on his computer. Pulling up a chair beside him, Chris sat down.

“So I have been thinking about last night. When I asked you if we could have the guys over for Christmas lunch. And you said yes, remember?” Chris said while he was busy tapping a beat on Lance's shoulder with his finger.

“What?" Lance turned from his laptop “I don’t remember having any conversations about having anyone over for Christmas lunch.” Lance looked confused.

‘Why does he always have to be so difficult?’ Chris wondered. The beating on Lance’s shoulder intensified. “Lance," he whined, "you promised me last night.”

Slapping Chris’s hand away, Lance’s eyebrow raised. Chris watched impatiently as Lance inspected his shirt, dusting off imaginary dirt left behind from Chris.

“Last night, when we were in bed together? Doing – well, you know what we were doing.” Chris laughed loudly as he watched Lance turn an interesting shade of pink. He loved that that he could make Lance blush so easily, talking about sex, when Lance was so confident in everything he did.” Was it while I was blowing you, maybe?” Chris loved watching his boyfriend’s cheeks as they darkened in color. His laughter grew. "Ouch. Why’d you do that?” Chris asked, holding his forehead where Lance had slapped it.

“Stop laughing, or I will do something really bad. Like, not let you touch me for a week!” Chris loved bringing out Lance’s snarky side.

“Bass, really. You wouldn’t dare. You’d miss my sexy ass. Admit it baby, you couldn’t survive without it.”

Lance pulled Chris’s chair closer, bringing Chris’s face toward his own. Soon they were sharing the same breath. Chris felt Lance's gentle teeth on his lip first, then he made Chris moan aloud as he sucked his bottom lip into his mouth.

Letting go of Chris’s lip, Lance smiled. “You’re right babe, your ass is something I can’t pass up; even if its only for a week,” he said, blushing slightly.

Chris was then pulled from his seat, Lance’s strong hands lifting until Chris was sitting on his lap. Lance’s hands dropped from his hips to land on his ass.

“Lance, can we have a Christmas party, please? I promise you won’t need to do anything. It will all be taken care of. Well, some things you may need to do - like organizing. You're really good at that. Me? I’m not so good.” Chris leaned up to Lance’s neck, tasting his sweet skin with his tongue.

He listened to Lance sigh deeply when he placed his mouth over the pulse point on his neck; smiled when Lance moved in closer, their bodies pressed together. Lance moaned as Chris sucked hard on his skin behind his ear.

Chris smiled lightly. He knew Lance’s weak points. It was how he’d gotten Lance to say yes the night before, too. Even if Lance had already forgotten about it.

“Chris, whatever ok? Whatever you wan to do. If you want the guys over for Christmas then fine, I’ll do what you need me to. Just please, don’t stop what you’re doing.”

Chris wrapped strong arms around Lance, placing small kisses over his forehead, before dropping to his nose, licking his cheek and finally stopping at Lance’s mouth. This kiss was slow, gentle, and open, with only a slight tease of tongue.

Breaking the kiss Lance rested his face against Chris’s shoulder shortly. Suddenly, he pushed Chris from his lap, and Chris found himself lying on the carpeted floor, slightly dazed.

Lance was frowning down at him “I don’t like it when you play me like that.”

Chris grinned up at him “You love it.”


*********************************

3 days before the lunch


“You’re having a Christmas party? Man that sounds good. It will be really good to see everyone again. It’s been way too long, dude,” Joey said over the background noise of cartoons.

“Man, tell me about it. I haven’t seen you in way too long. How’s the family?”

Joey must have changed rooms because he could no longer hear Bugs Bunny being hunted. “The family is really good. The kid is growing up way too fast. Life is good, can’t complain. This get together sounds really good.”

“Fuck yeah, man, can’t wait for all the guys to be together. I figured we’d eat too much, drink too much. Share a few laughs and have some good company.”

Joey’s deep chuckle was welcoming to Chris’s ears. God he missed them. It had been way too long since they had all been in the same room together. Actually, it had been in July, at the last Challenge.

“Heck yeah man, Sounds good.”

Laughing heartily, Chris replied, “Heck yeah? When did you turn 60 and not tell me about it?”

Moaning into the phone, Joey said “Kelly would kick my ass if I cussed in the house.”

Hearing the front door open and close quietly, Chris carried the phone down the hallway. He greeted Lance with a kiss hello. Apparently Lance had spent a little time shopping. Just looking at his new shirt was making Chris’s pants a little tighter.

“Who is it?” Lance asked after he'd dropped his bag to the ground. Re-adjusting his pants, Chris answered him. “Joe,” he said simply.

Lance’s eyes widened with delight. “Put me on. I want to talk to my goddaughter,” he demanded.

Handing the phone over to Lance, Chris watched silently as Lance moved around the hallway, laughing happily. “Joe, man. Please put Briahna on. I want to talk to her.”

“Hey sweetie, it’s Uncle Lance. Are you being good for your daddy, princess?” he cooed into the phone. "Ok, princess, I’ll see you at Christmas. Love you baby girl. Put your daddy on for me please.”

Chris squeezed Lance’s shoulder as he left the hallway to walk back into the kitchen.

Opening the fridge door Chris grabbed two beers. He took the cap off one and took a big swig from the bottle. As he put the drink down, Lance walked into the kitchen, joining him at the table. Opening his own bottle he clinked drinks with Chris. “Cheers,” he said.

“I thought we would just order in tonight,” Chris said. “Does that sound ok? Maybe some pizza or something. How does that sound to you?”

Lance met his eyes. “Sounds perfect.”


*********************************

2 days before the lunch


“Yo, y’all know who you’ve reached. So leave a message.”

“J, man. How are you? Chris and I are having everyone over for Christmas lunch. Please try and come and hey, if you really want, Cameron can come too. Give us a call.” Finishing his sentence Lance hung up the phone.

Chris had left the house early that morning to do a radio interview. While Chris was gone, Lance planned to go to a Christmas tree farm. He wanted to pick out a tree, bring it home and hopefully have it decorated by the time Chris got home. Leaving the house Lance jumped into his car.

Lance’s cell phone rang just as he was about to start the car at a green light. Fumbling around his front seat for his phone, he picked it up and flipped it open, not bothering to see the display.” Hello?” he asked.

“It’s Justin, man. How’re things going?”

Lance held the phone to his ear while he used the other to steer the car. “Justin. It’s great to hear from you. Things are good. How about you?” Lance heard some commotion on Justin’s end.

“Sorry about that. I’m filming so things are a little crazy over here. I’m just waiting to be called to film my part. So dude, lunch sounds good. Count me in. Cam can’t make it though; she'll be filming in Canada.”

Lance replied, “Fantastic. You’re going to make Chris’s day. He really misses you, you know?” Someone called for Justin in the background, and Lance heard him reply,

“Yeah I'll l be there in one minute. Lance, I'm really sorry but I need to go. But I'll definitely be there. Can’t wait to see everyone. Love you.”

Lance put his cell phone down and continued his way to the Christmas tree farm.


***********************


“If you’ve just turned us on, listeners, you're in for a surprise. We have a special guest host with us today, none other than Chris Kirkpatrick,” the radio DJ said, making screaming noises as if there were a bunch of young girls watching in the studio.

“Thanks, thank you. Honestly Jazzy, please stop screaming, man. That’s not cool,” Chris got out over the noise the DJ was making.

Keeping up appearances was what Johnny called these gigs. Getting on radio, reminding people you're still alive.

“Chris, what have you been up to? What’s been keeping you busy?” Jazzy asked.

“Oh you know. Justin introduced me to golf. So a fair amount of my time is spent playing golf. I have to say though, I’m without a doubt the worlds worst golf player,” Chris said, glancing at the flashing on air button.

“Are you really? I’ve heard you're pretty good,” Jazzy said.

“Oh well, I am. I was just being modest.” Chris laughed. “So yeah, I’ve been playing golf, oh and recording songs for my new album. I also sing in a band called the Little Red Monsters.

“Ok listeners, I know you all have questions for Chris. So call us during the next song,” Jazzy said.

As he finished talking Chris heard the starting beat to My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas. Looking around the office, he yawned, suddenly tired from getting up early to do the interview.

“Hey dude, are we keeping you up?” the DJ asked, laughing.

Rolling his eyes Chris said, “Yeah of course you are. Just kidding,” he added.

As the final chords to the song died down the DJ pressed the on air button again. “And we're back with our new host for the day. Chris Kirkpatrick from Nsync. Well he was in Nsync, but they're not really uh – Help me out here, man.”

This man really was a little slow, Chris thought. “Yeah well, I’m still in Nsync. We haven’t really broken up.” he answered.

"It totally does, yes. Now lets take some calls.” The DJ pressed a button and said, “Hello caller, you’re on. What would you like to say to Chris?” he asked.

“Alex. My name is Alex. Chris, I love you so much,” the young lady managed to get out. “You’re my hero.”

Smiling Chris said, "Aw honey. Thanks, but I’m no hero."

“Do you have a question, For Chris Alex?” The DJ asked.

“What was it like to know Justin when he was like 15?”

Thinking over his reply, Chris said “What was it like? Oh well, Justin has given me countless incidents that I can use to blackmail him for at least another 20 years.”

Laughing the DJ said, “Thanks for the question, Alex.”

“Thanks honey” Chris said.

“Hello caller, you're on air, what’s your name?” Jazzy asked.

“Oh my God!” she yelled. “Oh. My. God, Chris! Oh man, I love you. You’re the best. My name is Gabrielle.”

Laughing at her reaction at being able to talk to him, Chris said, “Love you too. What would you like to know?”

“Oh uh, like, what kind of girls do you like?” Danielle asked.


*********************************


Turning his cell phone on, Chris was greeted by an insistent beeping, letting him know there was a voice mail.

“Hey, honey. Heard you guys were having Christmas at yours. Give me a call.”

As he left the building, he dialed JC’s number. Reaching his car, Chris unlocked it, jumping in.

“Chris. Man, how are you? Did I ever tell you that you’re my hero?” JC asked, giggling.

“Hey! Someone’s a little touchy today. Don’t be jealous C, that I’m someone’s hero,” Chris said, trying to remain serious.

“She was sweet, man. Hey, I’m definitely coming to lunch, too.”

Watching the car in front of him, Chris said, “Yeah, we thought it would be a good chance to catch up with everyone. We know everyone has Christmas with their families, so we're having ours a couple days before.“

“Dude I have to go. I’m pretty much done with the album, did I tell you? Anyway, I'll speak to you soon,” JC said before hanging up.


*********************************


When Lance heard the front door open and then close, he knew that Chris was home. He waited in the living room for Chris’s reaction.

“Oh fuck. It’s so – wow, look at the tiny lights,” he heard Chris’s hushed voice. Apparently he had discovered the fairy lights that Lance had put up in the hall.

Hearing footsteps as Chris walked through the hallway, Lance knew it was only a matter of time before Chris would enter the living room and see just what Lance had been doing all day.

“Fuck me. It’s absolutely beautiful, Lance, fantastic,” Chris said as he came into the living room. He abruptly stopped when he saw the Christmas tree.

Grinning goofily, Lance watched Chris reach out to touch the tree, feeling the individual branches, then lifting the decorations in awe of what Lance had done.

“Bass, what did you do?” Chris managed to whisper. Lance walked over to Chris, hiding something behind his back. “What’s that?” Chris asked.

Lance held a piece of holly above their heads. They both leaned in to place a gentle kiss on the other's lips.

“Love you. I did it for you.” Lance whispered, leaning down again for another kiss.

Chris broke away first, pulling Lance into a bone-crushing hug.

“Thank you. Thanks so much, Lance. I can’t tell you how much it means to me. Honestly, you are one of the sweetest people I have in my life,” Chris whispered into his neck.

“I’m not sweet, man. I’m a badass to the core. Nope, I’m definitely not sweet,” Lance spoke as he felt Chris chuckle against him.


“You’re a badass, huh?” Chris asked Lance, who nodded in reply. “I don’t know; I think that ladies shaver you have in the bathroom begs to differ.”

Pushing free from the hug, Lance glared down at Chris, “I’ve told you so many times. I have sensitive skin; the 'ladies shaver' as you put it, has built in moisturizer. It makes me feel good. So sue me.”

Lance watched as Chris doubled over with laughter. “Sue you? Baby, I’m going to do more than sue you;” Chris said, trying to be seductive.

Lance stepped closer to Chris before he breathed out, “Oh yeah? Like what?”

“Like stripping you out of all your clothes, then laying you down and maybe lick your nipples for a little while. Have I ever told you that your nipples are sexy?” Chris asked.

Lance felt his face flush in color, shaking his head quickly. He licked his lips. ‘Fuck that sounds good,’ he thought.

Pulling Chris into him, Lance threw his arms around Chris’s waist, landing kisses on Chris’s lips. His tongue opened Chris’s mouth, demanding entry.

“Let’s take this upstairs,” Lance said, panting.

Leading the way, Lance pulled Chris from the living room into the hallway. Hooking his fingers into Chris’s belt loops, he pulled him up the stairs. On their way upstairs Chris stopped on the final step, kissing hungrily. Lance growled loudly when Chris dropped to his knees. Chris’s eyes, darker than usual, looked up at him, before grabbing a hold of Lance through his pants.

“Chris, no, not out here. Come on,” Lance said, tugging on Chris's hair gently. “We've almost made it to the bedroom. Just a couple more steps."

Moaning low in his throat, Chris stood shakily, taking Lance’s hand in his as he hurriedly moved to the bedroom. He pushed Lance into the room, not stopping until Lance was on the bed, pouncing onto to him.


*********************************

The day before the lunch


Chris squinted as sunlight filtered through the open curtains. Squeezing his eyes close again, he willed himself back to sleep.

When that didn’t work, he reached over for Lance; all he found was empty space. “Damn Lance and his early mornings,” Chris muttered. Chris accepted his fate and rose slowly from the bed, stretching his arms above his head.

As he left the bedroom, he walked down the hall to staircase. Chris followed the smell of coffee down the stairs and into the kitchen. Lance was already sitting at the table, his nose buried in the morning paper, nursing a cup of coffee in the other hand.

“Good morning sunshine,” Lance said, “go grab your self a seat, and I’ll fix you a coffee. Are you hungry?”

“I’m not really hungry. But coffee would be good.” Chris said as he walked over to the younger man, leaning over to give him a kiss. He then pulled a chair up to the table.

“Here baby, drink this.” Lance offered, holding a cup out to Chris.

Chris accepted the coffee gratefully. “Dude, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard you say that.” Chris teased.

“Fuck you,” Lance said without any malice. He took another sip from his cup.

“Yeah you did last night, remember?” Chris said. Once again Chris watched his boyfriend’s cheeks become rosy. He laughed when Lance stuck up his middle finger at him.

“That’s not how a Southern gentleman is supposed to behave. I’m sure your mama would love to hear about that,” Chris teased.

“You wouldn’t, and maybe I’m no gentlemen.” Lance laughed.

“You're right I wouldn’t. So Bass, what’s going on today?” Chris asked.

Chris watched Lance take his empty cup to the sink, then turn around to lean against the counter facing Chris.

“I’ve made a shopping list for you to get everything I need for lunch. And while you're doing that I’m going to clean the house.”

Chris really didn’t understand the need for Lance to clean the house when they had enough money for fifty people to clean the house at the same time.

“Don’t look at me like that, Chris. I've explained it before. I don’t like strangers in our house. Plus I can clean just as well as they do, maybe even better,” Lance said

Shrugging in surrender Chris said, “Whatever you want. I’m not complaining.”


*******************************


“Thanks for coming grocery shopping with me,” Chris said.

Turning to face Chris, JC said “Dude, you really don’t need to thank me. I should be thanking you. I was about to go crazy, I’ve been in the studio for months now.”

JC picked up a jar of Greek stuffed olives. “I like olives, lets get these.”

“Man, I don’t know,” Chris said glancing at the jar. “They look kind of foreign.”

JC said, “Dude, that’s the point. And also, they're from Greece. That’s a good thing.” Leaving no room for argument, he threw the olives into the cart.

“We need ham, chicken, turkey, potatoes, cream and strawberries,” Chris said, reading from the shopping list that was about three pages long, that Lance had given him with strict orders to "Not miss anything; and no, we can't have a caterer because it wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t do the cooking ourselves.”

“So how is recording, Jayce?”

Sighing dramatically, JC slowed his walk, picking up a packet of dried apricots that most definitely were not on Lance’s list.

“Well I’ve finished writing the songs, and now I’m just messing around with the sound. But I just can’t get it to go right” JC said.

Laughing, Chris continued pushing the cart down the aisle.


********************************


This been without a doubt the longest fucking shopping trip ever, Chris decided. Getting the groceries seemed to be a huge task, especially with JC there. He behaved like a child honestly; when JC couldn’t have something he wanted, his lower lip would jut out and before you knew what was happening he would begin to sulk. He would always put things the trolley that Chris had said no to.

Now came the dreaded task of buying Lance his Christmas present.

“What about this one?” JC asked holding up a gaudy silver ring.

“C, I already told you. If you like it then Lance probably won’t. No offence.”

Chris knew what he wanted to get Lance for Christmas. Just a watch, nothing really special, maybe a diamond or two. JC had other ideas, though. According to him, "A watch doesn’t show Lance how much you love him – a ring would. Its symbolism is perfect, a circle that doesn’t end. Like your love for him."

Looking around the store, Chris walked over to the watch case, he instantly found what he was looking for. It had Lance written all over it.

“Well, if you're not interested in the ring, I am. Can I try this on?” JC asked a jeweler.

“This one,” Chris said, pointing to the watch so the sales assistant could pull it out.

Unlocking the case, the woman carefully took out the watch and removed it from its packaging before handing it over to Chris. “Its really wonderful. It’s water resistant – you could go deep-sea diving with it,” she said, then went on to explain a whole bunch of functions that Chris wasn’t interested in.

Holding the watch in his hands, Chris lifted it; feeling the weight. It really was nice to look at; the face was covered with tiny diamonds, and the band too. ‘Oh yes,' Chris thought, 'Lance will definitely like this.'

“I’ll take it,” he said, not bothering to look at the price tag.

“Perfect choice, Sir. Would you like me to gift wrap that for you?”



***************************************


“So we have chicken and ham,” Lance said aloud, checking them off on his grocery list. “Alfalfa sprouts?” he questioned. He glanced down at his list. No he hadn’t put that on the list, but he could probably use them in a salad.

As Lance was pulling apart a grocery bag that Chris hadn’t packed away, he realized there were many items that were nowhere to be found on his list.

When he picked up a jar of prune juice he called for Chris.

“Chris!” Lance called for him. “Chris, come here right now!”

Lance grew more agitated when he saw Chris walk into the kitchen casually, looking expectantly at him.

“What happened to my list, Chris?”

“What list?” Chris asked.

“You know damn well what list. The same one that I spent a far while preparing. The same list that you butchered when you went to get the groceries,” Lance said, growing angrier as he continued talking.

“Oh that? I got most of what you asked for,” Chris said, defending himself.

“Most of it?” Lance pushed. "More like half of it. You didn’t even get the turkey

Chris looked at him confusedly. “No turkey? Chris, what were you thinking?” Lance questioned.

“Well what I was thinking was that it's food and it will be eaten,” Chris replied.

Lance held up a carton of dairy free milk. Oat milk to be exact. “Tell me the truth, will anyone touch this?” Lance asked heatedly.

Looking at the floor, Chris said, “JC said that oat milk was better for you than regular milk.”

Lance glared at Chris. “JC said it was healthier? Since when has JC been a reliable source?”

Shrugging, Chris said, “He knows what he's talking about, Lance. He drinks it all the time.”

Lance laughed at that remark. “Are you kidding me? He's clueless about most things. Although, when I need to know where to get a pink shirt with embroidered jeans, I know who to go to.

Steaming, Lance returned to unpack the groceries. “Oh, of course you can't have lunch without organically grown asparagus.” Waiting for an explanation Lance folded his arms.

“Ok I get where you’re coming from. But you try saying no to Jayce. His eyes get all wide and sad, oh and he does this thing with his foot, where he kind of scuffs it and –” Chris said, but was quieted when Lance’s hand covered his mouth.

Lance’s eyes sparked dangerously. “Shut up. I really don’t care how JC reacts when someone tells him no.” Chris’s mouth opened under his hand, so Lance tightened his grip. “Hush,” he said simply. “Tell me Chris, how am I supposed to put together a lunch for everyone with thinks like oat milk and prune juice?” Lance asked. Releasing his grip on Chris’s mouth, Lance said, “Sometimes I really get tired of bailing you out, Chris. It’s starting to get really old.”

Pushing away from the counter, Chris glared at Lance. “Fuck you, Bass. You always need to be the fucking hero, don’t you?”

Lance watched with his mouth open as Chris left the kitchen. 'Why does Chris get to be all huffy?' Lance thought. After all Chris was the one who had fucked up. And Lance was now – once again – forced to get him out of trouble.

Leaving the kitchen he grabbed his keys and sulkily left the house, ready to search for a supermarket.


****************************************************

The day of the lunch


Chris felt his back ache as he woke up the next morning. The spare bedroom did look nice, but the bed was really uncomfortable. However, when your boyfriend is being a spiteful bitch you don’t have many choices.

When Chris walked into the kitchen, Lance was already up preparing lunch.

“Good morning,” Chris said. “Lance, I’m sorry,” he said, sitting down at the table. “I shouldn’t have said all that stuff. That was mean.”

When he glanced at Lance again, the only reaction Chris could see was a raised eyebrow. “Oh I see what you’re doing. Real mature Lance. Are you ignoring me? How very 6th grade of you,” Chris said, banging around the kitchen, making plenty of noise.

Chris heard Lance forcefully place the knife down that he was using to chop up the vegetables.

“You need to pick up Joey from the airport, in about –” Lance looked at the clock on the wall “– an hour. So I suggest you get a move on.” Lance picked up the knife, once again chopping the vegetables, but maybe a little more roughly this time.

Grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl, Chris said, “Here I am apologizing and shit. And you can’t even talk to me like a man.”

Slamming the knife down again, Lance looked right at Chris. Chris felt kind of intimidated – though he would never admit that – when Lance leaned forward on the kitchen counter looking menacing as his eyes sparked.

“Oh, Lance that’s one hell of a look. Come on you can do better,” Chris baited him, his voice slightly wavering.

Chris watched Lance's eyes narrow. Chris’s eyes grew large when he realized Lance had picked up some of the vegetables, ready to throw them at Chris.

Choosing this moment to flee, Chris said, “Well honey, I’m off to go and get Joey. While I’m gone try not to murder anyone. Bye,” Chris said, making sure that he didn’t turn his back on Lance as he exited the kitchen.


******************************


Chris's shades covered his eyes as he waited in arrivals for Joey. He pulled his cap lower over his head as he scanned just getting off the flight.

The thing about Joey was that you could tell when he entered a room, Chris thought when he saw Joey.

Chris grinned and waved when Joey saw him. And before he knew it, he was completely wrapped up in a hug that only Joey could give.

“Chris it’s so good to see you,” Joey said, holding on tighter, then letting Chris go. He smiled brightly.

“Let's get out of here so we can start some serious drinking,” Chris said.

Joey slung an arm over Chris's shoulders as Chris led him to his parked car. When they got to the car, Chris opened the trunk, so Joey could put his luggage in.

“Its so good to see you Chris,” Joey said after they'd both gotten in the car.

“I’m glad someone thinks so,” Chris said sulkily.

Joey turned to face him in his car seat, looking confused. “What are you talking about?” he questioned.

Chris sighed. “Oh you know, the usual. Lance is ignoring me.”

Smiling, Joey asked “Why? What did you do?”

“I take offence to that, Joe. Why does everyone always assume it's something I did?”

“Because man, it usually is.”

“Oh is that right?” Chris snapped. “Well, for your information: it wasn’t my fault this time. It may be partly my fault, but I apologized for that. He's being a total bitch.”

Joey laughed at that. “Chris, you know that Lance is a diva. And you know that all you have to do is fuck him until he forgets.”

Chris looked at Joey as if he was crazy. “How, Joe, do you suggest I fuck him, when he won't even let me sleep in the same bed. I’m talking to the wrong person. All your advices always revolve around sex.”

As the car drove across town, Chris asked, “How’s Briahna?” Chris smiled thinking of the little girl he missed.

“She being a little terror, like her uncle Chris taught her?”

Chris watched Joey smile at the mention of his daughter. “She has definitely learned how to be obnoxious from you.”


*********************


Lance waited patiently as JC made his famous gravy. "Because yes, Lance. It just is," JC had said.” Famous”

Lance checked his watch for probably the 15th time that morning. He had a schedule to keep. Although said schedule had stopped when JC had arrived.

“Do you have cumin? It’s a great spice,” JC said. Lance raised an eyebrow in question. “Man, what? Spices go with everything,” JC defended himself. “Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

“Is that what you told Chris, to trust you?” Lance couldn’t help himself, the moment just presented itself.

“I honestly have no idea what you're trying to say. Come here and smell how good it is. Its to die for,” JC told him. Unwilling to admit it aloud, Lance had to agree with JC; it did smell great.

Lance heard the front door opening

“Honey, I’m home,” Joey yelled. JC laughed as he and Lance left the kitchen to find Joey.

“Joe” JC yelled, barreling into Joey, giving him a huge hug. “Where are the girls?” he asked. Then he released Joey to greet Chris too.

“Back home. Kelly’s getting everything ready for the first Christmas at our home with the family,” Joey said, walking into the home, dragging his bag behind him. He explained that each year Christmas was at one of their families houses; this year it was their turn to host.

Lance glanced at Chris, only to end up avoiding his gaze. Sidetracking Chris, Lance walked straight to Joey.

“Joe, man I missed you,” Lance said, finding himself being pulled in for a hug.

Lance watched from over Joeys head as JC slung an arm over Chris’s shoulders. "Hey old man, lets go crack a bottle of wine,” JC said, moving them both towards the kitchen.

“Hey, watch who you’re calling old!” Chris said “Young people these days, no respect,” he joked.

“So Chris told me you're being a bitch. What’s up?” Joey asked.

“He has some nerve, calling me a bitch. Sometimes he can be really annoying, Joe, you know this.”

Nodding Joey said, “Yeah I do. But so can you”.

“You're taking his side? Do you know what happened?” Lance questioned Joey. When he saw Joey shake his head, he continued, “Well, he went grocery shopping with Jayce. Needless to say he came back with a bunch of crap I really didn’t want, like oat milk. What the fuck am I supposed to do with oat milk?”

Joeys only response was to give him a look, as if to say, ‘And your point is?’

“We got into a huge fight. I said some things I probably shouldn’t have, but Joe. He wasn’t any better.”

Laughing loudly, Joey patted Lance on the back. Lance glared moodily back at him.

“You guys would be perfect for a reality TV show. It'd be a thousand times better than Newlyweds and we all know your relationship isn’t a scam. People would watch each week, to see what crazy and wacky adventures you're up to, and all the drama that comes from a relationship of a diva and a crazy, crazy man,” Joey said, laughing.

Lance had to laugh as well, “You know what? That’s not such a bad idea,” he said, joking.

“Seriously man, it would get high ratings. Just, Lance, it's almost Christmas. Don’t stay mad forever, ok?” Joey asked him.

“Yeah, ok,” Lance said, "But only because its you and I missed you."

“Ok good. I’m glad that’s sorted out. I really need to go to use the bathroom,” Joey said then left the room.


*******************************


“Honestly, Chris, if I'd known it would cause so much trouble, I would've insisted on only buying half of what we did,” JC apologized, sipping his red wine.

Raising his glass to his lips, Chris swallowed the rest of the wine easily.

“Man, don’t worry. It's Lance. You know how wound up he gets.” Lance chose that moment to come back into the kitchen.

The conversation was dropped abruptly, the room fell silent. “Why do I get the feeling I was just being talked about?” Lance asked, walking back over to the bench to put the tray of vegetables into the oven.

“I was just saying to Chris, how good of you to put this all together for us. It’s going to be really special, I can tell.” JC said, crossing the room to kiss Lances cheek. Chris saw JC bend down to whisper something to Lance.

“JC, want some more wine?” Chris laughed when he saw JC turn around quickly, eyes wide, nodding his head enthusiastically.

“Yes. Yes I do.” JC giggled.

“Oh oh, sounds like someone is getting a little tipsy,” Lance said teasing.

“Yep, I’m a cheap drunk. I won't lie to you,” JC said, smiling happily.

“Look who I found lurking in the bushes,” Joey joked from the door, pushing Justin into the room before him.

“Hey guys,” Justin said in greeting. Justin really hadn’t changed all that much, Chris thought. His presence still demanded attention.

Only after them did Chris have the chance to say hello. He got up from the table to give Justin a hug.

"Come here," Chris said, pulling Justin toward him. He felt Justin hug him carefully back.

"Love you, man, missed you so much," Justin said softly.

Breaking free of Justin’s hold, Chris rose from the table. “What do you wanna drink?” he asked Justin.

“Jim beam, if you have it” Justin said.

"Jim beam, coming up.” Chris winked.


*******************************************


‘Just like old times,’ Lance thought, sitting around drinking with his best mates. It was early afternoon; the sun was still beaming down on them as they sat on the porch, reminiscing about the ten years they'd spent together.

“Well,” JC slurred, “I remember, even if none of you guys do. Joey, you were right next to me when it happened. It was a big deal, remember?”

Lance saw Joey shrug in response. “JC honestly, I have no idea what you’re going on about. I remember being backstage, but I don’t remember anyone puking on your shoes.”

“He ruined my Prada shoes,” JC mumbled, draining the remains of his wine. An empty wine bottle lay already in front of him.

Lance turned to watch Justin curiously. He could tell that Justin was slightly uncomfortable, he was even being quiet.

Getting up from the porch, Lance said to Justin, “Come and help me in the kitchen,” Lance said to him.

Lance walked to the back door, holding it open so Justin could walk through first, following him to the kitchen.

“What do you need help with, Lance?”

“Nothing, really,” Lance told him. “What I do want though, is for you to tell me what’s going on with you.”

Justin looked confusedly at him. “What’s up with me?” Justin repeated. “Nothing's up with me, I’m fine.” Justin walked to the oven and opened the door, smelling the contents inside. “It smells good, Lance. It's almost done I bet.”

Glaring at Justin, Lance said, “Don’t change the subject. I want to know what’s wrong with you. You’ve been quiet all day. That’s not like you, Justin.”

Justin looked directly at Lance. “Chris hates I’m sure of it. He doesn’t talk to me anymore and he won’t even look at me.”

Snorting, Lance said, “Are you crazy?”

“Kick a man when he's down, why don’t you,” Justin whined.

“Justin, no offense, but you're totally dense. Chris doesn’t hate you.”

Justin looked at him, hopeful. “He doesn’t?” he asked.

“No. He’s invited you after all, hasn’t he? Go and talk to him.”

Smiling brightly, Justin said, “Thanks Lance.” And with that he was out of the kitchen.


************************


“Take him inside, Joe. Let him sleep it off.” Chris said, looking at a drowsy JC.

“JC, I’m going to take you to bed so you can have a little nap,” Joey said as if he was talking to an eight-year-old.

Chris hid his face in his hands , trying to hide his smile as he saw JC get up and stumble, holding onto Joey.

“Are you going to take me to bed? You’re naughty. You’re, like, married and stuff.“ JC giggled. Peaking through his fingers, Chris saw Justin rush through the back door. “Justin,” JC drawled, holding onto Justin’s face. “I love you so much man. You are really talented”

“Thanks Jayce. Love you too, man.” Justin said, smiling at him.

Joey tightened his grip on JC when he started to hiccup, “I’m taking him upstairs,” Joey said, leading them back into the house.

Chris removed his hand from his face as Justin walked over to him. Justin had a look on his face that Chris had seen countless times before. A look that made him do almost anything for Justin. He felt himself being lifted out of his chair and to his feat.

“I need to talk to you,” Justin said.

“Well, talk then,” Chris prompted.

“Are you mad at me?” Justin asked him.

Chris looked directly at him. Suddenly the major celebrity that Justin had turned into had vanished, to be replaced by the Justin he used to know. Somewhat unsure of himself and a little wide-eyed.

“Dude, I’m not mad at you. Why would you think that?”

“Well,” Justin began, “I haven’t really been that attentive. And I definitely could call you more. Fuck man, I’m a really shitty friend.”

Hey, don’t say that. I’m not going to lie man, sure I’m hurt but I'm not mad, ok?” Chris said.

Once again Justin was on him, his arms and legs all around Chris and his breath in Chris's ear, in a way only Justin could do. “I’m so glad, Chris. I really want things to go back to how they used to be.”
“I want that too,” Chris said.


**************************************


Lance pulled the turkey from the oven, inspecting it. He decided it needed a fair while longer. Considering he had only gotten it today, because yesterday when he’d tried to buy one, they had sold out of turkeys.

“Don’t you ever get tired of being wrong?” Lance heard Chris say.

“Don’t you ever get tired of being old?” Justin asked him, laughing.

Lance raised an eyebrow. ‘Guess they made up,’ he thought. Just when the turkey was safely back in the oven, Chris and Justin both entered the kitchen.

“Man, how much longer do I need to starve?” Justin asked.

“It’s almost done. Just a little bit longer,” Lance lied.

“I’m gonna go find Jayce and give him a hard time about being a cheap drunk.”

Lance looked at Chris who was hovering near the door. “It’s ok, Chris. You can come on in.”

Hesitantly, Chris entered the room, being sure to leave space between them. “So, how’s life been treating you?” Chris asked him.

“Oh just fine,” Lance said, half smiling.

“Are you still mad? I already said I was sorry. But if you need me to tell you a few more times, I will,” Chris said, moving a little closer to Lance.

“You don’t need to be the one apologizing here, I should be. I really am sorry I was a bitch to you, I really do love you a lot.”

Lance felt Chris lean his face into his neck, while Lance ran his hands down Chris’s back until they met his ass. Caressing the flesh in his hands, Lance put his lips over Chris’s, applying pressure as he traced Chris’s partially closed lip, seeking entrance. Chris’s lips opened under his own, allowing Lances tongue to enter his mouth.

“Oh Lance,” Chris moaned.

Chris bit down gently on Lance’s lips, pulling him closer. Lance released Chris mouth, sliding his lips over Chris’s neck, where he bit into his smooth flesh, marking him. Hearing Chris’s moan, Lance continued sucking harder at the abused piece of skin.

Lance raised Chris’s arms above his head and removed Chris’s shirt, then moved down Chris’s body, stopping at his nipples. Lance took his time to pay special attention to them, licking and sucking. With a final lick, Lance dropped to his knees.

“Love you,” Lance whispered, looking up to see Chris holding onto the counter for support.

“Love you too,” Chris said, releasing his hold on the bench to run shaky hands through Lance’s hair.

Lance undid Chris’s jeans button, pulling down the zipper, sliding the jeans over his hips and down his legs until they pooled around his feet.

“Oh God. Lance, please,” he begged his lover.

“Please what, baby?” Lance teased, pulling Chris’s boxers down around his hips, adding them to the pile of clothes that lay discarded on the ground. He took hold of Chris’s erection.

“Please, suck me,” Chris managed to squeak out.

Not needing to be told twice, Lance leaned down, licking the erection from the base to the head. Bringing his mouth to the tip he swallowed just the head, sucking lovingly on Chris’s dick.

“Oh God, Lance. Oh, more. Please Lance, I need more.”

Sliding a little further down on his dick, Lances tongue licked at the skin, his hands massaging Chris’s balls. He swallowed Chris’s whole length, hearing Chris cry out. He started to bob up and down on it, applying a gentle sucking pressure, adding just a slight tease of teeth to gently scrape the sensitive skin.

Lance picked up his pace, moving quickly on Chris’s length, making sure to lick every inch of him, sucking harder when he could tell Chris was close to coming.

“Oh baby, that’s it, oh god." Chris came, pulling a little on Lances hair.

“Hey guys, what’s that smell?” Justin asked, coming back into the kitchen. When he saw Chris naked with his dick down Lance’s throat he screamed and covered his eyes. “Oh my fucking God! Give a guy some warning!” Justin yelled, running from the room.

Chris laughed loudly as Lance got back to his feet. Lance located the source of the smell very quickly – the potatoes. He tried the vegetables. Still edible, but far too soft. Great. The turkey wasn’t cooked through, the potatoes were burnt and they couldn’t even eat the vegetables because they were overcooked. Their lunch was ruined.


************************************


Chris glanced around the table later that evening. Justin still refused to meet his eyes, he seemed to find the table cloth that much more interesting. JC was still passed out upstairs and Lance, Chris was pretty sure, was going to snap and lose it over the lunch that never was.

“Man, I’m hungry. When did they say the pizza would get here?” Joey asked.

“Soon, Joe. Don’t worry, you're not going to starve. Ok?” Lance told him.

“Well maybe if certain people hadn't been literally fucking around in the kitchen, I wouldn’t have to wait; I'd already be eating,” Joey teased Lance who turned a deep shade of red.

“What about me?” Justin asked, “I’m the one who will be scarred for life. You try getting that image out of your head.” Joey was now in hysterics, tears running down his face, laughing hard. “Seriously. See if I come over here anytime soon,” Justin said, pouting.

“Honestly what I would've given to have seen his face when he walked into the room,” Joey said wiping the tears from his face.

“It was a mixture of shock, horror and revulsion. It really was something,” Chris admitted.

“Fuck you,” Justin said simply.

Hearing the doorbell ring, Joey yelled, “Pizza’s here,” getting up from the table and running to the front door.

Soon after, the smell of pizza wafted through the house and into the kitchen. Joey walked back into the kitchen carrying 3 large boxes of pizza.

“Dig in, guys” Lance said, offering plates when Joey put the boxes onto the table.

“This is good pizza” Joey said, taking another bite from his slice.

“Why are you eating pizza?” JC questioned from the doorway, looking sleep-ruffled and a little ill.

“These two,” Joey said, gesturing to Lance and Chris, “got kinky in the kitchen and didn’t notice the lunch burning.”

“I saw them, C!” Justin whined,. “I'll never be the same again,” Justin said.

JC walked to the table to give him a hug. “Hush,” he said, sliding fingers through Justin’s hair.

While Justin was being calmed down, Chris pulled Lance over to him and onto his lap, leaning forward to share a kiss.

“Really guys, get a room,” Justin said.