Where we left off...

"Scott, I know we can't legally marry or even acknowledge our relationship right now. But someday, I would like nothing more than to legally become your partner...your husband." Brian released one of my hands and reached behind his back, returning with a small jewel box.

I could feel tears starting to trickle down my face. Brian was promising me...promising both of us that we would have a ceremony someday to publicly and spiritually recognize our relationship. I had never even dreamed that we could be husbands.

He opened the box and took out the simple gold band. He took my left hand in his right and slid the ring on to my ring finger. "Scott, this ring is a promise that our futures, will be one future. A future filled with love and joy, together," he whispered.

Both of us were crying then. I pulled Brian into my arms and hugged him tightly, covering his face with tiny kisses as I whispered my love to him. Many minutes later we calmed down and relaxed in each other's embrace. I popped the cork on the champagne so we could toast to our love and watch the fireworks light up the skies over Orlando. Both of us were happier than we'd ever been before.

Chapter 33

"Damn, I'm tired," Brian muttered as he flopped onto one of the couches. I sat down beside him and leaned against his side. I was tired too, and I hadn't even been performing. I couldn't imagine how exhausted the guys were.

The US tour was just over a week old but already the guys were fatigued. In ten days they had done seven concerts and innumerable radio and TV interviews. The label was trying to milk the group for all the publicity they could and had crammed the schedule full.

"Hey Kev, have you heard anything about the changes to the schedule?" Brian asked, not even looking over at his cousin.

As soon as they had seen the schedule, the guys and their management had insisted on changes. If they maintained the pace of the previous few days they would never make it through the entire tour. The 'PTBs' reluctantly agreed but said it would take a couple of weeks and in the meantime, the schedule was to be followed.

I glanced over as I heard Nick flip the TV on. Howie and AJ were stretched out at either end of the other couch.

"Yeah, Jeff called," Kevin finally said. "They should have the new schedule to us some time tomorrow. He said they cut some appearances and interviews. Any concerts that tickets hadn't gone on sale for were also scrapped." Kevin sighed. "I don't know how much..."

"Oh Shit!" Nick's exclamation interrupted Kevin.

I looked over to him and saw that his attention was on the TV. My eyes moved to the screen. "Damn!" I swore softly and sat up. MTV was showing the Paris press conference. I glanced at Brian and he was staring in disbelief at the screen. The others had all turned their attention to the TV too. None of us had seen the conference since it happened, but there was no mistaking it. Nick increased the volume slightly as we all sat quietly and watched.

"I can't believe MTV would show it!" Nick said softly.

"Of course they would! It's good publicity for them, especially if people start talking about some of the questions," AJ said bitterly. We all knew what questions he was referring to.

I returned my attention to Brian. He was pale and I could see a new shine in his eyes as he held back tears. 'Why now?' I asked myself silently. I reached over and pulled Brian to me, holding him close. "Forget about it Love!" I whispered. "It's old news. No one will care," I said softly.

"I care," he murmured.

We only sat for a couple of more minutes before Brian stood up and walked to our bedroom without saying a word. I noticed Kevin watching Brian, then his gaze shifted to me. I smiled weakly. "I'll go talk to him Kev, don't worry." I followed Brian to the bedroom, leaving the others to watch the awful press conference.

I closed the door firmly and locked it. I was surprised that Brian wasn't on the bed or even in the room. Then I heard the shower running. I walked across the room, pulling my shirt over my head as I did. I paused in the bathroom doorway to unbutton my jeans and push them to the tile floor. My boxers quickly followed. Glancing at the shower stall, I could see Brian standing under the stream of hot water, his back to me. I had to take a moment to admire his perfection, smooth muscled back and incredible, rounded ass.

I pulled the glass door open and stepped into the shower behind him. Without turning around he stepped back against me, moving his body until we were basically touching from head to heel. My arms wrapped around his stomach as I rested my chin on his shoulder. Brian crossed his arms over mine and sighed deeply.

"Why can't things go right for us Angel?" he murmured softly.

I smiled slightly. "I don't know Love." I turned my head to kiss his ear. "But this feels pretty right, right now," I whispered.

I could feel Brian's chest shake as he giggled softly. "It does, doesn't it?" he said.

He turned around in my embrace and put his arms around my neck. As we gazed into each other's eyes, our exhaustion disappeared, to be replaced by need and desire. At that moment, more than anything I wanted to make love with Brian. Brian smiled seductively and suddenly jumped up, wrapping his legs around my waist. My engorged manhood rubbed against his ass cheeks as I felt his erect member rub against my stomach. Brian leaned forward and our lips met. Our passion erupted; suddenly I couldn't get enough of him. I stepped forward until Brian's back was against the wall of the shower. My hands were busy squeezing his rounded ass, so I could only move my head, using my lips and tongue to draw moans of approval from Brian.

Brian's hands moved all over my back, shoulders and head, rubbing and pinching gently. It was driving me crazy. He nipped at my ear. "I want you," he whispered huskily, echoing my own thoughts.

Ensuring I had a strong hold of him, I turned, pushed the shower door open with my foot, and carried him to the bedroom. Both of us were dripping wet but it didn't matter. I knelt on the bed, lowering him to the mattress before stretching my body out on top of him. I rested on my elbows either side of his head and gazed down at my incredible lover. His damp skin was flushed with passion, tingeing his cheeks a soft pink. His brilliant blue eyes sparkled as he stared up at me. I bent my fingers to run the backs of them up his cheeks, before twining my fingers into his wavy hair.

I could feel his hips below me gently pushing up against me, silently urging me on. I lowered my head and tasted his lips with my own, relishing in the taste that was pure Brian. He moaned softly and all of our earlier exhaustion and troubles were forgotten.

I rolled over in the morning to block the glaring sunlight from my eyes. As I did I realized that I was alone in the bed. I felt the cool sheets and could tell that Brian had been up for a while as there was no body remaining. Of all the days he got up early, why did it have to be one of their rare days off? I had hoped to stay in bed most of the morning and just be together.

I sighed and sat up. There wasn't any point in staying there without Brian. I walked over to my suitcase and pulled out a pair of boxers, track pants and a t-shirt. I stopped at the bathroom before wandering out to the lounge. I glanced around looking for Brian. Finally I noticed him sitting out on the hotel balcony talking to Kevin. I was tempted to join them, but it looked like they were having an intense conversation.

Instead I walked over to the room service tray and found the pot of tea that one of them had ordered. I poured myself a cup then moved to one of the couches. I was curious about the conversation Brian and Kevin were having. I knew it must have something to do with MTV showing the Paris press conference. I silently prayed that Brian wouldn't close up again, and stop going out with us.

I grabbed the local New Orleans paper and began to read. A few minutes later I heard the sliding glass doors of the balcony and glanced up as Brian sat beside me.

"Morning Angel," he said softly, leaning over to kiss me lightly.

"Hey there," I greeted him. "Everything okay?" I asked quietly, watching his face intently for any reaction. I could already see an extra tension around his eyes and knew that he was worried.

He smiled weakly and shrugged. "As good as can be expected I guess," he replied. That wasn't really an answer, but I didn't want to push him. Instead, I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and pulled him against me.

Brian leaned against me and I continued to read the paper. Kevin soon joined us, after grabbing another cup of coffee. A few minutes later Howie appeared.

"Morning guys," he greeted us as he poured himself some tea.

"Hey D," Kevin said.

"So what's the plan for today?" Howie asked as he sat down with his tea.

"I thought you guys were going to tour the city today, or something like that," Kevin said.

"That's what Nick and AJ want to do," Brian said.

"It sounds like fun," I added. "I've heard so much about this place but I've never been before."

"I'm up for it," Kevin said. "What about you guys?" he asked, talking to Howie and Brian. I waited tensely for Brian to speak, fully expecting him to say no.

"Sure. We've been here before, but its always interesting to wander around," he replied. I was honestly surprised, but grateful that he wasn't withdrawing again.

"Okay! I'll order breakfast," Kevin said as he walked over to the phone. "Do we want to wake the two sleeping beauties or just wait till their up?"

"Why don't we get ready and have breakfast first. If they aren't up by then, we'll wake them," Howie suggested. Kevin nodded and dialed room service.

I turned my attention to Brian.

"I'm happy you agreed to come with us love," I said softly.

He smiled at me. "I'm not going to let MTV stop me from going out!" he declared. He pushed himself to his feet. "Lets go shower and get dressed Angel," he said, pulling me up. Holding my hand tightly, he pulled me to the bedroom.

We decided to just shower this morning. Although Brian's idea of just showering left me with a slight problem when he was done washing my entire body with his hands. I reciprocated, leaving him in the same state. We helped each other to a quick relief before returning to the bedroom.

I walked over to my suitcase to grab some clothes. Brian sat on the bed.

"Scott?" he said quietly.

I turned to look at him and saw the concerned expression on his face. "What's wrong, Bri?" I asked gently.

"I just want you to know that I love you. I want to go out today, but we have to be extra careful in public. So if I stand away from you, or don't talk to you all the time, I want you to know I'm not trying to be hurtful. I just don't want anyone starting to gossip," he said in one long breath.

I sighed and walked over, squatting between his legs. "Bri, I know you love me. I think you are worrying more than you need to. I've been hanging around with all of the guys since the tour began. No one has made an issue of it. Lets just go and enjoy the day. Try not to dwell on it, okay?" I pleaded.

Brian leaned forward and kissed my nose making me giggle. "Okay," he agreed.

We finished dressing and returned to the lounge. Breakfast was already there and Nick, surprisingly enough, was also up. He was sitting at the table eating breakfast and playing on his laptop. Brian and I got our food and sat down.

"Hey B, Scott?" Nick suddenly spoke.

I glanced over at him and he was looking at us thoughtfully. "When was the last time you guys heard from Nora?" he asked us.

I had to think about it. We had been emailing each other occasionally. I looked at Brian and he shrugged. I looked at Nick. "Not sure Nick. It's been a few weeks I guess. Why?" I asked.

Nick frowned slightly. "We had been talking very regularly, but this past week I haven't heard from her at all. She hasn't been on-line that I know of, or sent me any email. Just wondered if you had heard from her at all," he explained.

"Nope, sorry Nick. If we do hear, I'll let you know," I promised.

"Thanks."

I knew Nick was fond of Nora, even though they weren't dating. But I knew she was going to be busy with work through the summer plus she was taking some night classes. That schedule would keep anyone fully occupied.

AJ finally dragged himself out of the bedroom to join us. Since everyone was up, Kevin handed out the revised schedule that had been emailed to him overnight. I looked at Brian's copy. It didn't free up much more time for the guys, but it was definitely better than the original. They discussed it briefly, giving Kevin their comments that he would relay to management.

An hour later we left the hotel with Marcus and another security man, Paul, accompanying us. Despite the occasional encounter with excited fans, the day was mostly fan free. No one was feeling overly ambitious so we walked leisurely around the Quarter stopping for a light lunch in the afternoon.

The only thing that bothered me was Brian's behavior. Not only did he refuse to sit or walk near me, he didn't say more than two words to me all day. I knew he was going to be careful, but I felt he was taking things too far. In fact, by completely avoiding me, I thought it made it more obvious that there was something going on. For the most part, I tried to ignore it, laughing and joking with the others. But every time I happened to catch his eyes, he purposely looked away. That hurt.

We debated about eating dinner out or ordering at the hotel. After a brief discussion, we decided on the hotel. I knew the guys were still tired from the crammed schedule and at the hotel everyone could just relax as themselves, instead of worrying about public image. I was relieved we were going back to the hotel. Having Brian ignore me so completely was worse than him not coming with us at all.

I was quiet as we rode the elevator up to the suite. I stood at the front and ignored the others completely. Once the doors opened I simply walked over to our bedroom. I could hear Brian start to follow me.

"Brian!" Kevin whispered harshly.

I didn't hear the rest as I closed the bedroom door. The city had been stifling hot and I was upset, so I decided to take a nice cool shower and try to calm myself. I stripped out of my damp clothes and stepped under the cool spray. I closed my eyes and let the water cover me. I inhaled deeply a few times and felt myself relax. Brian had warned me. I knew he was going to be distant, but I hadn't expected it to be so extreme. More than anything I was angry with MTV for stirring things up, and I was still upset with the European press for asking such prying questions.

A few minutes later I heard the shower door open. "May I join you?" Brian asked quietly.

I turned to look at him. His face was flushed and his eyes were a little red. I figured Kevin had spoken to him about his behavior because I knew Kevin had noticed. They all had. I held out my hand to him and almost ran the few steps to me.

He put his arms around my waist and pressed his flesh against me body. "Am I ever going to get this right?" he murmured. His face was pressed tightly against my shoulder. I could feel his body trembling slightly. I forgot about my own hurt and held him tightly.

"Its okay Love," I whispered.

Brian pulled his head back. Fresh tears were dripping down his face. "No its not!" he said forcefully.

I wiped the salty wetness. "Okay. Lets get out of here and talk," I suggested.

Brian nodded, so I turned off the water. We both dried ourselves quickly and wrapped the towels around our waists. Back in the bedroom, I pulled on a fresh pair of boxers and a t-shirt, while Brian did the same.

I sat down on the bed, leaning against the headboard. Brian sat down cross-legged, facing me. "I don't know what to say Angel," he said softly when he began to speak. "I love you so much, but I keep doing stupid things to hurt you. Kevin and Nick both ripped into me out in the lounge. And I deserved it. I'm sorry I hurt you. I just get so paranoid about protecting everything, that I lose focus on what is important. I know you weren't doing anything more than trying to carry on a normal conversation between friends and I completely ignored you."

He looked so sad and afraid. I reached out and grabbed him, pulling him on top of me. "Brian my Love, I love you, but I was really hurt today. I know you didn't mean to do it. I don't know if you've even thought about this, but by completely ignoring me in public, maybe you're making it more obvious that we are involved." Brian looked up at me in confusion. "None of the other guys are afraid to goof around with me, pushing, pats on the back, messing up the hair. Only you. If someone was watching the six of us interact in public, they would notice and maybe start to wonder why we don't like each other. That could easily lead to questions. Does that make sense?" I asked gently. I had my arms around his back as he rested on my outstretched legs.

He was quite for a minute, and then he sighed. "I never even thought of that Angel," he admitted. He rolled to his side and I slid down so we were face to face. He reached out and picked up my left hand, bringing it up between us. I watched him run his thumb over the simple gold band on my finger. "I gave this to you as a promise Scott. I'm still learning how all this works and sometimes I'm going to screw up. But as long as you have this ring, you have my love, completely," he said intently.

Brian raised his eyes to mine and I smiled at him. "And you have my love too!" We hugged tightly and lay quietly in each other's embrace.

A knock at the door brought us out of our own little world.

"Come in!" Brian called.

Kevin opened the door and stepped in. "Everything okay?" he asked hesitantly.

I nodded. "Everything is fine, Kevin. Thank you!"

He smiled. "Good. I find it difficult to stay angry at my cousin," he admitted.

I laughed. "Me too!" I agreed. Brian just blushed.

"We've ordered dinner. Do you two want to join us, or eat in here?" he asked.

Brian and I looked at each other. He nodded slightly in Kevin's direction and cocked an eyebrow. I nodded my agreement.

"We'll join you guys," Brian said.

"Okay. It should be here in about five minutes," Kevin said before turning back to the door.

"Thanks Kev," Brian said before Kevin closed the door.

Brian and I put on a few more clothes and walked out to the lounge. The guys saw our clasped hands and grinned. The problems from earlier were forgotten.

The tour picked up at a slightly less hectic pace the next day. I decided to give Brian a break and not push him to go out on the next couple of off-days.

About a week after leaving New Orleans the tour pulled into Denver. We were sitting in the bus lounge talking. Nick was back on his laptop checking his email. He still hadn't heard from Nora and was getting really worried. I hadn't said anything, but I was concerned too.

I glanced over at him, just as the color drained from his face. Nick was fair to begin with, but whatever shock he'd just had took all the remaining color away.

"Nick!" I said loudly and jumped up to go to him. I thought he might pass out he was so pale.

Brian followed me to him and the others, hearing my near shout, came quickly. As soon as Brian was beside him, Nick turned to Brian and began to cry. Brian and I looked at each other as he put his arms around his friend. I didn't want to invade his privacy, but knew that whatever was wrong had come through the email. I glanced at the screen. It was from an address that I didn't recognize, but I turned the computer to me and read the message.

I quickly realized the message was from Nora's friend Kristi. As I read the note, I felt my own shock and horror surge. Two weeks earlier, Nora had been walking home from one of her night classes. Two men had jumped her, beating her badly and raping her. The image of Nora's sparkling eyes and friendly smile came to my mind. That poor girl! I continued to read. She had been unconscious and just recently came to. Nora had asked Kristi to email a few of her closer email friends to let them know why she hadn't been in touch.

I relayed the details to the others. Brian looked shocked, as he continued to comfort Nick. The others were no less stunned. We all stood silently as Nick's tears slowly subsided. He pulled away from Brian and looked at all of us.

"How could anyone do that to another person?" he asked sadly. "God, she's such a sweet, generous girl." We all agreed. "I want to do something nice for her," Nick declared. The rest of us liked that idea.

We discussed it for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon rehearsal. Nick really wanted to fly back to Orlando to visit her, but the schedule just didn't allow it.

Finally an idea struck me. "Guys! Don't you have someone tape almost every concert?" I asked them after rehearsal.

"Yeah we do," Brian said.

"Why don't you tape tonight's concert. Pick a song you want to sing for her and before it starts, give a little dedication. You can send the tape to her. I know she'd love that," I suggested.

"That's a good idea. But I can make it even better," Nick said enthusiastically. We looked at him. "Well, the five of us in the group can't go back to Orlando, but Scott could go. Don't you think it would be more meaningful to deliver it personally?" Nick looked at me, waiting for my reaction.

I could see his point. Aside from the fact that I would be away from Brian for a couple of days, I liked the idea. I pulled Brian aside. "What do you think Love?" I asked him softly.

He smiled at me. "I'll miss you, but I think it's a good idea. Nora deserves it," he said.

I grinned. "That's what I was thinking too."

I told the others I would do it, and Kevin called management to get a flight arranged for me.

The concert that night was one of their best. About halfway through, they stopped the music and asked for everyone's attention.

Nick spoke. "Thank you Denver. The boys and I just found out today, that a dear friend of ours was attacked a couple of weeks ago by two cowards. She was walking home from night class when she was attacked. We want to send her our love and best wishes. Nora, you have been a true friend in the time we have known you. This song is for you."

I listened to Nick's little speak and was proud of him. He spoke eloquently, without breaking down, as I had feared he would. The song they dedicated to her was The One.

After the concert, we waited around for the video crew to finish with the tape. It would be a rough tape, without flashy fade-ins or camera changes, but Nora would still love it. Once I had the tape in hand, we all went to the airport. The guys stayed in the limo while I proceeded to my gate and boarded my flight.

I slept during the flight, which touched down in Orlando at 1:30 am. I took a limo to the hotel that management had booked me into. They didn't want me staying at the guys' apartment when they weren't there afraid it would draw too much attention.

Despite missing Brian's warmth next to me, I managed to get a few hours of sleep. I woke at seven-thirty and after a quick shower and breakfast, headed to the hospital. I asked at reception for Nora Daly's room and was directed to the third floor. As I reached the door to her room, I tried to prepare myself, not sure how battered she would still be. I knocked.

"Come in," a faint voice called.

I opened the door and walked in. My eyes immediately took in Nora's form on the bed. She had a bandage on her head and the yellowish remains of numerous bruises on her face and arms. One of her arms was in a cast. She looked at me and suddenly smiled. That was the Nora I knew.

"Scott! What are you doing here?" she asked waving me forward.

I walked over closer to the bed, nodding to her friend Kristi who was sitting in the chair on the other side of the bed.

I smiled at her as I carefully leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "I was the lucky one elected to visit you," I said. "The guys wanted to come, but you wouldn't believe the schedule. I brought you a gift from them though," I said, handing her the wrapped videotape.

"Thanks," she said quietly. She opened the package and looked at Kristi. "Do you think you could see if they have a TV/VCR combo in this place?" she asked her friend. Kristi nodded and left.

I sat down on the side of the bed. I looked at Nora intently. "So how are you really doing Nora?" I asked gently.

She smiled at me weakly. "Well, I have my good days and my bad days. I've been talking to a counselor and my friends have been terrific. I'll get through this!" she declared.

I smiled at her. "I know you will. And I want to tell you that if you need anything, anything at all, to let us know. They guys all care about you, especially Nicky, and want to help if we can."

She reached down and touched my hand. "Thank you Scott. It means a lot to me. How is Nick doing?" she asked.

I grinned. "Well, most of the time he's just Nick. But he's been a great friend to Brian and I. He was broken up though when he heard what happened," I added.

"Yeah, he just missed having someone to talk to, since I'm the only fool that chats with him," Nora said with a grin. I laughed. "And how are you and Brian?" she asked.

I lost my smile slightly. "We're good. Its been rough, the schedule is crazy and Brian is paranoid about going out in public. But I still love him like crazy," I added.

Nora picked up my hand and immediately noticed the ring. She raised her eyebrows and looked at me. I know I blushed. "It's a promise ring, I guess you would call it," I told her. I recounted to her how Brian had given me the ring.

A few minutes later, Kristi returned pushing a cart with a TV and a VCR. I helped her hook it up and we put the tape in. The tape was set to begin at the dedication. She could watch the rest of the concert later. She started to cry a little when Nick spoke, but she smiled too.

After the song she looked at me. "If I ask you to give Nick a big hug and kiss for me, will that get you into trouble?" she asked with a smirk. I glanced at Kristi, who had no idea about my relationship with Brian.

I shook my head. "No, I think I can manage that. But I'm blaming you if he decks me," I added. Nora laughed.

I stayed most of the day and chatted with Nora. A number of her friends stopped by at different times to visit. I was pleased to hear she was being released the next day. I was also glad to find out that the men who attacked her tried the same thing with another woman, but got caught in a police trap. Apparently they had attacked a number of women during the weeks leading up to Nora's attack. Unfortunately they weren't caught before they hurt our friend.

I left around dinnertime as Nora's parents were stopping by. I told her to get back on-line as soon as she could because Nick missed her. Back at the hotel, I called Brian's cell phone to let him know how things were going. I went to bed early wanting to get a good night of sleep before catching up with the tour in Salt Lake City the next day.

Kenitra:-)