The window had rounded edges and thick glass- standard, just as the oversized gray leather chair she sat in, sipped champagne in, celebrating her victory with glass of bubbly and a smug grin upon her face. She didn't care about the disapproving frown the middle-aged housewife that was seated beside her gave her. Or perhaps she wasn't a housewife. Perhaps she was a mistress. A nanny. Well, one thing was certain: she was well past her prime.

And Emily giggled, just like she had been throughout the whole flight. Ever since she had left the port at Toronto, Emily had been giggling. The old lady thought she was drunk, or maybe just insane. But Emily doubted she had ever had a victory as grand as this. Emily doubted the woman had ever had a triumph of any sort. The woman looked bitter. Emily had already made up her mind about that frown upon the woman's face. She was just jealous... of everything Emily stood for: beauty, confidence, youth. The hag had never been beautiful. And she smirked.

Toronto had grown colder since she'd been there last. Winter was approaching and the leaves fell with the last dregs of fall. It was quaint, this visit, a smile, lunch, and some pretty words. That's all it took. Emily was amazed at the ease. Oh, Skye'd been open-faced, her eyes oblivious. It was not as though Emily had gone and confessed her real reason for being there. That'd be silly and Skye was so easy to fool. Emily shook her head. The girl was just too... pure. It was almost disturbing to Emily despite the smile that graced her face whenever Skye had looked at her. Halfway through the conversation, Emily had wanted to shake the girl's shoulders so she'd get a clue. But Emily did not, for that would ruin everything. Emily remembered she had a higher purpose and that Skye had an older sister that had a boyfriend... and a perfect little life.

She frowned.

She didn't fancy the shadows she had to walk in.

She didn't fancy the smirk of those ahead.

She didn't fancy the smooth road they walked.

She didn't fancy... their perfection.

If there was one thing Emily had ever prayed for, it was this. The silent prayer had been stored in her heart for a long time.

Now she had a taker. Now she had a time. Now... she had a fool. Oh yes, she remembered checkmate and how every step brought her closer. The ball was finally in her court and she'd slam, not rally.

Emily smiled.

That was perfection, wasn't it?

-§-

"She what?" His voice was incredulous.

"She came to visit me yesterday. It was nice, Justin, really. She only came for a day, and took me to lunch and shopping. I had a lot of fun. The change was nice. I'm usually sitting at home."

Immediately, Justin felt the pang. "I'm sorry, Princess." It came out no more than a sigh, but Justin's mind leapt to new conclusions of new ideas.

"Sorry for what?"

"For everything. I haven't seen you in almost two months. I promised to take you sight-seeing."

"But you call often." She was trying to ease him, he knew that.

He shook his head till he realized that she couldn't see him. "Often doesn't feel like enough. I know you still feel like a stranger. I know you're lonely Skye. And that isn't right."

"It doesn't matter, Justin. I'm used to it. It's nothing new."

And that was the sad thing. Skye was telling the truth. Though there was no one to blame, Justin took it upon himself. Wasn't he the one who had vowed that things would change for her? Justin knew very well that he could save the world, but what about her? One girl was all he had set his eye on... couldn't he do it?

And Justin wasn't sure why he wanted to play God. Maybe because it seemed her own God had failed her. Motives, in this case, were hard to define. This need... was borne out of the strongest reaches of Justin's compassion. And Skye was like no one he'd ever met before. She wasn't worldly. She wasn't confident. She wasn't spoiled. She wasn't anything like him. And it fascinated Justin that one who'd been through so much could be so untouched... so pure.

She took an interest in anything he mentioned and it seemed to be the highlight of her day when he called. He loved that. He loved that he was the one thing she could look forward to everyday without fail. He loved his importance to her... and the specialness she made him feel.

Somehow, on a day to day basis, it made him feel... a little less selfish. That he didn't take it all and give back nothing. He gave Skye a little happiness... through a phone call. That had been his best at the time.

Justin chuckled to himself. Well... his best was about to get better... he owed it to her. She deserved to receive in return the specialness she'd given him. "It does matter." he insisted firmly. Oh he had planned it all out. Pause. "It doesn't have to be that way."

He could her Skye breath, now more deeply than before.

"What do you say we change it, Princess?"

What a pity she couldn't see the glint in his eye. He liked it when he schemed like this... One more gold star went up on his chart, the one he kept score on in his head. But the glint of the star would in no way come close to what he was planning... it was all that glittered. Check for the day, good deed done. Oh how Justin wished he had an ounce of her innocence. Once... he'd had it once... and never again.

-§-

"It's three days away! Three days! I'm so excited!" She was clapping her hands together, the jester in all.

Emily never changed. That Luciana would attest to. In the year and a half that Luciana had known her, Emily had been none the wiser, as fake as Mary Poppins and her spoon full of sugar. Only it wasn't sugar this time. It was something more elusive, untraceable... arsenic.

"Have you gotten a dress yet?"

Luciana's lips stretched over her white teeth and faintly shook her head though Emily could not tell. "Of course. The ball is only three days away. Have you ever known me to be a procrastinator?"

Emily looked ready to eat her words if Luciana proved to be offended. "Oh, of course not. I didn't mean it like that.... It's just that I only got mine yesterday. I was cutting it close."

"I couldn't do that. The stress of it all. I got mine three weeks ago."

Emily whistled. "I could never be that organized."

Luciana laughed. She knew Emily would think she was laughing with her, but Luciana knew the truth.... Luciana was laughing at her. She knew. Emily was a last minute person and last minute was also last place. She shrugged then. "I'm not one to take many chances. I like certainty." She could have mulled over her response, but Emily wouldn't get it. Emily hadn't a clue.

"Can I see it?" Emily brightened. "I bet it's beautiful. I mean, you chose it."

Luciana chuckled and smiled the soft smile to give the right effect. "Sure. Come on, it's in my dressing room. We have a few more minutes of break anyway."

The sands of the desert stirred in a breeze and then settled. The white screens softened the harsh light so the cameras would not capture the glare. Really, it was beautiful. Luciana admired simplicity, the kind she'd never had, but had always seemed to. A certain ethereal quality surrounded her facade. It was one she prized yet in a sense, didn't work for. It came naturally... her pretense. She loved life, really. But she didn't hold any illusions of it. There were no ideals, and certainly no black and white. She knew that. She lived in a world amongst piranhas, but she would not be their prey. Not any longer and she wasn't doing anyone any favors. The idealistic had their shields raised and she would not disturb that, ruin their pretty illusions. No, she refused. There was no good deed to be done. Instead she'd joined the ranks- first as a soldier, but now as a commander, and savior all in one.

The door of her trailer stood muted in the shade, its silver glare now dull, but still smooth, two steps up. Luciana alighted onto the lowest rung, the thin cool material of her sari-like skirt swaying slightly in a combination of her movement and the wind. The gold of her hair was just a few shades lighter than the tan of the sand they had left behind for the desert's thin brittle ground the trailer stood upon. She turned the knob and was greeted by the cool air-the conditioned air of her trailer. She turned to Emily with a smile seemingly stuck on her face and held the door open. "After you." She was polite.

"Oh no, after you."

"No, after you."

"No after you." Emily would not quit.

She didn't have time to waste time and breath arguing with Emily. "Only if you insist..."

"I do," Emily stated quickly.

Luciana shrugged and walked inside. It wasn't to be her loss. Why waste unnecessary time? Ten minutes left of this fifteen minute break.

"Would you like something to drink?" She gestured towards the fridge.

"Oh yes, please. It's like two hundred degrees out there!"

Luciana giggled softly at Emily. It was just like Emily to be like this, exaggerating with every breath. "Not quite, but it is hot, certainly. What would you like?"

"Do you have Pepsi One? I feel like some soda right now."

Luciana softened her eyes. "Of course." Of course Emily would drink soda. She didn't take care of herself well enough. As Luciana grabbed a coke form the mini-refrigerator, she took a bottle of water for herself. Hydration in such intense sun was necessary and she would take every precaution. Emily took one swig of her soda and set it down. "Oh, can I see the dress now? I'm just dying to see it."

A familiar smile twitched at Luciana's lips. "Follow me then."

Luciana crossed the short distance to her closet on fairy footsteps, clicking with the flat heels of her sandals. Emily the rip-off... and a cheap one at that. Emily who would never learn. In this sea of minds, Emily was not the piranha. She would never be. Luciana would do nothing but humor her... for now. Oh, Luciana knew Emily wanted to be her quite badly, but Emily didn't quite understand that Luciana was not someone to be played with or clung to. Imitation was the highest form of flattery that Luciana had no use for. Sycophants Luciana tolerated with a grin. Emily was the shining example. But now she was to become something else as well... she had gotten a promotion. She had finally become useful to Luciana.

Luciana's lips curved upwards.

The file... and in it Emily's whole being... was at the mercy of Luciana's mouth. In three days it would not be in the best place to be. But for now it was safe.

Luciana swung the closet door open and extracted a perfectly placed garment in plastic. She knew exactly what Emily would see... would think... would say.

She lifted the plastic.

She uncovered the dress.

"What do you think?"

"It's perfect." Emily had wasted no time responding with eyes as wide as saucers, fingers wanting to touch the fabric, as needy as ever.

And Luciana nodded. "Thank you." Yet she already knew. This dress was perfect. It had to be... in three days the dress had to be every bit as good as its owner... every bit as perfect.

Luciana smiled.

Every night was her night.

And she liked it just that way.... just that way.

Ring!

-§-

She smiled, the smile not quite reaching her eyes. Before her, it glittered like the snow under streetlights, and ran waves of silver blue on a calm sea in which currents lapped to shore, billowing as white-blue silk scarves falling underwater under a ripple of wind. Those were the closest words she could muster to describe this creation... this thing they called a dress. Just a dress it would never be, finer than most anything she'd ever seen before. Where had she found it? Where? The lengths she must have gone to, to obtain it. Emily's green eyes showed their true colors, yet her appreciation did not go to naught. 'Twas beautiful. Beauty she could not deny.

Luciana had turned away to walk to the corner and left the dress in Emily's hands as the phone rang. Carefully, Emily lifted the plastic to reveal the spectacle of the dress, even more beautiful without the covering. The fabric shimmered as she ran her hand gently down the side, feeling the cool soft material beneath her fingertips. How beautiful Luciana would look in this dress. Emily could not stop her jaw from tightening, her knuckles white around the hanger.

Stop this. Stop this NOW. She twitched as if in cold, a chill penetrating her to the bone and bringing a sharp consciousness. Her eyes focused in on the dark golden fall of hair of a face she loved to love and hate at once. Her back was away from Emily. Too bad she couldn't see Emily's eyes. Too bad she couldn't see Emily's thoughts. Too bad she couldn't see Emily's smile, the one that would frighten even the most cold-hearted. Too bad Luciana. Your reign is ending. My time is here. Everything you have... will be mine. Everything you love will be mine to control. I will have whatever I want. You don't deserve it! Not anymore. Now, it's me. Emily's eyes narrowed as Luciana's head bent to the side, the phone cradled in her hands. Strike one!

Oh she was out one, Emily would see to that. Luciana had said it all herself already, just as she opened her mouth innocently and with one word... "Justin." Emily had discovered something she wanted... only Luciana had him... only because Luciana had him. She didn't delude herself to her motives. Aww, how sweet. She had heard the "I love you too." Poor baby. And what would Luciana be without him? Well, they'd see, wouldn't they? The dress was forgotten, her green jealousy swallowed for a more worthy reason: Luciana's downfall. For that, Emily had something to smile about.

-§-

"Luciana?" His voice was hesitant.

Her smile brightened, false to genuine, pearly white. "Justin." It was all she had to say.

"Hey, how's it going?"

"Oh, you know how it goes." She sighed. "Work is work. I wish I was somewhere else." The ball. "What about you? How are you?"

"Oh, I'm fine. I talked to Skye today."

Luciana frowned for just a second before catching herself. A smile was worth thousands. "What did she have to say?"

"She's lonely. She misses you."

She tried hard to sound sorrowful. "I know. It's just that I've been so busy as of late. Right now, I only have a few more minutes to talk before I have to go back out." She sighed for effect.

"Yea. I know how it is. I just wish... she wasn't so lonely. I mean... I'm just sad that every time I call her, that's the tone I hear."

If she had really been interested enough, she would have listened more carefully. But her mind was not on her sister. Her mind was right where it shoud be: on the ball. "She's told me you call often."

"I guess I do. Is something wrong?"

She momentarily wrinkled her nose. "No, Justin, of course not. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, I dunno. I thought maybe it might bother you that I call so often…"

She missed the hint.

"Oh, no. Justin, I think it's a wonderful thing that you care so much about my sister. A girl couldn't ask for a better boyfriend." The only way she'd mind was if Justin didn't like her sister. That would create another problem for her that she was glad she didn't have to deal with.

"Well, I was thinking, you see. She's so lonely… Why don't I fly her up to…"

"To see one of your concerts?" Oh, Justin was doing more than she'd ever hoped. He was fixing a problem she hadn't dreamed he'd touch. He was taking Skye off of her hands for just a little while. She had more important things to worry about.

"That's part of it…"

"Justin, that is a great idea. I was thinking of asking you to do that, but I didn't want to impose on you, because she shouldn't be your responsibility. Of course, now that you've suggested it yourself… I think she'll love it… absolutely. She'll have as much fun as I do seeing you guys perform. She'll think you're amazing, just like I do."

There was a pause. She could already feel the heat of his blush.

"Thanks… but Luciana, you don't mind? Cause I'll be interrupting her studies and it's not just…"

She interrupted him. His fears were unfounded and unnecessary. She approved. "Oh, of course I don't mind. My sister deserves to have some fun and her tutor can travel. The only reason she's not traveling with me is because… well, frankly, she'd distract me from what I'm supposed to be doing. I'd want to be with her every second of the day… I'd lose my job, Justin. I try to take off as much time as I can to see her, but it's hard because now that I'm becoming recognized I'm getting a lot more offers and my agent is doing what he thinks is best and booking me into as many as he can." And she knew he knew all about agents… Mr. Lou Pearlman. He'd be sympathetic as she pulled that string.

She heard his sharp intake of breath.

"Yea… I know…"

She smiled. She knew he knew. "Anyway," she went on. "I have to go now, but I'd really like to say thank you. You're doing so much for her and I can't believe you're being so wonderful. You're amazing. It means so much to me that you'd do this for her." She wasn't really lying.

"No, I'm glad to do this for Skye, but…"

"Justin, I need to go. Believe me, anything you do is all right with me. I trust you and I trust you with her. All you have to do is know how thankful I am for that and know how amazing you are."

"I do… I mean, not about the amazing part…"

She chuckled. "Justin, you're amazing. Take my word for it. Now I really, really gotta go. I'm needed back out there."

"Luciana…"

"Justin, I trust you… with all my heart. You'll always do the right thing, especially with Skye."

"Ok, but…"

"I gotta go, Justin. Now. Please?"

He sighed. "Yea. I know. …I love you."

She smiled. She had him right where she wanted him… around her little pinky. "I love you too… Bye now, Justin. I'll see you later. Thank you again for being so, so wonderful." In her rush, she hadn't heard Justin out.

She clicked off the phone before he could say another word and make her late. Really, she did love him… in her own way.

She whipped around and strode forward, not waiting. She couldn't. She had to leave now. "Come on, Emily. We're going to be late." She took the dress from Emily's hands, smoothing the plastic around it and hanging it back up. "You know how much Derrick loves us to be late." That should do the trick. Derrick was their photographer and he'd looked peeved last time Emily had been five minutes late.

That did do the trick. Emily quickly got moving and followed Luciana out the door, hurrying and hoping they would not be late.

Emily did not have to be so impatient, like a little child. They wouldn't be late. Luciana would see to that. Luciana was always on time.

-§-

His mind spun as it did every time he called her. He was amazing, or so she'd said. But she was wrong. It was she that was amazing. He marveled every time at her determination, yet how she cared too. He thought he loved her… he really did. Well, this feeling… he didn't really know what it was, but he'd never felt this strongly before. He admired Luciana and everything she'd ever done for him. As busy as she'd been these past few weeks, she really had tried to make time, calling him every two days or so. Of course, the time difference made it hard. Many times when she was through with work, he was asleep, and she was hesitant to call then. He understood this crazy life because he lived it too. But unlike him, Skye didn't. He hoped she understood. He really did.

But Justin had a question. Had she given him permission or not? He didn't know the answer. In one way, she had. She had given him the go ahead to show Skye a good time. On the other hand, Luciana didn't know the exact details. Well, neither did he. She just hadn't given him a chance to tell her. What to do? He touched the top of his head, trying to be careful not to disturb the curly mass that lay half-obedient on his head for the moment. Keyword was trying. He didn't think he was succeeding because the mass had gotten wet after the concert when the guys had squirted him with their water bottles. Oh, haha, it was Chris' influence and he knew it.

Justin swayed slightly, the cushions of the sofa he sat on in the modest living room of the bus catching him as he rocked back. "Yo! Food stop!" he heard someone call out towards the front of the bus. And he was half-lost in his thoughts…

The door burst open in three seconds flat and in tumbled two crazy brunettes, still wide-awake, laughing, and he was sure, waking up everyone on the bus. They caught sight on the lone blond sitting on the floor. "J man!" exclaimed Chris. "I knew someone was in here!"

Justin turned to look at him and Joey, behind him, in the frame of the door. "Yea. I just had a call to make and I wanted a little privacy. I figured everyone was sleeping."

His voice was met with kissing noises and a scrunched up face, the face of Chris. "Saying goodnight to your girlfriend, Justin?" He wrapped his arms around himself and continued to be the idiot.

"Well, not anymore," Justin answered, getting up from the sofa and stretching his weary body. "Shut up, man. You'll wake up everyone on the bus. What time is it anyway?"

"It's around two am…" a voice behind Chris answered. It was Joey.

"What's wrong, little J? Too early for you?" Chris taunted, smiling all the while. That was Chris for you. If he acted any other way, Justin would be concerned.

Justin just yawned and cracked his back. "Oh, you know what a fan I am of these twilight food stops."

Lance appeared in the doorway, rubbing his tired eyes to rid them of the sleep. "God, Justin, do you have to do that?"

Justin just smiled at him. "You're just bitter, cause you can't even crack your knuckles, Lansten."

"Yea yea, whatever…"

Suddenly there was a tremor in the small crowd.

A voice pierced through. "Are ya'll just going to stand there, or what? I'm hungry and you two," he said referring to Joey and Chris, "Have been whining since we pulled out of the venue despite the three bags of cheese puffs you guys gobbled down leaving none for the rest of us." He gave them a dirty look and turned to peer into the room at a solitary Justin and them upwards, his eyes seemingly locked on the now undefined puff on top of Justin's head. "Yo, J, your hair is scaring me, seriously."

Justin grunted and slid his arms across his chest. "And whose fault is that? Who just had to squirt me with a water bottle when he knew my hair does not take well to water…"

Chris straightened in a minute. "Hmm, I don't know J, who could that son of a bitch be… Whew, you know what JC, I am a little hungry too now that you mention it, what say we go eat, huh?" Quickly, he ducked under Joey and Lance and run down the hallway, grabbing JC's arm and dragging him along.

Justin did nothing more than smile, a grin that lit up his face with a mischievous look. "Yea, Chris. That's right. Run while you can. You don't seem to understand that you're going to be in contact with me for the next month. Retribution will not be forgotten." Justin yelled down the hall after Chris. He stood back and laughed.

"You guys are evil," Lance proclaimed.

Justin just looked at him. "You are so not one to talk, Scoop. Do you remember what you did to JC a week ago?"

Lance gave a small chuckle and grinned widely.

"Oh, I see, " said Justin smoothly. "It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now…" He sang Celine Dion loud and clear.

Joey groaned and Lance elbowed him. "Hey! She's got a beautiful voice!" Lance exclaimed.

"Oh Lance, believe me, Ms. Dion is not what you want to think about at two am in the morning and from Justin," Joey groaned.

Justin laughed. "Ok, ok, let's go eat… it's two am… the only time we can beat the crowd, so let's go."

How sad, but how true. These ungodly hours were the only ones they found peace in together… he had to cherish them. Well, there was another time where he found peace, calm… on the phone. He knew what he had to do. In a nanosecond, he'd made up his mind. Justin had thought enough. Luciana had said she trusted him. And of course, she had said she didn't mind Skye traveling. Skye needed have a little fun… and Justin was the expert at that. They all had turned to the door and were walking down the hall to exit the bus. He quickened his pace and caught up with Joey. "Hey, Joey," he said, grabbing his shoulder. "I have a favor to ask you… You remember Skye, don't you…?" And Justin finally believed… Justin was amazing… Well, for a little while at least.

-§-

Morning light shown through the pane of the window beside his bunk and highlighted his dark brown hair as he lay down on the cushy pillows, still in his jammies. He'd awoken just ten minutes ago, stumbled out of his bunk to brush his teeth and all that good stuff so he that wouldn't kill anybody. But right now, it meant nothing to him.

Instead, he wondered how long it had taken her to pick up the phone and dial. He wondered how many times it had rung before he'd heard it and began running to his bunk to find the phone. He wondered how she found the voice, shaky, though it tried to sound confident, to ask him. He wondered how long it had taken him to answer her question. Time had lost itself in him for just that moment. Her question… was it even a question? Why yes, yes it was. And he wanted to grin like the fool he was, the fool he felt, the fool… for her. A schoolboy he thought… being told the girl he liked, liked him back… Of course, in this case, he already knew that.

So she'd asked. Would he go, would he go? How could he say no… Hey that rhymed! How could he say no… to her? He owed he too much… He liked her too much… She'd have a fit if she know he was thinking like that. But he did… he owed her big time. He'd been wrong… and he knew it. But he knew she didn't want him making it up… not like this. He knew she hated it because she couldn't be sure this way… that he claimed to like her as reparations for the damage he thought he'd done… or simply because Jan was Jan.

He knew, because he'd been through it before. And he didn't know how to explain that it was both of those things tied into two that made them what they were. He knew she wanted pure… no looking back… but he couldn't forget their brief history, no matter how she wished. He realized it might be better to just not tell her. After all, he did like Jan for Jan, despite his need to make right.

What explained the rush he got? That warm, quivery feel where your heart thumps and shivers… The feeling that had him worried once, he now welcomed. And JC now welcomed her into his arms and heart, opened up a part of his soul to her. She deserved that much, after what he had put her through. And how could his answer be else? "Oh geez, of course Jan. I'd be honored to take you. Honored you asked…"

And he was.

-§-

She hung up the phone. She'd asked him. God, those few little words that seemed so insignificant now, seemed heavy and a million miles away then. She just couldn't get them to quite come out right. Maybe she should have practiced or something. But if she had, she might have lost the minute courage she had mustered to dial his number, and blurt out the question: "Ball's in two days. Will you go with me?"

Oh, she really could have been more eloquent. Instead, she tripped on her own tongue and almost swallowed it. Those Emily Post books on Manners would have come in handy right then. But she knew she couldn't wait. Somehow, now that their feelings were no longer denied, it was harder for her. That puzzled her. She would have thought it'd be easy now that it was out in the open. That she could turn to him and blurt out her deepest darkest secrets, and he'd keep it well. Ok, that was a bit of a stretch, but still Jan felt different, no longer quite as at ease around him as she had been.

Perhaps she viewed him differently. Wasn't he still just JC, as he'd always been? Yes, he was, and that was an overwhelming answer, but somehow, he was something else too. And she knew why. She'd always known, but refused to see: their earlier troubles had catapulted them to a new level, unheard of for such of a new relationship as theirs.

Yet their relationship wasn't new. In a way, it was as old as their fights and squabbles, where feelings had been spilled too quickly with a rage abnormal to the holds of their tearducts. So much had been revealed in such a short time, too much to turn one's back on. So it was all there, laid out in the open, and it was awkward because old feelings mixed with new didn't quite mesh. They weren't quite sure how to react anymore. Taking things one day at a time seemed ludicrous to all they had been through already. But that was how it had to be.

And so she had called him. Dialed his number and prayed that he would answer. This godforsaken hour for her was early morning for him, but it was the only time she could have done it. Impulse had guided her actions. Had she waited, she would have second-guessed herself and chickened out. No, she would have regretted that… even more now because she knew what his answer was. And it hit her… he had said yes. Talk about a crush. She'd always had a crush on him, ever since she had met him. It was one of those inexplicable, unexplainable, and ghastly incomprehensible things that just was. His eyes had pulled her in; his smile had melted her heart.

She'd just hoped she wasn't imagining things; she hoped she hadn't just made it all up to please herself. She'd hoped she wasn't setting herself up for grave disappointment. She'd been through that before. But for him, it had been worth it. For him, her crush had been worth it. And she'd always have a crush on him, even if they were fifty and growing old together. She'd always have a crush on him, the electricity running up her arm every time he touched it and the trembling of her lips every time he kissed them.

She smiled: she'd always have a crush on him, and everyday would be like the first one. It would never grow old and stale, not in a day, not in a decade, and certainly not in two days when she'd be in Rio de Janeiro, waiting for his smile. She knew she'd made the right decision… for staying. As much as he didn't deserve it, her heart did, because inside she knew… it was him. It would always be him. And if he ever did it again, broke her heart the way he'd done once, the bastard better be ready, because she wasn't letting him off the hook so easily next time. But it'd still be him… the lovable bastard he was.

She rolled her eyes and grinned, alone in her apartment now. The shoot had been tiring and she hadn't gotten home until late. Tomorrow she'd have to fly to Ecuador, for a shoot in the rainforest that she didn't have the slightest notion how they cleared. They had informed her that they'd be shooting on the outskirts of the rainforest, near a small village. She shook her head. At least it wasn't a runway show. She loved to travel and see the sights. Catwalks felt so… superficial and nonsensical… claustrophobic too. She didn't always like having everyone stare at her. It was… unnerving. But that was her life. She sighed. She didn't want to think about that. Instead, she chose a better image…

…And in two days she'd be in Rio de Janeiro, waiting for his smile… and when she found it, she'd smile right back… and feel the butterflies in her stomach. Crushes like hers never ended. She closed her eyes, the smile still gracing her lips… dreaming of Rio de Janeiro and him, the one she was waiting for. She dreamt of a smile.

-§-

His tux was fitted, the sleeves just the right length, the shoulders broad enough for him. One day before the ball… and he knew he had to think much harder than this. Luciana was bringing Justin… he knew she would be. After all, Justin was her "boyfriend." Patience, Luciana had said…patience Luciana always said. He didn't understand why she hadn't run out of it herself yet for his was certainly wearing thin. Luciana was just that perfect. She'd sacrifice for the good of it all.

But Riley was not that perfect. He did not like to sacrifice when he had sacrificed enough already. And he had let Luciana sacrifice too, something she shouldn't have to do. She was sacrificing for their good, always for them. It made him sick. She shouldn't. She'd already been through enough. To know that she wanted to be with him, but felt she couldn't, pained him. It shouldn't… shouldn't be this way- that he was sure of.

He stared at his reflection in the standing full-length mirror. His tux was classic, black and white. He pulled the lapels and then the cuffs of his shirt to adjust an already perfect fit. One day to go… He narrowed his eyes at his reflection… a piece of lint… stuck to his suit. He picked it off and leaned to the mirror as he stared at it, a small white ball of cotton. He thought of how much it reminded him of Justin… a minor obstacle obstructing the greater picture of perfection. That's what Riley and Luciana were… perfection, meant to be and Riley knew that well. Then it should be, shouldn't it? Yes. Riley would just have to remove the lint, because Luciana was too kind.

Riley smiled thinking of Luciana and him as they were meant to be… together, forever. Nothing should stop fate like that. Nothing. He ran a hand through his straight blond hair, the same color as Luciana's.

He flicked the lint away.

-§-

Bonnie and Clyde never had it so good. Of course they were reckless, taking pleasure without heed, bending every rule and not caring for anything. If they did, they would have been more careful. If they did, they would never have been caught. Such recklessness she couldn't understand- to be caught in such a tug-a-war, always running- it wasn't her style at all. Luciana was legit. She didn't break any laws and covered her tracks well. All she'd leave them with was a dream… the dream she was.

Lights streamed past her, trailing lines of comets. The plexi-glass window was dark, dimmed for the privacy of its passengers. She couldn't have cared less either way… all it did was conceal the sight. And what a sight it was… Luciana Covington and Justin Timberlake. A couple did not get more beautiful than this. They complemented each other- her delicate beauty, grace, and impeccable reputation and his pop star good looks, charming self, and fame galore. They would be the golden couple for all eyes to admire, to praise, to applaud. Tonight, they would shine like the stars they had always been. Luciana was getting her due. Finally, life was paying off it's debt to her… she had taken it into her own hands to see that it did.

"Are you excited?"

She could not pretend she did not recognize the voice. It was the only other person seated as a passenger. Whereas before she had glanced out the window, she now turned her head to face him and placed a wobbly smile upon her face. "Just nervous, a bit."

And almost as expected, his fingers drew into hers, sliding in to comfort. His hand held hers tightly. "I know how much this award means to you and I understand the anxiety. I get it every time we go to an awards show, never fails. Just don't show them you've lost your confidence, and then you'll never be a loser."

She'd never be a loser. Inwardly, she chuckled, though she kept a small smile on her face, glancing down ever so slightly. "You know, Justin, I'm honored to even have been nominated. To get a nod for Newcomer of the Year… it's astounding. To think that they saw one of the freshest new faces of the year in me… I was just doing what I love. It's… unbelievable."

She watched him grin a little, and speak. "It's not so unbelievable. If they saw half of what I see…" He leaned closer, his eyes a shy blue, looking at her face.

She would make this moment, as she wet her lips and smiled, hurrying towards him in her seat, giving him a quick kiss on the lips. How could she resist? He was so tempting, so charming, such a beautiful trophy to her arm. He was everything she needed right now… how lucky he was to be in the right place at the right time. She'd chosen him…

The kiss deepened… Justin was a good person; Luciana knew it. She would never deny that. She wouldn't have chosen him otherwise. His reputation had to be as golden as hers if she was to get anywhere with him on her arm. But she liked him anyway… despite everything else. He had just happened to be everything else she needed. Well it was all to his benefit… really, he had been the best choice.

His hands had gone to her hair… she could not forget where she was… or how she should look. "Justin…" He didn't stop. "Justin," she repeated softly and pushed back up. "We're almost there."

And it was true, they almost were, magically so. She ran her hands through her silky soft hair that shone tonight with a touch of the moon. Dropped diamond earrings graced her ears and a silver armband decorated her otherwise bare arms. She was not decked out. She was simple and simply elegant.

She glanced up at him with a meek eye. "Do I… do I look all right?" It was one of the only questions she had ever asked him pertaining to insecurity, especially about something as superficial as her looks. Of course, she didn't have any insecurity, but tonight was the night and she would play the part. Of course she cared. He would tell her everything she wanted to hear.

She watched him take one look at her, just one, drinking in everything there was to her, her perfect skin, deep blue eyes, and satiny hair. Her gown was perfect… of a shimmering silver blue color that could not be defined and hung on her as if made for her… only her. She looked beautiful tonight… and she knew it. Any competition would pale… as it should. It was getting too close for comfort on that level. Well Luciana wasn't about to sit back and give it a chance to ruin her. She was not one to chance fate by waiting for something like that. No, she made fate.

"Of course," he reassured. "Of course you look all right. You're beautiful, Luciana."

She ducked a smile. "Sorry. I'm just a little nervous."

He retook her hand in his, squeezing it, his own form of comfort. "What are you apologizing for? You have nothing to be nervous about. You'll be great. I can already see you going up there to accept that award…"

She gently hit him in the ribs as he looked up to continue his vision…

"Luciana Covington is Newcomer of the Year, and we couldn't be more pleased…"

"Justin!" she hissed. But she liked his vision. It could have been hers as well. "Don't jinx it, please!" she cried and elbowed him again. The limousine had stopped.

He turned to her, laughing of his own accord. "Ok, ok, but really. Listen to me Luciana. You'll be great. You will. Just don't let them see that you are anxious. Be at ease tonight. It helps."

Luciana nodded.

"Can you do that for me?"

She just nodded again in confirmation.

"Ok, good."

And at that moment, the door swung open.

Justin grinned. "Ready?" he asked.

She looked at him, never ridding herself of that look Justin was trying to coax her out of.

He got out first and held out his hand for her. As she reached and took it, she tightened her grip… "Smile," he admonished, his blue eyes showing every one of the emotions his voice did.

And she did.

They'd be beautiful tonight.

-§-

Justin couldn't be sure what it was about her tonight, but it was certainly there. Tonight… she seemed just that more lovely. Her face was now practically glowing. He smiled. She'd been a ball of nerves on the way over, but now, she smiled widely as they stood together, arm in arm. Well, she wasn't caving in anymore. Justin wanted to cheer. She could do this. Luciana was the strongest person Justin knew.

They were greeted by a red carpet, as usual. Occasions such as these garnered press, media attention, as apparent by the flashing cameras left and right, the screams, shouts… this was a public event after all. He remembered how much he hated cameras and how cameras loved him. Too many people had told him, "You were born to be famous, I can see it." Well, forgive him for crashing their party, but what the hell did they see? He had been born just like everyone else. What made him different? Why did the camera love him? He felt her hand grasping his as she turned to him for just a moment, concern splashing her features as she wondered why they stood there still.

And he never wavered again. The immediate cheery face he put on the second he felt her warm hand tighten around his would never leave. At least not till tonight was over. So he put aside his dislike of the world of media as he did most every night and smiled, he wouldn't ruin it… On tour, 'tonight' was 'N Sync's night, so he smiled for them. 'Tonight' was her night, so he smiled for her. But 'tonight' was rarely ever his night.

Luciana was bashful tonight. As she saw the cameras flash, she turned and leaned to him, hiding her face lightly on his chest. One would think she'd be used to this by now. Of course, that same person would be apt to think he was as well. It was always new. He smiled reassuringly at her, a charming, tender smile, his head bending to see her in his arms. She smiled up at him as she recognized his grin and lifted her head back up to her full height. She wasn't by any means short, all five feet and nine inches of her, maybe a half inch more. But he saw her pause for a just minute, her face taking on a bewildered look as she glanced over his shoulder. Strange.

Was she alrig… "Justin, I didn't know that JC was coming."

His head whipped around. "Wha…?" And sure enough, there he was, coming up the red carpet with long limber strides. Justin recognized the suit- JC'd worn it to the Grammy's last year. JC had almost reached them. "Well, I'll be damned…"

But JC detoured slightly. His body raised up on its tip toes so JC could see over Justin's shoulder. And then his face lit up like Justin had so infrequently seen, saved for family members, friends, and someone special. And then Justin heard the single whispered words on his lips, before he walked forward as though Justin didn't exist, as though Luciana didn't exist, as though that damned crowd didn't exist. "Jan."

And just quickly enough, Justin turned forward to stare at the figure of Jan, clad in a deep red gown, the kind that was meant to be seen, and meant to be admired if not for its beauty at face value, then for its innovative design. "Make that double damned." Luciana's arm tightened around his waist and he quickly glanced at her face… it'd never been lovelier. What was wrong? Nothing. So everything had to be all right. He should be happy. He was here with a girl he loved. He had fought for this day and won. What was so wrong? Everything was just as he'd wished it to be. And so he smiled for… all the cameras, made up his face, perfectly charmed, happy. Him and Luciana, Jan and JC… now he had something more to cheer for…

He couldn't help it, though he tried to be happy. Something was itching him and he couldn't figure out where to scratch. It was the damnedest thing.

He still waited...

One day… it'd be his day.

…But not today.

-§-

They'd set it up very nicely indeed. A gala fit for a queen she thought as she eyed the expensive tablecloth. This was no garden party. This was an event where few would go home happy. Her aim was to be one of the few. And why not? She had prepared. The gown she wore was beautiful. The molded sequined bust was colored plum and fled just below her breasts into gathered satiny white material that clung very lightly to her svelte figure, ending in a flourishing skirt just above her ankles. Her hair had been piled on her head in an elaborate twist that showed off the long, graceful nape of her neck.

Fastened around it was a heavy chain, worthy only of such a dress. When she it, she had known she had to have it and bought it on the spot, not caring for even the draining price. She was set to woo any man and she knew just who it would be. Her face was painted beautiful and beautiful it would be tonight. She'd steal him away right under Luciana's nose.

Emily thought of the publicity. Oh my, Justin Timberlake had a new flame. And a flame she was tonight, red hair shining with citrus spray, set for a most daring start if not more. Her hand gripped her purse tightly. She walked forward, searching. Now just to find her seat… and the man of Luciana's dreams… to make her dreams come true.

She liked playing the coin.

Now to find that seat of hers.

She lifted her head and smiled. What was the use of everyone seeing her if she couldn't do it beautifully? Why Emily, none. None at all. And she knew it.

Emily, please be careful. I worry for you. Are you sure you know what you are doing?

For a moment Emily raged at the foreign voice. Always a warning! Well she knew what she was doing!

-§-

He held his hands under running water and glanced into the mirror. Blue eyes stared back, under the dark ridge of his eyebrows and at either side of his straight nose. Those eyes had seen many things. He had seen them come in, arm in arm, looking gaily about as if the world was theirs to take. Well Justin was wrong. He'd always be wrong. Cause it wasn't Justin and Luciana that were in love. It was Luciana and him, Riley O'Conner, who was everything she wanted. Everything. The world was theirs to take… or it would be. But Riley was a gentleman. He had casually strolled up to the pair ten minutes ago and bowed deeply, taking Luciana's hand and kissing it. He'd seen that once in a movie.

How happy Luciana had been to see him. She'd practically thrown her arms around his neck. He'd returned the embrace. This was how Riley had pictured it all along. And over his shoulder, he'd smiled at Timberlake, who immediately had lit a fire in his eyes, but had smiled back with one of those smirks. Ah, the famous smirk. Had he not seen in enough, and from the same person. Justin was a fool… a fool to ever think Luciana was truly his. Luciana had chosen long ago. Luciana had chosen Riley.

He'd excused himself in good enough time. Of course, long after Justin had wanted him to leave. But Justin wouldn't be rude tonight. Riley smiled. Tonight was Luciana's night. Justin would not spoil that by making a scene in front of everyone and embarrassing her. Justin was a far, far better man than that. But not good enough. Still, not good enough. He was a pawn they would use to achieve their goal.

Emily had called him just yesterday, quite out of the blue. She'd made some foolish chit chat about the ball… things he already knew. But she also talked about Skye… quite unexpectedly and told him of her visit to Toronto to Luciana's little sister. The foolish girl had rattled her head off about how much Skye thought of Justin. Justin…

He unclenched his teeth and shut off the pipe, wiping his hands on the cloth provided. His hands were impeccably clean… as perfect as could be, just like the rest of him. And he smiled as a devilish smile as he turned to exit the restroom. He would join the world outside again, join Luciana, whether or not Justin liked it. The daggers Justin's eyes had shot at him just made Riley smile all the more. Jealous, now are we, Timberlake? Well, stay that way! She's mine, not yours. She chose me, and you can see that. Keep staring! Riley must keep smiling. He must. Luciana wouldn't want it any other way. She hated to see anyone so sad, especially him. He understood, yes he did, just like Luciana had asked him to. And he understood that he would have to be the one to carry it out. Luciana was simply too kind to see it through. Well, not to worry, sweetheart. I'll be there. And he would. He stepped out, the door swinging behind him. Casually, he turned on his heels… and he sneered.

-§-

"Well, hello Justin. So nice to see you again."

Justin's head whirred as soon as he heard the voice. That voice he knew well, he heard so many times before, that mocking tone every time. He was tired of it! Especially tonight. Somehow, he could not dismiss… "Hello Riley. I wish I could say the same." Justin knew that was uncalled for and it would just give Riley something to pick at so he could talk some more- maybe highlight Justin's manners… or lack thereof at this point. Justin had to refrain from rolling his eyes.

"Oh, nasty, nasty I see. Whatever is the matter Justin?"

Oh, Justin didn't have enough self-control. He knew Riley a little too well… knowing Riley at all was a mistake. He despised Riley's sneering smile, and as much as he'd held himself back, given Riley the benefit of the doubt, he still despised it. But it wasn't worth it… he had to keep telling himself that. Justin just shook his head. "Nothing, Riley. Nothing at all." He cut Riley one last sharp look, and turned to walk into the restroom, away from Riley. He heard a laugh behind him.

"You're just like her."

"Just like who?" He couldn't stand to be laughed at, but he already doubted himself. He should never have turned around…

"That sniveling little sister of hers."

Forget it! Any and all self-control Justin possessed vanished as Riley spoke. Anger flashed in Justin's eyes and he couldn't stop. Nor could he stop the words that tumbled from his mouth… "Sniveling? What the hell do you know about her?"

"Oh, that's right, my mistake. She can't be sniveling… she doesn't do much of anything. I sometimes wonder if she's right in the head."

"What right do you have to be talking about her like this? You don't know one damned thing about her."

Riley snorted. Justin narrowed his eyes. "And you do?"

"I know more than you. I also know that you don't have the right to say anything about her. She's one of the sweetest, most intelligent girls I know and I'll thank you to keep your mouth shut about her," Justin fired back.

"If she's so intelligent, then why the hell doesn't she do anything? She's got a pretty enough face… and she doesn't look like she'd be an invalid… though she acts like one."

Justin tried to take a deep breath… didn't work. "I asked you not to talk about her. You don't know her at all…"

"Maybe not… Hey, why are you defending her anyway?"

"Because you don't know shit about her, Riley."

"Oh really? I know what I see every time I go over there. I haven't heard anything about you going up there."

"We talk… on the phone… Oh, what business is it of yours what I do anyway? This is about you talking trash."

And Justin couldn't believe his ears. "'She's one of the sweetest, most intelligent girls I know.' Should Luciana be jealous?" Riley had chosen to mock him. Justin's anger was growing out of proportion. And then he heard Riley laugh. "Oh, yeah, that's it… why would Luciana be jealous of a pity case?"

That was the last straw. And Justin saw red.

-§-

She saw it all. How she frowned at that sight of the two of them and loved it all at once. You see, it was perfect, perfect. No more perfect could it get. The time was now. This was the place. She was here for a reason. She didn't waste another moment, except maybe to smirk. And then she ran.

She saw them shooting darts at each other with their eyes. "Justin, Riley!" And she saw Justin closing in space, Riley smiling like some idiot. He wanted to get Justin out of the picture… he how much more stupid did he get? This wasn't the right way by any means… and Emily took advantage of that. She made a play… for what she wanted.

Suddenly, she was against his chest, pressed hard, trying to push him back, though he was many pounds heavier than her and could probably bench press twice her weight at whim. How nice and solid he felt. "Justin," she pleaded, looking at him in earnest. "This isn't what you want. You're letting him get to you!"

"You didn't hear what he said!" The fire had not gone from Justin's eyes.

Emily pushed harder, her body crushed against his. He wasn't giving her much room to reason. "Maybe not, but I know he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. He's just looking for a fight. Are you going to give it to him?"

"He can't talk trash about Skye and get away with it! I'll see to it." His voice sounded menacing. She had to act quickly…

"Would Skye want that? She's sitting at home right now, twiddling her thumbs with nothing to do. She needs somebody. But will fighting Riley do anything? No, most likely it will only cause a scene and you two will be thrown out of here. Think of a higher purpose. Do you want to ruin it for all of us, for me, just because some guy pushed you into a squall? You're a better man than that Justin, I know it. We all do. I don't want you to be thrown out and I know you want to be in here to see the winners. So be the better man and leave it alone."

Very slowly, she felt his weight subside. She hadn't noticed it before, but his heart was pounding very rapidly. She looked up at him as he took one last deep breath. His eyes met hers, a cooler green now. He still didn't smile, but he spoke as he looked up to Riley, hardening his gaze ever more. "Thank you, Emily, for showing me again just how much he's not worth it." And Justin stalked off, disappearing into the bathroom.

She didn't wait even a second, but whirled around on her heel and met with Riley's very surprised face, reacting to the look of murder no doubt he was witnessing as she stared him down. "You! Come with me now, if you know what's good for you." Her voice was forced whisper. And she grabbed his shirt, tugging on it as she tried to get lost in the crowd. "How could you pull a cockamamie stunt like that? If you wanted…" She didn't think anyone heard her.

-§-

A Post-it pad sat in front of him. He waited for her to answer the phone. Impatient, he sat tapping his thumb on the table, a steady drumming. He was nervous. He couldn't believe what he was about to do… He'd almost hung up yet again…

"Justin?!" Too late. Well, here goes nothing.

"No, Joey." There, he'd said it.

"Oh, hi… Joey."

He laughed. What else could he do? He noted her quick change of tone though. Her voice was much less enthusiastic now. "Don't sound so happy to hear from me…"

"No, it's not that." She was quick to counter him. She was quick to hand out 'I'm sorry's.

He just laughed some more, letting it pass. He wasn't one to mind about the little things. "It's ok. I know he calls here a lot, so it's no wonder you would expect it to be him."

Pause. He didn't exactly now what to say… and he was racking his brain.

"So…," he continued. God, I should have rehearsed this! But what was there to rehearse? "What's up?"

Chit chat… Yes, that was what it was. She must have found it strange… very strange. He knew that she'd not heard from him except for the random sprinklings of his voice saying hi when she was talking to Justin. He couldn't blame her, for he would think the same thing had places been switched… To think that he'd call her on his own… Yes, very strange indeed.

"Not really much. I've finished all my work so I have nothing to do."

And he was confused for a moment. "Your work…? Oh, school stuff you mean right?"

"Yea."

Well, at least, he had a conversation going now. Everything had to start someplace, right? And he decided this was as good a place as any. "I remember, Justin told me about that tutor your sister got you. Are you getting along with her?"

"The tutor? It's a him. Yeah, we're getting along all right, I guess. He's a good teacher."

Another pause… Ok, he needed a bridge right now… He needed to keep the conversation flowing… Come on, Joey, think! You've been in worse predicaments than this… Ok, damn the bridge… Joey needed a point!

"Yea… So Skye… been shopping lately?" God! Can you get more lame?

"Not really… Well, I have a few new things Luciana bought me from Europe when I went with her."

Think quick, think quick… oh just make up something! "Oh really. Well, I saw a real pretty dress the other day… Say, what size are you?"

And Joey knew he sounded oddly upbeat. After, he was smiling brightly on the other side for no one at all, but his own sanity. She must think I'm an idiot.

"Well… I don't really remember, Joey. Would you like me to go check?"

"Yeah, yeah, you do that, Skye." What girl didn't know her own dress size? But this was Skye. And he was still drumming he fingers against the table. He let out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding as she put down the phone and walked away. He rolled his eyes in disgust at himself and shook his head back and forth. He sighed. "God, Fatone, you sure know how to screw things up." He hadn't meant that comment for anyone in particular, except the screw up himself…

"What Joey?" He bolted upright, a metal rod now his spine, as he heard her voice.

"Oh… nothing Skye. I was just babbling. You know me, always mumbling..." God, how pathetic can you get. You just dissed yourself!

"Ok, well, it says some weird sizes in some of the dresses from other countries, but the one from New York says it's size six."

"Perfect!" he exclaimed. And that was the bingo card for him. One question down, one to go. …"Oh hey, Skye?"

"Yeah?" she answered.

"What's your favorite color?" That was an easy question, right? Nice and simple… He'd heard it at every one of the early interviews they sat in. Favorite colors had been pounded out of them as though teenage girls would get some closer notion of who the guys were if they knew. And if Justin proclaimed baby blue again, Joey was going to do something drastic, something definitely not pretty to him. He'd give Justin his 'baby blue.' The mania had died he hoped.

"Well, I never really had one…" Easy question… my ass.

Joey hoped his sigh hadn't been audible. "No color you like better than any other…?" She wasn't cooperating very well at all. This was a last chance… Why couldn't Justin have asked him to do something easy? Like pull a few teeth without anesthesia. It was common knowledge that Joseph Fatone was not a dentist. Joey would legitimately look like an idiot then! Instead of embarrassing himself doing something he should have done well by now.

"Well… I did see this one color on my trip to Milan that I really liked…"

He smiled like the idiot he was, knowing full well she couldn't see. "Oh praytell my dear, what is it?"

"It was a certain shade of red… like crimson. I think Lucy called it… cranberry? Is that a color?"

And Joey's smile was as wide as the Grand Canyon on crack. "Oh, you betcha honey. Thank you very much."

"You're welcome."

"Have a great day… and many more to come."

"Ok…" Her voice sounded confused, just as he expected her to be.

"See ya soon."

And that was how he ended it. Didn't even wait for her good-bye. He just tore the Post-it off the notepad and stuck it on his mirror. Justin had better love him for this… but a friend in need was a friend indeed and Justin had asked for Joey's help. Of course, it was a stupid way to get information, but Justin had his reasons for not wanting her to suspect his plan. It was a surprise he'd told Joey. A surprise birthday party for Skye… And he'd asked Joey for help finding out the little things… like what she liked, dress size, shoe size, favorite color, favorite food... Well, Joey had divided up the questions… he couldn't bear to ask her more than two on his first time. He couldn't bear to look like more of an idiot than he actually was… Oh one had to wonder… how could Joey have rightly said yes? But saying no was not to one, but to two friends.

Joey shook his head. Of course he couldn't say no… And he wondered where she would be in all of this. No, not Skye, innocent in every sense of the word, but the bitch and actress, who deserved an Oscar for her chilling performance: Luciana Covington herself. It was what Justin hadn't said that worried Joey… Why Luciana would not be the one throwing the party for her sister. Why she would be away on such a day of importance as this. Oh, he knew very well that Luciana knew how to get her way… Maybe it was just as he suspected… she was getting her way yet again, and leaving Skye cold, without a fight for her, and without a hint of real concern. Maybe she didn't care because Skye didn't fit in to her plans.

It was funny how far the apple fell from the tree, or how many shades of red and gold could flourish on just one branch. Just ironic, Joey thought… two sisters who on the outside could resemble each other so greatly, both enigmas to certain people, charming everyone they knew. But inside... inside they were as different as day and night, white and black, good and… evil. But of course, Joey didn't know how he knew this… he just knew. He couldn't tell anyone for they wouldn't believe him, just as they hadn't before and laughed at him while they patted him on his back as if it would all be ok in time. After all, where was the proof? But Joey could smell a rat from a thousand feet away… and this… this was worse than a rat... worse than anything he'd ever known before. Heaven save their souls.

-§-

All she could see in that moment were people putting their hands together. All she could hear was the resounding applause all around her, and her footsteps as she made her way up to the podium. All she could smell was glory. And that moment was half an hour ago. She could see, hear, and smell all she had before. And it kept up the smile on her face, though she knew she would win, as sure as the sun rose in the east. She tasted success once again like she had tasted it before. Success and her name should have been synonymous. She was born to succeed and nothing would stand in her way. If she had to see to it every moment of her life, then so be it. She would. She did.

If just for one moment, her eyes narrowed and her smile widened… at two people. She would kill two birds with one stone… it would be glorious! They wouldn't know what had hit them. So sad she was that it had come to this… but alas, it had. She must do it before they became anymore of a threat. Oh, second string and third would not fare well… and they would not even have each other for comfort. After all, they hated one another… and Luciana would pit them against each other before they knew what had happened. It was perfect.

The file…the file.

And Luciana sat up. The time had come once again to set her plan in action. She wasn't alone, not by a long shot. She was flanked by Justin on one side and Jan on the other. On Jan's opposite side sat JC, looking very happy, but very quiet too. Justin, on the other hand, was talkative tonight, chatting about casual things with the others sitting around the large round table. He was charming tonight. She appreciated it. "So he said, 'Well, let me get back…" She heard little splotches of conversation, laughed along with the others at the appropriate time, received the congratulations that had scattered but still remained over time.

Riley had not dared to re-approach the table, which Luciana had found a tad bit strange, but she accounted his strange demeanor to Justin unforgiving stare as Riley passed by. Riley had thrown her a smile anyway and had told her he'd speak to her later, he had a few people to see from various campaigns. She just yelled a good-bye and smiled. After all, tonight was her night. What was there to worry about?

And then she caught sight of her target, in perfect position to be intercepted. "Justin," she interrupted as she leaned over to him. "I'm just going over there to say hi to Emily. I haven't seen her all night." She hardly had to look at him to see him nod in agreement. She smiled. "Will you all excuse me for a minute?" she said, addressing the crowd around their table. It was polite to ask, though she knew there was no way that they would say no. Absurd.

She stood up gracefully and made her way over to Emily. Emily was standing among a few people off to the side of the stage, perhaps discussing an upcoming career move. Of course, she had already discussed hers. She knew what was coming up. Long before tonight they had been made. Her manager had every confidence in Luciana. Pity he was as wise as Luciana herself. She had him on the strings of a marionette... just like everybody else. Now she was going to play and to work… "Emily."

Her approach was hastened by her smile, the picture of loveliness. Emily turned quickly to the people she had been conversing with. In less than a minute, Luciana had arrived at her side. "Mr. Kent, Mrs. Dailey," she said acknowledging those she knew by Emily's side with a handshake for Mr. Kent and a kiss for Mrs. Dailey. "It's been some time since I've seen you. How are you both?"

They beamed in unison, though Mrs. Dailey spoke first. "How many times have I told you to call me Laura?"

Luciana blushed accordingly.

"Well," she said seriously, though with a smile. "I can't speak for David here dear, but I've been great. So nice of you to ask, and congratulations dear."

"Oh, yes, yes, congratulations… Cinderella," said Mr. Kent, making use of a nickname that had grudgingly half-stuck ever since that fated press conference. Though Luciana had distaste for nicknames in general, she didn't mind this one as much as any other. And it was in the same sentence as the word congratulations. She could snicker. She didn't have to turn to see Emily trying to cover her jealous state with a look of complacency, though she glimpsed, just once, and a guilty pleasure came with knowing she was right.

"Thank you both very much. Am I interrupting anything?" she inquired.

"Oh no, dear," Mrs. Dailey was quick to say. "In fact, Mr. Kent and I are done, aren't we David?"

"Yes, we're done and should be leaving now. We'll see you later Emily?"

"Bet on it," she replied.

Mr. Kent smiled. "So nice to see you again, Luciana. Congratulations once more."

Luciana nodded her head in recognition of the congratulations.

"Good-bye!" they called.

Luciana said her own good-bye while Emily just waved. As soon as they were out of sight, she turned to Emily, a smile upon her face. She was forever smiling. "Emily, I haven't seen you all night. You look stunning." Compliments were given freely tonight.

"Thank you, but I'm sure no where near as stunning as you," she returned, her smile as always over-doing it a bit, looking every bit over-sweet and fake. But it didn't matter much to Luciana. She would have what she wanted and Emily's determination to kiss her ass, politely speaking, was just another advantage. It would be so sweet, so bittersweet to do what she had to do. "Congratulations on your award."

"Oh, thank you! Competition was stiff you know." But she was lying. Her competition had been Jan and Emily, then a foreign model named Annika Rastetter. None of them had stood a chance. Emily and Jan especially now, stood now chance at all. Luciana was just about ready to set her plan for them in motion.

"You're trying to make me feel better, but the truth is I'm happy for you. You deserved to win what you did tonight. You look beautiful tonight."

Though the statement was odd, Luciana chalked it up to another ass kissing tactic. It was quickly dismissed. Wait till she heard Luciana's news. Luciana smiled one last time before her face was covered by a mask of concern. The file was no longer safe… "Well, thank you. You must know, I'm sorry to hear about your mother, Emily."

And Luciana watched as Emily's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a look of pure horror at the truth. "My what?!"

Luciana feigned innocence. She feigned it well. "Your mother… she's locked up, isn't she?"

Emily became the same color as her hair. "Who told you that?! Who said it?!"

They were alone in the corner, only the passing waiter going by to reload wine from time to time. This was going exactly as planned. Of course it would. Luciana didn't make mistakes. "What?" Luciana covered her mouth and let her eyes drift ever so slowly, antagonizing Emily, but just as it should be. And they stopped across the room were Luciana once sat. They stopped… at Jan. She knew Emily was following her gaze. She let it linger ever so briefly on Jan, cuddled by JC, who smiled at something Jan had said. It was no secret to anybody that Jan and JC were getting close, very close to one another and that had not escaped the curiosity of their peers and media alike. Neither of them noticed Luciana or Emily.

Luciana snapped her head back. She must play the part. "I'm sorry," she said quickly, her movements becoming a little frantic for show. "I didn't know it was a secret. I'm very sorry for upsetting you. It doesn't matter at all and I'm sure I'm the only one who knows."

"Stop," Emily ordered, a venomous look in her eyes focused on one person, one girl: Jan. "Do me a favor, will you?" That sweet tone had come back into her voice. "Don't say a word."

"I promise," Luciana said quickly. She wouldn't have to. She'd leave that up to Emily. It was a job well done. And Luciana smiled as Emily stalked off, no good-bye, just a huff. Let her grumble, Luciana wasn't worried at all. Emily wanted to play the game, didn't she? Well she knew the rules. Luciana was home free. Emily would not let Jan have a chance to explain, nor would Emily confront her. That would be too nice for the game. No, Emily would do something much more deceiving. Revenge was what was craved. It was a game Luciana knew well. She played it superbly. She was getting her revenge on life in any way she could. Oh to see success come crashing at her door… And she knew it was all up to her. Luciana did not tempt fate- she made it. She'd never been caught, and covered her tracks well. Now was no different a time than before. After all, she was just one friend visiting another, wasn't she? Who would suspect?

She smiled.

Luciana would love to see how Emily played. The ball was in her court.

-§-

Things change, such as this. And Emily changed her focus, just slightly though. She had a new plan. It included all of the above, and now one more man to acquire. She'd have her pound of flesh. Her lips curled upwards. She noted how handsome JC Chasez looked in his tux tonight.

-§-

"Why have you been so quiet tonight, JC? You used to have so much to say to me."

Her attempt at humor coaxed a smile from him. He knew what she was talking about. "Then I'm making up for lost silence." What he was really making up was the lost looks at her. He saw her through new eyes, ones she had given him.

"Oh, is silence all great, Mr. Chasez?"

"It's underrated when I'm looking at you." And that was true, though his past mistakes had played a role as well. He couldn't just forget like that. His mistakes haunted him. He didn't remember who he was… some beast walking around in the body of JC Chasez, 'N Sync member. How could he have been so cruel, so heartless?

But Jan only hugged him tighter. "You amaze me. How do you always know the perfect thing to say to hit me right there every time?"

He chuckled, loving the feel of her warm embrace. "It's a gift," he concluded smoothly with a charming smile.

She moved a bit, her arms still around her, his arm slung over the back of her chair. "Love the modesty, but talent like that must come in handy when you're writing your songs."

He brought his arm around her and kissed her forehead as she leaned to him. "Oh, yes. But it's all from the heart, honey, all those soulful sayings. 'Take it from me, it's a lesson to be learned: even the good guys get burned. Take it from, baby I will give you, the kind of love that you've only dreamed of.'" He sang to her softly, a soft smile at every word, teasing her.

She raised an eyebrow. "Soulful? May I remind you who is the good guy here? And I want paradise. What do you think, can we negotiate a deal?"

He chuckled. "Oh, I think that can be arranged. I'll see what I can do."

She just snuggled deeper against his chest. JC felt the world was just fine, and he was even better… better than he had felt in a long time. But something still bothered him, and it wasn't his past this time.

"God dammit, why does that girl keep looking at me like that? It's making me uncomfortable."

"Who?" Jan asked, lifting her head and opening her eyes. JC knew he probably shouldn't have said anything. He was probably making something out of nothing, alarming Jan when there was no need.

He shook his head. "No one Jan."

She looked uncertainly at him, briefly gazing around, then returning to meet his blue eyes. "Are you sure?" she questioned.

"I'm sure. It was nothing. I'm imagining things."

"Ok…" she said reluctantly.

"Shhh…" He embraced her once more. In had been a long night and for a moment they had been left alone to sit on a sofa. He once more put his arms around her, drawing her to him, as his own eyes gazed around the room. His eyes stopped on the figure of Emily Monroe and his brows drew together at her unveiled longing stare. Maybe he hadn't been imagining things… But she was gone in the next second. He shook his head slightly. He closed his eyes. He didn't want to think about those things. That girl.

-§-