Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 22:29:55 GMT
From: AD . <trekster2@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tests of Friendship Chapter 11

Intro

Well, this chapter is taking a break from Simon and Justin's relationship, 
at least for the start of this chapter.  Sorry for it taking me so long to 
get these chapters out, but I've been a busy bunny!  Thanks as always to 
Jeff for the proofs, and for the friendship, same goes for the others, you 
know who you are (the other J!, Richard, Tom, Steve), as well as David.
I can't think of much else here, so let's get the legal stuff over with.  
This story is completely fictional, and bares nothing on reality.  I have no 
affiliation with the characters in this story, and nothing is implied about 
there sexuality or anything else regarding them.  This story is copyrighted 
to myself, with exclusive publication rights to Nifty Archive.  Do not read 
if it is not legal to do so in your country/district.  That won't stop you 
though, so read on an enjoy.  If gay material offends you, then go ahead and 
read, puke up a few times maybe.
Anyway, without further ado, let's get on with the show.  Oh yes, one thing, 
always mail me.  I don't bite (too much:), and I thrive off email, it's my 
fuel (someone else has already said that i know).  The more email I get, the 
more I'll be persuaded to get chapters out quicker, rather than sitting down 
and doing boring maths work spiced with some more boring maths work.
Story, must get on with story.
Ok ok, I'm getting there!  As a last minute addition, I'm very sorry for the 
lateness of this chapter!  I had it finished before the new year, but I was 
busy, and didn't manage to get it out to my proof reader until a few days 
ago, thanks to Jeff for that!
A belated Happy New Year to you all, and an early Merry Xmas!:)

Chapter 11:

Brian, Kevin and John all sat around Orlando airport.  They flew back to 
Orlando with the rest of the guys, and had a connection flight in about 30 
minutes.  They said there goodbyes for the next week or so, before heading 
back over to the check-in, for the direct flight to Kentucky.  It was a 
brief flight, and a chance for them all to get some sleeping time.  The 
weather had cleared slightly over the past half hour or so, and the flight 
leaving Orlando was pretty calm.  Brian had given his mom a quick call to 
say they would be staying, and had gone as far to say a friend would be 
staying with them.  He wasn't at all certain how to tell his parents that he 
was actually gay though.
He loved his parents, and brother, but he had no idea how they would except 
the idea of him being gay.   He knew that they had a right to know, 
especially since his boyfriend would now be staying with him, under the same 
roof as his parents, and his cousin.  Kevin would be there to support him at 
least.  Glancing over, Kevin and John had both fell asleep, there heads sunk 
back into the comfortable leather `armchairs' on the plane.  Brian laid his 
head back and decided it was time he should catch some shut eye himself.

	"Brian... wake up, we've just landed Brian.  It's time to get off the 
plane" Kevin was saying quietly to his cousin as he gently shook him.
	"Wha.. oh, sorry.  I must have been really out of it." Brian responded as 
he reoriented himself to his surroundings.  John was standing in the aisle 
getting out the baggage from the overhead lockers.
	"Hi Sweetie, I see you're back to the world of the living." John said with 
a smile looking down at Brian.
	"But what a nice sight to look upto when you wake up.  Anyway, let's get 
out and get you introduced to my parents." Brian said, as he edged out into 
the aisle, taking his bag, before walking towards the exit.  Close behind 
them were the cockpit crew and the chief flight attendant.
	The bags were off pretty quick, and they run through the airport and into 
the arrivals hall.  No fans were waiting, since they weren't expected back.  
Jackie Littrell was standing just outside the door and waved over at us.  
John watched as Brian ran towards his mom.  An unfamiliar face to John then 
emerged from behind the streams of people at the already busying airport.  
"Hi bro!" Harold called out as he pushed in on the hug.  Kevin next walked 
over to Jackie for his hug, while John stood back a few steps, for Brian to 
introduce him.
	"Hi, you must be John.  Brian told me we had a guest staying with us.  How 
about we all get back to the house, and we can all get to know a each other 
a little better." Jackie said, before Brian had any chance of introductions, 
her warm southern accent giving her a pleasant warm tone.
	"Well, thanks for your kind show of hospitality ma'am." John replied, his 
slight American accent coming through, along with the hint of English.  She 
lead the way out the airport and into the parked Mercedes working outside.  
We all piled into the car and Harold Sr. drove off towards the spacious 
mansion on the edge of Lexington, complete with several acres of land.  
John's jaw dropped as he saw the expanse in front of him.
	"While you stay here, our home is your home John, I'm sure Brian will give 
you a tour after you get unpacked. "  Jackie said in a homely manner.  A 
quick flash of a smile was all that was needed to set John completely at 
home.
	After they got into the house, Brian and his brother helped to get all the 
bags upto their respective room, while Harold went back downstairs, while 
John and Brian both unpacked in their rooms.   After a few minutes, Brian 
was standing in the doorway of John's room, changed into a tight fitting 
polo neck sweeter, and some black Versace jeans.  John gave a quiet whistle 
as he looked him up and down, causing Brian to smile before walking over and 
giving him a quick hug and peck on the cheek.
	"Get off you big baby!" Brian said, pushing Brian down onto the bed with a 
smile.  "You have a tour to take me on!"
	"Well, how about we start then?"
	"I've not got changed yet, give me a minute!"
	"Oooh, can I stay and watch?"
	"Get out you perv!  Watching young boys getting dressed!" John said with a 
laugh, while he slipped off his shirt and stepped into the bathroom.  Brian 
sat on the bed as he heard the water come on.  A few minutes later, John 
stepped out the room, a towel round his waste, before pulling on a fresh 
shirt and cargo pants.  As they turned to leave the room, Harold was 
standing in the doorway.
	"Hey you two, took you long enough to get ready!  Let's get this tour on 
shall we?"
	"I thought Brian was showing me round?" John said a little too quickly.
	"He is, and so am I.  There's not a problem is there?" Harold replied.
	"No, none at all, let's show him round then." Brian jutted in to save John, 
before they headed round the house.

***
	"Well, that's just about it, we've just got the games room downstairs.  
Like pool?" Brian asked
	"I got into pool in England, I used to play in a local pub.  I'm not very 
good though."
	"Well, Harold here considers himself as a bit of a pool shark."
	"I'll have to give you a match some time, I'll give you a good ass 
whoopin'!"
	"Hey, I'd like to see you try, maybe with Brian, but not a chance with me." 
Harold replied. John glanced over at Brian, who give a quick shrug.  John 
thought he'd heard something beyond the obvious in the words however, 
especially with his slight grin.
	"Well boys, have you given John here the full tour?"
	"They most certainly have.  I'll have to get them to give me a tour round 
Lexington later."
	"So, let's go and have a sit down, and you can tell me a bit about 
yourself." Jackie said, leading us all into the living room.
	"Well, I suppose I should start at the beginning?  I was born in Hong Kong 
in the 70s, before moving to the US when I was about 2.  We lived in New 
York for a couple of months, before we moved to Phoenix.  I lived in Phoenix 
with my parents till 1992, before we all moved to London England.  I lived 
in London till 1999.  My parents moved back to the states earlier this year, 
somewhere in California, and I stayed in England, because I still had a few 
months of my masters degree left."
	"Oh, what's it in?"
	"I read geography at London University.  I'm not completely certain why, it 
seemed a good idea at the time."
	"Because you enjoyed it probably, that's as good a reason as any.  What do 
you parents do?"
	"Finance, they work for Lloyds of London now."
	"Sounds interesting.   I take it you didn't inherit your parents interests 
in career aspects?"
	"No, I never wanted to get into finance.  I've never had a drastically 
clear idea on what I wanted to do.  I used to think I wanted to be a 
teacher, but I moved off that idea a few years ago.  Right now, I have no 
idea to be honest.  As long as it's not in finance, I wouldn't be that 
bothered!  I love working with people, I always have done.  Something in PR 
always held an attraction to me.  I couldn't stand being a politician in 
England though.  Every tabloid in England is out to find something 
scandalous about anyone famous.  You really have to feel sorry for them 
sometimes."
	"Brian here always had a good idea of what he wanted to do, getting into 
music."
	"Yes, you have haven't you son." Brian's father spoke up for the first time 
in the conversation.
	"Well, it sounds like you've had an interesting life.  I suppose you know 
all about Brian, and us.  We wouldn't want to bore you anyway!" Jackie said 
with a slight chuckle, which John politely joined in with.
	"Well Mom, I think I'll go show John round the area for a little while.  
Can I borrow your car?"
	"You shouldn't leave that Beemer in Orlando all the time, despite the fact 
that's your major home.  I suppose you borrowing your mom's car while you're 
here isn't that bad, at least we get to see you for a few days." Harold Sr 
spoke up again, before throwing the keys over to Brian, who caught them 
before leading John towards the garage.  He unlocked the white Lexus LS400 
and climbed into the drivers seat, while John walked round to the passenger 
side, climbing into the comfortable seat.
	"Nice car." He commented.
	"I don't like them that much, I prefer my BM."
	"The BMW 850 will do me fine any day.  It's the only model I like though."
	"Oh well.  When's your birthday?"
	"13 August, why?"
	"Oh, no reason, just curious."
	"Whatever, let's just show me round.  When do you intend to tell your 
parents and bro about 'us'?"
	"I think I'll tell them later today maybe, or tomorrow.  I think Harold has 
an idea I'm gay, and has probably figured it out.  He's always been pointing 
out anything gay to me, celebs stuff like that, trying to make sure it's 
clear to me he's comfortable with stuff like that.  He even went to a gay 
bar once, he said it was the only place around, and he wanted something to 
drink."
	"I wouldn't think your parents would have a problem, they seem really nice 
people."
	"Yeah, we'll see."  Brian said, as he pulled out the driveway and onto the 
main street.  The house was set back several hundred yards behind a tall row 
of trees,  not visible from the road outside.  As Brian drove down the four 
lane dual carriage way towards the main town.  It was only a five minute 
drive.  He showed John round the major shopping area, taking a quick break 
at a medium sized mall.  No one purchased anything, except for John, who 
brought a hot dog from a store in the food court.
	"I've not had an american hot dog in years!" He said as he tucked into it.
	"You've had those British things then?  Ordinary sausages in a bun?"
	"Yep.  I think I prefer them after all this time."
	"Yucky.  You'll have to cook us up a British style breakfast tomorrow 
morning, I'm sure Mom and Dad will appreciate being murdered by excess 
cholesterol intake due to a complete serving of everything you can imagine 
which could possibly be deep fried."
	"Mmmmm.... Sound delicious!" John replied, grinning.  They finished off 
before driving back towards the house, the time approaching 4pm.  When he 
pulled into the garage, they noticed a car missing, confirmed by Harold 
opening the door and shouting that they'd gone out for an hour or so.  Brian 
locked up the car before walking into the lounge and sitting on the sofa, 
taking a bottle of lemonade and pouring a couple of glasses, Harold sitting 
opposite us two, flicking off the TV.
	"Well then, let's get the dirt.  You two slept together yet?"  I virtually 
spit out the mouthful of drink I had onto the carpet.
	"What the hell do you mean?" John said, putting his drink on the table, 
fully aware of the fact he was blushing brightly.
	"Oh come on, it's obvious.  I've known Brian's gay for years, and you come 
along, it's the way he looks at you, especially after you came out the 
shower." Harold said with a grin.
	"Well, for your information, and it's nothing something you should ask 
about, no, we haven't had sex.  We've shared a bed, but we haven't slept 
slept together.  You don't have a problem with it?"
	"No, I've tried to make it clear to you I'm ok with the gay thing and all 
for years.  As long as you're happy I'm happy.  Do you intend on telling mom 
and dad anytime soon?"
	"Yeah, I was thinking of tonight or tomorrow.  I think they have a right to 
know.  How do you think they'd react?"
	"Well, they have no idea that you're gay, I think that much is clear.  I 
don't know, we'll see when you tell them I suppose."
	"That's what I said."  They stopped their little conversation before 
looking at John, who was still in shock by how open Harold was being towards 
them.  He wasn't expecting anyone to be so free talking and frank regarding 
the issue.  He was glad at least someone was on their side though.  After a 
few minutes of rather uncomfortable silence, Harold flicked on the TV and we 
all sat down and relaxed for a while.

	Dinner was conducted rather informal at the dining table, Jackie having 
cooked up a delicious meal for everyone.  After dinner, they settled down in 
the lounge, Jackie flicking through the television channels, before coming 
across a re-run of  'Friends', the one where Ross becomes a Dad.  "I wonder 
when Brian here will be giving me any grand-children?" she said, in a 
questioning tone.  Brian glanced over at me once she said that, while Harold 
looked at Brian.
	"Mom, Dad, there's something I should tell you regarding that I think." 
Brian stated calmly.
	"What Brian?" Harold Snr. stated seriously.
	"What, is Leigh Anne pregnant, she was a nice girl!?"
	"No Mom, Leigh Anne's not pregnant, she was a nice girl, but I never really 
had anything going there, it was just a short thing, we kept in contact as 
friends, but nothing more than that."
	"Well, what is it son?" Jackie asked calmly, not having any idea as to what 
was about to surface.
	"Well, it's kinda hard for me to say this, and I don't know how you're 
going to take at and all..."
	"Just say whatever you have to say, you know we'll support you." His Dad 
spoke up this time.
	"Well, it's that....  well, I'm gay." He stated, still remaining calm.  
Over a minute of silence followed before Jackie spoke up.
	"Did you know about this?" she said looking over to Harold Jnr.
	"Yes, I did." Was the simple reply she received.
	"Ok then.  John, could you leave us for a minute."
	"No Mom, he can stay." Brian spoke up.
	"NO." She shouted before calming down a little, "John, leave us please.  
Don't argue Brian."  Jackie said as she glowered at John,  he left the room 
silently, closing the door lounge door behind him, as he sat on the stairs.

	"Brian honey, you're not gay, you were in love with Leigh Anne.  It's just 
a phase you're going through, everyone goes through these phases sometimes.  
I suppose you think that John's your boy.. boyfriend as well?  Well, that's 
completely ridiculous, you're not gay."
	"MOM, you said you would support me, this isn't my idea of supporting me.  
You're in no position to tell me what I feel, it is what I feel.  I've known 
I'm gay for years, I've just never managed to get up the courage to tell 
you.  Now I'm with John, I thought you had a right to know.  Yes, John is my 
boyfriend.  Also, I was never in love with Leigh Anne, she was a friend, 
never anything more than that."
	"I don't believe this.  Come on, we're going down to the church now, and 
you are going to think very hard about the lies you've just said.  Obviously 
this John person isn't as nice as I thought, and he's polluted your mind 
with all these thoughts.  You're far from gay, you're a normal adult, who is 
attracted to girls.  Now you're coming with me.  Go and wait in the car." 
Jackie said, sounding more like a dictator than a mother, the two Harold's 
remaining silent.  Jackie took Brian to the car before walking out to where 
John was sitting.
	"You, you evil boy.  You've done enough of polluting my son, by the time I 
get back I expect you to be gone.  I never want to see you here again, you 
understand me!" Jackie shouted, before storming into the car, where Brian 
was sobbing at his Mom's reaction.
"Now son, don't cry.  We'll soon have you sorted out and right as rain.  
You're not gay, it's just that John person who's been polluting your mind 
with such stuff."
"MOM, I haven't just turned gay, I've been gay for years.  Harold's known 
it, he never said anything, but he knew."
"Now don't be stupid, it's that John boy.  Everything will be alright, 
you'll see." Jackie said as she pulled into the driveway of the church.  She 
didn't bother going to the church itself, but walked over to the residence 
opposite.  A couple of light knocks on the door brought the reverend.
"Oh, hello Mrs.Littrell.   What can I do for you this evening?"
	"Well, it's to do with Brian.  I don't know what's come over him, but I 
think he needs some spiritual advice."
	"Oh, what is the problem?"
	"He came home from touring Europe and brought this young man with him.  He 
seemed nice and all, but he's polluted Brian's mind with all this thoughts 
of, well, homosexuality.  I know Brian's not gay, it's just this man who has 
poisoned his mind with such thoughts."
	"Well Mrs. Littrell, this is most distressing indeed.  Brian has always 
seemed such a good boy.  Well, let's bring him into the church, and we can 
have a talk with him.  I'm sure we can make him see the errors of his ways 
here, I'm sure we can bring him round."

****

The following morning:

	"What the hell do you think your doing Jackie?" Kevin shouted as he burst 
into the Littrell household.  "Harold called me this morning to say what had 
happened.  While we were on tour in Europe, I've never seen Brian so happy 
as when he was with John.  And now Brian is a complete wreck, he doesn't 
know what he feels or thinks anymore after whatever you've done to him."
	"No no Kevin, Brian just thought he was happy.  You see my son isn't gay.  
You should be ashamed of yourself for letting him get together with John and 
having his mind poisoned like that." Jackie replied, scolding Kevin towards 
the end of her sentence.
	"Brian made the advance, not John.  I don't know what's going on in your 
head, but you just have to accept you have a gay son.  It doesn't make him 
any different.  I found John on my way here sitting in a ball a couple of 
blocks down crying his eyes out.  Without Brian he had no where to go, and 
not a lot of money with him."
	"Look here young man, he's my son and I know him!"
	"KNOW HIM!!  He lives most of his life in Orlando or touring with ME, not 
you.  You have no idea what your son is like, he barely gets to see you most 
of the time.  I'm going to see him.  Where is he?"
	"In his room, and you're not bringing that person into my house!" Jackie 
said pointing at John, sitting in Kevin's car outside."  Kevin barged past 
her inside the house and ran upto Brian's room.
	"Bri, you in there?" Kevin said gently, pushing open the door slightly, 
peering in.  He saw Brian lying on the bed.  He walked fully in and went to 
close the door behind him.  Harold walked in jsut behind him however.
	"Why could they just not let him be.  He's probably filled with thoughts of 
how wrong it is to be gay, and going to hell and stuff.  I never did like 
that priest Mom went to see.  Hell, she barely ever goes to see him herself, 
doesn't like his Sunday service much." Harold said, as they entered the 
room.
	"Brian, come on, stop crying.  We're both here for you.  Now, you don't 
have to talk, just listen.  Harold told me what was said last night, and I 
know you must be confused now.  You can't deny how you feel though.  There's 
nothing wrong with being gay, it doesn't mean you're condemned to hell.  
Whatever they said to you, you're a good person.  John was devastated after 
your Mom threw him out, he was crying on a street corning this morning."
	"Let me tell you this, you are gay, and there's nothing wrong with it, and 
you are in love with John.  I could see it from the instant you arrived.  I 
can't believe Mom never realised you were gay.  I think she's just in 
denial.  She'll come round eventually.  Now, how about you get away from 
here now and go and stay with Kevin." Harold stated.  Brian just looked up 
at him, tears still in his eyes, before reaching out and pulling him into a 
tight hug.
	"Thanks Harold." He said in a choked voice through the tears.
	"Come on, let's get you up.  You've not really unpacked yet.  Harold, you 
put the clothes in the case, while I take him to my car.  Bri, don't listen 
to your Mom, just ignore her.  Whatever she says about you, I'm sure she 
doesn't mean it, she loves you really, she's just finding it a bit hard to 
accept." Kevin said, helping Brian stand before walking down with him, 
ignoring Jackie still standing at the doorway, shouting at Brian and Kevin 
to come back, as Brian climbed into the back of the car with John.
	"BRIAN, if you leave this house, you won't be coming back."
	"Jackie, shut up!" Kevin shouted back as he shut the door, before walking 
to take the case off Harold.  "See ya later, you've got my number, give me a 
call."  Kevin said, before getting in the driver's seat and speeding off 
towards the hotel room he'd reserved for the two.  He thought they needed 
there privacy.  The flight back to Orlando had been moved forwards to 
tomorrow afternoon, and Brian would be staying with him in there studio 
apartment along with Howie of all people.  He thought a hotel room would 
probably be in order again for the two lovebirds in the back seat.  John and 
Brian were embraced in a tight hug in the back of the car, both of them 
letting the tears freely flow at their reunification.  	"I thought I'd lost 
you for ever, your Mom looked at me like I was evil."
	"I know, I was really confused, I didn't know what to do.  I knew I loved 
you, but they were all telling me how evil it was and all.  I was just 
confused.  I'm never going to leave you, I promise.  What Harold said to me 
made me realise how I truly feel about you."
	"And how's that?" John asked, his tears now of happiness rather than sorry.
	"That I love you." Brian said, wiping the moisture off his face, before 
going to pull John into another hug.
	"I love you to Brian Littrell, I've never been so certain of anything 
before.  I know we've not been together long, but I've never felt like his 
over anyone before.  Every time we're apart I feel like a part of me is 
missing."
	"Well, there's a simple solution to this, we'll just have to make sure 
we're never apart!" Brian said, before Kevin pulled the car up into the car 
park of the 4 star Hilton hotel, where he'd reserved the room for them over 
night.
	"You two, we're here.  I'll leave you at the hotel, and call you later, 
about 6ish to see if you want to go out?"
	"Yeah sure Kev.  I don't know whether we will or not, but feel free to 
call.  When are we heading back to Orlando?"
	"The flight's at 12:30, and I'm going to sort you two out a hotel room, so 
you don't have to put up with Howie, and you'll get some privacy for 
whatever you get up to!" Kevin said with a smile, before helping them up to 
their room with the luggage.

	They walked into there hotel room, closing the door of room 206 behind 
them.  Brian pulled his lover into a long passionate kiss.  They collapsed 
onto the bed, not breaking from their period of intimacy.  After a few 
minutes, they broke apart and just stared longingly at each other, their 
eyes locked together.  They both gently drifted off to sleep, holding each 
other in a shared embrace.
	Ring ring...  ring ring...  The two sleeping young men awoke from their 
slumber to the sound of the telephone on the bedside table.  Brian sleepily 
groped over and pulled the phone to his ear, still waking up.
	"Hello?" he said groggily into the receiver.
	"Hi Brian, it's Kevin.  Did I wake you up?"
	"Don't worry about it, what time is it anyway?"
	"About 5:30.  I was wondering if you two wanted to go out with me and 
Harold to get something to eat and relax.  You might not want to be with 
your parents, but you might as well try and spend some time with your bro."
	"Yeah sure, we'll get ready and how about you come at meet us as the hotel 
in say an hour?"
	"Yeah sure, we'll see ya then!" Kevin replied before hanging up the 
receiver.  Brian turned over in the bed to face John, his lovers angelic 
face looking right at him.
	"Hey sweetie, I've told Kevin we'd go out for some dinner and stuff, you 
don't mind do you?"
	"No!  You need to spend some time with your brother as well, and it'll be 
nice to get out.  I can't believe we slept so long.  Who wants to get the 
bathroom first?" John asked, or rather stated, as he sprang from the bed and 
made a run for the door.  Brian caught him in a flying tackle round the 
waste though as they both fell to the floor, hitting on the plush carpet.  
Brian was the first to get up and made it through the door, closing it 
behind him, emerged in laughter.   After a few seconds John walked into the 
room and wrapped his arms round Brian's now shirtless torso, as he was 
turning the shower on.  He rested his head on Brian's shoulder, before 
placing a quick kiss on his cheek.
	"Care to join me?"
	"I think I'd better not, we do need to get ready after all!"
	"Oh, at least now I know how you feel." Brian said in mock disappointment, 
pouting.  He took off his pants and ushered John out the bathroom as he 
slipped off his underwear and stepped into the hot stream of water.  John 
walked back into the room and started to get some clothes out for Brian and 
himself to wear, while at the same time admiring his well toned body.
	After about 25 minutes the bathroom door opened and Brian stepped out, a 
towel wrapped round his waste, and his old clothes under his arm.  He saw 
the outfit laid out on the bed for him, and gave John yet another kiss 
before John entered the bathroom to get ready himself and Brian changed.  He 
heard the sound of water hitting against the shower door and walls, before 
sitting down and putting on the TV.  As expected, not much of interest was 
on.  After about 15 or so minutes, John emerged from the bathroom, and 
quickly slipped on his clothes, but not without throwing a pillow or two at 
Brian to avert his gaze to elsewhere other than directly at him.  They'd 
both finished getting changed and ready for the trip out when someone 
knocked on the door.  Brian walked over to let Kevin in, but to his shock 
and surprise, he did not find Kevin or Harold but a young girl, who didn't 
look ten years old.
	"Excuse me sir, I saw you go into your room earlier, and I was wondering if 
you are who I think you are."  Brian couldn't help but smile at how cute the 
girl looked, a pleading smile spread across her face.
	"I suppose that depends on who you think I am.  If you think I'm the 
President, sorry, I've gotta disappoint you.  On the other hand, if you 
think I'm Brian Littrell, than I guess I am."
	"Ca.. Can I have your autograph?" she asked nervously, a piece of paper and 
pen appearing from her pocket.
	"What's your name?" Brian asked, kneeling down so they were about at the 
same level.
	"Katie." She responded quietly.  Brian autographed the paper, along with 
some message or other, and returned it to the girl, presuming that to be the 
end of her request.
	"Why are you here?  I thought you're parents lived here, so why aren't you 
staying with them?"  The question came right out the blue and Brian was by 
no means prepared for it.
	"Well, it's sort of hard to explain.  You see, my Mom and I had a little 
arguement, and so I decided to stay at the hotel a while, so we didn't argue 
anymore."
	"What was it about?"
	"Nothing for you to worry about!  Now, you better run back to your Mom, or 
she might wonder where you are." Brian said, keeping up a smile.  He 
suddenly realised he would have to come up with a proper excuse on why he 
wasn't staying with his parents if the press managed to catch up with him at 
some point and realised he was staying at the Hilton rather than with his 
parents.  He turned round to John, who had quickly disappeared into the 
bathroom, before gesturing that they go downstairs.  They left the hotel 
room and headed towards the elevator.

	"Thanks little girl, so Brian said he's having some family troubles.  
Here's $10, go and get yourself something nice." The taller man in his mid 
thirties responded.  He now had everything he needed...

	"Hi Brian!" Kevin said as he crossed the lobby.  They approached each 
other, while Brian and Harold exchanged a quick hug, before they headed out 
to the parked rented Jaguar XJ8 in the hotel car-park.  They all piled in, 
while Harold backed it out the space and drove off.  After ten minutes of 
driving, Harold pulled the car up into the car-park of a small local 
restaurant/bar.  They left the car, locking it and walking to the 
restaurant.  A waiter walked to greet them, and showed them to a corner 
table.
	"Here are your menus sirs.  Today's soup is home made vegetable." He said 
before walking off.  They all deliberated over the menu for a few minutes 
before the waiter returned to take the drink orders.
	"A glass of the house red please." John replied to the waiter.
	"I'll just have an orange juice please." Brian said, keeping off the 
alcohol.
	"I'll have a Budweiser." Harold said, deliberating over the drinks menu.  
The waiter walked off and returned a few minutes later with the drinks.  He 
poured John a taster of the wine into his glass, before giving him a full 
glass, and then taking the food orders.
	"So we have a prawn cocktail and a vegetable ratatouille for you sir," he 
said glancing at John, "smoked salmon pate followed by the pilau rice and 
chicken teriyaki," he said glancing at Harold, "and for you sir, the tomato 
soup followed by macaroni and cheese." He checked for agreement from them 
before walking off to the kitchen.
	Harold and Brian just chatted about things, mainly about the world tour.  
Harold was completely unfazed by the newly revealed sexuality of his brother 
and the fact his boyfriend was sitting next to him.  Harold also seemed to 
have taken a liking to John anyway, which was always a good start.  After 
about fifteen minutes there food arrived and they all tucked into their 
starters.  The food was delicious, and excellently prepared.  At about 9pm, 
they had finished their meals and headed out the restaurant.  They climbed 
into the car before discussing where to go next.
	"We could go to the movies, down to a club, whatever you like.  It's your 
night tonight." Kevin said, looking back towards Brian and John on the 
backseat.
	"Er... I don't know.  I don't want to go a club or anything, there's no 
movies at the cinema that I'd like to see, what do you think?" Brian said 
looking over at John.
	"Let's see, it's 9pm, we can't think of anywhere to go, so how about we 
just go back to our hotel room and just sit and talk.  We can order some 
drinks from room service, a movie or something to watch?"
	"Yeah, that sounds great.  Drive on Jiles!" Brian said jokingly to Harold, 
as they headed back to the hotel...

The End of Chapter 11
Well, we've reached the end of yet another chapter.  I don't know if I like 
his one that much, but we'll see what sort of response we've got.  I tried 
to get the chapter out before Xmas, but it didn't work, as I write this it's 
now the 27th (bare in mind I started it near the beginning of November...),  
but I doubt it'll be up for your to read until the New Year.  Happy belated 
Christmas wishes for you all, and Happy New Year/Decade/Century/Millennium.  
   I hope Santa brought you all lots of nice goodies:).  See ya all to the 
next chapter, and emails as always to trekster2@hotmail.com or 
trekkiead@yahoo.com .  Thanks to Jeff, my proof!  Also, I've got a new story 
in the works here, I'm just bringing the first chapter to an end, and if I 
get into it, I'll post the first chapter in a month or so if all goes well.  
I've got a new job, so I don't have quite as much time on my hands as I used 
to, my weekend days and some evenings are now gone, along with all weekdays, 
but I'll get the chapters out once a month hopefully.  No, I've not 
forgotten about Simon's epilepsy, some of you asked!  The next chapter 
doesn't have too many surprises, but I'll do my best to make it as 
interesting as possible.  We're back to Simon and Justin next time, and Nick 
and JC to a degree, it depends how things turn out.

Ad.