The Perfect Couple - Chapters 10-11
**The Perfect Couple: Kevin and Nick
Chapters 10-12
Written by Jayson Colin Vascardi
**Legal Disclaimer: This story is fictional and not meant to reflect upon or imply anything about any of the celebrities mentioned herein. If you are offended by material of a homosexual nature or if such material is illegal to view in your area, then you should be leaving now. Otherwise please enjoy the story!
This story is copyright 2001 by Jayson Colin Vascardi. All rights reserved.
Email: JCVascardi@yahoo.com
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Previously
Nick climbs out the bathroom window of Kevin's house, and heads for a nearby park. He then calls his sister BJ.
AJ informs the others about Nick having left the house, and then tells of his suspicions that Nick is gay. And of course if he is, that that could turn out to be a very good thing, because of the fact that Kevin is in love with Nick.
Howie has a dream in which his late sister, Caroline, appears to him as an angel. In the dream, Caroline does her best to make sure that Howie realizes the error of his ways. He loved Kevin and Nick like brothers, and then they each utter those two little words (I'm gay, or I'm bi) and suddenly, Howie hated them and was wishing them dead. Whether Caroline's words have helped Howie to see the error of his ways or not, remains to be seen, but the last words she spoke to him keep repeating in his head like a broken record, "Stop your hatred, Howie, stop your hatred."
Nick and BJ continue to chat for quite awhile, during the course of the conversation Nick talks about his inability to say those two words in reference to himself, and then BJ points out that he already did it, twice, during the course of their conversation. Nick tries to tell BJ that it's different with her, but BJ doesn't buy it.
Finally, after Nick hangs up on his sister and turns off his cell so she can't call back, he resolves to tell Kevin how he feels, no matter what.
Chapter 10
It's been a month since Nick Carter made up his mind to tell Kevin Richardson that he's in love with him. And he still hasn't done it. The tour has kept everyone very busy. For the last month, the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC have been performing in a different city every night, with only one day off. Nick didn't tell Kevin that day because quite frankly they were both exhausted and Nick didn't feel that it was the perfect time to tell Kevin. One could probably argue that no time will ever be the perfect time, but one can probably do better then a point in time in which both parties could fall asleep at any second. Nick was so tired that day that he could barely speak, and the last thing he wanted was to bare his heart and soul to Kevin and have him fall asleep half way through.
In two days, they will be getting two weeks off while in Los Angeles, California for a concert. Nick is determined to get Kevin alone at some point during the two week break, and tell him how he feels. Nick will of course have to hurry and tell Kevin that he wants to spend some time with him, before Kevin makes other plans. Brian for example is heading for Lexington over the break. Nick isn't entirely sure however whether its just because he wants to spend time at home with his family, or so that he doesn't have to see Lance and Justin so happy together.
Nick looks over the breakfast table at Kevin for a moment. Kevin is barely touching his food, which has been the case for awhile now. Nick isn't sure what's wrong with Kevin, and it pains Nick to see Kevin like this.
"Kev? You really should eat something."
"I'm not hungry, Nick."
"You said that yesterday," replies Nick, "And the day before that. No offense meant here Kevin, but you're looking very thin lately. Have you been eating anything at all?"
Kevin gives Nick a look of disdain, which was very, very hard for Kevin to do, and shoves a piece of toast in his mouth and chews it before snapping at Nick, "There are ya happy!?"
"Don't snap at me for being concerned. I care about you Kevin, and I don't want to see you waste away to nothing."
"Well, Nick, don't worry, I won't."
The conversation pretty much stops after this, and everyone just finishes their breakfast. Soon everyone leaves the room, until Nick and Kevin are the only ones left. Kevin because it's his bedroom that breakfast was served in, and Nick because he wants to talk to Kevin for a moment.
"Um, Kev, can I talk to you?"
"Yeah, sure. What do ya want, Nicky?"
"Well, this may sound strange, but I was hoping that you and I could spend some time with each other during the break. Just the two of us."
"Nick, I really don't think that's a good idea," replies Kevin, "Anyway, I was thinking I'd go with Brian to Lexington for a few days and see the family."
"No! You can't!"
"What? What do you mean I can't?"
"I need you here," mumbles Nick under his breath, to the point that Kevin could just barely make out what he was saying.
"You need me here? Why?"
"I just do, okay?"
"Look, Nick, you're gonna have to give me a better answer then that. If not, I'm going to go through with my original plan to go home for a few days."
Nick looks at Kevin for a moment, and even though this is not the perfect moment that Nick had envisioned, he realizes that it's either now or never. If he doesn't tell Kevin the truth now, that perfect moment will probably never come. If Kevin goes to Lexington, then Nick won't be able to create that perfect, romantic moment in which he can tell Kevin, so Nick, determined to tell Kevin, looks him straight in the eye, and replies, "Kevin, I'm... I'm... gay. And I'm in love with you."
----
AJ, Chris, JC, Justin, and Lance are gathered in AJ's hotel room, discussing some possible ways to get Brian interested in Chris. While the last thing any of them want to do is manipulate Brian, they do want Brian to find love with someone who is more than willing to return it. Chris isn't sure if he's in love with Brian, but he does know that he finds Brian to be very attractive, and would like to have a shot at being with Brian and see how it goes. And of course Justin and Lance would like nothing more then for Brian to find someone else to love, because Justin has no intention of letting Brian have Lance, and Lance has no intention of leaving Justin. So, Brian's feelings for Lance have begun to put a little stress on Justin and Lance's marriage.
Suddenly there's a knock on the door, and AJ gets up to answer it. When he opens the door, he's shocked to see Bobbie Jean Carter standing there.
"BJ?"
"Hey Alex, can I come in?"
"Of course," replies AJ, as he steps aside to allow BJ to enter.
"Guys, this is Bobbie Jean Carter, Nick's sister," replies AJ, as he quickly introduces the newcomer to the four gay *NSYNC members.
"It's a pleasure, call me BJ," replies BJ, as she shakes all of their hands, before shocking them all and asking, "AJ? Why do you have four gay guys in your room?"
"How did you know?"
"Well, Chris, after dating four guys who all ended up dumping me because they turned out to be gay," replies BJ, "My gaydar is exceedingly well-developed. Plus, Nick told me that Joey was the only straight *NSYNC guy."
"Why would Nick tell you that?"
"Don't worry, Lance, I'm not going to go running to a tabloid," replies BJ, "Your secrets are safe with me."
"Secrets? As in more then one? What else did he tell you?"
"Well, Justin, I know that you and Lance are married, and that Brian has called off his wedding because he's in love with Lance, and that Kevin is divorcing Kristin because he's gay."
"The fact that Kevin is gay," replies AJ, "Is not the only reason that Kevin called it quits."
"What else is there?"
"Well, BJ, Kevin is head over heels in love with your brother."
"Aaron or Nick?"
"Nick, of course."
"Okay, good, just making sure," replies BJ, "Nick is a few years younger than Kevin, but Aaron, well that could never happen. Aaron is way too young to start dating, and even if he was old enough, Kevin would be too old for him."
"I agree," replies Lance, "Aaron is what? All of 12 years old?"
"13, Aaron and Angel are 13," replies BJ, "Anyway, so how is the happy couple?"
"We're fine," replies Justin and Lance in unison.
"Not you," replies BJ.
"Well, then who?" asks JC, "Justin and Lance are the only happy couple on the tour. Everyone else is single."
"You're sure?"
"Yeah, BJ, I'm sure," replies JC, "Why?"
"Well, that means I'm going to have to beat the shit out of Nick."
"Why?" asks Lance.
"Well, because he's yet to grow any balls," replies BJ, "and tell ya'll that he's gay, and in love with Kevin."
----
"What?" asks Kevin, as he hears the words leave Nick's mouth. Kevin had resigned to the idea that he'd never hear those words, so he's having trouble taking it in. The words that Nick just spoke are just not registering in Kevin's mind.
"I'm gay, and I'm in love with you Kevin," repeats Nick, as a look of uncertainty appears on his face. He isn't sure if he just did the best thing he could possibly have done, or if he's just made the biggest mistake of his life.
When Kevin remains silent, Nick takes it to mean that Kevin doesn't return the feelings and replies, "Kevin, I understand if you don't return my feelings. I'll um just work hard to get over you and I can maybe find someone else and move on with my life."
After saying this, Nick turns around and starts heading for the door. When Kevin sees this, alarms go off in his brain, telling him to stop Nick no matter what. Without thinking, Kevin lunges at Nick, grabbing him. Nick is caught off guard and he falls to the floor with a thud, as Kevin falls on top of him. Nick looks up at Kevin with eyes that are full of questioning. Kevin can see that Nick is about to speak, but he just puts his finger over Nick's lips to silence him.
Kevin looks down into the beautiful pools of blue that are Nick's eyes, and leaning down to do what he has wanted to do for years now, Kevin's lips meet Nick's, and the two of them are instantly locked into a passionate kiss. As Kevin and Nick kiss, they are instantly transported to their own little world of peace and tranquility, where nobody but them exists. After years of secretly being in love with each other, the moment that they have dreamed about for so long, and the moment that neither of them ever thought would happen, is actually happening.
The kiss lasts for several minutes before Kevin breaks the kiss for air. Kevin smiles down at Nick, and Nick just smiles back up at him, before Kevin leans back down, pulling Nick into another passionate kiss. Nick's tongue eagerly explores the inside of Kevin's mouth, and Kevin's just as eagerly explores the inside of Nick's mouth. The passion of their kiss, and the love behind it, is causing little electrical pulses to course down their spines and through every vein in their body. The two are in perfect harmony, and if they could, they'd probably stay here on the floor of Kevin's hotel room kissing for the rest of their lives.
Finally, Kevin breaks the second kiss, and rolls off of Nick, before standing up. Kevin smiles down at Nick, and holds out his hand to help Nick up. Once Nick is on his feet, Kevin doesn't let go of Nick's hand, and he leads Nick over to the bed, before he lays down, and pulls Nick down beside him. Kevin smiles at Nick, his left hand still intertwined with Nick's, Kevin runs his right hand over Nick's cheek and through his soft, blonde hair. Nick is the one to break the silence.
"I suppose this means you return my feelings?"
"Yes, Nick, I do love you," replies Kevin, "I've loved you for quite some time now."
"So have I," replies Nick, "I just never told you because I thought you were straight. Plus, I still have a hard time saying the word gay in reference to myself. I've known that I am for years now, and I accept that. It's just that a lot of times when I try to say it, the word is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't say it no matter how hard I try."
"Well, Nick, you've told me now," replies Kevin, "Trust me, once you tell someone, it gets a little bit easier."
"Thanks, Kev," replies Nick, "And don't take this the wrong way, because I love you with all my heart, but that's load of shit. Telling you isn't going to make it easier for me to tell everyone. The other guys maybe, because I know the majority of them will have no problems with it. It's my parents and my 3 siblings that I'm worried about."
"Yeah, I can see your point," replies Kevin, "I'm scared to death to tell my family. Wait a minute, 3 siblings? Don't you have 4 siblings?"
"BJ already knows," replies Nick, "And I didn't tell her. She figured it out on her own. I guess she's dated 4 guys who turned out to be gay, and her gaydar is very good. Other then you, she's the only one who knows that I'm... that I'm... I still have a hard time saying it... that I'm gay."
"It's okay Nick," replies Kevin, "I'll always be here to protect you. I love you with all my heart, and all my soul."
Nick smiles at Kevin, and Kevin smiles back, before the two of them start kissing passionately once again, happy and content in each other's arms.
----
"Stop your hatred, Howie, stop your hatred!" echoes the voice of Caroline in Howie's head for the millionth or so time. Howie has had this dream now everyday for a month. Every time he closes his eyes, the image of Caroline appears to him, condemning him for hating Kevin and Brian and wishing that they were dead. But, Howie, being the stubborn and pig-headed person that he is, refuses to listen, even if it means being haunted by Caroline's words for the rest of his life.
"No! Caroline is wrong! She has to be! Doesn't she?" mumbles Howie, as his eyes close, and he drifts off to sleep, as he is rather tired after eating breakfast this morning.
"Howard Dwaine Dorough, it's me, Caroline," replies the voice, "You keep ignoring me, and my message from God. Perhaps you need a visual aid."
"What are you talking about, Caroline?" asks Howie, confused, now that the recurring dream that he's been having every time he closes his eyes for the last month has changed.
"A visual aid of what eternity holds for you if you don't stop your hatred," replies Caroline, whose luminous glow brightens a bit as she raises up her hand and points towards the hotel room's closet.
Howie looks in horror, as the closet doors fly open and inside are the flames of Hell. The shrieks and the wails of the Souls of the Damned are enough to send chills down Howie's spine. Even sitting on his bed, twenty feet away from the closet, Howie can feel the immense heat of the flames, and the smell of sulfur and brimstone is overpowering. Howie looks at the Souls of the Damned, as they cry out in everlasting pain, as they burn and writhe in an eternity of agony.
"Howie, what you see before you are the fires of Hell," replies Caroline, "That is where you are destined to spend eternity if you do not stop your hatred. Everyday that you keep up your hatred, your soul is tainted more and more. And you are destined to be burning in agony alongside all the other Souls of the Damned for all eternity.
"But, Howie, it is not too late. You can still save your soul from joining the ranks in Hell. Stop your hatred now, or you will forever rot in the fires of Hell. You must stop your hatred, Howie, it is the only way to save your soul!"
"No, no! I'm right, I know I am!" replies Howie, "Kevin and Brian are creations of Satan, they have to be!"
"Stop your hatred Howie! Stop it! Or the consequences will be dire! Every second that your heart is filled with hatred it taints your soul more and more, and the more your soul is tainted, the stronger Satan's claim on you gets!"
"Howard Dorough!" comes a voice from the closet. The voice is a deep, guttural and raspy voice, that also sends chills down Howie's spine, "You are mine! I am Prince Lucifer, Lord and Master of all that is Evil, the King and Ruler of Hell! I claim your soul!"
"Howie please! Stop your hatred! It is the only way. Stop your hatred and Lucifer will have no claim on your soul."
Howie looks from the beautiful glowing form of his beloved sister Caroline, back to the closet, where a man has appeared in the flames, a man which is horrifying to gaze upon, a man which is obviously Prince Lucifer, also known as Satan. As Howie looks at the burning flames, a claw reaches out of the closet. The large claw belongs to a huge serpent who is visible behind Satan. The hand is reaching for Howie, and somehow Howie knows that it's purpose is to take his soul.
"I don't want to spend eternity in Hell," replies Howie, as he turns his gaze back to his sister, "I'll do anything to avoid that. I promise I will stop my hatred! I swear on everything Holy that I will stop my hatred of Kevin and Brian, and everyone else. Please, Caroline, I beg you! Save me!"
"Howie, know this, if I intervene now, you will be saved," replies Caroline, "But if you don't uphold your end of the bargain, Lucifer will claim your soul, and you will spend the rest of your time on this Earth ice-cold and emotionless. You will never be able to step foot in a church, or to find love, and when you die you will go straight to Hell for all eternity!"
"I understand, Caroline! I will uphold my end of the bargain! Kevin and Brian are my brothers! I love them!" screams Howie, as the claw comes within inches of him.
The second the words leave Howie's mouth, Caroline's luminous glow intensifies to a blinding level, and as she raises her hand, a bolt of pure white light shoots out of the tips of her fingers, and hits the serpent's claw, as it recoils away from Howie, obviously in pain. Caroline swirls her hands upwards, and it begins to rain. But this is not ordinary water, this is holy water, which has a very strong effect on Satan, the serpent, and the Souls of the Damned. The wails of pain of the Souls of the Damned intensify several decibels, and now Satan and the serpent also cry out in pain. Several more bolts of the purest white light shoot from the tips of Caroline's fingers, as Satan and the serpent are pushed backwards into Hell. In a blinding flash of pure white light, the closet doors slam shut. The second the doors are closed, Howie notices that the room has returned to it's normal temperature, the intense stench of sulfur has disappeared, and the wails of Satan, the serpent, and the Souls of the Damned are silenced.
Howie looks back towards Caroline, who smiles at Howie, before the luminous glow surrounding her begins to intensify again, a beam of white light shoots from her fingertips, and at lightning speed travels across the room, and directly into Howie's heart, cleansing his soul of hatred and sin. Caroline begins to float upward, but just before she disappears, her words can be heard, "Keep your promise, Howie, keep your promise!"
As these words fill Howie's mind, he springs up in bed, fully aware that everything he's just seen was all a dream. But the horrifying images of Hell and of the Souls of the Damned remain burned into Howie's mind, as a constant reminder of what will happen to him if he goes back on his promise.
"I've been so stupid. Caroline was right, I loved Kevin and Brian like brothers, and then they utter those words and I suddenly hate them? I am so stupid. I caused them so much pain. Well, no more! I'm going to apologize to them immediately! They're like brothers to me, I can't believe I've been so stupid."
----
"Nick is gay?!" asks Justin, as Lance adds, "And he's in love with Kevin?"
"Yes, Justin and Lance. Nick is gay and he loves Kevin with all his heart."
"This is great!" replies AJ, as BJ looks at him strangely for a moment before asking, "Why?"
Chris takes it upon himself to explain, "Well, BJ, it's great that Nick is in love with Kevin, because Kevin is in love with Nick!"
"So you mean to tell me that Kevin loves Nick? Why hasn't he told Nick?"
"Because he thinks Nick is straight and repulsed by the fact that he's gay," replies AJ, "When Kevin and Brian told us, after Howie exploded and ran out, Nick suddenly got up and ran out of the house without a word. Both Kevin and Brian took that to mean that he too was repulsed by them being gay and bi."
"Well, he isn't, obviously," replies BJ, "Actually, Nick always panics in those situations. If you've ever noticed when someone asks him point blank whether he's gay or straight, he panics and runs. That's because despite the fact that he accepts the fact that he's gay, he has trouble saying the word in reference to himself. He says it's like it's on the tip of his tongue, but no matter how hard he tries to say it, he can't."
"Well, I had that problem for awhile," replies JC, "So I know how hard it is for Nick. I knew and accepted the fact that I was gay, but saying it aloud was just something I couldn't do no matter how hard I tried."
"Well, at any rate," replies BJ, "If that stupid brother of mine doesn't tell Kevin that he's in love with him soon, Kevin won't want him anymore."
"Why not?" asks AJ.
"Because my foot will be stuck so far up Nick's ass that even surgery won't remove it."
Chapter 11
One week later, finds the guys of the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC thoroughly enjoying their time off. Kevin and Nick haven't told the others about them yet, because Kevin insists that until Nick is ready to tell the others himself, that he doesn't mind keeping it a secret from them. Nick is starting to worry a bit though, because for the last few days, Kevin has been sort of withdrawn and secretive. Nick just hopes and prays that Kevin isn't cheating on him. This is the first real relationship that Nick has ever been in, and he is rather insecure at times. The logical half of Nick's brain tells him that there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for Kevin's secretiveness, but the other half of Nick's brain seems to want to assume the worst.
Anyway, today, Kevin insisted that Nick go out and hit the malls with JC, Justin and Lance. Now that Kevin has some time alone, he can finalize his plans for his date with Nick tonight. It will be the first time the two of them have gone out on a date, and Kevin wants everything to be perfect. That is why he's been a little distant and secretive lately, because of the big surprise date that he has in store for Nick tonight.
"Let's see here, I've taken care of that, and that, and that," replies Kevin, as he starts checking things off of a checklist, "And that, and that, ah perfect! Everything is ready for tonight. I hope Nick enjoys himself."
----
Nick, Lance, Justin, and JC walk into the massive food court at a local mall, and sit down for a few minutes. They're all quite tired from walking around in the large mall for the last four hours. Kevin told Nick before he left not to get too tired, and to get back to the hotel in time for a nap in case he was tired, because he had some big plans for them tonight. Nick was very happy to hear that, and of course did everything he could think of the get it out of Kevin what they would be doing, but Kevin refused to tell Nick, telling him that he'd just have to wait and see.
"Guys, I have something to tell ya'll," replies Nick, "I'm... well, I'm... I'm gay. And Kevin and I are dating now."
"It's about fucking time!" replies a female voice from behind Nick, and Nick gets scared for a moment that someone who shouldn't have overheard his words did, but then he recognizes the voice.
"Bobbie Jean?! What are you doing here?" asks Nick, as he turns in his seat and comes face to face with his sister.
"I came to make sure you get your ass in gear and tell the other guys," replies BJ, "And I was all prepared to hurt you if you didn't, but I guess I don't have to now."
"Nope, you don't. I told Kevin and we're together now, and very happy."
"Oh, my brother has a boyfriend," replies BJ, as she pulls Nick into a hug, "I'm so proud of you!"
Justin, Lance, and JC just laugh as Nick tries to get out of BJ's arms, very unsuccessfully. Finally, BJ does let go, and the five of them talk for awhile longer, before they all head to different restaurants for some lunch, before calling it a day and heading back to the hotel.
----
Later that night, after having taken a nap, Nick and Kevin leave the hotel in t-shirts and jeans. When they arrive at one of the most premier and fanciest restaurants in town, Nick gets worried, and replies, "Um, Kev, aren't we way underdressed for this place?"
"Not to worry, Nick my love," replies Kevin, with a smile.
Nick and Kevin get out of the limousine and head inside. Upon seeing them, the maitre'd, Jacques, smiles and replies, "Ah, Mr. Richardson, please follow me."
Kevin and Nick follow Jacques down a side hallway by the door, past the kitchen until they come to the ante-room of the private dining room. Two waiters, dressed in matching black tuxedos, stand on either side of the closed doors leading into the dining room. Nick looks around, not quite understanding why they're here, and still feeling way underdressed for such a fancy restaurant.
"Nick, go in the bathroom, and put this on," replies Kevin, as he hands Nick a black garment bag, that one of the waiters handed him.
"What's going on Kevin?"
"Just go get dressed, everything will be explained soon enough."
Nick looks at Kevin curiously, before Kevin just smiles and nudges Nick in the direction of the bathroom. Once Nick is gone, Kevin steps behind an oriental screen and quickly changes his own clothes.
Ten minutes later, Nick comes out of the bathroom wearing shiny black leather wingtips, black dress pants, a white silk shirt with a black banded collar, and a raining diamond jacket. The extra long black jacket is covered with shimmering faux diamonds, has notched lapels, and a single ornate button in the front. Kevin smiles brightly, as he sees Nick, and Nick smiles as he realizes that he is now dressed like Kevin's twin. Except that everything that is black in Nick's outfit, is navy blue in Kevin's outfit.
"You feel more appropriately dressed now, Nick?"
"Yeah," replies Nick, "So, now are you going to tell me what's going on?"
"Not quite yet," replies Kevin, as he pulls from behind his back a plastic box, containing two white rose and baby's breath boutonnières, "We need a finishing touch."
Kevin opens the box, and removes one of them, before setting the box down on a nearby table. Nick smiles brightly as Kevin affixes the boutonniere to the lapel of Nick's jacket, before taking the other one from the box and affixing it to the lapel of his own jacket.
"Are you ready for your surprise?"
"I've been ready for a very long time," replies Nick, as Kevin holds out his arm.
Seeing Nick's hesitation, Kevin whispers, "Don't worry, all the waiters and the maitre'd have signed privacy agreements."
Nick's smile brightens, as he loops his arm through Kevin's, and the two of them walk toward the doors to the private dining room, as the waiters standing on either side of the doors grab the handles and slide them open. As the doors open, music starts playing.
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on Earth
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
Nick looks around the room with a look of wonder and shock written on his face, as he takes in his surroundings. The room is filled with blue and white balloons, as well as several gold and silver star-shaped mylar balloons, a small table with two chairs sits in the center of the room. Several larges vases of flowers sit around the room, as well as several candelabras, the long white candles sparkling, and adding a romantic feel. Adding a festive look to the room, a large disco ball hangs from the ceiling above the table, as it turns, the walls and floor are covered in small circles of white light. On one end of the room, a professional DJ has set up his equipment, and above the DJ's stand is a large white banner with a blue border and blue block letters, reading, "Welcome Class of '98". Nick continues to look around the room in awe, as the song continues to play.
When the night falls down
I wait for you
And you come around
And the world's alive
With the sound of kids
On the street outside
When you walk into the room
You pull me close and we start to move
And we're spinning with the stars above
And you lift me up in a wave of love...
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on Earth
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
"Hey you, what's the matter, Nick my love? Cat got your tongue?"
"I don't know what so say," replies Nick, "What on Earth is all of this?"
"All of this? Well, do you see that sign over there?" asks Kevin, as he points to the banner, "It says Class of 98, well that was the year you would have graduated from high school, had you gone, am I right?"
"Yes, that's true, but..."
"And, since you didn't go to high school," replies Kevin with a smile, "You never went to your prom."
"Yeah that's true, but I don't understand, what's going on here?"
"Are you going to stand there asking me a bunch of silly questions?" asks Kevin, as Nick laughs a bit, "Or, do you want to go with me to your prom?"
As Kevin says this, he motions around with his hand, and Nick's look of amazement gets even bigger as he asks, "My prom? This is my prom?"
"Yes, the date is right, the decorations are right, and hopefully, this handsome dude standing behind you is right."
Nick laughs again, as Kevin takes Nick's hands in his, and replies, "Nickolas Carter, welcome to 1998."
Kevin wraps his arms around Nick's waist, and rests his chin on Nick's shoulder, as Nick continues to look around the room in total awe.
_When I feel alone
I reach for you
And you bring me home
When I'm lost at sea
I hear your voice
And it carries me
In this world we're just beginning
To understand the miracle of living
Baby I was afraid before
But I'm not afraid anymore
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on Earth
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth_
(Heaven)
(Heaven)
(Heaven)
In this world we're just beginning
To understand the miracle of living
Baby I was afraid before
But I'm not afraid anymore
(Heaven)
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on Earth
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
Ooh heaven is a place on Earth
When the song ends, Kevin looks into Nick's eyes, and replies, "Follow me gorgeous, I have something that will simply take your breath away."
As Kevin begins to lead Nick to the balcony, he walks backwards, taking in the sight of Nick, and says, "Right now, you're taking my breath away."
Nick smiles at Kevin and replies, "You're not so bad yourself," before the happy couple walks through the doors out onto the balcony, and just as Kevin thought, the scene succeeded in taking Nick's breath away.
On the balcony are several small trees in pots, all of which are lit with white twinkle lights. There are also several beds of multi-colored flowers, which adds a lush feeling to the elegant balcony. To make it even more breath-taking, the balcony has a splendid view of the beach, with the many lights of the city of Los Angeles glowing in the distance. Nick takes in the beauty of the sight before him for as long as he can, before Kevin starts pulling him back into the dining room.
"We'll come back, it ain't going anywhere," replies Kevin, as Nick starts to protest.
"Mark," replies Kevin, referring to the DJ, "Nick and I would like to dance. Have anything good there?"
"Oh, I think I can hook ya up," replies Mark, with a smile, as he presses the play button on his equipment and the speakers are soon playing the opening of a song.
"Perfect," replies Kevin, as he recognizes the opening. Kevin holds out a hand to Nick, and asks, "May I have this dance?"
"Yes, you may," replies Nick with a smile, as he takes Kevin's hand, and the two of them start dancing.
Under a lover's sky
I'm gonna be with you
And no one's gonna be around
If you think that you won't fall
Well just wait until, till the sun goes down
Underneath the starlight starlight
There's a magical feeling so right
It will steal your heart tonight
You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know, but you know
That you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark you'll surrender your heart
But you know, but you know
That you can't fight the moonlight
No, you can't fight it
It's gonna get to your heart
"Are you enjoying yourself, my darling Nicky?" asks Kevin, as the two of them dance around the floor.
"More then you can imagine," replies Nick, "I don't think this night could possibly get any better."
"You never know, Nicky, you never know."
_
There's no escaping love
Once a gentle breeze (once a gentle breeze)
Sweeps it's spell upon your heart
And no matter what you think
It won't be too long
Till your in my arms
Underneath the starlight starlight
We'll be lost in the rhythm so right
It will steal your heart tonight
You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know, but you know
That you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark you'll surrender your heart
But you know, but you know
That you can't fight the moonlight
No, you can't fight it
No matter what you do
The night is gonna get to you
(Your gonna know)
(That I know)
Don't try you're never gonna win
Underneath the starlight starlight
There's a magical feeling so right
It will steal your heart tonight
You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know, but you know
That you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark you'll surrender your heart
But you know, but you know
That you can't fight the moonlight
No, you can't fight it
You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know, but you know
That you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark you'll surrender your heart
But you know, but you know
That you can't fight the moonlight
No, you can't fight it
It's gonna get to your heart
_
As the song ends, Kevin and Nick stop dancing with Kevin taking Nick tightly into his arms, and dipping him as he plants a passionate kiss on Nick's lips. The probably would have stayed like that longer, if it wasn't for someone clearing their throat. Kevin and Nick stand up to see a man wearing a white tux, who replies with a smile, "Mr. Richardson, I'm ready when you are," before leaving the room.
"Ready? For what?" asks Nick.
"Well, this would not be a high school prom if we did not take prom pictures."
"Oh my God," replies Nick, obviously not expecting this.
"So, come on, you know we gotta be the best looking couple in the yearbook," replies Kevin with a smile as he leads Nick out of the dining room back into the ante-room, where the main the white tux, a photographer, has set up all of his equipment to snap some prom pictures of Kevin and Nick.
As Kevin and Nick step in front of the camera, the photographer smiles and replies, "Welcome to your prom! Big smiles now, prom pictures," as Kevin and Nick start posing for a few pictures as the photographer snaps away on the camera.
After finishing up with the pictures, Kevin and Nick head back into the dining room for another dance, as the DJ puts on another song.
Like an angel from above
Surely heaven sent your love
Everything about you is beautiful (beautiful)
Oh baby (oh yeah)
Like a perfect day in spring
To my heart the joy you bring
Everything about you is beautiful
Like an angel from above
Surely heaven sent your love
Cause everything about you is beautiful
Like a perfect day in spring
To my heart the joy you bring
Girl everything about you is beautiful (oh yeah)
I've never felt like this before until you (until you)
You took the time to look inside me
Girl you showed me love I never knew
You know I'll give you all my love
Till the world fades into the sun
And I'll keep holdin on
Cause I know that I've found the only one (oh yeah)
Like an angel from above
Surely heaven sent your love
Cause everything about you is beautiful
Like a perfect day in spring
To my heart the joy you bring
Everything about you is beautiful
You're beautiful to me
Girl can't you see (can't you see)
Oh yeah you're so beautiful to me
Bring it on down
What did I do to deserve a girl like you?
You're so cool (so cool, so cool)
I love your style, the way you smile at me
Girl I know this must be destiny
You know I'll give you all of my love
Till the stars fall from the sky
And I'll keep holdin on
To this lovin till the day I die (oh yeah)
Like an angel from above
Surely heaven sent your love
Cause everything about you is beautiful
Like a perfect day in spring (perfect day in spring)
To my heart the joy you bring
Girl everything about you is beautiful
"Kevin, no one has ever done anything this special for me before," replies Nick, "Then again, I've never known anyone like you."
Kevin smiles, as he leans in to kiss Nick, and replies, "You deserve it," just before their lips touch.
Girl I promise you that I'll never break your heart
And forever I will be true (will be true)
Everyday of my life (everyday of my life)
Till the end of time (end of time)
I will still love you (love you, love you)
Like an angel from above
Surely heaven sent your love
Cause everything about you is beautiful (oh yeah)
Like a perfect day in spring
To my heart the joy you bring
Girl everything about you is beautiful (beautiful)
Like an angel from above
Heaven sent your love
Everything about you is beautiful
Everything about you is beautiful
Like a perfect day in spring
To my heart the joy you bring
Everything about you is beautiful
Everything about you is beautiful
As the dance ends, Kevin and Nick look deep into each other's eyes, and as their heads lean in, they both have smiles on their faces. Kevin and Nick's lips touch, and the two of them begin kissing passionately, their tongues wrestling around in each other's mouths. Their kiss lasts for several minutes, before once again, someone clearing there throat interrupts them. Kevin and Nick stop kissing and look over to see Jacques, the maitre'd.
"Excuse me sir, but we're ready."
"Oh really? Well then let the games begin."
Kevin leads Nick off to the side, as Jacques walks to the center of the room, and stands near the table. He claps his hands together twice, as two very cute male waiters wearing matching black tuxedos walk out and drape a white and blue tablecloth over the table. They're followed by a third waiter who places the centerpiece, a tall, thick white candle with white and blue carnations affixed around it's base. After the centerpiece is placed, two more waiters come out, each of them carrying a glass full of water, and an empty champagne flute, which they in turn place on the table.
Next comes two more waiters, each carrying a large silver tray, from which they take the silverware, and they begin placing it on the table as two more waiters come out, who in turn place the napkins, blue and white striped cloth napkins with a gold napkin ring, and two china side dish plates. Next comes a waiter who places a basket of freshly-baked rolls on the table, as well as a small basket of butter. Then out come two waiters carrying silver trays which are covered by silver lids. The two waiters each remove the lid from the other's tray and hold the lids up, as a third waiter takes what's on the trays and puts them on the table, before the two waiters return the lids to the trays.
This is followed by nine more very cute male waiters coming out from the kitchen. Eight of them line up in a half circle around the table, the two in the center of the circle are each holding a silver tray with a silver lid. The ninth waiter places an ice bucket stand with a bottle of champagne chilling in it on the floor. As this is done, the two waiters standing to the left and right of the two waiters in the very center of the half circle remove the lids from the trays and hand them off to the waiters to their left and right. After that, the waiters who removed the lids take the main course plates from the trays and set them on the table. The two waiters in the very center who are holding the trays, spin them around in their hands and bring them down to their sides, before all the waiters turn to the right, and head back to the kitchen in single file. Finally, Jacques comes up to the table, and lights the candle, before replying, "Dinner is served."
Kevin applauds, and replies, "Ah, yes it is. Bravo. Bravo, Jacques!" as Nick stands at Kevin's side, totally speechless.
Kevin momentarily wraps his arms around Nick's waist and replies, "Now listen, I know this is not your usual prom faire, but I won't tell anyone if you won't. How about that?"
"Well, you know, I was looking forward to bragging about my fine date to all the football players," replies Nick, with a grin, "They'll be very jealous," as Kevin leads Nick to the table and pulls out his chair.
As Nick sits down, and Kevin slides the chair in for him, he replies, "Guess what? They're just gonna have to eat their hearts out."
Kevin walks around the table, and Jacques then asks, "Shall I pour for you, sir?" motioning a hand towards the champagne.
"Actually, Jacques, I have this covered."
"Very good, sir," replies Jacques, as he leaves Kevin and Nick alone. Kevin reaches over to the ice bucket, removes the bottle and pours both him and Nick a glass of champagne, before sitting down himself.
"And now, if I may I do the honors, I would like to propose a toast," replies Kevin as he picks up his champagne flute.
Nick smiles and says, "Yes" as he too picks up his flute.
"Nickolas Carter, Happy Prom Night," replies Kevin, "I hope that it's everything you could of possibly imagined, and a whole lot more."
When Kevin finishes his toast, Kevin and Nick clink their flutes together, before they both take a sip of the champagne, before they begin eating the lavish dinner that Kevin has arranged for them to eat.
About half an hour later, Kevin and Nick are eating dessert, and Nick comments, "Kevin, I can't remember when I felt so wonderful."
"Now that must be the chocolate talking," replies Kevin, referring to the dessert.
"Oh I think it's a whole lot more then the dessert," replies Nick with a smile, "Tonight is so incredible, I don't know if I should even ask what's next."
"Well, I think you just did," replies Kevin, as he turns around in his seat and motions to the DJ, saying, "My man?"
The DJ nods, and presses a button on the equipment, which causes a fanfare to play, as Kevin stands up, Nick asks, "What is that for?"
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages," replies Kevin in his best announcer's voice, "It is time to announce the King, and the King. Jacques! Envelope please!"
Nick stands up and says, "My God, Kevin, you thought of everything," as Jacques comes in carrying a silver tray with a white carnation, and an envelope on it.
The DJ presses another button, and a drum roll sounds as Kevin takes the envelope from the tray and replies to Jacques, "Thank you, Monsieur."
Kevin opens the envelope and replies, "Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of the 1998 Backstreet High School Prom King and King are... oh it's a landslide... the one and only, handsome, the very sexy Mr. Nickolas Carter, and of course the second most handsome man ever to walk these halls, Mr. Kevin Richardson."
Nick starts to laugh and replies, "Oh, so we won, I can't believe it, what a shock," since there are of course no other guests other then them.
"Especially with all the competition, but trust me, no one else even came close," replies Kevin, with a huge grin on his face.
Nick smiles before he looks around for a moment, and then asks, "What? I don't get a crown?"
"Oh, you see I have you covered. You see if my King asks, he shall receive," replies Kevin, as he raises his hands in the air and claps twice, before pointing at the doorway behind Nick.
Nick turns to see eight very cute male waiters all dressed in matching tuxedos walk into the room in single file. The lead waiter carries a blue silk pillow with white trim, on which rests a beautiful gold crown encrusted with faux diamonds and sapphires. The lead waiter turns around on his heel and the waiter behind him takes the pillow, before he too turns on his heel and hands the pillow to the waiter behind him. This continues until the pillow is in the hands of the seventh waiter, who in turn turns around on his heel and holds the pillow while the eighth waiter takes the crown from the pillow and places it on Nick's head.
"A crown for the handsome gentlemen," replies Kevin, as Nick says, "Thank you," to both Kevin and the eight waiters.
The eight waiters all bow to Nick, before turning towards the door, and walking out in single file, with Jacques bringing up the rear.
Kevin looks at Nick before replying, "Well, Your Royal Highness, I am completely and utterly at your beck and call. I will give you anything your heart desires, right at this moment."
Nick takes a moment to think before replying, "I'd really like to dance on the balcony."
Kevin smiles and replies, "Well, then dance on the balcony we shall," before he goes over to Nick, takes him by the arm and leads him towards the balcony doors, motioning to the DJ before they leave the dining room, "A little mood music, if you please."
Kevin leads Nick out onto the balcony, and they are soon dancing in the lights of the stars, the moon, the twinkle lights on the trees, and the lights of Los Angeles.
_
I just sware
That I'll always be there
I'd give anything and everything
And I will always care
Through weakness and strength
Happiness and sorrow
For better or for worse
I will love you
With every beat of my heart
From this moment life has begun
>From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
>From this moment on
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love
I'd give my last breath
>From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you
Can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you
I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
>From this moment on
Your the reason I believe in love
And your the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you
I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
>From this moment
I will love you (I will love you)
As long as I live
>From this moment on
_
After their dance, Kevin and Nick head back into the dining room, and decide to call it a night, as it is already well after midnight. As they're leaving, one of the waiters, a very cute young man with brown spiked hair and deep blue eyes walks over to them and replies, "I hope you two enjoyed yourselves, tonight."
"Yes, we did, very much," replies Nick, with a smile.
"That's good," replies the waiter with a smile, "My name is Errick by the way. Um, I feel a little silly here, but could I ask you two for an autograph before you go?"
"Of course Errick," replies Kevin, as he takes the piece of paper and pen from Errick, "After such wonderful service tonight, it's the least we can do."
Kevin and Nick smile, as Errick turns around so that Kevin and Nick can use his back as a writing surface, and both Kevin and Nick sign their names under the words, "Thanks for the great service, Errick." Errick turns around and smiles as Nick hands the piece of paper and pen back to him, which he gladly accepts, before replying, "You know, you two make a very good-looking couple."
"Thanks, Errick," reply Kevin and Nick in unison.
"Just so you know, even if I hadn't signed that privacy agreement," replies Errick, "I would never have gone to the press about you two, cause I love your music. Um, I'm sorry to keep you here like this, but I may never get another chance for this. Is there any chance that Joshua Chasez is single? I've had a huge crush on him for a long time."
"Well," replies Kevin, not sure if he should say, but then Errick is bound by the terms of the privacy agreement not to reveal anything that he sees or hears, so Kevin figures it's okay, especially since JC desperately needs a man in his life, "Yeah, Josh is single."
"Do you think he'd like me?"
"Well, I don't really know what Josh's tastes in men are," replies Nick, as Errick breathes a sigh of relief, as if he had expected Nick to say that JC was straight, "But, you're very handsome. Not as handsome as my man, but still handsome."
"Well, perhaps you could give him this?" asks Errick as he pulls from his pocket a snapshot of himself, which has his name and address, as well as his home, work, and cell phone numbers written on the back, "If he isn't interested, that's okay."
Kevin takes the photo from Errick, as he pulls out his wallet and places the photo in it, before saying, "Sure, Errick. We'll make sure that Josh at least calls you. If he's interested, perhaps the two of you can at least go out on a date or something while we're in town."
"That would be great," replies Errick, obviously hoping that he'll hear from Josh.
"Well, Errick, it was nice meeting you," replies Kevin, as he offers Errick his hand, which Errick gladly accepts. Kevin and Errick shake hands, followed by Nick and Errick, before Kevin and Nick leave the restaurant.
Nick and Kevin sit in the limousine, over half way to the hotel, when Nick suddenly replies, "Oh damn! We left our other clothes at the restaurant," referring of course to the jeans and t-shirts that he and Kevin had come to the restaurant wearing.
"It's okay Nick," replies Kevin, as Nick gives him a perplexed look, "Jacques is having a messenger bring our clothes back to the hotel first thing in the morning."
Nick nods his head, before resting it on Kevin's shoulder, and closing his eyes.
"Is my Nicky tired?" whispers Kevin in Nick's ear, as Nick just nods.
"Um, Nick?" asks Kevin, "Would you um, like to sleep in my room tonight?"
Kevin and Nick, despite having been dating for a week now have yet to share a bed. They kiss each other goodnight, and then retire to their own rooms to sleep. Nick's head shoots up and he says, "Kevin, I'm not sure that I'm ready for sex."
"Whoa, Nicky, who said anything about sex?" asks Kevin, "I just wanted to know if you'd like to share my bed tonight so we can cuddle and wake up next to each other in the morning."
"Well, cuddling with you all night does sound very nice," replies Nick, "Okay, I'll sleep with you on one condition."
"No sex tonight?"
"Okay two conditions," replies Nick with a grin, "No sex tonight, and that you wear some clothes to bed. No birthday suit, at least not tonight."
"I can live with that," replies Kevin, "Anyway, to tell ya the truth, I'm quite tired myself Nick. Even if I wanted to, I don't think I'd have the energy to have sex tonight. As for not sleeping in the nude, I guess I can handle that. Is a pair of boxers enough?"
"Boxers and a t-shirt," replies Nick with a smile, as the limo comes to a stop in front of the hotel.
"Okay, whatever you say my love," replies Kevin, as he gives Nick a very quick peck on the cheek before the chauffeur opens the door, and the two of them get out of the limousine and head back into the hotel. All the fans gathered in front of the hotel have weird looks on their faces. As if they are all wondering where Nick and Kevin where, that they were getting back to the hotel at about four in the morning, all dressed up in different color but otherwise matching outfits.
As Nick and Kevin step off the elevator on their floor, they see JC and Howie talking outside of JC's door. When they hear the elevator doors open, both JC and Howie look over.
"My my," replies JC, looking at Nick and Kevin, "Aren't we dressed up?"
"Kevin and I went out on our first date," replies Nick in JC's direction, before turning to Howie and saying, "Yes, Howie, I'm gay and in love with Kevin. If you have any problems with that, I'd rather not hear about them right now thank you."
"Nick, I'm not going to pretend that I'm comfortable with the idea," replies Howie, "but if it makes you happy, then more power to you. And Kevin, I want to apologize for my very rude outburst at your house when you and Brian revealed your sexualities. I've had a lot of time to think about that, and I've realized that I overreacted big time. I'm really sorry."
Kevin studies Howie's face for a moment, and when he's sure that Howie is indeed sincere in his apology, Kevin holds out his hand to Howie. Howie takes Kevin's hand and shakes it as Kevin replies, "Apology accepted."
"I know that my actions and my words were wrong and that I hurt you deeply Kevin," replies Howie after releasing Kevin's hand, "And for that I'm truly sorry. I can't honestly say that at the moment I'm exceedingly comfortable with the idea of two guys dating, or in the case of Lance and Justin, two guys being married to each other, but I'm sure I'll get used to it, it will just take some time. But I'm going to do everything I can to support you two, Nick and Kevin. You're like brothers to me, and despite my not wanting to admit it to myself this last month, I still love ya both. Now, tell me this: do I want to know why you two were out until 4 in the morning and are dressed so formally?"
"Kevin and I were just on our first real date, Howie," replies Nick with a smile, "It was so great. Kevin took me to the fanciest restaurant in town. He rented the private dining room and this may sound a bit weird, but he took me to my senior prom."
"Your prom?"
"Well, Howie, we were the only guests there," replies Nick, "But it was so beautiful. The decorations, the music, and then all those cute waiters..."
"Waiters? You two made out in front of them?" asks Howie, obviously angry, "How could you be so stupid?"
Kevin holds up a hand to Howie, "Howie, don't worry. I made sure that all of the waiters and the maitre'd and the DJ all signed iron-clad privacy agreements. They are all legally bound not to tell anyone what they saw or heard. If even one of them tells anyone, the label will be suing all of them for everything they're worth in two milliseconds."
Howie calms down, and takes a deep breath, before replying, "Okay, I'm sorry. I'm sure you can at least understand my concerns right? I mean we're a boyband. Most of fans are female, and it can't possibly be good for our careers if it were to get out that between the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, that they only stand a chance with three of the members."
"Well, four actually," replies Nick, correcting Howie, "Brian is bi-sexual, remember. He likes both guys and girls."
"Okay, yeah four," replies Howie, "Still, I don't think it would be good for any of our careers."
"You're right, Howie, it probably wouldn't," replies Kevin, "So, Nick and I, and Justin and Lance, will just have to continue to keep our relationships under wraps."
"Well, it's easier for you and Nick," replies JC.
"Why's that?"
"Well, Kevin, you and Nick are dating but there's no proof of that," replies JC, "Justin and Lance however is another story. Remember that day off we had while in Burlington, Vermont a while back?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, suffice it to say that Justin and Lance's marriage is now a matter of public record," replies JC, "They made it official in the eyes of Vermont law in a small civil ceremony at the courthouse. So, under Vermont law, they are united in civil union, and are granted all of the rights and protections granted to a married couple.
"And of course then there's also the fact that Justin and Lance have since put all their money into a joint savings account and a joint checking account. All of their credit card accounts are now joint accounts, and both of their homes, their house in Orlando, and a condo that they rented in Middlebury, Vermont, are in both of their names. Both of their cars are in both of their names, as well as all car insurance policies, life insurance policies, etc. And all of this uses their married names: Justin R. Timberlake and James L. Timberlake."
"Does management know about all of this?" asks Kevin, "I'm sure there's no way they do. Because I'm sure if they did, we would have heard the explosion by now. I'm sure that if there's any form of life on Mars, they probably would have heard the explosion too."
"Um, no management does not know," replies JC, "Justin and Lance said they were waiting for the right time to tell management."
"Somehow I get the feeling that there never is going to be a right time," replies Howie, as he takes several deep breaths, desperately trying to control his temper, "I'm suddenly very tired, so I suppose I should go back to my hotel."
"Howie," replies Nick as he pulls his wallet out, which he had transferred to the dress pants when he changed, and removes his key card, "Here, you can use my room. They booked me a double room for some reason, so one of the beds hasn't been used, and I'm gonna sleep in Kevin's room anyway."
Howie smiles and takes the key card for Nick's room from Nick, "Thanks Nick. I probably shouldn't drive right now anyway. C-ya'll in a few hours," replies Howie as he goes into Nick's room, "Oh and Nick? Two things. First, congrats on keeping your room semi-clean for once, and second, you and Kevin try not to make too much noise."
Howie, Kevin, and JC laugh at Howie's comment about Nick's semi-clean room, before Kevin replies, "There won't be anything going on in my room for the next several hours other then sleeping."
After Howie goes into his room, Nick starts to put his wallet back in his pants pocket, which reminds Kevin of something.
"Oh, JC," replies Kevin as he pulls out his own wallet and removes the picture of Errick, "One of the waiters at the restaurant asked me to give you this."
JC takes the picture from Kevin and looks at it, and then flips it over to see the name Errick, an address, and three phone numbers written on the back, "What's this?"
"Well, JC, it seems that Errick has a crush on you and wants you to call him," replies Nick, "He's hoping that the two of you can go on a date."
Before JC can respond, Nick and Kevin walk down the hall to Kevin's room, and disappear into the room. JC looks at the snapshot of Errick and says to himself, "Well, I have to admit that he's hot! Maybe I will call him." JC then goes into his own hotel room, to catch a few more hours of sleep before its time to get up.
Chapter 12
Kevin's eyes begin to open as the mid-afternoon sun pours into the room through the curtains. When Kevin wakes up, he finds Nick still sleeping peacefully next to him, and smiles. Kevin was about to get out of bed when his cell phone rings. Not wanting it to wake up Nick, Kevin quickly opens the phone and answers, "Hello, this is Kevin."
"Kevin, it's Tim."
"Hey Tim," replies Kevin, obviously happy to be hearing from his brother, "What's up?"
"Well, I was going to ask you the same thing," replies Tim, "As I'm sure you know Brian came home for a few days. First off, mom is wondering why you didn't come home, and the whole family is wondering why Brian suddenly called off the wedding. He refuses to tell us anything, and we can't seem to get a hold of Leighanne."
"Well, I had some things to deal with here in LA," replies Kevin, with a smile as he looks down at Nick, who is still sleeping peacefully, "As for Brian, well, I don't think it's my place, bro."
"Kevin, if you know what's going on with our cousin, you'd better tell me," replies Tim, "I'm worried about him. He seems very sad and down in the dumps. I've never seen Brian this sad and distant."
"Well, Tim, to tell you the truth," replies Kevin, "I know the whole story, but again, I really don't think it's my place to tell you. I'm sure that Brian will tell you when he's ready."
"Okay, Kevin," replies Tim, with a sigh, "You leave me no choice. I'm gonna have to pull out the big guns here."
"Okay, okay, Tim, I'll tell you," replies Kevin, as he knows that what his brother was referring to was putting their mother, Anne Richardson, one the phone and Kevin knows that he would not be able to not tell his mother the truth, the whole truth. And Kevin thinks that Tim might be able to handle it a little bit better then their mother.
"Okay, Kev, talk."
"Brian called off his wedding to Leighanne," replies Kevin, hoping that what he's about to tell Tim will be enough, and that he won't have to get into any further details, "because he's fallen in love with someone else. Unfortunately, that person does not return Brian's feelings."
"Don't think for one minute that you can get off that easily, Kevin," replies Tim, "I know you know more then that, I can tell by the tone of your voice. Now, I want details."
"Okay, okay, first off, are you sitting down?"
"Yeah, I am, why?"
"Well that's good. Brace yourself Tim," replies Kevin, "Brian has fallen in love with Lance. Of *NSYNC. Brian is bi-sexual."
----
JC sits on his bed in the hotel room looking at the picture of Errick, wondering if he should pick up the phone and call him. JC would be lying to himself if he said that he didn't find Errick to be a very attractive man. But, then too JC doesn't really care for being setup on blind dates. Well, this isn't really a blind date, because first off, JC already knows what Errick looks like, and secondly they don't even have a date setup at the moment, but it still feels like one. JC can't say, until now that is, that one of his friends has ever walked up to him before, given him a picture of a hot guy with his name, address, and phone numbers written on the back and told him that the guy in the picture wants to date him.
"Well, I suppose I have nothing to lose here," replies JC, "He's bound by the terms of the privacy agreement not to reveal the fact that I'm gay. And I really do need a boyfriend, and he is very cute. I'll call him."
JC picks up the phone and dials the phone number listed next to the word cell. The phone rings twice, before it's answered, "Hello this is Errick."
When JC doesn't reply, Errick speaks again, "Hello, is anyone there?"
JC clears his throat and then says, "Um, hi."
"Hi, who is this?"
"Well, Errick, I'm told you have a crush on me and want to date me."
"Might this be Joshua Scott Chasez of *NSYNC?"
"That was my name last time I checked," replies JC with a slight laugh, "And yeah, I'm the 'C' in *NSYNC."
"I didn't think that you'd actually call," replies Errick, "I mean I was hoping you would, but I figured it would never happen."
"Don't get called by many pop stars huh?"
"Uh, no," replies Errick with a slight laugh, "Well, there's a first time for everything."
"Yeah, that's true. You're not the first person to send me, or any of the other guys, their photo with contact information written on the back. But, I must say that this is the first time that I've ever actually called someone who sent me their picture and phone number."
"Well, I'm honored."
"Errick, I'm looking at your picture right now," replies JC, "And I have to say this. You are so hot!"
"Thanks," replies Errick, "I'm looking at my poster of you, you're hot too."
"I don't usually do this, but would you like to meet for coffee or something? I'd really like to meet you in person."
"Sure, where and when?"
"How about I pick you up at 7?"
"Sounds good, but, um, I'll meet you at your hotel."
"Okay, good, c-ya at 7 Errick."
"C-ya at 7, JC. I'm really looking forward to this."
"So am I, bye for now."
"Bye," replies Errick, as the conversation ends and JC hangs up the phone.
JC gets up from the bed and heads into the bathroom to take a shower and start getting ready for his date with Errick, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he'll finally have a boyfriend.
----
"What did you say?"
"I said Brian is in love with Lance of *NSYNC. Brian is bi-sexual."
"Bi-sexual?"
"Yes, Tim, in other words he likes both men and women."
"I know what the word means! I just can't believe that Brian is! Are you sure?"
"Yes, Tim, I'm sure. Brian is in love with Lance."
"So Lance doesn't return Brian's feelings?"
"No, he doesn't."
"Why not? Brian's a great guy!"
"Well, Lance doesn't return Brian's feelings because he's already involved with someone else."
"So? Just tell Lance to dump whoever he's with so Brian will be happy."
"Tim it's not that easy!" replies Kevin, "Lance is in love with someone else. He's married to someone else!"
"Brian fell in love with a married man?! How the hell could he do such a stupid thing?!"
"Tim, Brian didn't know that Lance was married," replies Kevin, "Lance has to keep his marriage a secret."
"Why?"
"Because his married name is James Lance Timberlake," replies Kevin, "He's married to Justin Randall Timberlake, the youngest member of *NSYNC."
"They're married?"
"Yeah. Well, according to Vermont law, united in civil union, but they consider themselves married."
"So, Brian doesn't stand a chance?"
"No, I don't think he does," replies Kevin, "But, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, it seems that Chris, the eldest member of *NSYNC, is gay and he likes Brian."
"Does Brian like Chris?"
"We don't know. Things might not work out between Brian and Chris, but Brian does need to get over Lance. He can't spend the rest of his life pining away over someone he can't have."
"Yeah, that's true."
"Tim, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, shoot."
"Why are you taking this so calmly?" asks Kevin, "I didn't expect this reaction from you. I mean you're an ordained Southern Baptist minister. Our religion doesn't speak kindly of this."
"Well, that's true, Kevin," replies Tim, "But, all I've ever wanted for anyone in my family is for them to be happy. And if Brian can find happiness, then I want him to, whether that happiness be with a woman, or a man. You only live once, and life is too short as it is, so it shouldn't be wasted trying to make others happy at the expense of your own happiness."
"Well, Tim, then maybe I should tell you something," replies Kevin, "First off, did Brian tell you anything about me? Or did Kristin contact any of you?"
"No on both."
"Oh, okay," replies Kevin, "Well, Tim, this may come as a bit of a shock, but I filed for divorce a month ago. What with the busy tour schedule, the divorce hearing hasn't taken place yet, so I will be married to Kristin until the end of the tour. Then I'm going to try to get into court asap and dissolve my sham of a marriage."
"Sham of a marriage? What does that mean? I thought you and Kristin loved each other."
"Well, I do love her, but not the way a husband is supposed to love his wife."
"Kevin, if you don't love her that way, why in God's name did you marry her?"
"To continue denying the fact that I'm gay."
"You're gay?"
"Yes, Tim, I'm gay. I've known since high school, but I've been denying it. I guess I hoped that if I married Kristin I could be happy with her. But I've come to realize that it's impossible to be happy when you're denying your true self."
"Yeah, it is," replies Tim, "Well, Kevin, as a minister, I have to say that standing before God and promising to love, honor, and cherish her until death do you part, when you didn't really love her, was, well very wrong. But, as your brother, just know that I still love you no matter what. If being with a man makes you happy, then so be it."
"I'm very happy," replies Kevin, "I've never been happier."
"You sound like you've already moved on in the romance department," replies Tim, "Have you?"
"Yeah."
"So, whose the lucky guy?"
"Nick."
"Nick? As in your group's Nick?"
"Yeah," replies Kevin, "He's laying right next to me right now, fast asleep. And before you say anything Tim, we just shared a bed, nothing more."
"Well if Nick makes you happy, then I'm happy for both of you."
"He does," replies Kevin, "He makes me very happy. We went on our first date last night."
"Really? What did you two do?"
"I rented a private dining room, had all the servers and such sign privacy agreements, and created a very special, once in a lifetime event for Nick."
"You've piqued my interest."
"Well, Nick never went to high school, so I escorted him to his senior prom last night."
"My, my Kev! You surprise me! I never knew you were a such a romantic," replies Tim, "I suppose Nick loved it?"
"Oh yeah, he loved it. So did I. We both had a lot of fun."
"Well, that's good," replies Tim, "Listen, I have to be going now, but I'll call back again soon, ok?"
"Ok, nice talking to you."
"Same here, little brother."
"Oh, Tim, I'll send ya some copies of Nick's and my prom photos."
Tim laughs, and then says, "That'd be nice. Bye, bro."
"Bye," replies Kevin, as he hangs up the phone.
----
Later that night, somewhere in Los Angeles, Errick stands in front of the bathroom mirror fixing his hair, getting ready for his date with JC tonight. Errick stands there, wearing only a bath towel, having just gotten out of the shower. He still can't believe that he's going on a date with Joshua Scott Chasez tonight. Sure, they're only meeting for coffee, but even that's a whole hell of a lot more then what Errick expected. Errick figured that while it was possible that Kevin and Nick might actually pass his photo on to JC, he certainly never thought that JC would actually call him. When Errick is satisfied that his brown spikes are just right, he walks out of the bathroom and across the hall to his bedroom.
Errick walks over to his dresser, opens the top drawer and pulls out a pair of ash gray CK boxer-briefs, as well as a pair of gray socks. Errick removes the towel from his waist, and pulls on the clothes, before walking over to his closet and removing a pair of khakis, and a white t-shirt, and puts them on. Errick then walks over to the bed, pulls on a pair of black and white Nike shoes, and begins lacing them up when the bedroom door opens.
"The Colonnade Room change the dress code?"
"No," replies Errick, as he finishes tying his shoes, "I have the night off."
Errick stands up and walks over to the dresser once again. He takes a bottle of cologne and puts some on before grabbing his gold necklace and puts it on. Errick then grabs the small gold earring he always wears, and begins to put it in his ear, as the other person in the room asks, "Aren't you a little over dressed for a night at home?"
"For your information, I have a date." replies Errick as he finishes putting in his earring, and then looks himself over in a full-length mirror next to the dresser.
"A date? Who in the hell gave you permission to go on a date?" asks the other man in the room, "For that matter, who in the hell would want to go on a date with you?"
"I don't need yours or anyone's permission to go on a date," replies Errick, "And as for who, that's none of your business."
Upon hearing these words the other man in the room runs over to Errick and grabs his arm, twisting it around as he spins Errick around to face him, "Look here you fucking little shit! Don't you ever talk to me like that again! Now, I'm gonna ask again, who in the hell gave you permission to go on a date? And who the hell is stupid enough to want to date you?"
"Derrick, you're drunk, please stop!" replies Errick, obviously in pain, "You're hurting me!"
"Oh this hurts?" replies Derrick, as he wrenches Errick's arm even harder and then pushes him backwards, "I'll show you hurt."
Derrick lunges at Errick and punches him in the stomach, repeatedly. Tears start to form in Errick's eyes from the pain, and then just as quickly as it started, Derrick's attack stops. Derrick stands back, looking down at his victim. Derrick's right hand falls down to the tent in the front of his ash gray CK boxer-briefs before turning on his heel and heading across the hall, to get something from the bathroom.
Errick, who knows full well what Derrick went to go get, and what he intends to do when he comes back, scrambles to his feet, and runs out of the bedroom. Errick knocks a lamp off a small table near the top of the stairs as he runs frantically down the steps, taking them two at a time. Errick runs through the living room and kitchen, and then through the door that leads into the attached garage. All the while, Errick knows that Derrick is chasing after him, with the intent of catching him and dragging him back up to the bedroom. Errick gets into his car, and locks the doors, before pressing the garage door opener button and starting the engine of his car.
As the garage door begins to open, Derrick appears next to the car, and starts banging his fists on the driver's side window like a maniac, screaming, "Open the fucking door you fucking little shit! I'm warning you, Errick, you had better get out of the fucking car now!!"
When the garage door is up far enough for Errick to get his car out, he quickly puts the car in reverse, and backs out of the garage, and down the driveway, before speeding down the street, wanting to get as far away from Derrick as possible.
As Derrick watches the car speed down the street, Derrick clenches his fists as he replies under his breath, "You'll regret this, Errick. I'm gonna see to that!"
----
To be continued...
Well, I hope that you enjoyed Chapters 10 through 12 of The Perfect Couple. It's certainly the longest installment to date. Sorry about the cliffhanger, and the fact that I haven't updated for awhile. I've been very busy, but I'll try to get the next installment out sooner.
So, whose Derrick? And why is he so mad about Errick having a date? What was Derrick going to do Errick when he got back from the bathroom? If you think you know the answers to these questions, email me and tell me. I'd love to hear from ya.
So, Kevin and Nick are finally together. I know, I know, it's about time! lol Anyway, what did ya'll think of the prom scene? Romantic? Stupid? Let me know. Howie has finally seen the light and apologized for his actions, but the question is how will management react when they find out about Justin and Lance making their union a matter of public record? Was Kevin's statement about life on Mars correct? That if there is any form of life on Mars, they'll hear the explosion? Well, you'll just have to wait and see. Stay tuned for the next installment of The Perfect Couple.
This story is copyright 2001 by Jayson Colin Vascardi. All rights reserved.
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