Date: 30 Dec 00 17:21:00 MST From: Star Fire Subject: Kevin and Joey Chapter 1 This story is a work of fiction. I do not know the true sexuality of either Backstreet Boys, or Nsync. If you are not at least 18 years old, or are offended by homosexual material, then, this story isn't for you. Kevin and Joey Chapter 1 He watched with concern, as his cousin, walked in silence toward the hotel. It had been a few months now, and still, his countenance remained the same. What could it be that was bothering him so much. In the past, whenever there was a problem, they always confided in each other, but not, this time. 'What could it be that's gotten him so down?' He thought to himself. You see, these guys seemed to have everything. They are part of one of the most popular groups in the world, The Backstreet Boys. They have fame, fortune, a million girls screaming their names, and all the material things anyone could ever want. It just made no sense why the one guy in the band, who seemed to have it all together, was suddenly falling apart. "Nice night, isn't it?" Brian asked, as he walked beside his cousin. "Yeah, it is." Kevin responded, with little emotion in his voice. "Kev, hold up." Brian said, taking his cousin by the arm. "What?" Kevin asked, with a confused look on his face. "Listen, we have some time tonight, could we hang together for a while? I need to talk to you." Brian said, examining Kevin's face. "Is something wrong?" Kevin asked, his big brother instincts kicking into high gear. "Well, yeah, in a way." Brian answered, not really wanting to get into it then. "Okay, come by my room around eight." Kevin said, giving Brian a questioning look. "Eight is perfect. I'll see you then." Brian said, as he and the rest of the guys made their way to their rooms. "Bri, wait up!" Nick yelled, from behind him. "Hey Nicky," Brian said, with a smile. "Don't start," Nick said, as he slugged Brian's arm. "Start what?" Brian asked, holding his arms out attempting innocence. "Like you don't know, ya loser." Nick said, with a slight laugh. "Oh yeah, you don't like to be called,------Nicky!" Brian yelled, as he grabbed Nick in a head lock, mussing up his hair. "Will you cut it out?" Nick asked, as he broke free. "I'm trying to be serious here." "I'm sorry, what's up?" Brian said, with a slight giggle in his voice. "Well, I was wondering, what's up with Kev?" Nick asked, bringing Brian's face to somber focus. "What do you mean?" Brian asked, attempting to avoid the subject. "C'mon, Bri. They don't call us 'Frick' and 'Frack' for nothing. I know something's up, now what gives?" Nick asked, laying a hand on Brian's shoulder. "Okay, okay, to be honest, I don't know. I'm going to talk to him about it, tonight." Brian answered, honestly. "You'll let me know what happens, right?" Nick asked, his curiosity getting the better of him, although, his concern was evident as well. "Well, as much as I can, yeah." Brian responded. You see, Brian is not the kind of person to reveal things told to him in confidence. He has a high regard for friendship and trust. "Nuff said," Nick replied, giving Brian a light slap on the shoulder, as he made his way to his room. Brian stopped and smiled as he watched his friend make his way down the hall. There were very few people in the world that were as close as him and Nick. He thought of him more as a brother, than a friend. He was as much a part of his family, as Kevin, or at least it felt that way. Brian unlocked his door and went inside. There were so many things going on in his mind, all battling to get his attention. However, being the family man that he is, he chose to concentrate on his cousin. He dropped his bags on the bed, and took a seat, staring out the window. His mind raced in many different directions, as he thought of the possibilities that could be plaguing his cousin. In any event, hopefully, he would have his answers in a few hours. The one thing he did know, was that no matter what, he was about to find out, he was going to be there for Kevin. God knows, he'd been there long enough for him. Time passed at a snail's pace, as it tends to do, when one is anxious about something. It was the not knowing, that overloaded Brian's nerves. Kevin, was his family, and they had always been close. So, he knew that whatever was going on, had to be something pretty serious. Brian glanced at his clock, which read 7:55pm. So, he decided to head on down to Kevin's room. He wanted Kevin to be okay, but deep inside, he wasn't sure he was prepared for whatever it was that he was about to hear. 'No, it doesn't matter what it is, we're family. I'll do whatever I can to make him feel better.' Brian thought to himself, as he stood in front of Kevin's door. After thinking about it for a moment, Brian lifted his hand and knocked. When he got no response, he became a bit nervous. He was about to knock again, when he heard the door open. "Hey, Bri, come on in." Kevin said, giving his best smile. "I wasn't sure you were here." Brian responded, as he walked into the room. "Sorry, I was on the phone." Kevin said, motioning for Brian to have a seat. "Oh, anything important?" Brian asked, examining his face. "No, just some scheduling things, that's all." Kevin answered. "Kev, can we talk?" Brian asked, becoming a bit more serious. "Well, yeah, that's why you came over isn't it?" Kevin replied, giving Brian a confused look. "Yeah, but, I mean like we used to talk. You know, completely honest with each other, no holding anything back." Brian said, his face showing his concern. "Sure, Brian, what's going on, man? You're starting to scare me a little. Are you okay?" Kevin asked, taking Brian's hand in his. "Kev, I didn't come here to talk about me." Brian said, looking into his cousin's eyes. "You didn't? Is it one of the guys? Is there something wrong?" Kevin said, his parental instincts gearing for defense. "Well, it is one of the guys, but not who you might have in mind." Brian answered, suddenly becoming nervous. "Brian, you're confusing the hell out of me. You wanna tell me what's going on here?" Kevin said, examining his cousin's worried face. "I came here to talk about you." Brian said, returning Kevin's gaze. "Me, why do you want to talk about me?" Kevin asked. "Oh, come on, Kevin. You've been walking around here the last few months, as if you weren't even on the planet. You don't go out, you don't hang with us, and you're not even your usual, demanding self. Now, what's up, and don't tell me nothing, because I know better" Brian said, taking Kevin's hand in both of his. "Bri, I can't talk about this right now." Kevin said, turning his head away from Brian. "You can't talk about it? Kevin, we've told each other everything, since we were little, and you can't talk about it? What's up with that?" Brian asked, becoming more than a little concerned. "It's just complicated that's all." Kevin said, standing to his feet and walking to the window. "Look, cuz, whatever this is, I want to help. Why won't you let me?" Brian asked, walking to stand behind him. "Cause, I don't want to lose you." Kevin said, his voice cracking. "You're not going to lose me, Kev." Brian said, as he wrapped his arms around him. "Oh, I'm not so sure about that." Kevin said, as the tears escaped his eyes, although he tried to prevent their betrayal. "Kevin," Brian said, turning his cousin to face him. "You're crying. C'mon man, talk to me." "Okay, but, I think you'd better have a seat. I think we both should." Kevin said, leading Brian to a couch. "You want something to drink, before I begin?" Kevin asked. "No, I'm fine. Let's just talk, okay?" Brian asked, his emotions getting the better of him. "Okay, you're right. We should just do this and be done with it." Kevin replied, taking a seat beside Brian. Brian looked at his cousin in a new light that evening. Kevin looked, to him, as if he were a scared little boy, facing the darkness for the first time. However, Brian knew that whatever Kevin was about to say, went far beyond childish insecurities. "Kev, just take your time and let it out." Brian said, taking Kevin's hand in his own. "I don't know where to start, Bri. There's so much, it's just hard." Kevin said, giving Brian's hand a slight squeeze. "Look, you're my family. Nothing you say is gonna change that. I love you." Brian said, giving Kevin his best smile. "Okay, here goes. Before I tell you, I just want you to know, that I love you very much, and I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you, or anyone in our family." Kevin said, his voice visibly shaken. "Don't you think, I know that?" Brian answered, his voice filled with love. "Bri, I've been dealing with a lot of feelings and emotions lately. I've fought hard against them. I have, but, I just can't do it anymore. I wish it could be different, but, it's not gonna go away." Kevin said, as he looked at the floor. "What are you saying?" Brian inquired. "What I'm saying, Brian, is that I'm gay." Kevin said, as the tears fell from his eyes. "Oh, Kevin, why didn't you tell me?" Brian asked, as he pulled him into his arms. "You mean, you're not mad?" Kevin said, his voiced muffled by Brian's shoulder. "No, I'm not mad. I just wish you'd have told me, sooner." Brian said, stroking Kevin's hair with his hand. "I know. I was just afraid of how you would take it, that's all." Kevin said, regaining his composure a bit. "Kevin, I've seen what this has done to you over the last few months. I just can't believe that you thought you couldn't talk to me about it. So, you're gay. Big deal, you're still my family, and I still love you, no matter what. You got that?" Brian said, pulling him back at arm's length, so he could look him in the eye. "Yes, sir," Kevin said, with a slight laugh. "When did you and I trade places?" "I don't know. I guess, even a big brother needs a shoulder every now and then." Brian said, giving Kevin a hug. "I guess so." Kevin said, returning his hug. "Are you gonna tell the guys?" Brian asked, causing Kevin to stiffen in his arms. "I don't know, Bri. It was hard enough telling you." Kevin responded. "What if they hate me? What if they want me to quit the group? What if..." "Will you listen to yourself?" Brian interrupted him. "The guys are part of our family. They're not going to turn their backs on you. Trust me." "You're right. I'm just being stupid about this whole thing. I'll tell them tomorrow." Kevin said, giving his cousin a smile. "Good, are you gonna be okay?" Brian asked, throwing an arm around him. "Yeah, I feel a lot better about things. Thanks for making me talk about it." Kevin said, as he wrapped his arm around Brian's waist. "I'm here for ya, bro. You know that." Brian said, as he headed for the door. "Same here, Rok." Kevin said, lightly punching him in the arm. "Listen, before I go, can I ask you one more thing?" Brian said, turning towards his cousin. "Sure, what is it?" Kevin replied. "Do you have a..., I mean, is there someone, you know." Brian stammered. "You mean, am I seeing someone?" Kevin asked. "Yeah, that's it." Brian said, his face turning a slight crimson. "No, not yet, but I am looking." Kevin said, with a smile. "I see, Brian said, returning his smile. Well, get some sleep, man. I'll see ya in the morning." Brian said, as he stepped into the hall. "I will, and Bri, thanks again." Kevin said, as he took Brian's hand. "Anytime, Cuz." Brian answered, giving his hand a squeeze before heading to his room. Kevin closed the door, and fell across his bed. He had done it. He had finally told Brian, that he was gay. Now, he had to tell the other guys. Although, unsure as to how they might react, he knew it had to be done. So much, for a young mind to endure. Slowly, he closed his eyes drifting off into a peaceful, desperately needed rest. Before he knew it, dawn had arrived and the morning sun was making its presence known to him. He squinted as he looked at his surroundings. His room seemed so bright. 'Ugh, what time is it?' He thought to himself. Looking at the clock he saw that it was barely 8am. Suddenly, the events of the night before, came rushing back to his mind. Today, was the day. He had to tell the guys his little secret. He was hoping beyond hope that they would be receptive of the news. Climbing out of bed, he made his way to the bathroom to take a shower and get ready. As was the norm, the guys would be gathering in his room for some breakfast before they started their day. He had a lot to do and little time in which to do it. After taking care of his bathroom duties, he made his way to the phone and ordered breakfast from room service. That being done, he started the phone calls to make sure that everyone was either getting ready, or was awake and starting to get ready. He smiled to himself as he thought, 'A big brother's work is never done.' Finally, breakfast had been ordered, the guys were awake, and getting ready, and everything was going well, so far. Brian was the first one to arrive at Kevin's room, followed by AJ, Howie, and then finally Nick. "When's breakfast gonna be here, I'm starving." Nick whined. "Aww, poor baby." Brian mocked, as he pulled Nick into a headlock. "Brian! Don't pick on Nick, like that!" AJ said, pointing a finger at him. "That's my job." He finished as he lunged at Nick grabbing him in another headlock, pretending to hit him in the face. "Will you two knock it off!" Howie said, with a slight giggle. "Are we feeling left out, Howard?" Brian asked, in a child like voice, before pouncing on him. "Get off me, ya overgrown monkey." Howie said, as he struggled to free himself of Brian's hold. "Are you people ever gonna grow up?" Kevin said, as he looked at the mass of bodies piled on his floor. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked up at a scowling Kevin, who was standing with his arms crossed looking at them with parental discipline in his face. "Umm, we're sorry, Kev. We'll settle down." Brian said, giving Howie another swat with his hand, while never taking his eyes off Kevin. Kevin was about to speak, when the door bell rang, announcing room service. He made his way to the door to let the guy in with their food. That being done, he gave the guy a tip and closed the door. When he turned around the other guys had already grabbed their plates and were helping themselves. "Gee, don't wait for me or anything." Kevin said, sarcastically. "Oh, did you want something?" Nick said, with a grin. "No, I wanna starve to death, Nicky." Kevin said, earning him a nice glare from Nick. Everyone gathered their food and found a place to sit. Brian kept his eyes on Kevin, wondering when he was going to tell them. He sat down across from his cousin giving him a slight signal with his head, when their eyes met. "Umm, guys, I need to talk to you for a minute." Kevin said, getting everyone's attention. "Oh no, it's always something bad when you do this. What now? They've taken our free week. No, no, they've added dates. No, they're........." Nick started again, only to be interrupted. "If you'll shut up, maybe we'll find out." AJ said, smacking Nick in the back of the head. "Okay, just relax, everyone. It's nothing like that. I have something to tell you and I'm not sure how you're all gonna react." Kevin said, raising everyone's curiosity to a new level. "What's up, Train? Is there something wrong?" AJ said, giving him a worried look. "Well, that depends on you guys." Kevin said, causing them to exchange confused looks. "Kevin, what are you talking about?" Howie asked. "Guys, just let me say this, and then we'll talk about it, if you want." Kevin said, regaining control of the room. "Go ahead, we're listening." AJ said, leaning forward in his seat. "Last night, Brian and I had a long talk, and I realized a few things. First and foremost, I want you guys to know that I love each and every one of you, and I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you guys or this group." Kevin said, the emotion coming through in his voice. "We know that, Kevin. What's going on, man?" AJ asked, giving his friend a concerned look. "Guys, for a long time now, I've been hiding something about myself from you, and even from Brian. The thing is, I can't do that anymore. As much as I love you guys, and as much as I love being a Backstreet boy, I just can't." Kevin said, as the tears formed in his eyes. "You're not leaving?" Nick said, in a questioning voice. "No, at least, I don't want to, but that's gonna be up to you guys." Kevin said, causing even more confusion among them. "Then what's up, Kevin?" Howie asked, looking around the room at his fellow bandmates. "Guys, I'm gay." Kevin said, as fear gripped his heart. There was only silence in the room, as everyone took in what he had just told them. They all seemed to be in a state of shock, except for Brian. "So, who's for coffee?" AJ said, as he stood from his seat. "AJ, did you hear what I said?" Kevin asked, being taken back by AJ's actions. "Sure, I heard what you said. So, you're gay. What's the problem?" AJ asked, shrugging his shoulders. "It doesn't bother you?" Kevin asked, surprised by the reaction. "No, why should it?" AJ responded, as he poured his coffee. "Is this what's been bothering you for the last few months?" Howie asked, drawing Kevin's attention. "Yeah, I was just afraid of telling you guys." Kevin said, looking around the room. "Well, I got no problems with it. Unless of course, you try to date me." Nick said, with a grin. "Don't hold your breath, Blondie." Kevin said, throwing a pillow at him. "Yeah, who'd want to date you?" Brian said, adding his own pillow to the mix. "Kevin, I can't believe that you thought this would change things between us." Howie said, "But, as long as we're being honest here, I might as well, too." "What?" Everyone said, in unison. "You're gay, too?" Brian asked, being totally caught off guard, as were the rest of them. "Well, as a matter of fact, I am." Howie said, not taking his eyes off Kevin. "My, my, my, this day just keeps on getting interesting, don't it?" AJ said, with a little grin. "When did you know?" Kevin asked, obviously surprised by this news. "I've known, for sure, for about eight months." Howie answered. "My God, this is too much." Kevin said, as he leaned back into the couch. "Yeah, I know. Who would have dreamed?" Howie asked, with a slight laugh. "Well, does anyone else have any deep dark secrets that they'd like to share at this time?" AJ asked, looking around the room. "I do." Brian said, as he stood from his seat. "I'm really a woman named, Monica." He said, tossing his hair with his hands. "Smartass," Kevin said, shaking his head and laughing. "Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful." Brian said, as he started to lose his composure. "Should we?" Howie asked, looking in Kevin's direction. "Oh yeah, definitely," Kevin said, as he and Howie, attacked Brian. "No fair! Double team, double team!" Brian yelled, as Kevin and Howie drug him to the floor tickling him so hard, he could barely breathe. Before long, it was just a mass of moving flesh, as everyone was wrestling around with everyone else. It was as if nothing had happened among them. Just one big happy family. "Okay, listen guys. I just want to thank you for accepting me for who and what I am. It means more to me than you'll ever know." Kevin said, throwing his arms around his friends. "Hey, you'll always be, Kevin, to us. The guy, who lives to make our lives miserable." AJ said, grinning mischievously at him. "Same goes for me, guys." Howie said, smiling at them. "We love you guys, no matter what." Brian said, as he hugged them. "Yeah, but you still can't have me." Nick said, grinning at them. "No problem, Nick." Howie said, as he rolled his eyes. "For real, who'd want ya?" Kevin said, with a laugh. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Nick asked, with a confused look on his face. Everyone went about their business, as Kevin and Howie sat down, to talk about their new revelation. "So, that's what the big problem was, eh?" Nick asked, as he stood next to Brian. "Yep, that was it. Are you sure, you don't have a problem with it?" Brian asked. "Nope, Kev's like my big brother. I love him no matter what." Nick answered. "Good, I'm glad things have worked out for him." Brian said, as he watched his cousin and his friend talking. "Do you think, they'll get together?" Nick asked, as he followed Brian's eyes. "Nah, but, I do think it will make them closer friends." Brian answered, throwing his arm around his friend. "Hey, I'm not that kind of guy." Nick said, with a giggle. "Oh, will you shut up, already." Brian said, with a laugh, as they walked away. To Be Continued.... Okay, guys/gals that's it for now. Let me know what you think about the story. Send mail to starstories34@yahoo.com Oh yeah, check out my other story Me and Joey. Until next time, Much Luv to Ya!!!