Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 22:25:40 GMT
From: Nathaniel O'Leary <nathanielstories@hotmail.com>
Subject: Question of Faith part 14

Thanks to all the people who took time and wrote me to tell me they loved
it.....
A big thank you to Toby, Trace and Tim.....You all know why...

The disclaimer is the same as in the previous installments...

Enjoy, nate

Question of Faith part 14
************
Minutes seemed like hours. The waiting was nerve wrecking. They had prayed
so hard. Nick didn't die but who knew what could happen to him in the O.R
Everyone felt slightly relieved. But still they were very anxious to know
what would happen next. Julia had taken Kevin back to his ward. Jane had
been on the phone keeping the home front up to date. AJ kept him self busy
by getting coffee for everyone. The sleep started to hit. Billie had dozed
off already. Most of them were fighting the sleep. They wanted to be awake
when some more news came. Lexie came back to the waiting room. She rubbed
her swollen stomach. The child realized the stress its mother was having.
'I managed to get you a hotel close to the hospital. The bodyguards are
packing your stuff. I'm suggesting that as soon as we know something more
about Nick we all go to the hotel and catch some sleep.'
No one argued with her. Everyone nodded and returned to their thoughts.
The doctor came back surprisingly fast. Jane immediately grabbed hold of
Brian. But the slight smile on the face of the doctor comforted her a bit.
'Nick made it perfectly through the operation.'
A sigh of relief was heard through out the room.
'He has some very serious injuries. He isn't out of danger yet.'
The doctor sat down next to Jane.
'Nick has some fractures in his pelvic. We managed to connect a few with
some metal plates. He also broke his jaw, ribs, left leg and arm. We suspect
he landed on that side. He had some internal bleeding. Our main concern is
that he wakes up from the anaesthetic. Only than we can tell if he has any
brain damage. As you all have seen his face is bruised. We can't tell if he
suffered any damage to his eyes or brain. The swelling needs to go down
first.'
'How will it take for Nick to fully recover?' Jane softly whispered.
'He can start with some physiotherapy after a year. His pelvic needs to heal
first.'
'A year?'
Everyone started to talk at once.
'It's a long and slow process. Maybe he will recover sooner but he will be
in bed for a really, really long time. Fractures like that take time to
heal.'
'Will he be in a lot of pain?' Aaron stared at the doctor.
'We are keeping him sedated for a while. He broke his ribs so breathing is
painful. He will be on a respirator until we feel he can breath
comfortable.'
'Thank you, doctor.'
The young doctor smiled at Jane and left the room.
Jane looked up. 'You can all go to the hotel and get some rest. I'll call
Brian when he wakes up.'
A few uttered some protest but Jane gave them a stern look. Slowly everyone
left the room. Brian carried Aaron in his arms. Jane closed her eyes and
prayed. A tear escaped her. A tear of joy. Her son was still alive.
*********
Lexie hated to be the bearer of bad news. Nine curious faces stared at her.
Waiting for her to start talking.
She shuffled with her papers until JC said: 'Please start, you are making us
nervous.'
Lexie smiled a tense smile. 'Okay, I had a meeting with the Backstreet Boys
this morning and they have decided to leave the tour.'
The nine men in front of her all nodded.
'I already found a replacement. The tour will go on again next week. But
with a new line up. The guys will stay in London until Nick is well enough
to fly to Florida. They are going to record a new album. So you can come and
visit Nick any time you want.'
Lexie took a deep breath. The worst was over.
'The new band is Irish. I think Five has met them before. Five guys as well.
They are very popular in Europe. So I think it will be a great replacement.
They are Westlife.'
Richie turned very pale but no one but Justin seemed to notice.
'Kian, Nicky, Shane, Mark and Bryan will be joining us tomorrow. I hope we
can all make them feel welcome.'
Lexie sat down again. Justin touched her arm.
'Oh sorry. Before I forget. I have a new assistant. I offered Justin a job
and he accepted. He will be responsible for the arenas and so. And off
course when I go for my maternity leave.'
Justin smiled.
Scott congratulated him on his new job. 'So you are our new nagging person?'
Justin nodded.
'Great.'
He looked at Richie, expecting him to be happy too. But Richie had an angry
look on his face. Justin's smile faded. Everyone stood up and one by one
left the room. Justin covered his face with his hands. He was tired.
'Justin?'
He lifted his hands of his face. He thought he was alone. 'Chris.'
'Can we talk?'
Justin sighed. 'Sure, what about?'
Chris seemed almost shy. 'I just wanted to say that I'm glad you are helping
Lexie out. You seem to be doing a whole lot better.'
Chris fumbled with the rim of his shirt.
'I mean you look better than you did when you were still with us. I mean you
seem okay. I mean...'
Justin saw the inner struggle visible on Chris' face.
'I just want to say that I'm sorry for being such a jerk. I was hurt that we
had to find out the way we did but I don't blame you for not telling. We
haven't been the easiest people to be around with.'
'Apology accepted.'
'Really?' Chris' face lit up.
'I haven't forgiven you yet. But I'm working on it.'
Chris nodded. 'I understand.' He rose to his feet. 'Good luck with the new
job.' He said with sincerity in his voice.
*********
Justin loved the hotel Lexie arranged for them. They had the two top floors.
They both consisted of 7 suites. All of them were attached by a little
living room. Inside the circle of bedrooms was a massive living room.
Several couches and an enormous TV set. Justin loved the small living rooms.
A single sofa bed and a TV. Excellent if you needed a little peace and
quiet. Just like now he would sit on the sofa and listen to everyone
talking.
The door to his suit opened and he heard Scott and Richie talk.
'I just want to know who arranged for them to join the tour.' Justin heard
Richie ask.
'I have no clue. Maybe they were the only available band.'
Richie sighed very loudly. 'I don't need this.'
'I thought you were totally over Shane.'
'I am.'
'Why are you making such a fuss about it?'
'I'm not.' Justin heard the anger in Richie's voice.
'You are. You are clearly upset that Shane is joining the tour.'
'Wouldn't you be if your ex boyfriend would?'
Justin's mouth fell open.
'You told me you broke up with him.'
'I did. Over the phone. I don't know what I'll feel when I see him again.'
Justin wanted to get up and leave but he couldn't. He had to hear the end of
the conversation.
'You are with Justin now.'
'I know I am. You don't need to remind me. It's just that my relationship
with Shane was so different from what I have with Justin. Sometime I long
for it.'
Justin couldn't believe his ears.
Richie continued. 'Justin is so inexperienced. So insecure. So secretive. I
had no idea he wanted to work for Lexie. He shut me out when we were in the
hospital. At least Shane and I were open to each other.'
'I hate to say this but wasn't Shane the one that used you for sex and sex
only?'
Justin could almost picture the look on Scott's face.
'Yes I know he did. But at least we had sex.'
Justin didn't want to hear anymore. He walked in to the main living room.
Kevin was sitting on the couch. He looked very lost. According to Julia he
hadn't processed the fact that Nick was in the hospital.
'Hey Kev.'
He didn't blink an eye.
'I've tried talking to him all morning. He is non-responsive.' Billie sat on
the other side of Kevin. 'The doctor said it should pass soon.'
Justin looked at her. 'Isn't that what a girl loves? To be able to talk to a
man all morning without getting a reply or him saying she should shut up?'
Billie gasped. 'Justin Timberlake, you have crossed a line.'
She grabbed a pillow and hit him on the head. Justin narrowed his eyes and
hit her back. Soon they were having a pillow fight. All the stress and
sorrows forgotten for a while.
***********
The ride in the elevator to the top floor was quiet. Each man was in
thought. No one knew what to expect from the tour. Europe was a familiar
territory but they had never played with other bands before. Would the fans
accept them? A little ping told them they had arrived. The doors opened and
they stepped inside the massive suite. A dark haired man was sitting on the
couch. A blonde man ran through the room being chased by a girl.
'Justin.' She yelled.
'Stop.'
'No!' Screamed the man.
Something was written on his chest in red letters.
'I need to finish my sentence.'
Suddenly they both noticed the five men standing there staring at them.
'Oh we have company.'
The girl left and the blonde crossed his arms, covering his chest.
'Hi.' He said shyly. 'I'm Justin.'
One of the five raised his hand in greeting. Justin walked to Kevin, who was
sitting on the couch.
'Hey Kevin, the replacements have arrived.'
Kevin didn't respond.
Justin sat down next to him. 'Three of them are blonde and two are dark.
They look youngish.'
Justin talked about the five as if they weren't in the room.
'One of them looks like Nick.'
Suddenly Kevin rose to his feet and walked away. Justin slapped himself on
the forehead.
'Wrong subject.'
'Hey guys.'
A door opened and Five stepped in the room. J had a big smile on his face.
'Good to see you all.'
He hugged the first person in line.
'Justin have you met?'
ustin nodded.
J frowned. 'What do you have on your chest?'
Justin blushed and tried to hide his chest with a pillow.
'He has sex god to be written on it.' Said Billie innocently.
'Or should I say almost written as he woke up.'
Justin threw the pillow at her head.
J shook his head. 'Kids.'
'So how are the love birds doing?'
'Love birds? What love birds?' N Sync joined the group of people in the
room.
'J and Sean.'
This raised a few eyebrows.
'This is new to us.' Chris sat down next to Justin. 'We want to know details
now.'

J started laughing. 'Well, Sean and I share a flat. One day a rumor spread
through England that we were gay. And on the day that the photographers had
gathered outside our flat Sean decided to cook us breakfast. So we sat there
at the window unaware of what was going on. We were joking and Billie sat
next to Sean. I fed her some food but it looked just like I was feeding
Sean. The people outside didn't see Billie sitting there. It was all over
the newspapers the next day.'
Everyone was laughing by the time J had finished.
Lance stepped forward. 'I'm Lance. I go with these guys.'
He pointed at JC, Joey and Chris. 'That's JC, the red one is Joey and Chris
is the other.'
'Well, we are Westlife.'
A dark hair man said.
'I'm Mark. The other brunette is Shane. The three blondies are Nicky, Kian
and Bryan. In that order.'
Mark looked at Five.
'No introductions needed at your side. I believe we know each other rather
well.'
Richie blushed. Justin narrowed his eyes. Richie had been staring at Shane.
'Sit down. I think the Backstreet Boys will be here soon. Visiting hours are
almost over.'
'How is Nick doing?' Asked Nicky.
'He survived surgery but according to the doctors it will be awhile before
he can even speak. His whole face is swollen. The only way he communicates
now is raising an eyebrow.'
Nicky nodded. 'I see. I hope he gets better soon.'
'I'll tell the family.'
Scott sat down next to Justin.
'So sex god to. Going shirtless today.'
Billie jumped on Justin's lap. 'May I finish my sentence?'
Justin shook his head. He felt silly now. 'I think I'm just going to get
dressed. I'll be back in a bit.'
Justin pushed Billie of his lap and walked to his room.
Billie stared at him. 'God, a guy with PMS.'
JC chuckled. 'We call it a bad mood. You have to remember it's before noon.
Justin's body doesn't working before noon.'
JC had seen Justin look at Richie. He turned his head and said with a big
smile.
'Or does it Richie? You should know.'
Richie glared at JC. 'I don't know what you mean.'
'In denial now are we?'
Richie ignored him and continued to talking to Bryan. Shane looked at JC. He
wondered what he meant with that comment. He had seen the dirty look Justin
gave Richie. This could be an interesting tour after all.
**********
Kevin raised his hand and knocked on the door. A few seconds later Aaron
opened the door.
'Hey Airboy.'
Aaron smiled. 'Hi Kevin.'
'Is your mum around?'
Aaron nodded. He opened the door a bit more so that Kevin could enter.
'She is in her bedroom. I'll go get her.'
Aaron had proved he wasn't a little kid anymore. He had been the one keep
the family posted in the last few days. He was even the person the doctors
talked to. He just kept on asking until he understood what was going. Within
a few day he had gained the respect of everyone working at the hospital.
'Kevin?' Jane stood in front of him.
She had aged visibly the last few weeks.
Kevin snapped out of his daze. 'I need to talk to you.'
Kevin was nervous.
'Sit down, Kevin.'
Kevin sat down on the couch.
'What is it that you needed to talk to me about?' Said Jane in a friendly
voice.
Kevin frowned. Jane was being too nice to him. He opened his mouth to say
something but Jane raised her hand.
'Let me say something first. I always thought I was a good mother. And as a
good mother I wanted the best for my son. I had his whole future planned. A
beautiful wife, a nice house and a few kids. I felt betrayed when I saw Nick
and you together. My plans were shattered. No beautiful wife, no children. I
did what I thought was for the best. I didn't want to believe Nick was gay.
No son of mine is gay.'
Jane stared at her hands.
'I was wrong. I was wrong to think that way. I wanted Nick to be happy but
all I did was break him apart. I was so blinded by my wishes that I ignored
his. I wanted to be a good mother. But I didn't read the chapter on gay sons
in the handbook. I didn't know what to do. And instead of getting closer to
Nick I drove him away.'
Jane wiped a tear away and looked at Kevin.
'I heard you talk on that roof. I saw the love in your eyes. And I saw the
love in his eyes. I knew he but especially me hurt you so much.'
Kevin nodded.
'I'm so sorry Kevin. I don't know if you can or will forgive me one day. I
only tried to be the best mom possible.'
Kevin moved next to Jane.
'It's ok. I understand. Having a gay son is not something you dream of as a
mom.'
'What made you so smart?' Asked Jane whilst crying and smiling at the same
time.
'I'm gay. You learn fast when you are gay.'
Jane blew her nose very un lady like.
'So now it's your turn. Spill.'
Kevin looked at Jane.
'I have to go to the States tomorrow. My court case starts next week.'
'Oh Kevin. I'm so sorry I did that.'
'It's ok. I just wanted you to know that I'm taking the full blame. I'll
state that I raped Nick and that I'm guilty as charged.'
His words lingered in the air.
'No!'
Jane crumbled the tissue in her hands.
'I can't let you do that. I can't let you ruin your career.'
'It's the least I can do for Nick.'
Jane heard the pain in his voice. 'Please Kevin, don't. Don't ruin your
career over that. Tell them the truth. It's about time the fans realize you
are no gods. I can't let you do that. Who is your lawyer?'
'Lexie. She is going home because she wants to give birth in America.'
Jane took Kevin's hand in hers.
'Kevin, please don't do it.'
But Jane saw the determined look in Kevin's eyes and knew she was talking to
someone who had made up his mind.
************
Justin tossed and turned.
'Will you stop that?' Snapped Richie.
'Sorry.'
Justin turned around to face him.
'Why do you keep turning?'
Justin bit on his fingernail.
'I was thinking.'
Richie chuckled.
'You know how I said that I wasn't ready for making love to you?'
Richie nodded.
'Well, I think I'm ready. I want you to make love to me.'
Justin smiled nervously.
'Are you sure?' Justin nodded.
He moved closer to Richie. He hoped Richie didn't notice his trembling hands
as he lifted his T-shirt over his head. Richie stared at Justin's chest. He
reached out and wrapped his arms around him. Richie pulled Justin on top of
him. Their lips met in a searing kiss. Justin teased Richie with his tongue.
Richie's hands moved down Justin's body. With a swift movement he turned
them around so that he was lying on top of Justin. He broke the kiss and
moved down to Justin's neck. He nibbled on every inch of skin. He moved from
Justin's neck to his nipples. Justin gasped as Richie sucked one in his
mouth. Richie swirled his tongue around it. Justin laced his fingers through
Richie's hair. Slowly Richie moved down Justin's body. He dipped his tongue
in his bellybutton before he lick the head of Justin's hard erection. Justin
jerked up in surprise. Richie took him in his mouth. Licking the shaft up
and down. Justin started to moan. This was fantastic. Richie continued
sucking until he felt Justin was ready. He grabbed a tube of lubricant from
the night table and generously rubbed the contents over his painful
erection.
'Are you ready, Justin?'
Justin nodded. His cheeks were flushed and he was breathing hard. Richie
lifted Justin's legs over his shoulder and rested on his arms. He slowly
started to push inside Justin. Justin let out a moan and Richie kissed him.
He pushed a little harder. Justin closed his eyes. It was hurting more than
he thought it would hurt. Richie entered him a little more. Justin wanted to
relax but he couldn't. It was very painful. Richie thrust a little harder.
Justin gasped. This time not with ecstasy but in pain.
'Stop.' He whispered.
Richie didn't hear him. He was nibbling away on Justin's earlobe. He thrust
one last time to enter Justin fully. Justin bit his lips. He was tearing up
in side. It wasn't supposed to be this way. He tried to push Richie off. He
tossed his head from side to side in pain.
'Richie, stop please.'
His voice was hoarse. Justin gathered all his strength and pushed Richie off
him.  That action probably did more damage to him but Justin didn't care. He
felt like he was on fire. He was hurting. Richie flew off the bed and ran to
the other room. He fell down on the couch.
********
'Uhmpf.'
JC clutched his stomach.
'Why do you dive on me in the middle of the night?'
JC rubbed his eyes and looked at Richie.
'Naked?' He added.
Richie stared at him as if he had seen a ghost.
'I... Just...'
JC pulled the covers of him and wrapped them around Richie.
'What happened?'
Richie took a deep breath. JC rubbed his back. He was clearly upset.
'Justin said he wanted me to make love to me. And suddenly he pushed me off
and I...'
Tears ran down the blonde's face.
'Why did he do that?'
Richie shook his head.
'One moment he was moaning and groaning, the other moment he pushed me off.'
JC sighed.
'I'll go and talk to him. You stay here.'
JC walked to Justin and Richie's bedroom.
'Justin?'
He pushed the door open. Someone was whimpering like a wounded animal.
'Justin, are you ok?'
JC entered the room. Justin was shuffling to the bathroom.
'Justin.'
'Go away.' Cried the young man.
He started to sway on his legs. JC was by his side in a split second. Justin
was crying. JC wrapped his arm around his shoulder to preventing Justin from
falling down. The sheet around Justin's shoulder fell to ground. JC was
about to ask what was wrong again when he saw the blood stains on the sheet.
'Justin, are you bleeding?'
Justin turned his head.
'Justin, look at me.' Said JC in a stern voice. 'Are you bleeding and
where?'
Justin nodded.  JC cupped Justin's chin and turned his head. He saw the
shame and pain in Justin's eyes.
'Stay here. I'm getting Lexie.'
JC wrapped the sheet around Justin again and ran to his room. He quickly
woke up Lexie and they made their way back to Justin. He was still standing
in the same spot. His shoulders shook with each sob.
'Justin?' Lexie asked in a soft voice.
'I told him to stop and he didn't. He was hurting me.'
Lexie wrapped her arm around Justin and softly guided him to the bathroom.
'Let's get you cleaned up.'
She looked over her shoulder at JC. But he was already taking off the
remaining sheet from the bed.
'Can you sit?
shook his head. 'It hurts.'
His voice broke.
Lexie pulled him close in a hug. 'I'm going to take care of you.'
She released Justin and started to fill the bath with warm water. Justin
wrapped his arms around him.
'Can you close the door please?'
Lexie closed the bathroom door. Justin slowly let go of the sheet. Lexie
gasped seeing the bloodstains.
'Do you need a doctor?'
Justin shook his head. 'No, I don't want anyone to know. Where is Richie?' '
In our room.'
Justin nodded. Lexie helped him in the bath. He flinched in pain but slowly
relaxed. He closed his eyes and a few minutes later he drifted off.
'How is he?' JC looked at Justin. His head rested on Lexie's arm. She was
making sure he wouldn't slide in the water.
'He's ok. I don't think there is permanent damage. The blood made it a
little dramatic.'
C kissed her forehead.  'I'm sorry.'
Lexie sighed. They had had a fight and she made JC sleep on the couch. Now
she was glad they had the little fight. She looked at Justin. He was still
sleeping.
'You go and see about Richie. I'll stay with him till he wakes up.'
**************
Kevin stared at the young man lying in the hospital bed. No one could tell
if he was awake or sleeping. Kevin hoped he was sleeping. Yesterday when
Brian was here to talk to Nick, Nick had tried to turn his head away from
Brian. That made Brian very upset. Kevin sat down beside the bed.
'Hey Nick. I think you are sleeping. But if you're not, hear me out.'
Kevin sighed.
'I'm going home Nick. My court case is due.'
Kevin stroked Nick's hand.
'You have nothing to worry about. I'm guilty as charged. I will protect you
and your family. You have a life ahead of you. A career.'
He readjusted the blankets.
'This will probably the last time that I'll see you for a while. I believe a
ten-year sentence is normal for raping a minor. I'll miss you.'
Kevin laughed hoarsely.
'I still love you Nick. I never stopped. I thought I could make myself stop
loving you  but I couldn't. I hated my self for loving you. I wanted to
forget you so bad.'
Kevin rose to his feet. he bent over the bed.
'Just promise me you'll get better.'
He kissed Nick's forehead and made his way to the door. He looked over his
shoulder one more. He wanted to soak in Nick's face. He never wanted to
forget the image. He opened the door and walked away. If he had stayed a
little longer he could have seen the tear rolling down Nick's cheek.
Shane leaned back in his seat and looked at everyone sitting in the room. JC
and his girlfriend were hovering over Justin. Richie sat in a corner. He was
obviously sulking. Something had happened. He had figured out Richie and
Justin were involved. They stayed in the same room. A sly smile crept over
his face. Maybe, just maybe he could take advantage of this situation. He
had to move slowly. They just joined the tour and he loved his career too
much to ruin it. But Justin didn't seem to be an emotional strong person and
Shane knew just what buttons to push to get what he wanted from Richie.
well there you have it....No massive cliffhangers....What will happen next,
just wait and see.
Nathaniel......
nathanielstories@hotmail.com