Date: Sun, 06 Jan 2002 01:39:11 +0000 From: N D Subject: nick and ashley-chapter 14 DISCLAIMER: I don't know O-town or the Backstreet Boys and am not implying anything. This is fantasy. If you are offended by homosexual content or it is illegal for you to read this please leave. I am not affiliated with them, J records, Jive records, MTV< ABC or anything. The only thing I have remotely in common with these boys is that Ashley Parker Angel and I were born on the exact same day-August 1, 1981. FIRST THINGS FIRST: My fans are awesome. I love the fan base that this story is building. I love you all. Pytn18@hotmail.com is where you can reach me...please throw some love my way. Nick and Ashley-Chapter Fourteen The hospital waiting room was dark and cold. The only noise that could be heard was a familiar ring of a doctor's phone and a monotone receptionist answering and transferring calls. "Dan! Dan!" AJ came running over to Dan Miller. "What's the matter AJ?" Dan asked the excited Backstreet Boy. "Ashley's parents just showed up. They're in there with him now." AJ said "So?" Dan asked. "Nick is in there too." AJ said finally "Oh God...let me go save him. Thanks AJ." Dan said as he ran off towards the hotel room. "What did you say son?" Ron asked the bedridden Ashley. "This is Nick Carter-my boyfriend." Ashley said half-proudly and half-worriedly. "You're fucking kidding right?" Ron asked with a scowl. "Ron, not now." Paula, Ashley's mother, told her husband. A knock came from the door and Dan walked into a very awkward situation. "Hello Daniel how have you been?" Paula asked "I'm good. I was just wondering if anyone wanted to come with me to get some coffee from the cafeteria." Dan asked. "Ron why don't you go and get some coffee for us." Paula said. "Paula I need to talk to my son." Ron said "First go calm down and get some coffee." Paula said pushing her husband out the door and closing it behind him. "How are you Ashley?" Paula asked her son with a sigh. "I've been better Mom. How do you feel about this?" Ashley asked her trying not to avoid something he's wanted to tell them for a long time. "Ashley I've supported you in everything you've done in life. I know that you're heart has never led you astray so if this is what you want and this is how you wish to live your life then I will support it." Paula said turning towards Nick. "Paula Angel. Nice to meet you." Paula said extending her hand. "Nick Carter" Nick said taking the hand and shaking it. "Thank you Mom." Ashley said proudly as he looked at a wonderful person he called Mom. "I can't believe he would betray us like that. My son's a faggot." Ron Angel said as he kicked a chair. "Sir, can I say something please?" Dan asked an infuriated father. "Stay out of this Dan." Ron yelled back. "SIR! Look at me!" Ron looked back at Dan surprised that someone was standing up to him. "I am Ashley's best friend. I know exactly what Ashley needs and I know for a fact that Nick is good for him and I know that the last thing he needs is an unaccepting father. He almost died today." Dan said with conviction. "I know what's best for my son." Ron yelled back. "You don't know shit. You've never accepted anything that he did. For as long as I've known Ashley you have not accepted him at all. He is making millions of dollars to do what he loves for a living and you won't even watch him on TV. Now he finds someone who truly makes him happy and he can say cares and loves him and you're ready to throw him out." Dan said "Dan-he belongs with Shelli." Ron argued. "Shelli never loved him. She loved his looks and his fame. That's it. He belongs with Nick and if you can't accept that then you're gonna lose a son." Dan said as he walked out of the cafeteria. Ron Angel stood there in the cafeteria a dejected man, looking down at his feet. "So what exactly happened honey?" Paula asked her son. "I'm not sure. I just remember jumping in front of the light and then it all kinda goes blank in my head." Ashley said. "Do you know what happened Nick?" Paula asked "Yeah I do actually. A wire snapped while the crew was setting up and a light was falling towards me and Ashley jumped to push me out of the way and it clipped him and sent him across the stage where he bumped his head." Nick said "Oh my god, Ashley you could have been killed." Paula said with her hand over her mouth. "I know Mom it's ok. I just did it on instinct." Ashley said "He saved my life" Nick said as he looked over his boyfriend with pride. "Well I'm just glad you're ok," Paula said as she kissed her son on the forehead. "I'm sure you guys want to talk so I'll go see how Ron is," Paula said as she walked out of the hospital room. "How are you doing Ash?" Nick asked as he sat in the chair beside the bed and put his hand on Ashley's leg "I woke up twice today...both times with headaches." Ashley joked "You saved my life Ash." Nick said "Don't even mention it Nick. I know that in the same position you would do the exact same thing." Ashley said. "I feel like I owe you something." Nick said. "Nick you've given me something that no one else ever could...love. That's something that nothing could ever replace." Ashley said. Both men leaned in and kissed each other. This kiss meant ten times more than any other kiss they had ever experienced due to the fact that they both knew what it was like without the other. They both had an experience that taught them how valuable they were to each other. "Get some rest Ash. I'll go tell the guys that you're ok." Nick said as he closed the door and headed towards the waiting room. He came upon Jacob, Erik, Trevor, AJ and Devon. He noticed that Brian, Kevin and Howie all went home but wanted to be called as soon as news was found out. About five minutes after Nick left, another knock came at the door. Ashley yelled out "Come in" and Dan walked through the entrance. A smile came to Ashley's face upon seeing his best friend. "Thank you Dan." Ashley said. "For what?" Dan asked "Well I know my dad and I know Nick and I know you and I'm sure you've talked to both of them." Ashley said. "I told both of them what they needed to hear." Dan said. "I know, that's why I'm saying thank you." Ashley said as he held out his hand towards Dan. Dan slapped hands with Ashley gripping them in a very friendly way. "You really scared the shit out of me Ash." Dan said. "I'm getting that from a lot of people." Ashley said. "How did the parents take it?" Dan asked. "My mom was cool with it, my dad was his usual asshole self." Ashley said. "Yeah well I had a talk with him" Dan said "You did?" Ashley asked. "Yeah he did." Ron said as he entered the room. "Can I have a word with my son Dan?" Ron asked as he walked in. "Yeah sure. Be good Ash." Dan said as he began to leave the room. Ron stopped Dan on the way out and whispered a thank you in his ear. "Son I need to talk to you..." Ron started. "Dad look I almost died today, if you're gonna start a fight then just get out of here." Ashley said. "Ashley, please just let me speak." Ron said. "Whether you believe it or not I love you and I was really upset before after we heard you got hurt. I may not agree with the way you live your life but I'm gonna have to start accepting it." Ron said. "Where did this come from?" Ashley asked. "I had a long talk with your friend Dan. He convinced me that I need to start accepting your decisions and support them." Ron said "That's all I ever wanted from you Dad, some support." Ashley said "I'm so sorry Ash." Ron said as he came over and hugged his stepson that he always considered one of his own. Both men embraced for the first time in a very long time. Ashley had a feeling that after this everything would be alright. "Ok I have to go take care of some business. I'll check up on you later." Ron said as a nurse came in and started to take Ashley's blood pressure. Ron walked out of the room. "Well look who woke up. My name is Molly. I'll be your nurse while you're here." Molly said "Hi I'm Ashley." Ashley replied. "Yeah I know, was that your stepdad? It looks like he was happy that you're ok." Molly asked "Nope, that's my dad." Ashley said proudly. Ron Angel walked into the waiting room and Dan and Devon quickly separated as they saw him walk in. "Don't worry about it Danny. I just need to take care of something." Ron said as he walked over towards Nick. "Ron Angel." Ron said as he extended his hand towards his son's boyfriend. Nick looked at the hand for a few seconds then took it with his own. "Nick Carter" he said as Ron pulled him into a hug and whispered in his ear "I'm sorry. Please forgive me." "Of course." Nick replied. Many barriers had been broken that night. Sometimes it takes something bad to happen for people to realize that you can't take things for granted, especially love. TO BE CONTINUED... <<<>>>