Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 16:40:13 -0400
From: rye encoke <rye_encoke@hotmail.com>
Subject: Mark-and-Rye-29

Okay the usual stuff that nobody reads.  This is a gay story with
lots of gay sex.  If you aren't supposed to be here, leave.  The
work is mine and unless you ask you can't post it anywhere else.
I have no clue if any member of Westlife is gay, so this is all
my fantasy.  Email me at rye_encoke@hotmail.com to tell me what
you like or hate.

The author wishes to acknowledge and thank the archivist for
Nifty for allowing this story to be published here.

Authors Notes: Okay this is the longest chapter yet.  Mainly
because of the interview at MTV.  I was gonna just cut the
interview short and get right to the good stuff but instead I
had fun with it.  I hope you do too.  Please note that some
of the Westlife trivia is real but some I made up.  Hehehe,
guess which is which if you can.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you
download the song by Westlife called I Wanna Grow Old With You,
and play it at the appropriate time.  Really, I mean it.  If
you are one of those people who skip past the lyrics in a story
this one time...LISTEN TO THE SONG, believe me it will make all
the difference.

DEDICATION: To Glenn MBB....thanks is too small a word for all
you have given me.

- Setting Things Straight -

Mark turned to see Shane standing there, concern in his eyes and
it was too much for him.  He threw himself at Shane and collapsed
into him.

"It's supposed to be me that he is holding hands with in public,"
Mark wailed.

The light went on for Shane and he held onto Mark.  Mark was so
distraught he couldn't stand up so Shane lowered him gently to
the floor and rocked him.

"My fella, you know by now that Bryan and Rye have a special
relationship.  None of it was done to hurt you and when they
find out they are going to be so devastated at how they hurt
you that it will kill them," Shane whispered as he nuzzled
Mark's neck.

"Everyone thought they were together, and it's not fair, he's
mine, I want people to see us together like that," Mark sobbed.

"I know my boy, I know.  And soon you can show him off to the
world.  Listen I will go get Angel and tell him to come talk to
you.  And I will talk to Bry boy and let him know what happened.
We can work it out so that he isn't around Rye as much and limit
his touching and stuff," Shane whispered.

Mark sat up straight, "NO!"  It was said forcefully and with
some anger. "You don't understand, I am not upset that they
were holding hands, just that it wasn't me and can't be me.
That people saw them and thought they were a couple.  It would
kill them both if they had to stop loving each other and I don't
want that."

Shane nodded and pulled Mark to him again, "Okay fella, just
checking.  I don't ever want there to be jealousy amongst us so
I just wanted to be sure."

"You were testing me?" Mark asked.

"Yeah sort of," Shane confessed.

A knock on the door made them turn and Jill stuck her head in.

"What's wrong?" she asked as she saw the men huddled together on
the floor holding each other.

"I'll explain it to you all in a minute, could you go get Angel
and tell him Mark needs him please?" Shane asked.

"Sure boyo, right away.  Love you fella," Jill said then left.

- Telling the Tale -

Jill walked out to the living room and turned the t.v. off.

"Hey," everyone complained.

"Mark needs you Angel, right now," Jill said softly but seriously.

Everyone rose at the same time.

"Just Rye for now, Shane will come tell us what's wrong," Jill
raised her hand to stop everyone from rushing to Mark.

Rye's face was clouded with worry as he left to the bedroom.
Jill sat down and waited for Shane who arrived a few minutes
later.

"What's wrong with Mark?  Why can't we go to him?" Nicky asked
with concern.

"Mark is just really upset.  Basically he was upset when he
heard that Bry boy and Angel were holding hands in public and
were mistaken for a couple," Shane said as he sat next to Bryan
and embraced him.

"What?" Bryan asked, his face dropping and tears coming to his
eyes.

"He wasn't mad that you were doing it, or jealous or anything bad.
He just felt it was unfair that you were able to hold Angel's hand
in public and he can't.  I made sure to ask him if he was jealous
or if he wanted you to stop touching Rye and he got super pissed
at me and told me that wasn't it and I believe him," Shane's voice
trailed off as he looked at Bryan.

Bryan had gone numb when Shane had made the announcement.  He just
sort of shut down.  His heart was breaking.  He had hurt Mark
unintentionally and so he had also hurt Rye.  Were they going to
leave him now?  What would he do if they stopped loving him?  He
had heard none of Shane's explanation.

"Bryan?  Bryan!" Shane was becoming panicked.  Bryan was not
reacting to anything.  Taking a cue from Jill he slapped Bryan's
face.  His heart started to pound in his chest when Bryan didn't
react at all.

"BRYAN!" Nicky yelled as he began to shake Bryan.  It was like
he had gone catatonic.

Bryan could vaguely see people around him.  They seemed to be
talking to him.  Someone hit him but he didn't feel it.  Wasn't
he supposed to feel it when someone hit him?  He couldn't feel
anything.  Why was it getting dark?

- What Happened In With Mark -

After Shane had explained what was wrong Rye grabbed onto Mark
and held him tightly.

"My fella, my fella.  I won't ever do it again, not ever.  I will
only hold you from now on I swear.  I love you so much please
don't be mad at me.  I promise I won't ever do it again, please
don't hate me," Rye sobbed.

Mark held onto his man and sobbed as well, "I love you my Angel,
I am not mad at you and I don't hate you.  I was just jealous
cuz I want it to be me you hold hands with in public."

"I will never touch any of the boys again, ever, I swear it.
Only you from now on," Rye promised.

Shane's heart thudded heavily in his chest.  All it would take
would be for Mark to agree and Angel would be taken from them.

"No no no.  That's not what I want or what I meant.  I love you
all, I love Bryan.  I want you to hug and kiss him, I love doing
it too.  It was just me being silly jealous about something
completely innocent.  It's just my own silliness that's behind
all this.  Let's just forget it okay," Mark said in between sobs.

"I love you my fella, I will do whatever you tell me to do," Rye
begged.

"Then let's stop crying, hold onto each other and get past this
silly little fit of jealousy I had.  It was just I thought it
should be me instead of Bryan that people see you with but I
realize how wrong that is.  We should all be able to express
ourselves in public like that and someday soon we can," Mark
said.

Suddenly they heard Nicky's voice raised in alarm shouting Bryan's
name.  They turned and realized that Shane had left them.  They
quickly stood and left to the living room.

- Saving Bryan -

Mark and Rye came out into the living room at the sounds of
yelling and saw Bryan sitting there with tears running down his
face.  They saw Shane slap him across the face and became panicked
themselves when there was no reaction from Bryan.

"What's going on?" Mark asked.

"He just went all funny when I started to tell him about why you
were upset and now he won't react to anything," Shane said through
his tears.

Mark's eyes began to tear up.  This was his fault too.  His stupid
insecurities had caused this.  He sat down in front of Bryan and
looked into his eyes.  Bryan's eyes did not seem to see him, just
look through him, Mark shivered involuntarily.

"Bry boy come on it's okay.  Everything is okay now.  Everyone
still loves you and nobody is mad.  I still love you so much and
I am sorry I was upset over something so small.  Come on Bryan,"
Mark encouraged.

"Someone call an ambulance or something," Kian said feeling panic
grip his heart as well.

Rye moved forward and gently moved Mark to the side.

"Bry boy," he said softly, "come back to us Bry boy.  I will die
without you.  You are scaring us all.  We all still love you and
nothing has changed I promise."

There was still no reaction from Bryan and Shane was in hysterics
as he watched the empty eyes of Bryan.

"Touch him Angel," Mark said suddenly.  Rye looked at Mark in
confusion.

Mark reached out and took Bryan's unresisting hand and held it to
his chest then placed his hand on Rye's chest.  Rye understood
and put his hand on Bryan's chest.  Immediately the two men went
into sync, the world fading away around them.  They could feel
Bryan's heart, so slow, willing itself to fail.  They pushed their
love outward and enfolded Bryan in it.

For those standing watching they could see the effect.  The
familiar sensation of love was there again.  The group watched
as the lovers turned their eyes to Bryan.  For a few moments
nothing happened, then there was an overpowering feeling of love
that passed like a visible ripple through the room and Bryan took
a deep shuddering breath and began to cry.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he sobbed as he fell into Mark's arms.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and began to cry softly as the
two men held each other tightly.  Nobody was completely sure what
had happened but it was over now and everyone seemed safe.

Rye moved to take hold of Shane and Nicky who were trembling with
relief, while Mark and Bryan continued to hold each other tightly.
Suddenly Bryan went limp and Shane panicked again.

"Bryan!" he shouted.

"It's okay boyo, he just passed out this time," Mark said as he
lifted Bryan in his arms and held him protectively, "I will take
him to our room and stay with him for a few minutes until he wakes
up.  I think we need to be together for a bit.  Then I will come
and get you so you can be with him.  Okay?"

"Yeah okay, be sure to come get us though," Nicky said, still
worried about Bryan.

"I will, everything is going to be fine.  We will talk and we
will all be closer when this is over.  I love him so much and I
am not going to leave him until he really knows it," Mark said as
he gently cradled Bryan in his arms and left for the bedroom.

- Rebuilding a Friendship -

Mark gently lay Bryan down then stripped him of his clothes.  He
stripped down himself then lay half on top of Bryan, wrapping his
legs around him.

"Come on my boy wake up now," Mark gently encouraged.

As if hearing this command Bryan awoke.  He immediately clutched
onto Mark again.

"I'm so sorry Mark I will never touch Angel again, I won't share
with him any more or even be in the same room with him if you
don't want me to.  Just don't go away and don't take him away
from the others okay?" Bryan sobbed.

Mark's heart broke and he fell onto Bryan's chest and sobbed like
a lost child.  How had he managed to hurt so many people over such
a small little thing.  His fit of jealousy had turned an innocent
act of friendship into something so devastating it had nearly
destroyed them all.  When he had finally recovered he looked into
Bryan's eyes and smiled softly.

"Bry boy, my sweet bry boy.  I am so sorry for what I did to you.
I was jealous, not of you two being together, but that it wasn't
me that could so openly hold my man.  I am going to have to be
making this up to the two of you for years before I feel better
about it," Mark said.

"What? No..." Bryan began but Mark cut him off.

"Yes.  It was so silly of me and I almost destroyed us all.  You
are not allowed to stop touching or kissing him.  And you will do
it as often and whenever you want.  You will still share with us
as much as you want and you will still be with him alone and share
as well.  I am so ashamed of how selfishly I acted that I am going
to find it hard to look my friends in the eyes for a while," Mark
confessed.

Bryan sighed and squeezed Mark then moved to kiss him on the mouth.

"Between the two of us we manage to fuck things up pretty good
don't we?" Bryan asked.

"Yeah, I wonder why they love us?" Mark asked with a giggle as he
returned the kiss.

The two men continued to hold each other, every now and then
gently kissing the other.

"What happened to you out there Bry boy?  You really scared us,"
Mark finally broke the silence.

"I think I was dying.  I thought I was losing it all.  You, Angel,
even my boys.  I thought they were gonna be mad too.  I just gave
up,"  Bryan whispered, seemingly scared to even say the words now.

Mark raised his head and looked into Bryan's eyes and saw the
truth there.  He moved to lay on top of Bryan and hold him close.

"I swear to you Bry boy.  Nothing will ever come between any of
us ever again.  We are all seven meant to be together.  Things
can go back to the way they were, like I want them to be, and we
can continue to all love each other like we are meant to," Mark
said.

Bryan nodded and held onto Mark, moving his hands all over to
touch Mark's body as it lay on him.  It wasn't sexual, just a
means of letting each other know they were loved.

- Decision Time -

"That was so scary," Nicky sobbed.  He was immediately taken into
Jill's arms.

"It's okay Love, it's all fixed now.  Just try to relax a bit and
calm down," Jill said as she rocked her friend gently.  Kian came
and also took Nicky into his arms and stroked his arm lovingly
placing kisses on his neck.

On the other end of the couch Rye and Shane held each other and
comforted each other.  Matt, Andy, Ed and Jay had all left for
the moment, realizing that this was something between the group.

"We need to come out publicly.  Now.  I mean tomorrow at the
interview.  There is no real reason we can't and it just needs
to be done,"  Rye suddenly said.

Nobody said anything for a few minutes until Shane finally spoke
up.

"Yeah Angel, let's do it.  Do you know how you want to do it?"
Shane asked.

"I will surprise him tomorrow at the interview.  After you guys
do your first song, you can say that as a special surprise I am
going to sing.  You can move a stool to the center of the stage
and sit Mark on it.  I will come out and sing to him and then
tell him I love him and kiss him," Rye said.

Shane nodded his head on Rye's chest. "It will be beautiful Angel.
And he will be so surprised."

"Are you sure it's okay?  I know we wanted to wait till later but
all the reasons for waiting don't really exist any more," Rye said,
seeming to hesitate now that he had actually suggested it.

"No Angel, it's perfect.  There is no need to wait any more and
we all want it for both of you.  I think we all need it, so we
can all show more affection publicly, but especially to you our
Angel," Kian smiled.

"Let's go see if everything is okay with the other two now," Shane
said as he rose.

Together the group went to the bedroom and opened the door to see
their two friends lying together in an embrace.  Mark and Bryan
both smiled and looked up as their friends entered.

"We all good now?" Jill asked.

Both Mark and Bryan nodded.

"Everyone climb in and snuggle for a bit before supper gets here,"
Mark said.

The group got into bed, each person snuggling with their own lover
but also reaching out every now and then to touch one of their
friends.  After about 15 minutes the silence was broken by Mark.

"I know you are all going to say I don't have to but I want to
apologize.  My jealousy almost destroyed the things I hold most
precious in my life and I am sorry.  Nothing has changed and you
all can hug and kiss and touch both Rye and me as much as ever.
It will never happen again I promise.  Things are good again,
right?" Mark asked.

"Things are good again, and only gonna get better," Rye smiled
and caught the smile on Shane's face as well.

"When is the food gonna get here, I am starved," Bryan said,
causing everyone to laugh and release the last of the tension.

- The Others -

Matt, Andy, Ed and Jay had all quietly gotten up and left as soon
as Rye and Mark had gotten Bryan to react.  This was obviously a
personal situation and once the immediate danger of Bryan was over
they got up and left.

"That was so scary," Andy said, unknowingly echoing the words of
Nicky.

Matt took Andy into his arms and held him, "They will all work
it out.  They love each other too much to let something like
that get in their way."

"It's true Andy.  You weren't there for friends and family, but
their love is so strong you can actually feel it.  I mean you
felt it when they did whatever they did to Bryan.  That is
something so strong that nothing can really break it," Ed said
softly as he too wrapped his arms around his lover who nodded.

"Do you think they will still let us share with them like this
morning?" Andy asked then went red as he looked at Ed and Jay.

"It's okay, we know about their sharing," Jay said.

"Well, it's not quite like that.  We didn't do anything sexually
we just all held onto each other and felt each other's love," Matt
clarified.

Both Ed and Jay nodded.

"It wouldn't have mattered to us if it had been sex.  We have
seen how special they are and wouldn't have thought badly of
anyone if it had been sex," Jay said.

"Okay," Matt said then turned back to Andy, "I think we will still
be allowed to cuddle with them.  I think everything will be fixed
really quickly and everything will be back to normal."

The phone ringing in the room stopped conversation briefly.  Ed
hung up the phone and said, "Food's here.  Should we go get them?"

"Let's take it and set it up then one of us will go see," suggested
Matt.

So that's what they did.  They set out the massive amount of food
then stood there trying to decide who to send.  Finally Andy
shrugged and said he would go.

- Comfort Food -

Andy knocked on the bedroom door and heard Jill's voice say he
could come in.  He opened the door and saw the group all on the
bed holding each other.  Mark and Bryan were obviously naked but
the rest were clothed.

"Everything okay again?" Andy asked.

"Everything is fine and back to normal," Rye said as he cuddled
Shane.

"I am so glad.  Food's here and waiting," Andy smiled.

"Let's do another movie night thing.  We can all get into our
underwear and pajama's and eat our food while watching the video's
we did today.  Then all just cuddle up and watch some other movies
or something," Bryan suggested.

Everyone nodded.

"Oh okay.  Well we'll seeya tomorrow then," Andy said sadly.

"No, we mean you four guys as well.  All of us," Bryan clarified.

"Really?  Okay cool.  We'll be right back," Andy said and bounded
happily out of the room.

"Okay guys, same rules as always, can't be with your own partner.
I am with Bry boy for most of the night.  We still need to hold
each other," Mark said as he gently nibbled on Bryan's shoulder.

"Okay, let's go," Jill said as she dragged Kian out to their
bedroom to change.

In a few minutes everyone was back in the living area.  Ed and Jay
were in sleep pants while everyone else was in boxer's.  Even Jill
wore a pair of Kian's boxers and the ratty old N'Sync t-shirt.

"Okay so for you four who don't know the rules.  We all sit and
watch movies and cuddle and snuggle, but we can't be with our own
lover.  It's not about making out it's about being with friends,
although there is usually some making out involved.  Now for you
four, the word is always stop.  Just say stop and whatever was
happening stops.  Everyone okay with that?" Rye asked and got nods
all around.

Everyone began to get food and find places to sit.  Nobody was
really cuddling right away as they were too intent on eating.
The room was quiet as everyone filled up.  Finally the meal was
done and the room cleared.

Suddenly Bryan stood up and asked, "Who knows why hugs are like
chinese food?"

Mark laughed and stood to wrap Bryan in a hug, "Because after an
hour you need more."

Everyone laughed as the two men held each other.

"Okay find your partners and let's watch the video's we made
today," Rye said.

Bryan and Mark took a love seat and sat down together.  Rye went
to Matt and took his hand and led him over to Ed and took his
hand.  Together the three men sat on the floor in front of one of
the sofas.  Rye was placed in the middle and was enfolded in the
massive arms of the two men.  Matt shyly leaned over and kissed
Rye then did the same to Ed who blushed furiously.  Andy went and
immediately took Shane's hand and smiled then turned and took Jill's
hand and led these two to the couch.  Shane lay his head on Andy's
lap and let both Andy and Jill stroke his hair.  Kian and Nicky
both went to Jay and took a hand leading him to the last couch.
Jay was in the middle and both Kian and Nicky lay their heads down
on his chest, kissing first each other then Jay.

"Everybody ready?" Mark asked as he looked around at his
brothers and lovers and friends.  He smiled and hit the button
on the remote.  For the next several hours everyone laughed and
giggled while they cuddled with their friends.  The video's were
hilarious and Bryan was the star attraction.  Finally they were
over.

"I know we were going to watch more but I am exhausted.  I am
going to bed," Bryan said.  He walked over to Shane and kissed
him gently saying, "Have a good night tonight our boyo."

"I am coming back with you tonight.  I want to be with my Bry boy
tonight," Shane said as he stood.  Bryan's face looked stricken.

"No, it's okay I am fine.  Go share with them," Bryan said.

"I want to be with you though," Shane said softly as he held
Bryan's waist.

"Why don't you be with your boys tonight and come to us in the
morning Boyo?" Rye suggested.

"Yeah okay," Shane said then turned, "you're not mad are you?"

Rye chuckled softly and ran his hand up Shane's back to his neck
where he softly placed a kiss.

"Of course not my Boyo, go be with your lover's tonight then come
to us in the morning to share our love," Rye said softly, his
love flowing over Shane.

The boyfriends said their good nights and went to their room.  Ed
and Jay also stood.

"We will see you all tomorrow as well.  I am glad everything
worked out so well.  Cuddling with you all was fun, we would like
to do it again some time," Jay said as they left for their room.

"Night guys," Jill said and waved as she and Kian also left.

"Wow the place clears out fast huh?  Well goodnight guys, we had
fun tonight after all the drama was over," Matt said.

Rye looked at Mark with a question in his eyes and saw Mark nod.
He approached Matt and Andy.

"Would you two like to come spend the night with us.  To cuddle
and hold each other as we all fall asleep?" Rye asked.

Matt turned to Andy and saw him nod eagerly, "Yeah that would be
nice," Matt answered.

Together the four men went to the bedroom together.

- The Boyfriends -

The three men walked to their bedroom hand in hand and closed the
door behind them.  Nicky turned to Bryan and pushed him against
the door, holding him there with his arm.

"Don't ever fucking do that again, there is nothing you could do
that would make us leave you and you damn well better not try to
check out like that again on us," Nicky said forcefully with
tears falling down his face.

"Nicky Love," Shane rubbed Nicky's shoulder trying to calm him.

"No, I am so mad that he thought we would ever leave him and that
he would try to will himself to die I can't keep it in any more,"
Nicky sobbed.

"I'm sorry, I just didn't think.  You know how I am like that.
But never again I swear, I am yours forever.  I belong to you all
but especially to you and boyo.  Please forgive me," Bryan begged.

Nicky still stared at Bryan angrily as he wept then suddenly his
anger and fear gave way and he grabbed onto Bryan and held him
tightly.

"I love you so much Bry boy, but you scared me so badly.  If you
had died I would have died too, I need you both in my life and
without one of you I would die I know it," Nicky sobbed.

Shane held onto Nicky from behind while Bryan held him from the
front.

"Nicky Love, I am always yours.  Do you want me to make love to
you tonight, to let you know you are mine and I am yours?" Bryan
asked.

"No, tonight I am going to make love to you so you know what you
will be missing if you ever leave," Nicky chuckled and drew Bryan
and Shane to the washroom with him.  There was still a little
sadness in his eyes but it was quickly being replaced by a naughty
look.

"Me too.  Tonight we are gonna wear you out Bry boy so that we
can make sure you never ever have any doubts as to how much we
love you," Shane said.

"I don't doubt it any more, I swear," Bryan said trying to
convince them, still not picking up on the playful tone of his
two lovers.

Shane realized this and stopped them all, "Bry boy, we know that,
we really do.  We are trying to be sexy now."

Bryan blushed deeply, "Oh, sorry.  Carry on then,"

Everyone laughed as they closed the door behind them.  In a short
time all three were back and damp from their shower.

"Okay Bry boy, tonight like you did us before, long and slow.
Now on your back," Nicky growled.

Bryan giggled merrily and lay down then lifted his legs.  "My boys
I love you both so much and I am yours forever.  Now show me how
much you love me please.  I want you both in me so bad."

The boys could tell how badly he wanted them, his pucker was
already pulsing in anticipation, begging to be filled.

"Okay I am first then Boyo, then me again then Boyo again," Nicky
smiled.

Bryan moaned, "Oh God yeah I want you to make love to me all
night."

Nicky lubed up and pushed in slowly drawing a moan from Bryan.

"Oh that feels so good Nicky Love, thank you for loving me, thank
you both," Bryan sighed as Nicky slowly withdrew.

"Tonight you will know just how much we love you our boy," Shane
said as he moved to bite Bryan gently on the neck.

- Pup and Blue -

"Wow this has been quite a day," Jay said.

"It ended nice though.  You weren't upset or bothered by the
cuddling were you?" Ed asked.

"No not at all, how bout you?" Jay asked back.

"No.  It was nice actually.  The protector in me really came out
as I held onto Rye.  And he kept rubbing my leg which felt nice.
It got me hard at first but after it was just nice," Ed confessed.

"Yeah with both Kian and Nicky holding me I was hard for most of
the night.  I mean they kept kissing and rubbing me, but it was
nice too.  Actually though, what really made me hard was watching
you with Rye and Matt," Jay blushed.

"Really?  Me too.  I mean seeing those other two touching you and
kissing you just did something to me.  It was so sexy," Ed also
blushed as he took Jay into his arms.

"Shouldn't we be like jealous or something when we see someone
else touching our lover though?" Jay asked.

"Maybe if it was someone else.  But we both know that none of
those boys is a threat to our relationship.  They love each
other so much that cheating would never occur to them.  And
we love each other the same.  So seeing you with one of them
was just, you know, sexy," Ed finished lamely but Jay seemed to
understand.

"Let's make love to each other tonight my Blue.  I need you in me
but I need to be in you too," Jay said as he wrapped his arms
around Ed.

"Rye told me and Matt about a special way of doing it.  I will
teach you then you can do it to me," Ed said.

"You were talking about sex to Rye?" Jay said with surprise.

"Umm, yeah.  I had some questions about different ways to do it,
just to try something new, not because I am not satisfied or
anything," Ed stuttered.

"It's okay Blue, I am not mad.  So what else did he tell you?"
Jay asked.

"Well, he explained about Matt and Andy cuddling with them in the
morning, just to make sure I understood, and invited us to join
them if we ever wanted," Ed said.

"We could do that sometimes, it's kind of fun.  Never sex, but
the cuddling is nice.  I talked to Nicky and Kian too about the
cuddling.  We never have to worry about it going beyond that.
They are all totally committed to each other and would never
bring anyone else in on it.  So you ready to take me to heaven?"
Jay asked.

"Oh yeah, let's get ready," Ed said as he led Jay to the bathroom.

- The Lovers -

"You sure you guys are okay with this?" Rye asked.

Both Matt and Andy nodded and smiled.

"It's really cool, it's sort of sexy but also just kind of nice,"
Andy said.

"Okay well let's strip down then.  You two want to get in the
middle?" Mark asked.

"Yeah," Matt said with a little nervousness.

Everyone stripped down and got into bed.  Both Matt and Andy were
hard.

"Sorry bout being hard," Andy said as he snuggled into Mark.

"It's okay Andy, I am getting hard too.  There's nothing wrong
with that.  Would you like to look at me?" Mark asked.

"Can I?" Andy asked nervously.

"Sure, and you can touch as well," Mark said.

Everyone watched as Andy peeled back the sheets and stared at
Mark's body.

"You're beautiful," he whispered then looked at the other naked
men in the bed with him and continued, "you all are."

"So are you Andy," Rye said softly.

"I'm just a kid," Andy said softly casting his eyes down.

"You are younger, but that doesn't make you any less beautiful.
Want to play a game?" Mark asked.

"Okay," Andy nodded.

"We haven't done this before, well not like this, so it's new to
us too.  Just lie down," Mark said.

Everyone lay down and Mark pulled the sheets off of everyone.  He
moved to the end of the bed and stood up on his knees facing the
men.  He moved to Rye and smiled sweetly.

"Angel you are beautiful.  I love to look at your tummy.  Can I
touch your tummy?" Mark asked, then moved forward to run his hands
lovingly over Rye's belly when Rye nodded.  He continued for some
time until he had satisfied himself.

Mark moved back to the end of the bed and looked at Matt and
smiled, this time a little shyly.

"Matt you are beautiful.  I love to look at your thighs, they are
so strong and powerful.  Can I touch your thighs Matt?" Mark asked
and Matt nodded.

Mark moved forward a bit and gently placed his hands on Matt's
thighs, then gently began to stroke them.  He did this for some
time, until he was satisfied with what he had done and smiled and
moved back.  He looked at Andy and smiled brightly.

"Andy you are beautiful.  I love to look at your face, your skin
is so smooth and the color is so lovely.  Can I touch your face
Andy?" Mark asked and Andy gulped audibly then nodded.

Mark moved up, not to the side of Andy but straddling his belly.
He reached out and ran his fingertips along Andy's jawline and
touched his lips.  Gently he stroked Andy's forehead.  When he
had finished he bent down and softly kissed Andy's lips.  Then
he lay down beside Andy.

"Me next," Rye said as he scooted to the end of the bed.

"Okay my fella, you are beautiful, and I love looking at your bum,
it is so sexy.  Can I touch your bum?" Rye asked.

Mark giggled and rolled over.  Andy and Matt watched as Rye
touched Mark's bum for a long time until he was satisfied, then
he leaned down and placed a kiss in the small of Mark's back.
Mark sighed and rolled over, his very erect cock slapping his
stomach and leaving a smear of precum.

"If we keep this up we are gonna cum," Mark said.

"Th th that would be okay, I mean if it's alright with you guys,"
Andy said with a nervous stutter.

"Are you sure Andy?  We aren't going to share like we do with the
boys, but we could make each other cum, that would be within the
rules," Rye said.

Andy looked at Matt who nodded quickly.  Rye moved to kneel beside
Andy.

"Andy you are beautiful.  I love to look at your legs.  They are
so lean and muscular.  May I touch your legs Andy?"  Rye asked and
smiled as Andy nodded.

Rye began at Andy's calves and slowly stroked Andy's legs.  He
moved Andy a bit so he could move his hands between Andy's thighs.
Andy was becoming very aroused and without warning shot off all
over his chest.  Rye did not stop touching him, not yet satisfied.
Andy looked very embarrassed but Mark had moved and grabbed a tee
shirt and gently cleaned Andy off.  Finally Rye was satisfied and
he smiled at Andy.

"Thank you Andy,"  He moved on to Matt, "Matt you are beautiful.
I love to look at your back, it is so strong and muscular.  May
I touch your back Matt?"

Matt smiled and rolled over and moaned as he felt Rye's hands
touch his back.  Rye did not rub his back or even put his whole
hand on Matt's back, instead he slowly traced the muscles of
Matt's back with his finger.  Matt continuosly shivered in
delight at the touches.  Finally Rye stopped.

"Thank you all, that was very nice," Rye said then turned to
Andy, "and don't worry about it Andy.  I think we will all cum
tonight."

Andy blushed and nodded.

"You go first Andy, so you don't have to be last," Matt whispered.

Andy nodded and kneeled at the end of the bed, his cock already
rigid again.  He looked at Matt and smiled widely.

"You are beautiful to me Matt.  I love your arms, the way they
hold me makes me feel safe.  May I touch your arms Matt?" Andy
asked.  Matt gulped and nodded.

Andy moved up and straddled Matt's belly then reached down and
brought Matt's hand up to rest on his own chest.  Matt closed his
eyes as Andy began to stroke and kiss his arm.  Andy played with
the soft downy hair in Matt's underarm and leaned forward to lick
and kiss both his underarms.  When Andy was finished he leaned
down and kissed Matt's lips.

"Wow, that was so hot Andy," Matt said.

Andy smiled and kneeled in front of Rye.

"Rye you are beautiful.  I love...." Andy paused with a look on
his face that said he was unsure of how to continue.

"It's okay Andy, you are allowed to say it and to touch it," Mark
said gently.

Andy shifted his eyes to Matt who also nodded then looked at Rye
for permission to continue.  Rye smiled and nodded.

"I love your cock, it's so beautiful," Andy said then stopped.

"Would you like to touch it Andy?" Matt asked.

Andy nodded.

"Then go ahead Andy, it's okay.  I think you will make me cum,"
Rye said.

Andy scooted forward and using his fingertips he gently stroked
Rye's balls and up the shaft.  He didn't jerk Rye off, it was
just a tender exploration, but soon Rye shivered and released
across his belly.  Andy continued to touch Rye's cock as it
finished shooting and watched as it slowly deflated a bit.  He
finally sat back and smiled.

"Thank you," he whispered as he continued to watch Rye's cock.

"Thank you Andy," Rye smiled shyly as Matt gently cleaned him off
with the tee shirt Mark had handed him.

Andy moved to kneel by Mark.

"Mark you are beautiful.  I love to look at your hands, they are
so warm and caring.  Can I touch your hands Mark?" Andy asked.
Mark was surprised by this but nodded.

Andy moved up to straddle Mark's belly and took Mark's hand in
his.  He began to trace around Mark's fingers and palm, then moved
it to his mouth.  He began to gently kiss the fingertips then to
suck on the fingers.  Suddenly without warning Mark tensed and
Andy felt hot cum hit his back.  He continued to suck and touch
Mark's hand till he was satisfied, then leaned down and kissed
Mark on the mouth.  He let Matt clean them both off before he lay
down again.

"That was amazing Andy.  Thank you," Mark breathed.

"Only you left Matt," Rye said.

Matt nodded and went to the end of the bed.  He looked at the
three men laying there, all hard.  His own cock ached for release.

"You are beautiful Mark, and I love looking at your hair," Matt
blushed deeply at his admission, "May I touch your hair?"

Again Mark was surprised at what someone else found beautiful
about him but he nodded.

Matt moved and straddled Mark's belly and reached for Mark's hair
then stopped.

"What's wrong?" Mark asked softly as he reached out and held
Matt's hand.

"I am so ready to shoot..." Matt stopped with embarrassment.

"It's okay big guy, whenever you're ready," Mark smiled as he
brought Matt's hand to his hair.

Matt stroked Mark's hair lovingly, gently running his fingers
through it.  Mark felt Matt's body tense and felt the hot cum hit
his chest.  Matt closed his eyes and moaned as he continued to
run his fingers through Mark's hair.  As his cock deflated Mark
felt it dip and touch his belly but continued to let Matt stroke
his hair.  Finally Matt moved a bit and reached for the tee shirt
to clean them both off.

"Thank you Mark," Matt said calmly.

"My pleasure big guy," Mark smiled.

Matt moved over and looked at Rye.

"You are beautiful Rye.  I love your bum.  It's so....perfect,"
Matt said unable to come up with any other description, "May I
touch your bum?"

Rye smiled and rolled over and spread his legs to give Matt full
access.  Matt smiled and moved forward to place his hands on Rye's
ass.  Matt kneaded Rye's ass for a long time, spreading his cheeks
to look at his hole.  After some time he finally stopped and sighed.

"That was wonderful, thank you Rye," Matt said.

"You almost made me cum again big guy, thanks," Rye said.

Matt moved now and knelt in front of Andy.

"You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  More than
anything I love your chest and nipples.  May I touch them please?"
Matt asked, desire evident in his voice.

Andy nodded and his cock twitched.

Matt moved forward and ran his hand gently along Andy's chest.
Andy moaned.

"Big guy, it's just us here, do this like you really want to okay.
Make your boy cum again," Mark encouraged.

Matt looked at Rye and Mark, the desire to do just that, obvious
in his eyes. He looked at Andy who smiled and nodded.

"I wanted to do it when we were with the others too.  I don't
mind if others watch, make me cum my beautiful lover," Andy
begged.

Matt moved forward laying his belly on Andy's hardness and taking
Andy's already hard nipple into his mouth.  Andy moaned softly and
put his hands on Matt's head.  Matt sucked and bit at Andy's
nipple while rubbing his belly gently against Andy's hard cock.
Mark and Rye watched with smiles on their lips as Matt brought
Andy over.

As Andy lay panting, Matt looked at Rye, "Can I clean him off?" he
whispered.

Rye nodded and Matt moved down to lick Andy's belly and cock clean
then quickly cleaned himself off and lay back down, pulling Andy
into him.

"That was so much fun, all of it I mean.  Can we do it again some
time?" Andy asked.

"Sure we often have one of the boys in here sharing with us in the
mornings, but we can figure out how to have you in here as often
as you like," Mark said.

"And I know that the boys want you to cuddle with them as well, so
you can do that I think as often as you like as well.  In fact I
know that tomorrow night is Kian's night with us so if you wanted
to ask, I bet you could be with them then," Rye said.

"That was all so great, really, but I am gonna fall asleep soon,"
Andy said with a yawn.

"Then sleep my friend," Mark whispered as he kissed Andy.  He then
leaned over to kiss Matt then Rye, giving Rye a deep kiss.  The
others all followed suit, giving kisses out to everyone then lay
down and snuggled in closely to their friends and lovers.  They
fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms and each other's love.

- Later That Night -

Mark woke feeling that something was wrong.  He sat up at the same
time Matt did so.

"I think Rye is having a nightmare, he's all sweaty and whimpering
and moving around," Matt said.

Just then Rye sat bolt upright and screamed.  Immediately Matt
threw his arms around Rye and held him while Mark quickly moved
to hold him from the other side.

"Angel it's okay, we're here," Mark said.

Andy was by now wide awake and sitting up as well.  As he watched
Rye being comforted he felt suddenly useless.  He quickly got out
of bed and ran to the boyfriends room.

"Guys!" he said loudly as he shook the men.

"Mmmmph," Bryan said.

"Rye had a nightmare, I think he needs you all," Andy said.

Instantly all three men were up and out of bed running to be with
Rye, while Andy went to get Jill and Kian.  Soon everyone was in
the big bed with Rye in the middle of a huddle of arms.

"Thanks guys, I feel silly though, it was just a bad dream," Rye
blushed.

"What was it about?" Jill asked quietly as she stroked Rye's
forehead from her position on the bed.

"Promise not to laugh?" Rye asked.  Everyone rolled their eyes
and nodded.

"Okay well, it was about the day that I was shot.  I got out to
take the money to the van and out stepped Mark with the gun and
shot me.  Then I fell only it wasn't me anymore.  I was looking
down and it was all of you that were shot, and I was holding the
gun," Rye said it quickly and dispassionately.

Everyone just sat there looking stunned until Mark reached out
and stroked Rye's face.

"None of us are ever leaving you my love, I swear it," Mark said,
his voice thick with emotion.  "I am sorry for today, I think it
was all that drama that did this to you.  And it sort of makes
sense with the dream too, I mean in the dream I was the one who
shot you then took away everyone from you.  I am so sorry my love,
my Angel."

Rye pulled Mark to him and held him in his arms.

"Let's all sleep in here tonight.  I know it was just a dream but
I need all my boys with me tonight," Rye said.

Everyone nodded and Matt and Andy got up to leave.

"Where do you think you two are going?" Kian asked.

"Ummm...well we just thought..." Matt stumbled to a halt.

"Well you thought wrong, come on back in.  Like before, pick
someone to cuddle with," Kian said.

Matt smiled and climbed in on the other side of Kian so that Kian
was between him and Jill.  He placed his arm around Kian's belly
and pulled him down to him, while Jill smiled brightly and lay her
head down on Kian's chest.

"Could I snuggle with you and Nicky tonight?" Andy asked of Shane.

Nicky held his arms out to Andy in answer.  Nicky let himself be
folded up in the arms of the two men.

Mark lay his head down on Rye's shoulder and smiled then looked
up to see a very sad faced Bryan.

"Coming in Bry boy?" Mark asked then sat up straight.  "Bry boy we
straightened this out, now get in here and snuggle with our Angel,
he needs us both tonight and I need you."

Bryan looked uncertain, then his face lit up as he smiled broadly
and climbed in to lie on the other side of Rye.  Once everyone
was snuggled up someone turned the lights out and everyone began
to drift off to sleep.

"It's Shane's morning to share later this morning, so once we
all get up we have to clear out," Nicky's voice said into the
stillness.

"Mmmm...okay," a sleepy Andy said.  Someone could be heard kissing
someone else.

"Are you kissing my man?" Matt asked into the darkness.

"Yes," Shane giggled back.

"Okay, just checking," Matt answered then kissed Kian who kissed
him back.

There were more kissing sounds for a few minutes before everyone
calmed back down and finally fell asleep again.

- Paul and Trevor -

"You were so wonderful last night my love," Trevor whispered into
Paul's neck.

"You weren't so bad yourself, I can still feel you inside me,"
Paul giggled as Trevor tickled his neck with his tongue.

"I could go for a repeat this morning, do we have time to make
love to each other again?" Trevor asked.

"Not really, we are supposed to be at the club by noon to help
set up for the MTV broadcast.  As much as I want to make love
again, I don't want to be late and disappoint Maria," Paul said.

"Yeah me either.  Okay let's get ready then," Trevor said as he
hopped out of bed and headed for the shower.

Paul let him get the water ready before joining him.  So it was
a much more relaxed couple that sat down for a quick breakfast.
They left for the club about an hour later with plenty of time
to spare.

"Hey Mom you here yet," Trevor called into the club.

The lights suddenly all went on and Maria called out, "Just got
in a few seconds ago, you must have been right behind me."

"Yeah must have been," Paul said as he hugged Maria.

"Hey Mom, DJ had a great idea for a welcome home gift.  A painting
of each of the couples, one of Mark and Rye, one of Shane, Bryan
and Nicky, and one of Jill and Kian," Trevor said as he also
hugged Maria.

"That sounds wonderful.  That can be from you two," Maria said.

Trevor stopped suddenly then looked at Paul, "Well that's not
really true or fair, I mean it's just DJ who is painting I
wouldn't be contributing anything."

Trevor sounded suddenly very unhappy and Paul took him into an
embrace.

"It would be from both of us because we are a couple," Paul said
softly but Trevor obviously wasn't convinced.

"Trevor baby, why don't you buy the frames for them.  You can get
the measurements from Paul and then you can get nice frames for
them," Maria suggested.

Paul nodded happily, "Yeah, they are going to need to be framed
if we are giving them as gifts."

"And I have a cd from Rye showing pictures of all the boys from
their last day here.  Trevor you could pick out the best pictures
of all the couples and Paul could use them for the painting.  I
know there are all kinds showing each couple in intimate poses,"
Maria continued.

Trevor finally nodded, happy with the contribution he would be
making.  Paul kissed him softly.

"Alright, so we want a couple of tables set up.  One for lunch
which is going to be sandwiches, and the other for drinks which
will be water and soda's," Maria said. "We need a bunch of chairs
set up sort of centre stage here.  The kitchen staff will be in
shortly to start the sandwiches.  We have about 2 hours till the
interview so that should be plenty of time."

- Loving Shane -

Jill and Kian had already left for some loving of their own.
Bryan and Nicky had taken Matt and Andy out to a fast food
restaurant for lunch.  So Shane and the lovers were left
cuddling in the big bed.

"Do you guys mind if we just cuddle all morning?" Shane asked
softly.

"Of course not, this is your time, you can do whatever you want,"
Rye said as he snuggled in closely to Shane.

"I just feel like I need to be held," Shane said with a quaver in
his voice.

"Oh my boyo what's wrong?" Mark asked as he also pulled in closely
to Shane.

"I was just so scared yesterday.  Scared that I might lose Angel
when he said he wouldn't be with us any more if you said he
couldn't be.  Scared that Bryan almost let himself die and I
would lose him.  Just scared," Shane confessed as he let a tear
trickle down his cheek.

Mark felt like shit.  He really had managed to hurt everyone.

"Last night when we got to our room, Nicky threw Bryan up against
the wall he was so mad and so scared.  But he finally got over it
I guess.  I tried not to show it but it's all still there and I
just need to be held," Shane continued.

"I am so sorry Boyo.  I never meant to hurt anyone," Mark said
softly as he stroked his brother's chest.

"It's okay Mark, really, we all just sort of let things get out
of hand. We are all good again, I just needed this..." Shane
finally broke down and began to sob.

Rye and Mark gently held him as he cried, all the time stroking
him softly and whispering words of love to him.  They spent the
next couple of hours holding him until a soft knock on the door
disturbed them.

"Come in," Mark called.

Bryan and Nicky came in and stood at the door.

"We figured we should come get you.  We have to leave in an hour
and you guys haven't eaten yet.  We got some burgers and fries
for ya," Nicky said.

"What's wrong?" Bryan asked as he noticed that Shane had been
crying.

"Shite do I look that bad?" Shane asked.

"No, we can just tell.  What happened?" Nicky said with concern
as he crawled up onto the bed to rub Shane's feet.

"Just everything I fucked up yesterday hit him.  I can't believe
how badly I messed things up for everyone," Mark said angrily.

"Don't do that fella, you have every right to fuck things up once
in a while.  Remember how badly we four fucked up, you almost
killed yourself.  This will pass and we all still love you the
same if not more.  Let's just try to work through it all and
love each other," Shane said as he now became the one giving the
comfort.

"Yeah don't worry about it Fella.  How many times have I messed up
really bad, and you guys always forgive me and love me.  Besides
we are all good again, just everyone is still feeling a little
insecure about stuff.  It will get better," Bryan giggled.  Nicky
had filled him in on what Rye was going to do today and Bryan was
feeling so happy he thought he would burst.

"Okay let's go get me dressed and then feed me," Shane said as
he held out his arms pretending to want to be picked up.  Bryan
giggled again and grabbed Shane and swept him up and began to
carry him out.

"No stop stop," Shane wiggled in Bryan's arms and laughed.

Bryan set him down and kissed him deeply.  Nicky joined the two
then took his turn kissing Shane.  They headed out the door but
Bryan stopped and stayed behind.  Walking over to the lovers
still in bed he smiled.

"I love you both so much.  I will never try to leave like that
again.  I swear it," Bryan said.

He leaned down and kissed Rye deeply, when they broke he smiled
and said, "I love you Angel."

Then he did the same to Mark.  He left the lovers laying there
basking in his love.

Rye turned to Mark and smiled sweetly, "I love you forever fella."

"I love you always Angel," Mark replied.

"I know you are feeling guilty about yesterday.  But let's put it
behind us now okay.  They all have.  It's over now and we are all
good again, let's not let guilt get in the way of anything,
especially the love we all have for each other," Rye said.

Mark stared into his lover's eyes and saw there the same thing
he had felt from Bryan, unconditional never failing love.  With
a smile he finally let go of the guilt and breathed deeply.

"Thank you my love.  I will let it go.  I was feeling so bad about
how many people I hurt, but keeping it going and thinking about it
is not going to do anyone any good.  So I will let it all go and
just love you and my boys as much as I can," Mark said.

Rye moved his hand to lay it on Mark's heart and Mark quickly did
the same to Rye.

Out in the dining area everyone was laughing, waiting for the
lovers to show up, when suddenly all heads turned to the bedroom.
Everyone smiled as they felt the love emanate from the lover's.

"Wish I knew how they did that," Jill finally said as the feeling
passed.

"I am just glad they share it with us," Kian said as he took
Jill's hand in his.

"Today is gonna be incredible.  I can hardly contain myself,"
Nicky smiled happily.

"Yeah me either.  This is gonna be the best ever.  Someone make
sure we get a copy of the program.  I am gonna want to watch this
over and over," Bryan said as he stuffed more french fries into
his mouth.

Soon the lover's were out and eating and laughing with the boys.
Matt, Andy, Ed and Jay had joined them all for lunch and everyone
was having a great time.

"I wanted to thank you guys again for last night.  That was so
special," Jay said.

"We loved it too.  You are always invited to join us in anything
like that.  You know that Matt and Andy have spent the night with
us all a couple of times.  You two are free to do that as well,"
Bryan said.

Ed nodded, "We know, and we will, maybe during the week or
sometime, I guess we sort of have to plan it ahead."

"Yeah but really, a lot of times it's sort of spur of the moment.
I mean we just all stay up and hang out and when it's time to go
to bed it just seems right to take you guys with us," Shane said.

Everyone nodded.

"Well not tonight.  Ed and I are going out.  We are gonna go to
that amusement park tonight and then hit one of the local blues
clubs," Jay said.

"Cool, you guys have fun," Nicky smiled.

"You guys could come if you want," Ed said.

"Nah sokay big guy, you two go out and get some alone time,"
Shane said.

"Ummm...tonight is Kian's night with Rye and Mark.  I was just
wondering...." Andy suddenly got very red and came to a halt as
he hid his face.

"You guys wanta join us tonight?" Bryan asked.

Andy nodded shyly.

"That would be great.  We will figure out something to do for the
beginning of the night and you can spend the whole night with us,"
Bryan bounced happily in his chair.

"We learned a really cool game last night, we could show you all,"
Matt said as he smiled with love at Mark and Rye who returned his
smile.

"Cool," Bryan said.

"Why do I get the feeling we are purposely being left alone for
the night?" Mark asked of nobody in particular.  He probably was
kidding but Bryan's sudden giggling fit gave away that something
really was going on.  He turned to look at Rye who tried to look
innocent but failed miserably as he too burst into giggles.

"Don't worry fella, it's all good, just go with it and let it
happen," Shane suggested.

Mark looked around the table and realized everyone but him was in
on whatever was going on.  He looked at everyone's eyes and saw
that whatever it was it was good, but also that nobody would crack
and let the secret go.  He shrugged resignedly and finished his
milkshake.

- Back at the Club -

Maria surveyed the room.  Everyone had shown up and was having a
good time waiting for the interview to start.  She looked to find
Paul and Trevor who were laughing with a couple of the waitresses.
She smiled to herself at how happy they were now and how happy she
was.  Andy suddenly finding a boyfriend and then taking off with
the boys had left her feeling a little sad and lonely.  Thankfully
Paul and Trevor entered her life and she had someone to look after
again.

"Okay everyone let's find our seats, things should be starting in
about 5 minutes or so," Maria called out.

Everyone began to get comfortable, bringing their food and drinks
to their seats.  Maria switched the t.v. on.

---Okay that was the latest video by Westlife.  The boys of
Westlife will be joining us shortly, they are in the building
already.  So we are here in the massive conference room of the
arena where the boys played just a couple of nights ago.  Fans
were lining up since late last night after the location for the
interview was announced but only 300 lucky fans were able to get
in.  There has been some controversy lately around the group,
centering mostly on the man known as Angel.  We have a clip to
show you now of the arrival of the boys here at the arena.-----

Everyone watched the t.v. as the clip ran.  It had been taken
just a half hour earlier.  Everyone was smiling but soon their
smiles were replaced by looks of anger and sadness.

- Let's Go -

"Hey everyone.  We all set for the day?" Liam asked cheerily as
he strode up to the table.

"Hey Liam, yep we are raring to go.  Come on I want to talk to you
about some business stuff," Shane said as he got up and drew Liam
with him.  He and the boys had realized that Liam should be filled
in on what was about to happen.

"What's up boys?" Liam asked of Shane and Bryan who had followed.

Bryan and Shane put their arms around Liam, "Something is gonna
happen today at the interview.  Rye is gonna sing to Mark and
announce they are a couple."

Liam stopped dead and a big smile split his face, "That's
wonderful, Mark must be so happy."

"He doesn't know yet, it's gonna be a surprise.  We are all
heading out after supper to give them the night together.  We
just thought you should know," Bryan said.

"Wow this is gonna be a day to remember," Liam said.

"Hey Liam," Shane said.

"Yeah?"

"Please don't pull away from us okay?  I mean I know you are
uncomfortable with us being naked up here.  But on the buses and
on the road, I mean we still want you to be our friend," Shane
said.

Liam looked at Shane and then hugged him, "Of course, nothing has
changed at all.  I just am uncomfortable around all the nakedness,
but I love you boys like you were my own."

"Awesome possum," Bryan said.  They were soon joined at the
elevators by the rest of the group and were met downstairs by
the wall of security.

"Okay we are taking the new bus to show it off.  Your outfits for
the interview are there.  It's dressy, black pants and jackets
with white shirts," Liam announced.  He wondered what Rye would
be wearing but figured he would leave it all to his new boss and
be surprised with everyone else.

They made it to the bus without incident and crowded on to it
like it was one of the rides at the amusement park.

"I can't believe this bus, it's so incredible.  We are the
awesomest boyband around," Bryan giggled.

"Yes we are, now we only have about 10 minutes before we get there
so let's all get changed real quick," Shane said as he went to the
bedroom that was to be theirs followed by Nicky and Bryan.  The
others all left for their bedroom as well.

Soon all were back out and dressed.  Although the outfits were
identical each boy had done something to make it their own.  Bryan
and Nicky had opted to wear just white t-shirts underneath the
jacket while Shane wore his with a dress shirt and tie.  Kian and
Mark both wore dress shirts but minus the tie and with the top
three buttons undone.  Soon Jill came out in a form fitting knit
dress, sporting the cameo Kian had given her.  Rye followed almost
immediately behind wearing black pants and a silky black shirt
with the top two buttons open.

"Wow we all look hot," Kian said then laughed.

"Yep we do," Rye agreed.

"Hey we are pulling up to the arena.  Oh my God look at that,"
Bryan pointed out the window.

Everyone looked out to see a very large crowd outside the arena.
Everyone was cheering and waving at the bus.  Well almost everyone.

"Oh no," Mark whispered as he finally registered what Bryan was
pointing at.  A little separate from the obvious fans was a group
of protestors holding signs.  "Faggots burn in hell" was the
friendliest of the signs.

"I'm gonna kill somebody," Bryan said quite angrily, his face a
dark red and his hand clenched into fists.

"No you're not my boy," Rye said as he gently kissed Bryan and
stroked his neck.

"But they are saying that about you, well all of us, but they only
know about you," Bryan tried to explain to Rye as if he did not
comprehend.

"I know that.  Do you believe them?" Rye asked.

"Of course not, jeez what the hell kind of question is that?"
Bryan shot back.

"One to make you think.  If you don't believe it and I don't
believe it and from the looks of the angry faces on the fans,
they don't believe it, then why stoop to their level?" Rye said.

Bryan looked out and saw that indeed the security for the event
was having to restrain many of the fans.  He sighed deeply,
visibly shrugging away the hurt and anger he was feeling.

"Okay guys, we walk in heads held high and smiling.  Bigots like
that, even the ones who claim to be speaking for God, mean nothing
to us.  I will face God proudly on the day I meet him with no fear
or doubt that loving this man," and here Rye pulled Mark to him,
"and these friends was not right."

Everyone straightened up and smiled.  As the bus came to a stop
they moved to the doors and waited for security to get in place.
The doors opened to cheers from the fans, and loud jeers and
epithets from the protestors.  The walking wall of security
quickly formed the boys up and started to walk slowly, allowing
the boys to wave to the fans, to the conference room.

"Faggots burn in hell and friends of faggots burn with them," one
man shouted loudly at the group.  Bryan turned to lunge at the man,
but a restraining hand from Rye stopped him.  Bryan turned and
hugged Rye closely to him then held his hand.  The other boys and
Jill quickly all joined hands and held them high for all to see.
The crowd went wild and started chanting, "Angel, Angel, Angel"

Soon they were inside the arena and being led to the conference
area.  Bryan and Mark were crying silent tears and Shane was
shaking with a combination of rage and sadness.  They were led to
a small waiting area before they were brought onto the set for the
interview.

"Leave us please," Rye said to security.  Everyone began to leave.

"Ed, Jay, Matt, Andy, you all stay please."

Once the 11 friends were alone Rye smiled.  He reached for Mark's
hand and Bryan's.  Everyone quickly joined hands again.  Rye
closed his eyes.

"Thank you God for this day.  This day to be with friends and
lovers and face the world openly.  Be with us today as we face
our enemies.  Give us the courage to face them without anger and
with love as your son taught us.  Thank you for your love and our
gifts which we share with the world as best we can.  Thank you for
the love of friends and family.  Watch over us today and protect
and guide us. Amen."

Everyone said their amen's.  Rye held onto Mark briefly then
turned to hold onto Bryan.  He led him away from the group a
bit to talk to him softly.

"No matter what happens out there today, you do not tell the
world you are gay.  In the heat of passion and friendship you
may think it is the right thing to do.  Remember that you have
two beautiful lovers to consider.  I do not expect you to out
yourself to protect me and Mark.  You can actually do more good
as a friend who supports us.  Okay?" Rye said softly.

Bryan nodded.  Rye brought him close and held him then caught
Shane's eye and motioned him over.  Shane and Nicky took control
of their lover while Rye went back to sit with Mark and hold him.

"No matter what happens out there today, never forget that you
are the light of my life, my soulmate, and that without you I
would die.  I figure they tried to filter out the crackpots but I
imagine some managed to get through," Rye said.

Liam knocked and then came in, "Okay guys how are we doing this?"

"We all go out.  The boys, and me and Jill.  We all sit down and
answer the questions they ask us.  We do our songs and we all
have fun and have a blast," Rye said lightly.

"Good answer.  Security is set up tightly.  Any protestors that
got through are never gonna be able to reach you.  But if anything
happens, you know the drill, stand still and go limp, security
will be there in seconds.  Got it?" Liam asked and everyone nodded.

Everyone stood and waited for the introductions.  As they heard
the interviewer announce Westlife and the door opened to the
cheers of the crowd, Rye said one more time, "Love you all my
boys," then they walked out.

The boys were briefly surprised when they saw 7 chairs on the
stage and realized that Jill and Rye were with them walking to
the stage.  Originally Rye had not been going to participate in
the interview, only proclaim his love for Mark.

They all took their seats, the five boys together with Rye and
Jill on the end.  Then Rye stood and looked at the arrangement
and moved down to change places with Kian so he sat beside Shane
and Mark, leaving Kian to take his seat next to Jill.  Everyone
smiled at the seating change.

(The interview will take a different format just because there is
so much back and forth...hopefully it will not distract too much
from the story.)


Cheryl: Hey all...are we all excited?

The interviewer shouted to the crowd who went wild.  Security
around the stage scanned the crowd, picking out those of the
audience who did not cheer and taking note of them.

Cheryl: My name is Cheryl Dobbs and we are here to interview Irish
Boyband Westlife.  We also have two special guests with them,
Angel and Beauty.

More cheers from the crowd.

Cheryl: Now even though you need no introduction, let's have you
all say hi.

Bryan: Hey all, I'm Bryan.

Shane: I'm Shane.

Rye: I'm Angel.

The crowd goes nuts again for a bit, leaving all the boys smiling
at Rye.

Mark: I'm Mark, how you all doing?

Nicky: My name's Nicky.

Kian: And I'm Kian.

Jill: They call me Beauty.

Cheryl: Right.  Thanks all.  So we want to thank you for your time
today doing this special interview.  We have all kinds of stuff to
talk about, and I understand the boys are going to perform a
couple of songs and Angel is going to sing as well.

Mark turned at this and looked at Rye who smiled and nodded.

Cheryl: So first things first.  How's your hand Bryan?

Bryan: It's okay now.  This cast is great, I can get it wet, I
even have been swimming with it on.

Cheryl: Tell us about how it happened.  We have heard the reports
but not exactly what happened.

Nicky: Well we had finished the concert and were waiting to head
to the bus.  Matt, one of our security guys came and told us that
the bus was surrounded by fans.

Kian: Yeah, the arena security led our security chief to believe
it was just a bunch of wild fans, but it was a riot really.

Bryan: Yeah it really was.  If Ed and Matt had known how bad it
really was we would never have left the safety of the arena.

Nicky: Well they put up the walking wall and walked us out...

Cheryl: Sorry...walking wall?

Mark: We are in the center with two layers of security around us,
they walk us to wherever we go.

Cheryl: Ah, got it.  Okay continue.

Nicky: So we are going real slow cuz it's so crazy and then we
hear Bryan scream out for Angel.

Bryan: Someone grabbed my hand oddly and broke it as they pulled
me into the crowd.  I fell and people started to tear at my
clothes.....I was so scared......I thought I was going to die.

Bryan had to stop as his emotions got the better of him and was
quickly taken into Shane's arms.

Rye: I heard Bryan scream and threw myself into the crowd where
he fell.  I saw him all scratched and people tearing at him and
I threw myself on top of him to protect him until security could
get to us.

Cheryl: That was incredibly brave of you.  Did you get hurt?

Rye: A few cuts and scratches.  But Bryan's hand was broken,
that's what's important here.

Cheryl: So how are you now Bryan?

Bryan took a couple of deep breaths.

Bryan: Better now.  I still get scared sometimes in the crowds
but our security is so tight now that I don't think even my mum
could get to me.

The boys had all looked at Bryan when he said he was still scared.
Silently they all promised to talk to him about that in private.

Cheryl: So anything you want to say to the fans about what
happened?

Shane: Yes.  Please take into consideration our feelings.  We are
real people, not objects for you to fight over.  Bryan was hurt
very badly, and could have been hurt even worse if not for the
quick actions of Angel and security.  We love the fans but they
have to respect us.  We love talking to the fans and being close
to them, and would never want to give that up, but our safety will
always come first.

The audience broke into spontaneous applause with many shouts of
"We love you" and "Be safe".

Cheryl: Thanks guys.  Along the same lines, when we get back we
will talk about the new statement being used by the boys about
personal questions and then get into the rumors about the boys
leaving their old label.  Back after these commercials.

The lights to the cameras went off.

"You guys are doing great.  When we come back I will read a copy
of your statement and we can talk about it.  Then we can get into
your new label.  After that we go into the first contest.  And
listen guys, I know there are no personal questions allowed and
I respect that, but unless Beauty and Kian stop holding hands, I
won't even need to ask the question," Cheryl smiled.

Jill and Kian dropped their hands like they were on fire then
blushed brightly.

"Sorry boys, didn't even realize I was doing it," Kian said.

"S'okay don't worry bout it," Bryan smiled.

"Listen guys, the cameramen are aware of it and are being sure to
not get it in the shot if it happens again," Cheryl said.

Someone began to count them back from commercial

"In 5....4....3....2...."

Cheryl: And we are back.  Okay I will read the new statement being
used by the boys at their interviews.  Now I understand that this
is the last interview of your tour so it doesn't really matter any
more.  But I would like to talk about it.

Cheryl flipped a page and began to read:

Cheryl:  We have always appreciated the love and devotion of our
fans.  We love what we do and the fans make it all worthwhile, but
this is not an easy life and sometimes the pressures become almost
unbearable.  At times like that we look to our personal lives
outside of our singing to bring us comfort.  Recently we have had
to do this.  We love and respect our fans and we ask now for you
to respect our wishes.  We will no longer be answering questions
of a personal nature about our lives outside of our performing.
Our standard reply when a question is asked will be, 'We choose
not to comment on that, thank you'.  We hope you understand our
actions and help us in this regard.  Signed the boys of Westlife.

The boys all nodded as Cheryl finished reading.

Cheryl: Pretty heavy stuff there.  Who wants to talk about it?

Shane:  Well it's true.  Sometimes people just don't realize how
hard it is for us.  I mean sure we seem to have an easy life, the
money, the fame, the talent.  But we lose a lot too.  It's hard
to find people who want to be your friend just for you.  It's
hard to find friends at all.  We are very sheltered.  Sometimes
it all just gets too much and we need to keep something of
ourselves for just us.

Mark:  It's hard to explain.  But picture this if you can.  If
you had someone constantly following you, I mean everywhere, with
a camera taking pictures of what you eat, what you wear, when you
go to the bathroom.  It's like you never have anything just for
you any more it's all just out there.

Bryan:  Sometimes you just want to chuck it all.  But then you
realize that that would mean giving up something you love.  I
remember one time back home in Ireland, this cousin of mine.  He
was really a pest, always hanging around and asking questions.
I just wanted him to stop.  When his mum and dad finally took him
home I was relieved, but at the same time I missed him cuz he was
super funny too.  It's like a double edged sword really.

Kian: So you can see how hard it can be.  We want to have our
music and our fans but we also need to have private time.  And
in this line of business often that is just not possible.

Nicky:  That's what is behind the statement.  Life was just
getting out of control and we needed some private us time with
our friends.  And the fans have been great so far.  Really
supportive which has made it much easier for us.  But honestly
we are looking forward to the end of tour so we can just regroup
and live for ourselves for awhile.

Cheryl: Understandable, all of it.  I know that as a member of
the media I have done some things I am not proud of.  I had to
change my way of thinking.  I could be one of those types who
goes for the kill and alienate those I have to work with, or I
could be a decent person and treat them with respect.  I chose
the latter hoping that by treating you celebrities with respect
that I in turn earn yours.

The boys all nodded.

Cheryl: Okay now let's talk about this rumor going around that
you have left your previous label and joined a new label?

Shane: It's true.  We have had an amicable split with our previous
label.  At the moment we don't want to say too much about the new
label though.

Cheryl: Okay let's talk a bit about the split.  You said it was
amicable?

Nicky: Yes.  There were no hard feelings between anyone concerned.
We simply bought out of our contract and have a tentative plan to
collaborate with the old label and its acts.

Shane: That's right.  Things like cross-label tours, using new
acts from either label as openers for established acts from the
other label.  Things like that.

Cheryl: Sounds good.  Was the reason for the split anything to do
with your new stance on personal questions?

Kian: In part only.  We have needed a rest for some time to just
regroup and re-establish our friendships and family ties.  We had
another year with the previous label and we felt that we could
just not commit 100% to them.  So to be fair to everyone concerned
we decided it was best to leave at this time.

Cheryl: So the new label doesn't have immediate plans for you then?

Mark: The new label is going to let us take much more control of
our performing.  At the moment the plan is to take about 6 months
off.  And I do mean off.  No recording, no interviews, no
performing.  Just time to relax, maybe write some songs of our
own, hang out with friends and family.  Then when we get back
into it we will start with a small tour to bring back our old
favourites mixed with some of our new stuff before we head to
the studio to do an album and then a big tour to kick off the
new album.

Cherly: Sounds like you have it all planned out.

Kian: It's pretty loose though.  If we find after 3 months we
are going stir crazy we can move it up.  Or if we find we need
a little longer, we can move it back.

Cheryl: But you are coming back?

Bryan: Oh yeah, we will never give up our music.  Things are
changing in our personal lives that we need to accomodate.
Which of course we aren't going to talk about.  But music is
a part of us and one way or the other we will still be a part
of it.

Cheryl: I understand Angel that you are the first act signed with
the boys new label.  How does it feel to be performing with them.

Rye:  It's amazing.  One of the most special things in my life.

Cheryl:  I understand that the story behind your first performance
is quite humorous.  Can you share it with us?

Rye:  Sure.  Well the opening act for that night tripped on the
way to the stage and knocked himself unconscious.  He had to go
to hospital so the boys were left with no opening act.  The crowd
was becoming unruly.  So Shane suddenly gets an idea to let me go
on for them.  I of course objected, only being there as a friend.
But before I knew what was happening I was dressed in Nicky's
pants and Bryan's shirt and was shoved onto a platform that took
me to the stage.

Cheryl: (laughing) Sounds like a nightmare to me.

Rye: I hadn't prepared anything so I just sang the first thing
that came to my head.  I can't even remember what it was now.

Cheryl: So it was just happenstance then.  It was a completely
spontaneous thing.  How did your label react when they found out
you had opened for Westlife?  They must have seen the dollar
signs.

The boys all looked at each other nervously.  They had been
skirting around the issue but were now sort of backed against
the wall.

Jill: Actually by that time the boys were already on the payroll.
I had signed them to their new contracts that afternoon.

The boys all looked with shock at Jill, even Rye had a shocked
look on his face.

Cheryl: So you work for the boys new label?

Jill: I am one of the co-owners of the label yes.

Cheryl:  And the name of the new label?

Jill: AMS

Cheryl: But you and Angel are friends with the boys?  You have
performed with Angel on stage.

Jill:  Yes that's right, but only in the encores.  The boys have
always felt that the encores were as much for them as for the
audience and so try to make it as much fun as possible.  Angel
and I have danced together before and the boys have seen it.
They asked us to do it for the rest of tour.

Cheryl:  Well thank you so much for sharing with us.  So can you
tell us who the other co-owners are?  Is it run by real people or
just multi-national conglomerates?

Rye: Sure.  There are seven owners of the new label.  All of us
are on the stage with you right now.

The boys all looked very pleased as Rye announced this.

Cheryl:  You mean you have your own record label now?

Cheryl looked like she was about to burst.  Without even trying
she had gotten one of the biggest scoops in the entertainment
industry.

Shane: That's right.  We have established a new company, AMS, and
will not only be promoting ourselves but many new performers
coming into the industry.  We think our own performing background
will be a real asset in guiding newcomers.

Cheryl: So what does AMS stand for?

Everyone turned to Jill since she had bluffed and come up with
the initials.

Jill: Angel Multimedia Studios.

Cheryl: (looking at Rye) So you are the cornerstone this company
is built on?

Bryan, Nicky, Mark: Yes.

Everyone laughs.

Rye: I guess you could say the idea was mine, but without the boys
none of it would have happened.  I think we just needed a name and
that was the first thing that came up.

Cheryl: So multimedia, what exactly does that mean?

Jill: Well we are starting off in the music part of things, but
will be branching out to acting, producing, directing and so on.

The boys all looked at Jill then Rye.  This was news to them and
was also obviously not news to Jill or Rye.

Cheryl: Okay well time for another break.  When we come back we
have a contest for some people in the audience.  We have some
giveaways and then the boys are going to sing for us.  Stay
tuned.

The lights to the camera went off and the boys all turned to look
at Rye.

"Okay okay, so I didn't tell you about that part.  I just didn't
want to overwhelm you with it all.  I knew you wanted to keep
your music going and if you suddenly thought you needed to be
worried about movies and tv then you would freak," Rye explained
then sagged.  "Sorry my boys."

"Don't be.  You are exactly right, I know I would have freaked,"
Shane admitted.

"But I lied to you," Rye said sadly.

"No you didn't.  You just didn't tell us something that we really
didn't need to know.  You would have told us eventually.  Later
when we could handle it better," Nicky said.

"You are forgiven Angel.  You are always forgiven," Bryan said.

"Everything okay?  You guys gave me a scoop like you wouldn't
believe.  I hope we didn't blow anything for you guys though,"
Cheryl asked with concern.

"No we are good.  Angel just keeps surprising us is all," Nicky
said with a smile.

"Okay so the contest is gonna be first with the giveaways. Then
you guys sing.  Then we get into some other stuff,"  Cheryl said
as the guy began counting them back in.  The boys had no time to
wonder what the other stuff was though.

Cheryl: Okay we are back with the boys of Westlife with their
friends Angel and Beauty.  Now we would like to invite up to
the stage Helen and Corey from Gadget World to help us give
away some prizes for our Westlife contest.

Helen and Corey walked onto the stage and shook hands with all
the boys.

Cheryl: So tell us about what we are going to be doing today
Helen.

Helen: Hi I'm Helen and I am the manager of the local Gadget
World.  This is Corey and he is one of our salesmen.  We are
going to be giving away some awesome prizes today.  We are
going to have a trivia contest about Westlife.  We will start
with 20 contestants and work our way down to just one.

Corey: Now being as I am Westlife's number one fan.....

A lot of playful booing from the audience, and Corey laughs
before continuuing.

Corey: ....I will be the host of the contest.  So ladies and
gentlemen, welcome to Name...That...Boy.

The crowd cheered wildly.  20 contestants were chosen at random
and escorted to the stage.

Corey: Okay so for this first elimination the top 10 of you, the
ones who get the most right answers will proceed to the next
round.  The way we play is I will give a statement and you will
choose which boy it applies to.  Are you ready to play....Name....
That...Boy.

Corey was really getting into his role, all he needed was the
tacky leisure suit and it would have been perfect.  Flip cards
with the names of all the boys were handed out.

Corey: Okay whose favourite joke is the wet willy?

All the boys laughed but tried to not look at Shane.  About half
of the contestants got it right.

Corey: Okay and the right answer is....

Corey turned to look at the boys and Shane raised his hand
guiltily.

Corey: Very good, some of you got that one.  Okay who said this,
"Thank God Mark can't dance, if he could dance then he would have
it all and that just is too cruel to comprehend,"

Corey waited for the contestants to answer then turned to the
boys with a wave of his hand.  Nicky raised his hand guiltily
and blushed shyly at Mark who punched him playfully.

Corey: Wow only two of you got that one.  We have a couple of
real fans up here guys.  Okay next question, when asked in an
interview if they were to be a cartoon character which character
would they like to be, this boy replied, "What the hell kind of
stupid ass question is that"

Everyone laughed and every contestant picked Kian. Corey turned
to the guys with a smile.

Corey: Okay do we even need to ask who that was?  No didn't think
so.  Everyone got that one right.

Kian looked very embarrassed.

Kian: In my defense that interview was at like 5 in the morning
and I am not a morning person.

Corey: We will have quiet from the gallery please.

Corey raised his hand in mock anger to silence Kian who grinned
stupidly and winked at Corey.

Corey: Next question, oh this is a toughie.  Which one of the boys
is the only one to have an outtie bellybutton?

The contestants took a while trying to remember this one.  Finally
they had all given a guess and Corey turned to the boys.  Bryan
stood up and lifted his shirt revealing his outtie.  The crowd
all hooted and whistled.

Corey: Please refrain from distracting the contestants sir.  Okay
only 2 of you guessed right on that one.  Last question now,
another toughie.  Which boy almost died at the age of 5 when he
fell into a neighbours pond and almost drowned.

The contestants were all obviously guessing now as the flipped
through the names.  Many picked Mark simply because he was the
only boy not chosen yet.  Corey turned to the boys and Bryan
raised his hand.

Corey: Okay only a few got that one.  Helen who goes on to the
next round and who has to sit down knowing they are only casual
Westlife fans.

Helen brought forward the ten who would contiue.

Corey: Okay now for those who will not be continuuing in our game,
Helen, please tell them what they have won.

Helen: Thank you Corey.  For these 10 contestants we have a
lovely gift certificate for $50 dollars from Gadget World plus
this autographed CD by Westlife.

Corey: Thank you Helen.  Now before we continue with the next
round we will break for this commercial message.

The camera lights went off and the boys all jumped up to hug
Corey.

"You are awesome dude.  This is a blast," Bryan said as he
continued to hold onto Corey.

"Yeah they are right, you are doing great.  What do you do for
real?" Cheryl asked.

Corey looked confused, "I work at the store part time as a
salesman."

"Really?  Wow, ever thought of like working on tv?" Cheryl asked.

"What? No," Corey replied.

"Hmmm...we will talk later.  Keep up the great work," Cheryl sat
down and spoke into her mike briefly.

"We are back in 5....4....3....2...."

Corey: Okay we are back with only 10 contestants now.  We are
going to whittle you down to just 5.  Same game but a little
differently.  Most points win but only the three contestants
who answer quickest and correctly get the point.  Ready?

The contestants all nodded.

Corey: Who said, "If Shane does that one more time I am gonna
change the meaning of wet willy and that boy will never walk
right again"

The contestants quickly chose.

Corey: Okay the correct answer was Kian.  Next question, who said
that their favourite romantic movie moment wis the restaurant
scene from Lady and the Tramp.

The contestants quickly answered.

Corey: Oooh.  That was a tough one.  The answer was Mark.  Okay
last question, who still has a stuffed animal that they travel
with.

The contestants answered quickly again.

Corey: Okay the answer is Shane.  Helen who stays and who goes.

Helen brought forward five of the ten people

Helen: And for those who didn't make it into the next round we
have $100 gift certificates and autographed cd's and posters.

Corey: Okay moving on to the next round.  Only 2 of you will
continue.  Now please take the cards and markers Helen is passing
out to you.  What we are going to do is play a 10 second montage
of 5 Westlife songs.  The two contestants who get the most songs
right will continue on.  Ready?

Everyone nodded.

Corey: Okay we will play the montage then you will have 30 seconds.
We will then play it one more time and you will have an additional
15 seconds then we will take a look.

The music played.  The boys all looked at each other.  This was
very hard.  After 30 seconds it was played again and the
contestants made some changes.

Corey: Okay let's see the answers you have while I read the answer.
The songs played were Imaginary Diva, Love Crime, Tonight, Fool
Again and Uptown Girl.  Helen who stays and who goes.

Helen: Okay your name please?

Contestant 1: Andrea.

Helen: And yours?

Contestant 2: Michelle

Helen: Okay Andrea and Michelle congratulations you have made it
to the finals.  For the rest of you we have gift certificates for
$150, autographed cd's, posters, and t-shirts.

Corey: Okay this is the final round, before we continue, Helen
tell us what prizes our contestants will be playing for.

Helen: Thanks Corey.  For our runner up we have a $250 gift
certificate along with all the autographed Westlife memorabilia
as well as this lovely digital camera valued at $750.  And for
our winner we have a $500 gift certificate, the autographed
Westlife memorabilia and this lovely digital camcorder valued
at $1500.

The boys all applauded.  These were incredible prizes and they
knew that Rye was behind it all.

Corey: Thanks Helen.  Okay this last round will go as follows. I
will begin asking questions that will get progressively more
difficult.  The first contestant to get three wrong will lose.
Ready?

The contestants nodded.

Corey: Whose favourite color is green?

Both contestants guessed Bryan.

Corey: Both correct.  Whose birth sign is Gemini?

This time the contestants guessed differently.

Corey: The correct answer is Mark.  All the boys have the same
coloured eyes except one.  Whose eyes are different than the
others.

Both guessed Shane.

Corey: Correct.  Two of the boys were born in Dublin, name one
of them.

Both contestants guessed differently.

Corey: The correct answer is either Nicky or Bryan.  Who has the
longest full name?

Both contestants guessed differently.

Corey: The correct answer is Nicky.  In birth order, which of the
boys falls in the middle.

The contestants guessed differently.

Corey: Nobody right.  The correct answer is Bryan.  Okay both
contestants have 2 wrong.  The first one to get another one wrong
will lose.  At age 9 which boy played a flying monkey in a school
production of the Wizard of Oz?

The contestants answered differently.

Corey: Okay the right answer is Bryan and we have a winner.
Michelle congratulations.

The boys got up and went to congratulate both of the girls.  The
girls were ecstatic as they hugged all the boys and Angel and
collected their loot.

Rye: We want to thank Gadget World for their participation here
today in bringing us this contest and the great prizes.  We all
had a blast.

Cheryl:  That's right.  Gadget World is a nationwide chain of
electronics stores, visit one near you today.  We'll be right
back after these messages for a song from Westlife.

The camera lights went out.

"You were great!" Bryan said to Corey again.

"He was.  Listen stick around for the rest of the show and my
boss wants to talk to you afterwards," Cheryl said and Corey
nodded in surprise.

"Thanks guys, we couldn't buy publicity like this and head office
is thrilled.  Of course that's the pencil pushers, me I am just
happy to meet you guys and get to know you a little bit as real
people," Helen said.

"It was great.  So stick around till the end of the show.  We will
meet your girls and stuff," Bryan said.

Helen nodded.

"Corey you were really good.  Listen I don't know what your plans
for the future are but I have an idea of what is going to happen
after the show.  Here is my cell number, don't do anything without
a lawyer and representation," Rye said.

"What?" Corey looked confused.

"You were great out here boy.  They are gonna offer you a job of
some sort.  I don't know what exactly but it's probably going to
be on camera.  Just act surprised and say it's so sudden you have
to just think about it and wrap your mind around it then call me,"
Rye said as Corey stood there stunned.

"He's right.  It will be an on air thing.  If I were you I would
get as many details as you can then sign up a manager," Cheryl
said as she walked up, the boys were quickly realizing that
Cheryl was not a typical reporter, she actually cared about the
people she worked with.

"Are you sure Cheryl?" Jill asked.

"Yep, I got the call about 5 minutes into the contest.  He is
wanted," Cheryl nodded.

"Okay see that man right there," Jill pointed to Liam and Corey
nodded, "go tell him what we just told you.  Tell him to call
Joanne and have you signed up.  You can let them talk to Liam
for now until we can get you another manager although Liam is
great and if he will work with you you should stick with him."

Corey nodded numbly and went to talk to Liam.

"Back in 5....4....3....2...."

Cheryl: And we are back with Westlife who will perform for us now
one of their smash hits, "Flying Without Wings"

The boys remained seated and Rye and Jill's chairs had been moved
a little off to the side.  The crowd listened with rapt attention.
Jill watched the sidelines as Corey talked to Liam who nodded
several times then looked at Jill and Rye.  Jill smiled and nodded.
Liam smiled back and flipped open his cell.  He talked briefly to
one of the crew in the wings and then spoke again into the phone.
Jill watched as he stayed on the phone saying nothing for some
time until someone came up to him and handed him a couple of pages.
He said something into the phone then hung up and gave the papers
to Corey, pointing at things on the pages then Corey signed them.
Liam turned to Jill and gave a thumbs up.  Corey turned with a
smile that could have lit up a city.

Jill turned and saw that Rye had also been watching the scene
unfold.

"A new client?" Rye asked nodding at Corey.

"Yep, our first non-musical talent.  That boy is gonna go far,"
Jill whispered back.

The boys finished their song to loud applause and retook their
seats, Jill and Rye moving back into the line of chairs.  Suddenly
there was a commotion at the one side of the room.  Several people
had stood up and unfurled a banner.  It read "Sodomites will not
inherit God's Kingdom", and they began to shout "Fags burn in hell".

Security moved towards them quickly and in just a minute or so the
protestors were outside of the room.

The cameras panned back to the group on the stage.  Bryan and Mark
were holding on to Rye and tears streaming down their face.  The
rest of the boys had stood and assumed a protective stance in
front of Rye.  Jill was behind Rye and was comforting Mark and
Bryan.  Rye seemed unperturbed by the scene and looked calm.

Cheryl: Well we had hoped to weed out the nut cases but some
always manage to sneak through.  Let's take a quick break and
come back to talk to Angel about the protestors and his comments
on being openly gay.  We will also talk to the boys about their
thoughts on the protestors and let them talk about their friend.

The camera lights went off.

"I am so sorry for that.  I know we had planned on talking about
it but that was not supposed to happen.  If you guys want to take
off now you can.  I wouldn't blame you," Cheryl was truly upset.

"No we are fine.  We will stay and talk about it.  Give us a few
minutes though okay?" Rye asked.

"Sure, we will come back and play a video or two until you come
back," Cheryl said then began talking into her mic again.

"Come on boys let's go to the side room for a bit," Rye led them
all out.

The boys trooped into the side room where as soon as the door was
closed everyone enveloped Rye in a hug.  This was as much for
them as it was for Rye.

"Okay my boys?" Rye asked finally as the hug grew less intense
and was now just a gentle holding on to one another.

"Yeah I guess.  That was just so upsetting," Shane said.

"I know my boys, but life goes on.  We can't let people like that
bother us.  Our love is pure and we can't let their hate taint it.
Now let's go out there and answer a very few questions then end
this day and go back home," Rye said.

Everyone nodded.  Rye kissed each boy and Jill before they went
back out.  Cheryl was standing there looking very upset and forced
a smile when she saw them come back out.

"Okay, ask us a few basic questions about me being gay, how the
boys feel about it and about the protestors.  Then intro my song
and we can go from there," Rye told Cheryl.

"Really?  You're serious?  Wow thanks, you know you can do a lot
for the gay and lesbian population right now.  We really thank
you for that," Cheryl said.

It took a few minutes for that to sink in and the boys were already
sitting down being counted back in before it hit them what Cheryl
meant.

"In 5....4....3....2...."

Cheryl: That was Westlife's video Tonight.  We want to thank you
all for staying tuned.  Westlife is back now with us.  Okay guys
before we broke we had a disturbance here in the audience.  I
don't want to lead you with any specific questions, so how about
you guys just take over and talk about how you felt just a few
minutes ago, how you feel about Angel and so on.  And Angel you
speak up as well.

Bryan: It makes me angry that people can think that way.

Bryan had jumped in before anyone else could stop him or calm him
down.

Bryan: They don't know Angel and they don't know us.  Well let me
tell you he is the most loving caring man I have ever known and I
am so proud to be called his friend.  I don't know what God those
people believe in but it's not my God.  My God taught love and
compassion, something Angel is all about.  When I go to God I will
let him judge me, and if loving Angel is wrong then I want nothing
to do with God or heaven and I will go wherever Angel is.

Bryan had tears streaming down his face by now.  The audience
began to clap slowly but it had soon built to a standing ovation
as Bryan was wrapped in Rye's arms.

Shane: I don't think any of us have anything to add to that.

Cheryl: I don't think anything needs to be added to that.  We will
be right back after this brief commercial message and Angel will
sing for us.

The camera lights went off and everyone jumped up to hold Bryan.

"Our Bry boy, that was so beautiful.  Thank you for saying those
words for us all," Nicky said as he held Bryan's hand.  The
audience watched in rapt attention as the group of friends held
onto each other and comforted each other.  They began to applaud
again.  Finally the group broke apart and arranged the seating.
Rye went and sat behind the piano while the boys placed Mark in
a chair beside the piano.

"What's going on?" Mark asked.

"Angel needs help with the song and you are gonna help him," Shane
explained.

"Oh okay," Mark simply nodded.

As they began to be counted back in Mark said, "Hey I don't even
know what song we are doing and I don't have a mic."

It was too late.

Cheryl: And we are back now with Angel and a new song he has
written especially for today.  Ladies and gentlemen here is Angel.

Mark looked around nervously, if this was a new song how was he
going to help Rye with it.

Rye: Okay this is a song I wrote just a few days ago, after the
boys had left to go on tour and it finally hit me just how much
one of them meant to me.  We have been hiding ourselves for a bit,
but now it's time to let the world in on our secret.  This song
is for Mark, the man who I love and who I hope to spend the rest
of eternity with.

Mark was stunned and tears began to stream down his face as Rye
began to softly stroke the keys on the piano.

      Another day
      Without your smile
      Another day just passes by
      But now I know
      How much it means
      For you to stay
      Right here with me

      The time we spent apart will make our love grow stronger
      But it hurt so bad I can't take it any longer

      I wanna grow old with you
      I wanna die lying in your arms
      I wanna grow old with you
      I wanna be looking in your eyes
      I wanna be there for you
      Sharing everything you do
      I wanna grow old with you

      A thousand miles between us now
      It causes me to wonder how
      Our love tonight remains so strong
      It makes our risk right all along

      The time we spent apart will make our love grow stronger
      But it hurt so bad I can't take it any longer

      I wanna grow old with you
      I wanna die lying in your arms
      I wanna grow old with you
      I wanna be looking in your eyes
      I wanna be there for you
      Sharing everything you do
      I wanna grow old with you

      Things can come and go I know but
      Baby I believe
      Something's burning strong between us
      Makes it clear to me

      I wanna grow old with you
      I wanna die lying in your arms
      I wanna grow old with you
      I wanna be looking in your eyes
      I wanna be there for you
      Sharing everything you do
      I wanna grow old with you

Rye slowly stood and went to Mark.  He reached out his hand and
softly stroked his cheek, wiping away the tears.  Mark reached
up and stroked Rye's face, copying his action and stood.  They
stared into each other's eyes for a long time until finally they
leaned together as one and kissed each other softly.

The audience erupted into cheers and shouts and applause, but the
couple did not even hear them.  They were lost in each other as
they finally proclaimed their love, publicly.

"Thank you my Angel," Mark whispered.

"Anything for you my fella, always my only fella," Rye whispered.

"Forever my true angel," Mark replied.

Suddenly they were engulfed by the rest of the boys and Jill.
Both Mark and Rye were getting hugs and kisses from everyone as
the audience continued to cheer.  Shane shoved a mic into Rye's
hand.

"Our theme song then outta here," Shane said with a huge smile.

Rye nodded and pulling Mark close began the song that had come to
embody the relationship they all had together.  The boys quickly
joined in and by the second verse the audience had begun to sing
along.  They finished to thunderous applause, waved to the
audience and left for the bus.  Following them was Corey and Helen
with her two daughters and Cheryl as well who had quickly signed
off.

As the doors to the bus closed behind them everyone was in full
smile mode.

"Fuck me that was brilliant....brilliant," Kian said as he
engulfed Mark in a hug.

"That was fucking amazing," Bryan said as he too hugged Mark.

"Guys you gave me the scoop of the year.  I can't thank you enough.
So I understand now why no more interviews.  I wish you guys the
very best.  I hope that when you decide to give an interview again
you think of me, and if you two are gonna give an interview I
would be honored to do it.  It would be great for my career but
fuck that, I just want to do it and have it done right," Cheryl
said as she took a turn hugging Mark.

"Hey now, maybe I will get the interview," Corey joked as he
hugged Rye.

"Tell ya what guys, from now on all our important ground breaking,
head turning, headline making interviews we give to you two to
share," Rye said with a laugh.

Corey and Cheryl both laughed and said, "Deal."

"Yeah, I know we said no more interviews, but how about next
weekend we plan on a taped interview.  Just the two of us can
answer a few questions.  We can fly back here and do something
special for you," Mark suggested knowing full well the two of
them would be back in the city next weekend.

"Sounds like a plan.  Corey and I look forward to it," Cheryl
said for Corey and herself.

The visitors remained for about 15 minutes, giving Helen's
daughters time to meet the boys personally and get autographs
again as well as get hugs and kisses.  The girls gushed over
the romance between Mark and Angel.  Soon everyone had gone,
including Liam who was staying with Corey to talk to the bosses
of MTV, leaving just the 11 friends in the bus.

"That was amazing guys, really it was so touching," Jay said as
he held onto Ed.

"I cried like all the way through it even though I knew it was
gonna happen," Andy said.

"You knew?  How many people knew about this?" Mark asked as he
lay snuggled into Rye.

Everyone in the room raised their hand and laughed as Mark opened
his mouth in mock astonishment.

"I am gonna have to be careful around you guys from now on.  I
didn't think you could keep secrets from me, especially you Bry
boy," Mark said.

Bryan got a sudden case of the giggles and fell over sideways,
laying his head in Shane's lap.  Shane bent down and kissed the
side of Bryan's head lovingly then sat up and continued to stroke
Bryan's hair.  Nicky who was on the other side of Bryan pulled
his lover's feet into his lap and rubbed them lovingly.

"It wasn't even that hard.  We all were so happy it was going to
happen and we all just couldn't wait to see your face.  But Angel
only decided yesterday," Shane said.

Mark closed his eyes and said, "After my breakdown?"

"Yeah.  I just realized that for everyone's sake we needed to do
it.  And besides, I have wanted it so badly that it was just too
perfect an opportunity," Rye said as he kissed Mark.

"I'm glad my fit of jealousy was of some use," Mark said with a
little giggle.  He had finally let go all his negative feelings
and was just basking in the love of his friends and his man.

The bus slowed and parked in the hotel parking lot and everyone
made their way to the penthouse laughing and holding onto each
other.

...to be continued

--Disclaimer--

Okay lots of stuff to disclaim here.  As I said before I made up
some of the trivia stuff.  As far as I know there is no such person
as Cheryl Dobbs.  No such place as Gadget World either as far as
I know.  The song I used is of course by Westlife and if you
didn't download it and play it in the right place well poo on
you, you're a big ol party pooper.