******************************************DISCLAIMER******************************************
This story and it's characters are strictly fictional. Although some names may pertain
to actual people, their personalities have been completely altered. I do not know the
Backstreet Boys, nor do I claim to know their personalities/sexual preferences/etc.
This story is completely fictional. This story also contains homosexually explicit
content. If you're not into that....well...I'm not sure why you're reading this then....
****************************************************************************************************
Authors Notes:

I realize that this may be starting off rather slow for some of you, but fortunately, I don’t
want this to be a ‘quick fix’. I’m taking my time writing this because I want to convey
emotion. I want you to know and feel the characters. This is a story for me, not something
to squelch my sexual frustration. ;)

If you're reading this, I'd like to thank you for taking the time. I hope you enjoy this story
as much as I have writing it. Some of the characters (minus the Backstreet Boys)
and some of the situations are real. Some of it is made up. If you have any questions,
comments, suggestions, or even criticism...I can be reached at:

incomplete@secretcloset.org

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

Chapter 3

**One week later*

Rick and Jennifer sat out on the front porch of her parents house.

“Any change at all?” Jennifer asked.

Rick shook his head no, “I’m really trying Jennifer, but I don’t know how much longer I can do this. Christopher is beginning to get irritated, and Jeff is showing no signs of remembering anything.”

Jennifer stared at Rick long and hard.

“You will do this Rick. What you did to Jeff was inexcusable. When he remembers, you’ll probably never have to see him again. The least you can do, is see this through.” Jennifer said angrily.

“Look Jen, you’re right, what I did was inexcusable. But Jeff is no longer my responsibility. I realize that this is not something any of us can control. I have my own life to consider here. It no longer includes Jeff.” Rick blasted back.

“Wh-what’s…going on?” Jeff was in complete shock.

”Jeff..” Jennifer stood up and walked towards her brother.

“N-no.” he yelped and turned and ran down the street.

“Jeff! Wait! Please!” Rick shouted.

“Let him go.” Jen held Rick back, “You’re the last person he needs to see right now. I think he needs some time now. We’ve done all we can do.”

Rick turned to look at Jen, “I didn’t want this to happen. Any of it.”

“Save it.” Jen crossed her arms, “Go. Christopher is waiting for you, and you said it yourself. Jeff is no longer included in your life.”

Rick turned and left.

**Somewhere downtown*

What the hell is going on? Did I just hear what I thought I heard? I’m not ‘included’ in Rick’s life? I’m not sure if I understand what’s going on. One week everything is fine, the next I’ve been shot and I’ve lost the most important person in my life.

Jeff continued to walk down the main strip of downtown. He was making his way to a park nearby. He walked by several shops. He was trying his hardest to keep his emotions in check. He wasn’t paying attention to where he was walking, before he realized what was happening, he walked right into a gentleman standing in front of a store.

“I..I’m sorry.” He said without looking up.

“Don’t worry about it.” The man softly replied.

Jeff’s eyes widened as he looked up.

That voice. I’ve heard it before.

No one was there.

Jeff couldn’t contain himself anymore. He ran down the street, tears streaming down his face. His emotions were now taking full control. Without even realizing it, he turned down an alley. As he slowed his pace and wiped the tears from his eyes, he realized where he was standing. Memories started flooding back.

“I said turn around.”

“I’m leaving. I’m moving in with Christopher.”

“HEY! I said turn around!”

“Sorry.”

“No problem.”

“It’s over Jeff.”

“Are you ok?!”

“I will be here every night until you wake up Jeff. I promise.”

“I promise.”

“Jeff isn’t included in my life anymore.”

“I..I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Jeff’s eyes widened as he heard a gunshot. He immediately collapsed into a fetal position and cried.

Jeff didn’t realize he wasn’t alone in the alley. He didn’t realize it until he felt someone’s hand. He jumped slightly but stayed in his fetal position.

“Jeff.” The man whispered.

Jeff stopped crying and looked up.

“Kevin?” he looked up, his eyes bloodshot from crying.

Kevin kneeled down beside him extending his hand, “It’s ok.”

Jeff put his hand into Kevin’s, “Wh-what are you doing here? H-how did you know where I was?”

“Your sister called me. I figured this is where I might find you.” He helped Jeff up to his feet.

“I’m sorry.” Jeff apologized as he wiped away his tears, “I didn’t want you to see me like this.”

“Shh. You have nothing to apologize for.” Kevin pulled Jeff in and hugged him gently. Jeff began to cry again, sobbing quietly into Kevin’s chest.

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"He's sleeping" Kevin whispered as he closed the door to Jeff's bedroom.

"Thanks Kevin. We really appreciate it." Jen smiled.

"No problem. He was pretty shaken up. I think everything came back all at once. It wasn't gradual. What did the doctor say?" Kevin asked with concern.

Jen sighed, "Well...he says that everything looks normal. He said that emotionally, this could really damage Jeff. Physically, he'll be ok."

Kevin gave Jen a hug, "He'll be fine. Listen, I have to get back to my hotel. I've got some work to do. Keep me up to date. I'll be back a bit later to check in."

"Will do. Thanks again Kevin." Jen smiled.

Jen watched as Kevin left. I wonder if Jeff realizes who he is.

"Jen?" Jeff called out from his room.

Jen opened the door and peeked in, "What's up hon?"

"Will you, come sit with me?" he looked up.

Jen walked over and sat on the bed beside him, "Of course."

She looked him in the eyes and she saw the pain that he was suffering. It wasn't physical. She could see what she saw 3 months ago, all over again.

Jeff broke the silence, "What am I going to do?"

"You're going to pick up where you left off." Jen smiled.

"How do I do that?" he looked unsure.

Jennifer smiled and gave him a big hug, "For starters, we can go to your house."

He nodded.

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As Jeff and Jen pulled up to his house, Jeff was a bit confused. It was only for a second though. At first he wasn't sure if they were at the correct house, but he then remembered he had moved into this house the day of the shooting.

They made their way into the house. Nearly everything was put away. Jeff turned and looked at Jen and smiled.

"Thanks Jen. There was a lot of stuff." Jeff grinned.

"I'm not sure if everything is where it’s suppose to be. But I did my best." Jen smiled.

Jeff walked into the living room. He quickly looked around the room. Just as he was about to turn and make his way to the kitchen, his eyes met with something he didn't think he'd ever see again.

Incomplete. He said to himself. Kevin...

"Kevin..." he whispered.

"I have his phone number. Do you want to call him?" Jen cautiously asked.

Jeff stared for a moment at the painting, "Yes."

Jen pulled out her cell phone and dialed Kevin's number and handed it to Jeff.

Jeff put the cell phone to his ear, his face expressionless.

"Hello?" Kevin asked as he picked up his phone.

Nothing.

"Hello? Anyone there?" Kevin asked again.

"Kevin.." Jeff finally replied.

"Jeff?" Kevin asked worriedly.

"Yes. It's me." Jeff still sounded void of any emotion.

"Is everything ok?" Kevin started to sound a little panicked, "Where are you?"

Something about Kevin's concern hit Jeff, "I'm...I'm ok. I'm at home."

"Good good. How are you feeling?" Kevin's concern was till evident.

Jeff smiled, "A little better now."

Kevin could hear his smile, "I was going to come visit you tonight. I had some things to take care of."

"I'd like that." Jeff smiled again.

“I’ll be over in about an hour. Is that good?” Kevin asked.

“That would be great.” Jeff replied, “I’ll see you then.”

They hung up.

Jen noticed Jeff’s mood had changed, “Is he coming over?”

Jeff grinned, “In an hour.”

“Nice! Ok, how about you go take a nice bath, and I’ll whip up some dinner. You haven’t eaten all day. I’ll make enough for Kevin too. Then I’ll take off.” Jen giggled.

“Thanks Jen.” Jeff hugged her tight.

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Jeff ran a nice hot bath and added some bubbles. He lit a few candles and took off his clothes. He took off the bandage from his shoulder and looked at himself in the mirror. He stared at the bruise on his head. He shook his head and slowly slipped into his bath.

This is nice. He thought to himself.

Kevin is coming over. I’m kind of excited. I don’t know why, I don’t really know him that well.

He slowly brought a sponge over his shoulder and gently squeezed it. He winced slightly.

It’s been almost 4 months since I spent time alone with another man.

Jeff smiled, At least something good has come of all this.

He continued to sponge the rest of his body. When he was done, he leaned back and closed his eyes.

I wonder if Kevin is really interested in me. Maybe he’s just being so kind because of what happened. What am I saying? I need to stop over analyzing. I need to get through tonight. I need to take everything one day at a time. Emotionally, I’m not very stable. I’ve been through a lot. The last thing I need to do is analyze everyone. Everything.

“Jeeeeff!” Jen shouted from outside the bathroom, “Everything ok?”

“Everything’s fine.” Jeff shouted back.

“Ok. Kevin will be here in about 20 minutes. I have some chicken and potatoes in the oven. I’m going to take off. Are you sure you’ll be ok?” Jen asked concerned.

Jeff smiled, “I’ll be fine Jen. Thanks. I’ll give you a call later.”

“Ok Jeff. Love you.” Jen smiled.

“Ditto sis.” Jeff responded.

He decided it was time to get out and get dressed. He allowed the water to drain before stepping out and drying himself off. He walked over to the sink and put some toothpaste on his toothbrush. He brushed his teeth and then rinsed with Listerine. He decided he wasn’t going to shave. It wasn’t necessary and left the bathroom to get dressed.

After taking a few minutes to decide what to wear, he made his way back into the bathroom to fix his hair. He stopped for a moment to look at the bruise on his head again.

I’m so lucky. I’m lucky to be here. He thought to himself.

He quickly did his hair and made his way down to the kitchen. He pulled out the chicken and potatoes, they were done. Just as he put them into a serving dish, the doorbell rang. He froze.

He’s here. Just like he said he was going to be. Ok. Snap out of it. Answer the door Jeff.

He walked towards the front door and opened it.

Kevin smiled, “Hi Jeff.”

Jeff returned the smile, “Come in.”

Kevin stepped in and Jeff closed the door.

“Jen made me…well..us some dinner. I haven’t eaten so she made enough for both of us if you’re hungry.” Jeff said as he took Kevin’s coat.

“That would be nice. I haven’t had dinner yet either. I was going to suggest we grab a bite, but that’s not necessary.” Kevin smiled.

Jeff led Kevin into the kitchen and they sat down at the table. They stared at each other for several minutes without saying a word.

Finally, Kevin broke the silence. “What’s for dinner?”

Jeff stood up and grabbed some plates, “Chicken and potatoes. Nothing fancy.”

“Don’t need anything fancy.” Kevin smiled.

Jeff served the food and the two of them sat and ate quietly.

Once again, Kevin broke the silence. “Jeff..”

Jeff looked up, his mouth full of food.

Kevin chuckled slightly. Jeff blushed.

“I don’t know if you actually know who I am, but I think it’s best I tell you now.” Kevin said a little concerned.

Jeff’s face went pale as he swallowed his food.

Oh no. We haven’t even finished dinner yet and this night is already going down the drain. Relax. You don’t even know what he’s going to say.

Jeff stared at Kevin waiting for him to proceed.

Kevin looked uncomfortable, “My name is Kevin Richardson. I’m one of the Backstreet Boys.”

Jeff stared in silence.

Wh-what do I say? I don’t care who he is. I don’t care who he knows. I just want to get to know him. Does he think this will change something? I’m taking too long to respond. Look at his eyes. He looks disappointed. Say something you idiot! SAY SOMETHING!

“I don’t care.” Jeff said without even realizing what had just come out of his mouth.

Kevin raised an eyebrow.

Jeff blushed, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just mean…I don’t care who you are. At least, not in the sense you think I do.”

“What do you mean?” Kevin asked a bit confused.

“I’m not really sure. It doesn’t change anything between us if you thought that’s what was going to happen.” Jeff tried to explain better, “I thought you looked familiar.  I just couldn't place it.  Either way, it doesn't make a difference who you are.  What you are.  I'm more interested in getting to know you, not the Backstreet Boys.”

Kevin nodded as he listened carefully to Jeff. It almost looked like he was hanging on every word.

“The fact that you’re in a boy band and travel the…world…doesn’t…” Jeff’s face started to slightly pale again.

“Jeff?” Kevin looked concerned, he stood out of his chair slightly. “Are you ok?”

Jeff shook his head and half smiled, “I’m fine. Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

Kevin let out a sigh of relief and sat down.

“Kevin, look at me.” Jeff took Kevin’s chin into his hand and looked him straight in the eyes, “It doesn’t bother me. At all. Besides, where is this going?”

Kevin smiled, “I’m not sure. Let’s just finish dinner. We’ll talk some more after.”

Jeff nodded and they both continued to eat.

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Jeff and Kevin sat facing each other on the couch. They talked about all sorts of things. Random things. Interests, Kevin’s music, television.

Kevin looked over at the fireplace and pointed at the painting hanging above it, “Did you do that?”

Jeff turned to look and was immediately frozen. He stared at the picture as if it had put him into a trance.

“Jeff?” Kevin touched Jeff’s leg.

“Huh?” Jeff looked confused, “Oh. Sorry. No I didn’t. I bought it. Actually…I bought it just before…I was shot.”

Kevin winced, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up.”

“Don’t apologize,” Jeff smiled, “I thought maybe they had taken it, but my sister found it and put it up there for me. I’m actually thankful it’s still here.”

Kevin concentrated on Jeff’s face.

“According to the woman at the store,” Jeff continued without taking his eyes off the painting, “the artist disappeared before he could finish it.”

Kevin found Jeff’s interest in the portrait interesting, “What is it called?”

“Incomplete.” Jeff replied still staring at it.

“Incomplete.” Kevin repeated.

Jeff finally turned from the painting and looked at Kevin, “Kevin…I heard you.”

Kevin looked confused, “Heard me?”

Jeff blushed, “Yes. I heard you talking to me in the hospital.”

It was Kevin’s turn to blush, “Oh…”

“Don’t be embarrassed. I felt the same way.” Jeff smiled.

“You did?” Kevin smiled.

“Yes,” Jeff responded, “When I bumped into you on the street, I couldn’t stop staring at you. It was as if the entire world had stopped.”

Kevin moved in closer, “I don’t know what this means.”

Jeff moved closer to Kevin as well. Slowly they leaned into each other. Their eyes locked. Then their lips met. Kevin softly brushed his lips against Jeff’s. Jeff closed his eyes and before either could protest, if either had wanted to that is, they were engaged in a long passionate kiss. After a few moments, it ended. It was as if it was meant to end there, just as it was meant to begin where it did.

“Thank you.” Jeff said, a tear forming in the corner of his eye.

Kevin raised his hand and wiped the tear away, “For what?”

“For being here.” Jeff smiled.

“Come here.” Kevin pulled Jeff into his arms. He caressed Jeff’s cheek as he lay in his chest. Jeff ran a finger across Kevin’s chest and sighed ever so delicately. They both closed their eyes, and after a few moments, they were both asleep.

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Continued in Chapter 4