EPILOGUE The camera flashed repeatedly in Lance’s eye. A blinding light that seemed to jumble his nerves even more-so. His palms were sweating and his heart was hammering as the sound manager adjusted his wireless microphone. “Nervous baby?” Lance nodded as JC took his hands and squeezed them. He was nervous, nearly petrified as he heard the roar of the crowd from the arena. As he listened to Britney cluck over Chris’ outfit choice. As Baby’s nails clicked across the backstage area toward him. “I’m okay,” Lance whispered as the sound man moved away. “I feel like I’m going to throw up, but that should pass.” He looked up into JC’s brilliant eyes and forced a tiny smile. “Right?” “Right.” JC embraced him quickly before Baby tugged at his pant leg. “That dog. I swear it thinks you’re it’s father.” “Hey!” Justin yelled, shoveling a bagel into his mouth. “Be nice, C. I’ll have to kick that artsy fartsy ass of yours all the way to the Hudson.” JC rolled his eyes and yanked his pants up. “Control him, will ya?” He kissed Lance’s lips quickly before being whisked away by wardrobe for a last minute hem. Lance let out a short laugh and turned, slipping his in ear monitor into his ear. Staring hard at the crew that scurried around the backstage area. Wondering how many people would be tuning in to the return of N Sync. Pondering the very real idea that no one cared anymore. Two and a half years was an eternity and while their new single had shot up the charts, it leant him no comfort. But as his gaze fell to the side, and he Justin humming and grinning -- as he saw Joey trying to pull the lollipop out of his hair while Brianna clapped her little hands and laughed -- as he observed Chris and Britney snuggling and stealing kisses, he realized that if N Sync failed this time around it would be no big deal. The big deal had been fate in life. The magical forces that had brought the brotherhood together. The time and space in the world where five lives collided leading them down paths they had to take. Bringing them full circle with lessons learned.  Memories of how the first time they took it too fast, scheduling tours before the album was out -- making promises to the devil to sell their souls for fame and fortune. Now, it was laid back. Now it was five men not afraid to hide. Embracing their ventures. Embracing their lives. Keeping the faith alive. Watching as their friendships re-connected and flourished. Now it was Justin’s time, Lance thought, as he leaned back against the wall, gulping air nervously. Now it was a picture of health that stood before him with huge blue eyes and curls that were just beginning to grow back.  Justin caught his eye across the room, sending his heart along with it. And Lance caught it, as he always did. As the bond between them only strengthened with each day. “We’re fucking sold out!” Joey whooped, twirling Brianna around. “Baby girl, we are sold out. Orders are still crazy for the pay per view, but they’re expecting seven million at least!” Justin tilted his head and licked his lips. “And y’all are surprised why?” He winked at Lance and turned to sign some promotional posters. “It’s all in the stars, baby. All in the stars.” “He’s amazing isn’t he?” Britney whispered into Lance’s ear. “Just our little miracle.” And Lance smiled, sending the butterflies in his gut scattering. He hugged Britney to him and nodded, maintaining eye contact with Justin. “That he is, girl. That he is.” ** I have to thank you all for hanging in there with this story. It has meant so much to me, and is deliriously close to my heart! Lol! I wanted to take a minute to explain why I didn’t kill Justin. The feedback I got on this story was phenomenal -- detailed and heart wrenching. I got stories of how this was touching people, and questions on why and how. I hope I answered it all. My original intent was to have Justin and Lance say good-bye ... have Justin fade and Lance heal, return to JC and go on. However, it seemed to be so emotional, and with the message to cherish your life and time so strong, I felt we could all use a sweet surprise. A little Justin love to touch us all. Thus, he lives! And Lance becomes his miracle. Lance becomes the one who changed his mind to fight for life. Not to accept illness for no just cause. To always wish on a falling star, and keep hope alive. Once again, thank you to everyone who pushed me along with this. Peace and love ... Des menu