Well, now that they are on tour, I have to say this...I don't know anything about the real tour schedule, so I made it all up! I've never been to Europe so please go easy on me if I make factual errors!
I must give a big thank you to Justin for pictures he did for my stories for the boyband screensaver. THANK YOU!!
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
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!"
Chapter 27
The next few days were chaotic. The group was busy with intense rehearsals and practices for the upcoming tour. The new CD, Millennium was going to be released at the end of the first week of January then we were flying to Europe for the beginning of the tour.
The day after New Years, Sheri and Drew returned home. No one was really sure where things stood with Drew and AJ but they seemed happy. Sheri and Kevin announced to us all that they were going to try being a couple. I was happy for my cousin.
Scott stayed for four more days, having meetings with Jive and the Firm to settle the contracts about the new web sites. Unfortunately, because of rehearsing and press meetings, I only saw him at night when we both fell into bed after a long day.
The entire BSB crew finally flew to Europe. We landed in Germany and spent a few days organizing the equipment and a few other last minute details. The fist concert was in Hamburg and Scott was finally flying in to join us. I was so excited.
It was late in the afternoon and we were just hanging around the arena before the concert.
"Anyone see Marcus lately?" I finally asked aloud. Every one shook their heads. I'd asked Marcus to go to the airport and pick up Scott. I wanted to go myself, but they was no guarantee I'd get back before the concert.
I was wired and began jogging up and down the hall outside the dressing room trying to expel some of my nervous energy. I hadn't been sleeping all that well because I missed having Scott beside me.
Finally Kevin approached me. "Come on Bri. You have to get changed out of those sweaty clothes. Its almost time," he said.
I slowly followed him down the hall. "Why isn't Marcus back yet?" I asked quietly.
Kevin gave me a smile. "I'm sure he'll be here soon. Maybe the traffic was heavy," he suggested.
I sighed and went into the dressing room. The others were hanging out there relaxing or stretching. I kept walking right into the bathroom. I hauled off my track pants and t-shirt quickly stepped into the shower, careful not to get my hair wet. After a short rinse, I dried myself off and pulled on the first costume for the evening.
I was brushing my hair when Kevin knocked at the door. "Hey, Bri, can you come out for a minute?"
I walked to the door and opened it, standing in the doorway to see what Kevin wanted. "Bri, I was just talking to Jeff and he was told Scott's plane has been rerouted for mechanical problems. He won't be here till tomorrow," Kevin said.
As his words sunk in I tried not to show how disappointed I was. Every minute without Scott was agony. "Damn it," I swore softly. "All I want is to have my Angel here with me. Is that too much to ask?" I asked. Kevin didn't answer.
Suddenly the door moved back, making me jump. I looked up and saw an Angel standing there. Scott pulled me into his arms and we held each other tightly. I barely heard the ribbing from the other guys. Scott gave me a gently push and I stepped back into the bathroom. Scott followed quickly and closed the door behind him.
He had barely turned around when I jumped into his arms. I could stop myself from covering his face with kisses. He felt so good! Scott matched me kiss for kiss. Eventually I pulled back so I could see his beautiful green eyes. "I missed you so much Angel," I said intently.
Scott leaned forward and kissed me. "I missed you too, love," he said softly. Now that he was with me I could feel the stress leaving me. I wanted to stay there forever and hold him. But I knew that wouldn't happen.
"Guys?" We heard Kevin's voice from the other side of the door. "Brian? Scott? We have to go. Everyone is ready for 'the circle' Bri, come on."
I sighed. Scott looked at me and I realized he had never experienced 'the circle' before. I wanted him to be with me for it. Reluctantly I jumped down and grabbed his hand. "Come on my Angel. I want you to be a part of this," I said as I unlocked the door and led Scott out.
The others were standing by the outer door waiting for us. Clasping Scott's hand, we walked over to the door and out into the hall.
Scott glanced at AJ. "See if I give you Drew's present now!" he said. I realized it was AJ who had held Scott back in the dressing room.
We walked to the end of the hall where there was a large lobby, and all the members of the crew, from dancers, to musicians to technicians, were gathered. Everybody stood around the edge of the room as we approached. The guys spread out among the rest of the crew. We faced the center and I held tightly to Scott's hand. Nick was on the other side of him. I waited until everyone was settled and the room went quiet. Everyone in the gathering grabbed their neighbors' hands.
"Thank you God, for bringing us all to this place," I began the traditional pre-concert prayer. "Thank you Lord for giving us the abilities that each of us has and allowing us to use your gifts. May you keep all our loved ones and us safe and healthy. Amen," I said. Everyone else added an Amen, then fell silent for a few moments. During the private moment of thanks, I whispered my prayer. "Thank for sending my Angel."
"Lets have a good one people!" Kevin said loudly, signaling the end and the circle broke up with everyone pumped.
I turned to face Scott. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through me. Having Scott there pumped me even more. "See ya after Scott?" I asked.
Scott laughed. "Of course! Where else would I be?"
I stepped forward and kissed his nose. As I moved back I licked right up the length of his face, before I ran down the hall. "Love ya!" I called back before disappearing around a corner.
It still amazed me how Scott made me feel. We took our positions under the stage and waited for the music to start. The concert was amazing. The new dance numbers were tiring but the audience went wild and we just enjoyed ourselves on stage, goofing and fooling around at time.
After the last encore we raced back to the dressing room. The door flew open and I looked around, quickly finding my target. Running over, I jumped on top of Scott who was sitting on the couch.
Scott smiled at me. "I thought the concert was amazing. The guys were great, and you weren't too bad either," he said with a straight face.
That meant war! I stuck out my tongue at him.
"Brian! I told you we didn't want to see any of that!" Nick said from across the room. Kevin, Nick and Scott laughed.
I looked down at Scott deviously. Moving my legs, I stretched out so the entire length of my sweaty body was covering his.
"Ewww!" Scott protested and tried to roll me off. I held tightly.
I put on my 'puppy-dog' face. "Don't you love me?" I asked with a sniffle.
Scott stared directly into my eyes. "You know I do. But it is hard when you stink," he said before suddenly licking my nose. That startled me and I suddenly found myself on the floor. Had to admit that he learns quickly!
Howie and AJ soon came out of the bathroom and the rest of us made a dash for it. Nick and I won, leaving Kevin until the last.
I didn't want to be away from Scott so I took a very quick shower before throwing on some casual clothes. I returned to the main room and curled up on the couch beside Scott. He put his arm around my shoulder and I leaned heavily against him.
"So how was your flight?" I asked quietly, happy to finally be able to really talk to him.
"Long, and boring. But worth it," he added as he squeezed me.
"Marcus find you okay?"
"Yeah. He said I would get to ride on the same bus as you," Scott said softly.
I pulled back. I hoped Marcus didn't go into detail about the unpleasant discussion I'd had with some people. The issue was finally settled though. "Of course you will. I made sure of that. Some people had a little problem with that, but I wasn't about to back down," I said intently.
Scott smiled and kissed me softly. "Good. It would be agony to be here and know you were just on the next bus where I couldn't kiss you, or touch you or hold you."
"I know," I whispered as I leaned forward for another kiss.
We lost ourselves in each other's lips for a few minutes, until a thrown pillow hit Scott in the head. We separated and looked around to find the other guys standing by the door waiting for us to leave. Scott and I just grinned at each other. Scott grabbed his laptop in one hand, my hand in the other and we followed the guys out.
Marcus and Chris were waiting and walked along with us to the door. The security was tight and no fans had managed to reach the area where the buses were parked. We walked on to the bus unaccosted.
The bus looked huge from the outside and it was just as impressive inside. As we walked onto the bus, there was a door to the right, sectioning off the driver from the rest of the bus. To the left was the first section of the bus, a couch against either wall, a table in front of one couch, with two chairs, then a small kitchen area with a sink, fridge, toaster oven and microwave. A door opened into a living room area with more couches, wall-mounted television and stereo system. A door to one side was for a bathroom.
Another door in the main hall blocked off the bunk section. A second bathroom was located behind the one in the living room. Two bunks were along that wall, while four bunks were on the other wall. The very back of the bus was another small room, simply two loveseats with one against each side of the bus, and the tinted back window.
All of the luggage had been placed on the couches in the kitchen, so everyone picked up their belongings and headed for the bunks. Scott and I took the two at the end beside the bathroom. Without even asking Scott took the upper bunk, knowing I wouldn't like to sleep up in the air. We stored the suitcases under the lower bunk, then I crawled onto my bed, pulling Scott with me. The beds were a little wider than a twin and long enough for Scott's tall frame.
I reached passed Scott to pull the curtain closed. We lay on our sides staring at each other. It was so good to be together.
"Hi!" I whispered, making Scott giggle.
"Hi!" He responded then kissed my nose. "I'm so happy I'm here," he said softly as he ran his fingers through my damp hair.
I sighed. "Me too. This tour would have been unbearable if you couldn't be here." I tucked my head against his shoulder a little embarrassed. "I don't sleep very well when you aren't with me," I mumbled.
Scott pushed me back so he could see my flushed face. "I got used to having your warmth and feeling your arms around me," I admitted.
Scott tenderly brushed my hair off my forehead. "That's one of the sweetest things you've ever said to me love," he said softly. We both leaned forward to kiss, then Scott was suddenly being pulled out of the bunk and onto the floor of the bus.
I leaned over to see what was going on and Scott was staring up at AJ. "So where is it?" AJ asked.
Scott stared for a minute. "Couldn't you have just asked?" he complained as he pushed himself to his feet.
"What's the fun with that?" AJ asked. Scott just shook his head. I knew he would learn. Scott reached under the bunk and opened his suitcase. He pulled out a small wrapped box and glanced down at me.
"Think I should give it to him?" he asked with a grin.
I looked at AJ then back to Scott. "Yeah. If you don't we won't get any rest. Believe me, that one can go all night if he wants to!"
Scott nodded and gave AJ the box. I knew it was a birthday gift from Drew and I was curious. AJ pulled off the paper and opened the box. He pulled out a piece of paper, probably a note, then looked inside. Scott grabbed the box from him and tilted it so I could see. There was a sterling silver ring, the top was shaped like a pair of handcuffs. A matching set of earrings, with small dangling cuffs, was included.
A grin spread across AJ's face. "I love them!" he exclaimed. He pulled out the ring and tried it on. He reached up and pulled off his simple loop earrings before putting in the new ones. "How do they look?" he asked.
Scott and I just laughed at his enthusiasm. Scott handed AJ the box. "Now, can I go back to doing what I was doing?" he asked sarcastically.
AJ nodded. He grabbed Scott and kissed his cheek. "Thanks Scott!" he said before walking back to the front of the bus.
Scott crawled back onto the bunk with me.
The next couple of weeks were chaotic. I was quickly readjusting to tour life, but I knew Scott found it harder to get used to. The tour bus really became our sanctuary. We could just sit quietly holding each other talking softly, or enjoying the company of the other guys. We could be ourselves though, without any pretenses. At night, we usually both crawled into my bunk, where Scott would spoon behind me and we would drift to sleep. Once in a while we returned very late to the bus and I crawled into the upper bunk so I wouldn't wake Scott.
Because of the nearness of the bunks, Scott and I agreed that anything more than hugging and kissing would wait until we checked into a hotel. It wasn't fair to make the guys listen to our lovemaking. I loved having Scott make love to me, but just having him next to me in my arms was enough.
We were in Vienna finally and after two concerts in the Austria city, we would have three entire days off. The tour had started in Hamburg and moved through Berlin, Warsaw and Prague already.
We arrived in Vienna in the morning and had enough time to check into a hotel before being whisked away to a fan forum. Originally management had wanted Scott to stay on the floor with the rest of the crew. After more heated discussions and the support of the other guys, management had given in and allowed Scott to bunk with me. To make things look normal, we book three large doubles and the guys doubled up. I appreciated them trying to help Scott and I spend as much time together as possible.
After our little holiday we would be touring Europe for six more weeks before another break. I let my mind wander to thoughts about Scott during the fan conference. I thought it would never end, but finally it did and we returned to the hotel.
I put the key in the lock and opened the door to my room. Scott was sitting at the desk working on his laptop. He looked up and smiled. I walked over and wrapped my arms around his neck, then kissed his cheek.
Scott turned his head to kiss me. "Nope," he said as he closed the screen.
I slapped him in the head. I knew I asked him that question every time I returned to the room, but it made me feel better knowing he had missed me as much as I'd missed him. Scott stood up and pulled me to him. "What do you think, love? You ask me that every time and each time I tell you the same thing. I miss you whenever you aren't with me," he said quietly with a smile.
I grinned up at him. "I know. But I still like to hear you say it," I murmured, as I leaned forward for another kiss.
A knock at the door interrupted us. "Scott? You want to talk now?" AJ asked. Damn the interruptions. I remembered that Scott had wanted to talk to all of us when we came back. I guess now was the time. Scott pulled back and kissed my nose.
"Come on love," he said and took my hand in his. We walked out into the hall and saw AJ and Kevin's room open. We found the others sprawled every which way on the bed and chairs, talking about the conference and their plans for the three days off.
"So how was the fan forum?" Scott asked as we found seats on the rug beside the bed.
"Typical," Kevin replied as he logged off his laptop.
"And how is my sister?" Scott asked him with a smirk.
Kevin looked over in surprise. "How'd you...?"
"Oh please Kev!" Nick exclaimed, throwing a pillow at him. "We all know when you've been talking to Sheri because you get that goofy grin on your face!"
Kevin blushed and the rest of us laughed.
Scott regained control before we all got out of hand. "Okay guys! I wanted to talk about the plans for your websites," he said. "Since we're in Europe and there are so many interesting cities and places, I thought that if each of you picked your two favorite places that the tour is going to, I could spend the day one on one. I can get pictures and information about what you're really interested in. We can go over what I have for your site and make it the way you want it." He stopped talking and I digested what he'd said. If he spent two off days with each of the guys, we would be losing eight days together. I didn't really like that idea.
I looked at the floor trying not to show my disappointment. Howie spoke first. "I like the idea! Not only does it give you a chance to find out what we're really like, but we can get to know you better too." He paused. "Since it seems like you're going to be around for the long haul, it only makes sense that we get to know our newest brother better." I knew that last comment was directed at me. I knew he was right. Although we all spent time together, I was a little possessive of Scott's attention. It made sense that the others would want to get to know him better.
"That was part of my thinking," Scott replied. He pulled out some loose paper and passed it around. "Write your name and top 3 choices. We'll use two, but if there are duplicate choices, we'll have to use the third choice."
We each took the paper and grabbed a pen.
"Wait! There are two exceptions. You can't choose Venice and only one can pick Rome. You have two free days in Rome, but I'm claiming one of them," he said before we started writing.
I glanced over at Scott upon hearing that. Venice and Rome were two of my favorite cities. He knew that and made sure to keep them for us. I met his eyes. "Thank you!" I whispered and gave him a quick kiss.
We wrote down our choices and handed the papers back to Scott. He read them. AJ had picked Liverpool and Rome. Howie had chosen London and Barcelona. Nick, Paris and Marseilles; Kevin, Brussels and Frankfurt, my choices were Athens and Paris.
We all went our separate ways. Scott and I walked back across the hall to the room we were sharing. As soon as we were through the door, I wrapped my arms around Scott, and kissed the back of his neck.
"I'm sorry Angel," I whispered.
Scott turned to look at me. "Sorry for what?" he asked, kissing my cheek softly.
I smiled. "You're sweet! For acting like a spoiled child," I explained. "I know you have a job to do. I may not like the fact that you have to use some of the little free time we have, but I shouldn't have acted so childish." I pulled him over so we were both sitting on the bed.
Scott brushed my hair off my forehead. "I wish there was more time, so we wouldn't have to lose time together," he said softly, staring into my eyes.
"I know," I replied. I turned and stretched out on the bed. Scott lay down beside me.
I closed my eyes as his hand softly caressed my chest. "Bri?"
"Mmmm?"
"Have you thought about Nick's birthday?" he asked quietly.
My eyes popped open. "Shit!" Nick's birthday was in two days and he would be nineteen. I couldn't I have forgotten that! I looked at Scott. "It's in two days, isn't it?" I asked, just to be sure. Scott nodded, trying not to laugh. "I can't believe I almost forgot it. I mean I remembered it was coming up a few days ago, but then put it out of my mind. I better call the others and see if they have planned anything," I said and began to get off the bed.
Scott grabbed my arm. "Relax, baby. I have a plan I want to run by you first," he said.
I turned to look at him. "A plan?" Now he had my attention and curiosity.
Scott told me what he had in mind and my excitement grew. It was perfect!
"Oh Scott! That's brilliant! You do realize that he'll kill you?" I said excitedly.
Scott laughed at my enthusiasm. "But it will be worth it. Do you want to talk to the others tonight and make sure they're okay with it? I'll call tomorrow and make the arrangements. I've already called a bakery."
I rolled over on top of him and kissed him hard. "I knew there was a reason I keep you around," I said as I came up for air.
Scott giggled. "Yeah, I'm the birthday coordinator. So what do you want to do for your birthday?" he asked. I would be turning 24 in a few weeks. I realized then why Scott had reserved Venice. We would be there for my birthday. He amazed me.
I laid my head on his shoulder and held him close. "I'd be happy just staying in our hotel room, uninterrupted for the entire day. I can't imagine anything better than having you all to myself for an entire day," I said truthfully. "I will talk to the others about your plan. I know they'll like it," I added.
Too soon, we had to leave for the concert. Scott decided to stay at the hotel and do some more work.
I returned to the room afterwards and quietly opened the door. The TV was on, but Scott was asleep on the bed. I slipped into the bathroom then returned to crawl onto the bed beside him. I leaned over and softly kissed his cheek.
"Love you," he murmured.
I kissed him again. "Love you too, Angel," I whispered. "The guys said to go ahead with your plan," I added softly.
I curled up against my Angel and drifted to sleep thinking about what we had planned for Nick.
To be continued...