Disclaimer: This story is fiction. This does not imply anything about the members of *N SYNC. If you do not like it then don't read it.
Note to the reader: Okay, this chapter involves some already well-known fictional characters into my story. Devon and Rob. If you guys aren't familiar with these characters then read T.R.'s: Devon and Lance, and Rob's: Rob and Lance. Next thing. This story takes place in the future of T.R.'s and Rob's stories. So I know that you're confused about Rob and Lance and Devon and Lance. Just bare with me.I have a plan. I just thought it would be neat to fuse some of these stories together.
`NSYNC-Brush with Fame
California nightlife was pumping. I just left the hotel and went out to get some air. But little did I know that the clubs there were so attracting to passersby. I tried to think about my dilemma but I couldn't stop dancing out on the floor. I loved it. The music pulsed through my veins; the beats etched themselves into my brain. I couldn't stop. Then it hit me, if this was all I needed to keep myself happy, then I could always go clubbing if the band got to hectic for me. Geesh, this was so simple.
I left the club and wandered back to the hotel. I got into my room and noticed Stell sitting up on my bed with a rather perplexed look drawn on her face.
"What's up Stell," I asked nonchalantly.
"Where have you been River, I have been really worried. I went to the guys' room to spend more time with you and when I got there they said you had left to go think about something. What is on your mind?"
"Okay Stell this is it," I sat down next to her and started telling her about the deal. She was awe- struck. All she could manage was a nod now and then, it was rather funny, and Stell never gets like that. "So what do you think?"
"What do you mean, what do I think?!?"
"Okay, so I guess that is a go from you, I guess we should call the guys tomorrow and tell them to start rehearsing."
"Fuck tomorrow," she said as she picked up my phone. She proceeded to call everyone: Kat, Jane, and Skyler. I could tell that they were happy by the loud screams coming from the receiver.
"So I guess that is a yes from them too," I said happily.
"You better believe it bud."
And thus, Infiniti was born. We constantly talked to one of our band members on the phone while on tour with Britney. It was becoming evident that I would never do that again. It saddened me, but to hear the hope in my friend's voices, I knew I was doing the right thing.
Tour life went on as usual. Brian and I spent most of our free time together talking about everything. I think it really got to Stell, but she was having such a great time with Britney that I don't think it got to her long. Her and good `ol Brit were getting a little too chummy for my taste, but I thought it was great for her to have a girl to talk to.
We pulled into the venue of our last performance and ran out to get rehearsal over with. It went rather smoothly save the fact that Britney's mike kept wigging out. But all in all, after that was fixed it was like clockwork. Britney opened for BSB that night and we went on and did our thing. After the final number when Britney was supposed to do her encore performance she decided just to talk with the crowd.
"Hey guys," she said which caused everyone to go haywire. "Ahh, you guys are soooo sweet. I want to introduce you guys to some special people. My dancers River and Stellara, let's give them a hand. Weren't they great?" The crowd went berserk again. "Well as you know this is the last performance of the tour and I just wanted to let you guys in on a little secret. Riv. And Stellara here will soon be off to record with their band Infiniti, I want all you guys to remember that name and buy the CD, hehe, okay?!?" Damn, these kids could be loud. "You guys can be so nice. Take a bow you two." Stell and I walked over to Britney, did a bow, and hugged her tight. "Well I hope to see y'all soon." She waved and ran off stage with us.
"Britney, that was one of the nicest things I have ever seen," I said as I hugged her again.
"Yeah, Brit. I love you," Stell screeched as she jumped on Britney.
"I love you guys too. This was my way of saying thank you for all you've done," she said with a tear in her eye, "I'm gonna miss you guys soooo much."
"We'll miss you too," I said.
After backstreet finished their segment they joined us in the green room along with the press. We tried to stay in the background but reporters kept coming over to us and asking us about the band. We'd tell them the story and then they'd go back to pestering Britney or the guys. It was finally over. I felt so relieved.
Soon the room was filled with loud chattering as six guys entered the room. It was `NSYNC and Devon. I was so surprised. I ran over to them and gave them each a hug. I gave Justin an extra long hug, but not enough for anyone to notice. The guys greeted each other and Britney said her hellos. The press asked what they were doing here and they responded by saying that they came out for their great friends' last performance of the tour.
"So you're ditching pop, huh?" I turned to see Devon smiling at me. Man, I still couldn't get over how attractive he was.
"Yes siree, although I'd love to stick with it, I'd never let my friends down."
"That's what makes you such a great guy River, you think of others first," he said as he punched my arm.
"Why thanks Dev. But I did have a period at the beginning when I just wanted to forget about the record deal and not tell my friends. But I couldn't do it," I said as I rubbed the spot that he hit. Soon, there was a tapping at my shoulder. I rotated and noticed it was Justin.
"Hey Riv. How ya been?"
"Ummm, you should know Just. I talked to you about four hours ago. And why didn't you tell me you were coming tonight?"
"You surprise me and I surprise you back," he said with a smirk. I smiled back at him while Devon just gave us a weird glance.
"So how long are you guys in the area," I asked.
"We have a performance about thirty miles from here tomorrow," Devon answered.
"Sounds cool, I'll be there. You guys think you can hook me up with tickets and backstage passes?"
"I don't know, it's a sold out show. It might be hard," Justin joked. Devon and I laughed.
"Real funny Just," I said as I punched him in the stomach. He hunched over from the impact.
"Well when you put it that way, I think I can manage something," he panted.
"I'm glad you see it my way," I joked as I patted his back.
"You guys are too strange," Devon laughed.
"You want some of this too Dev.?" I proceeded to prance around like a thug; waving my arms around and pumping my chest. Everyone was laughing, it was too funny.
After a while we all headed to our hotel followed by the `NSYNC posse. Justin followed me up to my room and helped me pack all my shit. "So you're really gonna do it, huh?"
"I guess, I am. I would never let my buds live life without a chance to make it," I said.
"You know this means that we probably won't be around each other as often as are," he said sadly.
"I was thinking about that Justin, and maybe we need to talk about that," I said with a foreboding hint of sorrow in my voice.
"What do you mean," he inquired hesitantly.
"Well, as you know, I'll be taking a big break from pop and will be off recording. Don't you think it would be best if we called off what we have right now, to save us from later heartbreak," I said meekly.
"WHAT?!?"
"Well I've been doing a lot of thinking. And I've seen how you, as well as myself, get when we spend ample time apart. Maybe it would be best if we tried to at least remain friends until a steady schedule can be set for us to work around relationship-wise."
"I cannot fucken believe this Riv. You're breaking up with me!"
"Justin calm down. I'm not breaking us up. I'm looking out for us."
"Whatever, you just want out of it. That's it, there is someone else isn't there," he asked rather angrily.
"Justin, what the hell are you talking about, how can you even think about that," I inquired very madly. At that moment the phone rang, it was the worst time, but of course it did. I picked it up, "Hello," it was Skyler, he wanted to know about some new rhythms he could use, "Skyler this is not the best time. I'll call you back." Before I could say bye Justin grabbed the phone from me.
"So this is who you're ditching me for," he said as he put the receiver up to his mouth, "Listen bastard, River is mine, stay the fuck away from him, do you understand?" I took the phone away from Justin before Skyler could respond and told him I would explain later and hung up.
"Justin, how can you be so stupid? That was Skyler, my friend, my drummer, hell, he's practically even my brother," I yelled.
"Oh."
"Oh?!? That's all you're gonna give me is an oh?!? How about an apology," I said.
"Me?!? Apologize?!? You're the one who is breaking up with me," he screamed.
"Why can you not get it through your thick skull that I am looking out for us, not ending it. Stop being so fucking childish!"
"I'll show you childish," he fumed as he jumped at me and wrestled me to the floor. We were making quite a ruckus what with rolling around and yelling and knocking stuff over. Soon the door flung open and Devon stood there with his arms crossed.
"What the hell is going on here," he asked loudly.
"Asshole here is trying to beat me up."
"Fuckhead here is trying to break up with me," with that he went back to wrestling me and ended up on top. "River, I love you, don't do this to me." With that he began kissing my neck and my face.
"Justin, I love you too, but you have to realize that I'm doing this for our own good. Please don't make this harder for me," I pleaded.
"I guess I'll leave you two alone now," Devon said. I forgot he was even there. He exited and closed the door behind him.
I sat up and Justin sat next to me. "River, please, just promise me this."
"What's that?"
"Promise me that you'll save a space in that heart of yours for me."
"Justin, you'll always be in my heart. I want to give you something else to remember me by," I said seductively.
"And that would be," Justin said as he looked around curiously.
"Me. I want you to be my first, and I to be yours," I said as I started kissing him, "That way we'll have something that no one can take away from us."
"Are you serious," Justin asked.
"Dead serious."
I woke up the next morning to an empty bed. Justin left me a note saying that he had to be at the arena and that we would talk about last night later. Last night? Then I remembered. I had made love to him last night. It was the best experience of my life. But for some reason I knew that it would be my first and last time with him. I crawled out of bed and made my way into the shower. I felt cheap. Used. He hadn't woken me to say goodbye or even written goodbye. I let the water wash away my problems and got dressed.
I walked into Britney's room where everyone had assembled for the farewell breakfast. I said my morning pleasantries to everyone and sat down to eat quietly. Brian kept throwing concerned glances but I just shrugged them off. After I had finished eating I walked out onto the balcony for a smoke. Brian followed.
"River? What's up? Why are you so down," he inquired caringly.
"Brian, I cannot believe this," I started crying and proceeded to tell him the whole story. He held me and told me things would be fine.
When we walked back inside everyone had already gathered their belongings and was ready to leave. Brian and I quickly rushed about snatching up our luggage and made our way out to the limos. I said bye and hugged each member of the BSB. Brian and I exchanged numbers and he promised to keep in touch. I thanked them once more for all their help in starting my musical career and soon they were off.
Saying good bye to Britney was the hardest of all. We couldn't stop crying. She told us that she would keep an eye out on our career and that she would be there when we needed her. I think Stellara took it the hardest. She had grown attached to Brit, although at the beginning it didn't seem that it would happen. Britney left in her limo waving from the back window.
The next limo came to pick up Stell to take her home. I hugged her and told her I would be back home after the concert tonight. She said bye and was soon off. I got into a cab and drove to the hotel that `NSYNC and Devon were staying in. I asked for Devon's room number and the lady sent me up, no questions asked.
"I saw you at the concert last night," she winked, "I wish you all the best."
"Thank you so much," I said as I grabbed a pen and a piece of paper, "This may not mean much now, but someday it may." I scribbled my autograph and handed it to her. She blushed and I made my way up to Devon's room.
As I stepped out of the elevator I noticed Lance leaving a room. It just happened to be Devon's. Hmmm? I knocked and Devon yelled to come in from the inside. I walked in. "So are you ready for tonight," I asked.
"Hey Riv! Yeah I guess so. I can't really say that I am looking forward to it but hey, that's what I get paid for, right?"
"Sure is," I said as I sat down on his bed.
"So why aren't you with Justin," he asked while he sat next to me.
"Long story."
"I have time." And with that I spilled the whole story all over again. Telling that story made me feel used all over again. Devon wasn't very pleased. "Well maybe I should go and have a little talk with Justin."
"How about not," I said, "It won't help much. Let him make the decision."
"Whatever you say River, just remember, I'll take him out if you say so."
"Thanks Dev. That means a lot to me," I said as I hugged him. We held the embrace for more than enough time and then just looked into each other's eyes.
"Nah," we both chimed at the same time, which caused us to laugh. I let go of him and fell into the floor.
"Oof!"
"Haha, snooze ya lose, Bucko," I laughed.
"Thanks for the warning, partner," he joked. I helped him up and we walked out to JC's room where everyone had assembled.
"Hey River," JC spoke, "Glad you could make it, here is your ticket and backstage pass. Hope you enjoy the show." I smiled and glanced over at Justin who was staring at me hardcore, but every time I'd look at him, he'd direct his gaze somewhere else.
The concert was phat! Devon did a great job, with that cast and all. The guys did remarkable as always. After the show I made my way backstage and into the greeting room. I said my hellos and congratulations to the guys and went to stand next to Devon. I felt so at ease with him. The girls noticed me and ran over to bombard me with millions of questions. Like when is the album coming out, what is it like to be on MTV, how the guys were really like, boxers or briefs, you know, the normal stuff. I gave simple answers and told them to go bug the guys some more. They all laughed. When the session was over I sat around with the guys until it was time for me to leave. I hugged each one excluding Justin because he was still with a fan who had stuck around. Devon walked me out to my limo and we exchanged more numbers and he told me to keep in touch. How could I not, he was such a great kid. And then I was off to the airport and to my home.
My homestay was brief. I came home, rallied the troops, loaded the equipment, and made our way to Orlando. The first order of business in Florida was to audition a lead guitar player. The label set up many auditions and through about 100 of them we only liked one. His name was Jonas. He had chin length crayon red hair, and stood about 5'11'' with blue eyes and a killer smile. And boy could this kid play. We liked him, he liked us, so we clicked and Infiniti was complete.
It had been about three months of straight recording. I had managed to keep in touch with Devon who had finished touring with NSYNC and was now doing little promotional gigs to advertise a festival tour he had planned, known as the Class of 2000 tour. Brian was good, he felt kinda overworked because he and the rest of the Backstreet Boys were in serious training for Devon's tour. Britney kept in constant contact with Stellara and visited when she had the time. And as for NSYNC, I had known that they had gone to New York to do some recording but did not know when they would be back or if they were back.
One day I was chillin around the apartment, that the label had gotten us it was a phat pad. It housed all of us except Jonas who already lived in a house since he was from the area, when the phone rang. I answered it. "Hello?"
"River, how ya been? This is JC. We're back in town and we wanted to know if you wanted to come over to the house and hang out. It's been a long time," he said nervously.
"I don't know Josh, does Justin know about this?"
"Not exactly, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Besides you're our friend too."
"Okay," I said as I got down an address and a time. I said bye and got ready. At around 6:00pm I pulled up to a really nice home. I walked up to the door and knocked. Chris answered.
"River," he yelled excitedly as he hugged me.
"Hiya Chris. How ya been?"
"Good. Geesh, you look different! It's cool," he said. He was right. I had let my hair grow out and it kinda went every which way. I had also died it brown with really blond chunks everywhere. It was very "rockish".
"Why thanks." I followed him in and he led me into the living room. On the couch sat Joey, JC, Lance, and some guy I had never seen sitting rather close to Lance. What was it with these guys and strangers? "Hey guys," I said loudly which startled them.
"River," Joey yelped as he ran and hugged me followed by JC and Lance.
"Well who may I ask are you," I asked very politely to the gentleman on the couch. Lance ran over to him and dragged him to me.
"River, this is Rob. He's my boyfriend, and our newest label mate and he'll be joining us on tour," Lance said trying to clear the air.
"Very nice to meet you Rob, if these guys like you so much, I'm sure you're a great guy," I said as I extended my hand.
"Thanks River. I've heard a lot about you. I'm sure we'll be great friends," he said as he shook my hand. His voice was so smooth, so comforting, so mellow. It was a given that this boy could sing just by listening to that angelic voice of his. Hell he could even make those stress relaxer tapes. At that moment footsteps came crashing down the stairs. And with those footsteps came Justin and another kid I had never seen. This stranger thing was getting unbearable.
"What's all the commotion going on down he," he stopped what he was saying when he saw me. His smile faded and he just froze in his tracks. "River what are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too, Justin. Long time no see, you look well. I met Rob, and who may I ask is this?"
"River this is my boyfriend Jay," Justin began, "He's Rob's best friend."
"Nice to meet you Jay," I said as I shook his hand.
"Yeah," he said as he shook my hand half-heartily. This kid did not like me. I wonder why?
"Hey guys," Chris broke the silence, "Why don't we Barbecue?" We all agreed and headed outside. I pulled JC aside and began pestering him with questions.
"So that's what Justin replaced me with? I guess I shouldn't feel bad, I put myself in the situation. And that's Lance's new boyfriend? What about Dev? Weren't he and Lance an item? And what about you? Who are you interested in?"
"Woah, River stop the interrogation. Let me answer one at a time. Yes that's Justin's new boy toy, they basically can't stay off of each other for five minutes if you know what I mean. And Devon and Lance decided that an open relationship would be best because of out schedules. And as for myself I, too, am dating one of Rob's friends. HER name is Melissa, she will be coming on tour with us to keep Rob company."
"WOW! A girl, wait to go JC. So they're all over each other huh? Sad, but something I have to live with. It is my fault." We joined the rest of the guys in a volleyball game. It was fun aside from the fact that Justin and Lance could not keep their hands of their respective boyfriends. At about 10:00pm I told everyone that it was time for me to be leaving. I said my good-byes and made my way out to my car. As I was getting in Justin came running out yelling for me to stop. "What do you need Justin?"
"Riv. Are we still friends? I know that this thing with Jay is really strange and awkward, but I needed someone since you weren't there," he pleaded.
"Justin of course we're still friends, but does Jay know that you think about him that way?"
"Well, I guess I like him. Not as much as you though."
"Stop right now Just before you dig your hole any deeper," I said as I took his hand and placed it over my heart, "Like I said before, I promised you a space right here, and this is where you'll stay. Now I really should be going, say bye again to everyone for me." I started the car and drove off with Justin left in the road staring at my taillights.
When I got back to the apartment I made my way straight to my room and undressed and crawled into bed. There was a warm mass next to me, which caused me to jump up and turn on the lights. It was Jonas, I could tell by the hair. "Jonas," I said loudly enough to wake him up, "What are you doing in my bed?"
"Stellar said you won't home, apartment being fumigated, needed place to crash, said you wouldn't mind," he managed to say halfway asleep. He was so cute muttering thing that didn't make sense.
"That's cool, just scoot over and give me some room okay?" He scooted over and I turned out the lights. He tossed for a while next to me until he finally settled into sleep with his arm wrapped firmly around me. It felt so great. I was a sucker for the arm thing.
In the morning the doorbell woke me up. I knew that someone would be awake to answer it so I didn't bother. A few minutes later my door opened and there stood Justin with a picnic basket. He froze in his place when he noticed Jonas lying next to me. "Just, what are you doing here," I asked sleepily.
"I thought we could go out for a picnic, but it looks like you're busy so I'll leave."
"Justin come over here," I said as I patted on my bed. He sat down next to me and I kicked Jonas awake.
"What?!?"
"Justin this is Jonas, our lead guitarist. Jonas this is Justin Timberlake of `NSYNC." They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. "Jonas could you please go finish the rest of your nap in Skyler's room? I'd like to talk to Justin alone."
"Sure thing boss," he said groggily as he made his way out of the bed and down the hall in nothing but his tighty whities. It was so funny, I had to laugh.
"Justin, does Jay know you're doing this?"
"Not really," he began, "I told him I was going to do some errands."
"I'm not coming in between you two. I'm not like that and never will be. I suggest that you go back to your house and take Jay out for a picnic," I said nicely.
"Man, how can you be so cruel?"
"How can I be cruel," I started to yell, "You're the one who takes my virginity and just leaves me there feeling cheap. Don't talk to me about being cruel."
"River, you're right and I'm sorry, I just didn't know what to do."
"Justin, it's too late for that right now, or should I say it's too early in the morning for it. I promise we'll sit down and talk about it later, but right now I have things to do. Now do as I said and take Jay out for a picnic," I stated.
"Fine," he said gruffly as he stormed out. I felt horrible. He was my only love and I treated him like dog shit. I knew we'd work through it, but right now I had more important things to do. I got into the shower and then dressed afterwards. I got the gang together and we made our way to the studio for a couple of photo shoots. We were all pretty excited because our video was debuting on MTV that day. Our album would be released in two weeks and were already set for a promotional tour.
That night we sat around the apt. watching MTV. They had designated our video as a buzzclip. At during the prologue they showed clips of Stellara and I dancing for Britney, and us with NSYNC. Then they played the video. I was so excited. We got calls from everywhere that night. Britney, NSYNC, BSB, and even my parents called from their jet to congratulate me. That's the first time they took personal interest in my life. I felt so special.
The single blew up on the charts and we climbed to number one. On TRL we had beaten Britney out of the Spears Spot and were right behind BSB and `NSYNC. Our fan base was growing exponentially. We were on a roll. It felt so good. Our hard work had paid off. Devon had even sent me a message saying congrats and that he was coming to visit, that made my day. But through all the hype, I had forgotten to answer any of Justin's messages on my answering machine asking to hang out or talk. I just couldn't deal with it. I knew I had to do something, but I just didn't know what.
TBC
I know that River was pretty harsh in this chapter but every story needs a low point. And trust me, this will be the ONLY low point. It can only go up from here. So should there be more of River and Justin, or should I match Riv. with another. I may be ending the story soon, but that all depends on what you guys think. Feel free to drop me a line at groundwriter@hotmail.com.