Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 21:44:59 +0100 (GMT+01:00) From: I-really-am@2cute4u.co.uk Subject: A little bit of love - Part 2 Hi, it's me again! Thanks to those who e-mailed me; however more mail is ALWAYS welcome - comments, critcisms, general adoration (lots of that, please) to I-really-am@2cute4u.co.uk . Thanks too to David at Nifty for doing a great job. Nobody's sent me any good BSB or 'NSync sites - any suggestions, people? You know the deal. I don't know them ( except in my dreams ) or who they do it with (ditto). If you're underage, you shouldn't be here, likewise if you're offended by gay stuff. Well, I think that's it for now... All the best, John __________________________________________________________________________ A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE - Part 2 Time had passed with little change, until it was just over a month until the first date of the tour. The guys of both bands had been carrying on pretty much as before, but now things were starting to hot up big time. As Ross had predicted the media had gone absolutely crazy at the idea of the two bands touring together, and ticket sales had been astronomical. Preliminary investigations had shown that the demand for tickets would be so great that the groups would actually be able to spend a little time in the places they were visiting, giving them slightly more relaxed schedules than they were used to - but they weren't complaining. The guys in 'N Sync had got to know Ross quite well since their first meeting. As the joint tour had been his brainchild, management had given him the responsibility of making it happen, and once it got underway he would be acting as tour manager, something that the BSB management had agreed to - as long as they had one of their people along to make sure that everything was going as it should be. They had been surprised at Ross' levels of activity - they had known people who were hives of industry before but he definitely took first place. He seemed to have a hand in EVERYTHING and yet managed to do so without stepping on any toes, which, it had to be said, was quite an achievement. He often asked the guys in both bands for their opinions on how they wanted this done, or that done, and often managed to incorporate their ideas. It was due to his intervention that things were not as hectic as they could be; he seemed to be making a definite effort to give them some spare time in which they could relax and enjoy themselves. The first lunch with Ross had not been the last; they had been meeting about once a week, sometimes to discuss business, other times simply to be social. During the business meetings Lance was often the most contributory speaker, with JC coming in second; at either type of event it was Joey who was the most extensive eater, wolfing down virtually anything put in front of him. Sadly for him, this was something which was soon to come to an abrupt and no doubt painful end. The guys were to be meeting up with the Backstreet Boys in order for them to work on the details of the actual performances and to meet the tour's choreographer. Their designated tormentor was to be the BSBs' usual one, a woman commonly described in the business as a bit of a heartless bitch - on a good day. Her position on the tour had been rather strenuously insisted upon by the BSBs, as they knew that she got good results; and after a great deal of pain had come to like her a lot. She was one of those dreadful people who REALLY enjoyed their job, taking something of a sadistic pleasure out of it, you might say. Joey would soon hate her with a passion that was to be almost holy. * * * Lance and JC had been the ones elected to meet the BSBs at the airport. The five were flying in from New York, having recorded a large chunk of their new album. All they were waiting for now was a few songs to round it off with, which they would probably record at some point along the tour. 'N Sync were in much the same position. They were driving in their own cars, and it gave Lance time to reflect on the past few months. Ross had been less of a problem than he had feared. In spite of his divinely good looks, Lance was finding it no more difficult to keep himself under control than with the other guys. Less in fact; JC was still a serious difficulty. He couldn't help it; there was nothing that he could do but look at JC longingly when he thought no one would see; he couldn't risk that, oh no. Unrequited love was bad enough, but to lose his beloved's company and friendship as well ... hold on. 'Where did "beloved" come from? I've GOT to get a hold of myself." he scolded. They arrived at the airport with more than twenty minutes to spare, parking their cars in the short-term lot. After adopting their simple but effective disguises of a baseball cap and shades, they strolled in the arrivals entrance to the lounge and just waited. They simply chatted, enjoying each other's company, and for a time forgot about the world. * * * Kevin was irritated. It wasn't something which happened often, but now was definitely one of those occasions. The BSBs had been late to the airport because of Nicks' abiding love for his pillow and as a result had got stuck with some bad seats. They were in first class, of course, but they had been right next to the coach section. At the front of coach there had just had to be some screaming kid. The little brat seemed to have spent the entire second half of the journey in one long wail, seemingly without pausing for breath. The stewardess had been very sympathetic and tried to be helpful but the little f... the little DARLING, he corrected himself, hadn't shut up had it? He had to admit that he was actually looking forwards to the tour, and to meeting this Ross. They'd only spoken over the phone so far, but he had been impressed by the way the guy had worked. Even their own management had been grudgingly admiring - and these days it was easier to get Nick to smile than to get management to admit that there was somebody in the business who was any good. Besides themselves, of course. The band was directed towards the private lounge which had been reserved for them so that they would not have to show themselves to the public. Upon arriving they found two guys there already. "Hi, guys," Kevin greeted them. "Oh, hi everyone." * * * "Yeah, good to see you," JC said, following Lance's lead, but inside his thoughts were venomous. 'WHY did they have to arrive so soon? Why couldn't they get delayed or held up like normal people?' He had been enjoying just being with Lance; they spent too little time together and he savoured the moments. He shook himself mentally. What was he thinking? The entire reason they were here was to pick the BSBs up, not for him and Lance to have a few minutes together. They greeted each of the BSBs in turn, and JC noted that Nick seemed even more shy and withdrawn than before. 'Oh well, were going to be spending some time together, so I'm sure he'll open up,' he reasoned. "Okay, I'm taking Nick, Brian and yourself, Kevin, and Lance's got the pleasure of Howie and AJ's company. Shall we go?" "Yeah, thanks a lot, JC," Kevin replied. The guys piled into the allotted cars and drove off. Lance and JC were taking the BSBs to their homes in Orlando so that they could drop off their luggage, and then both groups were to meet at Lance's home. Lance's place had been decided upon as it was where 'N Sync usually located their business meetings, and was quite comfortable and roomy. "So, you looking forwards to the tour?" Kevin asked JC. "Yeah, I am. It's going to be something of a new experience, and it's going to be great having Britney along. We're old friends." "I heard about that. Will she be joining us at Lance's?" "No. She's coming in next week, but she's tied up until then." "And when are we to meet this Ross of yours?" "I don't know. In the next couple of days, I'd have thought, but he has been very busy recently - for some reason." Brian listened as their conversation deteriorated into chit-chat, the weather proving to be a major topic. He sat quietly on the back seat with Nick. With each passing day he grew more and more certain that his diagnosis was correct, but hadn't plucked up the courage to say anything to Nick about it yet. He knew he should, but there was always a little something nagging at the back of his mind, asking him was he THAT sure? Nick was still quiet but he seemed to have lost the raw edge a few months ago; now it seemed to be back, and as sharp as ever. He hated seeing his best friend like this. He came to a decision: if things didn't change soon he WOULD speak to Nick about it, and hang the consequences. He couldn't take seeing his friend in such controlled pain for much longer. He wouldn't. * * * "Thanks a lot Lance," AJ said appreciatively, "that was really kind of you." "Oh, it wasn't a problem. Saved you getting a taxi and it's not like I was doing anything." "It's still very nice of you," Howie added as they arrived at the house. The other guys from 'N Sync had arrived and were waiting on Lance and JC, who had yet to appear. Lance had let Justin in before he had left for the airport with JC, and he'd let the other two in when they had arrived themselves. "Hi guys," Lance called out as he opened the front door. "Hi yourself," came a reply, and Justin appeared from the kitchen. "Hi AJ, Howie, nice to see you again. Look, I've just put the kettle on, so would anyone like a coffee or something?" "Ooh, a coffee would be great, thanks. Siting on that plane all that time has made me all drowsy. How about you D.?" Howie nodded. "Yes please. Two sugars for both of us." "That'll rot your teeth." "They're my teeth. They can rot if they want to." Justin grinned. "How about you Lance?" "I'm fine, thanks." The two BSBs followed their host into the living room, to be accompanied by the sounds of another car puling up in the driveway. * * * Nick was nervous. They were about to meet the rest on 'N Sync. Surprisingly, the fact that he had been able to keep himself under control around JC hadn't calmed him at all. Now he had something to live up to. Joey opened the door just before JC was able to knock. "So you've finally decided to show up then?" he teased. "Ha. Ha. You know, you're so funny I forgot to laugh." They made their way in to see the other guys. "Hi everyone!" "Nice to see you, Kev. You too Brian, Nick." Chris replied. "Yeah, good to see you," the others chorused "Likewise." "Welcome to my place." "Hi." "Hello." Nick found himself getting even more and more shy as the seconds passed, almost mumbling out greetings. And then Justin came through the door to the kitchen. He had a tray of hot drinks in his hands, and quickly distributed them, before turning round to greet the new arrivals. "Hiya, guys..." he stopped, staring at Nick. Nicks willpower failed him. He stared back, and no force in Earth could make him stop. His mind felt as if it was a bell which a hammer had just struck, but instead of a chime it was a name which sang in his mind: Justin... The other guys stared at the two of them, just looking at each other. "I ... I don't think that we've met before, have we?" Justin... "No, I don't think we have," Nick managed to force out. "I'm Nick..." he said, holding out his hand. It shook slightly. Justin... He took his hand and shook it formally. "Justin. It's nice to meet you Nick." Justin... His hand was cold and slick in Nick's. Surely so much sweat couldn't come from just one palm. Abruptly they broke the stare and sat down next to each other on the couch, neither looking nor speaking to each other. Slowly conversation returned to the room, though the two were not contributors. Justin... Brian exulted inside. If he had been sure before, he was certain now. As soon as he had a moment with Nick he would tell him he didn't have to hide it from him anymore. JUSTIN... "Er, um, so, er, are you ... are you looking forwards to the tour?" Justin stuttered quietly. JUSTINJUSTINJUSTINJUSTINJUSTINJUSTINJUSTINJUSTINJUSTINJUSTINJUSTIN... "I'm sorry," Nick almost wailed, and ran out of the house. The guys stopped their conversations, stunned. And Justin ran after Nick. * * * Nick just ran. He didn't know where he was going and didn't care, he just had to get away His long legs carried him quickly down the quiet neighbourhood road. His worst fear had happened. He cursed himself again and again through the tears. "Nick!" Somebody was calling him. It would probably be Brian. He really didn't want to speak to anyone now; he couldn't help but feel that when your life was in tatters you deserved to have a bit of peace and quiet. He increased his pace. "Nick, please!" Justin swore when he saw that Nick was going even faster. There was what appeared to be a park with some woods up ahead. He could probably lose him there. * * * Nick slowed his pace and stopped. He couldn't hear any sounds of his pursuer. He rested his back against a tree and slowly sank down the trunk. He placed his head in his hands and sobbed. Footsteps on the leaf litter. Brian. He jumped to his feet angrily. "Leave me alo..." he shouted - and saw who it was. The bell chimed exultantly. JUSTIN!!! He looked hurt. "Do ... do you want me to go?" he asked "No." Nick whispered. An expression of relief passed across his face. Justins voice was also low. "I'm glad." "Are you?" Nick's voice was as gentle as snowfall. "Yes." "Why?" he asked, fearing and praying for the answer. "Why don't YOU want me to go?" His voice quivered. "Because ... because ... I just ... I want you to stay with me." "And ... and," Justin took a deep breath, "I want you to stay with me." It took all of Nick's courage to say one word. When he did so it was so soft that he was sure that Justin couldn't have heard it: "Forever?" Each tear-filled blue eye stared into another. "Yes, Nicky," he whispered, "Forever." ______________________________________________________________________________ Well what did you think? Personally, I'm rather proud of it. This part is a little shorter than I had thougt it would be but I felt that it was an appropriate place to end the chapter. I'm not the most patient of people and writing a long introduction was going to be too agonising; I wanted to hurry along to the main part of the story! Still got a few revelations to make though - should keep us going for a little while. I'm not against anybody letting me know if they've any idea's for a few plots; quite the reverse. I know the general way things are going to go but there is still quite a bit of room for anything you come up with. LET ME KNOW (I-really-am@2cute4u.co.uk) about EVERYTHING. Until Part 3, have a good one... All the best, John PS - #3 may take a while to appear; I've got a lot on at the moment, I'm afraid. Never fear, it will appear :)