Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 22:18:22 +0000
From: James
Subject: Boy Bands - On The Streets - Part 25

	Ok, I don't know the BSB nor do I make any suggestions about the way they
live their lives, for instance whether or not they prefer men or woman as
their sexual partners. Frankly, I really don't care if you don't like
reading my story, but if you are offended by the sort of relationship which
is implied by its appearance on a gay site, then please don't read on. Also,
you shouldn't read this if you are under 18, though I think that is a really
stupid rule as it's not like we can tell whether you're 18 or not can we?

	I am English, so if you don't understand anything in this story, then
tough, we invented the language first and you nicked it, so it's not our
fault, lol. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter, I'm sorry if the
cliffhangers are getting boring, but once again, my story, so there.

On The Streets: Part 25

	I'm finally out that damn hospital. Having Kevin there kept me sane, but I
was in there for two nights, and Kevin can't help me in my dreams. I hope I
never have to go near one of them again. The boys had their interview today,
and Kevin came along afterwards, and the Doctor told him that I was free to
go. My cast was incredibly annoying - it's not that it was too heavy, but I
could barely move, and until you've had one of these things on, you can
never really get how restricting it is. The doctor said I had to have it on
for at least 3 weeks, and after that I could just wear a support. The cuts
across my abs were healing nicely. There were only a couple which would
leave noticeable scars, which I wasn't too bothered about. My concussion had
somehow left me short-sighted. I didn't mind too much - it gave me an excuse
to ask Kevin to come closer and closer. Unfortunately, it also meant I had
to get glasses. My eyesight had improved slightly by the time I left the
hospital though, and I only really had to wear the glasses if I was driving
or if I was tired.

	As the guys were all going to be together anyway, and as it was my first
day out of the hospital, Kevin asked if it would be ok for us to have a
barbecue in our back garden. I can't believe I already thought of it as my
back garden. I was settling into this security thing really easily. Kevin
picked me up from the hospital and said the guys would be coming over at
about 6. Once we were back home, it was already 4:30, so Kev said he needed
to get some stuff onto the grill. There was a hell of a lot of food set out
in the kitchen, but every time I tried to help, Kevin told me to get out and
sit down in the living room because I was still 'recovering'. I could smell
the stuff starting to cook in the kitchen, I had been watching TV, when the
door bell rang. I jumped up and answered it to Brian and Leighanne.

	"Hey Brian, how you doin'?"

	"Good Jared, how bout you? How's your arm?"

	"It's ok, I guess it's just really itchy, come on in." I started to shut
the door as they walked in, and just as I did, I heard Kevin's voice.

	"Jared! Will you sit down and stop trying to do stuff! The doctor said you
had to rest, now get in the living room and sit down." Kevin had an
exasperated expression on my face, and although I could tell that the
sternness in his voice was put on slightly, I could also tell that he really
did want me to relax a bit. As I walked past Brian I rolled my eyes at him
and he smirked.

	"Come on Kev! Today's supposed to be a fun day, Jared's allowed to have fun
if he wants to! If he gets tired he can sit down for a bit, but just let him
do what he wants for today." Kevin stared at his cousin for a second, then
went off at him.

	"Brian, don't tell me what to do or what not to do. Jared's been told to
relax, and while I am capable of helping him to do that, and while I can do
stuff so that he doesn't have to, he is going to relax! I want him to get
better."

	"Yeah ok Kev." Brian mumbled as he walked into the kitchen. It was time for
them to start getting stuff on the grill, it wasn't gonna be a real
barbecue, like outside and stuff, as it was December, so it wasn't exactly
warm, so Kevin used the gas grill and cooked the food inside. Leighanne and
I sat in the conservatory and started talking.

	"So, has Kev told you yet?"

	"About what?" I asked her.

	"When they're starting work again. Their manager called today."

	"Umm, no, when are they starting again?"

	"It should be mid-January, though they might start a bit later."

	"Oh, that's pretty soon." I wondered what I was gonna do without Kevin
around.

	"Yeah, Jared don't worry, we'll make sure you know your way around before
then, so you've got plenty to do and stuff. Don't forget you're still the
guys' personal trainer, you'll still be working a few days a week." I nodded
to her. Kevin came out carrying a bowl of salad and put it on the table.
Howie and AJ walked in a couple of minutes afterwards and sat down with
Leighanne and me. A few seconds later, we heard Brian's and Kevin's voices
filtering through from the kitchen, and Brian came stomping out and sat down
next to Leighanne with his arms crossed over his chest.

	"What's the matter Bri?" AJ asked.

	"Never mind." Brian mumbled, and sank further into his seat AJ shook his
head and shrugged his shoulders.

	"Ok. So, Jared, did Kev tell you about the magazine interview yesterday?"
AJ asked, looking over at me. Suddenly I heard Brian clearing his throat and
when I looked over at him, he was shaking his head at AJ. When AJ gave him a
confused look, he motioned with his eyes over to the kitchen where Kevin
was. "What?" Brian mouthed the word 'No', and then sat back into his chair.
AJ just shook his head again. This was getting confusing. I decided to get
up and try to help Kevin in the kitchen, no matter what mood he was in. I
walked through the back door, and saw Kevin sitting at the table, the food
was all either on the grill, or in the pans on the stove.

	"Kev? Why are you sitting on your own in here?"

	"Huh? Oh Jared, err, I just, wanted to think for a second."

	"Oh. Do you want me to go out again?"

	"No, no it's ok, I'm done, but I do need to talk to you."

	"What's the matter?" I was getting confused. Everyone seemed to know
something was going on except me.

	"We had a magazine interview yesterday as well as the MTV one today, I know
I didn't tell you, but it didn't seem that important. Thing is, the people
who publish the music magazine we were interviewed by also do a fitness
magazine. One of the interviewers commented that we looked in a lot better
shape than before, and, well..." I looked over at Kevin expectantly.

	"Yeah, go on?"

	"Well, they want to speak to you." He rushed out.

	"Me? Why?"

	"Well they just want to talk to you about the techniques you use, that sort
of thing. They sometimes do interviews with the trainers of celebrities, and
they want to do an interview with you." I can't say I wasn't shocked...why
would they want me? Kevin had explained that, but it still seemed a bit
strange.

	"Ok, so what's the problem?"

	"Well, management's split over whether you should do it. So they left it up
to you. You can decide whether you do the interview or not, but there are
some things to go over before you do it if you decide to."

	"Were you thinking about whether to tell me about this interview when I
came in?"

	"Yeah." Kevin mumbled out.

	"Why were you thinking about it? Why didn't you just come and tell me?"

	"Jared, I don't know what kind of questions they'll ask. If they start
asking about your past, which could come up, how would you answer?"

	"Well I'm sure I'll make something up. I can tell them about going to
university, and from then on I'll just bluff my way through." Kevin just
nodded. I put my hand on his shoulder and leant down and kissed him on the
cheek. I whispered to him: "Don't worry about me so much. I'm a grown boy, I
can handle myself." I said with a smile in my voice to soften my tone.

	"That's what I'm worried about Jared, that you'll not need me, or not want
me around anymore. Jared, I like looking after you, I like the way that you
ask me stuff because you really don't know what to do, and I guess it's just
upsetting me a bit. Even the way you made friends with everyone so fast
bothered me a bit, and I'm sorry that sounds so mean, but I guess it
would've been nice to have you to myself for a bit longer." Kevin trailed
off. I took Kevin's chin in my good hand and held it up so that I could look
into his eyes. He was being sincere, and I think this was what bothered me
most. He was actually scared of losing me after all we'd been through. I
have to say though, his over-protectiveness was quite nice. It's not that an
over-bearing boyfriend is something anyone particularly wants, but when your
boyfriend shows signs of intense jealousy...well, let's just say that it's
like a really sweet gesture, and kinda a turn on.

	"Kevin, I'm yours. No one else's, just yours. Please remember that. You
mean everything to me, I don't think I can do anymore to convince you of
that, but if you want me to spend more time with you, then I will. I'd do
anything for you Kev, please remember that." Kevin continued to stare into
my eyes, and I held his gaze.

	"I'm sorry Jared." He stood up and pulled me into an embrace, being careful
about my arm. "I should trust you. It's just hard to get used to you I
guess." He said with a slight smile on his lips.

	"It's ok Kev, I know what you mean, it's hard getting used to this life,
trust me." I smiled back at him. "Hey, changing the subject, is Nick coming
today?"

	"Umm, yeah, he should've been here by now. I'll just call him and see where
he is." Kevin picked up the phone and pressed a speed dial number. I heard
the phone pick up on the other end, but couldn't really make out anything
else. "Hello? Who is this?" I heard Kevin ask. He seemed annoyed at
something. "Nick? Who was that?" Kevin got a scowl on his face, he looked
really angry. "Fine! Don't come then!" Kevin shouted and hung up the phone.
He took a couple of breaths and turned around. "He's not coming." He
mumbled. Then he went and dealt with the food that was almost ready. I went
up behind him and rubbed my hand up and down his back. He released a sigh
and leant his hands against the counter.

	"What's the matter Kev? What did Nick say?" I asked.

	"Some guy answered the phone, and when I asked Nick who it was, he told me
to fuck off." That didn't sound like Nick. He wasn't secretive. He was
normally willing to talk about anything and everything. "I think he's going
out with someone and he's not telling us, I don't think he's being very
careful."

	"What do you mean?"

	"He's not being careful about where he's seen, or making sure that he's not
seen with whoever this guy is too much. You know, like when management told
us we couldn't always go out together, we had to space how often we were
seen together." Yeah, I remembered. But why would Nick not be careful? Why
was he taking risks? Kevin reached down and pulled the food out from the
grill. It smelled great. I didn't know what was going on with Nick, but
apparently Kev wasn't gonna let it bother him. Half an hour later, we were
sitting around eating the meal Kevin had cooked up. It was good, I have to
admit Kevin was a damn good cook. As per usual though, there was way too
much, or I thought there was. By the end of the meal, the guys were actually
fighting over the remaining food.

	"You ok?" Kevin whispered to me. I was feeling pretty tired already even
though it wasn't even 9. I nodded to Kevin though, and moved my seat a bit
closer to his. I rested my head on his shoulder, and the guys sat around
chatting about what they were gonna get up to for the next few weeks and
what they were doing back in the studio.

	A few minutes later, I felt Kevin shaking me gently. Pulling my eyes open,
I saw that the guys were nowhere to be seen. "Jared, do you want to go up to
bed?" I scratched my head and nodded to Kevin who pulled me up into his
arms, and planted his lips on mine. I almost fell asleep during the kiss,
which was kind of embarrassing, but I think Kevin understood. I leant on
Kevin all the way up the stairs. I can't believe I felt that tired. I can't
remember the last time I felt so tired.

	"Hey Kev?" We were lying in bed.

	"Yeah	Jared?"

	"Will you show me how to work your computer tomorrow?" I asked him.

	"Yeah sure Jared." He leant across and kissed me on the lips, before
falling back onto his pillow, and falling asleep.

***

	"No Jared, you have to open a new file if you want to start a new document.
So you go to the Start menu. You don't just click on an old document and
carry on typing and delete the old stuff." Kevin said exasperatedly.

	"But it works don't it?" I was getting tired already and couldn't keep my
mind concentrated. It was only 11 in the morning. We heard someone knocking
on the door, and as Kevin stood up I could have sworn I heard him mutter
'thank god'. The concept of how a computer works still went straight over my
head. I had a feeling that I just wasn't gonna get the hang of these things.
It was Brian at the door.

	"Ummm, Brian, I know we said we didn't have to have that stupid rule about
not seeing each other for a couple of weeks, but you don't have to come over
every day!" Kevin said as he escorted Brian back into the living room. Brian
threw a newspaper at Kevin. "What's this?"

	"Read the headline." Brian muttered. Kevin looked at the front, and his
face dropped into a scowl. His eyes started scanning the page, and he got
angrier and angrier the longer he looked at it. I got up from the computer
and walked over to him.

	"What's the matter Kev?" Kevin forced the paper into my hands and went over
to the phone and picked it up and started making phone calls. I read the
headlines: Gay Backstreet Boy!!! I started to think about Kevin, had we not
been careful enough? But looking over the text, I saw Nick's name, over and
over again. Words like club, man, kissing, all jumped out at me, and I knew
what had happened. I read the article and found that Nick last night had
gone to some club and was seen by some reporter kissing another guy. Kevin
was right, Nick hadn't been careful.

	"We're gonna have to call a press conference guys." Kevin said as he came
back from the phone call.

	"When?" Brian asked.

	"As soon as possible. We'll try and make a statement this afternoon, but I
haven't been able to get hold of Nick. We're gonna try to pass it off as
Nick being completely drunk and just getting a bit too friendly. I hope
they'll buy it."

	"Don't worry Kev." Brian mumbled.

	"Where is Nick though? And who was the guy he was with?" Kevin asked. He
was starting to get stressed. I must confess, I felt a little out of place.
What do I do when they're having a crisis?

	"Kevin, I'm sure it'll be alright." I said sympathetically.

	"How do you know that Jared? Huh? You have no idea how our business works.
You don't know it's gonna be ok!" Kevin shouted at me. I suddenly felt like
I was back in my house in England, and my Dad was shouting at me, telling me
where queers go when they die. Kevin was right up in my face, and I knew his
temper was getting the better of him, but I didn't know how to react. It's
weird - a few months ago I would have just slapped him. I would've hit
anyone if they started shouting at me like that. But now...I love Kevin. How
can I hit him? How do I react to a situation like this. I felt tears coming
to my eyes. This wasn't me. I've never reacted like this when I was upset. I
swear, sometimes Kevin brings out the worst in me. Before I started sobbing,
I turned and walked out the room. I made my way to the bathroom upstairs,
and sat with my back against the side of the bath and wiped my eyes with
some paper. I took a few deep breaths. It was hard getting my breathing back
to normal after I almost started crying. How could Kevin be like that? I was
just trying to be nice, isn't that what couples do? Maybe I was being overly
sympathetic or something, maybe I was being patronising. I can't remember
what it was like to be in a relationship like this, heck, I've only been in
one relationship like this. I sat there sobbing, my tears had come back full
force, maybe it was my fault. I was so confused. I heard a knock on the
door, and although I didn't want to see anyone at the moment, I saw the door
open as I had forgotten to lock it. It was Kevin. I looked up through teary
eyes and could see him so clearly. It was likely everything around him just
faded away. I loved him so much. I could see his hair drawn back with just a
few strands loose around his head, his green-grey eyes which filled with
tears when they saw me. His lips which mouthed words I couldn't understand,
but what I remember most was his height: we're the same height pretty much,
but he looked so tall when he was standing in the door to the bathroom and I
looked up at him, feeling like a child. In two steps, he was beside me, and
had fallen to his knees. He wrapped his arms around my shoulder, and I felt
him sobbing on my shoulder. I felt so dependent on Kevin at that moment, I
wrapped my good arm around him, and clutched him close to me. I needed him
more than anything at that moment. I clutched him tighter and tighter to
myself.

	"Jared, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I just got worried about
Nick, and then you being really nice, and I guess I just blew off some steam
at you. I'm so sorry." Kevin said. He was mumbling as he sobbed still.

	"You have no idea how much I still need you, do you Kevin?" I released him
slightly and he looked up at me confused. "Kevin, when we were downstairs, I
didn't see you shouting at me. I saw my Dad. Kevin I need you to be there
for me and when I try to be there for you don't push me away. You know what
happened the last time my Dad shouted at me like that. But I don't want to
leave you Kevin, I don't think I can. Don't shout at me when I don't do
anything wrong, please Kevin. You really scared me down there, I need you,
don't make me give you up, cos I know I won't make it again." I could feel
my eyes sinking into their sockets. Kevin's hands loosened their grip on my
shoulders, and his head moved away.

	"I don't believe I've done this again."

	"What?"

	"Last time I said sorry to you. You told me that saying sorry doesn't
always fix everything. But I go and do stuff again and again and then expect
everything to be better when I say sorry. Maybe I'm the problem with this
relationship." Kevin said as he knelt back on his heels. I reached over and
took Kevin's hand in mine.

	"Kevin, as long as I keep on forgiving you, you haven't crossed the line
where you say sorry too often, ok? I'll decide when you have apologised too
many times." I said with a smile, and Kevin looked up at me, the corners of
his lips upturned.

	"Will you come with us? I think I'm gonna need your support."

	"Sure Kev, let's go."

End of Chapter 25
To Be Continued

Ok, I know it's been a while since my last update, but they're gonna be
coming thick and fast now - I have three parts saved up, so expect chapters
26 and 27  within the next day or two. I hope everyone liked this chapter,
oh yeah, and I don't need any more ideas, I've got the next few chapters at
least planned out in my head, but thanks for the loads of great ideas all
you guys gave me! Hope to hear from you soon!
James