Millennium Love Part 16

Author's Notes: Remember email is ALWAYS welcome!

As usual: All the text in BLACK is common, but the text in BLUE is unique to that character's story. So for those that only want to read what's different between the characters, now you can.

As Before: This story is a little different. For each section, you have a choice to read the story from the viewpoint of one of the two main characters: the fictional Scott Waters or Brian Littrell. BUT: If you read the story from both view points you'll get the entire story, particularly when the characters are not together.

If some events don't coincide with real events remember, it's only fiction!

P.S. (Having never been to Kentucky, I may have made it a warmer place than it should be for the time of year that the story takes place - but it fit with how I wanted the story to go - so deal! ;-D)

Legalities: This story is fictitious. It is not meant to imply anything about any of the Backstreet Boys or anyone else. No, I am not Brian Littrell, or Scott Waters. If you're offended, go away. If you're curious, keep reading, you might like it ;-)

Once again, PLEASE let me know what you think at kenitra_canada@hotmail.com

Thanks for reading.

Kenitra (P.S. If you haven't read any previous parts of this story- I'm a gal!!)

(Previously)

Just as I began to feel completely alone I felt arms move around my waist and a voice whispered in my ear, "Miss me, Angel?"

Part 16

My heart felt like it exploded. I turned and threw my arms around my love. God, six weeks was too long. I didn't want to move for fear he would disappear. Then again, he didn't seem to want to go anywhere, anyway.

I leaned back against the rail and held him to me, burying my face in his neck. "I love you Brian. I don't think I can ever go that long again without seeing you. Everyday I'm not with you, a little piece of me dies," I whispered to him as tears slid down my face.

Brian pulled my face out of his shoulder. Tears streaked his face too. Our eyes locked. "I know Angel. I promise, no matter what, we won't let it go that long ever again. Without you near me, my soul doesn't know how to soar. I'm sorry this hurt you so much." I could see in his eyes that he'd felt the same loneliness I had endured.

He pulled my lips to his in the sweetest kiss we'd ever shared. No demands, no apologies, just love. We were oblivious to everything around us. All I wanted to do was drink in every inch of that perfect face, those eyes, those dimples and that mouth.

We stood there, staring into each other's eyes, our souls silently communicating.

Finally, we both realized that someone was talking to us. I blinked and looked around only to find about a dozen people standing nearby, watching and smiling. My nerves returned as I thought about meeting Brian's Mom, wondering how she would react to me.

I blushed and Brian laughed, standing up to whisper in my ear, "Do you have any idea how adorable you are when you blush?" Thank you for making me blush even more, Love.

Brian turned around and leaned against the railing beside me, his arm securely around my waist. I put my arm up around his shoulders and he leaned in close. "Everyone," he announced, and I could hear pride in his voice. "This is Scott Waters."

The first people to walk forward were a man and a woman I instantly realized were Harold Sr. and Jackie Littrell, Brian's parents. Jackie spoke first.

"Scott, it's so nice to finally meet you. We've heard so much about you."

I smiled and shook her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Littrell."

"Please call me Jackie," she said and I nodded.

Brian's Dad held out his hand, which I took. "Welcome to our home, Scott. We're happy you could be here," he said and meant it.

"Thank you Sir." I replied and everyone laughed.

"My Father is Sir, Scott. Call me Harold."

I realized that dusk was rapidly setting in, and Mrs. Littrell, I mean Jackie, took control of the situation.

"I'm sure Brian will introduce Scott to everyone throughout the next couple of days. But I think we should all go have dinner now and give these two some time to catch up. I think we've intimidated Scott enough for now," she finished, smiling at me before turning to herd everyone around the veranda to the front of the house where a number of picnic tables sat, loaded with food.

I looked down at the man beside me to find him watching me. "You okay?" he asked, concerned. My reply was a kiss.

"I didn't think you were going to be here until tomorrow," I said, still not quite believing that he was here in my arms.

He grinned sheepishly. "Well, that's how it was looking, but when I'm motivated, you'd be amazed how well I can sing. We made it through all the vocals in one take each." He laughed. "I don't know what the producers thought, but we started early this morning and finished by noon. I managed to sneak onto a flight in the early afternoon."

I had a suspicion. "Did Kevin know you were going to be here today?"

He nodded, "I called him when you were on the plane. Don't be mad at him. I told him I wanted to surprise you."

How could I be angry? I laughed and hugged him. "You certainly did that."

He leaned against me and ran his fingers through my hair, sending shivers down my spine. "Why don't we go get some plates and food, then find a quiet place to eat, just the two of us."

I smiled and took his hand. "Sounds perfect, Love."

We walked hand in hand along the veranda to the front of the house. I realized that there were more people than I'd originally thought; about thirty, including six or seven kids running about.

People were picking up plates at one end of a table and filling up buffet style. Lawn chairs and other tables were scattered about for people to sit and eat at. A few people glanced our way as we walked off the porch to join the buffet line, but most simply continued to eat and chat.

Brian handed me a large plate then took one for himself. We followed the line and I was amazed at all the food - hamburgers, steak, ribs, chicken, potatoes, salads and more.

We piled on the food until I though it would tip over if it went any higher. Brian seized my free hand and led me away from the house. Off to the side was a path leading down a small knoll and along a shallow, meandering stream. We came to a huge black willow tree with a wrought iron and wood bench beneath. We stopped and sat down, resting our plates on our knees.

I looked around. "This is beautiful, Brian," I said softly, not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the place.

"I knew you'd like it. It was this spot which helped me decide to buy the ranch," he said.

I looked over at him. "You bought this place?"

He laughed at my expression. "I bought it for my parents, for the entire family. We can all come here and be ourselves. The outer fence is electrified, and with the gates, it gives us absolute privacy," he explained and I understood his reasoning. He'd given it to his parents, but it was a sanctuary for him.

We sat quietly and devoured everything on our plates until we were absolutely stuffed. Brian put my empty plate on his and set them on the ground. Then he curled up on the bench, laying his head in my lap, looking up at me.

"I had no idea how much I missed you until I saw you and it felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted from my heart," he told me softly.

I ran my fingers through his golden hair and smiled tenderly. "I know the feeling, Love."

Brian sat up, kneeling on the bench, facing me. Our eyes met. He slowly brought his lips to mine. We explored each other again as we had when we first met. Kissing lips and eyes and chins and ears. Brian moved to sit on my lap, wrapping his arms around my neck and deepening the intensity of his kiss. I responded in kind. His hands worked their way under my t-shirt and ran up and down my chest, pausing to tweak a nipple once in a while. It was driving me wild.

I finally had to pull away to catch my breath. Both of us were flushed and breathing hard. Brian looked deep into my eyes. "I want to make love with you, Scott." He said softly. My heart turned. God, I wanted nothing more than to have Brian inside of me, loving me.

"Soon, Love," I breathed. "I don't think anyone in your family would appreciate us doing that right now." I grinned. "Especially if someone comes to look for us."

I saw the look of horror flash across his face as he imagined someone like his mother finding us in such a compromising position. "Hmmm, Suddenly I don't feel so amorous," he said, grinning. "Why don't we head back to the house and I'll introduce you to some of the clan?"

He slid off my knees and held out his hand. I picked up the empty plates and clasped his hand. We followed the path back towards the house. I realized that it was completely dark outside, but subtle lighting, hidden along the walkway provided all the illumination needed.

As we approached the house, we could see everyone sitting in the backyard around a roaring bonfire.

"Brian, why don't you go find us a seat, and I'll take these dishes inside?" I suggested.

"Okay, but don't be too long," he said, kissing me before releasing my hand.

I went in the side door I'd come through earlier. I hadn't toured the house, but simply followed the sounds of clanging dishes and voices until I found the kitchen.

Jackie and another woman were putting leftover food away and filling the dishwasher. Jackie saw me walk in.

"Scott, I'll take those dishes for you," she said, taking the plates out of my hand. "Have you met Kevin's Mom, Ann, yet?" she asked indicating the other woman.

"Nice to meet you," I said.

"I've heard a lot about you Scott. Its good to finally put a face to the name," she said before going back outside for more food.

I was alone with Jackie and decided to ask her what I'd been worrying about. "Jackie, are you okay with my being here?" I asked quietly. She stopped what she was doing and looked at me.

"Has Brian told you about when he *came out* to us, Scott?" she asked.

"A little," I replied.

She walked over to where I was standing and met my gaze. "You know Scott, about a year ago, you probably wouldn't have made it through the door," she said honestly. "Then Brian came home, and he was sick, both emotionally and physically. He was tearing himself apart with self hatred." She sighed and brushed some hair from her face.

"When I saw how sick he was and he finally told me why, I began to realize that Brian was born the way he was for a reason. He didn't choose to be gay. So I learned to accept the son God had given me, and Brian learned to accept himself." She was watching me intently. "Brian regained his health and went back to work, but his joy was gone. He didn't think he would ever find love; he didn't think he deserved to be loved." I wasn't sure if Brian would want me to hear all this but I wasn't about to stop Jackie. I blinked back tears as I thought about how lonely and sad Brian must have been.

Jackie started putting more dishes in the dishwasher as she continued. "Then, about seven weeks ago, I went to Orlando. The boys had just come back from a trip to Canada." She began to smile. "I asked them where my son was, because the man calling himself Brian wasn't the Brian I'd become used to. This new Brian was much like the Brian of five years ago. He had a sparkle in his eyes; he was laughing, relaxed and had a permanent smile on his face. For the first time in a *very* long time, he was happy." She walked back to me and looked into my face. "You are *the* reason for that happiness. So, to answer your question, Scott, I'm very okay with you being here because all I want, all I've ever wanted, is for Brian to be happy." She stood on her toes and kissed my cheek.

"And I am happy, Mom," a voice from the doorway said.

We both turned to find Brian standing there, watching us. He came in and hugged his mother. "I love you Mom," he said softly.

She kissed his forehead. "I love you too. Now both of you get out of here so I can do some work." Jackie took my hand and put it into Brian's, before gently pushing us towards the doorway.

We walked down the hall to the back door where I paused. I pulled Brian into a hug. "I'm sorry Love," I whispered, still fighting back tears. "I had no idea it was so bad for you."

He moved back and looked at me, a smile of adoration on his beautiful face. "Oh, but it was worth it, because it led me to you my Angel." I had thought I couldn't love him more; I was wrong.

We went out to join the others around the bonfire.

Brian introduced me to some of his cousins and aunts and uncles as we walked through the maze of chairs to an empty lounge chair. I sat down expecting Brian to join me. Instead, he went over to a chair in front of the fire, facing everyone. I watched as Kevin appeared carrying a guitar. He sat down beside Brian, and everyone went silent.

"About a month and a half ago, I wrote a new song," Brian began and my breath caught in my throat. "Kevin and I have been working on it since then. While its certainly not finished, I wanted to sing it tonight because I wrote it for my angel, Scott, who is here with me tonight after too long apart."

Kevin began strumming the guitar. I couldn't take my eyes from Brian as the firelight danced around him. He closed his eyes briefly before looking directly at me and singing. His voice rang clear and cascaded across the lawn and around those of us sitting there, entranced. I shivered. The words alone had brought tears to my eyes when I'd first read them almost seven weeks ago. Now they were put to music and my love was singing them to me. I don't think I breathed through the entire song.

Kevin joined Brian for the chorus, their voices harmonizing perfectly. Brian sang the final word and Kevin played the last note. No one moved for a long moment, as if waiting for the last echoes to fade away. Suddenly everyone applauded and began to talk, congratulating Brian on such a beautiful song. Through the firelight I could see wet streaks on Brian's face as he walked back to me.

He sat down on the lounger between my legs and leaned back against my chest. I wrapped my legs around his and my arms around his chest, hugging him to me. I bent to his ear. "Thank you, my love. You left me speechless," I whispered, unable to put my feelings into adequate words.

He tipped his head back to look at me. "I don't need words to read what's in you heart, my angel," he said sweetly. I stole a kiss.

I kissed the top of his head and he snuggled back. We simply sat and stared into the fire, enjoying the feel of being in each other's arms.

A few minutes later I realized someone was standing beside us. I looked up at Kevin.

"So, is it safe to sit down?" he asked, indicating the empty chair beside us.

I nodded. "I'm too happy right now to be mad at you Kevin," I said with a grin.

"Good. Now that you're here, maybe Brian won't be such a bitch."

"Hey! I can still whip your ass, cus," Brian said without ever moving a muscle. "Course, that won't be till tomorrow because I'm not moving tonight."

Kevin and I laughed, and we all returned to a companionable silence.

I saw Brian's brother walking towards us and hoped we weren't going to have a confrontation. He stopped at the foot of the chair. "Hi, guys," he said.

Brian moved; at least he opened his eyes and smiled. "Hey big Bro, wassup?"

Harold smiled fondly at Brian. "Actually, I'm here to apologize to Scott," he said taking me by surprise and causing Brian to turn his head to look at me quizzically.

Harold continued. "When we met in the hallway earlier, I didn't mean to come across as rude. I just didn't want to talk to you because I was afraid I'd spoil Brian's surprise. I'm truly happy you're here Scott. I think everyone is glad they have a chance to meet the person who could dig deep enough and bring the old Brian back to us all."

"Thank you Harold. That means a lot," I said sincerely, sorry I had misjudged him.

Gradually the family members left for home, if they lived nearby, or went into the house to go to bed, until finally only Brian and I were left sitting around the glowing embers of the dying fire. The warmth from the day had begun to fade, bringing a chill to the air. The nighttime sky was clear and I looked up at the stars.

"Wouldn't it be nice if we could stay like this, here, forever?" Brian suddenly said softly.

I shivered. "That might just happen if it gets any colder tonight." I spoke into his hair.

He turned to look at me. "Are you cold?"

I hugged him tighter. "Well I don't have the benefit of nice warm arms around me, do I?" I said dryly.

Brian immediately slid out of my arms and off the chair. He seized my hand and began walking to the house. I trailed after him, up the stairs and into the bedroom. Without saying a word, Brain closed the door, then walked over to where I was standing. He knelt down, untied my shoes then reached up and unbuckled my belt, unhooked the button and unzipped my pants.

I stepped out of my shoes and pants as Brian did the same. Taking my hand once again, he walked me to the side of the bed, pulled back the covers and gently pushed me onto the springy mattress. He then scrambled over me, climbing under the covers on the other side. He spooned up behind me wrapping his arms around me.

"Is this better, Angel?" he asked softly, laying his hand on my chest.

"Perfect," I sighed, covering his hand with my own.

Our breathing evened out and we drifted into a peaceful sleep.


TBC