Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 00:18:40 CDT From: River Shant Subject: 'NSYNC-Brush with Fame-Chapter 5 Disclaimer: This story is fiction. This does not imply anything about the members of *N SYNC. If you do not like it then don't read it. Note to the reader: Okay, this chapter starts the introduction of some already well-known fictional characters into my story. Devon and Rob. If you guys aren't familiar with these characters then read T.R.'s: Devon and Lance, and Rob's: Rob and Lance. Next thing. This story takes place in the future of T.R.'s and Rob's stories. So I know that you're confused about Rob and Lance and Devon and Lance. Just bare with me.I have a plan. I just thought it would be neat to fuse some of these stories together. `NSYNC-Brush with Fame The plane landed safely back in Orlando within a few hours and Stellara woke me. We headed into the airport and got our luggage. From there we headed to a phone booth and called management and told them that we had arrived, they said that someone was on her way and just to wait. So we sat around outside and smoked a cigarette. A few minutes later a limo pulled up and Britney popped her head out of the window and yelled for us to get in. The driver took our bags and we got into the limo. "Hey guys, how was you trip," Britney asked. "Hi Brit," I said as I hugged her, "It was okay, just kinda sad saying goodbye to everyone." "Yeah," she started, "I know what that feels like." "So Britney," Stellara questioned, "What's on the agenda today?" Britney was obviously excited to answer this question, "Today we get to test out our wardrobe for the tour. This is always so much fun. Then from there we are going to meet up with the Backstreet Boys and have dinner to celebrate the launch of the tour." "Sounds cool," I murmured, "Except for the part about BSB." "River," Britney pleaded, "Give them a chance. They are really nice guys, I know that you'll be great friends with them." I thought about what she said and decided that if I wanted this tour to go well for me, then I would have to give them a chance. I guess I was judging before I knew the whole story, I was wrong. It was worth giving them a try. We pulled into wardrobe and got out. After meeting with the designers and having a chat we got to try everything on. It was actually pretty fun. I was never into dress up, but this was cool. I got to wear all these phat outfits which were a perfect fit. I was in my dressing room trying on some outfits when the guy who was helping me said, "Very nice. These are great looking on you. But seriously, you don't need the outfits, you're perfect as it is." I was dumbfounded. All I could manage was, "Thanks." I never did know how to take to compliments. "Here try this one on," he said as he handed me this cool orange shirt. It was kinda tight fitting, which is not really my style, but hey it looked okay. "This really shows off your chest muscles," he said seductively as he started rubbing my chest. "Woah! What do you think you're doing guy?" "Sorry I just couldn't help myself. You are just so damn hot!" "Well thanks, but no thanks. I happen to be seeing someone at this time," I said as I left the dressing room. Britney and Stellara were chatting up a girl storm in the waiting room. "Damn Riv. You took you took super long in there," Stell said. "Yeah, I didn't even take that long and I'm.THE STAR," Britney joked. I had to admit she was funny. Stellar laughed too. It seemed that Stellara was starting to like her. I was glad. She needed a girl to talk to on the trip. "Well you guys," the designer butted in, "That's it. You guys are free to go." "Great," Britney said. "Let's go get changed so we can meet the guys at the restaurant." We got back to the hotel and changed into our garb. From there we met in the lobby and got into a limo which zipped us off to some remote, out of the way, restaurant. It was very nice. We got inside and the hostess took us back to a secluded party room where five guys were waiting for us. "Look guys," the blond one said, "There here!" "Hi guys," Britney said as she walked around giving each guy a hug, "Nice to see you guys again. I'd like you guys to meet my dancers, River and Stellara. Guys these are the Backstreet Boys: Nick, Howie, AJ, Kevin, and Brian." "Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you," I said as I shook everyone's hand. "Hello," Stellara said. We passed the formalities and sat down to eat. After our food came and we started eating, conversation began to pick up a bit. It was actually enjoyable. They were pretty down to earth. Together, they acted like a single being, I guess because they were so comfortable with each other. I admired that. We finished eating and decided to go back to the hotel and hang out some more. We got back to Britney's room, IT WAS HUGE! "Damn Brit. They sure didn't hold anything back from you, did they?" "Of course not," she started, "Only the best for THE STAR!" She had everyone laughing at her pseudo-egotism. "So what do you guys want to do," Kevin asked. Everyone basically just shrugged their shoulders. "Do you have to be doing something? We could just sit around and chill. I'm pretty sure that you don't get to do that a lot," I said rather condescending, but no one caught it in my voice. "He's right Kev," Brian said as he smiled at me. I smiled back. "Why don't we just lay around for once, we don't have to constantly keep ourselves busy." Everyone agreed. We sat around for a while watching the tellie and chatting about stupid stuff. I had to admit, they weren't that bad. Maybe I would end up liking them. I was pretty comfortable except for the fact that Nick and Brian were up on my nuts the whole time. Couldn't they pay attention to someone else? "Will you guys excuse me," I said, "Nicotine is calling my name." I walked out onto the balcony and lit up a cigarette. It felt good to be alone for once. But my freedom was short-lived. Soon after Brian walked out onto the balcony. "You know those aren't good for you," he said. I thought about the first time Justin came out when I was smoking and how I got him to try it. Maybe I should try and corrupt this guy too. Then I thought naw, that would be something special between Justin and me. "I know," I shrugged, "But once you're hooked, it's very hard to quit." "I guess," he said, "It's alright, I won't hold it against ya." He laughed. "I feel so privileged," I joked. He sat down next to me and starting talking. It was nice to talk to someone alone. We started talking about everything. Which led us to `NSYNC. He talked about how cool everyone was. I felt so bad for not giving him a chance. He really did like the guys, sincerely. We laughed about Joey's eating habits, Chris's hyperness, Lance's Adam's apple, JC's stick up his butt, and Justin's hair. Justin. My Justin. Talking about him brought tears to my eyes. Brian noticed this and handed me a tissue. I thanked him and wiped my eyes. "So Justin means a lot to you, huh?" "More than you know." "I think I've figured it out. I mean the way you talk about him and the way you're crying," he stopped himself, "I wish I had someone like that." "Don't worry, you will," I comforted him, "I was just like you before I met Justin and then he came into my life and I was forever turned upside down. I mean, I didn't even like guys before him." "Really, I guess I've always liked them," he stopped, "Oops. Was I supposed to reveal that?" "Don't worry about it," I said, "You're secret is safe with me." He hugged me. I smiled and went back to talking to him. We talked for hours. By the time we went back inside everyone was asleep. Nick was on the floor in front of the TV, Howie was lying on a cot, Kevin was lying next to Britney in the bedroom, and AJ was sleeping on the couch with his arm around Stell. I did a double take when I saw this and decided to talk to Stellara about it later. "Looks like all the prime spots were taken," Brian sighed. "There's always my room," I said, "We can crash there." "Sounds like a plan," Brian said and headed for the door. I left them a note and took Brian into my room. I quickly stripped into my boxers. I jumped into bed and settled under the covers. I noticed that Brian was lying on the floor with only a pillow. "You know," I said, "There is room up here for the both of us, if you don't mind sleeping with me. And I sure as hell know that it a helluva lot more comfortable up here." "Alright," Brian said as he made his way into my bed. We lay there for a while talking until we drifted off into sleep. I woke up and noticed a warm mass underneath my arms. It was Brian. I didn't realize that I had wrapped my arms around him in my sleep. I have to admit that it felt nice to be holding someone again. I slipped out of bed and went out onto the balcony to breathe in the morning air (and smoke a cigarette), but fresh air sounds like it has more class. While I was smoking Brian walked out onto the balcony. "I know that you're taken, and I respect that, but your arm around me felt really comforting," he said. "I'm really sorry about that, I guess it's just a habit. I didn't mean for it to lead to anything," I sighed. "Oh I know that, you seem like the faithful type, and I would never do that to Justin, it's just that no one has ever done that before and it felt really soothing." "I'm glad," I said as I hugged him. He smiled. I flicked my cigarette off the balcony and led Brian back inside. From there we got all of our stuff together and headed into Britney's room. Everyone was already awake and we said our greetings and ate breakfast. The tour was in full swing and I was overly stressed. I knew it would be like this but it had already been three months since I had last seen Justin. We tried to keep in constant contact but our schedules wouldn't permit anything but a five-minute call every now and then. On our way through California I got a letter in the mail from Justin, it almost killed me on the inside: Dear River, How have you been? I'm a wreck right now. We're going through Pennsylvania and I haven't had one wink of sleep. Every time I do get a chance to sleep, I end up keeping myself awake thinking of you. I know it sounds pathetic but it's true. I keep dreaming of the next time we'll be together. I know that our tours aren't helping this a bit, but it's fun to think about. Maybe I just need some time off. Management says we get all of next week off. This means I'll be able to call you more often. I'm so excited. Well I guess I should get going. Take care. Love, Justin I cried after this letter. It wasn't even sad, but it hurt. Then after a while I had an idea. I picked up my phone and dialed the number. "Hello," the voice said on the other line. "Hey JC! This is River, I need to ask you something," I said. "River! Hey man how you been, let me go get Justin," he said. "NO WAIT! I called to talk to you. I need to know where you guys will be at for your week break. I want to surprise Justin," I said. "OH! Okay let me get you all the info." We talked for another 30 minutes and then hung up. An hour later, I marched myself into the room that management was staying in and had a little chat with them. I told them I would be taking a week off due to personal emergencies. They tried to reason with me and I let in a little. They said they would pay for the whole trip if I narrowed it down to five days and performed at the next stop. Of course I agreed. Boy did I show them. Hehe, I can be such a softy sometimes. I was soon on a plane to New York. When it landed I caught a cab to the hotel that the guys were staying in. At the front desk I said, "Can you please tell me what room JC Chasez is in please." "Yeah, sure. Let me get that for you. Haha. Take a number," she said rudely as she pointed to all the screaming fans outside. "Security!" "Do we have a problem here," a gruff voice resounded. I turned expecting some ruthless big fat guy, but it turned out to be their bus driver. "Bob," I said excitedly. "River," he started, "What you doing here?" "I came to surprise the guys, would you be so kind as to show me to them." "Sure thing Riv.," Bob said. "It's okay ma'am, he's practically a member." "I truly am sorry sir," the receptionist apologized. "No harm done," I said. Bob took me up to the thirteenth floor and started pointing out the rooms of each guy. As soon as he finished he left. I quickly ran to JC's door and knocked. "It's open," he yelled from inside. I walked in and saw everyone but Justin sitting around. "River," Lance yelped. He ran to me and gave me a hug. Everyone else greeted me and I began to wonder where Justin was. "Where's Justin?" "He basically hasn't left his room, he's bummed about something," JC said sadly. "Yeah," Chris said, "He hardly talks to anyone and just sticks to himself. "And the worst thing is," Joey exclaimed, "Is that he hardly ever eats!" "Well I'm gonna go see if I can cheer him up," I said as I exited. "I'm sure you'll do exactly that," Lance laughed. I turned and shot him a look but kept walking. I got to his door and knocked. "Please guys, I don't feel like doing anything," Justin screamed from inside. "I have a delivery for Justin Timberlake," I said trying to disguise my voice. "Just leave it there," he yelled. "But sir, I really do need your signature." "Oh alright! Hold on." The door slowly opened and Justin poked his head out, not looking up to see who I was, "Where do I sign? Wait where's the package? Where's the clipboard?" He then looked up angry and then his jaw dropped. "Surprise!" "Oh my god! River! How did you? Why did you? When did you?" "Stop talking and kiss me," I said as I pushed myself inside and drew him to me. The kiss was divine. Our lips took their time to get reacquainted, and then our tongues began to explore their familiar caverns. He led me over to the bed where he laid on top of me. My hands were everywhere. His hands were everywhere. It felt great! "So I hear you're being quite the hermit." "Uh, I guess. I'm just glad you're here." "Good." I kept kissing him. I started taking his shirt off and he took mine off. I kissed down his neck and flicked at his nipples with my tongue. He went stark raving mad. I was soon on top of him grinding my hips into his. He was moaning all over the place. We made out for about two hours and not once did either of us try to go any farther. That's my Justin. Never trying to push me into anything. I slipped my hands into his pants and slowly began to jerk him. He was startled but when I smiled at him he calmed down. His hands were soon in my pants and we finished each other off. "That was great," he said as he rolled off of me. "I agree," I said rather exhausted, "Can we take a shower now?" "Sure," he said with a big smile and off we went to the bathroom. In the shower there was the occasional kiss, but nothing sexual. I felt so at ease. After the shower we dried off and I borrowed some of his clothes because I was too lazy to unpack. Everything fit great save the pants that were a little too long. "You look great Riv.," Justin said. "Thanks," I said as I modeled for him. I convinced him to come to JC's room and there we met up with all the other guys. But there was someone else in there. I walked over to him and the first thing I noticed was the big blue streak in his hair. He also had a cast. And he was gorgeous! "Hi. I don't think we've met," I said as I extended my arm, "My name's River. I'm a dancer for Britney Spears and a good friend of these guys." I hit Chris on the arm for effect. "Ouch!" I laughed. "The name is Devon," he started, "I'm touring with them right now." "Oh I know who you are," I yelped, "You're the kid from Europe that MTV's raving about." "That's me. Well I'm not actually from Europe, I'm from Ohio." "Cool, well it's really nice to meet you Devon." "You too River." "So what are you guys doing tonight," I asked. "Well, since Justin finally decided to leave his room," JC began, "I think it would be cool if we all went clubbing." Everyone agreed and left to their rooms to get changed. When everyone was gone I chatted with JC while he prepared for the night. "So JC," I started, "How's it going with Lance?" "Oh, yeah, you didn't hear." "Hear what?" "There is no me and Lance anymore, we decided that relationships within the group would not work out. It actually turned out pretty well; we're the closest we've ever been. And whenever we get lonely, we have a little fun," he said. "Sounds cool. Now what about this Devon guy?" JC proceeded to go into the whole story about their identities being withheld, and the anger between the guys. I just sat there and listened while he told me about his injury and how he thought Lance was falling for him. I laughed and we were soon interrupted by Devon who came in looking sharper than a razor blade. I mean this kid was perfect. Except for the cast, he had heavenly written all over him. "You guys ready," he asked. "Just about," JC responded. "I am," I said. "Well everyone is waiting downstairs for us, so I take it that that's our cue to exit," he said rather classy like. We went to some club that I was not familiar with and dance for hours. I spent a lot of my time trying to sneak a few bumps and grinds in with Justin, but not enough to make it noticeable. From there I would take the occasional smoke break at the table where Devon joined me. "Can I bum a smoke off of you," he said. "I don't know," I joked, "It's kinda bad for you know. Especially since you're a singer." "Whatever," he growled as he stole a cigarette from my hand. "Make yourself at home," I said. "Will do," he laughed. "So are you enjoying the tour?" "Yeah, I guess. But with this bum arm I can't do the choreography that people come to watch." "Hey, if you ever need a stunt double, just give me a call. It would give me a chance to come on tour with you guys." "I'll remember that," he chimed. God he was a hotty. I kinda felt bad for thinking these things, but I knew Justin did the same thing. He just had to. We sat there and shot the shit for a few more minutes and then Justin pulled me back out on the dance floor. Boy did I make them look bad. I busted a few house moves on them and then did the old school break dance moves. I was the king of the dance floor. I was also very tired after a while. We all decided to leave and headed back to the hotel. During the ride, Lance and Devon were pretty much to themselves, while Justin and I tried to seclude ourselves also. It didn't work because Chris kept bugging me about my tour and how everyone was. We finally got back to the hotel and Justin and I dragged ourselves back to the room and fell asleep. No nothing, just sleep. He put his arm around me and I was out. The next four days flew by because I spent all my time with Justin. We went everywhere together except for the restroom. Every now and then I would hang out with JC and sometimes I would steal Devon away from Lance because I wanted a non-`NSYNCer to talk to. I really did value his friendship. We exchanged numbers and stuff and decided that we would get together sometime after the tour and hang out. Saying goodbye was really difficult. It meant I had to say bye to Justin again. We made our promises to keep in touch and had one last goodbye kiss before I left. I'm telling you, this boy gets better at kissing after every kiss. I was soon on the plane back to my tour. I arrived in California and picked up where I left off. I got my bags and headed to the hotel that they were staying at. I walked in and surprised everyone. "River," Stellara yelled excitedly. "Hey babe," I said giving her a kiss on the cheek. Britney was next. Boy was she over excited to see me. You would think that I had been gone for years. I asked where BSB were and Stell gave me their room number. I walked over to the room and knocked. "Who is it," a voice yelled from within. "Housekeeping," I said in my most foreign sounding comical voice. Brian opened the door and as soon as he saw me his face brightened. "River!" "Heya Bri. How's my favorite backstreet boy?" "Great," he said as he hugged me. "We have a big surprise for you!" "I love surprises. It better be good." I walked into the room and hugged everyone. Kevin walked up to me and sat me down. "River," he started, "While you were gone I was sitting with Stellara. She was playing a tape. I really liked the music so I asked her who it was. She said it was your band and that you had recorded it. I took it to management and made them sit through it. They loved it." "Stop right now, I said this before. I dance, I only sing for fun." "Let me finish. They said that once this tour is over, they want you to bring your friends out to Orlando and you guys could cut a CD. Then if you want you can tour with Lit and Eve6." Inside I was overjoyed. But I was confused. Give up what I love doing, or bring my friends out and we all can make it. I didn't know what to do. "Does Stell know," I asked. "Not yet. We wanted you to be the first to know," Brian cut in. "Well, uh, let me get back to you guys on this one. It will take a lot of deciding. I need to speak with Jane, Kat, Skyler, and Stellara." "You can have all the time in the world. Or at least the rest of this tour to think about it," Kevin said. I didn't know what to think. If I did this I would be dragging myself away from pop music. Which meant I wouldn't ever be around Justin. And if I said no, I would be letting all my friends down. I excused myself from the room and went to go think. Well what do you think River should do? I don't even know yet. But we'll see. Remember to keep an eye out for more appearances by Devon and for Rob's introduction. And of course I want to thank everyone for responding to my stories; it gives me a reason to keep writing. As always, if you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to e-mail me at groundwriter@hotmail.com. The next chapter will be up very soon.