"Get Ready...Tonight...Gonna make this a night [love] to remember." by Shalamar

My Kinda Guy
A Love To Remember
Chapter -- 16, Part B
by JT Poole and Nicole Brown

Jan 30 -- Washington, D.C. -- The National Zoo

JT's POV

When we left the hotel, Kevin was in one of his grumbling moods. Since today is family day, I thought this would be a good idea for the four of us to go to the zoo with Nikki and her kids. Being that it was so early in the morning and he was still tired from our sexual escapades from earlier, he wanted to sleep in a little bit later. Urging me to go on without him, I glared at him and before I knew it, I had smacked him in the back of the head as he was walking away from me. He looked at me, shocked when he saw the expression on my face. He wanted to complain, but after I laid down the law about him going with me, he relented and went to go get ready as well, seeing as I wasn't going to be dealing with Toby by myself.

We're standing at the gates to the zoo now. Holding Jaken's hand, I smile at Kevin as he's carrying Toby in his arms. Looking back at Nikki and her crew, I wonder if this is going to be a good day or not with JC being with us and all. My heart is telling me to ignore him and not let him bother me, but my mind is telling me to cap his ass and just get that shit over with. I know I should just overlook him and not worry, but him being around may cause some unneeded stress and problems. I just pray that Kevin don't let his anger get away with him and beat his ass for all the shit he's put almost everyone through. Please God, please let this be a good day.

"Baby, what's on your mind?" Kevin asks me as we pass through the turnstiles into the zoo.

"Don't worry about it Kev," I tell him as he shrugs and we stop to wait for Nikki and the boys, not really caring if JC stayed around or not.

Stopping to pick up a couple of zoo maps, I pick up Jaken and sit him on top of the table in front of me. Teasing him a little bit, he giggles loudly as Kevin puts Toby down beside him. Opening the map and looking at the attractions and exhibits available, I pull a pen out of my pocket and start circling some of the things I wanted to see. Looking up at Kev, we plot a route through the zoo of what we wanted to see, and what we thought the boys would like to see too. Asking the little buggers what they wanted, they both agreed on the monkeys, the tigers, the lions, the kangaroos and the bears. Smiling at the two of them and agreeing with the route, we put the boys back down on the ground and take their hands as we start our journey.

Looking at the map again, I look over at Kevin and then he looks at me, seeing it would be a long walk before we get to the animals the boys wanted to see. To start things off, we'll stop off at the Fuji-film Giant Panda Habitat and let the boys see what's going on there.

Nikki's POV

Well, we're finally on our way after spending what seemed like hours waiting for JT and Kevin to get dressed. Once those two got it in gear, we all decided to walk to the zoo since it's not really that far, and let's face it, I could use the exercise. Toby, Jaken and my boys are totally psyched to be going to the zoo, and quiet as it kept, I'm looking forward to seeing some of the animals myself. I really want to see the giant panda exhibit and the kangaroos mostly because I want to see if any of them have joeys on board, but that's another story.

After saying bye to Kevin, JT and their boys and agreeing to meet them back at the concession area in two hours, JC and I set off on our adventure. I must admit I was having some doubts about letting him come with us, especially after I saw the way Kevin was cutting his eyes at him while we were walking, but so far he and I are having a really good time. He's so good with Josh and CJ, and I think he's having more fun than they are watching all the animals.

JC doesn't press once I say no, but I know he probably really wants to see the snakes and lizards and all those other slimy ass critters, but I am so not goin' there. The last thing I need is to have to be shooting up the place because a damned spider or snake don got a lil too friendly. You gotta believe that shit would land a sistah under the jail, so no cappin' allowed.

After we leave the cheetah exhibit, we agree to head over to the kangaroos, which the boys get a kick out of. They really get tickled when some of the joeys pop their heads out of their momma roo's pouches and look at them briefly before disappearing back inside. Even I think it's really cute, so I make sure to snap plenty of pics.

Once the boys loose interest in the kangaroos and wallaby's, we head to the elephant house, where JC is as bad as the kids in his excitement. Even though seeing him this excited makes me happy, I can't help worrying about him at least a little now, even if he seems to be okay. I'm thinking he senses me watching him, because he turns to me and smiles, his eyes crinkling in the corners. He touches me softly, nothing that anyone would consider inappropriate, just a light caress on my arm that comforts me.

After seeing the otters, seals, eagles, lions and tigers, I am in dire need of a break so we begin retracing our steps back to the panda pavilion to meet the guys. The twins are sitting in their stroller talking back and forth as Josh and I push them, our hands touching occasionally. We haven't talked much, but I feel like he's as content as I am with the time we've spent here together this afternoon, and I'm glad I could give him this time with me... and I'm happy that the anger is gone so that someone I love could come back into my life.

Later Sunday Morning - Back at the Hotel

Joey's POV

Damn last night was one of the best experiences that I will cherish for life. I don't think I've ever experienced that kind of lovemaking in my life. I was shocked to hell when D started putting those ass moves on me. How the hell did a masculine ninety-nine percent straight man learn to move like that? I don't know who taught him, but I have to give them their props. Damn, he rocked my fucking world. Shit, he's the third guy I've ever fucked in my life and he got game compared to Kevin and Brian. I hope we all work out, `cause I don't think I'll ever be able to get enough of D's ass.

It's after eleven and it seems I'm the only one up again. I'm still tired as hell, but after what I did with D, I can stand being tired if I get to do it again. While I wait for him to get up, I'll just sit here and have a little snack while I catch the news. Turning on the television and popping my soda open, I end up watching CNN as Anderson Cooper is reporting...

... "To recap our top story, American Airlines Flight 502, a DC-10 from New York has crashed in the small town of Deltasburg outside of Philadelphia, killing all 12 passengers and crew aboard. Listed on the passenger manifest was Kelly Baldwin, age 24, the mother of boy band «N Sync member Joey Fatone's daughter Briahna. Details are still coming in as we await the final listing of causalities. The public is asked to call the special 1-800 number established by American Airlines, and which is shown at the bottom of the screen if you believe that your family member or loved one may have been traveling on this flight. Stay tuned to CNN for more on this story as it becomes available. This is Anderson Cooper reporting. Have a good morning." ...

"Oh my fucking God... Kelly!" I scream, jumping up as D, Justin and Nick run out into the main room as a few of the security guards did too.

"Mr. Fatone what's going on sir?" The security guy asks me as I just stood there watching the television as I couldn't believe what I've just seen and heard.

"Joe what's wrong?" D asks me, easing me back down as I start to cry.

"K-Kelly's dead," I say as he looks at me.

"Kelly? As in your ex girlfriend, Kelly?" D asks me as I just shake my head and fall against his chest.

"What's he talking about?" Nick asks sitting across from the two of us as Justin joins me on the sofa as he hugs me too.

"I'm so sorry Joey," Justin tells me as he and Howie both hugged me tighter, trying to comfort me as I cried.

"What happened?" D asks me as I just point at the TV as he picks up the remote control, and turns the volume down. "What happened to Kelly? Was Briahna with her?"

"I don't know! I don't know!" I scream as Nick flinches back a bit as Justin rubs my back.

"Why don't we call someone in her family Joe," Justin suggest as I try to calm down as he grabs the phone and hands it to me.

"I don't really know who to call right now," I tell him as he dials the first number that comes to mind.

Back at the Zoo -- With JT and the Gang

JT's POV

This day is dragging on and on right now. So far we visited the tigers, the lions, the monkeys, the bears and the kangaroos. With Toby having a crying fit, we had to double back to the bears and retrace our steps to find his sports cap. With how we found the hat, I think that boy threw that hat on the ground in that spot on purpose so we would have to come back so he could see the bears again. I was so hot with that little boy, if it wasn't for Kevin being there and other people around, I probably would have spanked his little ass for that shit. It's hot outside and here we are retracing our stops to find a hat that he's tripping out over that I could have gone to Wal-Mart or Target to replace.

Now that our mini drama is over, we're sitting here in the concession area close to the exit waiting on Nikki and JC to get back with her boys. I'm sure the two hours that we agreed to meet back here in are up. I know Nikki is tired out and probably dragging around like me and Kevin are right now. While we're sitting here waiting, my three boys are pigging out on fries, corndogs and cotton candy of all things. Oh that's just what I need, to have Toby hyped up on sugar the rest of the afternoon and half the evening. This outing was supposed to use up that energy and tire them out, but with the added sugar, I'm sure they'll be running around later on. Kevin's never going to get that sleep he wanted.

If today is any sign of what it's going to be like on all of our family outings with Toby, I might as well throw in my towel right now. That little boy just might cause me to have another heart attack. I'm not going to think about that right now, they are calm now and it seems that the both of them are ready to be put down for a nap. Going to get a refill for my drink, I smile at Kevin as Jaken jumps up and touches his nose, getting mustard on his face. Laughing, I turn around as my cell phone starts ringing. Fishing it out of my pocket, I answer it and could hear crying in the background.

"Hello? Who the hell is this?" I ask into the phone.

"Calm down JT, it's me Justin," Justin says to me as I mentally calm down.

"Justin is that crying I hear in the background?" I ask him.

"Yeah it is," he answers me.

"Pray tell, who is it?" I ask him.

"Joe," he answers quickly. "JT we have a situation here."

"What kind of situation Justin?" I ask him as I'm tapped on the shoulder by someone.

"Joey says that Kelly died and he's freaking out. There was a news report on CNN that just repeated, telling about her death. We saw the report too and he's basically shutting down. We've been trying to contact Nikki, but she's not answering her phone. We need to reach her and Josh, Howie thinks that's the only way to get him calm down," Justin explains as I just frown.

"Oh God, I'm so sorry," I say as I turn to see Kevin just standing there looking at me as I notice Tyler playing with the boys.

"Baby, what's going on?" He asks me as I cover the mouth piece.

"Kelly Baldwin is dead and Joey's freaking out. Do you see any sign of Nikki and Josh?" I ask him.

"No, but I will call her and find out where she is," he tells me as I shake my head at him. "What?"

"Justin's been trying to call her, but she's not answering, which means her phone is off," I tell him as he shrugs. "Go over there and have her paged to come here it's an emergency."

"Okay baby," Kevin says, walking off as I turn my attention back to Justin. "We're going to get Nikki and the others and we'll be on our way okay Justin?"

"Sounds good, just hurry up," he tells me as I frown, and hang up the phone.

"This day just turned bad," I say, walking back over to the table as I hear someone page Nikki and crew over the PA system.

With Nikki & JC

 

Nikki's POV

"Damn I'm tired," I grumble as JC and I are walking in companionable silence. Spotting an empty bench, I decided that I really need a break and head for it. "Come on slow pokes... get the lead out."

I had a seat, stretching my legs as Josh sat next to me stroking my hand. Leticia stood at the ready nearby, on alert in case someone tried something stupid with me or my boys, but so far today has been really peaceful and a lot of fun. JC laid his arm on the back of the bench, in itself a casual gesture, but I knew that he was trying his best to keep me close to him any way he could without drawing attention to us.

"You feeling okay Nikki?" he asked softly, his smile gentle but concerned when I started rubbing a cramp in my leg. I just nodded, kneading my tired muscles for a moment until I heard the zoo's public address system.

"Attention zoo patrons... this is an emergency page for Mrs. Nicole Dorough. Nicole Dorough, please come to the Panda Pavilion or call JT or Kevin as soon as possible... repeating, this is an emergency page for Mrs. Nicole Dorough. Please come to the Panda Pavilion or call JT or Kevin as soon as possible. Thank you."

"I wonder why they didn't just call me," I muttered as I began to dig through my purse for my cell phone. "It's not like I don't have my cell... what the hell?"

Looking at the blank display on my phone, it became evident why they hadn't called me--someone had turned it off... and judging from the guilty expression on a certain boyband member's face, I know exactly who that someone is.

"Josh, why did you turn my phone off?" I asked, even-toned for the most part, but JC had known me long enough to know that I was not amused.

"I'm sorry Nikki," he replied, looking like a kicked puppy. "I just didn't want anything to interrupt my time with you is all."

"Josh you know better than that," I retorted, not exactly angry now that he'd explained his actions. "I mean, what if D or Tony was trying to call because of an emergency?"

"I'm sorry," he muttered, looking sadder by the minute. I reached for his hand, stroking it tenderly.

"I'm not angry--just don't do it anymore okay?" I said softly as I dialed JT's number and waited for him to answer. As soon as I heard his hello, I started talking. "Hey JT its Nikki... what's so important that you guys had to page me over the PA system?"

"Girl there's trouble on the home front," JT replied. "Why didn't you answer the phone when Justin tried to call you?"

"Never mind all that," I said impatiently, gathering the boys and putting them back into their stroller. We started walking, now only one exhibit away from the Panda Pavilion. "What's going on at the hotel?"

"Where are you guys?" JT asked, sounding a bit irritated now too.

"We're almost at the pavilion," I replied, pushing the stroller a little faster now as JC and Leticia followed me. "JT, tell me what's going on before I go ebonically gifted on yo ass."

"You need to get your ass to this pavilion as soon as possible--if not sooner," he said simply, the click in my ear letting me know that he'd hung up on me.

"Okay, we need to hurry up and get to the pavilion," I informed JC and Leticia. Grabbing Josh's hand, I handed the stroller off to Leticia. "We'll move faster without the stroller. Catch up to us as soon as you can."

With that, JC and I took off at a jog, the adrenaline in my system pumping fast and hard keeping me from cramping up as I worried about the myriad of things that could be wrong. I saw JT pacing near the front of the exhibit and bolted over to him, my fear spiraling out of control now.

"What is it? What's going on JT?" I panted, trying to catch my breath. I saw JC walk up out of the corner of my eye and saw the look of anger JT was giving him, but right now just wasn't the time for all that stuff. "Tell me what's wrong at the hotel damn it!"

"Come sit down Nikki," Kevin said calmly--a little too calmly in my mind, but that's just how he is. I sat down reluctantly, preferring to take my bad news on my feet, but the look on both of their faces told me that it would be best if I just didn't argue.

"Okay I'm sitting," I stated, trying to smile but failing miserably. "Now, either one of you tells me what's wrong, or I'm walking back to that hotel and finding out myself!"

"Joey saw a news report on CNN that said Kelly died in a plane crash," JT explained as I sat there staring at him in shock. "He's at the hotel right now and he's freaking out. Justin said they tried to call you but you didn't answer your phone."

"Oh no," I said with tears in my eyes. "What about Briahna? Was she with her?"

"Right now no one knows where Bri is," JT replied, his face sad as he thought of how much it would kill Tony if he lost his little girl. "We need to get back so you and JC can be with him."

I looked around at the three men, each waiting for me to say something... but what could I say? Kelly and I had never gotten along because she knew of Tony's devotion to me. Add to that the fact that she'd always blamed me for their relationship failing, and there you have the answer to why she hated my guts.

"We need to get back," I said resolutely, pushing my own grief to the background while I concentrated on how best to help Tony through this. "As soon as Leticia gets here, we need to call for a car to come get us... I-I don't think I could take that walk again now."

"No problem girl," Kevin said softly, his hand resting on my back briefly before he moved away to call for one of the vans to come get us. Once Leticia finally joined us, we went to wait at the gate for our car to come, none of us having a clue what to do next, but I knew that our lives were about to become a lot bumpier.

A Bit Later -- Back at the Hotel

JT's POV

This day is starting to turn sad. Since I told Nikki what happened, she hasn't said a word. From the things I know about her relationship with Kelly, the two didn't get along worth a damn. The two of them were like oil and water. From my days of dating Josh, and hanging around the guys of «N Sync, I knew that Kelly had a burning hatred for Nikki and I felt that hatred went both ways. I know this is tearing Joey up and not knowing where his daughter is and part of that agony.

We're back at the hotel now and riding the elevator up to our room. Looking out the corner of my eye, I could see JC holding on to Nikki like she was a lifesaver or something. I know she told me what happened between him and her last night, but he's been rather clingy it seems. For her sake, I hope he isn't developing a heavy crush on her, I don't think she can handle that much stress in her life and Joey too. The way she acting, I think she's heading for a downward spiral with gasoline draws on.

Getting to our suite, the door opens before we even touch it and Johnny Wright is standing in the doorway, greeting us, waiting for us to walk into the room.

"Good afternoon guys," Johnny says, closing the door after Tyler and Leticia came in with the boys.

"Hi Johnny, what are you doing here?" I ask him, walking back over to where he was standing at the door.

"I'll get to that in a minute JT," Johnny replies, walking over to where Joey and the others sat. "We need to deal with the matter at hand and then we'll deal with the reasons why I'm here."

"Johnny, Nikki and JC can deal with Joey. What's up?" I ask him as he looks at Nikki and JC and then back to me.

"Okay, come over here," Johnny says, waving the rest of us into one of the empty rooms and sitting down at the table. "I would like to know what's going on with you guys, and I want to know right now damnit! What's the meaning of all of this?"

"What do you mean?" Kevin asks him, sitting next to me.

"I mean this," Johnny says, laying a newspaper and some pictures in front of all of us on the table. "This isn't all there is. There's also news footage and pictures of a wild party you guys had in New York last month. What the hell did you guys do?"

"Oh my God," Justin says, noticing the broken bed in one of the pictures in the paper.

"God isn't here right now, I am! What the hell was ya'll thinking, having a wild party like that?" Johnny asks as I slid my chair away from the table. "Haven't you guys had enough shit over the last year? What, you just needed to add a little bit more!"

"Johnny, calm down," I say, standing up as he gets up and stands in front of me.

"Don't tell me to calm down JT! For the last few months, I've done everything I can within my ability to keep all of your personal lives personal! I'll be damned if I'm going to keep doing that!" Johnny shouts, turning around. "The harder I work, the more shit you guys pull!"

"Johnny, please...," I start as he waves his hand at me.

"Where the hell were you when this damned party was going on JT? Why didn't you stop them from doing this?" Johnny asks me as I just turned away from him. "You knew they were doing wrong JT!"

"Hey if we want to have a party, we'll have a party!" Justin shouts as Johnny turns to him.

"Shut the hell up Justin!" Johnny screams as I'm sure everyone outside of the room and throughout the hotel heard him.

"I certainly will not!" Justin screams back. "You act like we're not allowed to have fun."

"Fun is one thing Justin, but breaking furniture, and leaving a hotel room in this fashion is not fucking acceptable," Johnny says, pointing at the pictures that I'm sure we could all recognize as being of me and Kevin's room.

"You have a point but," I say as Johnny turns around quickly.

"You shut up too JT! I've had enough crap from all of you! Believe me you're all on a short leash with me at this moment!" Johnny says, opening his jacket and pulling out another newspaper. "As for you Justin, I'm fed up!"

"Fed up for what? What the hell did I do now?" Justin asks him as Johnny opens the newspaper to show a picture of Luther Vandross on stage performing with a big arrow pointing to Justin's dirty draws on stage with him. All of us stared at Johnny, the headline read: `Do You Know Who These Belong To? Why Not Ask Justin Timberlake.'

"That's what you fucking did!" Johnny shouts, throwing the paper onto the table with the other items. "I've had it with getting you guys out of trouble!"

"What's the big deal Johnny? It's only underwear," Justin says as Johnny lunges towards him, trying to get to him as me and Kevin held him back.

"Only underwear? Only underwear?!" Johnny snapped as Nick cradles Justin in his arms.

"Justin, be quiet before he kills one of us," Nick tells him as I nod my head, hoping Justin would keep his mouth closed.

"What the hell were you fucking thinking Justin? This is impacting your damn career! You might be still famous with some of the fans, but that doesn't stop you from getting a bad fucking reputation!" Johnny shouts, still struggling with me and Kevin. "You might have the image of a bad boy, but that's not going to keep you afloat!"

"Man calm down," Justin says as I glare at him.

"Get off me!" Johnny shouts, pushing me in one corner and Kevin into the other one.

"Is everything alright in here?" Jerry asks, walking into the room, followed by Tyler.

The Dorough's Bedroom

Nikki's POV

What started out as a pretty okay day has turned into a nightmare of epic proportions. Tony is sitting here in my arms, holding on to me like he's afraid I might disappear if he lets go for more than a second. He's an emotional basket case, and while there was no love lost between me and Kelly, I can't help but feel just a little sadness that someone who obviously meant so much to him is gone from his life.

"What did Phyllis say when Justin called her?" I asked, looking back and forth between him and D. Since it was pretty obvious that he was out of it, Howie sighed and answered for him.

"She said that Kelly left Briahna with her for a few days," he explained, his eyes never leaving Tony's lowered head. "She was on her way home when the plane exploded over Pennsylvania. As soon as Social Services heard what had happened, they came and took Briahna out of her house and they're waiting to find out where we can meet them so Joey can take custody of her."

"Okay then. Tony, you need to get packed so you and Josh can ride to New York with us and get Bri," I said softly, rubbing his back with one hand as I held on to D with the other. I can tell that it's hurting him to see Tony in so much pain, but he's holding it together because he knows I'm going to need all his strength. "One of you needs to get in contact with Social Services to schedule a time for them to bring her to us."

"Okay," he responded, his voice totally devoid of emotion. I sighed, tired now but still needing to help him deal with this as best I could.

While we were talking, I could sense JC's restlessness, but there wasn't much I could do about it right then. When he walked out of the room, I had a feeling that he was starting to slip away from us, but I couldn't be sure. I prayed silently that he wasn't, but when I heard raised voices coming from the main room of the suite, I knew that he was going into one of his dark places, and if he did that we might never get him back.

"I'll be right back," I told Tony and D, kissing both of them and whispering to D, "Stay with him for me okay?"

"No problem babe," he replied, smiling at me as he wrapped one arm around Tony and held him while I went to see what all the commotion was.

A Few Minutes Previously -- In the Main Room

JC's POV

I've missed so much, so many things with the people I love because of my fucking issues. All the time I spent drinking, plotting out revenge and coming up with new ways to end my life kept me from doing things that I enjoy doing with other people. Because of my stupidity, I missed out on seeing Briahna when Joey went to go visit her in December for Christmas. I love that little girl so much. Now I'll never get to see her again. That's the problem with me. I cause problems, and don't know how to handle the consequences later. If I wasn't fucked up, I would have seen her, but now I never will.

Just look at the three of them over there talking while I sit over here. They look like a regular family, the loving husband, the wife and the best friend. I don't fit anywhere in that picture. I shouldn't even be here now. I should be happy right now, but I feel like nothing's changed. I'm still the same fuck up that married Joey and ruined up his life. I don't deserve to exist. Getting up, I walk over to the door to leave, but the security guard wouldn't let me go, not budging as I just turn around and watch the interaction between Joe and Nikki. I need a drink.

Walking into the small kitchenette in the room, I open the small refrigerator in the room and check it for something that can hold me over until I can get to a bar. Pushing things around, I couldn't find anything to go with the orange juice. Checking the cabinets and other places in the small area, Leticia walked over to me to ask me what I was doing.

"Josh, what are you doing?" Leticia asks me as I open another cabinet door under the sink.

"I'm looking for something," I tell her as she looks at me, probably wondering what I was doing.

"What is it that you're looking for? Maybe I can help you find it," she tells me as I shake my head at her.

"No thank you. I don't need any help," I tell her as I keep looking and stop on the last one as I sit down at the counter and just hold my head.

"JC, is everything alright?" She asks me.

"Everything's fine!" I shout at her, needing a drink really badly.

"You don't have to shout! I'm standing right here," she tells me as I turn away from her, heading for the door again as the bodyguard standing there wouldn't let me out yet again.

"Would you please move out of my way? I would like to leave here," I tell him as he just nods in Leticia's direction. "Man move or I'll call the police and tell them you're keeping me in here against my wishes!"

"Josh calm down," Leticia tells me.

"You fucking calm down! I want to leave!" I shout at her.

"Where are you trying to go?" She asks me calmly.

"Anywhere but here," I tell her as I push the guy out of the way as I hear Johnny screaming in the other room and the guy bolts towards the room as another from the little boys' room comes running out too.

"JC calm down sweetie. Why don't you just have a seat and rest," Leticia tells me as I look at her like she had grown a second head.

"I don't want to have a seat and rest! I want to get out of here! It's too damn cramped!" I shout, turning the doorknob as Leticia grabs my arm and refuses to let me leave the room.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you leave here," she tells me as I snatch my arm away from her.

The Kitchenette

Nikki's POV

"What's going on out here?" I asked as I walked into the kitchenette. I looked back and forth between JC and Leticia, who only shook her head and indicated that I should talk to JC about what was going on before walking back into the boys' bedroom. "Josh, what's wrong?"

"I just need to get out of here!" he shouted, startling me for a moment until I realized what he was trying to do and sighed.

"Josh, Briahna is fine," I told him, relieved when the anger slowly dissipated. "She's in New York with Social Services waiting for you and Tony to come pick her up."

"She's okay?" he asked, tears filling his eyes as he hugged me. "I-I was so worried that she was gone and I wouldn't get a chance to tell her how much I love her."

"It's okay--hush now," I said, stroking his hair gently as he held me tight. I held his head in my hands, my eyes somber as I watched him. "Josh, I need you to promise me something."

"Anything," he said simply, his eyes shining as he watched me.

"I need you to promise me that you're going to be there for Tony and Briahna, now," I stated, my expression sad. "They're both going to need you to be strong for them, and you know that I can't be there like I might want to be. So, promise me that you'll be there for them when I can't be."

"I promise," he stated, kissing me tenderly as we clung to each other, each afraid of what the coming days might bring, but confident that our family would be able to handle things as long as we stood together.

TO BE CONTINUED...

STORY WARNINGS & DISCLAIMER

I don't know any of the members of «N SYNC, Backstreet Boys or any other celebrities mentioned.  I don't know anything about their sexual orientation or the orientation of any other celebrities in this story (even though I wish some of them were gay).  This story is fiction and you shouldn't take it for anything else but that.  This is for entertainment value only folks.