"Skye," he whispered, close enough now to feel her shallow, quick breath on his face. When she didn't respond, he tried again. "Skye. It's ok. There's nothing to be afraid of. Relax, Princess. C'mon." When he felt her deathgrip loosen a bit on his hand, he chose that moment to wrest his hands from hers and close them around her waist, picking her up slightly. "Happy birthday. Surprise, Princess," he said softly into her ear.

Slowly, he felt her come alive again, as her arms went around him too. Smiling, he set her down and then turned to the crowd, staring at them noiselessly. "Ok, show's over. Party's on! Chris?! Music!" And as if there had never been a silence, the room erupted in noise, people scattering, the music on cue. It was almost laughable, over a hundred people in 18th century costumes grooving to the sounds of BT, courtesy of Chris, in an magical room done in reds, greens and golds to suit Skye. Hired servants stood all around, dispensing drinks... non-alcoholic drinks... and finger foods. He would have laughed, but he remembered the price tag on all of it. He had paid grandly to be able to temporarily redecorate and partially renovate this room to fit the needs of his idea.

Skye, who'd been standing next to him, had been attacked by guests, friends and well-wishers. Slowly, they were leading her away. He stared at her retreating figure, surrounded by people, all talking jauntily about some subject that brought laughter from their lips and a smile to her face. Perhaps he should have been more excited. He'd been nervous as hell while they waited here for her in the dark. But strangely, all the nervousness seemed to have evaporated the minute she'd relaxed in his arms and clung to him. Reassurance, maybe. He stuck his hands into the pockets of his britches. He'd been made to wear some strange things in his lifetime, but this get up was something else entirely. He laughed at himself, to himself and turned, starting to walk away.

"Justin!"

He brought his head up and looked around for the person that had called his name.

"Justin!"

He turned just in time to see Joey jogging towards him.

"Dude. Have you seen Skye? I saw her a minute ago here with you, but she disappeared on me."

Wordlessly, Justin pointed towards one of the long banquet tables where she sat, still surrounded by many many people.

Joey's face lit up almost instantly. "Thanks man! Oh, and if you see C, tell him to watch his back!"

Justin looked at Joey strangely for that one, but Joey was already gone, jogging to the decorated table Justin had pointed out. Justin looked up. Glittering silver stars on a dark intense blue background stared back at him. All they were really were single pieces of painted plywood that had been pieced together and attached to the ceiling. But pieced together they looked spectacular, the positioned spotlights hitting them from just the right angle. The room was an enchanted forest, full of sparkle and gold. Murals were painted on the walls of deep green forest, butterflies and fairies.

The back wall was spectacular. In the middle hung an exquisitely detailed tapestry Justin had found in an oddball shop in Germany. But what was behind it really was the most magnificent of all. It was this that was his inital idea and his motivation for making this a costume party straight from the history books. Skye would see it later, after she settled and mingled a little. He wanted her to be comfortable.

"Justin!" It was the second time tonight his name had been called. Again he turned and immediately spotted Lance walking towards him.

"Hi," he said to Lance's approaching figure.

"Hi yourself. I've gotta tell you... This is amazing, Justin. Amazing. I can't believe it all came together so well. You should be really proud of yourself."

Justin nodded. "I am. I can't believe I put this all together. Hasn't really sunk in yet, man. Just give it time."

Lance nodded. "And Skye looks beautiful. The dress is beautiful. She looks like a princess."

"She is a princess."

"Yea? Well do you know where the princess is? I want to go wish her a happy birthday and have her meet Meredith."

Justin briefly remembered that Lance had brought Meredith Edwards with him as well as a few others from the office. Justin nodded. "She's over there," he said, pointing to the table Joey had just run to. "Catch up quick, Lance. She looks like she's just about to move."

"Thanks man." Lance hit him on the back, and hurried over to join the laughter.

Justin stuffed his hands back into his pockets and surveyed the room. Most of the people had gravitated towards Skye in the table area at the right of the room. At the left was a makeshift "dance" floor, with Chris in the corner behind a decoy box, spinning records in his jester suit. Justin smiled at the sight. But Chris was no fool in any sense, and especially not at the DJ tables where he looked quite comfortable. Justin knew he had DJed at other parties before he started 'N Sync, so he was very capable. Justin wouldn't have said yes when Chris asked otherwise.

He caught sight of JC with Jan, over at the bar, ordering drinks, the only place you could get alcoholic bevarages as the servants weren't serving them. Jan had arrived the day before. He'd never seen JC more excited to see someone... well, seeing his parents after the first tour came close but they were veterans now. JC had been almost useless since Jan had come. They were inseparable, constantly by each other's side. At the rate they were going, Justin wondered when they would get tired of themselves. Jan... throwing ice at JC. JC... trying to duck, but getting hit anyway. Jan... putting her drink down to make a run for it. JC... faster than Jan, drink already on the table, and catching a laughing Jan around the waist.

Justin sighed. He missed being playful like that. Laughing like that. It just... well... it just wasn't the same with guys, of course. Well, he didn't have time. He and Luciana hardly saw each other anymore, especially now that she was off in LA filming and he was here in Europe, touring. What could he do? What could either of them do? They all had priorities and Luciana had had her priorities long before she had met Justin. He wouldn't be the one to take them away when he'd already had his too.

Laughter. "Skye, I can't get over how beautiful..."

He didn't know what had jostled him, but he focused once again only to see Skye, laughing at something or other. The crowd around her had not lessened, but changed players. They were no longer at the white cloth covered tables decorated with hanging vines and wild flowers in every color, but had wandered over to the music. Someone had gotten Skye a drink of some light colored liquid. Justin frowned momentarily. She was just eighteen and she wasn't getting drunk tonight if he had anything to say about it.

Slowly, he settled his shoulders and dragged his hands out of his pockets. He took a breath and began to walk over to where Skye stood.

"Excuse me," said a hurried female voice.

His gaze had been so focused on Skye that he hadn't seen Emily Monroe walk by and almost into him. She almost ran into the one of the hired helpers with a tray full of drinks too.

He frowned. "Yea, you're excused." But he doubted she'd heard him as she hurried away to whatever her destination was tonight.

-§-

People were gathering. She'd been watching them for awhile now... during rehearsal, and from the beginning of this party. Justin had handed her several setbacks... like her seat position. She was three seats away from JC while Jan was right next to him. In the gifting ceremony, she was two people ahead of him. Well, she'd catch him on her own and she wasn't wasting any time. She hadn't even wished Skye a happy birthday yet. Oh well. She didn't much care for keeping up appearances.

She waited, imagining a wolf preying on her prey. They were getting lost in the stead throng of people. Just what she wanted. A crowd to pull them apart. Soon...

...

...

Now.

-§-

"A toast! To Miss Skye Covington! May she have many more birthdays as grand as this one and a blush like the one she's wearing right now!" A baritone voice rang out, causing her to blush an even deeper red.

"Lance! You're embarrassing the poor girl! On her birthday too. Shame on you!" He put his arm around Skye, shielding her as if to protect her. "Don't you worry Skye. I'll protect you from the big baaaaad wolf. A.K.A Lance."

"Oh no you don't Joey!" Cut in a third voice. "What are you trying to do? Usurp my position? Come here Skye. I'll protect you from both of them."

"Usurp, Justin?" Joey asked, somewhat incredulously. "I can't believe you know the word 'usurp'."

"Shows how much you know. I just used it in a sentence. Apparently, I do know what it means. You shouldn't underestimate my brain power, you lug."

"'Lug'? What is this?" Joey was amused to see Justin standing there, nose in the air.

"Come Princess. We do not have to listen to the ramblings of this plebian."

"Whoa. Who are you and what have you done with Justin?" By now Joey had broken into laughter at the sight of Justin being so "uppity".

Justin was laughing right along with him. Joey knew laughter was contagious and it caused the crowd to laugh along with them. He looked over at Skye. Her blush had gone, and she was laughing too, Justin's arm still around her shoulders. Joey grinned.

"But Joe," Justin reminded. "Don't forget the time. It's 10:10." He pointed to his watch.

For a minute, Joey just looked at him, wondering why Justin had reminded him of the time. He smacked his head. "Oh! Yea, yea. 10:10." 10:15 was showtime. Skye was going to get he surprise of her life... if she hadn't already. Justin had really planned this well and Joey was damned proud of him. Damned proud. He leaned in closer to Justin, whispering so Skye wouldn't hear. "You want me to remind the others, man?"

"Yeah, that'd be great."

"Ok. I'll get right on it."

"Thanks man."

Joey smiled. He wanted this night to be perfect too. Skye deserved it. Justin did too. More than ever.

-§-

She was moving, gliding over the smooth surface of the ballroom floor. Enough people had gathered, enough to her satisfaction, and she was moving in. She glanced down briefly, just to be sure. She was beautiful. The dress was beautiful, not a section out of place. The fancy blue silk gown hugged her trim waist and flowed out into a full skirt of the same rich blue color. The color complimented her hair well. She had been afraid Justin would put her into some atrocious color like pink or dark purple, but he hadn't been so unkind. She smiled. She thought she had a pretty smile, people had told her that.

She suddenly frowned, her eyes narrowing.

They had just moved together again. Dammit. She needed them apart... in more ways than one.

-§-

"Five minutes, you guys," he whispered, making his rounds across the room, trying to look like he was mingling and getting lost in the crowd. "We're on in five minutes, ok? Be ready."

He neared the opposite side of the room, no less empty than the side he'd just come from. Gowns, feathers, tights... Joey winced. Superman wore tights, he had to remind himself. Of course, Superman also had buns and thighs of steel, he thought grimly. Well, at least he wasn't the only one in this sort of get up. Anyway...

"Hey, hey Eric!" he whispered sharply. "Get into your place on the other side of the room. Justin will kick your ass to Mars if you mess this up." The sad thing was that Joey wasn't lying.

"Ver... What the...?" His gaze was averted by a glint not far from where he stood. He watched the silent scene: Jan and JC flirting... as usual... Emily staring at them in an annoyed fashion, eyes slits as she narrowed them... not usual. Joey felt his body tense and his mind sharpen, immediately asking himself questions. Joey didn't know Emily all too well, but he'd never liked Emily all the same... a lot of people had never liked Emily judging from the reaction of his bandmates. Because there was nothing noble or redeeming about Emily. Right off the bat Joey knew that everyone knew what Emily was. But at least she'd showed her colors right a way.

With that look, Joey knew she couldn't be up to any good. Joey had been feeling a jumble of emotions in the past week and not any good ones. Maybe someone needed to be saved. Maybe a few people needed to be saved. But from the looks of it, Joey couldn't quite tell who needed it the most.

Oh lord. There weren't five minutes anymore. "JC," he whispered, striding forward, ignoring Emily. "It's a minute till 10:15. You know what to do."

And then he hurried back across the room, his gait stunted by the crowd.

-§-

"I couldn't believe it when Justin told us this was going to be a costume party. And then when he said it was a medieval costume party..."

"Hey guys."

Skye turned as the voice interrupted. She knew that voice well and if she wasn't mistaken, her body untensed, relaxing in his presence.

"Are we all having a good time?" he continued, staring at all the people gathered around her, but not looking directly at her.

"...Oh yes..."

"...This is just beautiful Justin..."

"...I would be, but I'm having a hard time believeing you put this all together..."

"...I love the way you did the ceiling, Justin..."

"...The christal was excellent..."

He grinned his famous grin. "That's what I like to hear. Well, wouldja look at the time? I have to steal Skye away for just a moment."

Then he turned his dark blue eyes on her, his grin unfading, but changing to reach his eyes and bring up the corners of his lips. He looked at her with... what was it? Expectation? And excitement. She saw excitement in his eyes.

Her own eyes darkened, questioning his, but saying nothing. And before she knew it he had her by the hand and was whisking her away.

"So how do you like your party so far?" He'd turned to her along the way, the smile still in his eyes.

"Justin... I don't know what to say. I can't believe all this. I can't believe you even knew today was my birthday!"

"Believe it."

"Who told you?"

"Your sister did."

Lucy. Her sister who couldn't be here tonight. A familiar ache opened in her heart and she took a deep breath.

Maybe too deep... for Justin had noticed.

"Princess? Are you ok?"

She smiled with more enthusiasm than she felt at the time, but her voice could only muster up something that sounded a little too bright to be real. "Yea."

He stopped and looked at her in a questioning manner. "Would you be surprised if I told you I didn't believe you?"

She felt her cheeks go read, but she aswered him honestly. "No."

Justined sighed a sigh to mirror hers and drew her a bit closer, his hand tightening around hers. "You know she'd be here if she could."

Skye nodded. She knew, but it didn't...

"And I know that knowing that she would be here if she could doesn't make it any easier that she's not here."

Skye sharply glanced to her left at Justin. Was he reading her mind?

"But try and understand," he went on. "I know how this business is... well the aspects of it we share. It's a hard life. Free time usually means hell is close to freezing over. And of course, the demons that run this business don't want that to happen... or they'd be out a job and a home. So they give us even more work to appease Satan."

"Why do you work in a field you hate?" Her voice was questioning, her mind not understanding why he'd work in a business he detested.

He seemed to pause for a minute and consider her question. "You know, Princess. I do admit to hating it sometimes, but nothing is perfect. There is always the good with the bad and you have to take it that way. This field, as much as I dislike it, has also been very good to me in many many ways. I don't hate my work. I love it. But there are drawbacks as well. And they are drawbacks I am willing to take and sacrifice for to be able to do what I love. Understand?"

She nodded, though she didn't fully. She just saw the concentration in his eyes, the focus, the way they had darkened with thought. She had seen passion when he spoke, and that told her more than all his words.

"Good. Anyway, about Lucy... she's a newcomer to this field, but one that's rising very fast. In this field you don't sit down and wait. You can't. Her agent knows that and books her for as many things as possible. He's the one that suggested she go out for that movie she's filming now. She's on contract and she can't break it. You can't be mad at her for something beyond her circumstances, can you?"

Skye shook her head. He was right. It wasn't Lucy's fault. That nagging feeling in her heart just wouldn't go away though. She wanted Lucy here.

"Hey, don't look so down. I know you're disappointed that she can't be here, but I'm not that bad company, am I?"

All thoughts of Lucy washed away. "No!" How could he even think that? "You're great company, Justin. Really. If you weren't here, I'd feel as down as I feel about Lucy not being here. I'm glad you're here, and I'm glad you threw me this party."

A strange look crossed over his face as he stared at her, still in his tracks for just a moment. For a moment, Skye thought something was wrong, that she'd said or done something wrong. But then he spoke.

"I'm glad too, Princess. I really am."

-§-

Then they were there. He stopped, her hand still in his. Every time he saw her, spoke to her, she amazed him a little more. He knew how important Luciana was to her... and the importance she'd given to him with just a few words. No she never ceased to amaze him. He pulled her closer to him, taking her free hand in his. Then he looked at her, really looked at her for the first time that night. None of them had lied to him.

"Justin?" she asked questioningly.

Maybe he had stared a little too long. He smiled. "Princess?"

"Oh, for a minute there I thought you... are you ok?"

"Never better," he answered truthfully, looking into her hazel eyes. Funny, they didn't look so hazel tonight... more green and more gold and more mesmerizing. "I tried to do my best for you. Tonight is your night. And on your night you look beautiful Skye. You really do."

She blushed and looked a little surprised by his admission.

"What?" he exclaimed. "Don't tell me I'm the first person to tell you that tonight, Princess."

He watched her shake her head. "No..." She paused for a minute. "But it means so much more coming from you."

For the second time tonight he was rendered speechless by a girl twice as small and seemingly twice as young as he was. There was something about her...

And it was time.

The music started.

Justin bowed.

-§-

She heard trumpets. Trumpets? Justin was bowing... she glanced out of the corners of her eyes, afraid to move. It seemed everyone else was too. Except the trumpet players... the trumpet players?! Skye was worried... surprised... confused. The scene had changed abruptly. She hadn't seen all the people line up in two straight rows and bow. She hadn't seen the six trumpet players come in and raise the shiny brass instruments in their hands. She hadn't noticed the long, narrow red carpet they had rolled out three feet in front of her. Her mind spun. Where did all this come from? How did it all get here. Why were they all bowing...?

She didn't even get a chance to finish her thought before Justin's voice rang out behind her, startling her.

"May I present to you her royal highness Princess Skye, Princess of Hearts."

She heard his voice ring out with pride and she turned to move but a loud flapping before her caught her attention. She watched as the beautiful tapestry on the back wall was pulled down by two men and was pulled away. What she saw took her breath away. It was a chair like no other. Not ordinary by any circumstances, but golden bronze and shimmering in the light. But it was not your traditional fairytale throne, cold, square and impersonal, reeking only of wealth and status. Instead this chair was a fairy's chair, one cut with soft curves and decorated with greenery, flowers and berries. It sat on a platform, maybe only three steps high. She stood in awe of her surroundings, people bowing, the lights dim, but bright enough to see clearly. It was beautiful, perfect, like something out of her dreams and imagination.

But she hardly had time to react before she felt something being placed on her head. As she looked up, she saw it was a crown, sparkling like diamonds. A shimmering cloak was being placed around her shoulders. Justin stood up and took her arm. He gave her a funny smile, one she didn't recognize from before. His eyes were different... lighter... yet still intense. She clung to him.

"Walk with me," was his only request, his voice soft, smooth, and velvety, tickling her cheek as he stood near.

Could he see the uncertainty in her eyes? The disbelief? The glistening of tears that didn't yet fall? Perhaps all he saw was the quivering chin and the wobbly smile on her face as she nodded to him. He started to walk and she followed his lead, glancing away, but tightening her arm in his for support, warmth, stability. She hoped he could see... all of it. It was gratitude when she didn't quite know how to say thank you for it wasn't enough. Just moments ago, she had realized all of this, what had been done for her. She wondered, was it he she should be thanking most of all? The way he looked at her right now... she didn't know quite what it was, only that she never wanted him to stop.

She felt him let go of her arm and with a blank mind she stared at him, now holding her hand, now bowing. She was confused.

"Justin..." she whispered.

He only smiled. "This is your dream, not mine. Do as you wish, please."

It took her another moment, but she let the magic seep into her system and smiling, she let go of Justin's hand and walked up to the throne, smiling. Her congregation stood up and applauded her. Her throat constricted.

Two chefs entered from a side door she had not noticed. On the table they wheeled to her was a cake, a large two-tiered cake decorated with flowers, leaves, strawberries, and vines with red, red berries. And on top were eighteen tall candles, lit and shining. Written in gel were the words, "Happy Birthday, Princess."

"Would you like to blow out the candles now?" It was Justin who had asked.

She looked at him closely. He still had that look in his eye. She nodded.

He smiled then, a grin. "Ok, Princess." He walked over and held her small hand in his large one. Could he tell that she had wanted him to?

"Steve," he called. "Are you getting this?"

Steve... the name sounded familiar.... Joey's brother! She had not noticed him before, camcorder in hand.

He didn't look away as he answered Justin. "Every second. We're making memories here buddy."

Justin winked at her. "Candle time. On three everybody."

The room chorused.

"One."

"Two... Don't forget to make a wish, Princess."

"Three!"

She wished with all her might and then blew out the candles with only half.

-§-

"Oh JC! I was looking all over for you!"

JC turned to the sound of a high voice and saw red hair piled up into an updo and a blue gown. Inwardly, he groaned. Emily Monroe. Looking for him. Jan had told him a lot about her and she didn't like the way Emily was looking at him. Neither did he. She had found him not twenty seconds after Jan had left to go to the bathrrom, promising to be back soon.

"Were you?" he asked, somewhat dryly.

"Oh yes."

"Well, you found me," he went on in the same dry tone.

She smiled and sidled up to him, a little too close for his comfort. He moved a bit to put space between them.

"I wanted to tell you how handsome you look tonight."

He looked down at his suit and raised his eyebrow. "I look like a bard. In purple."

"A cute bard, though. I love what you did to your hair. Risque, but stylish. You've got the kind of face that could pull off almost..." JC watched her bite on her lip. "Anything."

The word "cute" didn't sound so nice coming from her. God, Jan had been right. He checked his watch. He calculated that going to the bathroom would take the normal person three minutes. But girls were not normal. It took them much longer. God. This was going to be a long night.

-§-

A shiver ran up his spine. But the air wasn't in the least bit cold. Something else had caused him to shiver. He turned around, glancing beyond his shoulder. For the moment, he could see nothing amiss as people scattered about, drinks in hand, talking and laughing. His eyes scanned the dim room.

Stop.

It was Emily, smiling a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. It made Joey very uncomfortable.

And then there was JC, who made Joey even more worried. JC stood, leaning against a wall, his face a mask of annoyance as Emily rambled.

This wasn't good. It seemed the Emily had declared a new game with a new target when she had no idea what she was doing or who she was up against. This wasn't good at all.

-§-

"So I asked myself what in God's name did he do to his hair? It was a big shock for me the first time I saw it. I couldn't believe it. I mean, he'd always been so clean-cut. The 'tame' one in the group. First Chris had a thing for pineapples, then Justin went chia pet, now JC's gone bonkers with highlights and a weedwhacker!"

Laughter rang out. These were two friend's of JC's and the others that he'd invited up for the party, Marie and Shannon. Jan had met them briefly the day she'd arrived.

"What do you think about it Jan?" asked Shannon.

"Are you going to tell JC?" Jan hedged.

"Maybe..."

"Then I plead the fifth," answered Jan with a smile.

The girls laughed again at Jan's quip. "You know he's gone off the deep-end with that. We expect that from Joey, but JC?! Is anyone in this group sane?!" asked Shannon.

"Tsk, tsk," answered Marie. "How long have you known them? Four years? I've known them for less and I know the answer to that is 'no'!"

"Hhmph," responded Shannon. "Well they've all done the wacky 'do thing. All except one. I want to know when it's Lance's turn!"

"Shannon!" Jan exclaimed wholeheartedly, intent on keeping a straight face. "I've known them for even less time than Marie. Did you not see Lance's hair at the beginning? He didn't get the nickname 'Mississippi Albino' for nothing. Platinum blonde was just not his color."

"You mean the day-glo. It wasn't Justin's color either. That means he's commited at least two offenses. Joey's commited more than I care to rehash. These boys. The amount of bleach they use on their heads must have sunk into their systems. They think they can pull off anything. Riiiiiggght." Marie winked.

Jan had liked these two from the very beginning. They had made fun of the boys non-stop since she had met them. But it was the kind of fun that didn't mean to be offensive. The girls knew it and the boys knew it. The boys reciprocated rather quickly and the comical banter had gone on all night last night. They wouldn't have gotten any sleep if Justin had not finally donned on the general's helmet and ordered them all to bed at around 3 am.

"I know what you mean, Marie. Britches and tights? Look at them, prancing around." Jan smirked at her own comment.

Shannon seemed to think about it for a moment. "I dunno about that Jan. Lance is looking pretty good in those tights."

"Why, Shannon... I never knew you felt that way," replied Marie. "But I think they are all looking good tonight. Especially your man, Jan. Except for that hair." She shook her head. "Where is he anyway Jan? You guys separated yourselves from the hip long enough to do more than go to the bathroom alone?"

"Touche," said Jan as she tittered. "I left him over there to go to the bathroom, then I spotted you guys..." Jan's voice trailed off as she found JC. But he was not alone. "What's Emily doing over there?" she asked aloud. She had seen Emily eyeing JC before. Emily's stares were never something to look forward to.

"Who's Emily?" Shannon asked.

"A viper with red hair."

-§-

He crept up behind her, breath still, making as little sound as he could. Cake had been cut an hour ago, food served along with it. The music was raging now as people finished up their dinners and didn't wait for it to digest, but got on the dance floor and boogied like this was a hoedown. Well.. ok, not a hoedown. An exotic nightclub or something. But Skye, the person who this party was for, was not joining in the festivities, watching wistfully instead. He watched as people had gotten up to go dance one by one till only a few people were left scattered among the tables. He knew she'd been asked, but he'd seen them, but he'd also seen her shake her head. Why didn't she want to dance?

"What's up sweet stuff?"

He saw Skye jostle at the sound of his voice.

He laughed and out his hand son her shoulders to settle her. "It's only me Princess."

She turned and saw his face. Immediately, her face lit up and the surprise faded. "Oh, Justin. Hi. Thank goodness it's only you. You scared me."

He smiled. "Who were you expecting? The big bad wolf?"

She shook her head. "No one, I guess. I was just surprised, that's all. Chris signed my arm."

"He what?" Justin asked, furrowing his brow.

"He signed my arm. He said it was his first gift to me. Look." She held up her left arm to show Justin. Sure enough, Chris had scribbled "Happy Birthday, Skye. Lots of love, muah, Chris."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "What a nut. I'm surprised he hasn't scared you off yet." He gazed at her questioningly after a minute's pause. "So why aren't you out there having fun?"

"Out where?" she asked. As if she didn't know.

He looked at her sternly. "Out there. On the dance floor. Shaking and grinding what your momma gave you." Mocking, he shimmied his hips.

She looked down at him. "Is that all your momma gave you?"

Startled somewhat, he put his hand to his chest. "Did hell just freeze over? Did my ears decieve me?"

"What?" she asked.

"Did my princess just make a funny? Oh be still my heart!"

"Justin! I didn't..."

He cut her off. "Don't be sorry, Princess. You need to joke a little more anyway. Laughter makes the heart grow stronger." He grinned at her.

"I thought that was love," she replied sincerely.

"That too," he quickly amended, gazing at her eyes. "Now come on, you couch potato. Dance with me," he asked in earnest.

"Justin. I dunno..."

"Don't know what? Come on. It'll be fun and you need some. It's your party and you're just sitting here, looking lonely."

"But Justin..."

"No buts," he said.

"But I don't know how to dance!"

"What did I tell you about the but thing? Besides, there's a first time for everything, isn't there, Princess?"

"Well..."

"Please? For me?" He pleaded with her, putting on his best puppy dog face. No one was proof against his puppy dog face, especially not those of the female variety.

She looked up at him for moment. He wondered what exactly she was looking for.

"Ok," she practically whispered. He wouldn't have heard her if he wasn't as close as he was.

"That's my girl." He smiled and held his hand out for her like the gentlemen his momma had taught him to be and he remembered from time to time.

-§-

"Dude, I'm telling you. You need to play something of substance."

Chris looked critically at the younger man. "Jagged Edge is not substance enough for you? 'Where's the party at?'" he sang.

Lance chuckled. "No comment. But this is a costume party! A medieval costume party. You need to play something... well... old I guess."

"Old did you say, Lance? Ok, I have just the thing."

Chris could tell Lance didn't like the sound of that when the green-eyed man raised his eyebrows as Chris pulled out a CD. Quickly, Chris faded the current song and popped in the new one into the 7 CD disk changer.

Chris watched Lance's face as soon as the track started to play. He was laughing already.

"Chris! This isn't medieval!" he exclaimed. "This is Duran Duran!"

"There was a reason they called them the dark ages buddy. They didn't have music like this." He snickered as he closed the CD case and set it down.

"This still isn't old. This is 80's music. Old means before your great-great-great-great-great grandfather's grandfather was conceived."

Chris shrugged, though inside he was laughing shamelessly. "What can I say buddy? I had a very young grandfather. His father before him was very young. His father before him was very young. Even his father before him was very..."

He saw Lance's hand come up. "Enough. I get the picture. Your father must have been in diapers when your mother had you." Lance started to walk away.

"Hey!" he yelled to Lance. "At least he wasn't my brother too!"

Lance nonchalantly held up his right hand and flipped him off as he continued to walk away. Chris laughed to himself. Lance would get him back for that, he had no doubt about that. And then Chris would get Lance back, making Lance get Chris back next chance he got. It was a never ending cycle. Chris wouldn't have it any other way.

-§-

The music filtered through the speakers. Justin frowned as he led Skye out to the dance floor. Chris had suddenly stopped the fast song in favor of a slow dance. He turned back to Skye with a somewhat apologetic smile on his face. "Looks like this dance is going to be a slow dance."

She nodded. "That still doesn't mean I know how to dance, Justin."

He was amused. "Does that mean you promise to step on my feet?"

Skye laughed at his joke. "Yes," she answered with a smile.

"Here," he said. "Give me your hand. Just follow my lead and we'll be fine. I promise."

"Ok. As long as you promise."

"I do," he said. "Now hand please."

She gave him her small hand and he took it into his own, his other hand sliding around her waist. She seemed shocked at first, freezing for a moment in his arms, but soon she relaxed and placed her free hand high on his back.

"Ok. Now move with me. See? I'm doing a kind of swaying motion and moving in a kind of circle. There's not much to this. It's not like the tango or anything. Just relax and pretend you are standing on water, rolling with the tides."

And with that, Justin saw Skye close her eyes and place her chin on his shoulder, her hand still in his, warm and relaxed. Her steady rhythmic breathing warmed his neck. So peaceful.

And for those mometns in time, Justin felt a strange emotion run over him, a chill, followed by warmth. It was one of protection and affection. One of peace. Justin closed his eyes not a minute later, giving into the steady heartbeat he felt on his chest. It was not his, but as his breath softened, he knew his would be in synch with hers in a moment.

-§-

Joey leaned back in his chair. He saw them out there, on the dance floor, arm in arm, leaning on each other, eyes closed as they swayed to the slow music. He thought he would've been more surprised, but he wasn't. He could see it. Couldn't they? They seemed so... genuine. Joey hadn't seen that in a long time. He listened to the words of Duran Duran's "Come Undone."

Boy:

Girl:

Boy:

Boy:

Boy:

Boy:

Boy:

Boy:

Girl:

Boy:

Boy:

Boy:

Boy:

Boy:

Girl:

"Yes, Skye," he asked the air she did not dance in. "Who will you love when you come undone?" He knew what he hoped the answer was. A battle, a realization, lay in front of Skye and he prayed she'd pick the right path, the right person, the one who needed and loved her most. He thought ruefully. For him, the decision would not have been hard at all.

-§-

As the song ended, she was the first to lift her head from his shoulders. He didn't seem to notice.

"Justin?" she prodded.

His head did not move.

"Justin?" she asked again, this time a little louder, closer to his ear. "Justin, the song is over. I..."

Just then, his head moved, rolling off her shoulder and pulling itself up. "What do you want?" he breathed, his voice soft, just awakened. It was sweet to her ears.

"The song just ended. Are you getting tired?" she asked, concerned. He had looked a little worn when she had arrived this morning. And after that concert he put on, he surely must have been beat by now.

He pursed his lips. "Maybe a little," he admitted. His eyes focused the two doors the cooks had come through. They were very obscure, hidden in the corner. "Nothing a little cold, fresh air won't cure. What do you say? Are you up to it?" He touched the small of her back

"Sure," she answered, but her body tensed as she felt his hand. "But you could just go to bed if you wanted to. I know you're tired."

He lifted his arm up. "It's what, 11:30? Go to bed? And miss your birthday? Not for the world. But it's a little cold outside. Why don't you get your cloak? We'll sneak out to the garden. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but they tell me it's beautiful."

Skye hurredly went to get her cloak while Justin wrested his jacket from a hidden closet. "There's a lot of hidden things in here aren't there?" she asked as soon as she caught up with Justin.

"Yup. And I had to redo every one of them so the doorknobs wouldn't show through the murals. Here we go," he said, opening the doors. "After you Princess."

They pranced through the kitchen in all their finery. Justin had taken her hand and was leading her to the exit of the kitchen. "Almost there," he promised, squeezing her hand.

"Do you know the way?" she asked, following him still.

"No, but there are signs to tell us where things are and I remember a map in a brochure that they gave us before I booked the place. We're can't be far."

She just nodded and gripped his hand tighter. She had come to trust Justin unconditionally. He wouldn't steer her wrong.

Justin oushed open the swinging door to exit the kitchen and they were met with standing directories and signs just as Justin had said.

"Look. Out here Princess. These french doors are marked 'private garden'." He turned the handles to let them out and immediately they were hit with an icy blast of air. But it did not phase Justin as he stepped right out onto the graden terrace.

It was wonderous. There was no better way she could describe it. Everything was covered with light ice and sparkled in the night. The sky was clear and she could see the stars out, twinkling. The garden was well-manicured, but that took away none of the effect that you could easily get lost in it. Skye could not hold back the gasp that escaped from her mouth at the sight.

"You like it?" Justin asked, staring at her.

"Yes, of course," she whispered, her breath making fog in the air.

"Weather reports said there was a chance of snow tonight, but I guess it didn't come. It rained earlier. Icy rain. Or so I've been told."

"It's so beautiful, Justin," she breathed. As shiver ran through her as the wind picked up jsut a bit and chilled her exposed arms.

"It's everything they said. Are you cold Princess?" he asked.

But before she could answer, he was already behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her and pulling her to his chest. He placed his chin on the top of her head. Instantly, warmth flooded her system.

"Your hair is soft," he commented.

She looked up but could see no more than the tip of his face. "It's not like Lucy's hair though. Her hair is golden and shiny. Mine's just brown."

He laughed then, deep from in his throat, but it was soft too. "Mine's brown too. I just put a lot of crap in it to lighten it. There's nothing wrong with brown hair. Your sister's is nice. But she puts a lot of crap in it too. She has too. She's a model. They've done just about everything under the moon to it. Hers is in nice condition for what they do to it, but yours is natural. On the plus side, your hair won't start falling out when you're thirty."

She laughed. "Yours is going to fall out when you're thirty?"

"Hopefully not," he answered. "But who knows?"

She heard him pause. "Did you have a good time tonight?"

"The best," she answered. "Is it you I should really be thanking? Someone told me it was you who planned this."

"Who?" he asked, sounding concerned, maybe a little angry.

She laughed. It had been Joey, but she wasn't going to tell Justin that. "No one that you should know about. I'm glad the person told me though. I don't know how to thank you enough. Tonight has been so perfect. That you did this for me makes it even better."

He sighed. He must have realized she wasn't going to tell him. "You're welcome, Princess." He paused again and took in a shaky breath. "Tell me about your life, Princess."

She thought for a moment. "What's there to tell?"

"Lots. Lots you left out at the airport."

"No, I didn't," she protested.

"You're a bad liar, Princess. You said you were happy. You didn't look happy though."

"I am..."

"Don't lie to me Skye." But it didn't sound like a reprimand coming from him. He said it so softly.

It was on the tip of her tongue to protest again, but her heart stopped her. "Do you want the truth?"

"Nothing less than the truth," he replied.

She took a deep breath. he had to know it wasn't easy for her not to say what everyone wanted to hear. "I'm.. I'm lonely. So lonely Justin. Luciana calls at erratic times. I know she needs to sleep, but I can't help but want her with me. I still feel like a stranger."

"So Princess, tell me the truth this time. Did you have a good time tonight?"

"I did tell you the truth," she said.

"The whole truth?"

She sighed. "I feel like a princess," she told him honestly. "Except I forgot my crown inside, on the gold chair."

She felt him shake his head. "You don't need a crown. You'll always be a princess to me."

Her breath caught. She turned in his arms to look at his face, her arms still at his sides, but hardly gripping him. His eyes were so blue... she needed someone more than ever. "Promise?"

He chuckled lighty, but looked at her eyes with intent. "From the bottom of my heart, Skye. I promise you that."

She buried her head in his chest and squeezed him tighter than she'd squeezed anyone in a long time. Even Lucy. No chills went through her system as she held him tight, never wanting to let go. All was silent till he hugged her back too and placed a strange kiss on the top of her head. She felt his heart quicken. Or was that hers?

"Come with me," Justin said suddenly, above her head, his voice muffled as she pressed her head to his chest. He said it as if he had just made this decision.

"What?" she asked suddenly. Go with him where?

"Come with me. On tour."

"Justin?" she asked. Tour? His tour?

"It won't be any problem. We bring people along all the time. Joey has Steve with him. Lance has brought his mother along many times."

"Justin, I don't..."

"Princess, don't say no unless you really don't want to come. Princesses should never be lonely."

"But Justin," she protested, lifting her head from his chest. He looked down at her for a moment, searching it seemed for something in her eyes. Her throat went dry as she felt electricity pass through her and she couldn't finish her protest.

"Luciana comes sometimes," he said.

It was almost enough to make her say yes right on the spot. She looked at his searching eyes and held them with her own. "Do you really want me to go? Or do you just not want me to be lonely?"

"Both," he answered.

She shook her head. "No. You have to pick one."

He hesitated for a moment. She could see his eyes lose hers as they stared up into the sky, looking for his answer. But Skye knew enough to know he wouldn't find his answer up there. It was in his heart, something he seemed to forget. She shook her head and pushed against him, trying to get out of his arms.

He felt her, she could tell because he tightened his arms around her and caught her eyes.

"Justin," she started. "I think I'll just..."

He didn't let her finish. "No. I want you to come. So please Skye. Come."

She looked into his eyes, searching for some sign that he was only saying that. But she couldn't find any. He didn't even blink.

"Skye..." he began.

She shook her head against his words, not wanting to hear him lest she change her mind. "Yes."

-§-