***CELEBRITY***

***Please Note: This story contains scenes depicting sexual acts between members of the same sex. If you are under the age of 18, or if it is illegal for you to read such material in your state, please do not read further. If you are offended by this type of material, again, please do not read further.

This story is completely a work of fiction. The characters and situations in the story exist solely in the author's imagination. Any reference the sexual identity of real people is completely fiction. If you have questions, comments or suggestions regarding this story, please email me. Flames ignored.

For a list of my other stories, and info about me, go to my Website.

Many celebrities are mentioned in this story, and some of them are even characters in the story. I am in no way trying to say that I know anything about their personal sexualities by putting them in this story. Although this story is mainly about a fictional celebrity, I wanted to say that I do not know any of the actual celebrities mentioned in this story. I am simply borrowing their persona.

"Secrets Of The Morning" is a novel by V.C. Andrews. It is not a television show. The show is only part of this story. Several liberties will be taken with this story, and although I'll try to stick to the true timeline of events in the careers of *Nsync and Backstreet Boys as well as various other stars, I don't see how I can keep up with that kind of research and continue to work at my day job. The personalities of the celebrities in this story may be quite different than what you're used to. I'm not concerned with their professional images.

I hope that everyone enjoys the story and realizes that this is only a story. I don't know any of the stars mentioned in this story personally, and their sexuality, although sometimes under scrutiny, is never anyone's business than their own. If, on an odd chance, this story reflects actual events at all, that is completely coincidental. I'm not a spy, and I would never stalk a star. :)

Eric Draven®

P.S. The lyrics to Alone and Come Back To Me are mine, and they are copyrighted just like the rest of the story. Dizzy is a song by Tommy Roe and was released in 1969.

I know its been an insane amount of time since I've posted a chapter to this story. I'm sorry about that. I was thinking about just leaving it alone, but I hate reading stories that never get finished, so I decided to continue this one to its end. Originally, I was just posting chapters that had already been written a long time ago after editing them and updating them. Well, that won't work now that I seem to have lost the old file, so I'll just have to wing it and re-write this story from memory. Sure, that will change it a lot, but none of you have ever read the original, so it won't matter much.

I'll be changing the narration style of the story from here out. The last four chapters have been told in the first person, narrated by the character of Skyler Thomas. From now on, in the interest of hearing all sides of the story, the narration will be in the third person format. I'll also be starting the beginning of each chapter with a bunch of news clips and quotes. None of them actually exist, but its fun for the story.

I hope that all of you enjoy the story. As always emails are always welcome and encouraged.

EricD.

Last Time:

"Everything all right?" asked Tim, coming into the living room.

"Fine," I replied.

We went back to the kitchen to eat, but I wasn't hungry anymore. I picked at my food and stared at the table. If he noticed, he didn't say anything. I guess he was used to being around moody stars all the time. If he was used to that, then he wouldn't have a problem with me. I could be moody like no one on Earth.

After dinner, Tim told me what my schedule was for the next day. I was supposed to be in the recording studio for most of the day, and then there was a meeting on the set. He said that I was required to attend the meeting. It was mainly to introduce the new cast members. That made me nervous.

"I'm sure you'll do alright," he said, smiling to himself.

"Thank you for the vote of confidence," I replied, smiling as well.

I spent the biggest part of the rest of the day getting to know my apartment. Tim went home around seven, and then Brian called to ask me how I liked the place. We talked for a little while, but when he invited me to go out with him, I decided to stay in. It was going to be an early morning for me, and I knew that I'd need my sleep.

==IN THE NEWS==

Milton Drake, Casting Director for NBC's prime time drama, Secrets Of The Morning, announced today that up and coming actor, Skyler Thomas has been in the role of Logan Cutler on the show. The fresh faced actor was discovered by Drake on the street in California where he was taking a break from studying.

Thomas is a new face at NBC and is set to begin work on his first episode Monday morning.

Diane Cole: Entertainment Today

*Celebrity*

Chapter 5

The sun threw light through the pattern of the curtains on the bedroom windows, making designs on the wall across the room above Skyler's sleeping form. He moaned and stirred in his sleep before opening his eyes, slowly, and looking around the room. It was strange to him, and at first he didn't know where he was.

He sat up in the bed and looked around, taking in all of his surroundings. The previous days came rushing back to him, and he moaned and laid back down. He knew he couldn't stay in bed. His responsibilities were many, and a contract stated that he couldn't ditch them.

It had been four days since he'd set foot in New York. He'd recorded a song the day after he'd arrived, and they were going to make him lip-sync it on the show. He was supposed to shoot that scene today. To make matters worse, the studio had decided that he sang so well that they were discussing an entire album. This was not what he'd signed up for.

The telephone beside him began to wring, and he seriously considered throwing it off the night stand. Yawning and stretching, his senses came back to him, and he grabbed the phone on the third wring.

"Wake up call, Mr. Thomas," said Tim on the other end, making Skyler laugh.

"I'm Sky, Tim," he said. "I've told you over and over."

"Right," replied Tim. "The car will be there for you in an hour and a half. I don't know why you insist on sleeping so late."

It was seven in the morning, and Skyler didn't think that was late. Perhaps life as a television star was going to be more than he could take. So far, he'd shot six scenes, met all of the cast, sang to a room full of strangers, and his picture was on the cover of seven magazines. This was happening fast.

"I'm up, Tim," he said into the phone. "Let me shower and get dressed."

"No breakfast this morning?" Tim teased.

"Having breakfast with Kristy at the studio," he replied, yawning.

Almost two hours later, he was seated in a diner near the studio with Kristy Swanson. The two had taken an instant liking to each other, and Skyler preferred her company to Brian's, or almost anyone else on the set. He felt at ease in her presence, and he was almost ready to tell her everything about him.

"So, you're quiet this morning," she said, staring at him from across the table.

"Bad day," he said, smiling at her.

"Oh, right," she said, smiling brightly. "You're lip-sync scene is today."

"And Laura wants to introduce me to a producer or something," he said glumly. "She wants to turn me into a pop star this summer while we are on hiatus."

"That isn't something you'd like, I take it," she said, sipping her latte.

"Not especially," he replied.

"Sky, I've heard you sing, remember?" she said, placing a hand on his arm. "You have an awesome voice, and everyone who heard the demo loved it. I'm sure you'd be a smash."

"I'm not Justin Timberlake," he replied, blushing. "No one wants to see me get up on stage and shake my booty."

"Get out of here!" she gasped, laughing at him. "You are one of the hottest guys I know. You'd have the teen girls screaming in malls all over the country in no time."

"Right," he said, looking back down at his half eaten eggs.

"And teen aged boys, I'm sure," she said, smiling playfully at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, looking at her worriedly. If she'd figured him out already, he was doomed. He really didn't want to end the career that had just started by being outed.

"Oh come on," she said. "If you think I know nothing about music, you're mistaken. Pop stars appeal to two distinct groups of people. Teen girls and homosexuals."

"Well, I'm not going to be a pop star," he said, smiling with relief.

"We'll see," she said, smiling.

* * *

Laura Ulman, Jack Wellman and Richard Brendt were sitting in the studio listening to Skyler singing Alone, the song that had been written for his character to sing on the show. She watched both men very closely. Jack, she hoped, would have the same appreciation for Skyler's raw talent as she did. Richard was a producer. She hoped the he would want to work with Skyler on an entire album.

"Well?" she asked them when the last note of the song died away.

"That was Skyler Thomas?" asked Jack, smiling at her.

"Sure was," she replied. "I don't think you and Milton knew just what kind of talent you were getting when you signed him."

"He is very good," agreed Richard. "I assume that you wanted me to listen to him sing, because you want me to work with him."

"I was hoping you'd want to," she said hopefully.

"When can I meet with him?" he asked, making her beam her best smile at him.

"He's shooting a scene in twenty minutes," she said, looking at her watch. "Why don't we head upstairs and watch."

* * *

"Would it be easier if we put Jason at the piano and let you actually sing the song, Skyler?" asked Martin, the assistant director.

They'd done the scene four times, and Skyler couldn't seem to get the lip-syncing down. He'd sang the song, but now he was having trouble remembering the words. It had to be nerves, because he'd been singing the song in his head for days. He was starting to get frustrated, and he didn't think he could actually sing it for them.

"I don't know about that," he said nervously.

"I think its a great idea," said Laura, startling Skyler. She stepped out from behind two other men, one he knew, the other he didn't. "Why don't we give it a shot?"

Before Skyler could so much as protest, they were handing him a live microphone, and Jason Weslake was sitting at the piano. He heard the music for the song begin, and, closing his eyes, he started to sing.

"Thought I heard your voice yesterday
I couldn't think of anything to say
Your memory leaves my heart shaken
Its been a year since you were taken
Life without you is dark and cold
My heart breaks every time our story's told
I wonder how I can ever be free
And if your memory will ever just let me be

Just leave me alone and let me live my life
And don't pretend you don't realize
what the sound of your voice can do to my heart
Just looking at you tears me apart

My friends think I should go out again
Then your face comes to mind and I can't say when
Without you, my life is an emotional waste land
Remembering only the touch of your hand
Hours go by and I stare off into space
Just clutching the memory of your face

Just leave me alone and let me live my life
I can't go on like this and you know its not right
Being without you is breaking my heart
Thinking of you tears me apart

I'm here again to talk to you
I wonder what the hell I'm gonna do
I know that I have to get over you
My problem is that I just don't have a clue
How to rid my mind of fact that you're gone
So now to you, I sing this song

Just leave me alone and let me live my life
I can't let go of you and that's not right
Memories of you are breaking my heart
Talking about you tears me apart

Are you listening? Can you hear me?
You've got to break these chains and let me be
I can't go on like this every day
Life has to go on some way

Why won't you leave me alone and let me live my life
Your memory cuts through me just like a knife
I can't go on with this broken heart
Missing you tears me apart

Just leave me alone and let me live my life
And don't pretend you don't realize
What missing you does to my heart
Being without you tears me apart"

He opened his eyes after that, and tried to imagine the room was empty. After a few minutes, he relaxed. When he was finished singing the song, the room was very quiet. He was sure that they'd make him sing it again, and he really didn't want to do that.

"That was perfect," said Amy Miller, coming out of the lighting room. She was the actual director for the show. "Skyler, you have a very beautiful voice. The tape didn't do it justice!"

"Oh," said Martin. "Cut."

* * *

Skyler sat at a table with Kristy, Brian and Laura, sipping a glass of champagne and trying very hard not to feel subconscious. They'd finished shooting the final scenes for the season, and Alone had finally been released as a single. They were sitting in a room full of people that Skyler barely knew, celebrating the fact that the song had landed on the Pop Charts at number 4.

There were several celebrities there that Skyler had never met before. Twice he thought he saw Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass from *Nsync, but he couldn't be sure, because both times, he'd only seen glimpses. He'd been introduced to Jeff Timmons from 98º, and Jordan Knight when the party was just starting.

"It's a great song," said Jordan when they'd been introduced.

"Thank you," replied Skyler. "I loved singing it."

"So, are you leaving the show?" asked Jordan.

"I have one more episode, and then my contract is up," he replied.

"And they aren't renewing it?" he asked. "I've seen the show, you are awesome."

"There's been some talk about it," he replied. "But I don't know yet."

"So, when is the album coming out?"

"I haven't recorded an album," replied Skyler. "We're still working on songs for it. I haven't been thrilled with some of the songs they want me to sing."

"I know that feeling," chuckled Jordan. "But sometimes, the ones you don't like turn out to be hits, and everyone loves them."

Now he was sitting there with Kristy, Brian and Laura, thinking about what Jordan had said. Richard Brendt had given him a tape of a song called Dizzy, and Skyler didn't really care for it. It was an old song, and they wanted him to cover it, but he just didn't think it would be good. Now he wasn't so sure.

He excused himself to use the restroom, and he was topped several times as he made his way through the crowd. It seemed everyone wanted to shake his hand, kiss his cheek or just say hi to him. He'd never been the center of attention like that before, and he didn't know how to deal with it.

"Excuse me," said a voice behind him as a hand wrapped around his arm. He turned around to be faced with Lance Bass.

"Hello," he said. "Skyler Thomas."

"I know," said Lance, shaking his hand. "Lance Bass."

"I know," he chuckled.

"I just wanted to tell you that I love the song," he said. "Have you thought about touring after your album is released?"

"Oh, I'm not sure about that right now," said Skyler quickly. "I'm still negotiating with the producers of the show for next season."

"I thought I heard that your contract was up," said Lance. "I thought maybe you were moving more into music."

"Well, actually, I didn't even know I was going to be singing the song until I got to New York," he said. "We're still trying to put together some material for an album, but I'm not sure that singing is my field."

"Well from the success of the song, I'd say that music is definitely your field," replied Lance, handing him a business card. "Call me some time, and we'll talk about it."

"Thanks," he said, putting the card in his pocket.

"Did I see you talking to Lance Bass?" asked Brian when Skyler got back to their table.

"Yeah," he said. "I think he's trying to get me to switch from acting to singing."

"Well, you could do both, Sky," said Kristy.

"That's what Laura and I were discussing this morning," he replied as Laura came back to the table with another glass of Champaign.

"Did I hear my name?" she asked.

"I was just telling Kristy that you and I were discussing my career duality this morning," he said.

"I'm trying to talk him into the album," she said, sipping from her glass.

"What?" cried Kristy. "I thought you were going to do the album already."

"Well, I hadn't decided completely until after I talked to Jordan Knight," he replied. "Now I'm thinking that I will do it."

By the time Skyler got back to his apartment, he was even more sure that he would do the album. He'd decided that he would call Richard in the morning and tell him the album was a go. He was actually kind of excited about it. He had to admit that the response to Alone was very positive. He still didn't know about being a singer, though.

Tim would be pleased. Ever since he'd finally heard the song, he'd been bugging Skyler about singing another. When he'd found out about Dizzy, he'd been ecstatic. He said his mother loved that song. Skyler had never heard it until the day that Richard had sat him down to listen to it.

* * *

"So, did you talk to him, Scoop?"

"We talked for a little bit," replied Lance. They were sitting in their hotel room with the rest of *Nsync listening to his every word. "He didn't seem to be too sure about singing anything else."

"What?" asked JC, shocked. "That song is awesome."

"We know you think that, Josh," laughed Joey from across the room. "You've been singing it over and over."

* * *

Skyler was nervous. He still didn't like the song. He'd listened to the new music, and he knew that it sounded more modern, but he still couldn't like the song. Maybe what Jordan said just didn't apply to this song. Richard was smiling at him from outside the booth, giving him a thumbs up, and Skyler shrugged in return and started to sing.

"Wait," he said into his mic after the last line. "Can't we change fellas to guys?"

"That isn't the way the song was written, Skyler," said Richard into his headphones. "Let's just keep the song the way it is."

"I really think it would be better the other way, Rich," he said, hoping that the producer would back down.

"I don't think Tommy Roe would like it if we changed his lyrics," he said.

He sighed, knowing he'd been defeated. He nodded his head to show them he was ready again, and the music began in his headphones again.

"Dizzy

I'm so Dizzy My head is spinning
Like a whorl pool it never ends
And its you, girl, making it spin
You're making me Dizzy

First time that I saw you girl, I knew that I just had to make you mine
But its so hard to talk to you with fellas hanging round you all the time

I want you for my sweet pet
But you keep playin hard to get
Goin' round in circles all the time

Dizzy

I'm so Dizzy My head is spinning
Like a whorl pool it never ends
And its you, girl, making it spin
You're making me Dizzy

I finally got to talk to you, and I told you just exactly how I felt
Then I held you close to me and kissed you, and my heart began to melt

Girl you got control of me
'cause I'm so dizzy I can't see
I need to call a doctor for some help

Dizzy

I'm so Dizzy My head is spinning
Like a whorl pool it never ends
And its you, girl, making it spin
You're making me Dizzy
My head is spinning
And its you girl making it spin
Like a whorl pool it never ends
You're making me Dizzy"

* * *

"Well?" asked Justin when Lance and Chris returned from the studio.

"They recorded three songs today," replied Lance. A worried look spread across his face.

"That many?" asked JC.

"The kid's a natural," said Chris. "He did the first song in two takes, and the other two were done in just one."

"Why so worried, Scoop?" asked Justin.

"Well," he sighed. "The first song he sang was an old song that my mother used to listen to, and when I first heard that they wanted him to cover it, I thought it was going to be funny, but after hearing him sing it with the new music and everything . . ."

"It sounded awesome," finished Chris.

* * *

"Just sing the parts we've already went over, Skyler," said Richard. "She's already sang her parts of the song. She wants to hear it by next week, so we'd better get going."

"We're not going to sing it together?" he asked, disappointed.

"Well, she may come to New York if we need to do anything to touch it up," said Richard. "But for right now, she's too busy. They just released her album."

Skyler had been curious when he'd heard that he'd be doing a duet for the album. He almost passed out when they told him who he'd be singing it with. He'd immediately called Kristy to scream, excitedly, over the phone that he was going to be singing a duet with Madonna.

He was nervous. What if he screwed up his part? The last thing he wanted Madonna to think of when she thought of him was anything negative. If he messed this up, she'd hate him. He knew it.

"Ready?" called Richard, and he sighed and nodded. The music started.

"I saw you on the street with him
Guess that explains the state I'm in
You walked away and left me behind
The words you said just won't leave my mind
I keep playing that day over and over in my head
Remembering the harsh words I said
If I could just take it all back you know I would
I spend nights wishing that I could

Come back to me
Let me show you my heart
Come back to me
I can't stand being apart
Come back to me
Let me give you my love"

He listened to the voice coming though his headphones and smiled. He couldn't believe that he was doing this.

"I see you in passing and my heart breaks every time
If she can't make you happy, bring your heart back to mine
I know the things I said were hurtful
And I tell myself I deserve this pain
Is there nothing I can do to take it all back
Turn back the clock and have you here again before that
You know I still love you, just let me show you again

Come back to me
Help me pick up all the pieces
Come back to me
I just can't believe this
Come back to me
Let me give you my love," sang Madonna.

* * *

I saw you on the street with him
Guess that explains the state I'm in
You walked away and left me behind
The words you said just won't leave my mind
I keep playing that day over and over in my head
Remembering the harsh words I said
If I could just take it all back you know I would
I spend nights wishing that I could

Come back to me
Let me show you my heart
Come back to me
I can't stand being apart
Come back to me
Let me give you my love

I see you in passing and my heart breaks every time
If she can't make you happy, bring your heart back to mine
I know the things I said were hurtful
And I tell myself I deserve this pain
Is there nothing I can do to take it all back
Turn back the clock and have you here again before that
You know I still love you, just let me show you again

Come back to me
Help me pick up all the pieces
Come back to me
I just can't believe this
Come back to me
Let me give you my love

Can you feel my heart braking

With every breath I'm taking

Can't you see that I'm sorry

I can't believe that we're parting

Come back to me
Let me show you heart
Come back to me
I can't stand being apart
Come back to me
Let me take it all back
Come back to me
I just can't deal with things like that
Come back to me
Let me show you that I'm ready
Come back to me
Let me give you my love

If we could only get past this, we could be together again
My heart can't stop breaking every time I see you again

Come back to me
Let this all be a bad dream
Come back to me
Can't you hear me scream
Come back to me
I know you still love me
Come back to me
How sorry can I be
Come back to me
Let me show you my heart
Come back to me
I can't take being apart
Come back to me
Let me give you my love

Come back to me

Joey, JC, Lance and Justin sat in their New York hotel room and stared at each other. Lance had borrowed a copy of the tape of Come Back To Me, the duet that they'd been informed that Skyler Thomas would be singing with Madonna. They were speechless by the time the music stopped.

"I can't believe it," gasped Justin, finally breaking the silence in the room. "That was incredible."

"For someone who wasn't sure he wanted to be a singer, he sure sounds like someone who is one," said Joey, shaking his head.

To Be Continued

My other stories on Nifty:

Detahz can be found in the Adult/Youth section.
Nicholas And Mark can be found in the Incest section.
Boys Of Summer can be found in the Adult/Youth section.
Midnight Encounter can be found in the Adult/Youth section.
Christopher's Story can be found in the Incest section.

I have other stories on my site, and you can check out my eGroup to see who the characters are inspired by as well as send emails to other fans of my work.