I must give a big thank you to J. for everything you've done!
Legalities: This story is fictitious. It is not meant to imply anything about any of the Backstreet Boys or anyone else. No, I am not Brian Littrell, or Scott Waters. If you're offended, go away. If you're curious, keep reading, you might like it ;-)
So here's where you can reach me about this story or any of my other stories: kenitra_canada@hotmail.com
Thanks again for reading.
Kenitra
Previously
"I'll get it!" Scott said, knowing it would be Nora. He jumped up before anyone else could respond. I finished writing the huge food order then looked up as the room fell silent.
Scott was standing in the doorway, holding Nora's hand. She saw me and quickly walked over, pulling Scott behind her. I stood up and she put her arms around both of us.
"So how's my favorite couple?" she asked.
Scott and I tried hard not to laugh at the shocked expressions that spread around the room like wildfire.
Chapter 26
I saw Nora look around and see the shocked expressions. She turned and looked at me. "Let me guess. Once again you forgot to mention me to these people," she said in exasperation, but with a smirk.
I felt the rush of blood to my face. I'd done the same thing with Scott, and I could see he was getting a laugh out of my embarrassment.
"Sorry," I said sheepishly.
Scott just grinned and took Nora's hand. "Well guys, this is Nora Daly. Nora, this is everyone. And the ones you don't know are my sister Sheri, my friend Drew and Howie's lady Melissa," he introduced her to everyone. Then Scott turned to look at Kevin. "Oh, and Kev? Don't bother accusing her of being a reporter okay?"
I guess I wasn't the only one to blush as Kevin turned a nice shade of red, remembering the first time he'd met Scott in Toronto.
I decided to explain how I'd met Nora, then how Nora had met Scott and I in Lexington. As I was talking, I noticed Scott pick up the food list, whisper to Nora for a minute, then slip out of the room. I quickly finished telling the story and excused myself to follow Scott.
I crept up behind him. "Hey Angel," I murmured. I wrapped my arms around his waist as he listened to the person on the phone. "Do you think anyone would notice if we just disappeared for a while? We could sneak up the back stairs to the bedroom," I suggested. I was still remembering our activities from the afternoon and wanted more.
Scott turned around to look at me with a grin. "Sorry babe, but we did invite company you know," he whispered. I put on a pouty face, but my Angel just laughed at me. Scott thanked the girl on the phone and hung up.
He leaned forward to give me a quick kiss then turned me around, gently pushing me back to the living room. I could feel Scott directly behind me as his arms remained locked around my waist. We paused in the doorway to look our friends.
"Don't you wish it could always be like this?" Scott whispered as he kissed my ear.
I rubbed his forearms and leaned against him. "Yeah," I replied with a sigh. "We're with people we care about and we can be ourselves."
We stood quietly for a moment and watched everyone. Kevin and Sheri were sitting close together on the loveseat, while Melissa sat in Howie's lap on one of the overstuffed chairs. Drew and AJ were beside each other on the couch, not quite touching but sneaking glances at each other. Nora had sat down on the giant cushions on the floor next to Nick stretched out on the rug. There was one empty overstuffed chair.
"Guess that's for us," I whispered, indicating the chair.
Scott released his hold on me and walked past me, grabbing my hand as he walked to the chair. He sat down and pulled me onto his lap. I immediately his arms returned to my waist and I sat back, leaning against his shoulder. I turned my head to kiss his cheek. I loved it when he held me like that.
"So when's dinner?" Nick asked us as soon as we sat down.
Everybody laughed and it was Nora who tossed a pillow at him.
The ten of us sat around talking and laughing. Kevin opened a couple of bottles of wine and once the food arrived we devoured it all. We moved to the dining room table after we ate.
Drew, Sheri and Scott it upon themselves to explain the rules and concept of the card game 'asshole'. With ten people, it was chaotic, but fun.
Over three hours later we called it quits with Nora as the President, Nick as Vice President, while Drew and myself were asshole and vice-asshole, respectively. Hey, at least I wasn't the worst!
Scott rose to his feet and I watched him stretch before he reached down and pulled me to my feet. We had to listen to Nick and Nora rub in how good they were and how pathetic the rest of were. I was happy to see Nick having so much fun with Nora.
"Anyone want to go swimming?" Nick suddenly suggested.
Scott glanced at me and I knew what he was thinking. Before either of us could refuse, Nora spoke up.
"As much as I'd love to see you running around in a swimsuit Mr. Vice President, some of us have to work in the morning," she said with a grin.
Nick bowed to her. "Of course Madam President. Perhaps another time?"
Nora nodded. "I'd like that," she replied sincerely.
"We'll see you at the concert tomorrow night right?" I asked her.
Nora grinned and nodded. Everyone said goodbye to her and Nick walked her out to her car.
Scott and I made our way up to our bedroom, leaving the others to make their own plans.
The next morning was a beautiful, quiet time. We had to be at the arena for 1:00, so we relaxed as much as possible before hand. I knew the rehearsal and sound check would last a couple of hours, so we would have a few hours off before going back for 6:00.
Drew and AJ were acting a little strange again, but neither Scott nor I mentioned it. If they wanted to talk, they knew we would listen.
About 12:30, after a light lunch, we climbed into the limo for the short trip to the arena. I was relieved that it was a closed rehearsal so Scott and I didn't have to pretend. It was the pretending that was the hardest.
"Are you excited or what?" Nick asked Scott with a smirk as the limo sped along the road. Scott's feet were bouncing up and down.
"Yeah! You got a problem with that pal?" Scott asked with a silly grin.
I decided to help him out. "Why shouldn't he be excited? He gets to see his boyfriend performing in front of thousands of screaming teenage fans!" I said.
Everyone else just laughed so Scott stuck his tongue out at them and turned to kiss me. We tuned everyone out.
I loved being in our own little world. "Are you sure you won't be too bored at the rehearsal today Angel?" I whispered, as I planted little kisses all over my Angel's face.
"How could I be bored watching you shake your butt up on stage?" he asked softly, making me smile. I leaned against him and rested my head on his shoulder.
A few minutes later the car pulled up outside the arena. It drove around to the side where four large men were standing guard outside a door. I immediately noticed that Marcus was one of them, and he walked over to open the door. I decided I might as well get the introductions over with quickly.
Kevin was the first out and shook hands with Marcus. "Hi Marcus, how are you?" Kevin asked.
"Good Kevin," Marcus replied.
Howie got out next followed by Nick, AJ, Drew, myself then Scott. Melissa and Sheri had decided to remain poolside for the afternoon.
I stopped in front of Marcus and smiled at him as he quickly appraised the man beside me. We shook hands. "Hi Marcus. I want you to meet Scott, my boyfriend," I said and watched Scott's expression. It was priceless. He had no idea how to respond to what I'd said.
Marcus helped him out, by smiling and shaking Scott's hand. "Nice to met you Scott. I've heard a lot about you," he said as he led us into the building. He left us once we were inside the building and I continued walking down the hall.
"Heh-hem!" I heard Scott's not so subtle hint from behind me.
I stopped and turned around. I tried very hard not to burst into laughter as I could still see the look of utter surprise on Scott's face. I slowly walked back to him. "Something wrong Angel?" I asked innocently.
"Are you trying to kill me?" he asked. I could hear the uncertainty and confusion in his voice.
I smiled. "You should have seen your face Angel! It was priceless." I stopped smiling as I wondered if he was angry. I tried to explain. "Scott, the security guys work for all of us, but when you work with someone for so long, people naturally form friendships and preferences. Marcus, more than any of the others, has become a good friend. He's saved my butt on more than a few occasions." I looked around us before reaching up to take his face in my hands. "They all know that I'm gay, but I told Marcus about you because when you're on tour with us I want someone to be watching your back too," I said intently. I knew that even being regarded as simply a friend to us could cause problems for him.
I watched as Scott digested what I'd said. Finally he smiled and I was able to relax. "Okay, Love. I'm not angry with you, but it sure as hell surprised me." He gave me a quick hug before we began walking again. "Any more surprises I should watch out for?" he asked sarcastically.
I just laughed and dragged him onto the arena floor.
I really didn't even pay attention to the people running around finishing with the stage. We walked across the floor to where the guys were standing at the base of the stage. I realized the dancers were already warming up.
As we approached the others, Fatima looked up at me. "Nice of you to join us Mr. Littrell," she commented.
I knew she wasn't really upset, so I smiled and walked over to give her a hug. "Good to see you too, Fatima!" I grabbed Scott's hand and pulled him closer. "Fat, this is..."
"The infamous Scott," she interrupted me before I could finish. She shook Scott's hand. "Nice to finally meet you Scott," she said sincerely. "But I'm going to have to steal and torture your man here for a while," she added, pushing me towards the stage stairs.
I felt Scott let go of my hand. "That's okay, just don't hurt any of the really important parts!" he said with a grin.
Fatima laughed and I pouted as I climbed the stairs.
Just as I began walking on to the stage I saw one of the dancers stand up and head towards me. I froze as I realized it was Ray. I'd forgotten about him. He reached me and pulled me into a hug.
"Hey Brian baby! I missed ya!" he said.
(A.N: Aren't you glad I'm not a bitch? Keep reading!)
My first thought was what would Scott think. Kevin came to my rescue and pulled Ray away.
"Ray, stop screwing around!" Kevin said forcefully. "How many times do we have to tell you that Brian isn't interested. Never has been, never will!"
I quickly looked out at the seats and my eyes found Scott sitting beside Drew. I was afraid to meet his gaze. Afraid I'd see anger, but I had to know. I was taken aback, and relieved when all I saw was a question in his emerald eyes.
I knew this had to be settled quickly. "Ray," I said loud enough to attract the attention of the other dancers as well. "I've told you I have a boyfriend named Scott, and I love him more than anything. Nothing is ever going to happen between you and I," I said bluntly.
Ray just grinned. "Sure Brian, whatever. One day you'll give up the imaginary boyfriend and I might still be around."
I was shocked that he would say that to me. He'd been nothing more than a nuisance to me before, but now he was insulting Scott. I stood there glaring at him trying to decide what to say when I felt familiar arms wrap around me.
"Hey Love, I thought I came here to see you dance and hear you sing," Scott said softly, then kissed my cheek, hugging me tightly. I could feel the tension leave my body as I knew Scott wasn't angry with me.
Scott then looked over at Ray. "Oh, I'm sorry." He held out his hand. "I'm Scott. And you are?"
Ray glared at us then realized that everyone was staring, waiting to see what he'd do. Finally, he shook Scott's hand. "Ray. Nice to meet you," he said abruptly and turned to walk back over to the other dancers.
I sighed and turned around within the confines of my Angel's arms. I met his gaze and saw the love. "Thank you Angel," I said softly. "I love you."
Scott smiled at me. "I know." He then released me as Nick and Howie pulled me over to start warming up. Scott turned to walk off the stage.
"Are you okay, Bri?" Nick asked me quietly as I began loosening up.
I stretched my leg muscles and looked over at him. "Remind me again why we keep him around?" I said sarcastically.
Nick laughed quietly. "Because he's a good dancer, and makes clods like you look better!"
I gave Nick the 'evil eye' and stood up to finish stretching.
Fatima finally called us to the center of the stage and the music started. The routines were all well rehearsed but Fat always found a few little things to work on. I tried to concentrate, but found myself thinking about Scott. I was grateful that he hadn't jumped to any conclusions, although I had to wonder if he was wondering. I decided to make sure he knew that nothing had ever happened between Ray and I.
"You better not be planning on putting those sweaty arms around me," he said.
"But Angel!" I whined and pouted, and he gave in as I knew he would. I took a flying leap at him and wrapped my legs around his waist as he held me to him. I quickly began to cover his face with kisses, leaving Scott breathless.
"I love you. I love you. I love you," I whispered over and over again. I guess it was a little fear that caused me to hold on tightly, but finally I calmed down. I pulled back so I could see his eyes. "Sorry! I told you I get a little hyper before, during and after concerts," I said sheepishly.
Scott laughed. "I remember. Personal experience you know!" he added with a smirk, making me blush as I remembered my nighttime visit to his house.
I dropped down and sat in one of the seats. I gulped down half the bottle of water before looking at him again. "I'm sorry about Ray, Angel," I said sincerely.
Scott shook his head and touched my cheek. "Brian, Love, you have no control over other people's actions. Don't worry about it. Hopefully he'll stop hassling you, now that he knows I really do exist," he said.
My man never stops surprising me. I grinned and shook my head. "You amaze me! Most guys would be insanely jealous and start asking if Ray and I had a thing before. Or worse, if we still had something going on. But you, you're worried about me!" I leaned over and hugged him tightly. "How did I get so lucky?" I whispered.
Scott just laughed softly. "I don't know. I think we'll have to have a conversation about who is the lucky one!"
Just then, Fatima called everyone back to the stage. I kissed Scott's cheek and jumped up. "See ya!" I ran back to the stage.
The rest of the rehearsal went by quickly now that I knew everything was okay with Scott. Before long Fatima was done and we just had to do the sound checks. I stared at Scott as I sang a couple of lines to test my microphones.
We were finally done and returned to the house for a short break. I decided to take a nap, although I wasn't really tired. I just wanted to cuddle with Scott. We went up to the bedroom and lay down. I wiggled close to Scott's shoulder and side, loving the feel of him next to me. I didn't plan on sleeping but a while later I woke up, and rolled over onto Scott.
I kissed his chin. "So did you sleep at all?" I asked quietly.
Scott smiled angelically and shook his head. "Nope. I was too comfortable holding you," he said and kissed my nose.
I just shook my head. "But how are you going to keep up with me when we get home after the concert?" I asked coyly.
Scott rolled over until he was on top of me. I could feel his hips thrusting gently against me, driving me wild. I was getting very aroused and moaned softly. Scott stopped. "I think I'll manage," he said, then rolled off of me.
I was caught part way to the brink. I could was breathing in short gasps, waiting for more to come. When I realized he'd stopped I opened my eyes to look at him standing beside the bed. What a tease! "Bastard!" I whispered with a slight smile.
Scott grabbed a pillow and swatted me with it. "Hey! Don't insult my mother!" he protested.
I laughed and rolled off the bed. I headed into the bathroom for a quick shower before we had to leave for the arena.
Once at the arena we went through make up then to the dressing room to get our first costumes on. As we were changing, AJ walked over and sat beside me, watching me. Once I was ready I looked at him.
"Something you want to talk about?" I asked him seriously. He wasn't being quite his boisterous self.
AJ frowned. "I'm not sure." He looked up at me. "Maybe now isn't the time," he said and stood up.
I grabbed his arm and made him sit back down on the couch, and I sat facing him. "Talk," I said gently.
AJ sighed. "Okay. Have you and Scott ever done anything...kinky? You know, when you're making love and stuff?" he asked shyly.
I was a little surprised at the question, but answered it. "Not really. We've never talked about it. Why?" I didn't want to ask the next question but I did. "Has Drew done things you're uncomfortable with?"
He sighed again, but smiled. "No," he said slowly. "That's not the problem really. What we've done, I've enjoyed, but is it normal? I mean...hell," he ran his fingers through his spiked hair. "Hell, I don't know what I mean."
"AJ, listen to me," I said, making him meet my gaze. "There is no such thing as normal. Whatever two consenting adults do in the privacy of the bedroom, is no ones business. As long as both people are happy with what is going on, then who is to judge. And," I held up my hand to stop him from speaking. "Don't say God, AJ. We all will have to face him in the end. But if you live your life with no regrets, ..." I left the sentence unfinished.
AJ was quiet for a minute, then smiled at me. "Thanks Rok," he said and gave me a hug, before walking out of the room. I sat there for a minute trying to figure out what happened. I'd have to ask Scott about Drew sometime.
A knock at the door reminded me about the concert and I finished getting ready. Out in the hall, the band, crew and the five of us, gathered in a circle for a brief prayer. Then the concert was on.
Finally the concert ended and we ran backstage, sweat dripping from us. I didn't want to remain at the arena any longer than necessary and the others agreed. We changed out of the costumes and waited for Scott, Drew and the girls to come backstage, then we would head straight home.
Melissa walked over to Howie first and stopped in front of him. "Do you expect us to ride in the car with all of you smelling?" she asked.
The others all stood back and watched. I could tell they were in agreement with her. But we weren't to be outdone. AJ stepped forward. "Well, lets see. The limo is for the stars. And unless I'm mistaken, WE are the stars! So, yeah, if you want to get home tonight, I guess you'll just have to hold your noses," he said with an arrogant grin. We agreed with him.
"Drew, dear," Scott said calmly, "you really need to work of the ego that boy has!" We all watched as both Drew and especially AJ turned bright red. That basically silenced the debate and we won.
We proceeded out to the limo. Once safely inside, I automatically snuggled up to my Angel. It was becoming a familiar position that I loved, being wrapped in his strong arms.
Back at the house, everyone decided to go for a swim as a way of expending some of the extra adrenaline the guys had and to wash off the sweat. Melissa loaned Nora a swimsuit. It was after two before Scott and I headed up to bed. Nora was going to stay in one of the other bedrooms and we'd take her home in the morning.
I was looking forward to New Years Eve. Kevin and I had cooked up a plan that no one else knew about. The day was basically a repeat of the one before, except the rehearsal was a little shorter, and the concert started a little earlier.
As we arrived back at the house later that night, Kevin prevented anyone from getting out immediately.
"Everyone has half an hour to go upstairs and change into some nicer clothes, then meet in the dining room, at 10:30 sharp," he instructed the gang.
Scott looked around, then his gaze fell on me. I couldn't help but grin secretively.
"Alright, Mr. Littrell, what is going on?" he asked. I didn't answer him. I grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the car. I directed him up the stairs and everyone else followed us.
Once in our room I turned to look at Scott. "Will you wear your suit for me?" I pleaded.
Scott ran his fingers down my cheek, sending shivers through me. "And what do I get if I do?" he asked softly.
I stood up on my toes and kissed him. "Me," I whispered.
Scott returned the kiss then gave me a little push towards the bathroom. "Deal. But only if you shower!" he said with a grin.
I pouted but continued into the bathroom. After a very quick shower I returned to the bedroom to find Scott looking incredible. I thought the suit made him look sexier than ever and debated whether to say to hell with the surprise. He sat on the bed and watched as I dressed, pulling on a black suit with a midnight blue shirt.
I was ready with five minutes to spare and walked over to Scott, standing between his legs. I put my hands on his shoulders and lost myself in his gaze. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" I whispered intently.
Scott pulled me close and rested his head against my chest. "Yes. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at me, feel it in your body every time you touch me and hear it in your voice every time you speak to me," he told me. I was awed by him. I blinked back tears as Scott pulled back to look up into my eyes. "Do you realize I love you just as much?" he asked me in return.
"Yes." I responded instantly. It was the only word I could say. Scott stood up and I took his hand as we walked downstairs to the dining room.
We walked into the dining room and I knew Scott was surprised. We had hired a catering company to set the table and decorate as well as cook an incredible meal for us. I'd even invited Nora without the others finding out and she was talking with Howie, Melissa and Nick. Kevin walked over with a couple of glasses of champagne.
"Happy New Years, Cus, Scott," he said with a grin and raised his glass. Scott and I did the same.
"You two had this all planned didn't you?" Scott asked Kevin and I.
We looked at each other. "Who? Us?" we asked in unison. Scott just shook his head.
Throughout the meal, Scott and I were almost oblivious to the others. We sat side by side and ate, while staring at eat other as much as possible.
At about 11:45 everyone had finished dinner and Kevin stood up. "Everyone fill up your glass, and follow me!" he announced.
Without question everyone followed the instructions. Kevin led us up the stairs and down another hallway. This was the second surprise. At the end of the hall he turned a corner and walked into a library/study. Crossing the room, Kevin opened a set of sliding glass doors and led us out onto a large balcony that overlooked part of the city.
As with the dining room, the balcony was decorated, with streamers and balloons. A table with snacks was located by the stone railing. A number of chairs, loungers and loveseats were situated around the balcony. A TV had been brought outside and plugged into an extension cord.
Kevin turned to look at all of us. "I promise I'm not going to make any corny toasts. But I do want to say that this has been one of the best New Years I've ever had, and that's due mainly to old friends," he looked at me, AJ, Howie, Nick and Melissa, "and new friends." He looked at the five people who had recently come into our lives. "I hope that all of these friendships continue and grow throughout the New Year." Kevin raised his glass and we all followed suit.
We turned to look at the TV that was showing the New Year telecast from Time Square. Every one found a chair and gathered round to watch the ball drop. Scott and I grabbed one of the lounge chairs and took our favorite position, Scott sat down first, and then I sat between his legs. I cuddled back against his chest and placed my arms over his as they wrapped around my chest.
Silently we sat and watched the others get excited as midnight drew near. Finally Dick Clark began the countdown and we looked on as 1998 gave way to 1999. As midnight struck, the others all jumped to their feet to wish each other a Happy New Year and sing ol' lang syne. The reason we picked the balcony became obvious as across the city a huge fireworks display began to explode in the nighttime sky. It was perfect.
I turned my head so my lips were next to Scott's ear. "Happy New Years, Angel. 1999 is going to be our year!"
To be continued...
Next up, the tour!