Hello everyone! Here is installment 7. I hope you like it :). I had lots of fun writing this one. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! I've been blown away by the positive response I'm getting from people. I want to say thanks to EVERYONE whose e-mailed me about the story. You guys have welcomed this story with open arms and I thank you a thousand times over for that. Okay, I think I'm done being all mooshy and emotional. Hehe. If you wanna write to me, my e-mail is chords4@yahoo.com if you wanna IM me on aol IM, it's: teDDybearkrU , ICQ - 75714656, yahoo! messenger: chords4 ('o course). Gee, I'm just a typing advertisement to contact me!
Disclaimer: If you've made it this far, YAY FOR YOU! it probably means that you know this disclaimer by heart sooo I won't bore you. INSTEAD I'm gonna spice it up. I am in every way affiliated with the BSB, nsync, 98 degrees, Hanson, The Moffatts, Christina, and Britney. :) hehe, see, isn't it more fun to lie? Anyways, yes that was all fake. blah blah blah..yadda yadda yadda
So hey, enjoy the story and I hope to hear from you :)
-Jay
Chapter 7
Jeremy was woken by the sound of his phone ringing, again. He decided to ignore it and turned down the ringer. The clock caught his eye, 7: 45. Who would be calling him at such an ungodly hour? He yawned and slipped back into his dreams.
"I'll make love to you, like you want me to," Jeremy sang softly as he made himself lunch. Atchika sat contently next to him, watching his every move. He bent down and kissed the little dog on top of her head. He checked the caller ID, very aware that he couldn't hear any of his calls. How refreshing. The house was silent, just like he preferred.
Kevin impatiently stood in the dressing room, cell phone in hand.
"Kev? You in here?" Brian called.
"Yeah."
"What'cha doing?" he asked, coming into view.
"Jeremy isn't answering his phone," Kevin pouted. Brian laughed.
"Come on, we're on in five minutes. You can try again when we're done." Kevin sighed and followed his cousin, another interview to fake through.
Reluctantly, Jeremy turned his ringer back up and to his demise, the cursed thing rang.
"Mm hmm?"
"Jay?"
"Mm hmm."
"I've been trying to reach you all day!" Kevin said exasperated.
"I'm sorry, dear, but I needed some quiet time. I didn't feel like dealing with phone calls after some ass called me at 7: 45 this morning."
"You're talking to that ass."
"Well at least you're a cute ass." Kevin sighed.
"I miss you."
"I miss you too. What are you doing now?"
"Getting ready to head back to the hotel."
"Any word when you're coming down this way, again?" He hoped it would be soon. He was finding himself missing Kevin. He knew it was too soon though. He prayed that Kevin wasn't a rebound off of Chad. The thought brought a tear to his eye.
"Sometime next week, I think. I'll stop by as soon as we touch ground."
"I can't wait," Jeremy grinned.
"Honey, I gotta go. I love you."
"I love you too, sweetie."
"Bye Schnookums."
"Bye." Jeremy hung up as it rang for a second time.
"Don't tell me you missed me already," he joked, thinking it was Kevin.
"Well, I did, actually. I've been calling you all day, Jay," Mica scolded him.
"Oh, hey, I thought it was Kevin."
"I figured, anyway, how are things with Mr. Wonderful?"
"Wonderful," Jeremy sighed, falling onto his bed.
"Good. You deserve to be happy." Jeremy wanted to disagree but didn't feel like fighting with her.
"Okay."
"You're not gonna fight me on this one?"
"No, because I don't feel like fighting with you." Mica laughed.
"So, you won't believe me. Oh well, I give up! You're hopeless. Maybe Kevin can knock some sense into that head of yours."
"We'll see."
"Well I'm going to let you go."
"Later Micas," Jeremy hung up without waiting for her to reply.
Jeremy sat in the big, overstuffed armchair. A book was propped up in his lap with his other hand stroking Atchika. The little dog sighed and rolled over. Jeremy smiled and looked up through the window. Everything was perfect. A fire in the fireplace, a book , and a dog. How much more perfect could it be? A cat. A cat would make it even more perfect. He watched the sky as it clouded over. A few flakes of snow started falling, blanketing the ground below. He giggled and cuddled Atchika. He was warm and cozy. He felt sorry for anyone who didn't have this.
Kevin stood on the balcony of his hotel room. The sun was rising, a cup of coffee was nestled in his hand. Something about the sunrises always brought life to any kind of situation. He missed Jeremy. He missed Jeremy terribly.
"One more week. Just one more week," he reminded himself. One more week and he would be back in Ohio to visit Jeremy. They had another concert, this one in Oberlin. He smiled at the thought of seeing Jeremy. Maybe, maybe he could convince Jeremy to come and stay with him in Florida. They were off for a few months to get ready for recording the new album. How perfect would that be.
The next week went by slowly for Jeremy. Work seemed to drag on forever and Mica was much to chipper for his liking. Finally, Friday arrived. Jeremy left his office as soon as his clock blinked 5: 00. He bid Mica good-bye and left to laze around the house all weekend. If plans went accordingly, Kevin would be joining him. The thought brought a smile to his lips. A weekend with Kevin, how perfect.
Kevin lay in his hotel bed, arms wrapped snuggly around AJ's torso. He snuggled closer to his exhausted lover.
"I love you," AJ yawned pressing himself firmly against Kevin's chest.
"I love you, too," Kevin kissed his neck. AJ flipped over onto his other side and wrapped his arms around Kevin's neck. The kiss that played on both of their lips was orgasmic in itself. Kevin broke the kiss and quickly left the bed.
"Where are you going?" AJ asked. Kevin kissed his lover's lips.
"Shh, stay right there." AJ sat up and watched as Kevin fished around his suitcase. He admired Kevin's features. His strong back, toned legs, perfect, muscular butt. He smiled as he watched the man he loved so frantically searching for something. He didn't notice that Kevin had found what he was looking for. Kevin cleared his throat loudly. AJ looked up at him.
"What were you looking for?"
"Shh, stop asking so many questions, babe." AJ blushed in the dark room. Kevin knelt down in front of the bedside and took AJ's hand. "Alex, I've loved you since the day I saw you. Will you marry me and make me the happiest and luckiest man alive?" AJ was rendered speechless.
"I-uh-excuse me?" Kevin giggled and stroked AJ's hand. He took the sleek, velvet box and opened it.
"Will you marry me?" Kevin took the ring from the nest of silk and slid it over AJ's finger.
"Yes," he exclaimed and flung his arms around Kevin's neck.
Jeremy was a bundle of nerves Saturday morning. Kevin had called earlier and said they would be coming by soon. Jeremy promised Atchika that he wouldn't forget about her again, just in case he left. The little powder puff silently agreed. He twisted his fingers as he waited. He wanted to feel Kevin's arms around him. He watched as the car pulled into his driveway, a man in sunglasses and a big hat jumped out and hurried to the door. Jeremy's heart thumped in his chest as he opened the door. The warm arms instantly enveloped his body.
"I love you," Kevin whispered.
"I love you back." Kevin pressed his lips against Jeremy's. Jeremy's mind clouded over, he felt his knees grow weak underneath him. 'God this feels so right,' Jeremy thought to himself. 'Something about this feels too right. Why am I questioning this?' 'It's too soon! It's too soon!' his brain screamed. 'Shut up.'
"Jay?"
"Hm?"
"I told the guys I would bring you back to the hotel." Jeremy sighed.
"Okay. They still don't know?"
"No, I'm sorry. I promise I'll tell them soon," Kevin stroked Jeremy's cheek. He closed his eyes, leaning into the soft flesh.
"Don't rush it. It's hard to come out to your friends." Kevin nodded.
"Yeah, it's freaking me out." Jeremy kissed Kevin's cheek.
"I'll be there for you when you're ready."
"Thanks, honey," he grinned. "Now come on, wouldn't wanna keep'em waiting."
"Parish the thought," Jeremy giggled sarcastically. "Bye Atchika," he called as they left.
"Whose Atchika?"
"My baby." Kevin's eyes got wide.
"You're what?!" Jeremy burst out laughing.
"No, no, not like that. Atchika is my little Shih Tzu."
"Ooh, okay."
The two rode to the hotel in almost complete silence. Their fingers were entwined, both will goofy, love struck smiles on their faces. Sharing little 'I love you's' and light strokes.
'How did I get so lucky?' Jeremy thought, smiling at Kevin. Kevin, too, was having thoughts of his own.
'Jeremy is really cute. There's some essence of loveable about him. What the hell am I gonna tell AJ? Oh, screw AJ. I like Jeremy, too. There's nothing wrong with liking two guys.'
"Hey guys!" Kevin called as they opened the door.
"Hey Kev! Jay good to see you again," Nick smiled.
"Hey Nick, how's it going?" Jeremy shifted into a cheery conversation with Nick. Not noticing Kevin steal away into the other room with AJ.
"I love you, Alex," Kevin held AJ in his arms.
"I love you." The two sighed contently, just holding each other. "Why can't we tell them we're engaged?"
"Because, I wanna wait for the perfect time. Like, when I proposed," Kevin grinned at his own brilliance. AJ seemed to accept it and kissed Kevin, a smile in between the lip lock.
"Hey Jay, have you talked to Mica at all?" Brian asked timidly.
"Yeah, yesterday, why?"
"Uh-no reason."
"Bull, come on. You can tell me." Brian shook his head. "Aw come on man. I know you like her." Brian's mouth fell open.
"How did-I mean-how did-wha?" Jeremy laughed.
"You don't exactly hide it too well." Brian's face turned a deep crimson. "Hey man, don't worry about it. I won't tell her."
"Well, could you ask her?"
"What? If she likes you?" Brian nodded. Jeremy rolled onto his side, laughing uncontrollably. "What's so funny?" Brian demanded.
"Bri, I'm sorry, you just sound like a fifteen year old girl asking her best friend to play detective."
"Oh."
"Man, don't worry about it. I'll talk to her." Brian's eyes lit up.
"Really? You will?"
"Sure. Hand me a phone."
"N-now?"
"Yeah, why not?" Jeremy picked up the phone and started dialing. Brian slammed it back down.
"No, no you can't. Not now. Not while I'm right here. Forget I said anything," Brian got up and disappeared into a small 'kitchen'. Jeremy sighed and got up to fix himself something to drink. A shot of vodka sounded really good. Instead of finding Brian, AJ was humming and pouring a can of coke into a glass.
"Hey AJ."
"Oh, hey Jay. What's up?"
"Nothing at all. What're you so happy about?" he inquired. AJ grinned at him and looked around, checking to see if anyone was around.
"Promise you wont say a word?" Confused, Jeremy nodded. AJ held out his hand to Jeremy. "Kevin proposed to me last night." Jeremy felt his heart breaking, his brain screaming 'I told you so. I told you so.'
"Oh. Wow AJ. That's really great," he tried to keep his voice from shaking.
"Thanks. Just don't tell Kev that I told you. He doesn't want anyone to know yet."
"How long have you guys been together?" Jeremy knew to get all the details from a source that wouldn't lie to him.
"About three years."
"So the rest of the guys know?" AJ looked at him like he was nuts.
"Of course they know. We tell each other everything."
"C-can you excuse me a second?"
"Yeah, sure man." Jeremy left the kitchen, anger now replaced the heart ache. He found Kevin laughing as he watched Nick kick Brian's butt at nintendo.
"Kevin, can you come here a second?" Kevin got up, still staring at the two and laughing.
"What is it, Jay?" Jeremy couldn't hold it anymore. His fist connected with Kevin's stomach. All air left the pop stars stomach as he collapsed onto the couch.
"What the hell was that about?" Brian was glaring at Jeremy. "Ask that lying son of a bitch," Jeremy spat out and stormed from the hotel room. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he left Kevin spitting and sputtering for air on that sofa. He didn't care if they never knew the truth. He just hoped everything worked out okay between AJ and Kevin.
Jeremy hailed a taxi and climbed in, giving the address to the cabdriver, he burst into a silent fit of sobs. He threw some money at the driver once he stopped and jumped from the vehicle and burst into the house. Atchika barked loudly at the unexpected intrusion. He picked up the dog and buried his face in her fur. Letting everything come out. Subconsciously he heard the phone ringing over and over again. He didn't have the strength to pick it up. Atchika was now barking frantically, she didn't understand what was wrong with her human. Why was he holding her so tightly and what were those strange noises coming from him? The wetness was dampening her fur.
"Jeremy?" Mica walked into the house. She had seen him running into the house. She and Jeremy had always known when the other was in trouble. She ran from her house to Jeremy's the best she could. Her heart broke when she saw her friend huddled in a corner of the couch. Shaking harder and harder. Scaring the dog in his arms. She lifted Atchika from Jeremy's grasp and pulled him close to her. "Shh, it's okay, Jay. Mica's here." Jeremy kept sobbing. "He-he's e-engaged to AJ," Jeremy sobbed loudly. "He's what?!" he could only nod. Mica lay Jeremy down on the couch and covered him with a blanket. "It's gonna be okay, Jay." He shook his head. "He left me, just like, just like Chad left me," he sobbed again. Mica stroked his head, running her fingers through his long blonde locks. It always soothed him and made him tired. Still rubbing his head, she grabbed the phone from the counter and dialed Brian's cell phone.
"Hello?"
"What the fuck happened!? Jeremy's crying so hard I think it could kill him," Mica shouted at Brian.
"Jeremy just walked in and slugged Kevin in the stomach."
"Well why'd he do it? Kevin and him were dating, Brian."
"No they weren't. Kevin and AJ have been together for three years, Mica. They just got engaged last night."
"Bull shit. I know my two best friends. Just ask Kevin, you know he won't lie to you. Take him into the bedroom and talk to him." Brian sighed.
"Fine." Mica listened as Brian took Kevin into another room, the phone still open. She heard Brian ask if Kevin and Jeremy had been dating. All she heard after that was a lot of yelling. There was some rustling in the background.
"Mica?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm gonna have to call you back. Kevin's about to get his ass kicked by four angry boys."
"Okay. Bye Brian." Mica hung up and listened as Jeremy was softly sleeping. Every few minutes he would inhale quickly and whimper. "I'm sorry, Jeremy. I'm sorry you had to get hurt again," she kissed his cheek and knelt down in front of the couch, still stroking Jeremy's head. "I'm so so sorry."
It's soooo sad! * sniff sniff *. I hope you enjoyed it, though. I can't wait for feedback, if there is any. _ You know you wanna e-mail me lol : chords4@yahoo.com just in case you want to grace me with your wonderful e-mails.