The Music of My Heart (Chapter 8)
This chapter is not safe for work or small children and might be illegal in certain states.
I'm kidding but it does contain mature content including vivid descriptions of consensual intercourse between adults.
ENJOY.
If you like this story you might like… well, just about every fan fic I’ve every written. I post as MissM on the *NSYNC-Fiction archive.
The kitchen was full of people and busier than usual. The house had a different air to it...something was happening. Manny served fragrant and fluffy blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and the usual rich Colombian roast. JC was posted up at the counter with his laptop and phone, uncharacteristically quiet while everyone ate and chatted.
"Okay, kids," he said suddenly, closing his laptop and picking up his coffee mug. "See you downstairs for group. We have a slight change in schedule tonight. I'll fill you in when we're down there."
A hush fell over the group as JC headed to the basement stairs. "I knew it," Kai said. "Something's up. He's been so quiet this morning and he's never deep in his laptop this early."
"I hope we're not getting cut short," said Ben, chewing a fingernail.
"Nah, it wouldn't be that," Xander said.
"I guess we'll see what's up when we get down there," Zoe replied.
One by one, they finished their breakfasts and followed him downstairs to the large open space they used for group meetings. JC was relaxed, leaning back in an overstuffed leather chair in worn jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt. He never wore shoes in the house, instead choosing to wear sandals or flip flops or a pair of plaid slippers that had seen better days. Today he wore the slippers.
The group filed in, taking their usual seats on the mismatched chairs and floor cushions.
"Morning, everybody. Why do you all look so... glum?"
"Well..." Ben gestured, his thin arms flailing. "You said we had a schedule change. I'm hoping we're not getting cut short. I'm having a good time and learning a lot. Plus I paid a ton of money to be here and-"
"Ben, Ben, Ben," JC interrupted, trying not to be so insensitive as to laugh, but it wasn't working. "You need to drink a ton less coffee, buddy. The schedule change is just for today. You're gonna get your full month's worth of me kicking your ass all over a studio, I promise. Everybody okay?"
He paused to survey the room. Everyone's shoulders seem to lift. Kai exhaled a loud and dramatic breath, which made JC laugh.
"So what's the schedule change then?" Zoe asked.
"Well, I hope you guys didn't make dinner plans, because we're going out. It'll be later than usual, so grab a snack after studio sessions this afternoon to tide you over. We're heading out on a field trip."
"Field trip?" Ben perked, setting his notebook aside. "Like, leaving the property?"
"Yup. Manny will drive us out to a spot about an hour from here called The Treehouse," JC explained, drumming his fingers against his coffee mug. "Artists use it to workshop new material, test arrangements before taking them to bigger venues, try to get a crowd reaction to certain songs. My friend Maverick owns it. He keeps it off the radar, but some pretty big names drop in there unannounced from time to time."
"Drop in...like an open mic night?" Xander asked.
"Higher caliber," JC corrected. "Established, gigging musicians trying new directions, exploring different arrangements. The crowd understands they're hearing works in progress, which creates a unique atmosphere." JC's gaze drifted to Zoe across the room. "Perfect place to explore. To push some boundaries."
Zoe concentrated on the doodles she was drawing on the page, painfully aware of his eyes on her. Though she avoided looking up, she sensed exactly what he was planning.
"Oh! I've heard about spots like that," Kai said. "Sort of like how comics workshop a set -real, unperfected stuff. Not those tourist trap songwriter nights where everyone plays the same three chord progression. I've sat through a million of those."
"Exactly. The regulars know they might witness something unexpected. We'll head out around seven."
"Should we bring anything?" Ben asked. "Instruments?"
"Notebook and a pen. And open minds." JC's tone shifted into mentor mode. "Watch how artists command the space, connect with the audience. Intimate venues reveal everything about a performer's instincts. I also want you listening to the words, the way a lyric lands based on how it's phrased, the art of bending words around the notes, the emotion that parts of the song evokes. This will be a masterclass in performance and songwriting."
Anticipation rippled through the rest of the day, with each member of the group growing more excited at the prospect of a night out. Zoe attempted to focus during group session, but her thoughts strayed to the field trip that night. JC's occasional glances, accompanied by that trademark mischievous smile, all but confirmed her suspicions that he was going to put her on a stage in front of a crowd of strangers.
As the day wore on and evening approached, Zoe felt her nerves start to get the best of her. She tried to corner him just after studio sessions ended for the day.
"JC... we need to talk about tonight."
He turned to face her while pulling a dark blue hoodie over his head. His eyebrows rose in mock innocence. "About tonight? What's on your mind?"
"Seriously? I already know what you're planning and I'm not ready."
"You have no idea what I'm planning, Zoe. But just in case you do, you asked me to expand the scope of your retreat in particular...right?"
Zoe sighed, her shoulder slumped.
"Stand up straight. Breathe. Focus." Zoe took a deep breath and straightened her posture but glared at JC. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Fix your face, Ms. Chapman. You wanted to push past your boundaries, right? To confront the things holding you back as a lead?"
"Yes, but-"
"Nope," JC cut in. "You want it or you don't, Zoe. You said yourself you know I'm introverted, but once I hit a stage, I'm a different person. Trust me. Know yourself." He checked his phone, then his watch, then pasted a wide grin on his lips and dropped an arm over her shoulder. "It'll be fine, Zoe. I won't let you bomb up there. Not the first time."
"Why does that not make me feel better?"
JC's chesty laugh echoed through her as they climbed the stairs.
Mountain roads twisted beneath darkening skies as Manny navigated the van expertly around hairpin turns. Zoe watched the forest thin out from her middle-row seat, the last remnants of sunset painting the sky in swatches of deep violet and indigo. Up front, JC divided his attention between his phone and the antics of the group behind him.
Kai and Ben started a camp-style sing along. JC was the loudest and the funniest as he was obviously off-tune.
The van pulled up to a rustic wooden structure nestled among towering pines, warm light emanating from the windows. As the group climbed out of the van, the sounds of laughter and music spilled from the open door. JC led the way through a gravel covered parking lot and stepped inside, where the space opened up into a cozy performance area. Worn leather sofas and mismatched armchairs surrounded groupings of tables surrounding a stage backed by a brick wall. A crowd nursed drinks at the bar at the far end of one side of the room.
"This place is sick," Kai breathed, taking in the museum-worthy collection of signed guitars and vintage concert posters decorating the walls. "How do people even know this place exists?"
"Word of mouth," JC replied, guiding them to a reserved table near the stage. "Maverick prefers keeping things understated. Gives artists room to experiment without pressure."
A ripple of recognition moved through the crowd as they noticed JC. He acknowledged it with a casual wave but kept his focus on their group.
"What's up, Shitty?" A tall, burly, bearded man in an oversized hoodie and baggy jeans approached the group, hand outstretched.
JC tossed his head back, a burst of raucous laughter falling from his mouth. "I thought I got away from that nickname. What's goin' on, Mav?"
"You tried, but you'll always be Shitty to me. Great to see you, man. This must be your new group of protégés." He eyed the group, brushing a mop of curls back from his face.
"Yeah this is my winter cohort of song writers. We've got them sequestered out at the house. Going really well so far." JC pointed at Maverick, a sneaky grin bending his lips. "Mav has had every backstage job there is, and has invented a couple of them. He's a good friend to have."
"So why's he call you Shitty, then?" Ben asked.
"Ugh. It's a long story and I don't know if any of us even remember why my friends started calling me that."
"It's ‘cause he's a shit. I know you guys all know that," Maverick said, leaning in offer a fist bump to Ben. "I've got you guys at a table over on the left. Great view of the stage and close to the bar. Shout me out if you need something. Drinks on the house, food's on discount, alright?"
"The kitchen here is exceptional," said JC, as soon as they'd found seats and scooted up to the table. "Maverick convinced this amazing chef to leave San Francisco to come cook at an out of the way club nobody knows about. Order a few apps to share, then get whatever you like. There's not a bad thing on the menu."
The next two hours showcased an impressive array of talent. A country artist explored a blues arrangement of their latest single. A jazz quartet tested new material. The audience listened intently, offering feedback via applause and cheers. Then the house band took the stage to a standing ovation. The band was a well-oiled machine, effortlessly transitioning between genres and styles as they backed up a rotating cast of singers. Zoe watched in awe as a powerhouse soul singer brought down the house, then jumped to her feet to join the deafening applause.
"That was amazing," she gushed, taking her seat again. She had almost relaxed when JC got up from his seat and leaned over her, poking his head between her and Xander.
"You ready to hop up there??"
Zoe panicked. "After her? Fuck you. I haven't prepared anything, I don't know the band, I haven't rehearsed with-"
"That's the best part," JC said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Trust me, you can handle it."
Zoe's heart pounded in her ears as as she scanned the stage.
"Find your courage, Zoe. Grow some balls. If you can't grow some, borrow some. Now's a great time-the crowd is already primed and the show has hit the climax. They're not expecting you to be her, but also... you have a great voice. Let's show them."
His tone carried a gentle challenge. So did his arm, pulling her from her seat. "The Zoe I know can get up there and sing, she just needs to get over herself and have fun. After what you showed me in the studio? You're more than ready."
"Get up there, girl!" Kai chimed in. "You have to do it!"
The group's enthusiasm proved infectious. Ben tapped out a rhythm on the table while Xander chanted, "Do it! Do it! Do it!" until other tables started joining in.
"Show them what real talent sounds like!" said Kai.
"Real talent just got off the fucking stage. I'm..." Zoe met JC's steady gaze, recognizing that look he wore in sessions when he knew she was holding back. "Fine," she conceded with a huff. "But you have to come with me. And introduce me. And stay on stage."
His immediate smile said everything. He was already moving toward the band, gesturing back toward their table as the musicians nodded agreement. "What do you want to sing?" JC asked.
"Uhm... do you guys know Kelly Clarkson, Since You've Been Gone? I wanna slow it down to a bluesy tempo."
A few minutes later, JC adjusted the mic stand, lowering it for Zoe. "Most of you know me- hello, again. If you don't know me, I'm JC. I'm a singer, I'm a songwriter, and I run a little camp where I teach people... how to do what I do. I've got a member of my camp that has a great voice but she's not used to being out front. There's no time like the present and no better place than right here at The Treehouse."
After a warm smattering of applause, he finished with, "She doesn't realize it yet, but she's about to leave you speechless. Please welcome Zoe Chapman."
Her legs trembled so violently, she was afraid she'd fall over if she moved. Grateful for the dim lighting that masked her nerves, she reached for the mic stand and took one giant step forward. JC's hand squeezed her shoulder, then slipped the strap of an acoustic guitar over his head and settled onto a nearby stool.
As the opening chords of a slow, funky version of Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone filled the room, Zoe let her eyes drift closed. When she opened them again, she found JC watching her with such absolute faith that a feeling, an urge shifted in her core. Her voice emerged tentatively but gained strength with each phrase, raw emotion filling every corner of the room.
The crowd fell silent, staring, taking it all in and wholly absorbed.
JC on guitar provided subtle support while he kept his own voice low, ensuring she commanded the spotlight. When she finally attempted the soaring note she always belted in the shower, his wide, proud grin matched the audience's enthusiastic response. The final note faded into thunderous applause as people rose to their feet. Joy bubbled through her chest as she returned to their table. She giggled, feeling lightheaded and unbelievably happy as Kai, Xander, Manny and Ben performed elaborate bowing gestures.
"That's how you fucking do it!" Kai screamed, pulling out Zoe's chair. "Set it down, girl. Why the fuck have you been hiding that voice from us?"
"No joke," Ben agreed. "That was next-level. You don't seen like that in group. You should start."
"Stoooop," Zoe said, still giddy and giggling, though she couldn't contain her smile. Energy coursed through her veins, every nerve ending buzzing. Her eyes met JC's down the table. His expression quickened her pulse, her breath catching in her throat. She read the unbridled pride and admiration, and the intense flash of attraction that smoldered in his eyes. A thrill shot through her as she realized the message he was sending her.
The night had been great. Late evening and early morning were going to be spectacular.
The excitement carried through the drive home as everyone talked over each other, reliving their favorite moments.
"It was like Zoe's jaw came unhinged and she hit. that. key," said Kai. "Flawless. No notes."
"I...I might have a note or two," JC said. The laughter and chatter immediately halted. "Guys...my nickname is Shitty. I'm kidding!"
Zoe threw a balled up napkin to the front seat. "You can't fuck with me like that. You know I'm sensitive about my shit."
"I do know that. We're gonna work that out of you. Seriously, though?" JC turned in his seat to see everyone in the back of the van. "Zoe did a great job, tonight. This is part of her personal goal for this retreat, to get out in front and learn how to lead, learn how to front a band. So I want you all to be thinking about what you want to get out of his experience personally. What's a challenge I can drop you in that's going to have your knees knocking-"
"Like mine were," Zoe said.
"Like Zoe's were," he repeated. "But something that would definitely be a step up for you. We'll talk about that in your next studio session. Alright?"
Back at the house, the group dispersed naturally, some gathering around the fire pit with snacks and a drink, others sacking out in the game room. Zoe lingered by the fire long enough to be social before excusing herself to "download the experience while it's fresh."
After a quick shower, she changed into sleep shorts and a tank top, slathered her skin with moisturizer, then picked up her phone. After a brief text exchange, she crept past the lounge to the other side of the house. Only distant laughter from the game room disturbed the peaceful quiet.
She discovered him also freshly showered, stretched out on the bed in a t-shirt and cotton lounge pants and absorbed in his notebook. The thick black frames of his reading glasses were perched on his nose. His smile welcomed her as she walked in and closed the door behind her.
JC's eyes tracked her every move as she climbed onto the bed, straddling his lap. He he tossed his notebook aside, then slid his palms up her thighs, bunching the fabric of her sleep shorts. "You were incredible tonight," he murmured, voice husky. "I knew you had it in you."
"Thank you, JC." She leaned in, lips brushing his ear. "You know what I'm here for."
"And I would love to give it to you." His fingers dug into her hips, pulling her firmly against the hardness pressing against her center through the thin layers of clothing separating them. "All of it."
"JC-okay, yes... that. But stop playing with me," Zoe panted as she pulled back. "Performance notes?"
"We'll go over them at your next studio session," he said with a shake of his head. "Let's not get into it tonight. "
"You cannot be serious. My next session isn't for days. You're making me wait?"
"I absolutely am." JC's hands dipped under the hem of her tank top. Zoe let out a frustrated groan as his hands roamed her back, his thumbs brushing the sides of her breasts. He grinned up at her, that infuriatingly sexy smile that made her want to kiss him and smack him at the same time.
"That's...cruel," she protested, though her hands already sought the warmth beneath his shirt.
"Isn't it? Now you'll have the experience of waiting for the rags to come out to hear what the public thought of a show. Just a little extra benefit I'm throwing in free of charge."
"Pure evil. You're killing me," she murmured, leaning down to trail kisses along his jaw. "Please? The suspense is torture."
"Good," JC rumbled, tipping his head to give her better access to his neck. "I want you aching for it. Desperate to hear it."
His words sent a shiver down her spine. She rocked her hips against the hard ridge beneath her, seeking delicious friction. JC's breath caught, his fingers digging into her hips to still her movements.
"Patience," he corrected, his breath warm against her skin. "Besides, what could I tell you that you don't already know? Hm?"
Before Zoe could answer, JC flipped them in one fluid motion, pinning her wrists over her head, his weight settling between her thighs as he claimed her lips. Quietly, she moaned into his mouth, shamelessly arching her hips into him. Hetrailed hot, open-mouthed kisses along her neck, nipping at her pulse point until she squirmed.
His free hand skated down her side, hiking up her tank top to expose her breasts. He growled, then dipped to take one, then the other nipple into his mouth, sucking them until they were taut and standing on end.
"I mean...I could tell you that you were amazing on that stage," he said, flicking his tongue across the rise of one breast, then around the areola before closing his mouth over a nipple. He repeated the process on the other breast. "But you already know that, huh? You just want me to say it. You want to hear it from my mouth, because I supposedly know what's good and what's not."
Zoe groaned, wishing she hadn't even opened this conversation. She would have rather he had his way with her quickly and quietly than to drag out this seduction masked as performance notes. Then again, she figured, he was moving slowly and he never, ever finished before her so that meant more time with him if she could drag this out.
JC drew back, his normally bright eyes dark with desire. "I could tell you that you set that room on fire. You owned that stage like you were born to be up there..." A hand slid down her stomach, callused fingertips setting little fires on the way to the waistband of her shorts. "But you already knew that, too. No way you didn't feel that energy coming back at you."
Zoe gasped as JC's mouth closed around her nipple again, his tongue swirling in delicious, heady circles. Her back arched off the bed as she writhed beneath him, desperate for friction against the throbbing, pulsing need between her thighs.
"Please, JC," she whispered, tugging at her wrists still pinned above her head. "I need..."
"I know exactly what you need," he rumbled against her skin, releasing her wrists to run his hands down her body. He hooked his fingers under the waistband of her shorts, dragging them down her legs in one smooth motion.
Zoe shivered as cool air hit her inner thighs. JC settled there, trailing open-mouthed kisses along her legs, purposely avoiding the spot that ached for his touch. She whimpered in frustration, threading her fingers through his hair in a silent plea. Finally, he parted her folds with his thumbs, exposing her glistening center.
"So ready for me," he murmured in approval before dragging his tongue through her wetness. "You know how fucking good you were tonight, don't you?"
She nodded, biting her lip to keep from screaming at the exquisite contact. Her hips bucked into his face while JC moaned and lapped at her eagerly, alternating firm strokes with delicate flicks against her swollen bud. She fisted the sheets, lost in the moment as he worked her into a quiet frenzy.
Her thighs trembled, hips hunching shamelessly, and just when she felt herself hurtling toward the edge, he retreated.
"Fuck! You're so evil tonight."
"You don't even know the half of it, honey," he rasped, his voice gravelly with desire. He crawled up her body, capturing her lips in a kiss that allowed her to taste herself on his tongue. She moaned into his mouth, hands roaming his muscular back as he settled between her legs. Zoe arched up as the rigid length of him nudged her slick entrance.
"I feel how wet you are for me." He ground his hips in a slow, teasing circle that made her whimper. "If you want this, I need to hear you say it."
"Say-oooh, shit," she panted, eyes fluttering closed as his thickness parted her. "Say what?"
"You know what I want to hear." His tongue traced the delicate shell of her ear. "Tell me. Say it, Zoe."
"Uhm...I..." She shuddered as he pressed into her, shallowly sheathing the tip inside her.
"You...what?"
"I...I was incredible, tonight," she pushed out, her voice shaking. "I...I owned that crowd. I-I sang the shit out of that song."
"That's my girl." Her admission earned a deep, satisfied growl. He purred, rocking his hips to sink into her heat. "You were a fucking goddess up there. Every eye was on you. Every ear was yours."
Zoe gasped, her nails nearly piercing his skin as he filled her. He stilled for a moment, buried to the hilt, letting her walls adjust to him. She exhaled, tipping her head back, exposing her neck.
"Now what else?" he demanded, landing kisses along her neck and jawline. "What else do you want to hear, that you already know?"
"My...voice..." She trailed off as he pulled almost all the way out, only to surge back in with a powerful thrust.
"Oh, your voice? You want to talk about your voice?" JC punctuated his words with a roll of his hips, diving deep, pulling back and slamming in again with every stroke. "Tell me about your voice, baby. Tell me."
Her inner muscles clenched around him, drawing a guttural moan from deep in his chest.
"M-My voice...was powerful." Zoe gasped, arching her back as JC's thrusts grew harder and deeper.
"That's right. Strong." Slam. "Confident." Slam. "Full of emotion. When you hit that high note-" He snaked a hand between their bodies, finding her slick bud with his thumb. Zoe gasped at the dual sensations. "I bricked up. I got so hard, the whole crowd almost saw me come in my pants."
She laughed and blushed, squirming as he circled her clit in a steady rhythm while still filling her, then captured her lips, swallowing her near-orgasmic cries as he picked up the pace. The room filled with the sounds of harsh breathing and skin slapping skin as he pounded her, driving into her relentlessly.
Zoe lifted her legs to lock around his waist. "I wanna come," she begged, breathless. "Please. I'll say whatever you want. I was a star, tonight. Give it to me!"
JC's eyes slid closed, his forehead wrinkling with the effort to maintain the pace of his hips snapping hard and fast. With a final, guttural groan, JC sank deep, pressing hard on her clit as Zoe convulsed around him.
Her head thrashed from side to side, mouth open, eyes closed, barely breathing through a silent orgasmic scream. JC held steady inside her, savoring the flex and release of her inner muscles milking his length. When her shudders subsided, he relaxed, eventually resting his weight on her, pressing tender kisses to her temple.
"You're a star every night, Zoe," he whispered against her sweaty skin. "Tonight was the first step in realizing it."
She hummed, content. Her limbs tightened around him, trapping him where he lay. He did not complain.
"I would never have done that on my own, JC."
"Yeah, you would have. Just not this early in the game. I got it out of the way. So...now you know you can do it."
"Thank you for pushing me."
"Don't thank me yet. That was just my praise. You haven't heard my actual notes, yet. Wait until you hear my lecture on using the entire stage and not standing in the middle like you're glued there."
Zoe groaned. He chuckled, stroking her hair, letting the tension seep from his muscles. "But that's why you're here, right? To learn, to grow as a songwriter and an artist, to confront the fears holding you back, and to break through them."
"What's next then?" Her eyes met his, genuinely curious. "Because I feel like I could take on the world right now."
JC chuckled, brushing his thumb over her swollen lips and flushed cheeks. "We'll see about that. For now...enjoy the feeling. You didn't bomb and that's very good. This feeling right here? It can be addicting."
She bit her lip, desire flickering to life. "Then I want another hit."