"You little sneaks." JC and TJ stood there in shock then shared an evil grin. TJ pointed to himself, then Linda, then JC and finally Winnie. JC shook his head in agreement.

Winnie and Linda looked at each other.

"Uh-oh. Did we make the Chasez brothers mad?" Linda cried in a sing-song voice as she and Winnie backed away from the advancing boys.

"No you didn't make us mad." JC's tone matched Linda's. "You actually," JC paused for a second. "inspired us." The guys broke into a full out run towards the girls.

Winnie and Linda ran around the side of the house every once in a while turning and shooting water on the brothers. JC caught up with Winnie enough to knock the gun out of her hand.

"Thanks, bro." TJ picked the gun up and attacked Linda.

"No problemo."

Linda was shrieking and fighting back. At least until she ran out of water. "Uh-oh."

"Uh-oh is right. You'd better say your prayers little girl." TJ squirted Linda with water until he ran out a few seconds later.

"Now what are you going to do? You don't have the power of water over me anymore and we both know I have the better mind of us two."

"Really, but I do have one thing over you."

"What's that?" Linda watched TJ's movements carefully so as not to be tricked.

"I'm physically stronger than you." He rushed her and tackled her to the ground. "See you're all mine now."

"And that's a bad thing because?" Linda smiled and pulled TJ's face towards hers.

Meanwhile, JC and Winnie were chasing each other around the yard yelling at each other. They were throwing insults but both knew no harm was meant.

Winnie turned to see TJ tackle Linda. "Don't worry, Linda, I'm coming." She started to run towards the couple when she heard a voice behind her.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Winnie turned as she spoke. "I'm going to help my cou-sin." Winnie's last word came out as two because she noticed what JC was holding.

JC smiled and held his hand up. "You take one step towards them you get soaked."

"JC, this isn't fair. You have a hose and I have nothing. You wouldn't shoot an unarmed woman, would you?"

JC pretended to think about it. "Hmmm. Let me think. Umm...yes." JC pointed the hose at her and put his thumb over the opening to spray her.

"Aaahhhh!!!! This means war!" Winnie grabbed part of the hose on the ground and wrestled it away from JC and returned the favor.

"Hey, you meanie." JC glanced at the couple on the ground kissing. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"What?" She followed JC's gaze and smiled. "Oh, yeah. Hey, you two."

"What?" TJ and Linda parted and looked at their relatives.

"We think you guys need to be hosed off." She brought the hand with the hose around her body and sprayed them.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

The next two days Linda went to work with Winnie and TJ went with JC. The first night the four of them went out together. The second day was Linda and TJ's last day.

"Winnie? Linda?"

Winnie and Linda walked into Stephanie's office. "What's up?"

"I was wondering what you guys wanted for lunch. My treat in honor of it being Linda's last day."

"How about some pizza? What do you think, Lin?" Winnie turned to her cousin.

"Pizza sounds good."

Stephanie nodded her head. "Pizza it is. What do you guys want on it? Wait. I know." She paused and looked at the girls. "You want TJ and you want some Justin."

"Funny, Stephanie. Not that I wouldn't mind seeing Justin now..."

"Or TJ..." Linda added thoughtfully.

Stephanie looked at the girls' faces and got an idea. She smiled and picked up the phone. "Hey, Lee, it's Stephanie. How's the shoot going? Good. Listen. When the guys get back stall them. The girls and I are going to bring them lunch. Uh-huh. Okay. Thanks. Bye." She pressed a few buttons and dialed the pizza place. "Yes. Hello. I'd like four large pizzas to be picked up."

Winnie and Linda looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. They would have to wait until Stephanie hung up to know what she was doing.

"Okay. Fifteen minutes. Got it." Stephanie hung up the phone. "Here's the plan. We're going to pick up the pizzas and surprise the guys with lunch. I just called the photographer and she's going to stall the guys." She looked at her watch. "Come on. Let's get going."

The three women left the office and got into Winnie's truck. They picked up the pizzas and headed to the park where the photo shoot was taking place.

"Hey, Justin, doesn't that look like Winnie's Blazer?"

Justin looked where Joey was pointing. "Yeah, but it can't be..." He trailed off as Winnie stepped out of the driver's side.

JC walked up to his brother and placed a hand on TJ's shoulder. "If Winnie's here I don't think Linda's far behind." TJ's face brightened as Linda got out of the passenger door.

The guys waited for the girls and were surprised when they opened the back doors and each pulled out two pizza boxes.

"It looks like they brought a friend." Lance put his hands on JC and Joey's shoulders. "I wonder if she's one of our types." They watched as the third female exited the truck and smiled.

"Nope. She's not. But she's definately Chris'." JC waited for a reaction in his friend's face.

"JC, I'm not looking for anyone. Plus, how do you know she's my type?" Chris asked not looking up from tying his shoes.

"Chris, my man, I just have a feeling. Why don't you look for yourself?"

When Chris finished he looked up and his heart stopped. "What is she doing here? I'm surprised she stepped away fron her desk. She's been working so much."

"And how do you know how much she's been working?"

Chris cursed himself for giving away too much information. "Don't you see how much work is done every morning? It takes more than eight hours to get all that work done."

"Uh-huh. Whatever you say, Chris."

Chris shot JC a dirty look.

Stephanie stepped out of the car. "Thanks for taking those pizzas, Winnie."

"Oh, no problem. Thanks for paying for them." Winnie rearrainged the boxes in her hand so she did not have the hot bottom against her skin.

"I hope a side of Justin and TJ will do. The pizza place told me I couldn't get them as toppings."

Linda grinned. "I'll take any helping of TJ. And over there is your helping of Chris." She pointed to where Chris was tying his shoe.

"Why would Chris have anything to do with me being here?"

"Come on, Stephanie. You haven't seen him in a couple of days. You could have just told Winnie and me to come over. You didn't have to come."

"I know but it's your last day. I wanted to do something special."

"Uh-huh. Whatever you say, Stephanie. Hey, boy. You miss me?" Linda reached out and hugged TJ.

Stephanie looked over at Chris who was on one knee staring at her. She scolded her mind at the thoughts racing through it. Girl, get your head on straight. He's just tying his shoes. There is no other reason for him being on one knee. She took a deep breath. No matter how much you want there to be.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"Thanks for lunch, Stephanie."

"Yeah, thanks." TJ hugged Stephanie.

"You're welcome. I figured since I don't know when the next time I'm going to see you is this would be a nice good-bye present."

TJ laughed. "Food is always good. What do you mean you don't know when the next time you'll see me is? Aren't you coming tonight?"

Stephanie shook her head. "I don't think so."

"Come on. Why not? Do you have plans already?"

Chris' eyes shot up waiting for her answer. Stephanie sighed. "No, I don't have any plans."

"Good. Then you don't have any reason for not coming." TJ saw the pained look on Stephanie's face. "Will you at least think about it?"

"Okay, I'll think about it."

"Good. I really want you to come." He gave her a puppy dog look.

"Me too." JC stood next to his brother giving her an identical expression.

"Us too." One by one Lance, Joey, Justin, Linda and Winnie lined up, all giving her pleading puppy dog looks.

"I told you I'd think about it." Stephanie laughed and looked at Chris. "Are you going to join in?"

"I don't beg." He reached into his pockets and pulled out his wallet. "Let me give you some money for lunch."

"It's on me." She reached out to push his hand away. As their skin touched she felt a calmness rush through her body. They both pulled away quickly. "Alright, girls, let's go." Winnie got out her keys and stood next to Stephanie. "Linda, we're leaving." Linda stepped out of TJ's arms.

"Don't bother, Linda. You're free." Winnie waved her hand dismissively at the couple.

JC walked up to TJ. "You too, man. You're free to go."

"Really?" JC and Winnie shook their heads. "Thanks."

The others watched with envy as the happy couple walked hand in hand to TJ's car.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

Stephanie shut off her car and sighed. "You're here for TJ and Linda. Come on, Stephanie, you can do it." She sighed and got out of the car.

"I see you decided to leave the office and join us."

Stephanie turned around and closed her eyes. "Chris, don't start with me now. I'm here because it's TJ and Linda's last night here. I don't want to spend it fighting with you."

Chris shook his head in agreement. "Me neither. We haven't been to pleasant with one another. I think for everybody's sakes we should try to put our differences aside." He stuck his hand out. "Truce?"

Stephanie nodded and shook his hand. "Truce."

Chris was not sure if it was the heat of their touch or just her nearness but he needed more. He pulled on her hand and enveloped her in a hug.

The hug was short for both knew if they did not break contact fast they would never let go.

Chris looked away, blushing. "I guess we should get to the party."

"Yeah, we should." They walked around the house, their hands almost touching. They both longed to take hold of the other's hand but neither had the courage.

Justin walked up to JC. "Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?"

JC looked up from his conversation with Winnie and Linda to see where Justin was pointing. "If you think you see Stephanie and Chris walking together and not fighting then you're seeing what you think you're seeing."

"Whew. Thought maybe the bleach was finally effecting my brain."

Linda shook her head. "Nah, not this time." She stood up. "Stephanie, I'm so glad you decided to come. The party wouldn't have been complete with out you here." Linda reached out and hugged the older woman.

TJ walked up behind Linda and wrapped her arms around her waist. "Now we can get this party started. How about some music Mr. d.j.?"

Joey nodded his head and put some music on.

For the next two hours everybody enjoyed themselves, even Chris and Stephanie. There was lots of talking, laughing, eating and dancing. As the sun began to set Joey began slowing the pace of the songs.

"Ahh, just what I've been waiting for. Now if you'll excuse us," TJ looked at Justin, Winnie and JC. "I think this is our cue." He lead Linda away from the group and pulled her close as they started swaying to the music.

Justin looked over Winnie's head to JC. The older man nodded.

"Winnie, do you want to dance?"

She put her hand out. "I'd love to." She lead him over to TJ and Linda and put her arms around his neck as he placed his hands on her waist.

JC walked over to Lance and Joey stationed near the music. He pointed to the two couples. "Doesn't that just make you sick?"

"Yup. Could they be just a bit happier?" Joey made a face while Lance just nodded.

JC turned to Joey. "May I have this dance?"

Joey batted his eyelashes and placed his hand over his heart. "My, my, JC Chasez is asking me to dance. How can a girl turn that down?"

The two started dancing a tango, occasionally bumping into the couples.

Lance walked to where Stephanie was talking to Joey's sister. "Miss Fatone, may I have this dance?" He held his hand out.

She took it. "Why, Mr. Bass, I'd be delighted." The two walked to the "dance floor" and began dancing. "Thanks for asking me to dance."

"No problem. It was between you and Stephanie and the look Chris was giving me was hundreds of times deadlier than the one Joey's giving me." They laughed as they dodged Joey and JC who were heading directly towards them.

Stephanie looked at the couples longingly. It had been a while since she had danced that close to somebody. The only person she wanted that close to her was Chris but she did not think he would ask. Stephanie looked up as a throat cleared beside her.

"I thought that...since we're being friendly and all...that you might like to- like to dance," Chris stammered nervously.

Stephanie was surprised at his nervousness. She was scared at what might happen. Their hug earlier sparked emothions that she had hidden. She nodded her head. "Sure."

Stephanie held her breath as Chris placed his right hand on her waist and he gulped as her left hand touched his shoulder. They both let out a slow breath as his left and her right hand clasped.

Justin promised JC tonight he would talk to Winnie about his feelings. He knew if he did not do it now he would not do it for a while, if ever. He took a deep breath.

"Winnie?"

She looked up. "Yeah?"

"Umm... I need to get something from my house. Would you like to come with me?"

She nodded. "Sure."

They parted and Justin took her hand. "Hey, guys. I need to get something from my house and Winnie's going with me."

Everyone shook their head in understanding, but Stephanie. The distance between her and Chris was decreasing making her fear increase.

"I think I might join them." She started to pull away from Chris.

He tightened her grip on her. "You're not going anywhere." He watched the couple disappear and turned back to Stephanie. "Justin wants to be alone with Winnie. Can't you let one relationship happen? One couple be happy?"

She quickly escaped from her grasp. "I'm sorry. I haven't been an expert in relationships since my engagemant went sour." She stared into his brown eyes. "And as I recall, Chris, neither are you."

Stephanie said good-bye to TJ and Linda and stalked to her car with Chris on her heals.

"Stephanie, stop." She whirled around. "Look at us. We're fighting again. Is there anyway to stop this madness?"

"Yeah. If you would grow up."

Stephanie got in her car and slammed the door. She pulled away from the curb leaving Chris to stare at her departing vehicle.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

Justin and Winnie rode to his house in silence. The sound of the radio was the lone noise.

"So, Justin, what did you need to get?" Winnie asked as they entered the house.

He blushed lightly. "Actually, I really don't need anything. I just wanted to talk to you alone." He lead her into the living room.

"About what?"

Justin stepped closed to her and ran his fingers along her cheek. "About this." He gently pressed his lips to hers and pulled away.

Winnie opened her eyes when he did not kiss her again and saw a smile on his face. "What?"

"Just making sure Linda wasn't going to interrupt us again." She laughed as he leaned down and their lips met again.

Winnie reached up and placed her hand on the back of his neck as the kiss deepened.

As they pulled away both of them stared at each other in awe. The kiss uncovered feelings neither of them were expecting.

Justin was the first to break the silence. "I think we need to talk." He waved to the couch and they both sat down.

Winnie nodded her head and placed her hand on his. "Yeah. We do."

"Winnie, I really like you. You-" Justin was cut off by his cell phone. He sighed and answered it. "Hello. You're going where? Okay. We'll be right there."

Winnie saw the disbelieving look on his face. "What? Who was that?"

Justin smiled. "Well, it looks like she's done it again."

"That was Linda?"

"No, it was JC. Linda twisted her ankle and they're taking her to the hospital."

"Is she alright?"

Justin shrugged. "He didn't say it was bad. Let's go find out." He held out his hand and helped Winnie up.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"TJ, put me down. I have crutches for when I walk." Linda laughed as TJ carried her to his car.

"What if I don't want to?" He placed her in the passenger seat before putting their bags in the car. "Bye, guys."

"Bye, bro." JC hugged TJ. "I'm sorry Chris isn't here."

"Or Stephanie," Winnie added as she hugged Linda.

After saying good bye to everyone TJ got behind the wheel and started the car.

"Bye. See you at Christmas, Winnie," Linda called as TJ pulled away from JC's.

JC turned to the group. "Okay. We leave on Tuesday for a month on the road and we have this weekend off. What are we going to do?"

Joey scratched his head. "I'm actually in the mood to just veg out by the pool and relax today."

"Anyone disagree with Joey's plan?" JC was met with silence. "Okay. So we'll meet at Justin's in about an hour?" They all shook their heads.

"Do you need anything from the food store. I think it might be be best if I go." Winnie reasoned.

Joey shook his head. "I don't think so. There's plenty of leftovers from last night. Why don't I just bring those?"

"Okay, I won't go to the store. See you guys later."

They all walked to their cars to go home and then head to Justin's.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"Oh, yeah, and when I did that cannonball and soaked JC while he was reading. That was hilarious."

It was Monday morning. Lance and Justin were in the office retelling the weekends events to Stephanie.

"Sounds like fun. Wish I could have been there but certain things kept me away."

Justin leaned down and looked her in the eye. "Well, the certain thing was not there either. In fact I haven't seen him since Winnie and I left the party."

Lance thought for a second. "Come to think of it neither have I. How odd."

"Yeah, how odd," Stephanie murmured. "Now if you two will excuse me I have work to do. Why don't you go bother Winnie?"

JC stuck his head in the office. "Come on, guys. They just scheduled an interview and the interviewer will be here in a few minutes."

"Alright."

"See you later, Stephanie."