Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 17:51:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: NCfan <ngclle@yahoo.com>
Subject: boy-bands/the debt 10

Author's note: Hi!  I hope that everybody is enjoying their spring.  At
last, another chapter done!  Thank you to all of you who have emailed me!
Special thanks to the author of Simple Twist of Fate.  If any of you
haven't read that, then you're in for a treat!  And to Nike, hope you're
enjoying wherever you are!

Disclaimer: This is a fictional story.  I do not know the BSB nor do I
claim to know their orientation.  This contains content of an adult nature
so all under 18 are advised not to continue reading!

***************************

Brian stepped into his father's room nervously.  He did not know what the
man had planned for him that afternoon, but he could sense the restlessness
behind the meeting.  Quite a few weeks had passed since Nickolas' injury.
Although the memories had faded, the tension had not.  The past two weeks,
he had only became more addicted to Nickolas' presence.  During the day, he
would basically devote all his free time to the blond boy.  And though he
and his brothers tried to minimize the amount of time they had given
Nickolas, his father still caught word of it.

And that was why he was here!  Brian knew it.  He could read his father's
disapproval as if it were written on the man's forehead.  He could sense
the distaste, the measured jealousy in the man's eyes.  But he had not done
anything wrong!  He had not touched Nickolas in any way that his father
would find fault.  He had not openly seduced the young boy.  He would not
admit to any wrongdoing.  He was just making up for the horrors that his
father had 'bestowed' on the boy three weeks ago.

Brian could see his father's cold stare, boring into his chest like a
poisoned dagger, but he stood his ground.  In that sense, he was like his
father.  He never turned his back even with the most difficult obstacles
awaiting.

"Father?  You asked for me?" Brian bluntly opened the conversation, making
his father squint in amusement.

"I asked you to come because we have a few problems that we need to sort
out."  His father was calm, controlled.

Brian remained silent.  Patience had never hurt him in any way.

His father smiled and continued.  "I found out that Nickolas . . . well
let's just say that the boy is really special to me.  These past few weeks,
he had been incredible.  And I wanted to . . . well let's just say that he
had not received anything since he came to our home.  I would like to buy
him something, a token of my love for him.  Yet, I've thought about
clothes.  I couldn't help but feel that they are not special enough.  I
mean, he looks ravishing in any attire that I provide him with.  I want to
get him something more special.  And that is one reason you're here."

Brian was speechless.  He expected his father to scorn him, to criticize
his open affection towards the boy, but nothing like this.  "I . . . ah
. . . I would not know of anything to give him."

"Nonsense!" his father refuted.  "You have been with him these past three
weeks.  Surely you would know what kind of gift would suit him best."

Brian wanted to puke.  His father was taking advantage of his special
bonding with Nickolas.  Oh, Brian knew all too well what would suit
Nickolas' shy quiet temper.  But he didn't know if he wanted to let his
father exploit that.  "Buy him some gold chain.  Surely all boys love
that," Brian remarked carelessly.

His father picked up the hostile vibes without effort.  "You do not wish to
help me?  You do not think that I'm worthy of your help, even when we are
dealing with a plain servant here?"

Brian bit his tongue.  His father was digging a hole in the ground for him.

His father continued evenly.  "Do you have any other bright ideas, son?  I
was rather disappointed just now.  Surely any idiot would think of jewelry.
In all your dealings with the boy, you do not know what else would suit
him?"

Brian thought hard.  Obviously, his father was picking a roundabout way to
torture and punish him.  "Well . . . perhaps you could give him the
opportunity to see his family.  I'm pretty sure that he must miss them."
Brian suddenly felt better about this idea.  He was curious to meet Nick's
family.  Surely such a compassionate boy must yearn for his family!

Brian watched as his father's face changed from an expression of doubt to
one of delight.  "Yes.  You are absolutely right.  Nickolas needs to see
his parents!  Excellent, son.  I completely forgot.  He must miss his
family like crazy.  I knew I could count on you, Brian.  You were always
the most clever."

Brian didn't know whether that was an actual compliment, but then again,
his father had always loved him the most.  Perhaps the man wasn't being
sarcastic.  He smiled weakly at his father.

His father continued, beaming.  "One of the other reasons I wanted to talk
to you was . . . well my son, you are growing to be quite a handsome young
man yourself.  It's time that you've thought about your future career and
your future family.  I have been talking endlessly about your attributes to
the Duke of Shershire and he and his daughter were absolutely in love with
you!  They wish to meet you late evening 'morrow."

Brian gasped.  He had not expected this at all.  He couldn't believe that
his father would do this.  Was it to take his attention off of Nickolas?
"But Shershire is so far away, almost a fortnight worth of traveling!"

"Exactly!" The noble beamed with pride.  "They had been on the road for
nearly a fortnight now and they will arrive tomorrow.  The servants have
been delegated to decorate our castle to prepare a welcoming celebration!"

Brian was speechless.

"I thought I would make you stupidly happy!"  The noble laughed.

"But father, why haven't you told me this sooner?" Brian countered.

"I wanted to surprise you, son.  You might not be the eldest, but you are
the most eligible of all.  The duke is a man of great powers and to be wed
to his daughter would help you along with your future!" the noble continued
merrily.

"But . . . it is so short notice.  I don't know if I could . . . " Brian
continued, flustered.

The noble disregarded Brian's doubt.  "Nonsense, son.  We are living in
dangerous times.  I have heard about the rebels in the South that are
preparing for their attack against our empire.  In this day and age, we
need to seal our bonds with anyone of power.  We cannot live in our
isolated little worlds.  We must take action to secure our wealth and
happiness.  Do you want to see our life squandered while our entire country
is at war?"

Brian held his tongue.  His father did have a point there.  He did not want
to see his family blood-soaked from the ravages of war.  It was true that
their country was in a perilous time.  The rebels were on the brink of
declaring a war with the kingdom.  Finally, Brian nodded in acquiescence.
"I understand, father."

The noble smiled happily.  "I've bought you the finest clothes our country
has to offer.  You shall dazzle the duke's daughter tomorrow, I assure
you!"

Brian smiled, although his heart ached.  Had Nickolas already known about
this?  What did Nickolas think of it all?  Brian shrugged.  Why was it that
he was so concerned about Nickolas' thoughts anyways?  "Anything else,
father?"

The noble smiled genuinely.  "No, no, son.  I shall quickly send one of our
horsemen to immediately gather Nickolas' family and surprise him!  You go
off and prepare to dazzle the young daughter of the duke tomorrow, okay?
From what I have heard, she is a ravishing beauty herself."

Brian nodded and left his father's room, dejected.  His first thought was
to seek out Nickolas.  And he knew just where to look.

*******************

Nickolas quickly smoothed the horse's mane affectionately.  After that
horseback ride with Brian weeks ago, he had developed a new fondness for
these animals.  He had asked that one of his duties be to take care of the
castle's horses.  And the master had granted him that wish.  Nickolas
smiled brightly as he twisted his fingers around the horse's mane.  The
horse reflexively nudged Nick's head gently.

Nick closed his eyes and enjoyed the peace and quiet.  But the silence was
soon broken by footsteps and Nickolas found himself backing up from the
horse.  He didn't even turn around in time when he felt a hand over his
mouth, shushing him.  Quickly, the hand dropped and Nickolas turned around
only to stare in surprise at a handsome man in his thirties, probably.

The man looked at Nickolas and smiled.  "Hello stranger."

Nickolas gazed at the man uncertainly.  "Hello.  Ummmm, did you need
something?"

The man merely smiled.  "Actually, yes.  I was wondering which way to
Dorshire from here."

Nickolas frowned.  "It is about a days worth of travel north of this
castle."

The man laughed.  "Should I even trust your judgment, boy?"

Nickolas looked at the man indignantly.  "The name is Nickolas!"

"Nickolas?" the man repeated Nick's name over and over until Nick felt
really uncomfortable.  "That is a very suitable name for you, boy."

Nickolas didn't know what that meant, but wished that the man would leave
soon.

The man seemed to have caught Nick's fear and smiled.  "And my name is
Frank.  Thank you, boy.  You've been very helpful."

"Good-bye," Nick said hastily, not even trying to conceal his dislike for
the man.

"All right, I get the picture."  Frank quickly waved and disappeared out of
the stalls.  Nick sighed in relief and went back to cleaning up the horse.

Within minutes, he heard more footsteps and immediately stiffened.

"Hey, it's only me!" Brian quickly called out when he saw that Nickolas was
about to jump him.

"Brian?" Nickolas asked, relieved.

"Yeah.  You're a little jumpy today," Brian asked, concerned.

Nickolas sighed.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to."

Brian smiled weakly, his eyes now sneaking glances at Nickolas.  "Uh, have
you heard the news?"

Nickolas looked at Brian with confusion.  "What news?" he asked, although
from the looks of Brian's worrisome face, it did not look like good news.

"My father has declared a feast for tomorrow," Brian began.  He didn't know
why he thought the news would be terrible to Nickolas.  In fact, he dreaded
that Nickolas would take the news of Brian and the duke's daughter with
happiness.

Nickolas gazed at Brian intently.  "Why?"

"My father wishes that I marry the duke's daughter," Brian said softly.

The news hit Nickolas like a ton of bricks.  He took a deep breath before
he could answer.  He had enjoyed Brian's company so much in the past few
weeks that his feelings for the master's son were growing too deep for him
to handle.  And now, the thought of Brian being by another's side gave him
an overwhelming sense of loss.  Still, he could understand very well the
master's reasoning.  He was not blind nor dumb.  He knew that the kingdom
was bracing itself for a rebellion.  Nickolas swallowed hard.  How could
Brian, so noble and handsome, possibly be linked to a mere servant as he?
He was entertainment, but nothing more.  Nickolas finally smiled a
bittersweet smile and looked at Brian.  "You will sweep her off her feet,"
he said honestly.  "I heard that she is a beauty herself."

Brian's heart sunk.  Was it true that Nickolas did not have any feelings of
jealousy whatsoever?  How could the boy be so indifferent to this entire
matter?  Brian didn't care whether the duke's daughter would be swept off
her feet.  Apparently, Nick wasn't.  Brian looked away from Nickolas.  "I
sure hope so.  Father has high hopes of me.  And I guess I want to make
this work too."  Before he could look at Nickolas eyes again, Brian turned
around and walked away.  He was not going to fall apart in front of
Nickolas, not when the boy was so blind to his feelings.

Nickolas stared at Brian, his heart broken.  "I'm sure you will win her
heart.  She would be a fool not to fall in love with you," Nickolas
whispered softly, fighting back the tears.

***********************

That night, dinner proved to be torturous as Brian had to eat every
spoonful of food and look at his father at the same time.  He didn't want
to see his father's face if he could help it.  He didn't want to stare at
that man and long for what that man had already owned.  Why was it that his
father was extremely lucky?  What did his father possess that Nickolas
would remain his so willingly?  He had hoped that dinner would remain
uneventful, but he was soon disappointed.

"My dear family, I have an announcement!" the noble started.

Brian's brothers enthusiastically smiled.  "What is it, father?" the eldest
asked.

"Yes!  We love surprises.  Do tell us that there is a celebration going on!
I have seen our servants hard at work!"  the youngest added.

The noble laughed.  "We are celebrating the arrival of the duke of
Shershire and his beautiful daughter, Katrina.  They are to arrive by the
morrow."

"Ecstatic!" another brother gawked.  "Dear father, this indeed is happy
news.  What is the occasion?"

"We are to hopefully celebrate Brian's engagement as well, depending on how
charming Brian is!" the noble replied happily.

All his brothers stared at him with excitement.  "Yes, Brian.  She will
never resist your charms!"  They all nodded in agreement.

"Now, children.  I do want to emphasize that you are to help your brother
out in all possible ways.  We are going through difficult times here and we
are indeed in need of political and financial support!  We shall remain
dignified and pleasant.  Do not reveal any of our bad reputation and all
shall go fine!" The noble looked sternly at his children, then at Brian.
"Is that understood?"

All of Brian's brothers nodded.  Even the Lady was extremely proud and ate
dinner with a gleam.  Only Brian seemed to have been lost in a world of his
own, uncertain of what will happen.  He thought of Nickolas and felt his
heart sink again.  Nickolas had broken his heart.  But he also felt a
hostility towards the boy.  He will show Nickolas that he could be
charming!  He will win the duke's daughter's love and Nickolas will learn
regret.  He will make Nickolas jealous!  But as he thought that, Brian
sighed with sadness.  How could he make Nickolas jealous when the boy
didn't even notice him?  No, the boy was completely involved with his
father.  Nickolas would never notice how debonair Brian would be in front
of the duke's daughter!  Brian wanted to shout to relieve all his stress.
How could these emotions he had for Nick be so consuming, so destructive?

************************

Dinner had ended quickly and Nickolas soon found himself in his master's
chambers once again.  He quickly changed into the silk robes his master had
bought for him a few days ago and waited patiently on the bed.  Before
long, his master joined him in the room, his eyes sparkling at the sight of
Nickolas.

"Ahhhh, Nickolas, my little love.  I have news for you."  The master smiled
generously.

Nickolas gazed at his master intently.  "If you are referring to the
arrival of the duke and his daughter, then I have already known!"

The noble looked at Nickolas quizzically.  Nickolas continued.  "Such good
news could not be kept a secret in this castle."

The noble laughed genuinely.  "What do you think?"

Nickolas tried his best to smile.  "It is a wonderful idea.  Your son will
be the center of all attention!"

The noble laughed with glee.  "Yes, Brian will.  But I have other reasons."
Suddenly, the noble frowned and stared into Nick's eyes with a hint of
anger.  This startled Nickolas as he sunk deep down into the mattress.

"What reasons?" Nick asked, suddenly frightened by his master's stare.

The master leaned down so that his face was inches from Nickolas.  "So that
I could take the attention away from you.  I have been insanely jealous
these past few weeks.  I want you to know that no one will share you with
me.  You will only receive my attention alone, and nobody else's.  I've
seen the way my sons look at you.  But you are only to receive my
affection."

Nickolas swallowed with difficulty.  "Your sons do not harbor any romantic
thoughts towards me, I assure you, master."

"Let's hope what you just said is true," the master said under clenched
teeth.  Nickolas felt his chest becoming heavier by the second.  He did not
know what to do.  He simply laid there, gazing into his master's eyes.
Slowly, he could see his master lower his gaze until his eyes rested on
Nick's lips longingly.

The master suddenly smiled.  "You bewitch me."

Then, Nickolas felt his master's mouth on his and he willingly obliged
. . . anything to prove to his master that he was loyal, that there was
nothing going on between him with any of the sons that the master had
suspected.  Before long, both drifted into a deep slumber and neither
awakened before the crack of dawn.

***********************

Brian woke up drenched in sweat.  It had been a restless night.  He kept on
wondering what was going on in his father's bedchambers between Nick and
his father.  Every time he closed his eyes, horrifying images arose,
forcing him to wake up.  He did not understand what was going on.  How
could Nickolas have such a powerful impact on him?  So many women had
fallen at his feet, and here was Nickolas resisting him!

Well, today, he would look his best and force Nickolas to drool over him!
He would show just how insanely attractive he could be as well!  He would
have Nickolas on his knees, begging for his love.  Brian knew he could do
it, too.  He felt a surge of confidence as he quickly opened the curtains
to let the sunlight seep into his room.  With new resolve, he quickly
planned the day ahead of him.

There was no doubt.  Today would be one hell of a feast!  He could hear the
servants bustling below.  The sun was bright and the day was too beautiful.
It would turn out to be the feast of a lifetime.  Already, he could smell
the delicious gourmet food.  The castle smelled of lilies.  He could even
hear his mother's laugh from across the tower.  His brothers were joking
downstairs as well.  Brian felt a wave of joy flow through his entire body.
Today would be his day to shine.

************************

ngclle@yahoo.com