Date: Sat, 04 Sep 2004 07:56:58 -0400
From: rye encoke <rye_encoke@hotmail.com>
Subject: mark-and-rye-39
Okay the usual stuff that nobody reads. This is a gay story with
lots of gay sex. If you aren't supposed to be here, leave. The
work is mine and unless you ask you can't post it anywhere else.
I have no clue if any member of Westlife is gay, so this is all
my fantasy. Email me at rye_encoke@hotmail.com to tell me what
you like or hate.
The author wishes to acknowledge and thank the archivist for
Nifty for allowing this story to be published here.
Authors Notes: Sorry for the delay, but here is the next
chapter. Hope you enjoy it. VERY IMPORTANT to read all of
the notes at the end of the chapter.
DEDICATION: To my Davey and to my Glenn. Love ya both, always.
- New Friends, Old Friends -
The bus traveled on through the night. In the quiet area at
the back of the bus Corey, Nick and Spooky slept in a tent that
had been put up. Spooky had been thrilled with it and tried to
convince everyone to let him make smores but to no avail. The
three of them had showered and Spooky had his chance to wash both
Nick and Corey's hair then they spent a good part of the night
telling scary stories.
Rye and Mark had decided to sleep with Kian and Jill. Kian and
Rye shared the middle of the bed with their lovers behind them.
The boys were in their room, Shane and Nicky wrapped around Bryan.
The third bedroom was empty.
In the early morning at a stop to get gas Liam, dressed in track
pants and jacket, came up to inform the driver of a change in
destinations. The groups inside slept on.
Finally around 9 the next morning, much later than they usually
got up, the friends all wandered out into the lounge.
"Have you seen Spooky, he wasn't with us this morning?" Nick
asked as he scratched his belly.
"Not us," Jill said and looked over at Bryan.
"Me either," Bryan said and began to look alarmed, as did everyone
else.
"Well he was up, there's his cereal bowl in front of the tv.
Wait here's a note that says he is with Ed," Mark said then
added, "Holy fuck!"
Everyone turned to Mark who was staring out the large bay window.
Still in their early morning stupor nobody had really looked
outside but they all gathered around the window. They were
parked in a large fenced in compound with probably 2 dozen other
buses and too many vans and cars to count. Outside celebrities
roamed freely, obviously enjoying being with each other.
"That's Steve Tyler from Aerosmith," Nick pointed out excitedly,
"I love him."
"There's the Backstreet bus," Corey pointed out.
"Oh my God there's Faith Hill and Tim McGraw," Jill gushed and
Rye smiled knowing she was a closet country music fan.
"What the hell is going on?" Shane asked in awe as he spied more
celebrities.
"I told you there were going to be celebrities here," Corey said.
"You arranged this?" Bryan asked and turned to Corey.
"Sort of. I got Cheryl to get me the name and number of every
celebrity within driving or flying distance and between the two
of us we convinced them to come and make your final show the
biggest event of the year. Liam sold the thing to MTV who will
broadcast it live by satellite with me as host. This concert is
making you guys more money than your entire tour," Corey said
proudly.
"Your idea to do this though right?" Rye asked. Corey nodded and
blushed.
Bryan smiled and stepped forward, wrapping Corey in his embrace,
the skin of their bare chests touching. "Thanks Cor. For
everything you did for us. You're a great friend and I love you
a lot."
Bryan then kissed Corey softly and tenderly on the lips. Corey
was surprised and then suddenly embarrassed when his cock sprang
to life and became hard. He tried to pull away but Bryan wouldn't
let him.
"No worries my friend. I am very pleased you reacted that way.
It's nice to feel you hard against me like that. Tonight after
the concert you two are gonna spend some time with me and my boys
and we can be completely naked with each other," Bryan said.
Corey wasn't sure what to do. He was still totally embarrassed
and he looked at Nick to see his reaction to him becoming hard
with Bryan. To his surprise Nick smiled and wrapped his arms
around him from behind.
"Don't worry Fuzzy. Bryan is a sexy God and I got hard myself
watching you two hug," Nick pushed himself into Corey's behind
so that Corey could feel that Nick was indeed hard.
"I love you Corey, nothing will change that, but Mark and Angel
have shown us that we can also share our love with our friends.
I am completely and hopelessly in love with you Corey James and
if you get hard for another guy that's okay cuz I know that it's
me who gets to love you," Nick finished.
Corey turned in Bryan's arms to face Nick. Bryan didn't release
him so he was still wrapped in both men's arms.
"You are in love with me? Really?" Corey asked.
"Yes. Last night when I sang that song I realised it," Nick said
then began to sing softly, "I want to thank you, for all the
things you've done, but most for choosing me, to be the one."
Corey made a small sound and pulled Nick close to him. He was
sobbing as Nick held him.
"Are you okay Corey?" Nick asked with a little worry. Corey
could only nod. After a few minutes he finally was able to
speak although he still spoke with a slight tremor of emotion.
"I wanted to say that I loved you too, but I was scared you didn't
feel the same or that you would get scared. I was afraid maybe it
was just sex or something. I'm sorry I didn't have more faith in
you..." Corey stopped again as the sobs came back.
"Shhhh...it's okay Corey. We both know it now, we are in love
with each other. Put all your doubts aside and just love me
okay," Nick said and Corey nodded.
"Why don't you two go hit the shower while the rest of us get
dressed," Bryan suggested and Nick smiled as he led Corey back
to the washroom.
"Boy that was intense," Kian smiled as he hugged Jill close.
"Yeah but really sweet," Jill nodded.
"Hey there's Spooky," Shane laughed and pointed.
Everyone looked out the window to see Spooky mounted on top of
Ed's shoulders. He was wearing a headset like the security guys
did and was looking down at the two men Ed was speaking with.
"OHMIGOD!" Nicky shouted and raced to the front of the bus. He
was out of the bus so quick all anyone could do was stand and
watch him as he ran to Ed and the men. He must have shouted
because the two men turned to look at him and finally it made
sense. Nicky almost launched himself into his Sadik's arms.
"It's Alex and Hassan," Shane announced happily.
"Wow Hassan has sure changed," Jill said, this being the first
time she had seen him after his haircut.
Soon Nicky's excited voice was heard as he entered the bus holding
Hassan's hand and grinning widely.
"My Prince," Bryan said as he wrapped his arms around Hassan,
Nicky still holding both his and Alex's hands.
"Hello my dear friends," Hassan said with emotion.
"Why are you here? How did you get here? I mean I am glad you
are but.." Nicky gushed.
"We saw the terrible thing that happened and flew here immediately
to be with you. We were waiting outside the compound and were
going to call you when the large man knocked on our window,"
Hassan said.
"I had Spooky with me and he told me to go get the king cuz you
guys would want to see them. As soon as I realized who he meant
I got them inside," Ed said from the doorway.
"The small one, he is gifted?" Hassan asked and everyone
understood his meaning.
"More than you could ever imagine," Rye chuckled.
"Really? I've never really believed in that before, but Ed did
manage to find us," Alex said.
"Spooky honey," Bryan said as he took Spooky into his arms from
Ed's shoulders, "Let's see how much we can impress the Prince and
how much we can scare Alex okay?"
Spooky smiled and nodded.
"Alex, My Prince, this is Daniel who we call Spooky. He can be
kinda spooky and if you aren't prepared he can scare you pretty
good. But we love him to bits, don't we Spooky?" Bryan said and
blew a raspberry on Spooky's neck.
"Yeah, bits and pieces," Spooky giggled.
"Okay Spooky boy, do the Prince first since he already believes,"
Shane smiled as he rubbed the boys arm lovingly.
Spooky leaned forward and looked at the Prince, "But I will scare
them."
"Well the Prince will be surprised but he already knows you are
special. And he is really really nice and is gonna love you to
bits and pieces too. Alex you can scare as much as you want
until he believes ya then he will love ya too. Everybody loves
our Spooky," Nicky said.
Spooky turned and looked at the Prince again and said, "You used
to have long haiw but Unca Bwyan cut it so you could hide and you
pwetended to be in a aiwplane cwass, but just fow pwetend."
Hassan smiled and nodded, "That's correct little one. How special
you are. I would like to call you my tiny friend as well. Would
that be acceptable?"
Spooky turned to Bryan and looked confused.
"He wants to be your friend Spooky and he is asking if that is
okay," Bryan said.
Spooky smiled and nodded then turned to Alex and looked at him
for a bit then turned back to Bryan.
"I will scawe him just a little bit ow a lot?" Spooky asked.
"A lot," Bryan said.
"His little baby Beth is with the angels now but comes to play at
the castle. She plays with the fishes in the fountain," Spooky
said.
The reaction from Alex was beyond what anyone thought would
happen. Alex went very pale and then passed out.
"He sooda believed us huh Unca Bwyan?" Spooky said sounding
faintly pleased with himself as he looked at the man sprawled
on the floor.
"Yep he sure shoulda. You okay Spooky boy?" Bryan asked, only
now thinking how this could have had a negative effect on the
small boy.
"Yeah. They won't let me say things that will huwt anyone. I
love you Unca Bwyan," Spooky flung his arms around Bryan's neck
and watched as the others moved Alex to a sofa.
"Well let's all get dressed while we wait for Alex to come round,"
Mark suggested.
Everyone left for various rooms, leaving Hassan and Ed with Alex.
- Briefly with the Boys -
Bryan set Spooky on the bed while the boys began to change into
jeans and t-shirts.
"Spooky I am sorry I made you do that. It's not right to have
you do those things to impress or scare other people and I'm
sorry," Bryan said as he sat next to the boy.
"It's okay. They said I could cuz Beth wanted hew daddy to know
she visited," Spooky said.
Bryan nodded, "This time it was okay but I promise not to do it
again. Now you wanna come with us while we practice the new song
or do you wanna stay here with Ed and Jay or maybe Nick and Corey?"
"Unca Nick and Unca Cowey awe gonna go see Backstweet Boys and tell
them they awe mawwied and I wanna go see Unca Howie. He smells
nice," Spooky was hooked on Howie's smell and just couldn't get
enough of the Backstreet Boy.
"They're gonna tell the boys they are in love?" Nicky asked of
Spooky as he pulled on his t-shirt.
Spooky nodded.
"Is it gonna go okay?" Shane asked of the boy.
"Cept for Unca Bwyan. He thinks God thinks it's bad fow Unca
Nick to love Unca Cowey. I have to be thewe to help Unca Nick,"
Spooky said matter of factly.
Everyone stopped briefly to look at the boy then nodded.
"You are pretty special for sure Spooky. I love you to bits and
pieces too ya know," Nicky said as he pulled the boy to him and
hugged him then gave him a belly fart. Spooky giggled gleefully.
"Yep you sure are. I am really happy you are with us Spooky. I
love ya to bits and pieces," Shane said and also blew noisily on
the little boy's tummy.
"Okay Spooky honey. We're gonna head out. You can play the
playstation til Uncle's Nick and Corey are finished showering
then you can go with them. I want to warn you about something
even though you probably already know it. There are lots of
famous people out there that you may know or have seen. I want
you to promise me you will not go anywhere with anyone no matter
how famous they are or how nice they seem. Only one of us or
Nick or Corey or one of Backstreet or our security. Nobody else
okay?" Bryan said seriously.
"Okay Unca Bwyan. Aftew I will call Unca Blue and help him with
secuwity. Did you know I am secuwity now too? Unca Blue said so.
He said I am special secwet secuwity and vewy impowtant. I get
to weaw the eawphones and heaw all secuwity but I can't have a
badge cuz then I wouldn't be secwet anymowe," Spooky explained.
"You are our security for sure. Did you know you saved our lives
when those bad men came for us?" Shane said, suddenly serious.
"Yes," Spooky answered simply.
"You are probably too young to realize fully what you did but
thank you Spooky," Shane said.
"You'we silly Unca Sane," Spooky said and pulled up Shane's shirt
to blow on his tummy.
This broke the suddenly serious mood and everyone laughed as
Bryan scooped up the laughing boy and they went back to the
lounge.
- Decisions -
"I love washing your body," Nick said softly as he gently ran
his soap slicked hands across Corey's smooth belly.
"I just love you touching me. And it's not even sexual," Corey
said.
Nick reached down and gently stroked Corey's hard cock a couple
of times, "Oh really?"
"No I mean I get turned on by you of course, but it's just the
way I feel inside when you touch me or when we look at each other
and God when you were holding me out there and sang the words of
your song to me...if I had died at that moment I would have died
happier than I ever thought possible," Corey said.
"No talking bout dying, I couldn't go on without you. I haven't
really said it in so many words yet but you and me, I want us to
be together forever. I don't want to rush things and talk about
marriage or anything yet, let's just let things go ahead slowly.
But seriously Fuzzy, I can't think of myself in the future
without thinking of you there with me," Nick said.
By now both men were very emotional and had tears in their eyes.
"What a couple of softies we are, blubbering like babies. But
I feel the same my beautiful strong Dragon. I don't even want
to try thinking of my life without you in it any more," Corey
said.
"Cor baby. I know you are out and I am so proud of you for that,
but right now I don't know if I can be. I have had to work so
hard to make it as a solo act and I just don't know if my career
could handle coming out as gay. Can we think about it for a
little bit, a week or two, before we come out as a couple?" Nick
asked.
"What? You want to come out? No you can't," Corey said.
Nick pulled back a bit to look at Corey, "But we are together now.
It's not fair to hide us. I'm not ashamed of us in fact I am so
proud of the man I got. I just need to figure out the best way
to do this."
"I don't think you should. Look you and me will be living
together in the same house, all our friends will know and there
will be rumors of course but that could even help. But if you
just come out and announce it, it could be the end of your
career. I don't want that to happen," Corey said.
"Well if it did I could always fall back on my business degree
and work for you," Nick joked.
"Baby everything I have is yours, although I don't have much yet
but you can't just throw away your music," Corey said.
"I wouldn't be throwing anything away if I had you. Besides I
could still write and produce," Nick said.
Corey shook his head, "Let's talk to Mark and Rye and the others
about this please. You can't know how happy I feel that you want
everyone to know about us but it would kill me if your music
suffered because of it."
"Yeah okay that's a good idea. I want to tell the guys today
though okay? Will you come with me?" Nick asked as he leaned
forward and gently kissed Corey's ear.
"Yeah I will be there. Then we get to do the whole family thing.
You need to meet my mom and dad as my official boyfriend although
they already love you and probably figured it out long before
either of us did. Then there's Helen and her girls Lici and Sam,
then Steve and his kids David and Missy and then Elaine and her
son Eli. You need the official approval of all my little sista's
and bruv's. And we have to talk about Eli and David, but we can
do that later," Corey said as he was drying himself off while
Nick dried Corey's hair.
"Well the guys are as close as family to me as my blood family
so you get to meet them today and get their approval. Then there
is the real family. No idea how that is all gonna work, and I am
kinda worried how Aaron is gonna take it," Nick said.
"You think he is prejudiced?" Corey asked.
"Not sure. He hangs out with a lot of the rappers and stuff and
being gay in that crowd is not cool. But being his big brother
I just don't know what kinds of expectations he has for me in that
regard," Nick said.
Corey, now dry, leaned into Nick's arms and held him, their bodies
pressed tightly together, "As long as you and me are together we
can be happy. Nobody wants to lose family cuz you are gay, but
if they can't accept it then they don't really love you."
"Yeah you're right, but it wouldn't stop it from hurting," Nick
said softly.
They held each other for a bit longer before heading to the back
of the bus to get into jeans.
- Who Goes Where -
Mark and Rye were the first to hit the lounge and saw that Alex
was now awake although still obviously shaken.
"Scared the hell out of ya didn't he?" Rye smiled.
"Nobody knows that, nobody. Her mother died in childbirth, no
other relatives, it's just not possible," Alex shook his head.
"For you and me maybe, but that boy listens in on God. Don't
make him prove it to you again cuz next time it might kill you.
If you ask him later I bet he can tell you a bit more about your
daughter," Mark said.
Alex nodded and looked at Hassan then looked away not meeting
his eyes.
"Whoa what was that about Alex?" Rye asked seeing what had
happened.
"Nothing," Alex said.
"That's crap. Look at your man. He is not upset at all, he
still looks at you with nothing but love. He is waiting for an
explanation but he is gonna wait til you're ready," Rye said.
Hassan breathed out deeply, "Yes this is true my love. I did
not know you had a child but I am not upset you kept this from
me. There are things about me that you do not yet know. You
did not keep it from me for hurtfulness but only that it was
obviously still a hurt to you. Come and sit by me and put your
mind at ease."
Alex let out a long shuddering sigh and walked shakily to sit
with his Prince.
Just then the boys and Spooky came into the room.
"You okay Alex?" Shane asked as he sat next to the man.
"I will be. That was just such a shock," Alex replied.
"I'm sorry Alex, I wasn't thinking. We are all just so use to
our Spooky boy that it never occurred to me how you might react,"
Bryan said.
"Can he tell me more?" Alex asked then looked at Spooky and smiled.
Spooky smiled and climbed down off of Bryan's lap and into Alex's.
"She isn't a ghost she's a angel, a guawdian angel, she watch's
you. You wewe so sad fow so long she was always wowwied. She
is happy now and says the King is pwetty. She likes to play
with the fishes in the fountain and she wuns with the hosees in
the fields. Did you know angels can wun as fast as hosees. They
can see hew and they always smile at hew," Spooky said.
Alex had tears running down his face but he was smiling broadly,
"I'm glad she likes the horses. Thanks for telling me Spooky,
that was really nice of you,"
Jill and Kian came out at that moment.
"Everything okay Alex?" Jill asked.
"Yep it's all great. So you and Rye want to tour the place with
us and introduce us to the celebrities?" Alex asked.
Everyone saw the child like hope in the Prince's eyes.
"Sure sounds good to me. What are you boys gonna do?" Rye asked.
"We need to do a run through with the band for the song Bry boy
wrote for you," Nicky said.
Rye's eyes opened wide and welled with tears, "My song?"
"You didn't think I forgot did you?" Bryan asked softly.
"I wasn't sure. I thought maybe you got scared like you said
when I asked you to do it and didn't write one. And I haven't
heard you practising or seen you writing," Rye sniffled, his
voice thick with emotion.
"My Angel," Bryan breathed out the words and it was like a
benediction, he took Rye into his arms, "I was worried at
first but not any more. This song is for you and you will
love it simply because it is from my heart to your heart.
But besides that it actually is really good."
The two men held each other for a bit until the arrival of Nick
and Corey broke the moment.
"Well we are off to see Backstreet and tell them about us," Nick
said as he held Corey's hand.
"Yeah we know, Spooky told us. He says he is going with you,"
Bryan smiled as he picked the boy up from Alex's lap and pushed
him into Nick's arms. "See ya in a couple of hours all. Have
fun."
With that the boys all trooped out of the bus.
"Uh okay, Spooky is with us then," Nick said and Spooky smiled
and rested his head on Nick's shoulder.
"We know you will look after him. If you two need time alone
or he get's restless just make sure he is with one of us or
security or someone you trust to look after him," Rye said.
Nick nodded and rested his cheek against the boy's head. Just
moments ago his nerves were so on edge he was having a hard time
breathing. Now, holding Spooky, he was calm and relaxed.
- Walking With Celebs -
Rye, Jill, Alex and Hassan waved to Nick and Corey as they
headed to the Backstreet bus, Spooky riding happily on Nick's
shoulders.
"Well let's go meet some people," Rye said as Ed walked up
behind him with Matt and Andy.
"Matt is going with you. There are actually a lot of people
here who want to meet you so you are gonna sorta do a tour," Ed
said.
"Yes sir!" Rye saluted and came to attention then broke out into
a grin.
Ed rolled his eyes, "Yeah yeah laugh it up gay boy. You have no
idea how hard we had to work to keep people from banging on the
bus doors at 5 o'clock in the morning. Now go."
Jill laughed and wrapped her arm through Hassan's.
"Okay well let's just work a big circle and start there," Matt
pointed. Sitting outside a bus was Steve Tyler with several
musicians.
The group walked over.
"Hey Matt," Steve waved.
"Hey Steve. This is the guy you wanted to meet. Angel Steve,
Steve Angel," Matt introduced.
"I'm a huge fan, I'm very pleased to meet you," Rye said as he
shook hands.
"You have no idea how much I wanted to meet you after hearing
you play the other day. Then after hearing the story and finding
out about your new music label well I wanted even more to meet
you. I'd like to get together in the next few weeks to discuss
turning over management of this group of guys to you," Steve said
as he indicated the group with him.
"They are a new group?" Jill asked.
"Yeah sort of. They have been my backup musicians and singers
for a bit doing clubs and stuff. They're great and would like
to try to make a career on their own but I just don't have the
time, resources or skills to do it," Steve admitted.
"Sure here's my card. I am booked up for the next few weeks
but will put you in touch with Liam. He can work with them to
see what their potential is and we can do a meeting when I get
back," Jill said as she handed a card to Steve and another to
one of the guys.
"Cool thanks. I understand we will be jamming on stage tonight,"
Steve smiled at Jill as he spoke to Rye.
"Are we?" Rye asked then turned to Matt. It seemed odd to him
that his security people seemed to know more about what was
going on in this concert than he did and he wasn't sure how he
felt about that.
"Yeah you are. The concert is going to begin about 4 and gonna
last well past midnight. You or the boys will be performing at
least once with each guest," Andy said.
"So when are we going to get a chance to practice?" Steve asked.
"Oh we don't practice. We just sorta wing it. It's been thrown
together so fast there's just no time," Rye said and Steve's eyes
opened wide a bit but he nodded.
"By the way these are our friends Alex and Hassan. They are both
big fans as well," Jill introduced.
"Well I'm always happy to meet fans," Steve said as he shook hands.
"I am well pleased to meet you. I have enjoyed much of your
music," Hassan spoke. Jill was surprised. Hassan had always
been confident, being a prince you had to be, but there was
something so open and appealing now about him.
"Hey guys. You sleep too late I have been up since 5," Cher's
voice said from behind.
"So it was you they were keeping out," Jill chuckled.
"The only thing kept me out was that the second time I went
Spooky opened the doors and told me if I made any more noise
he wouldn't sing with me tonight. I ain't scared of these
big lugs," Cher said with a laugh as she punched Matt's shoulder.
"That's our boy," Rye smiled as Cher put an arm around Andy.
"Hey Cher these are some friends of Angel and Beauty's. This is
Alex and this is Hassan," Matt said. Obviously security was now
on a first name and a familiar basis with most of the celebrities.
Rye was amused at this.
"Hi. Nice to meet you. Hey Steve. Ed says there are too many
of us here so some of us have to double up on performances. You
wanta do something together with me and Angel's nephew. I was
thinking of "Walk This Way". The little guy can dance around
with us. It'll be a hoot." Cher said.
"Uh..." Steve looked a little baffled.
"We gotta run. I'll make sure Ed knows you two and Spooky will
be together. Seeya guys," Matt waved as he steered the group
away from the celebs now discussing their performance for the
night.
"When did Ed take over planning this?" Rye asked.
"Well it's actually a bunch of us. Ed is just the one we all go
to once we get things straightened out," Matt said then activated
his mic. "Ed it's Matt. Listen Cher and Steve Tyler will be
combining their acts and working with Spooky. Steve and Angel
will be doing a jam so let's get as many other instrumentalists
in on that and cut down the number of performances. Cher will
be performing a song for one of Angel and Beauty's dance numbers
as well. Contact her for the song since I haven't been able to
pin her down yet. She's still at Aerosmith's bus."
Everyone watched as Matt nodded to himself then said, "Okay
confirmed. Steve has a group he has been working with and
wants to sign to the firm to promote. Let's work them into
the night and give them a spot."
Angel was definitely feeling out of the loop and turned to Jill,
"Why do I feel like I have lost control of my company."
"It's just for now Angel. You guys need to focus on the concert,"
Andy said.
"There's our next stop," Matt nodded at another group of people
sitting outside a bus.
Jill's gasp and nervous swallow was clearly heard by all as
they approached Faith Hill and Tim McGraw with several other's.
"Hey all," Matt said.
"Hey Matt, Hey Andy," Tim said as he stood.
"I'd like to introduce Angel and Beauty and our friends Alex and
Hassan," Matt said.
"So nice to meet you," Faith said as she took Rye's hand.
"I am such a huge fan," Jill gushed then blushed. Rye smiled
and wished Mark had been there to see it.
"I'm happy to hear that. We weren't sure what our reception
would be here but everyone has been very nice," Faith said.
"Not sure of your reception?" Rye asked.
"Country mixing with Pop and Rock. Sometimes there are some ego
clashes," Tim explained.
"Well not here. In fact I can give you the names of at least a
half dozen rock and pop stars that are here that are dying to
meet you but scared to come meet the big superstars," Andy said.
"Really? Well do that then so we can go meet some of them. Oh
let me introduce our friends. This is Billy Gilman and these
are some of our backup singers and musicians and friends," Faith
said.
"I have heard you sing. You're amazing. I would be honored to
sing with you tonight," Rye said to Billy as he shook the young
man's hand and was treated to a shy smile and blush from the
young star.
"I'd be honored. I understand that this show is sort of just
one big jam session and we don't get to practice. Would you
mind if we do a song I am familiar with, I am nervous enough
being here," Billy asked.
"Actually I was hoping to sing 'Til I Can Make It On My Own'
with you," Rye said thinking quickly of the songs he had seen
the young man perform.
"Well I know the song of course but it's not really a duet,"
Billy said.
"We can do it. You just sing the way you normally do and I will
blend with you," Rye smiled reassuringly and it seemed to work.
"That would be great. Do you think I could sing with Westlife?
Or at least meet them?" Billy suddenly asked.
"As soon as they get back I will send them over to meet you or
have security bring you to our bus. What song would you like
to sing with them do you know?" Jill asked.
"Uptown Girl," Billy stated without hesitation then blushed again.
"He has a huge crush on Mark," Tim said.
"TIM!" both Faith and Billy shouted at the same time causing Tim
to wince and back up a step.
"Hey no problem. I have a huge crush on him as well," Rye laughed
and threw an arm around the young performer who was definitely
near to tears. "So no boyfriend yet?"
Billy didn't know what to do and looked like he either wanted to
cry or vomit or both. Finally he shook his head.
"Well don't worry about it. You're cute as hell and very talented.
You'll find someone someday," Rye said and rubbed Billy's shoulder.
"Nobody knows," Billy said and glared at Tim who seemed oblivious.
"And nobody will find out from anyone here. Wanta know a secret
that very few other people know?" Rye said, coming to a decision.
Billy nodded and Rye moved away from the group a bit.
"Me and Mark are together, you knew that. But Bry boy, Shane and
Nicky are also all three together in a very committed relationship.
It's not easy being gay and it's not easy being in the public eye
and it's damn near impossible to be both. At some point you may
have to decide between the two of them. That's what me and Mark
had to do. But I can tell you for a fact that you will find
someone and you will fall in love with them," Rye said and Billy
smiled and nodded.
"Tell ya what I'll do for ya. I'll keep my eyes open for any hot
young singers that I meet at my label and keep you updated," Rye
chuckled.
"Cool. I like blondes and green eyes. They don't have to be
singers or even famous but they have to be nice and be funny,"
Billy suddenly became quite animated and added, "Or maybe a
latin boy like Andy cuz he is really hot too."
"Well I don't think Matt will let you have Andy, but we will all
of us keep an eye out for someone for you," Rye chuckled.
"Wonder what they are talking about?" Faith said to Jill as she
turned to watch Rye and Billy who was now quite excited.
Jill laughed, "I think Angel has just been recruited to find
Billy a boyfriend."
"I wonder where Billy and Jesse are hanging out," Andy suddenly
said and turned to Matt, "Are they still with Alex and Carl?"
"What a great idea?" Jill said as Matt spoke into his headset.
"Billy and Jesse?" Faith asked.
"A couple of boys about Billy's age who are a couple. Sweet
boys who would probably love to hang out," Jill explained.
"They won't all get up to anything will they?" Tim asked.
Jill looked at the man and said, "Let's see three gay horny
teenage boys. Nah they won't do anything at all."
Both Jill and Faith rolled their eyes and laughed as Tim looked
flustered and shook his head.
In no time at all Billy and Jesse ran up to the group holding
hands. Introductions were made and a quick word said to Billy
and Jesse before the new trio ran off together, all three now
holding hands.
"We probably will not want to know right?" Tim asked.
"I wouldn't," Jill agreed.
"Yeah me either. And no need to. Billy is a smart boy and won't
let himself get into trouble," Faith said.
"And Billy and Jesse are great kids as well. It's all gonna be
fine. Looking forward to tonight. We gotta take off," Matt
said as he began to move the group away.
The rest of the morning went this way. The group of six moving
through the compound and meeting dozens of celebrities. Rye and
Jill were slightly surprised at the names that had come to show
support. Particularly by the number of Blues and Jazz performers
who had come at B.B.'s call and not Corey's. They all wanted a
chance to play with the Angel of Blues as B.B. had dubbed Rye.
Alex and Hassan were starstruck the entire time. Matt and Andy
seemed to be in charge and took everything coolly.
Just before noon Jesse and the two Billy's were met by the group
as they were coming out of one of the tour buses. Rye smiled
widely while Billy Gilman blushed but looked very happy.
"Everything okay?" Rye asked softly.
"Yeah great. I just made two wonderful friends and they have a
friend who lives near where I live they are gonna introduce me
to. For now it will do," Billy said and shrugged happily.
"Sex is fun but it pales next to love. Just remember that.
Nothing wrong with fooling around but don't give up your search
for love," Rye said and was treated to another blush.
"Yeah it is fun. That was my first time. But it was nice and
got rid of any doubts I might have had. Still I know in my heart
I want what they have together, which is love," Billy said.
"You're pretty smart for so young. I can help you keep in touch
with each other as often as you want so that you at least have
some buddies around to relieve some of the stress every now and
then," Rye smiled and was rewarded with a smile in return.
The boys all took off then running and shouting and generally
being teenagers.
- Backstreet Bus -
"Hey D," Nick said as he stepped onto the bus.
"Hey Nick," Howie smiled and reached out to take Spooky from
Nick's shoulders.
"Hi Unca Howie," Spooky said gleefully and made no pretense about
inhaling deeply of Howie.
"Hey Spooky boy," Howie replied and held the boy close to receive
a hug and kiss and return it. Howie smiled as he felt and heard
the little boy sniff him.
"Is everybody here?" Nick asked nervously.
"Yep in the lounge. AJ just got up and I think Kevin and Brian
are still in sweatpants," Howie answered then saw Nick's
nervousness and glanced between him and Corey. With an intuitive
leap he suddenly realised what was about to happen.
"Oh wow," Howie half whispered.
"What?" Nick asked then saw the look on Howie's face and knew
Howie had it figured out.
"Hey that's so cool Nick. You two are awesome together. I am
so happy for you both," Howie said.
"Well that was easy. Now if the others can just suddenly become
psychic we won't have to do this at all," Corey joked.
"No. You have to tell them Unca Nick. Unca Bwian is gonna be
weally weally mad but I will help," Spooky said.
Nick looked ready to cry. This was suddenly too real and
happening too fast. He wanted to turn and run but Corey
stepped in behind him and slipped his arm around Nick's waist
just as the door to the lounge opened and AJ stepped through.
"Hey guys, hey little buddy," AJ smiled then his eyes fell on
Corey's arm around Nick and his eyes widened a bit.
"Or we could just stand here until they all come in at some
point and figure it out," Corey rolled his eyes.
Nick turned and glared at Corey. "This isn't a joke," he said
angrily.
"I know baby, but so far this is just going all wrong and you
have to admit..." Corey began but was cut off.
"Baby? You two are together?" Kevin asked as he stepped around
AJ.
"Oh fuck," Nick said and sat down heavily.
"Hey it's cool. I always figured you were gay," Kevin paused
then added, "Brian's gonna be pissed though,"
"Pissed about what?" Brian said coming into the room.
Nick groaned and Corey couldn't help but giggle at the comedy
of errors.
"Sorry but this couldn't have gone worse if we had planned it,"
Corey said as he pushed Nick over on the seat and sat down beside
Nick, leaning very intimately against him.
"What's going on?" Brian asked again as his eyes narrowed a bit
seeing how close Corey sat next to Nick.
"Spooky let's go play Playstation," Howie said as he saw the look
on Brian's face.
"Nope," Spooky said, "Hafta stay."
Howie looked at the little boy and was surprised at the
determination in his voice.
"I said what's going on?" Brian asked again.
"Well it's like this Bri. Me and Corey, we're together," Nick
said weakly and swallowed, trying hard not to throw up. All
his confidence had gone right out the window.
"What the fuck do you mean you're together. You mean you're a
fucking faggot?" Brian said and everyone was surprised by the
unconcealed hatred.
"Brian!" Kevin said sounding shocked.
"What? You can't tell me you approve of this abomination. What
did this faggot do to you to make you think you are homosexual
Nick?" Brian asked glaring at Corey.
"He didn't do anything to me except give me unconditional love,"
Nick shouted back. When Brian had attacked Corey all of Nick's
fear had suddenly turned to anger.
"I'll bet he did," Brian sneered lewdly.
Nick rose up anrily, "You don't say shit about him like that
again."
Corey placed a hand on Nick's arm. Brian glanced at this and his
eyes flared. In an angry rush he swung at Corey and landed a
glancing blow before running to the back lounge.
"Corey," Nick said with worry and pulled his lover to him.
"I'm fine, he barely touched me," Corey said.
"Okay now I have to go talk to Unca Bwian," Spooky said.
"No," everyone said at once.
"Yes. Now he has to listen to me so things will be okay," Spooky
wriggled out of Howie's arms and landed on the floor and was back
in the lounge before anyone could stop him.
- The Voice of Angels -
Brian sat on the sofa his head in his hands. He heard the door
open.
"Get the fuck out and leave me alone," he hissed.
He was surprised when he saw tiny running shoes on the floor in
front of him and felt a small hand on his arm.
"Spooky?" Brian said as he raised his tear filled eyes to look
at the little boy, "You shouldn't be here."
"But I love you Unca Bwian and the angels said to come and talk
to you," Spooky said.
"The angels?" Brian asked.
Spooky nodded.
"How come you hate Unca Nick and Unca Cowey and Westboys and me?"
Spooky asked as he climbed into Brian's lap.
"I don't hate any of them and not you. But Nick is doing
something wrong and God says I have to hate what he is
doing," Brian answered.
Spooky shook his head, "You'we wong Unca Bwian. You let othew
people tell you bad things and don't listen to the angels in
youw heawt."
"You're too little to understand," Brian said as he began to
rock the little boy.
"Nope. Wemember when you wewe in the hospital and almost died?"
Spooky asked.
Brian turned and looked at the little boy with surprise. Nobody
really knew about the time in the hospital, how close he came to
actually dying.
"They wewe fixing youw heawt and you almost died. When you
did an angel came and held youw hand. Do you wemembew?" Spooky
asked.
Brian's eyes widened. He had never told anybody about that
except the other Backstreet Boys, not even his family. After
he had recovered he had put the whole thing off as some sort of
dream or hallucination brought on by the drugs and loss of blood.
"The angel said that God was giving you anothew chance. He was
fixing youw heawt so you could leawn about love. This is youw
time Unca Bwian. This is what God was saving you fow. Those
people awe wong. It's okay fow Unca Nick and Unca Cowey to love
each othew. And Unca Wye and Unca Mawk. And Unca Bwyan and Unca
Sane and Unca Nicky. And me. Did you come hewe because you love
Unca Nick or because you want to kill Unca Nick like those bad
men?" Spooky asked.
Brian had stared to cry again. This little boy was telling him
things that he shouldn't know. That he couldn't know.
"You? You're gay? You're too young to know that. You can
change," Brian said.
Spooky shook his head, "I know things the angels tell me. One
day thewe is gonna be an accident and a little boy is gonna lose
his mommy and daddy and Unca Bwyan is gonna be his new daddy and
I am gonna be his boyfwend."
"But it's wrong," Brian said.
"Why?" Spooky asked.
"Cuz God says so," Brian replied.
"Do you speak to God?" Spooky asked.
"No but the Bible says so. Everybody says so," Brian answered.
"But what does God say?" Spooky asked.
"I don't know. Do you know? Does he speak to you?" Brian asked.
"Do you wemembew the name of the angel who held youw hand?" Spooky
asked.
Brian nodded.
"Nathaniel says you sould listen to me. God is in youw heawt
Unca Bwian. You sould decide fow youwself and not let othew
people tell you what God says. Inside youw heawt you know
what is weally wight," Spooky said. He kissed Brian on the
cheek and left him there, walking back to the front of the bus.
- Briefly in the front of the bus -
Spooky walked in and was once again picked up by Howie.
"Well how did it go?" AJ asked.
Everybody looked at Spooky and never questioned why they suddenly
put all their faith in the little boy.
"I got him weady," Spooky said.
"Ready? Ready for what?" Nick asked.
"A visit," Spooky said and looked back at the lounge.
Everyone suddenly stood and looked at the back of the bus.
"Really?" AJ asked in a quiet and awe-filled voice
Spooky nodded.
- A Visitor -
Brian had fallen to the floor after the boy had left. He was so
confused. All his life he had been told it was wrong. But he
loved Nick. He was his brother and best friend. And the others,
they were all good people. And that little boy, surely he wasn't
a sinner condemned to hell.
"Hello Brian," a voice filled with love said.
Brian looked up into eyes that held compassion and understanding.
"Nathaniel?" Brian asked as he once again looked into the eyes
of his guardian angel.
"It's time to make a choice Brian," Nathaniel said.
"A choice?" Brian asked.
"You know the two paths and you must make a choice," the angel
spoke.
"Which one is right?" Brian asked.
"I can't tell you that. Maybe neither is absolutely right. But
the choice you make now you will have to live with," Nathaniel
said.
"What if I choose wrong?" Brian asked.
"Then I will walk your path with you until you come to His arms.
He will either send you back to learn your lessons again or He
will bring you to His love," Nathaniel said.
"If I choose wrong I get sent back? I don't go to Hell?" Brian
asked.
"There is no Hell Brian. This is a Truth I am allowed to share
with you at this time, this most important time when you must
choose. The Bible is a record of things given to man from angels
like myself, but they were given to men Brian. Men who can make
mistakes and who have their own motives. A soul is sent to Earth
to experience things and share them with the other souls. If you
do not experience the things you set out to then you return. The
only hell there is is this one here on Earth that has been created
to test souls," Nathaniel said.
"The Bible is wrong?" Brian asked.
"Wrong? Not wrong so much as flawed. Not flawed by God but by
centuries of men using it for their own purposes," Nathaniel
replied.
Brian thought for a long time then asked, "Who is Spooky?"
This time it was Nathaniel who paused, then finally, "Spooky is
a soul, like you, who came here to experience things. But he is
also touched by God in a special way and where most souls have
one or two angels to guide their steps and watch over them, Spooky
has legions upon legions of angels who follow him and guide him.
He has a very large role to play when he gets older and he will
play a part in something so large that all of heaven has awaited
it for millenia. Of these things I cannot speak more."
"I've been a fool haven't I?" Brian asked.
"No. God gave you a wonderful gift. Free will. The choices
are yours. Sometimes souls come here to experience the mistakes
they make. Whether this is a mistake or not is not known to you
or me. But the choice is yours Brian and yours alone. And it's
time to make that choice," Nathaniel said.
"Am I going to remember any of this or will I forget it like last
time?" Brian asked.
"You will remember passing out from stress and remember vaguely
talking to me. That is all. But in your heart from now on you
will always know and be aware that no matter what your choices
are you will always have an angel by your side to watch over you
and be with you," Nathaniel said.
Brian nodded and sighed, "Then I guess my decision is made."
Nathaniel nodded and reached out a hand filled with light and it
passed into Brian's skull.
- Back up front -
"It's ovew," Spooky said as he turned to look at the door that
opened a few moments later.
Everyone looked at Brian, looked to see some sign of his
experience. He really looked like shit. He walked to them
and stood looking at the table top and would not meet their
eyes.
"The Bible says homosexuality is a sin. The Church says it's a
sin. All my life I have known it was a sin. But all my life I
have been told and believed that God is love. And now those two
things which I have known and believed all my life are clashing
and I am so confused inside. And I have to figure out what is
right and what is wrong and I don't know how to do that. I think
that maybe I can't put all my trust in a book written thousands
of years ago and translated so many times by fallible men who had
their own agendas and purposes. I think I must listen to my heart
instead," Brian stopped and everyone could see the intense
struggle he was going through.
Nobody said anything or even moved, they just waited.
"I think," Brian started then stopped again then began again
in a stronger voice, "I believe I have been wrong. I believe
that we are all loved by God and that the gift of love that
God has given us, no matter what form it takes, is good. I'm
sorry and I ask you to forgive me and be my friends again."
Brian was rushed by his friends so quickly he was almost bowled
over.
"Oh Brian thank you," Nick said as he hugged his friend.
"When it came down to it there was really only one choice I could
make," Brian said.
"I'm so happy for you cuz," Kevin said as he also hugged Brian.
"Brian, I would like to introduce you to Corey James, the man I
love and who loves me. He makes me happy Brian and I want to
spend the rest of my life with him," Nick said as he pulled
Corey forward.
"Hi Corey. I'm Brian, but you can call me asshole," Brian joked
nervously.
"I think Bri is good. You mean so much to Nick and I am very
happy you two will be friends again," Corey said.
"So what happened back there?" AJ asked.
"The stress just got to me and I blacked out I guess. When I
came to I just realized that maybe I have been wrong all this
time. I remember talking to Spooky and then I passed out and I
remember having a talk with someone in my dreams then I woke up
and things just seemed clearer," Brian said although you could
see in his eyes he felt this part was particularly unclear.
Everyone looked at him then at Spooky.
"You made a good choice Unca Bwian. Did you see an angel?"
Spooky asked, nudging Brian's mind just enough to remember.
"What? No," Brian looked confused for a moment, "Well maybe.
Remember when I was in the hospital and said I saw an angel,
well I think the same thing happened just now."
Brian seemed to remember none of his conversation with Spooky and
his angelic visitor seemed to be part of a dream.
"You told us you saw an angel in your dreams yeah," Nick said.
"I think it happened again," Brian said in awe, "I think I spoke
to an angel. I...I think maybe my guardian angel helped me."
Everyone smiled and clapped him on the shoulder or hugged him.
"I think so too. I am so happy for you cuz," Kevin said.
"You don't think I'm losing my mind or something? You believe
me?" Brian asked feeling both embarrassed and excited.
"Of course we believe you. Dude your angel spoke to you. That
is so cool. Even if you can't remember it all, it's still so
awesome," AJ gushed. Nobody but the other members of the band
knew just how deeply spiritual AJ was and nobody knew that he
had met his own angels during his troubled times with drugs and
alcohol.
The group went back to the lounge and sat together happily
chatting about their past adventures, mostly telling Corey
some really embarrassing stories about Nick. Corey, being
the wonderful boyfriend he was told his own embarrassing
stories. The two sat together and held hands. Every now
and then Brian would look at them as they smiled at each
other or squeezed each other's hand and he would smile. At
first they were small smiles but as time went on they got
bigger until he was smiling constantly.
By the time Nick and Corey decided to leave and take Spooky
back to the bus Brian was back to the happy go lucky man that
none of them had seen for years.
Outside the Backstreet bus and on their way back to the Westlife
bus Nick spoke to Spooky.
"Are you able to tell us what happened?"
"No," Spooky said simply.
"Okay. Thanks though Spooky, I think you did a good thing. And
next time you are speaking to Brian's angel you can thank him for
me," Nick said.
"He says youw welcome," Spooky replied, his arms wrapped around
the top of Nick's head as Nick carried him to the bus.
Nick and Corey smiled at each other. Neither one of them
doubted that Spooky had just returned their thank you's from
Brian's angel, didn't doubt it for even a moment.
- Bryans Song -
Bryan sat at the piano, a tear rolled off his cheek and landed
on his arm but he seemed to not notice. The last note finally
faded away and he turned to look at his bandmates. Not one of
them was not crying. They all sat there just staring at Bryan,
not saying a word, almost not even breathing.
Finally Bryan could not stand it anymore, "Is it awful?"
That was what broke them and they flung themselves at him and
all began to sob as they petted him and kissed him and stroked
his hair and arms lovingly.
It was Kian who finally spoke first, "Our Bry boy, oh our Bry boy
I can't believe how incredibly beautiful and perfect and amazing
that was. Rye is gonna be a basket case we will have to have it
be the very last thing."
Mark kept kissing Bryan, "Oh my God Bryan you love him so much.
Angel was right, you put it all into your song. It's one of the
most beautiful things I have ever heard. Thank you so much
Bryan for loving Rye."
"It's okay then? Really?" Bryan asked, still feeling unsure
and vulnerable.
"I will tell you our beautiful lover. It is so perfect that I
am beginning to wonder if there are two angels here, Rye and
you, because that song is so inspired it could only have been
written by someone sent from God. So if you aren't a real angel
then God is sure speaking through you," Shane said and kissed
Bryan sweetly.
Bryan breathed a deep sigh as Shane released him, "Phew I am so
glad it's good. Okay well I was working on the voices and I
thought Shane Boyo would sing the first verse and I would sing
the second and we all harmonize on the chorus. I hate to have
to choose but there are only two verses and I want to sing the
second."
Everyone looked at him and smiled.
"Are you kidding. We would be happy just to be on stage with
you and let you sing the whole thing. Too bad we don't have a
choir to sing the last chorus with us. It would make it sound,
I don't know, heavenly," Nicky said.
"We can arrange for it. I have Matt, Andy and Jay getting some
of the back up singers for the performers that are here to come
in and give us a hand," Ed said and walked onto the stage from
behind a curtain.
"You heard?" Shane asked.
Ed walked to Bryan and embraced him tightly.
After a few moments Bryan squeaked out, "I can't breathe Ed."
Ed started and released Bryan then smiled and punched him
lightly, "Smartass."
Everyone laughed. Soon there were about 2 dozen backup singers
standing around as they were taught their parts. Once again after
it was over there was not a dry eye in the house. Everyone
congratulated Bryan.
- Everyone Back at the Bus -
Rye and his group were walking towards the bus from one direction
as the boys were approaching from the opposite direction. Mark's
eyes got wide and he threw his head back and laughed as he ran to
Rye and sweeped him up into his arms and kissed him passionately.
"Wow what was that for?" Rye asked as he finally was allowed to
breathe again.
"Bryan's song is amazing and I just needed to hold you. And it's
just so wonderful to be able to do that in public. It was cool
wasn't it?" Mark chuckled.
"It was incredible my love. Shall we let all those people staring
at us feel what real love feels like?" Rye asked as he nodded in
the general direction of the other gathered celebrities.
Mark turned and saw that a lot of people had turned to look at
the couple and where openly smiling. Mark turned back to Rye
and nodded then placed his hand over his lover's heart and let
his head fall forward to gently rest on Rye's forehead.
Almost immediately the aura of love spread outward and it's effect
was noticeable as it spread across the compound. All conversation
stopped and it was a long time after the boys entered their bus
before it began again. The boys of Backstreet sat on the lawn
chairs outside their bus with their mouths open and tears were
visibly falling from Brian's eyes.
"Hey guys," Mark said as Corey and Nick woke up. They had been
lying on the couch together with Spooky sprawled out across them.
"Hi," Corey yawned and stretched.
"Hey Spooky boy," Bryan said happily as he picked up the boy,
"How did it go? Were you able to help Brian?"
"Hey how did you know?" Nick asked.
"He told us this morning. That's why Bry boy put him in your
arms as you were leaving. So how did it go?" Shane asked.
"It turned out okay but it was pretty bad," Nick said and a tear
escaped as his emotions came forward again.
"Hey my boys, let's cuddle up," Rye said as he sat down next to
Nick and pulled him close. The others all quickly took places
around the couch and reached to touch and caress either Nick or
Corey.
Just as Corey placed a kiss on Nick's lips the room filled with
Jesse and the two Billy's.
"Ohh," Billy Gilman said and everyone turned to see the wide eyed
teen with his mouth still o-shaped.
"Hey Billy come on in and meet the boys. Of course you must keep
your hands to yourself as they are all spoken for and I guess you
now see that Nick and Corey are also spoken for," Rye said by way
of letting Billy know about the couple but also clueing everyone
else in on Billy.
"Dangit how come all the really hot gay boys are already taken,"
Billy said and put his hands on his hips and looked pissed.
Everyone paused a moment then broke out into laughter.
"Hey don't worry about it Billy you'll get a boyfriend soon
enough," Bryan said and pulled the boy down to sit between
him and Mark.
"Yeah he will he is awesome. Really funny and a real hoot to be
with," Jesse said as he sat in a very surprised Kian's lap.
"And he learns real quick, doncha Billy?" Billy asked and wiggled
his eyebrows.
"You guys were careful right?" Jill asked.
"Of course. Just a little jerking off and some oral," Jesse said.
Billy was once again blushing furiously and looked like he wanted
to die.
"Just be careful Billy. Remember that sex is nice but love is
awesome," Mark said as he pulled the boy close and hugged him.
"Hey that's what Angel said too," Billy Gilman said.
"Yeah we told him all about how we were doing it wrong and just
fucking. We told him about how our cousins taught us all about
what love really means. The sex was cool but it was just sex
between friends and nothing can beat love," Jesse said.
"Billy is gonna sing a song with me and would like to sing with
you guys. You think you could sing Uptown Girl with him tonight?"
Rye asked.
"Awesome possum," Bryan said and placed a gentle kiss on Billy
Gilman's cheek.
"Hello?" a voice called into the bus.
"Brian?" Nick said softly and looked to the front of the bus.
"Come on in Brian," Rye shouted out.
Brian came in and looked at the scene and blushed.
"Hiya," he said softly.
"Hi Unca Bwian," Spooky said happily.
"Hiya Spooky," Brian smiled and everyone saw him become more at
ease.
"How can we help you Brian?" Rye asked.
"I guess Nick told you about it all," Brian said.
"Nope. We hadn't gotten to that yet. Would you rather he didn't?"
Jill asked.
"No it's okay. I guess I wanted to come and tell you myself,"
Brian answered.
Brian sat down beside Nick after Rye moved a bit to allow some
room on the now crowded couch. Everyone listened intently to
Brian and Nick as the story was told. Brian even included his
"dream" about the angel. When he did all the boys looked at
Spooky and knew that somehow Spooky had done something really
wonderful.
"Thanks for sharing that with us Brian. I am very happy things
worked out well," Rye said.
"I guess I am straight with the boys and Nick and Corey, I mean..
....I meant that things are okay with us now," Brian blushed.
"We knew what ya meant buddy," Bryan said as he cuddled Shane and
Brian's eyes open wide.
"Whoops. We keep doing that," Nicky giggled then leaned over and
kissed both Bryan and Shane.
"Woohoo us too," Billy kissed Jesse then they both moved to kiss
Billy Gilman.
"Wow. Okay," Brian seemed to not know where to look.
"Come on guys. Brian just admitted some very heavy things he
went through let's try not to upset him by being too over the
top. Those three are in a very committed relationship Brian
and those three are just horny teenagers," Rye said.
"Actually Jesse and me are in a committed relationship too and
Billy here just needed someone to hang with and have some fun,"
Billy said.
Brian nodded and sighed, "It's still so new to me but I saw how
much Corey and Nick are so much in love and then I saw and felt
you two....."
Brian had drifted off as he looked at Mark and Rye.
"It's too beautiful isn't it?" Shane said softly as he gazed
with love at Rye and Mark.
Brian nodded.
"If nothing else Brian, that had to let you know that their love,
my love, is right," Nick said softly.
Brian nodded again, "It's right from God isn't it. It has to be."
"That's why we call him our Angel. We are convinced he is a real
Angel from God," Bryan said.
Rye laughed, "Well my Bry boy thinks that anyway."
Brian looked at the faces around him as did Rye and a sudden
surprise crossed his face.
"I think we all sort of believe it my Angel," Mark said and Rye
saw all the boys nod their heads.
The talk between the various friends lasted for some time. Brian
left a little bit later after breaking down when Rye said he had
a special song for Brian. A few other celebs showed up. Hassan
and Alex came in again and were with a very excited Pink who had
fallen in love with Hassan and his accent. The boys all left with
Pink after a bit and Hassan and Alex left to visit with Cher and
took Spooky with them. Soon it was almost time for the concert
to begin.
"Angel? We are just about ready to head inside. We though it
would be kind of cool to bring the guests together and just sort
of do something together before the concert began," Andy said.
Rye looked around and saw that everyone thought this was a good
idea. The group got up and went outside to find that everyone
had gathered together in front of the bus. Celebrities, band
members, security, friends and family of celebrities, everyone
was there. There was at least 250 people. Ed handed a mic to
Rye that was hooked up to a speaker system on the bus.
"Hi everybody. I just want to thank you all for showing up. I
guess I also owe Corey a big thank you for putting this together
since I have been informed he is the trouble maker that brought
you all here," Rye said and there were chuckles from the crowd.
"I can't begin to tell you all what this means to us. I know
some of you are a little freaked out about the way this was
all put together with no time to practice and some of you
performing together for the first time. I want to just say
that this concert is not like our others. We don't care about
polish and professional. Tonight is about having fun and being
here for each other. So I just want to say that if you screw
up tonight nobody is gonna care, least of all us, we are just so
thankful and happy you are here," Rye said.
Mark took the mic from Rye, "I just want to add to what my Angel
has said. I think that you all deserve a huge thanks but even
more so does Corey. Let's hear it for Corey please."
Everyone applauded and hooted and cheered as Corey blushed.
"I have no idea what you all put him through when he called and
asked you to show up here but I want your solemn promise that
you will treat him right from now on because he is a very special
friend to us all and a wonderful loving caring man and you could
do a lot worse to have him as your friend and as someone on your
side in the media," Mark finished.
Again loud cheers. Nobody knew it at that moment but Corey's
actions had worked to solidify him as a friend to the stars
and he was from that night on sought out by the stars and he
never had to run after a celebrity again for an interview.
"It has become a tradition before our concerts to begin with a
particular song. This song seems to embody how we all feel for
each other. Please now join us," Mark said and handed the mic
back to Rye.
Rye began the song and was soon joined by everyone gathered.
When it was over the group moved en masse into the venue.
- The Concert -
The lights went down in the stadium, the spotlight hit the stage,
the crowd roared to its feet as a figure strode to the centre of
the stage.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Corey James
and welcome to the final concert of the Westlife tour. Tonight
is special in some very important ways. First off we have some
very special guests that have come to show support for our boys.
Second this concert is being broadcast live on MTV to several
countries and will be recorded for future broadcast. It is
also being viewed at this very moment live in over 53 different
stadiums, arenas and parks across the country. Tonights live
audience in parks, stadiums and watching on tv is estimated at
over 200 million. How do you all feel about that?" Corey asked.
The crowd roared again. Backstage Rye looked at Mark and Jill
in surprise and saw the surprise echoed in their eyes. The boys
were off somewhere getting ready to open the show with one of
the guests.
"Okay so who should we have to get this party started? How
about......PINK!!!" Corey shouted.
Pink strutted onto the stage as the lights flashed and the music
flared:
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
Get this party started on a Saturday night
Everybody's waitin for me to arrive
Sendin' out the message to all of my friends
We'll be lookin flashy in my Mercedes Benz
I got lotsa style, check my gold diamond rings
I can go for miles if you know what I mean
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
Pumpin up the volume, breakin down to the beat
Cruisin' through the west side
We'll be checkin' the scene
Boulevard is freakin' as I'm comin' up fast
I'll be burnin' rubber, you'll be kissin' my ass
Pull up to the bumper, get out of the car
License plate says Stunner #1 Superstar
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
Get this party started
Makin my connection as I enter the room
Everybody's chillin as I set up the groove
Pumpin' up the volume with this brand new beat
Everybody's dancin and their dancin for me
I'm your operator, you can call anytime
I'll be your connection to the party line
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
Get this party started
Get this party started right now
Get this party started
Get this party started
Get this party started right now
Corey, applauding, strode to the center of the stage where he got
a hug from Pink.
"Wow! Now that's the way to start a show. Let's hear it for
Pink," Corey shouted and the crowd responded.
"Thanks Corey. It's not the way I wanted to start the show
though. I wanted to get my girls together and do our number
from Moulin Rouge but unfortunately someone else was already
doing that number," Pink smiled then looked right into the
cameras.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the Moulin Rouge,"
Backstage Rye and Mark looked at each other and mouthed the
words "No shit!" to each other at the same time.
The crowd went nuts as the curtain opened to Westlife in drag.
As at Friends and Family, Shane was taking Mya's part, Bryan
was Pink, Kian was L'il Kim and Nicky was Christina.
Where's all my souls sisters
Let me hear ya flow sisters
Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister (oh)
Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister
He met Marmalade down in old Moulin Rouge
Struttin' her stuff on the street (street)
She said, "Hello, hey Joe, you wanna give it a go?" (woah)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
(Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister)
He sat in her boudoir while she freshened up
(Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister)
Boy drank all that Magnolia wine
Upon her black satin sheets
I swear he started to freak yeah
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
We come through with the money and the garter belt
Let 'em know we got that cake
Straight up the gate
We independent women, some mistakes us for whores
I'm sayin` why spend mine when I can spend yours
Disagree? Well that's you and I'm sorry
I'm a keep playing these cats out like Atari
High heeled shoes getting love from the dudes
Four bad ass chicks from the Moulin Rouge
Hey sisters, soul sisters
Better get that dough sisters
We drink wine with diamonds in the glass
By the case the meaning of expensive taste
You wanna gitchie, gitchie, ya ya (come on)
Mocha Chocolata what?
Creole Lady Marmalade
(One more time c'mon)
Marmalade (ooh)
Lady Marmalade (ooh yeah)
Marmalade (ooh, hey hey hey)
Touch of her skin feeling silky smooth, hey
Colour of café au lait (all right)
Made the savage beast inside roar until he cried
More (more) more (more) more (more)
Now he's back home doin' 9 to 5 (9 to 5)
Livin' the grey flannel life (oh pity)
But when he turns off to sleep memories creep
More (more) more (more) more (more)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
Christina (oh yeah ooh)
Pink (Lady Marmalade)
Lil' Kim (hey hey uh uh uh uh uh uh uh)
Mya (oh oh ooooh)
Rot wilder baby (baby)
Moulin Rouge
Misdemeanour here
Creole Lady Marmalade ooh yes
The crowd couldn't decide whether to laugh, cheer or applaud.
The boys had decided on giggling as they approached a near
hysterical Corey at center stage.
"Wow that was...wow," Corey wheezed out.
"Hey tonight is about being with our friends and having fun and
this was a blast," Bryan said and Corey completely lost it as he
looked at Bryan in drag.
"Okay well up next we have something a little calmer and something
very special. We are proud to be able to introduce our Angel who
is singing a very special song for us. Ladies and gentlemen,
Angel," Shane said.
Rye walked out onto the stage to the thunderous applause and
waited for the audience to calm.
"I want to thank you all for coming as well as all the celebrities
and their friends and families who have shown up here to make our
last concert so special. I also want to thank a very very dear
and close friend who I can honestly say that we all love very
much, Corey James. Can I please have you show your love for
Corey," Rye said and was rewarded with much applause.
When it had died down Rye continued, "This next song is for a
very special someone who had a bit of an epiphany today. This
song is one of his favourite songs. Some may think it doesn't
fit in at a pop concert since it is a hymn. But I think when
you consider some of the reasons behind tonight's concert you
will find it is very fitting. This hymn is called How Great
Thou Art.
"Can I have all the lights out please with just the one stage
light in front of me on. I would like you all to look up into
the heavens once the lights are out," Rye instructed.
One by one the lights went out leaving just a single stage light
which Rye stood in front of. Rye could see every head in the
audience crane to look at the sky above which had just faded
into the darkness after sunset, a few bright stars just becoming
visible. Backstage Brian Littrell took a few steps onto the
stage and was focused on Rye and not the sky. Rye began:
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works Thy Hand hath made;
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then shall I bow, in humble adoration,
And there proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art
The crowd was absolutely still, not a sound could be heard.
Brian stood quietly with tears running down his face. He
didn't flinch as Nick and Corey approached him from either
side and pulled him into their arms.
"You okay Brian?" Corey asked softly.
"Is he really an Angel? I mean could he really be one?" Brian
asked.
Nobody answered, instead they all stood there staring at the man
known as Angel as he sang of God's love and wonders. He turned
and left the stage and saw Brian with Nick and Corey. He came to
them and pulled Brian into a hug.
"Faith is in your heart Brian not in what some preacher tells
you. That song was for you so that you know just what God is
really all about," Rye said and held Brian as he once again
broke down. He moved him to behind the curtains as Corey once
again took the stage and the lights came back up.
"Ladies and Genlemen, our Angel," Corey said simply to the
suddenly thunderous applause. After it died down Corey continued.
"Now our next guests are going to perform something pretty special.
Ladies and gentlemen our very special guest Spooky along with Cher
and Steve performing Walk This Way," Corey applauded as the lights
went up to the two stars and Spooky in his white outfit.
Although the lyrics were inappropriate in a huge way to be
singing with Spooky, it didn't matter since the little boy
was concentrating on strutting across the stage and singing
along with the chorus. What was just as much fun to watch
was the way Steve and Cher smiled and giggled as the little
boy danced, skipped and strutted across the stage. When it
was over the two stars stayed at the back and let Spooky take
the bows.
"Hi audience. Thanks fow coming," Spooky said excitedly and
waved.
--Hi Spooky-- The audience responded and the little boy nearly
floated offstage.
"Let's hear it for Spooky!" Corey shouted completely ignoring
Cher and Steve Tyler. The audience went nuts. Offstage Cher
and Steve were all smiles and totally unconcerned at the lack
of attention on them.
"Did you heaw them say my name Mistew Steve?" Spooky asked as he
held out his arms to be picked up.
"Sure did little buddy, you were amazing. Next tour I go on I
am bringing you with me how's that sound?" Steve asked.
Spooky thought about it for a minute, "You'we just kidding but
that's okay. I like you."
And with those words and a hug around the neck Spooky added
another celebrity to his list of honorary aunts and uncles.
Next to them Auntie Cher smiled happily.
Back onstage Corey was introducing the backup group of Steve's
who were going to perform one of Aerosmith's songs. The night
continued on for many more hours but it went by much too quickly
for the celebrities. Backstreet performed their song "The Perfect
Fan", the boys deciding to dedicate their performances to Brian
after his harrowing day. Billy and Rye performed together
followed immediately by Billy with the boys. Faith and Tim
performed Faith's song "There You'll Be" to which Jill and Rye
danced. Then Jill and Rye did another latin number. Nick
performed his song "I Got You" again but was introduced by a
teary Brian who made sure everyone knew just how proud he was
of his friend Nick. There was "The Big Jam" as it came to be
referred to later that starred over 20 blues and jazz greats
and lasted for an hour on its own. This jam session was recorded
on video, dvd and cd and became one of the top selling blues and
jazz albums of all times.
Finally though the night was coming to an end with only one
performance to go. The curtain raised to a piano with Bryan
sitting at it with the other four boys standing around the piano.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Our final performance tonight is a new
song written by Bryan McFadden and performed tonight for the
first time by Westlife. Here is Bryan to introduce it," Corey
said softly and left the stage.
"You all have probably heard about how Angel came into our lives.
Shane, Nicky, Kian and myself were doubly lucky that night. We
did not lose our brother Mark and he is now closer to us than ever
before and we found our Angel. It's hard to explain just how much
our Angel means to us. We can try to explain to you how hard life
is for us out on the road. How we worry about our safety all the
time. How we can never be sure if someone is there to be our
friend or to use us for their own purposes. So when Angel came
into our lives it changed us all. Never before had we felt such
unconditional love and returned it to someone so willingly.
Although our Angel is our Mark Fella's love he is also our love.
He has become so much a part of us all that none of us can even
think of our life without him in it."
The boys all had lumps in their throats as Bryan spoke from his
heart of their love for Angel. They all briefly wondered if he
might go too far and say too much about their relationships but
they all came to the same decision that they didn't care if he
did. They also realized as he continued that he was intentionally
using their pet names for each other as he spoke, making this
something personal between them all.
"So some time back our Angel came to me and said 'Bry boy I want
you to write a song for me. I know you can do it cuz Shane Boyo
said you could write. I started to cry because he had such faith
in me, such unquestionable faith, and I was scared I wouldn't be
able to put into words all the love I had for him. But Nicky Love
and Kian Sweets along with Fella and Boyo all gave me their
strength and love and support and I secretly wrote this song.
Today I sang it to them all for the first time and I made them cry.
So I want to bring our Angel out so that we can sing to him of our
love. When it's done I am afraid none of us will be able to
continue because this song touches our emotions in a very deep way.
So we will say thank you and good night now. And now please
welcome back to the stage our true Angel," Bryan finished.
Rye walked onto the stage and went to each boy and hugged them and
held them long. He whispered words into each of their ears and
kissed them all on the neck or cheek and Mark on the lips. Behind
the group the made up choir filed in.
"Ladies and gentlemen......Angel," Bryan stated and began the song.
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There's always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
Oh weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of the Angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escape one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees
In the arms of the Angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
Some comfort here
The song ended and Rye was suddenly in the arms of his boys
as he sobbed without restraint. The audience was completely
silent as they watched this moment. Finally Matt came on
stage and took Rye up in his arms and carred him off with
the boys following behind. There was not a dry eye in the
stadium or any of the other stadiums, parks or living rooms
where this was being watched.
As the group made it's way silently to the buses they were
followed by their other friends and visiting celebrities who
were also silent as if afraid to break this moment. Once on
the bus Matt set Rye down on the sofa where he was immediately
surrounded by his boys. Rye's hand reached out and stroked
Bryan's face who smiled through his tears. Rye turned and
smiled a watery smile at Mark who smiled back.
"Let's go home our Angel," Mark whispered and Rye nodded.
....THE END....
**Disclaimers**
Okay all songs, poems, lyrics, words etcetera used in this
story belong to their respective authors. Many times in the
story I gave credit to a song to someone other than the
correct artist. This was done for literary purposes only
and was not meant to detract any from the rightful owner.
The original characters are products of my own imagination
and any similarity to other fictional characters or any real
persons is strictly coincidental.
**Thank You's**
My thanks go out first of all to all the readers of my story.
I enjoyed writing this story and put a lot of my own emotions
into it. For the most part the readers have been incredibly
supportive and loving. I made many friends through this story
and several people that although they were in my life only
briefly I feel I am better for knowing them and calling them
friend.
To my Davey and my Glenn I send my love and affection. You are
both wonderful men and will always be in my heart. I hope that
life brings only love and happiness to you.
**The Future**
This was as far as this story was originally supposed to go.
The last scene where Bryan sang was written almost 2 years
ago (God has it been that long). Although the story took
many unexpected turns the main plot was written and I stuck
to it for the most part.
Tre and DJ were never meant to be anything more than a couple
who appeared in one chapter. Originally they were meant to
meet an untimely end on their way home from the concert and
meeting Westlife. A group of drunken idiots were supposed to
gay bash them causing Angel to start a political movement for
gay rights. But people fell in love with them and I had to
do a rewrite of the chapter after they met the boys. Corey
was also supposed to be a one shot deal but I fell in love
with him.
Most readers noticed that for awhile I seemed to defend the
way the characters acted. I finally gave up on that for the
most part. I just wanted to say here that I love the emotions
of the boys and I love to cry along with them. This wasn't
meant to be a jerk off story although many have told me that
the sex scenes are very hot. Instead this was meant to be
the written equivalent of a chick flick. I wanted tears and
I got them. This was written mostly for me and I can still
go back and read the story and bring myself to tears so for
me this story was a success.
So is this really the end? Not yet it isn't no. This is as
far as it was originally intended to go but as most authors will
admit the story and characters have a way of getting away from
you and taking you to unexpected places. So here is what is
to come.
--Homecoming--
This will take up immediately where this chapter left off and
will be about 8 chapters long and be about the boys heading
home and some unexpected events that test the boys relationships.
--Wedding Bells--
Okay the proposal had been planned but so many people suggested
a wedding and then I polled the readers and was overwhelmed by
the response that a sequel will be added to Mark and Rye.
Wedding Bells will be about 5 chapters long and be the days
leading up to and including the ceremony of Mark and Rye. This
will take place about a year after Homecoming.
--Fatherhood--
Okay Spooky was another one of those characters that just
took me by surprise and who I fell in love with. Spooky's
sudden revelation that the boys would be daddies was amazing
even to me as I wrote it down. Fatherhood will be about 10
chapters and will take place about a year after Wedding Bells
and will detail the events that bring a broken child into
the lives of the boys.
--Flying Without Wings--
The finale of the story. This will take place some 30 years
after the boys first met and is a surprise. This will be about
3 chapters long. In it we will see what the future holds for
our boys, Angel, Jill, and their assorted friends and Spooky.
**Spinoffs and other stories by author**
--Corey and Nick--
I know I know I said that these two would not get together but
something about the two of them together just appealed to me
and every time I turned my back Nick kept crawling into Corey's
bed so my next full length story will be this one telling of
the love of Corey and Nick. The first few chapters will follow
the storyline of Mark and Rye but then will diverge where this
chapter ends. The boys and Corey and Nick will meet every
now and then but for the most part Westlife will not be in
this story after their final concert.
--Jamie and Scottie--
This will be another story that will very briefly follow the
Mark and Rye storyline but will then be independant. This
story will end up going in the high school section and Westlife
may not make any other appearances other than the school concert
scene.
--Xander and Andy--
This one is not related to Mark and Rye at all and will be a
high school story. It is another jock loves nerd story with
a couple of interesting twists.
All of my stories above will follow the same guidelines as
Mark and Rye. They will be mushy and romantic and make you
cry. Gay people are pretty much accepted by friends and
family and just about everybody is gay or is willing to
experience it. I know it's not realistic but most of the
stories you read aren't either and I like my stories.
The way I plan on writing is to spend my time working on
Corey's Story, Xander and Andy, and the continuuing Mark
and Rye series. None of the stories will be posted until
they are complete. This means that it will be some time
before anything gets posted again. I need to look after
myself and reclaim my love for writing.
**Mailing List**
I have no idea when my next story will be posted but not I
expect this year. However if you send me an email and ask
specifically to be put on a mailing list I will do so. You
will be notified and this list will be used only to let you
know when a new story has been started and where to find it.
**Future of Mark and Rye**
I got so many emails telling me I should publish this story
that it got me thinking about it. So as a side project I am
working on polishing and refining the story. Also I need to
substitute the band Westlife with a made up one and remove
anything that could link Westlife to the story. This is just
something I am contemplating doing and no real idea if it will
go anywhere but be assured if I somehow manage to accomplish
this I will put up notices on any story I have posted.
Thank you once again for your kinds words and for sharing my
world.
Signed with love
Rye Encoke