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!" I said, jumping up before anyone could respond. I opened the gate allowing Nora to drive up to the house. I greeted her at the door. She pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek.
"Nice to see you Scott!" she said with a smile.
"You to!" I replied.
Taking her hand I walked back to the living room. Everyone stopped talking and looked at us. Nora noticed Brian sitting on the chair and quickly walked over to him, pulling me with her.
She put her arms around us both. "So how's my favorite couple?" she asked.
I tried hard not to laugh at the shocked expressions that spread around the room like wildfire.
Chapter 26
Nora quickly noticed the hanging jaws and looked at Brian. "Let me guess. Once again you forgot to mention me to these people," she said in exasperation, but with a smirk.
Brian had the decency to blush. He's so cute when he does that!
"Sorry," he said sheepishly.
I grinned at him and grabbed 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," I said, pointing out the three people Nora wouldn't recognize. Then I turned to Kevin. "Oh, and Kev? Don't bother accusing her of being a reporter okay?"
Blushing runs in the family as he turned a deep shade of red remembering our very first meeting.
Brian quickly explained how he had met Nora, and told them about our encounter in the mall in Lexington. I grabbed the food list Brian had been working on and took Nora's order, before slipping out to the kitchen to call in the giant list. I couldn't believe how much food we were getting.
"Hey Angel," a voice murmured behind me. I felt Brian's arms wrap around from behind as I held the phone to my ear, listening to the girl on the other end read back what I'd said. "Do you think anyone would notice if we just disappeared for a while? We could sneak up the back stairs to the bedroom," my horny lover suggested.
I grinned and turned in his arms. "Sorry babe, but we did invite company you know," I whispered as the girl finished reading back to me. Brian pouted and I had to cover my mouth so I didn't laugh. I thanked the girl on the phone and she said the food would be delivered within the hour.
I gave Brian a quick kiss then turned him around and directed him back to the living room. I walked directly behind him with my arms around his stomach. We both paused in the doorway to look our friends.
"Don't you wish it could always be like this?" I whispered as I kissed his ear.
Brian rubbed my forearms and leaned against me. "Yeah," he sighed. "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," Brian whispered, indicating the chair.
I stepped around Brian and led him by the hand to the empty chair. I sat down and pulled him onto my lap, wrapping my arms back around his waist. He rested his head on my shoulder and I kissed his cheek.
"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. I couldn't believe it. We moved to the dining room table after we ate. (I know, a little backwards!)
Drew, Sheri and I took it upon ourselves to explain the rules and concept of the card game 'asshole'.
Over three hours later we called it quits with Nora as the President, Nick as Vice President, while Drew and Brian were asshole and vice-asshole, respectively. Hey, at least my guy wasn't the worst!
I stood up and stretched before reaching over and pulling Brian to his feet. Nick and Nora were proudly congratulating each other and rubbing their victory in to the rest of us common people. I didn't know if anything would develop between them, but they were certainly getting along and having fun.
"Anyone want to go swimming?" Nick suddenly suggested.
It was approaching midnight and I glanced at Brian. Nora spoke first.
"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?" Brian asked.
Nora grinned and nodded. Everyone said goodbye to her and Nick walked her out to her car.
Brian and I made our way up to our bedroom, leaving the others to make their own plans.
The next morning we all simply hung around at the house enjoying the stress free atmosphere. The guys had to be at the arena for 1:00, to do the sound check and a short rehearsal. That would be over by three so everyone could relax, have dinner and be back at the arena for six. The concert was scheduled to start at 7:30 pm.
I noticed Drew and AJ giving each other looks again, but they seemed to be doing okay so I didn't say anything. They knew they could talk to Brian or I, at any time.
About 12:30, after a light lunch, we climbed into the limo for the short trip to the arena. Kevin was sweet enough to mention that the rehearsal was a closed one, so that Brian and I didn't have to worry. Anyone in the arena would have signed a non-disclosure agreement about anything that they saw. I thought that was nice.
"Are you excited or what?" Nick asked me with a smirk as the limo sped along the road. My feet were bouncing up and down.
"Yeah! You got a problem with that pal?" I asked him, giving him a silly grin.
"Why shouldn't he be excited? He gets to see his boyfriend performing in front of thousands of screaming teenage fans!" Brian said, coming to my rescue.
Everyone else just laughed so I stuck my tongue out at them and turned to kiss Brian. We tuned everyone out.
"Are you sure you won't be too bored at the rehearsal today Angel?" Brian whispered in between tiny kisses he planted on my face.
"How could I be bored watching you shake your butt up on stage?" I asked softly. Brian just grinned and rested his head against my 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. Once the car stopped, one of the men walked over and opened the door.
Kevin was the first out and shook hands with the man. "Hi Marcus, how are you?" Kevin asked.
"Good Kevin," Marcus replied.
Howie got out next, followed by Nick, AJ, Drew, Brian then myself. Melissa and Sheri had decided to remain poolside for the afternoon.
Brian paused in front of Marcus and shook his hand. "Hi Marcus. I want you to meet Scott, my boyfriend," he said and I almost fell over. I couldn't believe he just came right out and said it.
Marcus just grinned at my shocked expression and shook my 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 Brian continued walking down the hall.
"Heh-hem!" I cleared my throat very loudly and stopped dead.
Brian finally stopped and turned around. I could tell he was trying not to laugh, but I was still in shock. "Something wrong Angel?" he asked innocently as he slowly walked back to me.
"Are you trying to kill me?" I asked him with a slight laugh.
Brian broke into a grin. "You should have seen your face Angel! It was priceless." He became serious then. "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." Brian took a quick look around then reached up to cup my face in his 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," Brian said seriously.
I didn't relish the idea of a bodyguard, but Brian dealt with it on a regular basis and for him I would accept it.
I smiled at him and could see him visibly relax. "Okay, Love. I'm not angry with you, but it sure as hell surprised me." I gave him a quick hug before we began walking again. "Any more surprises I should watch out for?" I asked him sarcastically.
He laughed and pulled me along into the arena.
I was amazed by the number of people running around putting last minute touches on the huge stage situated at the end of the arena. I could see the other guys standing at the base of the stage. The arena floor was covered with seats and on the stage were ten dancers, five male and five female. They were chatting and stretching, waiting for the guys.
A pretty black woman was talking to the singers and looked up as we approached. "Nice of you to join us Mr. Littrell," she commented.
Brian grinned and walked up to her, giving her a hug. "Good to see you too, Fatima!" He reached out to grab my hand, pulling me closer to him. "Fat, this is..."
"The infamous Scott," she interrupted Brian as she held out her hand to me. "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 Brian towards the stage stairs.
I released Brian's hand. "That's okay, just don't hurt any of the really important parts!"
Fatima laughed and Brian pouted as he climbed the stairs.
I noticed Drew sitting in the first row of seats watching the stage so I walked over and joined him. Just as I sat down I saw one of the male dancers jump up and run across the stage to Brian.
"Hey Brian baby! I missed ya!" he said, pulling Brian into a hug.
(A.N: Now, I thought about being a bitch...but decided I didn't want any hate mail...so keep reading!)
Before I could even process what I was seeing, Kevin pulled the dancer away from Brian.
"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!"
Brian looked out at the seats and his eyes met mine. I could see the fear, and an apology in his gaze. I wasn't about to jump to conclusions so my eyes were more questioning than accusing.
"Ray," Brian said loudly, attracting 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," Brian said bluntly.
Ray just grinned. "Sure Brian, whatever. One day you'll give up the imaginary boyfriend and I might still be around."
That was it! I'm not a confrontational type of person but I could see that Ray was upsetting Brian and that pissed me off.
Drew had been silently watching the entire incident and reached out to touch my arm when I stood up. I looked at him and shook my head. I wasn't going to start a fight, but I was going to make sure Brian was okay.
I silently slipped up the stairs and walked across the stage to where Brian was glaring at Ray. I snuck up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. I caught a glimpse of Ray's expression and wished I had a camera.
Then I casually looked up and pretended to notice Ray. "Oh, I'm sorry." I held out my hand. "I'm Scott. And you are?"
Ray glared at me then realized that everyone was staring, waiting to see what he'd do. Finally, he shook my hand. "Ray. Nice to meet you," he said abruptly and turned to walk back over to the other dancers.
Brian turned around within the circle of my arms and looked up at me. "Thank you Angel," he said softly. "I love you."
I smiled at him. "I know." I knew it wasn't the time to talk about things. I released my hold and stepped back, allowing Nick and Howie to pull Brian over to where they were stretching.
"Nicely done!" a voice said behind me. I turned to see Fatima smiling.
I shrugged. "Thanks. Just making sure my man isn't harassed." Fatima just grinned and patted my arm before moving further onto the stage to talk to the dancers.
As I walked to the wings, I noticed Marcus standing there with his arms crossed watching the stage. He'd obviously witnessed the whole thing.
"I guess Brian can keep you," he commented with a grin as I approached the stairs.
I smiled. "Thanks." I continued back to the seats where Drew was sitting. He didn't say anything immediately, so we sat quietly and watched Fatima give directions.
A few minutes later the music started and the rehearsal kicked into high gear. I couldn't help but stare at Brian. He was a good dancer! After the first song, the music stopped and Fatima gave more instructions.
"You know...I would have decked him," Drew said suddenly beside me. I'd almost forgotten he was there.
I laughed and looked at my friend. "Yeah, and he would have flattened you," I replied. Drew slapped my arm.
I stood up to meet him and held out my hand to stop him. "You better not be planning on putting those sweaty arms around me," I said, hiding a grin.
"But Angel!" Brian whined and pouted. It was all of three seconds before I gave in. Brian literally jumped into my arms and wrapped his legs around my waist. He covered my face in kisses before I could even catch my breath.
"I love you. I love you. I love you," he whispered repeatedly. Finally he calmed down, but still held on to me. Brian pulled back to meet my eyes. "Sorry! I told you I get a little hyper before, during and after concerts," he said sheepishly.
I laughed. "I remember. Personal experience you know!" I added with a smirk.
Brian blushed deeply at the memory of his midnight visit to my home. He disengaged himself and sat in one of the seats to drink some water. After downing half the bottle he recapped it and looked at me intently.
"I'm sorry about Ray, Angel," he said sincerely.
I shook my head and touched his 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," I said lightly.
Brian grinned and shook his 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!" Brian leaned over and hugged me tightly. "How did I get so lucky?" he whispered.
I 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. Brian kissed my cheek and jumped up. "See ya!" He ran back to the stage and I returned to my seat beside Drew.
"So how are you and AJ doing?" I asked Drew without taking my eyes off Brian. There was no response from beside me so I glanced at Drew and found him blushing.
He met my gaze. "Um, good I guess," he said quietly. I waited for more. "I mean the sex...he likes to experiment like I do," Drew said, blushing even more. I'd known Drew was into some minor bondage and SM, but I never liked it too much. I found it interesting that AJ did. It made me look forward to finding out more about the 'wild one' in the group. Drew sighed and I returned my attention to him. "But we still haven't talked about anything else. Like whether I'm leaving here in a couple of days never to see him again, or what!"
"Drew, this is all new to AJ. You need to sit him down...maybe tomorrow afternoon and talk to him. Tell him how you feel. I don't know if he'll want anything more, but maybe he's afraid that you're just doing it for the hell of it, then will go home and forget him."
Drew thought about what I'd said. "I'll try Scott," he said quietly.
Rehearsal finally ended and the five men had three hours off. They decided to return to the house for a swim or nap before dinner. The five singers would be leaving early and the limo would come back for Sheri, Melissa, Drew and I.
Brian decided to have a short nap once we got back to the house and of course, I decided to join him. We simply lay on the bed; Brian cuddled against my shoulder and side. I didn't fall asleep, but found it incredibly relaxing to just listen to my Love breathe.
About an hour later Brian woke up and rolled over on top of me. He kissed my chin. "So did you sleep at all?" he asked me softly.
I smiled and shook my head. "Nope. I was too comfortable holding you," I said and kissed his nose.
Brian shook his head. "But how are you going to keep up with me when we get home after the concert?" he asked coyly.
I rolled us over so I was on top of him. I lightly thrust my hips against him until he moaned softly. Then I stopped. "I think I'll manage," I told him before rolling off.
I stood looking down at Brian. His eyes were half closed and his lips partly open. His breathing was coming in short gasps. When he realized I'd stopped his eyes opened wider and he stared up at me. "Bastard!" he whispered with a slight smile.
I grabbed a pillow and swatted him with it. "Hey! Don't insult my mother!" I protested.
Brian laughed and rolled off the bed. I watched him walk into the bathroom to get ready, and then I wandered downstairs.
There was a small section right near the front of the stage cordoned off from the main audience. Sheri, Drew, Melissa and I were escorted to that private area and discovered Nora and her friends, Kristi and Terri, were already seated. The concert was everything I thought it would be. I was awed by the energy the five singers expended jumping, running and dancing around on the stage.
During a couple of the faster songs I noticed that dancer, Ray, was paired with Brian. Despite my confidence in Brian's love for me, I must admit to a small twinge of jealousy. I pushed it from my mind, knowing I would have to get used to Ray. I decided that while I was on tour with the group, I'd make sure Ray really knew where things stood.
About half way through the concert, I recognized the music for As Long As You Love Me. As I watched the men on stage move around, I realized that Brian was going to sing the first verse, as he had at the award show back in October. The crowd went crazy at the unexpected change because Nick normally sings the first verse. My eyes never left Brian and I knew he was trying not to stare at me as he sang. I knew he was singing it for me and that was all that mattered. It had become our unofficial song.
Over two hours after the guys had taken the stage, the last encore ended and the screaming crowd of teenagers began to file out of the arena.
I thought about inviting Nora and her friends backstage, but I didn't want to have to pretend that I wasn't with Brian. The problem was taken care of when Nora told me her friends both had to work night shifts and had to get home to change.
The five of us worked our way through the audience stragglers crowding around the backstage door hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite 'Boy'. Fortunately Marcus and another security guard named Chris were working. Marcus talked to Chris for a minute then escorted us backstage.
The band and the dancers, as well as the rest of the crew were all milling about. Melissa led the way to the dressing room, having been to a number of BSB concerts before. As we walked in the singers were rushing around gathering up their belonging. They had changed out of their costumes but none had taken showers.
They all stopped and looked at us. They looked at each other and 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. The others agreed with him.
"Drew, dear," I 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 was the end of the discussion, even though the singers had won.
We proceeded out to the limo. Once safely inside, Brian automatically snuggled up to my side. It was becoming a familiar position that I loved, wrapping my arms around him and holding him close.
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 Brian 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 had never even thought to ask Brian what the plans were for New Years. They had the second concert that night, and I just thought we'd come back from the arena and quietly welcome in the New Year.
But of course, Brian had other plans.
The day was basically a repeat of the one before, except the rehearsal was a little shorter, and the concert started a little earlier. We had the benefit of seeing the concert again, and it was even better than the night before.
As we arrived back at the house later that night, I was surprised to see a van pulled up next to the house.
When the car stopped Kevin prevented us 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 us.
I looked around and discovered that almost everyone was as perplexed as I was, except Brian. He had a devious little smile on his face.
"Alright, Mr. Littrell, what is going on?" I asked him. Brian just grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the car. He directed me up the stairs and everyone else followed us.
Once in our room Brian turned to look at me. "Will you wear your suit for me?" he implored. As if I could refuse him.
I ran my fingers down his cheek and he shivered. "And what do I get if I do?" I asked him softly.
Brian stood on his toes and kissed me. "Me," he whispered.
I returned the kiss then gave him a little push towards the bathroom. "Deal. But only if you shower!" I said with a grin.
He pouted but continued into the bathroom. I dressed in the Armani suit I'd worn the first night we were here. Brian came out of the bathroom a few minutes later. I sat on the bed and watched as he dressed in a similar black suit with a midnight blue suit.
If I didn't believe Kevin would come in and drag us downstairs, I would have ripped off Brian's clothes and spent the rest of the night making love to him.
We were ready with five minutes to spare. Brian walked over to me and stood between my legs. He rested his hands on my shoulders and stared into my eyes. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" he whispered intently.
I pulled him to me and rested my head against his 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," I told him honestly. I pulled back to look up into his blue eyes. "Do you realize I love you just as much?"
Without hesitation, Brian responded. "Yes." I stood up and Brian took my hand as we walked downstairs to the dining room.
As we walked into the room I was amazed. The table was decorated for New Years and numerous lidded dishes covered it. Candles and streamers were throughout the room adding a festive, but elegant atmosphere. The others were standing around talking. Even Nora was there, talking with Nick, Howie and Melissa. Kevin walked over with a couple of glasses of champagne.
"Happy New Years, Cus, Scott," he said with a grin and raised his glass. Brian and I did the same.
"You two had this all planned didn't you?" I asked the two cousins.
They looked at each other. "Who? Us?" they said at the same time. I just shook my head.
I honestly don't remember what we had for that late dinner. I was told that a catering company had brought it in and done the decorating while we were at the concert. I know the food was delicious, but I found I couldn't stop staring at Brian. He never stopped surprising me. And I hoped he never did.
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 a hallway I'd never been down. 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 his band mates and Melissa, "and new friends." He looked at the five of us who had recently come into their 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. Brian and I grabbed one of the lounge chairs and took our favorite position, I sat down first, and then Brian sat between my legs. He cuddled back against me and placed his arms over mine as they wrapped around his 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. I finally realized why they had picked the balcony, when across the city a huge fireworks display began to explode in the nighttime sky.
Brian turned his head so his lips were next to my ear. "Happy New Years, Angel. 1999 is going to be our year!"
To be continued...
Next up, the tour!