Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 22:46:12 -0000
From: Tris <mystories@btinternet.com>
Subject: Under Management Chapter 2

Author's Note:

Hey everyone, this is my first submission to the Nifty Archive. I hope you
enjoy reading it as much as I am writing it. I'm trying to get as much
realism as is possible in a story of this type, so the characters will need
to get to know each other before there is any sex. It's also not exactly a
'two guys fall in love, and live happily ever after' story, there are going
to be a few bumps in the road. I'd also like to say thanks to everyone who
e-mailed me after chapter 1.

If you have any comments or criticisms or whatever then e-mail me:
mystories@btinternet.co.uk

Disclaimer:

This story is a work of fiction. I don't know or own any of the celebrities
mentioned in it. I also don't know anything about the personalities or
sexual orientations of any of the members of *NSYNC, and the purpose of
this story is not to imply anything about them.  Secondly, this story
contains adult themes and content as well as gay relationships. If you're
too young to, or don't want to, read what's contained within, then leave
now. Everyone else, enjoy...

Under Management by Tris

Chapter 2

Time passed quickly the following day. Not being a massive fan of
breakfast, I skipped it, choosing instead to get straight down to work
after my shower. The paperwork annoyed me. It was an inevitable consequence
of running such a major band, but I didn't feel as though it was my
responsibility to do someone else's work for them - and most of these forms
should've been completed weeks ago - well before I had even agreed to take
this job.

My stomach began to complain at about 3 o'clock, and I groaned as I
remembered that I had nothing left in the kitchen. I looked at the
remaining forms on my desk, there was about another half an hour's
work. For a few seconds I sat contemplating whether to complete the work
and then eat or vice versa. My stomach let out an earth shattering growl,
well maybe not that bad, but it was pretty disturbing. I opted to go for
lunch first. I was about to leave the dining room (that I called my office)
when one of the numerous post-it notes on my monitor caught my eye.

'Remember file for Joey's thing in People.'  'Include an itinerary - only
him + his house = boring'

I grabbed the file and remembered that I hadn't written the itinerary that
I was planning; I made a mental note to get in contact with him later. I
drove to one of my favourite coffee houses, where I ordered my 'usual' - a
mocha with extra chocolate and a cheese, tomato and basil toasted
thing. While I sat sipping my drink I tried to jot down some ideas for
Joey's day tomorrow, but realised it was pointless without him and the
other guys being there to inform me of when they could meet.  I pondered
the dilemma of how I was going to get the file to Joey and organise his day
when my cell rang. I flipped it open and answered.

"Hello. Alex Michaels."

"Alex! Guess what I heard!" I smiled in recognition at the voice.

"Hi Susie, what's up?"

"Hi. I have it on really good authority that *NSYNC have a new manager" I
tried in vain not to laugh.

"So you know something about it. Great! Now here's what I want you to
do. You start to chat to this new guy in the manager's rest room or
whatever you guys have..." After my initial giggling I had somehow managed
to regain my composure, I wanted to see what she was going to say so I gave
nothing away.

"You know Susie, managing isn't like teaching, we don't have a staff room,
we pretty much keep to ourselves."

"Well, do you think you could find some way of talking to him?"

"Um... I could try." I was grinning broadly.

"Good, then you can set me up with him..."

"I don't really think he's what you're looking for."

"Why? Is he ugly or something? Or is he like in his eighties? It really
doesn't matter anyway, I'll only be going out with him so I can meet
JC. Then I figure if I begin my famous flirting routine..."

"God help him..." I interjected.

"Shut up. So do you think I have a chance?" Poor girl, she would do
anything to get to JC, anything just to meet him for a few seconds. I felt
sorry for her, and couldn't string her along any longer.

"I think there's something I need to tell you. That new manager you were
talking about, well he isn't ugly, and he isn't in his eighties. He's me."

"OH MY GOD!" I had to pull the phone away from my ear she was screaming so
loudly. "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God." She repeated. After a few deep
breaths she continued, quoting one of my infamous remarks, "How on earth
did they get you to work with 'one of those pansy ass boy bands who...'"

"A hell of a lot of money" I explained.

"Now why the fuck haven't you called me earlier!? I could be having mad,
passionate sex with Joshua Chasez by now!" I couldn't help but laugh out
loud at that one, attracting a few strange looks from the other customers
in the coffee house. I checked my watch and saw that I had been there for
well over half an hour, and I still had no way of getting the file to Joey.

"I promise I'll introduce you sometime."

She sighed "Thanks, so where are they right now?" she acted like an
obsessed school girl whenever we, or should I say she, discussed boy-bands.

"They're at the studio," and then I realised, what was stopping me from
driving to the studio and delivering the files myself? All of the guys
would be there as well, so I could arrange for them to meet Joey sometime
tomorrow.

"Look Susie, I hate to cut this short, but I have to be somewhere."

"That's Ok. Talk to you soon. Bye!"

I flipped the phone shut and paid for my late lunch on my way out. I sat in
my car and started the engine. It was then that I remembered why I hadn't
gone to the studio earlier; I didn't know where it was. I thought for a few
moments before calling Johnny and asking for directions. He didn't seem
happy at the interruption, but grudgingly obliged.

***

As I had signed all the papers relating to the studio, I knew the guys
would be in studio 2A, so I followed the notices on the walls and tried to
find my group. I figured I was getting fairly close when I was grabbed by a
tall guy who must have weighed nearly 300lbs.

"I'm sorry sir, you must be lost, you can't come through here."

"Is this the studio that *NSYNC are working in?" I asked the guy, who had
still not let go of me.

"Yes sir..."

"Then this is where I want to be..." I stopped him.

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave." I was shocked.

"Excuse me? I paid for this damn studio, well actually Jive paid, but I
signed the check!"

"Of course you did sir, now could you leave, or I'll have to escort you" I
didn't like this guy one bit. I took a step back and pulled my cell from my
pocket. I called JC's phone. I knew that cells weren't allowed in the
recording booth, so I prayed that at least one of the guys was available to
answer. It rung. That was a good sign. Then someone picked up.

"Hello. JC's phone." It was Chris. Just my luck.

"Chris..."

"Oh, its you. JC can't come to the phone." He was being positively rude to
me.

"Chris, I have to talk to you guys about some stuff. I'm outside the studio
now but the security guy won't let me in." I explained politely.

"Huh" he huffed. For a second I thought he wasn't going to help me, but
then he continued. "I'll be there now." With that, he hung up.

***

I was sitting in the gallery, which was a room separate from the mixing and
recording booths with large soundproofed windows so that you could see what
was happening in both. All five of the guys were singing at once, a rare
occurrence by all accounts. It usually only happened on the final two or
three passes. The room was virtually silent other than my breathing, until
I heard a voice. It sounded distant, I immediately recognised it as
Lance's, soon it became very clear, and then one by one, the other guy's
voices faded in. One of the technicians in the mixing booth showed me a
toothy grin, I smiled back and nodded my head at him. *NSYNC were
discussing the song that they were recording, each of them was making fun
of Chris, telling him his voice sounded squeakier than usual. I think I
found it funnier than I should have.

Then I heard another voice, the producer I assumed. "Ok, can we try to wrap
this one up?  Justin don't rush at the beginning. Joey and Lance come in a
fraction of a second earlier for the backing during the second verse. And
Chris - less squeak please." I giggled, he must have been listening to
their conversation like I had.

After the guys had quietened down the music started. I listened to the song
intently for its duration. Like I had told the guys, it wasn't really my
thing, but I had to admit that they sang well and I knew there were
millions who would sell their right arms to be where I was; so I felt kind
of privileged.

Two run-throughs of the song later, the guys filed out through the door
from the recording booth into the mixing room, where they stopped briefly
to talk with the producer and then they clicked open the soundproofed door
into the gallery. JC was first, followed by the rest of the group. Joey,
being the last out, closed the door behind him. They crowded around the
couch that I was sitting on, and stared at me with questioning looks on
their faces.

"Well?" Joey was never one to keep quiet for long.

"Coupled with a provocative dance routine it'll sell a hell of a lot of
records." I answered.

"We don't wanna know your opinion from a manager's point of view - we know
it'll sell. What did you think of it, of us?" Justin spoke for the group. I
thought about it for a second, and responded truthfully.

"Um... It's not Indie, its not R & B, and it sure isn't rap." I
chuckled. "Not that I like rap anyway. This is pop, I don't like it and I
don't listen to it." Chris and Justin took offence and began to make their
way to the exit of the studio. I stopped them in their tracks by
continuing, "But... I have to admit that that was the first time I have
ever listened to one of your tracks in its entirety and as hard as it is
for me to say this... I was impressed. The lead was strong yet it sounded
caring, filled with emotion. The backing worked perfectly, you had that
rounded, full bodied sound - I tried for weeks to get that with 'Tiger
Eyes' and even after that it was hit or miss. You're great at what you do;
I guess I'm just not your target audience."

The guys stood speechless for several moments, before Justin piped up
"Thanks Alex." The rest of them smiled and nodded their appreciation.

"Yeah, it means a lot to us." I smiled at Joey's comment.

"Sorry to spoil the moment... but who or what is 'Tiger Eyes'?" JC asked.

"They're the band that I managed before you. They call themselves a
'popular rock group', 4 members - vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar and
drums. They're releasing their first album pretty soon now. I think they're
gonna hit it big."

"Cool. So, what was it that you wanted to talk to us about?" JC remembered
that this wasn't just a social visit.

"Firstly, Joey, I hope you haven't forgotten about your 'expose', as you so
lovingly called it." He shook his head. I continued as I handed him the
file. "I suggest you read this. They might try to dig deeper than they are
allowed, I think I've covered everything that's banned. If you don't mind
answering a few more probing questions and you know nothing bad will come
of it then by all means do so. The more you cooperate the better the
article will be. Most importantly, act natural." I directed Joey.

"Are you sure that's such a good idea, I mean you've barely seen Joey
acting natural so let me tell you... It ain't pretty!" Justin cracked. I
laughed.

"So don't act natural. Whatever." I shrugged. "I was hoping you could all
meet up with Joey some time, maybe for lunch or something. It'll ease the
pressure off him for an hour or so. I trust you can sort out yourselves?"
They nodded and I turned back to Joey. "I'll meet you at your place at
four. I figure they'll want to ask me a few questions and then we can get
rid of 'em."

"That's cool" Joey responded.

"I've got one more thing I need to talk to you guys about." I thought back
to the problems I had had, in organising studio time. As far as they knew,
they would be in the studio next week. "Uh... How much more time are you
likely to need in the studio?"

"Excuse me?" Chris asked as five heads snapped towards me. 'Oh great' I
thought, 'now he's going to lay into me about not having a studio ready and
waiting for them'. JC must have noticed my expression, he attempted to
clarify for me.

"Its just that, no one's ever asked that before. They always tell us how
long we have and we just need to get it done in that time." So I was wrong,
I shouldn't have thought the worst of Chris, but he didn't exactly make it
easy for me.

"The problem is, your previous manager got a bit lazy at the end of his
stint and didn't book the studio for any longer than Friday. We could kick
the smaller groups out and get the time for you, but I don't think that's
very fair." Judging by their expressions *NSYNC agreed with me. "There's
nowhere available for the next two weeks, so I reckon you can work at home,
write some things, and relax for a while. After that I've managed to get
you a smaller studio upstairs, it'll be fine for vocals. There aren't any
full size studios for a month or so. I'll keep you posted, but for now, you
have two weeks off."

They cheered and I smiled at their sudden change in mood. "You know, I'm
really starting to like you Alex. Get us a few more weeks off and I might
even dump Britney for you." We all laughed and I realised that now was as
good a time as any to suggest getting together and getting to know them a
little better, so once they had regained their composure I put forward my
suggestion.

"You know, I think it would good if we got to know each other better. How
about we go out for dinner on Friday night and go on from there, we could
find a club or something." The room suddenly fell into absolute silence. I
knew that some of them may have had some reservation about going out with
their 'boss', but didn't realise it would cause this kind of reaction. "You
don't have to feel pressured into coming just because its me. Why don't we
forget it and do it some other..."

"No! We accept!" Lance blurted, interrupting me. Chris glared at him, but
the remaining three seemed happy with Lance's decision, they nodded in
unison.

"Are you sure?" I glanced from Lance to Chris and then surveyed the entire
group. For my Psychiatry degree I studied a section on body language and
how it can give helpful hints as to what your patients are really
thinking. However, what Chris was thinking was obvious, even to an
untrained eye, 'I'm gonna kill you when we get outta here Lance!' It was
Joey who confirmed that the meeting would be a good idea.

"We are sure, we're very sure. We didn't mean to offend you, its
just... um..." JC came to Joey's rescue,

"You just surprised us. We weren't expecting it. Normally our managers
are..."

"Fat, balding, 50 year olds?" I finished his sentence.

"Yep, and we don't really make it one of our highest priorities to go
clubbing with them." Justin giggled.

"Well if you're sure..."

"Which we are." Lance smiled

"Then I'll call you Friday afternoon with the details. I'll see you then,
apart from you Joey." I turned to him. "I'll see you tomorrow." I spun on
my heel and left the studio, glaring at the security guard who had given me
trouble.

***

I awoke with a sharp pain in my neck. It took me a few moments to regain my
senses. I must have fallen asleep on the couch; I reached for the remote
control and switched off the TV, which had been on all night. I stood,
rubbed my neck and mumbled a few incoherent sentences about the pain. I
checked my watch; it was nearly eleven. I don't know why I felt guilty
about sleeping for so long, I didn't have anywhere I needed to be but I
felt that way regardless. I walked to my bedroom where I stripped down and
grabbed a clean pair of boxers from a drawer. I then stepped into the
bathroom, where I turned on the shower. I caught a glimpse of myself in the
mirror out of the corner of my eye, but I purposefully avoided looking. I
always looked dreadful in the morning, before a shower, and so studying
myself in the mirror would only serve to depress me. I quickly stepped into
the stream of hot water; I then turned the temperature up slightly. I was
hoping the heat would help to ease the lingering twinge in my neck.

Over half an hour later I was standing in the kitchen waiting for the toast
to pop up. Once it had, I sat on the counter and nibbled it while drinking
my coffee. I mentally tried to plan out my day... it didn't take long, I
would do some work, check my e-mail and surf the 'net until about three
when I would leave for Joey's house. I would be there early, but I figured
he would be happy to see me anyway.  I couldn't imagine what it would be
like to be followed around from eight in the morning until four in the
afternoon, having to watch what you say and who you talk about in case they
catch the wrong of the stick. I only knew that I would hate it, and in just
the short time that I had known the guys I could tell that the reporters
were the part of their job that they disliked the most.

I carried out my plan exactly and arrived at Joey's at around half past
three. The look of relief on his face when he saw that I had come to save
him was priceless.  He invited me in and told me that 'they' were in the
lounge, which he directed me to. He offered me a seat on the other side of
the room to the reporter, but next to the guy with the camera. He
introduced us, "Alex, this is Ms. Chung, and you're sitting next to Paul
Scott." I smiled at them both before Joey continued, nodding in my
direction, "and this is Alex Michaels, our manager." Joey sat down during
the obligatory 'Hellos' that followed.

"It's strange, I don't recall a 'Michaels' being involved with *NSYNC."
Ms. Chung began.

"You got through the entire day without talking about this?" I said looking
over at Joey.

"I thought it was appropriate thing to talk about when you were around." He
answered.

"Here goes with the exclusive then," I turned back towards the reporter,
"Nearly two weeks ago *NSYNC's previous manager was subject to an enquiry
by the execs at Jive... Some people were complaining that their invoices
hadn't been paid. It turned out he was weeks behind on his work and when he
realized he had been found out, he broke contract and did a runner. Johnny
Wright, the exec in charge of the guys, knew me fairly well, I was managing
one of the more minor bands that he is also in charge of. He called me in
for an emergency meeting on Sunday, I was apprehensive at taking on such a
big group at first but I agreed to give it a shot. I've been their manager
since Monday." I explained

"How are finding working with them, you look tired, is it a stressful
position?" Ms.  Chung delved deeper.

"I don't know them that well as of yet, but its great to work with a band
who have such direction - they know what they want to do and they'll do
anything to get it. I suppose that's also made it difficult for me to be
'accepted' instantly. They're only being protective of what they've
achieved." I paused "As for the bags under my eyes, they've appeared
because I've being trying to do four weeks worth of paperwork in four
days." Joey appeared surprised, apparently the band-members weren't quite
as aware of their situation as I had thought.

"Would you mind if we get a few pictures of the *NSYNC savior?" Ms. Chung
smiled pleasantly while I grimaced, at both the thought of photographs
being taken and at being called a savior.

"A few photos I don't mind, you can even caption them if you want, but if I
see any of this savior crap then I'll throw that article back in your face
so hard..."

"I understand Mr. Michaels... what would you like us to say about you." I
was glad I had gotten out of that one. A few comments was fine, but to
upstage your own band - big mistake.

"As far you're concerned I'm their new manager, who was needed to replace
their old one because he wasn't doing his job. They chose me over everyone
else because I was the best person for the job. That's all you say on the
matter. This is an article on Joey and *NSYNC, not me." I thought I got my
message across well, she smiled and nodded, and before I knew it I was
being snapped at from every angle imaginable. I glanced at Joey, he seemed
to be impressed at my command over the situation. That was until he
realized how pissed off I was getting at the photographer. I frowned as he
crouched between my legs, he rested the camera on my crotch and directed
the lens up my chest. When he had a few shots from that position he moved
the camera to just a few inches from my face. I pushed him away. "That's
enough. No more." I snapped. Joey laughed and stood from his chair. I took
that as a signal to get rid of them. "I think you've got everything you
need now and Joey needs to get to the studio before the end of the day." I
lied.

"Alright thank you both for your assistance. Nice meeting you Mr. Michaels,
Mr.  Fatone." she nodded at us both. "C'mon Paul." The man obediently
followed.  They let themselves out, leaving Joey and I alone.

"Ugh..." he groaned "That was hell."

"I can imagine." I sympathized.

"Now I know why we all let Justin and JC do those things. Remind me never
to volunteer again." He complained

"Uh... Joe, you didn't exactly volunteer..." I reminded him.

"Oh yeah that's right, you suggested it." he pointed at me. I giggled; I
could tell he was joking. He smiled back at me. "Next time, why don't you
suggest one of the other four do it."

"Will do." I saluted and then stood. He stood with me.

"So what do they need me at the studio for... I know I've got some backing
to do tomorrow but I thought it was Justin singing, with the others just
there for moral support today?" He asked.

"Uh... You aren't needed at the studio... that was just a convenient excuse
to get rid of Madam Chung. I guess I disliked her as much as you did." I
grinned at him.

"Good thinking." We reached his front door. "So, I'll see you tomorrow
night. That is still on isn't it?"

"As far as I know, Chris hasn't managed to throw a spanner in the works as
of yet." I gave him a half hearted smile.

"He'll come around, and don't worry about no spanners! See you tomorrow!'
He shouted after me, as I made my way towards my old Ford sedan. That was
one thing that had to change, with my new salary I could get just about
anything on credit. I could probably get between two and three thousand for
my current car as a deposit. I had finally thought of something to add to
my shopping list.

***

End of Chapter 2