Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2003 09:31:51 -0500
From: Lee McDougal <leo1980@pride.com>
Subject: Spinning Nick     Chapter 18

Disclaimer: I don't know Nick or any other celebrities that may appear in
this story.  I don't know their sexualities either, so just consider this
all fun and games.  It is totally fictional.

Welcome back to another chapter.  Sorry about the delay.  I've been really
busy lately.  But hopefully I'll get back on track soon.  Please send your
thoughts and comments to leo1980@pride.com

Spinning Nick
Chapter 18

       Nick's phone call with Jive went about as bad as could be expected.
They had in fact been alerted about the article, but they were hoping to
cover it up.  Nick informed them of his plan of action, and they weren't
pleased.  Nick however put his foot down on the issue.  This sadly was just
one more strike Nick's management had against it (not to forget their lack
of support on Nick's solo project).

	Nick fought it out for a while, and then eventually had to just
hang up when he heard Colin walking towards him.  Management couldn't do
anything much to stop him anyway, but if they release something bogus, it
would just look bad for them.

	The press conference number one for the day was really well done.
David had managed to arrange for only local coverage for the first because
it would take time for the rest to get to them.  The national coverage
would begin in about two to three hours from then.

	So basically this was a practice run.  And the guys were ready to
run the opposite way, but they held each other's hands and went out to face
the first pack of blood thirsty media types.  Nick could have sworn he saw
one girl drool as they walked onto the stage.  He hoped it was because of
their sex appeal, instead of her desire to rip them asunder.

	"There's very little need for an introduction here, but DJ Colin
(his writing name) and Nick Carter are both here to respond to the article
in this morning's paper.  First of all on behalf of Douglas agency we would
like to express our disgust in the rudeness of this article. The article
suggested that our client Colin was some kind of sexual deviant that has
been living a double life, as if it was their civic duty to reveal his dark
secret.  In fact Colin has been openly gay for years, thus making this
article pointless.  If they would have had the decency to ask rather than
spy.  We are not legally contracted to speak on behalf of Nick Carter, but
we assure you that he harbors no hard feelings against Colin-in fact he is
here in support of his partner."  David gave the opening statements.

	"Hello, thanks David for the introduction.  And thank you ladies
and gentlemen for showing up promptly on such short notice.  We have
invited all of you here except for the paper that published the article in
question; seeing how they didn't include us in their work...we had no
interest in giving them the true story."  Colin opened that was actually
greeted by a few small laughs.

	Nick continued where he left off, "Before we open up for a few
questions, we want to first state that we are in fact gay.  We have been in
a devoted relationship for almost six months now.  I want to state right
off the bat that Colin did not make me gay, and I in fact have had another
gay relationship before this.  I will not reveal his identity at this time,
because he has various reasons to keep this a secret."  Nick added.

	"I would also like to add that we are not angry because our
sexuality has been brought to the attention of the public, but that it was
handled in such poor taste.  Now we will take a few questions, we will
answer as many as we can."  Colin said.

	"Nick how do you think this will affect your career?" Some random
reporter asked.

	"I do not think it will affect my music at all.  I believe that
people are mature enough to base their musical purchases on their personal
tastes not on my personal life.  If I continue to produce a quality product
then I believe the sales will be there."  Nick stated.

	"Will the Backstreet Boy's new album be pushed back due to these
new developments?"  A woman in the front asked.

	"I would think not, we have already released our first single to
select states, and will be releasing the video before the end of the
month."  Nick said.

	"And Nick would you have come out on your own, if this article had
not have been published."  Another reporter asked.

	"Yes given time I did plan to come out.  I had no exact time set
for it by any means, but as my relationship developed with Colin it was
becoming more and more obvious to me that I wanted to share my love for him
with the world.  I think it was these thoughts that lead me to completely
letting my guard down that day at the park," Nick answered honestly.  He
then stated, "I would like to remind you all that it's actually Colin's
press conference," hoping to direct the attention away from him for more
than one reason.

	"Colin do you think this will affect your relationship with Jive
records?"  A guy in the front roll asked.

	"I don't see why it would my personal life has nothing to do with
my ability to write songs.  I'm not even a public figure."  Colin said
jokingly.

	"Well you will be now Colin...but my question is there any truth to
the rumors about you and Daniel having a thing going on?"  A guy asked who
looked terribly familiar to Nick.

	"I actually haven't heard these rumors yet, but I assure you they
are completely untrue.  Daniel and I are friends and nothing more."  Colin
answered truthfully.

	"Do you plan to move in with Nick in the near future?"  Another
reporter asked.

	"That is a personal question that I don't think is appropriate for
my client to answer at this time."  David had now come up to the front.
"I'm sorry to cut this short, but Nick and Colin have many more interviews
to do this morning, as I'm sure you can understand.  If you have additional
questions feel free to send them to our mailing address, and we will get to
them as best as we can."

	Later on after the guys had made it back to David's office, "I
recognized that guy that asked about Daniel."  Nick stated.

	"Really please do tell, because there is only a limited number of
people who could possibly know about the Daniel thing...and most of them
are in this room."  Colin said seeming flustered by the whole situation.

	"He was in Kevin's office the other day.  I saw him in the parking
lot when we were arriving."  Nick stated.

	"If Kevin has anything to do with this, I'll strangle him."  Colin
stated.

	"Not if I get a hold of him first."  Nick answered back.

	"Calm down guys...the person who asked the question was Nathan
Sparks.  He's a local reporter that does a lot of snoop work, and mostly
writes for tabloids.  He probably did a little research and found out you
did an interview for both men, and just wanted to stir up something for his
lame articles.  No one took him serious I assure you.  He wasn't invited to
the press conference either, but I suppose he slipped in somehow."  David
stated.

	"But that doesn't answer why he was at Kevin's office."  Nick said.

	"No, but this would."  David said laughing and handing them a copy
of the local tabloid.

	In big bold print it said "Kevin of the Backstreet Boys secret
affair with Julia Roberts."  Passing it around the room over and over
again, the three had a huge laugh.  They were very glad to see Kevin hadn't
sunk to a new low of trying to expose Daniel and Nick both in one swoop.

	"My favorite part is the really fake picture of them kissing...I
mean the only way it could be more fake would be to have Kevin as a seven
foot woman."  Nick stated.

	"I know and that doesn't even look like Julia."  David said.

	With the first conference over, the boys were a little more
confident.  The next one was to be the interview with MTV.  Jive had set it
up and insisted that Jive representatives be there and really wanted to
exclude Colin from this interview, but Nick and Colin weren't backing down.
It was their life here after all that was being exposed to the world.

	The other members of the Backstreet Boys were alerted to this
situation by now, and all of them were planning to be at the press
conference including Kevin!  Nick was both glad of this and nervous too.
Would Kevin say something hurtful at the interview?

	Before the press conference began, the guys all met at the Orlando
MTV studios.  (Who knew they even had one?)  It wasn't a very big set up,
just a small building used for interviews that were set up during the days
of Backstreet Boys and Nsync's more popular days.  Nick said that they had
only been there a few times.  But it was a comfortable setting to say the
least.

	"Listen before this whole thing gets started.  I want to say I'm
sorry for being a jerk lately.  I mean I know I should have been more
supportive, but I wanted to know you guys were for real.  And I think after
seeing the interview this morning on TV, I'm convinced it's the real thing.
I'm sorry it took me so long." Kevin stated to them.

	"I'm glad you finally realize that, but be aware that it will take
us time to forgive you."  Nick answered back.  It was hard to be overly
gracious.

	"I totally understand that.  Just as long as we can start being
civil towards each other, and hopefully become a group again."  Kevin said.

	"I hope that's possible I really do.  I'd hate to see you guys
split up or anything.  I'm a huge fan you know!"  Colin said trying to
lighten the mood.

	"Awwww isn't he sweet.  Makes you want to keep him don't it?"
Brian said giggling and pointing along with A.J.

	"You are ever so funny Brian.  I'll let you paper train me."  Colin
answered back.

	"Nah, I think Nick is more into handling your, how you say,
fluids."  Brian joked.

	"Argh...you guys are so gross."  Howie stated laughing at them.

	The interview went quite nicely.  And with MTV and local coverage,
it would be pretty much all over the world before long.  The guys were all
very supportive during the interview, even Kevin which to Colin was
somewhat disturbing.  He had gotten so used to nothing good coming from
Kevin that it was hard to swallow.

	But with Cameras on they were all certainly a happy family!  After
that Nick and Colin did a few radio interviews, and called it a day.  They
were so tired by that evening that they almost forgot that James was coming
home.

	James however was quite unaware of all the media buzz below as he
flew towards Orlando.  He however was very aware of the fact he was already
missing Daniel.  He was so looking forward to the next time they would
meet.  Daniel had planed to have Colin out for a week the next month.  They
had planed to spend some time working on their mutual music projects.  They
both agreed that the beautiful London setting would be great for
inspiration.

	Soon the plan landed and James and the rest slowly made it off the
plane.  James had his carry on bag with him, but he had to pack an extra
bag on the trip back...it seems like you always have more stuff to take
home when leaving a big place like New York City!  James purchased a
newspaper to read while he waited for his bag at baggage claim and for
Colin to arrive.

	James read the front page and saw the infamous article about Colin
and Nick.  "Shit, I better call Colin now."  James pulled out his cell
phone, and called his friend's house.  There was no answer.  `Maybe he's
already on his way here.'  Colin reasoned.

	"Hey James!"  Colin said showing up.

	"Hi, where's Nick?"  James asked worried.

	"Oh he's back at the house.  He didn't want to risk getting mobbed
at the airport.  My face is not quite as familiar yet, but his is way
popular right now.  Even with this article and media coverage, only a few
people recognized me on the way in, and they were nice enough to just smile
and walk by.  So let's get out of here now."  Colin stated.

	James took his word and he grabbed the bag that luckily had just
arrived.  They made their way out of the airport with out much trouble.
One girl screamed at Colin on the way out calling him a "faggot".  Colin
tried to ignore this though.

	When they got out to the car, Colin handed James the keys and he
drove them home.  Colin refused to break till they got home.  Then he just
cried for a few minutes.  "Is this what life is going to be like now?"
Colin asked.

	"No babe.  It won't be like this for long.  Just wait and see
things will get better."  James said as he gave him a big hug, and they
walked back into the house.

	Nick would not find out about the girl at the airport anytime soon,
but he did know that Colin looked upset.  He just assumed it was from the
stressful day though.  They had both had long days.  So they excused
themselves from James.  "I'm sorry dear; I truly don't want to be rude.
But I really must get some sleep; today's been too much for us both."
Colin told James.

	"I totally understand.  I'll tell you about my trip in the morning
then?"  He asked.

	"Yes that'd be great.  I'm really looking forward to it."  Colin
said and Nick shook his head in agreement.

	James picked up the phone to call David to see what all had
happened since he was gone, as it seemed all hell had broke out.

	"It's not as bad as it could be I guess.  Jive is furious about the
article.  And to be honest they are furious with Nick most of all.  He
wouldn't even discuss the possibility of covering up the situation."  David
stated.

	"Ah, well I can understand why they would want to cover it up, but
I'm sure Nick's fans will adjust with time."  James said.

	"You see the way they look at it, Nick doesn't have time.  His
album was not a huge success, and if the Backstreet Boys' album doesn't
sale well their career is as good as dead."  David stated.

	"I guess so, but I have faith that one incident won't stop the
sales.  I might even boost the sales."  James offered.

	"I truly hope so.  It would better for both Jive and our agency if
this album and your song in particular do very well."  David answered.

	"Have faith David, it's got me this far!"  James said happily.

	"That's very true.  So how did your trip go?"  David asked.

	"Great and guess what?"  James asked.

	"Daniel snores?"  David joked.

	"No, but he's one hell of a kisser."  James shot back.

	"Oh my god!  You guys kissed?"  He asked.

	"Yes.  And better yet we are going to be a couple."  James said.

	"I'm truly happy for you James.  You're a great guy, and you
deserve so many good things.  Okay, Eric is calling me to come to bed, so
I'll let you go.  I will talk to you boys tomorrow.  I'll need you to do a
couple press conferences I'm afraid to say."  David warned.

	"No problem, you know I'm up for it." James joked as they hung up.

	The next few weeks were indeed hectic for everyone in Colin's
little family.  But the future despite this was looking bright.

To be continued.

More to come.  Send your thoughts and comments to leo1980@pride.com