The Perfect Couple: Kevin and Nick
Chapters 10-12
Written by Jayson Colin Vascardi
Legal Disclaimer: This story is fictional and not meant to reflect upon or imply anything about any of the celebrities mentioned herein. If you are offended by material of a homosexual nature or if such material is illegal to view in your area, then you should be leaving now. Otherwise please enjoy the story!
This story is copyright 2001 by Jayson Colin Vascardi. All rights reserved.
Email: JCVascardi@yahoo.com
If you don't use the above email link, please remember to include "Perfect Couple" in the email subject line. All emails will be answered.
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Previously

Nick climbs out the bathroom window of Kevin's house, and heads for a nearby park. He then calls his sister BJ.

AJ informs the others about Nick having left the house, and then tells of his suspicions that Nick is gay. And of course if he is, that that could turn out to be a very good thing, because of the fact that Kevin is in love with Nick.

Howie has a dream in which his late sister, Caroline, appears to him as an angel. In the dream, Caroline does her best to make sure that Howie realizes the error of his ways. He loved Kevin and Nick like brothers, and then they each utter those two little words (I'm gay, or I'm bi) and suddenly, Howie hated them and was wishing them dead. Whether Caroline's words have helped Howie to see the error of his ways or not, remains to be seen, but the last words she spoke to him keep repeating in his head like a broken record, "Stop your hatred, Howie, stop your hatred."

Nick and BJ continue to chat for quite awhile, during the course of the conversation Nick talks about his inability to say those two words in reference to himself, and then BJ points out that he already did it, twice, during the course of their conversation. Nick tries to tell BJ that it's different with her, but BJ doesn't buy it.

Finally, after Nick hangs up on his sister and turns off his cell so she can't call back, he resolves to tell Kevin how he feels, no matter what.

Chapter 10

It's been a month since Nick Carter made up his mind to tell Kevin Richardson that he's in love with him. And he still hasn't done it. The tour has kept everyone very busy. For the last month, the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC have been performing in a different city every night, with only one day off. Nick didn't tell Kevin that day because quite frankly they were both exhausted and Nick didn't feel that it was the perfect time to tell Kevin. One could probably argue that no time will ever be the perfect time, but one can probably do better then a point in time in which both parties could fall asleep at any second. Nick was so tired that day that he could barely speak, and the last thing he wanted was to bare his heart and soul to Kevin and have him fall asleep half way through.

In two days, they will be getting two weeks off while in Los Angeles, California for a concert. Nick is determined to get Kevin alone at some point during the two week break, and tell him how he feels. Nick will of course have to hurry and tell Kevin that he wants to spend some time with him, before Kevin makes other plans. Brian for example is heading for Lexington over the break. Nick isn't entirely sure however whether its just because he wants to spend time at home with his family, or so that he doesn't have to see Lance and Justin so happy together.

Nick looks over the breakfast table at Kevin for a moment. Kevin is barely touching his food, which has been the case for awhile now. Nick isn't sure what's wrong with Kevin, and it pains Nick to see Kevin like this.

"Kev? You really should eat something."

"I'm not hungry, Nick."

"You said that yesterday," replies Nick, "And the day before that. No offense meant here Kevin, but you're looking very thin lately. Have you been eating anything at all?"

Kevin gives Nick a look of disdain, which was very, very hard for Kevin to do, and shoves a piece of toast in his mouth and chews it before snapping at Nick, "There are ya happy!?"

"Don't snap at me for being concerned. I care about you Kevin, and I don't want to see you waste away to nothing."

"Well, Nick, don't worry, I won't."

The conversation pretty much stops after this, and everyone just finishes their breakfast. Soon everyone leaves the room, until Nick and Kevin are the only ones left. Kevin because it's his bedroom that breakfast was served in, and Nick because he wants to talk to Kevin for a moment.

"Um, Kev, can I talk to you?"

"Yeah, sure. What do ya want, Nicky?"

"Well, this may sound strange, but I was hoping that you and I could spend some time with each other during the break. Just the two of us."

"Nick, I really don't think that's a good idea," replies Kevin, "Anyway, I was thinking I'd go with Brian to Lexington for a few days and see the family."

"No! You can't!"

"What? What do you mean I can't?"

"I need you here," mumbles Nick under his breath, to the point that Kevin could just barely make out what he was saying.

"You need me here? Why?"

"I just do, okay?"

"Look, Nick, you're gonna have to give me a better answer then that. If not, I'm going to go through with my original plan to go home for a few days."

Nick looks at Kevin for a moment, and even though this is not the perfect moment that Nick had envisioned, he realizes that it's either now or never. If he doesn't tell Kevin the truth now, that perfect moment will probably never come. If Kevin goes to Lexington, then Nick won't be able to create that perfect, romantic moment in which he can tell Kevin, so Nick, determined to tell Kevin, looks him straight in the eye, and replies, "Kevin, I'm... I'm... gay. And I'm in love with you."

----

AJ, Chris, JC, Justin, and Lance are gathered in AJ's hotel room, discussing some possible ways to get Brian interested in Chris. While the last thing any of them want to do is manipulate Brian, they do want Brian to find love with someone who is more than willing to return it. Chris isn't sure if he's in love with Brian, but he does know that he finds Brian to be very attractive, and would like to have a shot at being with Brian and see how it goes. And of course Justin and Lance would like nothing more then for Brian to find someone else to love, because Justin has no intention of letting Brian have Lance, and Lance has no intention of leaving Justin. So, Brian's feelings for Lance have begun to put a little stress on Justin and Lance's marriage.

Suddenly there's a knock on the door, and AJ gets up to answer it. When he opens the door, he's shocked to see Bobbie Jean Carter standing there.

"BJ?"

"Hey Alex, can I come in?"

"Of course," replies AJ, as he steps aside to allow BJ to enter.

"Guys, this is Bobbie Jean Carter, Nick's sister," replies AJ, as he quickly introduces the newcomer to the four gay *NSYNC members.

"It's a pleasure, call me BJ," replies BJ, as she shakes all of their hands, before shocking them all and asking, "AJ? Why do you have four gay guys in your room?"

"How did you know?"

"Well, Chris, after dating four guys who all ended up dumping me because they turned out to be gay," replies BJ, "My gaydar is exceedingly well-developed. Plus, Nick told me that Joey was the only straight *NSYNC guy."

"Why would Nick tell you that?"

"Don't worry, Lance, I'm not going to go running to a tabloid," replies BJ, "Your secrets are safe with me."

"Secrets? As in more then one? What else did he tell you?"

"Well, Justin, I know that you and Lance are married, and that Brian has called off his wedding because he's in love with Lance, and that Kevin is divorcing Kristin because he's gay."

"The fact that Kevin is gay," replies AJ, "Is not the only reason that Kevin called it quits."

"What else is there?"

"Well, BJ, Kevin is head over heels in love with your brother."

"Aaron or Nick?"

"Nick, of course."

"Okay, good, just making sure," replies BJ, "Nick is a few years younger than Kevin, but Aaron, well that could never happen. Aaron is way too young to start dating, and even if he was old enough, Kevin would be too old for him."

"I agree," replies Lance, "Aaron is what? All of 12 years old?"

"13, Aaron and Angel are 13," replies BJ, "Anyway, so how is the happy couple?"

"We're fine," replies Justin and Lance in unison.

"Not you," replies BJ.

"Well, then who?" asks JC, "Justin and Lance are the only happy couple on the tour. Everyone else is single."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, BJ, I'm sure," replies JC, "Why?"

"Well, that means I'm going to have to beat the shit out of Nick."

"Why?" asks Lance.

"Well, because he's yet to grow any balls," replies BJ, "and tell ya'll that he's gay, and in love with Kevin."

----

"What?" asks Kevin, as he hears the words leave Nick's mouth. Kevin had resigned to the idea that he'd never hear those words, so he's having trouble taking it in. The words that Nick just spoke are just not registering in Kevin's mind.

"I'm gay, and I'm in love with you Kevin," repeats Nick, as a look of uncertainty appears on his face. He isn't sure if he just did the best thing he could possibly have done, or if he's just made the biggest mistake of his life.

When Kevin remains silent, Nick takes it to mean that Kevin doesn't return the feelings and replies, "Kevin, I understand if you don't return my feelings. I'll um just work hard to get over you and I can maybe find someone else and move on with my life."

After saying this, Nick turns around and starts heading for the door. When Kevin sees this, alarms go off in his brain, telling him to stop Nick no matter what. Without thinking, Kevin lunges at Nick, grabbing him. Nick is caught off guard and he falls to the floor with a thud, as Kevin falls on top of him. Nick looks up at Kevin with eyes that are full of questioning. Kevin can see that Nick is about to speak, but he just puts his finger over Nick's lips to silence him.

Kevin looks down into the beautiful pools of blue that are Nick's eyes, and leaning down to do what he has wanted to do for years now, Kevin's lips meet Nick's, and the two of them are instantly locked into a passionate kiss. As Kevin and Nick kiss, they are instantly transported to their own little world of peace and tranquility, where nobody but them exists. After years of secretly being in love with each other, the moment that they have dreamed about for so long, and the moment that neither of them ever thought would happen, is actually happening.

The kiss lasts for several minutes before Kevin breaks the kiss for air. Kevin smiles down at Nick, and Nick just smiles back up at him, before Kevin leans back down, pulling Nick into another passionate kiss. Nick's tongue eagerly explores the inside of Kevin's mouth, and Kevin's just as eagerly explores the inside of Nick's mouth. The passion of their kiss, and the love behind it, is causing little electrical pulses to course down their spines and through every vein in their body. The two are in perfect harmony, and if they could, they'd probably stay here on the floor of Kevin's hotel room kissing for the rest of their lives.

Finally, Kevin breaks the second kiss, and rolls off of Nick, before standing up. Kevin smiles down at Nick, and holds out his hand to help Nick up. Once Nick is on his feet, Kevin doesn't let go of Nick's hand, and he leads Nick over to the bed, before he lays down, and pulls Nick down beside him. Kevin smiles at Nick, his left hand still intertwined with Nick's, Kevin runs his right hand over Nick's cheek and through his soft, blonde hair. Nick is the one to break the silence.

"I suppose this means you return my feelings?"

"Yes, Nick, I do love you," replies Kevin, "I've loved you for quite some time now."

"So have I," replies Nick, "I just never told you because I thought you were straight. Plus, I still have a hard time saying the word gay in reference to myself. I've known that I am for years now, and I accept that. It's just that a lot of times when I try to say it, the word is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't say it no matter how hard I try."

"Well, Nick, you've told me now," replies Kevin, "Trust me, once you tell someone, it gets a little bit easier."

"Thanks, Kev," replies Nick, "And don't take this the wrong way, because I love you with all my heart, but that's load of shit. Telling you isn't going to make it easier for me to tell everyone. The other guys maybe, because I know the majority of them will have no problems with it. It's my parents and my 3 siblings that I'm worried about."

"Yeah, I can see your point," replies Kevin, "I'm scared to death to tell my family. Wait a minute, 3 siblings? Don't you have 4 siblings?"

"BJ already knows," replies Nick, "And I didn't tell her. She figured it out on her own. I guess she's dated 4 guys who turned out to be gay, and her gaydar is very good. Other then you, she's the only one who knows that I'm... that I'm... I still have a hard time saying it... that I'm gay."

"It's okay Nick," replies Kevin, "I'll always be here to protect you. I love you with all my heart, and all my soul."

Nick smiles at Kevin, and Kevin smiles back, before the two of them start kissing passionately once again, happy and content in each other's arms.

----

"Stop your hatred, Howie, stop your hatred!" echoes the voice of Caroline in Howie's head for the millionth or so time. Howie has had this dream now everyday for a month. Every time he closes his eyes, the image of Caroline appears to him, condemning him for hating Kevin and Brian and wishing that they were dead. But, Howie, being the stubborn and pig-headed person that he is, refuses to listen, even if it means being haunted by Caroline's words for the rest of his life.

"No! Caroline is wrong! She has to be! Doesn't she?" mumbles Howie, as his eyes close, and he drifts off to sleep, as he is rather tired after eating breakfast this morning.

"Howard Dwaine Dorough, it's me, Caroline," replies the voice, "You keep ignoring me, and my message from God. Perhaps you need a visual aid."

"What are you talking about, Caroline?" asks Howie, confused, now that the recurring dream that he's been having every time he closes his eyes for the last month has changed.

"A visual aid of what eternity holds for you if you don't stop your hatred," replies Caroline, whose luminous glow brightens a bit as she raises up her hand and points towards the hotel room's closet.

Howie looks in horror, as the closet doors fly open and inside are the flames of Hell. The shrieks and the wails of the Souls of the Damned are enough to send chills down Howie's spine. Even sitting on his bed, twenty feet away from the closet, Howie can feel the immense heat of the flames, and the smell of sulfur and brimstone is overpowering. Howie looks at the Souls of the Damned, as they cry out in everlasting pain, as they burn and writhe in an eternity of agony.

"Howie, what you see before you are the fires of Hell," replies Caroline, "That is where you are destined to spend eternity if you do not stop your hatred. Everyday that you keep up your hatred, your soul is tainted more and more. And you are destined to be burning in agony alongside all the other Souls of the Damned for all eternity.

"But, Howie, it is not too late. You can still save your soul from joining the ranks in Hell. Stop your hatred now, or you will forever rot in the fires of Hell. You must stop your hatred, Howie, it is the only way to save your soul!"

"No, no! I'm right, I know I am!" replies Howie, "Kevin and Brian are creations of Satan, they have to be!"

"Stop your hatred Howie! Stop it! Or the consequences will be dire! Every second that your heart is filled with hatred it taints your soul more and more, and the more your soul is tainted, the stronger Satan's claim on you gets!"

"Howard Dorough!" comes a voice from the closet. The voice is a deep, guttural and raspy voice, that also sends chills down Howie's spine, "You are mine! I am Prince Lucifer, Lord and Master of all that is Evil, the King and Ruler of Hell! I claim your soul!"

"Howie please! Stop your hatred! It is the only way. Stop your hatred and Lucifer will have no claim on your soul."

Howie looks from the beautiful glowing form of his beloved sister Caroline, back to the closet, where a man has appeared in the flames, a man which is horrifying to gaze upon, a man which is obviously Prince Lucifer, also known as Satan. As Howie looks at the burning flames, a claw reaches out of the closet. The large claw belongs to a huge serpent who is visible behind Satan. The hand is reaching for Howie, and somehow Howie knows that it's purpose is to take his soul.

"I don't want to spend eternity in Hell," replies Howie, as he turns his gaze back to his sister, "I'll do anything to avoid that. I promise I will stop my hatred! I swear on everything Holy that I will stop my hatred of Kevin and Brian, and everyone else. Please, Caroline, I beg you! Save me!"

"Howie, know this, if I intervene now, you will be saved," replies Caroline, "But if you don't uphold your end of the bargain, Lucifer will claim your soul, and you will spend the rest of your time on this Earth ice-cold and emotionless. You will never be able to step foot in a church, or to find love, and when you die you will go straight to Hell for all eternity!"

"I understand, Caroline! I will uphold my end of the bargain! Kevin and Brian are my brothers! I love them!" screams Howie, as the claw comes within inches of him.

The second the words leave Howie's mouth, Caroline's luminous glow intensifies to a blinding level, and as she raises her hand, a bolt of pure white light shoots out of the tips of her fingers, and hits the serpent's claw, as it recoils away from Howie, obviously in pain. Caroline swirls her hands upwards, and it begins to rain. But this is not ordinary water, this is holy water, which has a very strong effect on Satan, the serpent, and the Souls of the Damned. The wails of pain of the Souls of the Damned intensify several decibels, and now Satan and the serpent also cry out in pain. Several more bolts of the purest white light shoot from the tips of Caroline's fingers, as Satan and the serpent are pushed backwards into Hell. In a blinding flash of pure white light, the closet doors slam shut. The second the doors are closed, Howie notices that the room has returned to it's normal temperature, the intense stench of sulfur has disappeared, and the wails of Satan, the serpent, and the Souls of the Damned are silenced.

Howie looks back towards Caroline, who smiles at Howie, before the luminous glow surrounding her begins to intensify again, a beam of white light shoots from her fingertips, and at lightning speed travels across the room, and directly into Howie's heart, cleansing his soul of hatred and sin. Caroline begins to float upward, but just before she disappears, her words can be heard, "Keep your promise, Howie, keep your promise!"

As these words fill Howie's mind, he springs up in bed, fully aware that everything he's just seen was all a dream. But the horrifying images of Hell and of the Souls of the Damned remain burned into Howie's mind, as a constant reminder of what will happen to him if he goes back on his promise.

"I've been so stupid. Caroline was right, I loved Kevin and Brian like brothers, and then they utter those words and I suddenly hate them? I am so stupid. I caused them so much pain. Well, no more! I'm going to apologize to them immediately! They're like brothers to me, I can't believe I've been so stupid."

----

"Nick is gay?!" asks Justin, as Lance adds, "And he's in love with Kevin?"

"Yes, Justin and Lance. Nick is gay and he loves Kevin with all his heart."

"This is great!" replies AJ, as BJ looks at him strangely for a moment before asking, "Why?"

Chris takes it upon himself to explain, "Well, BJ, it's great that Nick is in love with Kevin, because Kevin is in love with Nick!"

"So you mean to tell me that Kevin loves Nick? Why hasn't he told Nick?"

"Because he thinks Nick is straight and repulsed by the fact that he's gay," replies AJ, "When Kevin and Brian told us, after Howie exploded and ran out, Nick suddenly got up and ran out of the house without a word. Both Kevin and Brian took that to mean that he too was repulsed by them being gay and bi."

"Well, he isn't, obviously," replies BJ, "Actually, Nick always panics in those situations. If you've ever noticed when someone asks him point blank whether he's gay or straight, he panics and runs. That's because despite the fact that he accepts the fact that he's gay, he has trouble saying the word in reference to himself. He says it's like it's on the tip of his tongue, but no matter how hard he tries to say it, he can't."

"Well, I had that problem for awhile," replies JC, "So I know how hard it is for Nick. I knew and accepted the fact that I was gay, but saying it aloud was just something I couldn't do no matter how hard I tried."

"Well, at any rate," replies BJ, "If that stupid brother of mine doesn't tell Kevin that he's in love with him soon, Kevin won't want him anymore."

"Why not?" asks AJ.

"Because my foot will be stuck so far up Nick's ass that even surgery won't remove it."

Chapter 11

One week later, finds the guys of the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC thoroughly enjoying their time off. Kevin and Nick haven't told the others about them yet, because Kevin insists that until Nick is ready to tell the others himself, that he doesn't mind keeping it a secret from them. Nick is starting to worry a bit though, because for the last few days, Kevin has been sort of withdrawn and secretive. Nick just hopes and prays that Kevin isn't cheating on him. This is the first real relationship that Nick has ever been in, and he is rather insecure at times. The logical half of Nick's brain tells him that there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for Kevin's secretiveness, but the other half of Nick's brain seems to want to assume the worst.

Anyway, today, Kevin insisted that Nick go out and hit the malls with JC, Justin and Lance. Now that Kevin has some time alone, he can finalize his plans for his date with Nick tonight. It will be the first time the two of them have gone out on a date, and Kevin wants everything to be perfect. That is why he's been a little distant and secretive lately, because of the big surprise date that he has in store for Nick tonight.

"Let's see here, I've taken care of that, and that, and that," replies Kevin, as he starts checking things off of a checklist, "And that, and that, ah perfect! Everything is ready for tonight. I hope Nick enjoys himself."

----

Nick, Lance, Justin, and JC walk into the massive food court at a local mall, and sit down for a few minutes. They're all quite tired from walking around in the large mall for the last four hours. Kevin told Nick before he left not to get too tired, and to get back to the hotel in time for a nap in case he was tired, because he had some big plans for them tonight. Nick was very happy to hear that, and of course did everything he could think of the get it out of Kevin what they would be doing, but Kevin refused to tell Nick, telling him that he'd just have to wait and see.

"Guys, I have something to tell ya'll," replies Nick, "I'm... well, I'm... I'm gay. And Kevin and I are dating now."

"It's about fucking time!" replies a female voice from behind Nick, and Nick gets scared for a moment that someone who shouldn't have overheard his words did, but then he recognizes the voice.

"Bobbie Jean?! What are you doing here?" asks Nick, as he turns in his seat and comes face to face with his sister.

"I came to make sure you get your ass in gear and tell the other guys," replies BJ, "And I was all prepared to hurt you if you didn't, but I guess I don't have to now."

"Nope, you don't. I told Kevin and we're together now, and very happy."

"Oh, my brother has a boyfriend," replies BJ, as she pulls Nick into a hug, "I'm so proud of you!"

Justin, Lance, and JC just laugh as Nick tries to get out of BJ's arms, very unsuccessfully. Finally, BJ does let go, and the five of them talk for awhile longer, before they all head to different restaurants for some lunch, before calling it a day and heading back to the hotel.

----

Later that night, after having taken a nap, Nick and Kevin leave the hotel in t-shirts and jeans. When they arrive at one of the most premier and fanciest restaurants in town, Nick gets worried, and replies, "Um, Kev, aren't we way underdressed for this place?"

"Not to worry, Nick my love," replies Kevin, with a smile.

Nick and Kevin get out of the limousine and head inside. Upon seeing them, the maitre'd, Jacques, smiles and replies, "Ah, Mr. Richardson, please follow me."

Kevin and Nick follow Jacques down a side hallway by the door, past the kitchen until they come to the ante-room of the private dining room. Two waiters, dressed in matching black tuxedos, stand on either side of the closed doors leading into the dining room. Nick looks around, not quite understanding why they're here, and still feeling way underdressed for such a fancy restaurant.

"Nick, go in the bathroom, and put this on," replies Kevin, as he hands Nick a black garment bag, that one of the waiters handed him.

"What's going on Kevin?"

"Just go get dressed, everything will be explained soon enough."

Nick looks at Kevin curiously, before Kevin just smiles and nudges Nick in the direction of the bathroom. Once Nick is gone, Kevin steps behind an oriental screen and quickly changes his own clothes.

Ten minutes later, Nick comes out of the bathroom wearing shiny black leather wingtips, black dress pants, a white silk shirt with a black banded collar, and a raining diamond jacket. The extra long black jacket is covered with shimmering faux diamonds, has notched lapels, and a single ornate button in the front. Kevin smiles brightly, as he sees Nick, and Nick smiles as he realizes that he is now dressed like Kevin's twin. Except that everything that is black in Nick's outfit, is navy blue in Kevin's outfit.

"You feel more appropriately dressed now, Nick?"

"Yeah," replies Nick, "So, now are you going to tell me what's going on?"

"Not quite yet," replies Kevin, as he pulls from behind his back a plastic box, containing two white rose and baby's breath boutonnières, "We need a finishing touch."

Kevin opens the box, and removes one of them, before setting the box down on a nearby table. Nick smiles brightly as Kevin affixes the boutonniere to the lapel of Nick's jacket, before taking the other one from the box and affixing it to the lapel of his own jacket.

"Are you ready for your surprise?"

"I've been ready for a very long time," replies Nick, as Kevin holds out his arm.

Seeing Nick's hesitation, Kevin whispers, "Don't worry, all the waiters and the maitre'd have signed privacy agreements."

Nick's smile brightens, as he loops his arm through Kevin's, and the two of them walk toward the doors to the private dining room, as the waiters standing on either side of the doors grab the handles and slide them open. As the doors open, music starts playing.

Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on Earth
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth

Nick looks around the room with a look of wonder and shock written on his face, as he takes in his surroundings. The room is filled with blue and white balloons, as well as several gold and silver star-shaped mylar balloons, a small table with two chairs sits in the center of the room. Several larges vases of flowers sit around the room, as well as several candelabras, the long white candles sparkling, and adding a romantic feel. Adding a festive look to the room,  a large disco ball hangs from the ceiling above the table, as it turns, the walls and floor are covered in small circles of white light. On one end of the room, a professional DJ has set up his equipment, and above the DJ's stand is a large white banner with a blue border and blue block letters, reading, "Welcome Class of '98". Nick continues to look around the room in awe, as the song continues to play.

"Just so you know, even if I hadn't signed that privacy agreement," replies Errick, "I would never have gone to the press about you two, cause I love your music. Um, I'm sorry to keep you here like this, but I may never get another chance for this. Is there any chance that Joshua Chasez is single? I've had a huge crush on him for a long time."

Chapter 12

Kevin's eyes begin to open as the mid-afternoon sun pours into the room through the curtains. When Kevin wakes up, he finds Nick still sleeping peacefully next to him, and smiles. Kevin was about to get out of bed when his cell phone rings. Not wanting it to wake up Nick, Kevin quickly opens the phone and answers, "Hello, this is Kevin."

"Kevin, it's Tim."

"Hey Tim," replies Kevin, obviously happy to be hearing from his brother, "What's up?"

"Well, I was going to ask you the same thing," replies Tim, "As I'm sure you know Brian came home for a few days. First off, mom is wondering why you didn't come home, and the whole family is wondering why Brian suddenly called off the wedding. He refuses to tell us anything, and we can't seem to get a hold of Leighanne."

"Well, I had some things to deal with here in LA," replies Kevin, with a smile as he looks down at Nick, who is still sleeping peacefully, "As for Brian, well, I don't think it's my place, bro."

"Kevin, if you know what's going on with our cousin, you'd better tell me," replies Tim, "I'm worried about him. He seems very sad and down in the dumps. I've never seen Brian this sad and distant."

"Well, Tim, to tell you the truth," replies Kevin, "I know the whole story, but again, I really don't think it's my place to tell you. I'm sure that Brian will tell you when he's ready."

"Okay, Kevin," replies Tim, with a sigh, "You leave me no choice. I'm gonna have to pull out the big guns here."

"Okay, okay, Tim, I'll tell you," replies Kevin, as he knows that what his brother was referring to was putting their mother, Anne Richardson, one the phone and Kevin knows that he would not be able to not tell his mother the truth, the whole truth. And Kevin thinks that Tim might be able to handle it a little bit better then their mother.

"Okay, Kev, talk."

"Brian called off his wedding to Leighanne," replies Kevin, hoping that what he's about to tell Tim will be enough, and that he won't have to get into any further details, "because he's fallen in love with someone else. Unfortunately, that person does not return Brian's feelings."

"Don't think for one minute that you can get off that easily, Kevin," replies Tim, "I know you know more then that, I can tell by the tone of your voice. Now, I want details."

"Okay, okay, first off, are you sitting down?"

"Yeah, I am, why?"

"Well that's good. Brace yourself Tim," replies Kevin, "Brian has fallen in love with Lance. Of *NSYNC. Brian is bi-sexual."

----

JC sits on his bed in the hotel room looking at the picture of Errick, wondering if he should pick up the phone and call him. JC would be lying to himself if he said that he didn't find Errick to be a very attractive man. But, then too JC doesn't really care for being setup on blind dates. Well, this isn't really a blind date, because first off, JC already knows what Errick looks like, and secondly they don't even have a date setup at the moment, but it still feels like one. JC can't say, until now that is, that one of his friends has ever walked up to him before, given him a picture of a hot guy with his name, address, and phone numbers written on the back and told him that the guy in the picture wants to date him.

"Well, I suppose I have nothing to lose here," replies JC, "He's bound by the terms of the privacy agreement not to reveal the fact that I'm gay. And I really do need a boyfriend, and he is very cute. I'll call him."

JC picks up the phone and dials the phone number listed next to the word cell. The phone rings twice, before it's answered, "Hello this is Errick."

When JC doesn't reply, Errick speaks again, "Hello, is anyone there?"

JC clears his throat and then says, "Um, hi."

"Hi, who is this?"

"Well, Errick, I'm told you have a crush on me and want to date me."

"Might this be Joshua Scott Chasez of *NSYNC?"

"That was my name last time I checked," replies JC with a slight laugh, "And yeah, I'm the 'C' in *NSYNC."

"I didn't think that you'd actually call," replies Errick, "I mean I was hoping you would, but I figured it would never happen."

"Don't get called by many pop stars huh?"

"Uh, no," replies Errick with a slight laugh, "Well, there's a first time for everything."

"Yeah, that's true. You're not the first person to send me, or any of the other guys, their photo with contact information written on the back. But, I must say that this is the first time that I've ever actually called someone who sent me their picture and phone number."

"Well, I'm honored."

"Errick, I'm looking at your picture right now," replies JC, "And I have to say this. You are so hot!"

"Thanks," replies Errick, "I'm looking at my poster of you, you're hot too."

"I don't usually do this, but would you like to meet for coffee or something? I'd really like to meet you in person."

"Sure, where and when?"

"How about I pick you up at 7?"

"Sounds good, but, um, I'll meet you at your hotel."

"Okay, good, c-ya at 7 Errick."

"C-ya at 7, JC. I'm really looking forward to this."

"So am I, bye for now."

"Bye," replies Errick, as the conversation ends and JC hangs up the phone.

JC gets up from the bed and heads into the bathroom to take a shower and start getting ready for his date with Errick, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he'll finally have a boyfriend.

----

"What did you say?"

"I said Brian is in love with Lance of *NSYNC. Brian is bi-sexual."

"Bi-sexual?"

"Yes, Tim, in other words he likes both men and women."

"I know what the word means! I just can't believe that Brian is! Are you sure?"

"Yes, Tim, I'm sure. Brian is in love with Lance."

"So Lance doesn't return Brian's feelings?"

"No, he doesn't."

"Why not? Brian's a great guy!"

"Well, Lance doesn't return Brian's feelings because he's already involved with someone else."

"So? Just tell Lance to dump whoever he's with so Brian will be happy."

"Tim it's not that easy!" replies Kevin, "Lance is in love with someone else. He's married to someone else!"

"Brian fell in love with a married man?! How the hell could he do such a stupid thing?!"

"Tim, Brian didn't know that Lance was married," replies Kevin, "Lance has to keep his marriage a secret."

"Why?"

"Because his married name is James Lance Timberlake," replies Kevin, "He's married to Justin Randall Timberlake, the youngest member of *NSYNC."

"They're married?"

"Yeah. Well, according to Vermont law, united in civil union, but they consider themselves married."

"So, Brian doesn't stand a chance?"

"No, I don't think he does," replies Kevin, "But, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, it seems that Chris, the eldest member of *NSYNC, is gay and he likes Brian."

"Does Brian like Chris?"

"We don't know. Things might not work out between Brian and Chris, but Brian does need to get over Lance. He can't spend the rest of his life pining away over someone he can't have."

"Yeah, that's true."

"Tim, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, shoot."

"Why are you taking this so calmly?" asks Kevin, "I didn't expect this reaction from you. I mean you're an ordained Southern Baptist minister. Our religion doesn't speak kindly of this."

"Well, that's true, Kevin," replies Tim, "But, all I've ever wanted for anyone in my family is for them to be happy. And if Brian can find happiness, then I want him to, whether that happiness be with a woman, or a man. You only live once, and life is too short as it is, so it shouldn't be wasted trying to make others happy at the expense of your own happiness."

"Well, Tim, then maybe I should tell you something," replies Kevin, "First off, did Brian tell you anything about me? Or did Kristin contact any of you?"

"No on both."

"Oh, okay," replies Kevin, "Well, Tim, this may come as a bit of a shock, but I filed for divorce a month ago. What with the busy tour schedule, the divorce hearing hasn't taken place yet, so I will be married to Kristin until the end of the tour. Then I'm going to try to get into court asap and dissolve my sham of a marriage."

"Sham of a marriage? What does that mean? I thought you and Kristin loved each other."

"Well, I do love her, but not the way a husband is supposed to love his wife."

"Kevin, if you don't love her that way, why in God's name did you marry her?"

"To continue denying the fact that I'm gay."

"You're gay?"

"Yes, Tim, I'm gay. I've known since high school, but I've been denying it. I guess I hoped that if I married Kristin I could be happy with her. But I've come to realize that it's impossible to be happy when you're denying your true self."

"Yeah, it is," replies Tim, "Well, Kevin, as a minister, I have to say that standing before God and promising to love, honor, and cherish her until death do you part, when you didn't really love her, was, well very wrong. But, as your brother, just know that I still love you no matter what. If being with a man makes you happy, then so be it."

"I'm very happy," replies Kevin, "I've never been happier."

"You sound like you've already moved on in the romance department," replies Tim, "Have you?"

"Yeah."

"So, whose the lucky guy?"

"Nick."

"Nick? As in your group's Nick?"

"Yeah," replies Kevin, "He's laying right next to me right now, fast asleep. And before you say anything Tim, we just shared a bed, nothing more."

"Well if Nick makes you happy, then I'm happy for both of you."

"He does," replies Kevin, "He makes me very happy. We went on our first date last night."

"Really? What did you two do?"

"I rented a private dining room, had all the servers and such sign privacy agreements, and created a very special, once in a lifetime event for Nick."

"You've piqued my interest."

"Well, Nick never went to high school, so I escorted him to his senior prom last night."

"My, my Kev! You surprise me! I never knew you were a such a romantic," replies Tim, "I suppose Nick loved it?"

"Oh yeah, he loved it. So did I. We both had a lot of fun."

"Well, that's good," replies Tim, "Listen, I have to be going now, but I'll call back again soon, ok?"

"Ok, nice talking to you."

"Same here, little brother."

"Oh, Tim, I'll send ya some copies of Nick's and my prom photos."

Tim laughs, and then says, "That'd be nice. Bye, bro."

"Bye," replies Kevin, as he hangs up the phone.

----

Later that night, somewhere in Los Angeles, Errick stands in front of the bathroom mirror fixing his hair, getting ready for his date with JC tonight. Errick stands there, wearing only a bath towel, having just gotten out of the shower. He still can't believe that he's going on a date with Joshua Scott Chasez tonight. Sure, they're only meeting for coffee, but even that's a whole hell of a lot more then what Errick expected. Errick figured that while it was possible that Kevin and Nick might actually pass his photo on to JC, he certainly never thought that JC would actually call him. When Errick is satisfied that his brown spikes are just right, he walks out of the bathroom and across the hall to his bedroom.

Errick walks over to his dresser, opens the top drawer and pulls out a pair of ash gray CK boxer-briefs, as well as a pair of gray socks. Errick removes the towel from his waist, and pulls on the clothes, before walking over to his closet and removing a pair of khakis, and a white t-shirt, and puts them on. Errick then walks over to the bed, pulls on a pair of black and white Nike shoes, and begins lacing them up when the bedroom door opens.

"The Colonnade Room change the dress code?"

"No," replies Errick, as he finishes tying his shoes, "I have the night off."

Errick stands up and walks over to the dresser once again. He takes a bottle of cologne and puts some on before grabbing his gold necklace and puts it on. Errick then grabs the small gold earring he always wears, and begins to put it in his ear, as the other person in the room asks, "Aren't you a little over dressed for a night at home?"

"For your information, I have a date." replies Errick as he finishes putting in his earring, and then looks himself over in a full-length mirror next to the dresser.

"A date? Who in the hell gave you permission to go on a date?" asks the other man in the room, "For that matter, who in the hell would want to go on a date with you?"

"I don't need yours or anyone's permission to go on a date," replies Errick, "And as for who, that's none of your business."

Upon hearing these words the other man in the room runs over to Errick and grabs his arm, twisting it around as he spins Errick around to face him, "Look here you fucking little shit! Don't you ever talk to me like that again! Now, I'm gonna ask again, who in the hell gave you permission to go on a date? And who the hell is stupid enough to want to date you?"

"Derrick, you're drunk, please stop!" replies Errick, obviously in pain, "You're hurting me!"

"Oh this hurts?" replies Derrick, as he wrenches Errick's arm even harder and then pushes him backwards, "I'll show you hurt."

Derrick lunges at Errick and punches him in the stomach, repeatedly. Tears start to form in Errick's eyes from the pain, and then just as quickly as it started, Derrick's attack stops. Derrick stands back, looking down at his victim. Derrick's right hand falls down to the tent in the front of his ash gray CK boxer-briefs before turning on his heel and heading across the hall, to get something from the bathroom. 

Errick, who knows full well what Derrick went to go get, and what he intends to do when he comes back, scrambles to his feet, and runs out of the bedroom. Errick knocks a lamp off a small table near the top of the stairs as he runs frantically down the steps, taking them two at a time. Errick runs through the living room and kitchen, and then through the door that leads into the attached garage. All the while, Errick knows that Derrick is chasing after him, with the intent of catching him and dragging him back up to the bedroom. Errick gets into his car, and locks the doors, before pressing the garage door opener button and starting the engine of his car.

As the garage door begins to open, Derrick appears next to the car, and starts banging his fists on the driver's side window like a maniac, screaming, "Open the fucking door you fucking little shit! I'm warning you, Errick, you had better get out of the fucking car now!!"

When the garage door is up far enough for Errick to get his car out, he quickly puts the car in reverse, and backs out of the garage, and down the driveway, before speeding down the street, wanting to get as far away from Derrick as possible.

As Derrick watches the car speed down the street, Derrick clenches his fists as he replies under his breath, "You'll regret this, Errick. I'm gonna see to that!"

----

To be continued...

Well, I hope that you enjoyed Chapters 10 through 12 of The Perfect Couple. It's certainly the longest installment to date. Sorry about the cliffhanger, and the fact that I haven't updated for awhile. I've been very busy, but I'll try to get the next installment out sooner.

 So, whose Derrick? And why is he so mad about Errick having a date? What was Derrick going to do Errick when he got back from the bathroom? If you think you know the answers to these questions, email me and tell me. I'd love to hear from ya.

 So, Kevin and Nick are finally together. I know, I know, it's about time! lol Anyway, what did ya'll think of the prom scene? Romantic? Stupid? Let me know. Howie has finally seen the light and apologized for his actions, but the question is how will management react when they find out about Justin and Lance making their union a matter of public record? Was Kevin's statement about life on Mars correct? That if there is any form of life on Mars, they'll hear the explosion? Well, you'll just have to wait and see. Stay tuned for the next installment of The Perfect Couple.

This story is copyright 2001 by Jayson Colin Vascardi. All rights reserved.
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