Date: Wed, 02 Jan 2002 06:09:38 +0000 From: N D Subject: nick and ashley-chapter 11 DISCLAIMER: I don't know O-town or Backstreet Boys and am not implying anything. I am not affiliated with them or J records or MTV or ABC or anything. The only thing I have remotely in common with these boys is that Ashley Parker Angel and I were born on the exact same day. FIRST THINGS FIRST: I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Year. I thank you all for the kind words in your email and I try to get back to everyone that writes me but lately I've been very busy with the holidays so bear with me. Here's to another 10 chapters. P.S. Welcome back Johnny-my number one fan! http://jcv.5u.com/all/worldofslash/ (Jayson Vascardi's Slash fiction website that also posts my stories and others.) Nick and Ashley-Chapter 11 "I had a really great time tonight Dan. Thanks a lot." Devon Sawa said as he leaned his back up against his hotel room door. He ran his hands through his bright blond hair as he began to feel the effects of the alcohol consumed at dinner. "No problem Devon. Anytime." Dan Miller of O-town replied to him trying to figure out the right way to express his emotions to this beautiful specimen in front of him that made his penis practically jump out of his pants. "Are you gonna be ok to walk home?" Devon asked "Yeah my hotel is only a few blocks away and Ashley is waiting downstairs. He said he would wait for me." Dan said as his voice trailed off and he lowered his head, staring at the floor. "What's the matter Dan?" Devon asked him. "There's something I need to ask you." Dan said. "Go for it." Devon said with such a smile that seemed to make Dan feel ten times better. "You said before that you were gay, right?" Dan asked "Yeah...is that cool with you?" Devon asked "Yeah that's great...I mean good...I mean..." Dan's stuttering was cut off by Devon's lips as they were firmly planted on Dan's. Dan was shocked at first but gave in to Devon's pressing tongue against his lips. Devon massaged Dan's tongue with his and grabbed the back of his head fully enjoying the kiss. Both men pulled back after a very sensual kiss and stared into each other's eyes. "Good night Dan." Devon said still staring at Dan's eyes. "Good night Devon." Dan replied. "I'll call you tomorrow" Devon said as he pulled away and headed back into his room. "Can't wait" Dan said as he watched Devon turn and go back into his hotel room. He sat there for a few seconds and contemplated what just happened. A smile came to his face and he headed back to the elevator to meet Ashley to go home. Dan strolled into the lobby of the beautiful hotel room. It was about 2 AM as Dan walked over and saw his band mate sitting in a chair with his head on his hand sleeping. Something about the way Ashley would just wait there for him made Dan decide that this had to be his best friend in his life right now. They needed each other for support and both seemed willing to give it. Dan went over to Ashley and gave him a few shakes, waking him up. After Ashley rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, they started back towards their hotel, Dan telling him all about the good news. It was New Year's Eve. The TRL Studios were nothing short of madness. Fans were going crazy, as Ja Rule had just finished his set. Cameras came back onto Carson Daly as he stood there with a microphone into his hand. "Alright, MTV's New Year's Eve Spectacular continues on all the way to well after midnight. We've got a very special guest for you right now though. Switching from the music scene to the movie life, our next guest has been in many movies such as Little Giants, Wild America, Final Destination and many others. He's been working on a new one called "One Love", which opens up January 22nd. Let's bring him out here. Everyone welcome Devon Sawa." Carson introduced. The fans screamed extremely loudly for this blonde heartthrob as he walked out onto the stage. He came out and shook Carson's hand then waved to the crowd and flashed them his killer smile. "Devon, you're always a popular one here. It's good to have you back." Carson started. "It's great to be back Carson. You guys are always great to me. I appreciate it." Devon replied. "Let's talk about the movie. It's called 'One Love' and it comes out late January." Carson said "That's right Carson. It's about young love and the things that people my age will do for the ones that they love." Devon said. "That sounds great. That's a little different from the roles you usually play huh?" Carson asked. "Yeah, I feel like I've grown up now and I want to prove that I can act in serious roles. I'd like this to be my defining movie, where people look at it and say 'Now he's an actor'" Devon explained. "I wish you the best buddy. Hey let's get back to the music. Our next group up is O- town." Carson said as the fans began to go wild. "Do you know anything about these guys Devon?" Carson asked him. "Yeah actually I just met them a few days ago in Providence and they were a bunch of awesome guys. They even took me out to dinner. They're a bunch of really great guys." Devon said. "Sounds great...here they are...O-town!" Carson said into his microphone as the crowd went crazy. All five men stood in a line with Jacob on the end holding an acoustic guitar. Jacob started the song and the beat picked up in the band behind him. Erik began to sing his part as the guys began the dance to "We Fit Together". "I've been waiting for the stars to come out Dinner it was fine But I can't lie cause I've been waiting For you to come back to mine I've been thinking of you 24-7 and 365 And now the girl from Ipanema she's here lying by my side" The guys switched up positions on stage keeping in step with the dance steps. The crowd's cheers only encouraged Dan more as he stepped to the front, as he was about to sing his baritone part. He searched for a certain pair of blue eyes that were staring back at him, admiring his boyfriend on stage. He caught Devon's eyes and sang right towards him. "I've got you now and I just wanna Show you how to play Goosebumps on your body guide the way" The rest of the guys jumped in and started to harmonize with Dan and belted out the chorus to the waiting crowd. "I wanna go all night, Ain't no stopping til the break of dawn I wanna go inside Every corner, girl you really turn me on I wanna go knock-knock-knock, our bodies to the beat And when the morning comes We're letting the sun shine, and stay in bed It can't separate us, we fit together..." Ashley stepped to the front of the stage, which drew many cheers from the crowd, as Ashley seemed to be the biggest heartthrob of the group. His platinum blonde hair sticking straight up as he started his part of the sexual song. He stared right into the TV, knowing that Nick was backstage, watching his every move. "I can feel you coming closer Dancing in the dark I touch your lips and kiss your shoulder Send a letter to your heart I can't explain to which extreme I'm feeling you How many triple-x dreams that's been starring you" Dan came over and put his arm around his best friend. They sang the final part of the song together, putting together a nice mix of voice range. "I've got you now and I just wanna Show you how to play Goosebumps on your body guide the way" The boys finished up the song, much to the crowd's delight and went towards the audience and started to sign autographs and cds. The boys went backstage to the green room where a bottle of champagne was opened and the party started. It was about 10 minutes until the ball dropped to start the New Year. Nick and Ashley were in a corner together just holding each other, staring into each other's eyes. "You were hot out there tonight baby." Nick said "Thanks Nicky." Ashley replied. "I can't wait to start a new year in my life with you Ash." Nick said. "I love you Nicky." Ashley said "I love you too Ash." Nick replied to his boyfriend. "10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!" Everyone screamed out. This fell on deaf ears for Nick and Ashley, as all they heard was each other's hearts. They leaned in and kissed each other to commemorate the New Year. The room was filled with people celebrating as Dan and Devon shared a kiss to Auld Lang Syne since Dan had come out to everyone in his circle of friends and wanted to express his love to his new boyfriend, Brian and his wife Leigh Ann and Kevin and his wife Kimberly all shared a kiss to represent a lover's New Year's wish. Everyone began to hug each other and celebrate, drinking champagne and recognizing that all was right with the world. It was all correct except for one man. Jacob Underwood stood against the back wall staring at AJ of the Backstreet Boys as he held a glass of water in his hand, sticking to his rehab training. 'This must be so hard for him. He's a real trooper. I wish I could just hold him and support him in every way I can.' Jacob thought to himself. He watched AJ as he went around and hugged everyone, even kissing a few girls on the lips for a few seconds. Jacob began to get jealous and left the room. He stepped out the backstage door, which led out onto a balcony. He leaned over the balcony and stared out into the New York night. The door opened behind him and a figure walked out onto the balcony wearing a winter hat and dark sunglasses. His face was lined with a very finely trimmed goatee. "Something wrong kiddo?" AJ asked him as he pulled out a cigarette and began to smoke it. "Want one?" Jacob's heart skipped a beat but tried to remain calm as if there was nothing wrong. "Yeah sure. Just not down for partying tonight." Jacob replied "On New Year's Eve?" AJ asked "Whatever...just another day." Jacob said. "Yeah well...one day at a time is the way I like to take it these days." AJ said. "If you say so." Jacob said still looking out over the balcony at the skyline. "What's the matter man?" AJ asked "I can't tell you" Jacob said "Something personally against me?" AJ asked "Nothing personal at all, I just can't tell you" Jacob said. Jacob began to get real frustrated with the object of his affection standing right next to him and not being able to tell him about it. He slammed his hand against the wall, screaming out in frustration. "What the hell is the matter with you man?" AJ asked Jacob stared at the ground and began to cry out of sheer frustration. He stared up at AJ with tear-filled eyes. "I've got feelings for you and I don't even know if you're gay or not." Jacob said as he turned around not being able to look at AJ. AJ stared at Jacob's back and began to speak. "Jacob...I am gay. I've never told anyone but I've had feelings for guys for a while now. I noticed it after I hooked up with women on tour and didn't feel anything." AJ said as he poured out his heart to Jacob. Jacob turned around to face AJ. "You're not kidding are you?" Jacob asked "Nah man this is serious." AJ replied. "Shit." Jacob said as he took another drag of his Marlboro Light. "Jacob, I have feelings for you too." AJ admitted. Jacob turned around and just stared at AJ. Both men stared at each other in the New York night. It was the morning after. Many drinks were consumed and many hangovers were about to come. A certain hangover started at about 9 AM when the phone rang interrupted the sleep of Nick and Ashley. They were resting after a great night celebrating, discovering each other's sexual side and touching every part they could of each other. Devon and Dan also got this same phone call that interrupted them. This couple on the other hand had not shared any sexual intimacy besides a few simple kissed. They were still in the early stages of their relationship and wanted to take it slow. Dan was already awake, after not drinking too much so that he didn't get out of hand. He was lying on his back with Devon lying on his chest. Dan was playing with Devon's now short hair as he had cut it for his new movie. It had a bit of a spike to it and the short hair was very sexy on this blonde, Canadian movie star. Another couple was also interrupted by this same phone call. These two were not asleep however. AJ and Jacob had stayed up all night simply talking. They stayed up all night just becoming closer than they ever had with anyone before. They knew this would lead to other things but they wanted to start with a friendship, not a hookup. This phone call was a rather important one. It was Josh, the choreographer. He was asked to inform all the members of O-town that there was a mandatory, emergency meeting at noon that day in the banquet room downstairs in the hotel. All of the members took the message and showed up at noon exactly to see what the commotion was all about. They were seated together with Clive Davis in front of them and Lou Pearlman off to the side. Clive stood up and began to speak. "Guys Lou thinks he's not getting paid enough. He's threatening to leave as manager if we don't give him more of a cut." Clive said "I deserve it guys, don't you think? I don't even know why this has to be an emergency meeting and all that. Me and the guys could have talked this over Clive." Lou said. "There's something else." Clive said All of the boys paid attention to a very confusing situation. "Lou's been stealing money from you guys and embezzling it to Trans Continental Records for about 3 months now." Clive confessed. All of the guys gasped and looked over at Lou in disbelief. Lou began to fumble around with words but stopped and looked at the floor. "It's true guys. You know I love you as sons. Please forgive me. Trans Con has been on top of me about the pay cuts and all that..." Lou began but was interrupted "Fuck you Lou." Jacob said as he got up and walked out. All of the guys got up and followed Jacob out, standing up for their band mates and friends. Ashley stopped as he was last in line and turned around. "Do what you need to do Clive. We trust you" Ashley told him. "Thanks Ashley." Clive said as he turned towards the ex-manager of O-town. "You're fired Lou." Clive said as he walked out of the room leaving Lou Pearlman in the dark room by himself a dejected man. Just as he did with Backstreet Boys, N'Sync and LFO, he had done with O-town. He fucked up an amazing opportunity and tried to steal from a gold mine. It wasn't about the money. It was about the trust. He was a father to all of these boys. He was a father to this genre of music. A father however would never do something to hurt his sons. Lou messed up and would only hold the boys back and possibly hurt his sons. Clive Davis was the one that really gave them the chance and made sure everything was good inside the band. He was their real father and they trusted Clive with their decisions. After all, O-town was the cover band for J records, a new pop label that represented the future. Clive ran after Ashley and stopped him in the hallway. "Ashley I've got some good news for you." Clive said to his heartthrob. "Oh yeah?" Ashley asked. "Jewel called me. You know who Jewel is right?" Clive asked him "Haha of course Clive. She's awesome. You get a date or something?" Ashley joked with his boss and friend. "No no, none of that for me. She actually called me about you." Clive said. "Well I'm taken already Clive." Ashley said "Ashley, let me finish." Clive said with a smile. "She wants you to do a duet with her on a remix of her new song 'Standing Still'" Clive said "Wow that's awesome. When is it?" Ashley asked. "In a couple of days. She's agreed to meet up with you at our next tour stop in Chicago so you don't even have to take away from tour time." Clive said with a smile on his face. "This is so awesome. I don't know if life could get much better." Ashley said as he gave Clive a hug, thanking him and ran upstairs to tell Nick the good news. The whole time he ran upstairs, all he could think about was how great life was. Ashley Parker Angel was finally making a name for himself and being recognized in his business. He had a wonderful boyfriend who he was madly in love with. He had 4 great band mates and a great manager he trusted in Clive. Ashley was on top of the world. TO BE CONTINUED... <<<>>>