Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 18:44:07 GMT
From: J-dot M <catsfan1@hotmail.com>
Subject: Angel's Wings Part 6

Angel's Wings (Part 6)
Written by JM

--- Da da da da da... what to write, what to write?  Hmmm, it's about
celebrities... yeah, that sounds good.  Two very moral celebrities too...
ooh yeah, that makes it better.  Let's see, what else... oh yeah, these two
male celebrities are together, but that has nothing to do with their actual
personal lives.  Ha ha, oh yeah, forgot this one... it's fiction ALL THE
WAY!  Is that it?  I think so... wait, no... please be 18 or older or have
your parents permission.  Parental Guidance is suggested.  Need some
popcorn?  Maybe a soda?  Got to have the Twizzlers... remember, 'Silence Is
Golden'!  Okay, let's move on to to the previews... ---

--- Rated PG-13: Hey, I'm back!  That's right and I thought I could stay
away.  No, I prayed I could stay away, but this is in my blood.  I've just
got to write.  Anyway, I'm glad to be back with another exciting verse in
the song of Brian and Justin's lives.  Please remember that these stories
are based on the romance created for Brian and Justin through 'Brian and
Justin' and 'Just Beginning'.  This is not called 'JC and Nick' or 'Lance's
Beginnings,' so please respect the fact that they will not get all the
attention in the world.  If you don't know by now, send all comments to:
catsfan1@hotmail.com  Thank you very much!  Enjoy the show... ---

-- Rated R: Thanks again Nsyncgrrl for inspiring me.  She got me going with
this first paragraph or so.  So head over to: http://nsyncgrrl.cjb.net  I
guarantee that it will not fail to satisfy you.  It does me and makes me
want to keep romance alive in a new way over here at Nifty.  Not everything
is all happy and go-lucky and I want to keep that feeling true at Nifty.
So, if things don't always go the way you want, I'm sorry.  I'm going to try
and be true with this story and keep what  started going.  So read
Nsyncgrrl's stuff and send her e-mail!  Tell her that I sent ya.  ---

--- Rated G: Correction to Jonathan and Steven's ages.  Jonathan is seven
and Steven is three.  Sorry about that mix up before peeps.  Hold onto your
hats people, this story is going off the walls in every direction.  Either
you're going to hate me or love me after this story, but a LOT of things are
going to occur!  A lot of music too!  So sit back and enjoy this strange
twists in everyone's chapter.  ---

		-Feature Presentation: Angel's Wings, Rated R-

		"So, that's what happened?"  Don't call them famous words or words that
said too much.  They were just words, simple and said in a mono tone.
Nothing spectacular came of them except a sigh from Justin Littrell's lips.
He sat in one of the back rooms at the Orlando venue, his head upright and
his eyes peering deflt at his father, Randall Timberlake.  His father had
spoke the words, hoping to pull a little bit of emotion out of Justin's
spirit.  His usual crisp, lively blue eyes were now just hollowed out with
distress.
		Justin leaned against the chair he sat in, his eyes beginning to gaze
around the small and quiet room.  His father and step-mother had arrived in
Orlando that morning with Justin's half-brothers, Jonathan and Steven.  They
were making a brief visit to catch *NSYNC's final show on their U.S. tour.
Justin had not seen them since his tour stop in Memphis, the one he shared
with his estranged husband and son.  Now, in the midst of the dwindelling
marriage Justin shared with Brian, his father wanted to know of the affair
that his mother had spoke of so evenly.  Justin wanted to be the one to tell
his father of what occured between J.C. and him.  When his mother spoke to
Randall at the airport, informing him of the small affair that destroyed
Brian's trust and faith in Justin, Justin grew irritated with his mother.
He had resorted to ending all communication between the two, opting to spend
a quiet hour with his other family before he had to prep' for the upcoming
performance.
		"That's pretty much what happened." Justin sighed out a reply, slipping
his gaze from his father.  He looked at his wedding ring, the gold band that
remained wrapped tightly around his left ring finger.  He didn't want to
remove it until Brian told him they were getting a divorce.  Now, after two
full days without Brian, Justin felt an awkward emotion telling him that he
would soon be seeing papers delievred to the home he once shared with Brian.
  "Have you talked to him?  Tried to work things out?" Randall questioned in
a careless way.  He was not pleased with his son when hearing of the affair.
  It was nothing to smile about.  "I tried Daddy, I did.  Brian... he just
needs his time away right now.  I think he's saying that it'll probably be
best if we don't talk.  I don't think he wants it to work anymore." Justin
answered him in a meek voice.  He was suffering due to his guilt.  It had
stricken him helpess to the pain he had caused Brian.
		Randall sighed with defeat.  It took him a great time to accept his son's
marriage to Brian, to accept Brian as a son.  Now, Randall loved Brian, he
adored Angel and without a doubt, he loved Justin.  To know that Justin
betrayed a sacred trust just as Randall did many years ago with Justin's
mother made Randall regret not being a stronger influence in his son's life.
  He could not praise Justin for his affair, but he could empathize fully
with him.  He wanted to be there for Justin and he wished he was told
sooner, so he could speak with Brian.  He didn't want to lose Brian in his
or Justin's life, and he did not want Angel to be a repeat of Justin.
		"Do you want to be with him, son?  Do you love Joshua?" Randall questioned
Justin in a concerned tone.  Justin's eyes fluttered, his head drooping.  He
had given Brian all of his concentration and had yet to question his
feelings for J.C.  Was it just lust?  Just was never able to decipher what
was real.  "Daddy, I love Brian so much... I didn't want to hurt him."
Justin admitted, small tears sealing his eyes.  He sniffled quietly, his
nose flusing a red color.  He swallowed hard, lifting his eyes to glance at
his father.  "If you don't want to hurt him anymore, you had better not have
any feelings outside of friendly ones for Joshua." Randall warned Justin,
hoping to stir Justin in the direction of his best interest.
		Justin blinked softly, keeping the tears hidden in his eyes.  He stretched
and sluched in the chair, flopping his head back against it.  He had to
consider his father's advice and think of ways to correct the mistakes he
created.  "Justin's, where's Brian?  Where's my brother?" Jonathan asked as
he skipped over to his brother.  He climbed into the chair with Justin,
snuggling to his brother, laying his head on Justin's shoulder.  Justin
sighed, wrapping his arms around Jonathan's waist and holding him in his
lap.  "He's not coming Jonathan.  He's... uh, he's at his house right now."
Justin told his younger brother.  He lifted a hand to scruff through
Jonathan's soft, dirty-blonde hair.  "He's not coming to see me?  What about
my nephew?" Jonathan wondered, patting his hand on Justin's shoulder.
Justin sucked on his lower lip, a sour taste filling his mouth.  It wasn't
easy for him to tell his younger brother that he would not see his
brother-in-law during his short visit.  "Angel will see his Daddy tomorrow,
hopefully, but Brian's not coming today.  I'll let you call him later on,
though.  I promise lil' bro'." Justin assured Jonathan.  Jonathan huffed,
disappointed.

	You, me, different as night and day
	All we ever hear them say
	What seems to be totally illogical
	Makes perfect sense to me
	We might be light years apart
	Still we are tied at the heart
	It's completely and totally illogical
	But it makes perfect sense to me

		Take 5 was controlling the stage as they opened for *NSYNC.  A few members
of *NSYNC took listen to them from one of their dressing rooms in the
backstage area.  Justin, J.C., and Joey resided in the room, hunting out
relaxation from the press and media that desired to interview them.  Lance
took up another room to enjoy a phone conversation with his boyfriend,
Bryce, while Chris spent a few moments with his future wife in another
dressing room.
		J.C. bobbed his head steadily to the beat of the song, relating it to his
own life.  He tapped his fingers along the sofa-chair he sat in.  His eyes
peered at Justin as he flip through press releases concerning the MTV Video
Music Awards.  Joey read from over Justin's shoulder, his hands resting on
Justin's shoulders while his eyes peered at the papers.  "They actually
think we're going to perform with Britney again?  Not a chance people." Joey
commented, taking caution while reading a few lines of the press release.
Justin snorted quietly.  "You know your girlfriend would love to perform
with us again.  She might get mad love this time for singing." Justin
snickered, flipping to the next page that listed the categories in which
*NSYNC was nominated.  Joey squeezed on Justin's shoulders, striving to
inflict pain in Justin to show his disapproval.  Justin flinched a little,
fluttering his eyes upward.  "As long as we have enough time to rehearse,
being that the awards are less than a week after Chris and Meelah's
wedding." Justin noted, looking back at the list of awards.
		"Doesn't this song mean something to you?  To us?" J.C.'s voice pulled
Justin's eyes away from the paper he held.  He could still hear the lively
performance Take 5 gave of 'Perfect Sense.'  His eyes wandered to J.C.,
confusion strickening them.  "It was meant for us." J.C. whispered loudly,
his focal point direction on Justin.  Justin swallowed hard, leaning back
into the seat he occupied.  He could feel Joey's touch fading.  No doubt,
Joey was straightening up behind him.  "It makes perfect sense, Justin.  You
and me.  Why are we fooling ourselves like this?" J.C. declared without
reservation, advancing closer to Justin.  Joey crossed his arms, staring
heatedly towards J.C.  Justin felt an unwavering tension lock his body,
making him helpless to movement.  "What are you talking about?" Justin
questioned with a hiss.
		J.C. shook his head.  He hated Justin's denial.  In his mind, he had won
and he needed to declare it.  "Stop.  Stop playing Justin.  Take off the
ring and be with me.  It makes perfect sense babe.  I can hold you and love
you better than he can.  Take off the ring." J.C. said in an uneasy,
strained voice.  Justin cringed in his seat.  "Stop fucking around, Josh.
You've already caused enough hell in this group." Joey hissed, edging to the
side of the chair so that he was closer to Justin.  Justin nibbled on the
rim of his lower lip, his eyes falling down to his lap.  He couldn't stare
J.C. in the eyes.  Sweat honed his body, leaving him lifeless to the room.
"Guys, please don't start this.  You're supposed to be relaxing and resting
up for the performance." Lonnie pleaded, taking up a closer position near
the three.  J.C. shook his head again.  He wasn't satiated with their
desire.  He wanted what he wanted and he did not have a desire to let it
slip away.  "I need you and you need me.  It's perfect sense, Justin, baby."
J.C. whispered, his eyes still baring down on Justin as he came but steps
from Justin.  Justin sighed lowly, his eyes closing tightly while tears
broke free.  "Stop it, he's crying." Joey barked, raising a hand to J.C. to
hold him back.  J.C. did not cease.  "Love me." J.C. requested, his feet
centimeters from Justin's.
		Justin's head jerked up, his eyes puffy and laced with red lines.  He
sniffled hard, his lips quivering.  'Why is he doing this?' Justin thought
out, his fists instantly jamming shut.  He knew what he ahd to say.  It was
his confessional.  "No!  Hell no, Josh.  I will not love you and I will not
be with you.  I don't give a fuck how much you need me.  I need Brian!  I
need to be with my husband and to be loved by him because you aren't doing
shit for me!" Justin growled, angered tears sliding down his thin cheeks as
he spoke.  His words slapped a white hue onto J.C.'s face, his eyes
widening.  It was unexpected, but it was needed.
		Justin pushed himself to his feet, staring directly at J.C. as the tears
trickled down his face.  His lower lip trembled, but his eyes held all of
the authority.  He was now in control.  His voice was going to be heard and
his opinion was going to be openly expressed.  "I don't love you, Josh.  I
love Brian.  I love my son.  I'm your friend, but I can't and don't want to
be anything more.  Being with Brian makes perfect sense to me and you can
accept that or not, but I'm tired of giving a fuck." Justin hissed with
spite in his tone.
		Justin searched J.C.'s eyes for understanding and could only find it in
the very depths of J.C.'s baby blues.  The rest was covered in salty tears
and shame.  Justin had finally stated his claim and had to allow J.C. to
embrace it.  Joey watched both, awaiting the war to begin between the two
friends that had crossed the line of friendship by allowing romance to
trickle in.
		"You kissed me!  You had to have felt something besides a fucking hard-on
in your pants.  Don't pass me that shit!"  The shouting that arose from
*NSYNC's dressing room seemed to keep much of the staff and tour
participants confused and lost.  Security kept a tight watch on the area
surrounding the dressing room, ushering on any unwanted vistors or
eavesdroppers.
		Pink held the stage, keeping the crowd at rest as the girls of Innosense
prepped for their performance.  "Can't you see that you're making me cry?!
He didn't make me cry like this, feel like this." Justin's voice rose
through the walls that separated Innosense's dressing room and one of
*NSYNC's dressing rooms.  Lynn Harless kept her eyes focused on the mirror
before her, watching Danay and Mandy prep their hair for the performance.
"He is an asshole." a declaration from J.C. drew Lynn's eyes away from the
mirror.  She glanced down at her watch, calculating how much more screaming
she would have to tolerate before she could leave the dressing room with her
group.  She took a quick glance around the room, her tension-coated blue
eyes watching Nikki adjust her clothing so she was comfortable for the show
while Amanda Latona, a former member, relaxed on a couch in the dressing
room, her eyes consdtantly moving around the room.  Veronica and Jenny were
missing, both leaving shortly before Take 5's performance ended and Pink
took the stage.
		The sounds of the dressing room door opening and Veronica peeking her head
inside startled Lynn.  Her nerves were too tense, preventing any calm
feelings to circulate through her small frame.  "Guys, we've got a problem."
Veronica said meekly, sliding into the dressing room with Lance Bass in tow.
  Lynn ducked her head, already overwhelmed with emotional troubles.  "Yeah,
no kidding and I wish it would shut the hell up." Danay barked, slamming her
fist repeatedly onto the wall to try and silence the arguing occuring
between J.C. and Justin.  She shook her head with anger, trying to return
her concentration to her hair.  "No, not that guys." Veronica sighed,
shaking her head loosely while sliding around the room.
		Lance stayed close to the door, his face filled with grime expressions.
'I knew this was going to happen,' Lance thought, twiddling his thumbs.  'It
was too apparent.  He never gives up on what he wants, but he doesn't
realize when to go after it.  He always has the wrong timing.' Lance
complained mentally, ignoring what occured in the dressing room.
		"What's wrong Veronica?  Dead crowd out there?" Amanda wondered, sitting
up some to glance at Veronica.  Veronica sighed again, finding a seat on the
arm of the couch.  She glanced down at the ground.  She was never one to
speak out immediately when there was a problem.  She stayed debating her
words for periods of time.  "Come on V, speak up." Nikki requested, prancing
past Veronica.  Mandy puckered her lips, easing passed Veronica while
humming the notes to 'Say No More.'  Veronica watched both ladies with pale
brown eyes.  She was still contemplating.  "Veronica, please speak up.  You
know that we're trying to prepare for the performance." Lynn asked of
Veronica.  Veronica groaned, leaning back in her position.
		"Jenny's really sick and she's throwing up a lot in the bathroom." Lance
shot out briskly, preventing Veronica from speaking her knowledge.  Veronica
whipped her head in Lance's direction, furrowing her brow at him.  "What?!"
Danay called out, her eyes peering at Lance.  She did not take well to the
surprise.  Mandy halted her light steps, turning to glance at Lance with
disbelief.  "Is she nervous again?  What?  Maybe she's just a bit nervous."
Nikki offered a simple solution that the others wished was true.  Lance and
Veronica shook their heads simultaneously.  "She's got a fever guys.  She
was sick at rehearsals yesterday.  You heard her voice and the way she was
getting sloppy with her moves.  She can't go on." Veronica declared in a
stronger tone.  Danay cursed under her breath, throwing her brush down onto
the counter of the vanity mirror.  Mandy leaned up against the wall,
completely dumbfounded.
		Lance turned his pale green eyes on Lynn.  She had a face filled with
debate.  The added stress of Justin's affair and the current battle between
her son and J.C. did not make any decision easy on Lynn.  She hated herself
for not seeing the signs in Justin and J.C., and now being blind to Jenny
truly destroyed her.  "Lynn, I got like that a good year ago and there was
no way I could have performed two songs, let alone a full set.  She's not
really fit to go on stage." Lance commented directly to Lynn.  Lynn nodded,
hating the choice she was going to have to make.
		"Trace's with her right now and she's not too happy about being sick.  I
don't think we should approach her about not going on right now.  We have to
figure out how to go on without her." Veronica added a comment that aided
Lynn.  "Veronica, how do you expect us to go on without Jenny?  She sings
leads on every song we're performing.  Her vocals are so high and the rest
of us aren't used to her choreography and her ad-libs on certain songs."
Danay debated, her animosity flaring in her tone.  Veronica lowered her
head, not looking forward to a debate with Danay.  "Maybe you and me can
split her leads Danay.  We can handle her range, right?" Nikki suggested,
strolling over to the mirror to adjust her lip gloss.  Danay shook her head
briskly, crinkling her nose.  "She sings too damn high.  I could handle your
leads, but not her's." Danay jested, thumping against the wall with
disappointment.  Nikki puckered her lips, considering her remaining choices
as she heard J.C. scream out, "Why didn't you ever give me a chance?  Who
says I didn't have feelings for you way back when we were on the Mickey
Mouse Club?  You kept your mind on Britney for too many fucking years."  She
sighed, disappointed by him.  She had spent much of her time on the Mickey
Mouse Club with him and a few years following the cancellation of the show.
		"Amanda can do it!" Mandy boasted in a cheery voice, leaping off the wall
with excitement.  Veronica's head snapped up, her eyebrow arching while her
eyes turned to her friend.  Amanda glanced around quickly, astonished by
Mandy's suggestion.  "She was at rehearsal all day the other day and she
knows the the routine.  Hell, she even came to rehearsals before we left for
the tour and she used to rehearse 'Ride' with us all the time." Mandy
beamed, standing behind Amanda with confidence.  Amanda's face twisted with
uncertainty.  "Plus, she's got the vocal range of Jenny." Mandy added, her
argument powerful.  Danay crossed her arms, considering the notion.
Veronica gleamed endlessly at Amanda, loving the idea.
		Nikki smiled admirably at Mandy.  All of the times they had argued over
Amanda's place in the group following and during her pregnancy and Jenny's
replacement of Amanda had left Nikki and Mandy on opposite sides.  Mandy
always debated on Jenny's behalf while Nikki stood in defense of Amanda,
hating to lose her presence in the group.  "I think it's a nice idea.  Sort
of bringing the original five back together for one last show in Orlando."
Nikki smiled.
		Veronica turned her eyes on Lynn, still seeing a strong debate revolving
around her.  She lifted her body from the arm of the couch and trodded over
to Lynn.  "Come on Ms. Lynn, say it's okay.  Amanda can do this, she can
take Jenny's spot for one show and save us from the hassle of fixing the
other problems we'll have." Veronica pleaded, trying to coach her manager
into allowing the event to take place.  Lynn took a quick glance at Veronica
and then shifted her heavy eyes to Amanda, reading her expressions.  There
was hope in her eyes, but there was no assurance in her appearance.  "Amanda
has to agree to it." Lynn finally agreed, her voice low and delicate.
		Veronica automatically looked back at the nervous Amanda.  "Come on
'Manda, bail us out!" Mandy begged, massaging Amanda's shoulders for added
convincing.  Nikki's eyes pleaded with Amanda as the woman stared up to her
friend.  Amanda could barely see through the small tears that circled
Nikki's blossoming green eyes.  Amanda nibbled her lower lip, small
butterflies spreading their wings inside of her stomach.  She felt sweat
cover her palms.  Her timid blue eyes blinked repeatedly.  "You really don't
have a choice Boojie." Danay chimed with a new glow around her.  Amanda
groaned softly, her head drooping.  The pressure was thick, a mist of
negativity clouding her choices.  "Fine." she finally moaned out, laughing
lightly.  She was soon bombarded by hugs from Mandy and Veronica,
gratefullness locked into their touch.
		"Okay, I wanna do her hair!" Mandy chimed, leaping from the couch and
dashing for the vanity mirror.  "I've got dibs on make-up." Danay added in
an equally child-like manner.  "Let's see what she looks like in Jenny's
outfit." Veronica cooed, rolling off the couch and heading in the direction
of wardrobe.  Lance found himself laughing at the girlish ways of the girls
he knew to be so professional and strong.  He had watch Innosense stand
strong and never buckle under the heat of the moment and now they were
prancing around the dressing room like the Pink Ladies during the sleepover
scene in Grease.  It looked as if Amanda would play Sandy.
		"Girls, girls, wait just a second, I have something to say." Lynn yelled
out in a demanding country accent.  Movement stopped across the room, all
eyes falling to Lynn.  Nikki let her eyes fall to the ground as she heard
another shout rise from the other dressing room.  Each yell unsettled her
even more.  "I just wanted to thank all of you girls for being so patient
with me during these past few days.  This whole... well, all that's been
occuring in my personal life has really been taking my mind and my attention
away from my work and you girls.  I'm really sorry about that.  I shouldn't
have let that interfere in my priorities and the time I should dedicate to
ya'll." Lynn spoke elegantly, but with true love in her voice.  A warm smile
proceeded her speech.  She felt the concentration of the girls she
considered her surrogate daughters on her.  She felt at peace for a minute
second.  "Thank you." she added a final whisper.
		"Well, Ms. Lynn, if I didn't know better, I'd say that you want a
make-over too." Danay chimed, causing the others to fall into a laughter.
All but Nikki.  She let warm tears descend from her eyes as her head
continue to hang low.  She did not attempt to wipe them away.  She only
desired to hide them.  "I could be Angel's father.  I could treat him right.
  Hell, you could be Justin Chasez!" J.C.'s voice raised and caused more
tears to slip into Nikki's eyelids.  Nikki shook her head, disappointed
greatly.  Should couldn't understand why she continuously laid her heart on
the line for him.
		Innosense's had just performed 'www.fan-ta-see.'  The girls were breathing
easy as the crowd cheered uncontrollably for them.  Their skin was lightly
coated in sweat from the vigorous dancing they put out and the strong vocals
they willingly dispensed.  Their outfits were bandanna-printed tops with
Nikki, Amanda, and Danay wearing gray cargo's and Veronica and Mandy
sporting navy blue ones.  Each marched around the stage, preparing for the
next song they would perform to hold the Orlando audience in their positions
during their opening set.
		Nikki stood at the head of the group, her head raised high and her eyes
twinkling.  It was something about the sensuousness of 'www.fan-ta-see' made
her feel good, full of energy.  She glanced at Mandy as she sipped on a
bottle of water, waving to a few of the fans that she knew.  Nikki wiped her
fingers over her forehead, wiping away a few drops of sweat as she caught
her breath.  She let another drop of sweat crack from her forehead as
technicians set up five mic-stands across the stage.  "Hey Orlando, are
ya'll ready for the next song?!" Nikki finally called out a question,
receiving a large response in the form of applause and shrieks.  She
giggled, taking a small gulp.  "It is so beautiful here in O-Town.  The sky
is so pretty and so beautiful." Nikki announced, taking small steps toward
her mic-stand as her fellow bandmates found their spots on the stage.  "Hey
Nikki, I think we need to make it rain here in Orlando." Danay suggested
through her microphone, raising her water bottle toward her friend.  Nikki
nodded as others cheered, aware of what song was to come next.  Nikki pulled
her hair back, turning bacvk to the audience.  "You're right D.  I think
it's time we make it rain all over Orlando." Nikki stated with an ample
grin.
		The sounds of falling rain began to trickle through the speakers as the
members of Innosense began to snap their fingers to the guitar-filled beat.
They bobbed back and forth, smiling toward the crowd.  They each found their
own feel for the song.  Amanda followed the steps she had seen in the
rehearsals.  They were not hard.  It was choreography Amanda could dance to
while still remembering the words she would have to sing.  She followed
Nikki's lead as Nikki belt out the beginning ad-libs and Veronica verbalized
the spoken parts.

	Ooh
	Oh, oh (I think it's gonna rain)
	Ooooh (Can't you smell the rain)
	Ah, ah, ah (Sure looks cloudy today)

	Why am I here if you're there
	So far away its not fair
	To be without you like this
	I miss you more than you know
	The nights are long, the days slow
	Without the warmth of your kiss

	I wish you were back here with me
	Cause out my window, all I see is

	Rain rain in the sky
	Everywhere I look my eyes see
	Rain rain falling down
	Cryin' as it hits the ground
	Rain rain in my heart
	Every day that we're apart
	Rain rain, falling (Falling to the ground)
	Rain rain (Splashin' on the ground)
	Rain rain (Let it trickle down)
	Only rain rain

		The choreography moved in-tune with the mid-tempo ballad's beat.  Not one
member was out of step as they danced out their emotions.  "Come on ya'll,
move your hands as it rains." Danay requested as she slid to the end of the
line.  She glanced down to Amanda as she strolled to the middle microphone
stand.  Amanda puckered her lips, keeping her mind on the verse she had to
sing in Jenny's place.  She placed a hand on the stand and let the words
come to her like her favorite song would if she heard it on the radio.  She
let the beat possess her.  "Let it rain, let it rain." Veronica added an
ad-lib while taking her position at the other end of the group.  Amanda
lifted her head, her mind only on the chords and lyrics.

	The sun is strong when you're near
	But when you're gone it disappears
	Behind an ocean of blue
	The telephone's not good enough
	It can't reach out
	It can't touch me like the way you do, oh ho

	I wish you would knock at my door
	Cause only you can stop this pouring

		"Come on ya'll, it's gonna rain... get ready!" Mandy yelled out as the
others belt out the second chorus.  She ran to one end of the stage, her
voice content on impressing the masses of the audience.  "Wave ya hands and
let it fall down." Veronica added, skipping to another microphone stand as
Nikki pulled her microphpne from its stand.  Nikki strolled in a casual way,
making sure her body was ready for the bridge she was going to belt out.
She passed Danay, patting her shoulder and smiling.  Danay nodded, slipping
back to her stand next to Amanda.  'Go job girl,' Danay mouthed to Amanda as
Amanda sung the chorus.  Amanda smiled even greater, putting her all into
the ad-libs that were once crooned by Jenny.  She watched as Nikki to the
forefront and showed the entire arena that her voice was God-given.

	Maybe I'll go outside
	And walk beneath the clouds
	Pretend it's you that's washing over me (Over me)
	Distance is the only thing that comes between us now
	Baby, soon we'll be together
	Ooh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

		Veronica bolted from her mic-stand, stopping right near Nikki as Nikki
lifted her voice even higher for added ad-libs.  Veronica giggled quietly
before lifting her microphone to her lips.  She waved briskly to a few
familiar fans before putting her all into the rap that was written by her
for the song.

	Rain fallin' from the sky
	All I do is cry and think of you
	Can't dry my eyes
	Rise above, the clouds
	All my love is not allowed
	You're not here to share the showers, all my powers
	Taken over, can't find no cover (Everywhere I look I see rain)
	Taken over the rain, rain
	Comin' at me like a train, train
	Driving me insane-sane
	Wanna run to the sun (Rain)

		"Here it goes ya'll!  It's raining..." Mandy announced as, unexpectedly, a
blizzard of silver confetti came falling from the rafters above the stage.
The glittery confetti covered the air, the light wind in Orlando carrying
the confetti across the arena.  Mandy and her groupmates danced through the
glitter, focusing on the choreography they were taught.
		The others continued to sing the chorus as Nikki proceeded to carol her
ad-libs.  "Go O-Town, you made it rain, go O-Town!" Veronica chanted,
laughing unconsciously.  The audience screamed uncontrollably, thrown by
Innosense's moving performance and the unforeseen 'rain.'  Amanda danced
merrily, winking to the fans that screamed for her.  "Keep it going, keep it
going." Amanda cheered as the others came to the close of the last chorus in
the song.

	Rain rain in the sky
	Everywhere I look my eyes see
	Rain rain falling down
	Cryin' as it hits the ground
	Rain rain in my heart
	Every day that we're apart
	Rain rain, falling, rain rain
	Rain rain, only rain rain

	It'll never be the same
	If you don't stop the rain

		The dramatic song came to an end with Nikki standing in the middle,
holding one last note.  The others cheered her on, trying to rile up support
from the audience.  It did not take much before the crowd was shouting
wildly.  The girls laughed softly, feeling a sense of pride and togetherness
taking them over.
		"Right about now, we want to introduce ourselves to you guys." Danay
issued out as she toweled off her cheek, walking near the front of the
stage.  She glanced back at her counterparts, awaiting for their approval
before initiating the introductions.  Nikki nodded in her direction,
clearing her throat quietly.  "Okay, hello Orlando, my name is Danay." Danay
called out in a Cuban-influenced accent.  "Hey everyone, I'm Amanda." Amanda
smiled, waving to the crowd.  "What's up ya'll, I'm Nikki." Nikki grinned
while strolling to the front.  "What's up Orlando?!  I'm Mandy!" Mandy
cheered, trying to strike up more enthusiasm in the audience.  "I'm
Veronica." Veronica simply stated with a bubbly tone.  The crowd cheered
endlessly, all excited to see hometown favorites performing for them.
		Veronica skidded to the front, holding her microphone to her side while
she glanced around the audience.  She smiled to a few friends, her focus
dawdling from the performance.  "Okay, as you guys can see, one of our group
members isn't here tonight and, for those of you who know Innosense, one of
our old members is here in her place tonight." Veronica remarked, turning
her head in Amanda's direction.  Amanda smiled, waving perkily to the crowd.
  A mixed reaction came from the crowd, some becoming truly confused by her
presence.  "That's right guys.  Jenny is sick tonight.  She was unable to
perform and one of our original members, Amanda Latona, is taking her place
just for tonight." Nikki added, throwing an arm around Amanda.  The crowd
cheered lowly.  Most knew Amanda's face as the bride to a Backstreet Boys
while others knew of her career with Innosense.  "Isn't she so nice?  She's
busy doing her own thing right now and she's married too.  We're all very
happy for her." Veronica spoke up, holding her position at the front of the
stage.  She attempted to point towards Amanda's wedding ring as the crowd
squealed for the wife of A.J. McLean.  "That's right, thanks Amanda." Nikki
chimed, hugging her friend closer.  Amanda slipped an arm around Nikki's
waist, pulling her up as they stayed near the middle of the stage.
		Veronica pulled her hair through her dirty-blonde hair, her fingers
gracing over the blue tips she had at the end of her curls.  She breathed
peacefully as the crowd awaited someone to speak again.  "Okay, Orlando, we
need you to get on your feet because we're going to take a ride.  Ain't that
right Mandy?" Veronica said, directing her eyes at Mandy.  Mandy tossed her
blonde, red-tipped hair behind her back and stepped forward.  "That's right
Veronica.  We need all of ya'll to get on your feet and go with us on this
ride.  If you feel the need to dance, shake, or just jump around, go ahead.
We want ya'll to have fun." Mandy agreed as the background music to 'Ride'
began to fill the stadium.
		A low arousal of applause filled the arena as most of the Innosense fans
began to bop around to the tune they knew very well.  Innosense danced in
tune to the beat, their arms moving briskly and their legs shimming around
as they danced.  "Come on, get those hands up!" Mandy called out, moving
from the back of the line they danced in to get to the front.  She kept a
straight face, concentrating fully on the performance.  The others gave off
a more fun expressions, striving to get the crowd involved with the song.

	[Nikki]
	I'm gonna rock this place right out of space
	Give you something that you've never heard
	Sing V

	[Veronica]
	I'm gonna paint my nails and dye my hair up
	Then take me champagne bubble bath (What?)

	[Danay]
	I'm gonna speak my mind any time
	I find that I've got something to say

	[Mandy]
	I'm gonna jump around and paint this town
	Now let me hear ya'll say (Hey!)

	Take me, take me down
	Take me down
	Don't you wanna ride
	Now follow, follow me now
	Follow me now
	Don't you wanna ride

	Turn it up, let me hear you say (Ride)
	Cause that's the way we like to play (Ride)

		The girls danced in in-synch motions, moving from side-to-side as they had
been instructed during dance rehearsals.  "Come on if you wanna ride!"
Veronica screamed out, running to one side of the stage.  Amanda kept a
smooth smile, sticking to the routine she learned strictly through
observation and sparatic rehearsals she had before she became too pregnant.
She glanced at Nikki who seemed to get the crowd more involved than paying
attention to the routine.

	[Mandy]
	I'm gonna let it go and feel that flow
	Gonna put you in a trance

	[Veronica]
	I'm gonna take control cause I'm on a roll
	And smash that pebble from out your hand

	[Amanda]
	I'm gonna turn it out and scream and shout
	Until I get my way, ah hah

	[Nikki]
	I'm gonna turn that key and set you free
	Hey Orlando, I wanna hear you say hey

		The rap-like melody that the girls sang to provoked excitement in the
crowd.  "Come on, come on." Mandy cheered, clapping as a section of the
crowd tried to mimic Innosense's moves.  She smiled generously, running to
another side of the stage as the girls set up the next set of dances for the
hook.  "That's right, over here." she gleamed, waving to another set of fans
in the audience.

	Take me, take me down
	Take me down
	Don't you wanna ride
	Now follow, follow me now
	Follow me now
	Don't you wanna ride

	Take me, take me down
	Take me down
	Don't you wanna ride
	Now show me, show me how
	Show me how
	Show me how you ride

	Turn it up, let me hear you say (Ride)
	Cause that's the way we like to play (Ride)
	Now turn it up, let me hear you say (Ride)
	Cause that's the way we like to play (Ride)

		Veronica took the more agressive role in the song, pouring her energy into
striking up emotion in the crowd.  She bopped around with a high spirit,
ignoring the lifeless members of the crowd.  "What  What?  What?  Come on!"
Danay chanted on the crowd, taking small steps away from the other members.
She threw a hand up, raising it up and down.  Her smile was never-ending as
the watched a few of the closer fans mimic her.  She glanced at Nikki and
Veronica as they covered the left end of the stage, dancing in step.
"Ladies, I think they wanna ride." Amanda commented into her mic, moving
back to formation as they prepared for the bridge.  Danay stood in the
middle of the girls, smiling hard with her mocca-brown eyes staring directly
at the center of the audience.

	It's sunny outside (It's sunny outside)
	And I feel fine (I feel fine)
	No cares tonight (No cares tonight)
	Ooh, it's time to ride
	Ride, yeah

	Now everybody say hey!

		The girls all broke from their formation, dashing around the stage after
the joint line.  Amanda clapped her hands over her head, shaking her hips in
time with the uptempo beat.  Nikki bobbed her head, jumping up and down in
one position.  "I can't hear you?" Nikki said.  "Yeah, yeah, come on and
ride." Mandy crooned, sliding to a spot near Nikki.  She slapped hands with
Nikki and then strolled by her.  "I see you!" she called out, pointing to a
few parents that began to dance along to the contagious tune.  "Go 'head,
just ride." Mandy insisted, bouncing her shoulders.  She pulled at her pink,
badanna-print top, trying to hold it up as she danced wildly on the large
stage.

	Take me, take me down
	Take me down
	Don't you wanna ride
	Now follow me, follow me how
	Follow me how
	Don't you wanna to ride

	Take me, take me down
	Take me down
	Don't you wanna ride
	Now show me, show me how
	Show me how
	Show me how you ride

	Turn it up, let me hear you say (Ride)
	Cause that's the way we like to play (Ride)
	Now turn it up, let me hear you say (Ride)
	Cause that's the way we like to play (Ride)

		Innosense returned back to a formation at the center of the stage.  They
began repeating the dance moves they jammed to at the beginning of the song.
  "All right, you got it." Danay smiled.  "Come on, ride ya'll, just ride."
Veronica demanded with a grin covering her face.  "Do ya'll want to ride
with us?" Amanda bellowed.  She slipped strands of her reddish-black hair
behidn her ear, her eyes focusing on the faces of the fans.  The way they
stared contently and danced humorously to the music made her smile.  She was
seeing her dreams again.  Being with Innosense not only brought back her
memories, but they also strummed the tune to the dreams she wanted to live
daily again.  For some reason, she knew music was where she belonged instead
of being a mother, living a home constantly.  Her passion was growing and
she had to find a solution for it.

	Take me, take me down (Ride)
	Follow, follow me now (Ride)
	Show me, show me how (Ride)
	Show me how you ride

		All the girls gave a perfect pose for the audience as they cheered
amicably for the group.  Innosense smiled uncontronallbly.  The response
from their hometown was always great.  There never seemed to be a face that
had not at least heard of the group that toured much of Orlando during their
beginning.  "Thank you." Danay cheered as the applause continued on.  Amanda
and Mandy headed towards the back of the group, searching for their water
bottles.  Nikki snatched up a small towel, wiping away some sweat from her
face while walking to the front of the stage.  She bounced around the stage,
walking close to the edge as the others attempted to prepare for the next
set.  "Are you having a good time O-Town?!" Nikki finally yelled out,
provoking more ovation from the crowd.  She gleamed, lowering her towel.
"We want ya'll to keep having fun tonight because this is our last show on
the *NSYNC tour and we want it to be the best!" Nikki chimed.  She waved
towards a few of her friends that occupied the family member section of the
arena.  "And are ya'll ready for *NSYNC ya'll, come on!" Amanda ran to the
front, hoping to keep the applause moving.  Her idea worked as more girls
screamed when hearing *NSYNC's name.  Amanda giggled, striding backward.
Veronica winked at Amanda.  Having her excitement present on the stage again
made Veronica feel more secure in her place with Innosense.  She had someone
who pumped the crowd as much as she did and it felt right again.
		"You know, our album came out a couple of weeks ago and thanks to you
guys, yes, you guys here in O-Town, we are now in the top twenty!" Veronica
announced excitedly.  The crowd shrieked at the announcement, many of
Innosense's fans proud to hear such a revalation.  "That's right.  So
tonight, for our last song, we want to sing the song that you made one of
the hottest songs here in Florida.  It's our first single and for those of
ya'll who haven't gone out and got it, you should.  Please, go get the
single and the album." Nikki added, walking past Danay and Veronica as they
set up near the left end of the stage.  She glanced to her right to see if
Amanda and Mandy were in position.  When receiving a nod from Mandy, Nikki
knew it was time and she waved towards the sound guyto begin the melody.
"All right, this is our last song for tonight and it's called 'Say No
More.'" Nikki added to her previous words, finding her position in the
center of the group.
		The thudding bass resounded through the arena, sending the audience into a
fit of passionate screams.  "Amanda!  Nikki!  Mandy!"  Names were called out
from all ends.  The girls began their sexy routine to the song they were
most known for.  They stayed in the line they were directed to.  One of
their hands lifted and then began moving it around to the uptempo track.

	[I don't care what you say, say, say, say, say]
	Say - no
	Say no more

	(Innosense is here)
	Ow ow oww, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
	Ow ow oww, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
	Ow ow

		"Come on ya'll!  Innosense is here!" Danay yelled, shaking her hips
erotically to the heavy-hitting beat.  She threw her head around, her hair
swinging uncontrollably.  Veronica smiled, pulling on her red bandanna, her
smile increasing.  "Sing it, come on." Amanda insisted, bumping hips with
Mandy.  Nikki gleamed, taking center stage as the others stopped in their
positions to each side of her.  She dusted a few strings of her brown hair
from her face, an endless smirk holding her face.

	I've come to tell you what's on my mind
	Baby I have changed
	I don't wanna keep playin' no games
	I keep tellin' you time after time
	That I (I, I, I)

	I don't care what you say
	I don't care what you do
	Cause I'm never comin' back no more
	(Never comin' back for sure)
	I don't care what you need
	I don't care how you feel
	So say (say) no (no)
	Say no more

	(Innosense is here)
	Ow ow oww, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
	Ow ow oww, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
	Ow ow

		The audience screamed in a crazy fashion, thrilled to hear the live
version of one of Orlando's most played songs.  The girls of Innosense made
sure to stay on key with their dance moves and singing.  They didn't have to
prove themselves, but they had to make their mark secure in the music
industry.  The home crowd of Orlando made that task simple.  Each girl slide
to the side, allowing Amanda to step forward and replace Nikki as the center
member in their formation.  "Shake it!" Mandy chanted as the girls swivelled
their hips to the hook of the song.  "Go 'Manda." Danay cheered on her
friend, throwing her head to one side as the beat faded for a brief second.
Squeals were emitted as Amanda smiled and waved at the crowd.  She swallowed
softly, trying to prep her vocals to replace Jenny's verse in the song.

	You didn't care much for what I did
	Treat me like a jerk
	Babe, when I was hurt
	I was alone, talking to myself (Come on)
	But now I (I, I, I)

	I don't care what you say
	I don't care what you do
	Cause I'm never comin' back no more
	(Never comin' back for sure)
	I don't care what you need
	I don't care how you feel
	So say (say) no (no)
	Say no more

	(Innosense is here)
	Ow ow oww, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
	Ow ow oww, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
	Ow ow

		"Come on, sing it!" Veronica bellowed, running to one side of the stage as
her groupmates chanted the hook.  Mandy yanked the rubberband that held her
hair in a ponytail from her head.  She shook her head, letting her hair fly
freely.  She smiled, running her fingers through her the hair that was
naturally blonde with ruby-red highlights.  She shook her hips saucily,
inticing male attendants of the crowd as she did.  "Uh, come on." she
wailed, pointing to a few dancing members of the audience.  Veronica folloed
her close friend's actions, yanking her bandanna from her head and tossing
it to the side.  She let her dirty-blonde curls, with frosted blue tips,
flow freely in the air.  "Yo, Nikki, it's your part girl." Veronica giggled,
sliding behind Amanda as they prepared to enter the bridge of the song.

	[I don't care what you say, say, say, say, say]
	[Oh baby, oh baby]
	Don't say (say) no (no)
	Say no more
	(Say no more)

		Nikki held the high note to a new degree.  She surpassed her other
attempts to hold it long by breathing out a higher pitch.  She amazed the
crowd at her ability to transcend the usual sorprano voice and hit a new
octive of notes.  She wasn't doing it to imperss and she wasn't doing it to
win over fans.  She was making a statement for herself.  Watching J.C. go
from lover-to-lover, his betrayel and his endless hiding hurt Nikki.  She
didn't want to be a victim and she had to say something.  She held the note
to prove she wasn't going to allow her heart to be stepped on.  "Woo!  Yeah,
sing it girl!" Amanda cheered her on, shaking her body to the intense beat.
Veronica's eyes widened with shock, seeing Nikki's intent of wowing the
crowd.  The crowd applauded and cheered her on, truly amazed by her talent.
		"Yeah, yeah, yeah, ladies, say no more!" Danay called out, borrowing a
chapter from Nikki.  Nikki pulled away from the note, stepping back some to
recover from the power she put into ther last chord.  The others continued
dancing, keeping smiles glued to their faces.  "Throw your hands up and say
Innosense!" Danay requested, assisting Nikki back to her position in the
group.  Nikki sighed and continued dancing as the others sang the chorus.
She put her all into one last rendition of the previous bridge, lowering her
voice some to save her strength.

	Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
	Ow ow

		The crowd stood in ovation for the girl group.  Screams rang from all ends
of the stadium, each approving of Innosense's true talent.  The girls of
Innosense panted lightly, trying to recover from the energy they placed into
the four songs they performed for the opening number.  Nikki briskly moved
to the side of the stage, grabbing a bottled water and taking a sip from it
immediately.  Her face was flushed and her body was tired.  She took a quick
glance to the backstage area, her eyes catching sight of her friends Britney
Spears, Jenny Morris, and Trace Ayala all watching the performance.  She
waved to all three, taking her attention away from the cheering audience.
One other watched Nikki with a mixed expression.  Nikki eyed him, unsure of
how to respond to him.  His blue eyes burned her.  She felt an obvious
distance between the two and she knew she could never cross the line that
kept them apart.
		"Thank ya'll so much for being here tonight.  You guys are the greatest."
Danay breathed out, drying her cheeks with a small towel.  Amanda grinned,
waving to several of the audience members as they called for her.  "O-Town,
you rock!" Mandy yelled, pulling her hair behind her shoulders.  She laughed
lowly as the reponse grew louder.  "Thanks Orlando, we love you!  And once
again, we are Innosense." Veronica said, bowing with the others as she said
their name.  The crowd continued to applaud and scream for the girls.
"Thanks O-Town!  Get ready for *NSYNC!" Nikki shouted as the others found
their way off the large stage.
		Nikki glanced around the backstage area as she passed Britney, Trace, and
Jenny.  She did not stop for small talk like the others.  She searched for
the door to the dressing room that she knew was occupied by J.C., Justin,
and Joey.  Her ivory-green eyes spotted Lance, Lynn, and Nick standing
outside of the room, listening to the loud arguing that progressed in the
room.  Nikki stopped several feet from the others, a towel wrapped around
her neck and a water bottle in her right hand.  She could read Lynn's
thoroughly angered face while Lance held one of disappointment.  Nick's
facial expression seemed to read more like a John Keats' poem.  It held
hope, but disappointment at the same time.  Nikki wanted to empathize with
him, but she had suffered more than him.  She had been heart broken many
more times than he had been by J.C.
		"No, you really don't understand what I've been through and, right about
now, I couldn't tell you why the hell I kissed you that day!" Justin's voice
seeped through the dressing room door.  Nikki shook her head.  She glanced
over to Lynn, her face still wrapped in hostility.  'I wish you hadn't
kissed him that day, Justin.' Nikki groaned internally.  She leaned against
the nearest wall, her mind debating on what to say to the three that stood
in the hall laboring over the argument.
		"Damn it, I'm going in there.  I'm not going to let Justin talk to my
fiancé like that." Nick growled, easing off the wall he had been leaning
against.  Lynn peered at Nick with hatred.  She was already in a long-winded
debate with her son, the added influences of Nick and J.C. did not assist
Lynn in ending her animosity with her son.  Lance stepped forward promptly,
blocking Nick's entrance into the room.  Nick peered at Lance.  He did not
appreciate Lance's siding with Justin.  "You're a sad, sad person Nick
Carter.  Why and the hell you still claim J.C. as your fiancé is beyond me.
You are not going in there and stopping this.  Justin needs to end this
now." Lance stated in a very firm voice.  He was convincing, though Nick
still wanted to argue in defense of the man he thought he loved.  "Fine."
Nick hissed, turning back toawrds the wall he had escaped from.
		Nick's coarse blue eyes glared at Nikki when seeing her.  He had no
feelings toawrd her.  He could see the mild flirting between his fiancé and
his ex-girlfriend, but chose to do as he did with Justin and pass off the
feelings as a weak moment for J.C.  He grabbed a hold of the steel-ball
necklace J.C. had gotten hi a few weeks prior.  His still wet-and-gelled,
spiky hair felt the touch of his fingers as they glided over it.  He twirled
a few of the balls on his necklace between his fingertips, striving not to
stare at Nikki.  'What does she have to do with any of this?' Nick thought
when feeling Nikki's disapproving eyes on him.
		"What is with all the arguing?" Chris' voice stole all of the attention as
he and Meelah made their appearance in the hallway.  Chris' suspicios brown
eyes searched all the faces of the hall for an answer, everyone staying
silent for a moment.  As Chris' brow twitched, Lance felt his need to speak
arise.  "Justin and J.C. are arguing over..." Lance did not get his chance
to finish.  "Over if they are going to take things farther and really
destroy this group or whether or not they actually feel things for each
other?" Chris questioned Lance, only debating over his first few words.
Lance lowered his green eyes, his ehad nodding promptly.  He heard Chris
grumble, his displeasure more than evident.  "If Justin would just leave and
let Josh live the life he wants to live, we wouldn't be waiting here right
now." Nick complained in an earnest tone.  Chris shook his head, drawing his
eyes in Nick's direction.  He curled his upper lip toward the younger boy.
"I'm sorry, Nick, when did you become a part of *NSYNC?" Chris asked
sarcastically.  Nick held his tongue, fearing an outlash from more than just
Chris.
		Meelah slipped her hand onto Chris' shoulder, squeezing it lightly.  She
did not wish for her fiancé to stress the situation more than it was
already.  She was aware of the conflicts in the group and she cared more for
Chris' well-being than the friendships that were slowly fading within the
group.  "Chris, please don't get angry about this.  Justin and J.C. can
resolve this themselves." Meelah begged of Chris, tugging at his shirt.
Chris ignored Meelah for a second, his ears striving to concentrate the
words being exchanged between Justin and J.C.
		Just as Chris' head began to turn so that he could respond to Meelah, the
door to the dressing room swung open, sending a gush of wind through the
hall.  Lynn jumped, startled by the door suddenly being yanked open.  "I
told you not to start this shit J.C.  I'm tired of seeing you do this to the
group." Joey grumbled, stomping out of the dressing room.  Nikki peered at
the opened dressing room, waiting for J.C. to emerge.  She gave Joey a quick
glance, wondering how far the argument had went.
		Lance's hand reached up, snatching Joey's arm and yanking him towards
Lance.  Joey stumbled toward Lance, his eyes showing rage.  "Eh man, come
here, don't let them get to you." Lance whispered, holding Joey in his
position as he struggled to walk.  Joey tried to maneuver out of Lance's
grip, his madness evident.  "I don't have time for their shit, I need to get
ready for the show." Joey growled, shaking Lance away.  Lance latched his
fingers into the tail of Joey's shirt, tugging it.  "Joey, man, don't do
this.  Don't get upset.  We are still a group here.  We are still *NSYNC."
Lance pleaded with his brooding friend.  Joey halted his marching, lowering
his head.  He wasn't always as optomistic as Lance and he regretted that.
He preferred look at things head on and take a more negative response to it.
  His girlfriend, Britney, had warned him that that will only bring turmoil
in his life.  She was right.
		Joey sighed, dragging his fingers through his thick brown hair.  He closed
his eyes to gather himself, pressing out the negative thoughts he had
towards his friends.  He shook his head a little, his eyes batting open.
"You're right Lance, I'm sorry." Joey breathed out, keeping his head
lowered.  Lance felt a smile tug at his lips.  He was getting somewhere.
Keeping Joey as a friend was good enough for him.  "Now put a smile on those
Brooklyn lips.  You know Britney isn't going to want to be bothered with you
if you're all potty-mouthed." Lance jested, throwing an arm around Joey's
neck and hauling Joey's larger body back a few steps.  Joey laughed softly,
nudging Lance.  "Aaw, save it for Bryce you old country boy." Joey
snickered, shaking away from Lance's grasp.  Lance giggled loudly with Joey,
ignoring the others that chose to keep a silence in the hallway.
		The laughter soon died out as Justin treaded into the hall.  "Why won't
you face up to this Justin?  Why do you keep walking away?  You are as much
of the problem as I am." J.C. shouted after him, following him in a slower
pace into the hallway.  J.C.'s eyes did not look upon anyone but Justin.
"You want me." he declared in a cocky tone.  His words brought an immediate
halt to Justin's walk.  Justin spun on his heels, his brow lowered and his
mouth twitching.  He could feel the stare of his friends and his mother
beating on his body.  "Oh, Josh, I'll admit that there was lust between me
and you, but it was brief and far from being special for me." Justin hissed
through clenched teeth.  He peered out the corner of his eye to see Nick
watching the argument continue with a scowl coating his face.  "Maybe it was
because you weren't getting any from Brian that you came to me, but you know
there was something when you kissed me at the hospital.  Stop playing
hide-n-seek." J.C. barked.  His rage was despised by Nikki.  She knew it
wasn't his true nature.  It wasn't who he permitted her to see when they
were alone.
		Justin eyed J.C. with an intense stare.  He was now beyond angered with
the man he once called his best friend.  It was no longer worth chasing
after a lusting thought.  It wasn't appealing to be held by someone new
anymore.  His conscience had finally won the war when Justin heard J.C.'s
final statement.  "Do you even love me?  Do you feel deep down that you
could love me like or even better than Brian?" Justin asked, daring to
present a question that he knew J.C. could not answer in a proud voice.  He
watched J.C.'s jaw flex a little, his stiffness evident.  Justin shook his
head promptly.  "Do you love him, Josh?  Do you care for him?  Do you feel
for him the same way you feel for me?" Justin continued to question J.C.,
pointing directly to Nick.  Nick flinched, surprised by Justin's inquiry.
He eased his hands into his pockets and kept his chin high, hoping J.C.
would response positively.  J.C. was still in silence.  "Maybe him, Josh?"
Justin wondered, leaning his finger to point toward Lance.  Lance pinched
his face with displeasure in Justin's questioning.  "Or do you love her
Josh?  Is she the one your heart belongs to?" Justin became a little
sincered with his voice as he finally pointed towards Nikki.  Nikki felt
small as eyes finally looked at her.  She stepped back a little, trying not
to be the highlight of another argument.  J.C. watched her with hurtful
eyes.  He never intended for the disagreement to get this far.  He didn't
expect all of his lovers to be brought into the light of his failure.  "I
think you just love yourself, Josh, and that's sad.  I know I love you as a
friend, but nothing more." Justin stated firmly, turning away from J.C.
		Justin stepped in the direction of an exit, wearry of viewing the faces of
judgment that belonged to his friends.  "Justin, man, don't walk away.  We
can't keep doing this.  Ya'll have to resolve this issue for the sake of all
of us." Joey demanded in a light-hearted voice.  Justin sighed loudly,
crossing his arms.  "He's right dude.  My wedding is next week and I'm not
going to have all of ya'll unhappy at the happiest day of my life.  Ya'll
need to get your acts together so that my son will see that his uncles are
good, kind men.  I want him to be able to run to ya'll just like I want
Angel to be able to run to us when something's wrong." Chris stated, his
voice demanding ears to listen.  "When he wants to play, I want him to be
able to fool around with Joey.  When he wants someone to read to him, I want
Lance to be there with a big, thick book for him.  If he needs someone to
sing him to sleep, I expect J.C. to be there.  And if Kaleb wants to play
with Angel or if he just wants to learn how to shoot hoops with the greatest
'ball player I know, then I want him to be able to go to Justin." Chris
declared in a hearty tone.  Meelah watched him with adoring eyes.  He had
calmed himself and was able to speak with the words she believed he could.
He was able to speak beautiful words when he took them seriously.  His
friendship with Lance, J.C., Justin, and Joey was one thing he took
seriously.
		Justin loosened the tight expression he held on his face.  He frowned at
Chris.  "Chris, you and Kameelah know I'll be there for Kaleb if he needs me
just like I know you'll be there for Bastian." Justin affirmed with sincere
blue eyes.  He pushed out a tiny smile for Chris and Meelah.  They returned
the look, catching a glimmer of Justin's innocent side once more.  "I just
need to spend some time with my Daddy, Stevie, Lisa, and Jonathan right now.
  Plus I want to see Bastian before Brian comes to get him later." Justin
announced in a small voice.  Lynn pursed her lips.  She could feel the
conflict still alive between her and her son and there was no hope to
resolve it just yet.  "Maybe..." Chris withheld a suggestion when reading
Justin's expression.  There wasn't much hope left in his eyes.  There wasn't
much Brian left inside of Justin.
		The arguing had stopped, but only for a brief interlude.  Only for *NSYNC
to please their fans with a spectacular final live show on their
two-month-long U.S. tour.  They dedicated their spirits to the show,
interacting in a friendly manner on the stage.  Off the stage was seen as a
different story for all of them.
		Justin rushed back stage, howling loudly and ripping his baby blue badanna
from his head.  He caught a towel that Lonnie threw to him, a smirk etched
into his puffy red lips.  "It was a hot one tonight in O-Town!" Justin
bellowed, wiping away the sweat that trickled down his face.  The adrenaline
of the concert took his mind from his pessimistic thoughts of J.C. and his
depressing thoughts of being estranged from his husband.  The rush of
performing for screaming fans and doing something he was enamored with aided
him in becoming a bit more mirthful, instead of lamenting around his house
or Johnny Wright's offices.
		"Man, they aren't going to stop screaming." Joey chimed, removing the ear
transmittors from his ears, his ears automatically picking up the sounds of
high-pitched screams and endless yelling.  "Isn't that great?!" Chris
cheered, leapig into Joey's back and latching his hands over Joey's eyes.
Joey tumbled forward, briskly regaining his balance and holding Chris up.
Justin stumbled back, moving of the path that Joey and Chris shuffled in.
"Watch it." Justin groaned, tripping into one of the unused speakers.  "Hush
little boy, I'm having fun." Chris crooned, still blinding Joey and hunching
his back.  Joey moaned, trying to shake Chris' smaller body from his.
Justin wrinkled his brow, tossing his towel in Joey and Chris' direction.
"Kaleb is going to love how is father is so damn playful." Lance teased,
ruffling his hand over Justin's curls as he passed by.  "Hey!" Justin
whined, pushing Lance's hand away in a friendly way.
		Lance crossed past a few technicians that began to gather *NSYNC's
equipment and loose wardrobe.  He glanced around, observing the now quiet
hallways.  He watched as Mandy and Veronica rushed in his direction.  His
eyebrows automatically lifted, curious as to why warped expressions were
plastered on the girls' faces.  He yanked off the towel that rested on his
shoulder and laid it to the side as the two females finally reached him.
"Hey, what's the rush?" Lance questioned them with a small smile touching
his lips.  "Speaking of Kaleb, where's Meelah at?  I want to get her back to
the hotel early so she can rest.  It could be any day now." Chris beamed,
stepping into the area Lance was in with Joey close by his side.  "It's
right now." Veronica panted out, swallowing lightly as she tried to regain
her breath.  Chris, Joey, and Lance eyed her with mass perplexity.  Mandy
glanced at Veronica and then the others.  She could see the mystification
seeping into their faces.  "Chris, Kaleb's coming right now... I mean,
Meelah's having the baby." Mandy gushed, tugging on the end of Chris' shirt.
  Eyes began to widen and then turn on Chris.  Chris' mouth gradually fell
open, his eyes growing larger.  He had disbelief running throughout his
baffled brown eyes.  He turned his focal point on Veronica, still
speechless.  "What she said." Veronica shrugged, calming herself.
		Joey gave Chris a nudge to stimulate emotion in him.  The excitement of
the situation kept Chris frozen in silence.  His lower moved a little,
pleading to speak and release words.  Justin edged into the area,
eavesdropping from the side.  He stared at Chris with discontent.  "Man,
Chris, the baby's coming.  Say something." Justin snivelled, lightly pushing
Chris.  "M-M-My son?" Chris' words were forced out when he stumbled forward.
  Mandy groaned, tossing her hands up.  She rocked to the left, frustrated
with Chris.  Veronica nodded wildly.  "Yes, man, Chris, Meelah is having the
baby.  Can you say anything else?" Justin complained, strolling away from
Chris.  Chris couldn't.  He was without a word to explain his thoughts, his
feelings, his anticipation.
		Chris' ghost-white face disturbed Joey.  He brought his eyes to Mandy and
Veronica, hoping to find answers to questions Chris could not ask.  "Is
Meelah at the hospital?" Joey inquired, directing his full cocentration on
Mandy and Veronica.  Veronica nodded again.  "A.J. drove her, Amanda, and
Britney to the hospital.  Ms. Lynn and the rest of us are about to head over
there." Mandy answered him verbally, her words coming out in a rushed
manner.  Joey sighed, edging past Chris.  "And she hasn't had the baby yet?"
Joey wondered, leaving the speechless father behind him.  "No, not yet.
A.J. said that the doctor said that Meelah will probably be in labor for a
few more hours." Mandy replied, raising her voice some to show the urgency.
"But they expect the baby tonight." Veronica added briskly.  Joey nodded,
taking in all aspects of the conversation.  He took a quick glimpse over his
shoulder, eyeing Chris.  Chris was still in a state of shock.  Joey shook
his head, rolling his eyes as he turned his face back to Mandy and Veronica.
		"Okay, so can we go now?  Johnny has a van outside and Ms. Lynn has her
car fired up." Mandy glozed, disconcerted by the slow nature of her friends.
  "Yeah yeah, let's roll ya'll." Justin agreed, snatching up his towel as he
rushed toward one of the dressing rooms.  "Dibs on shotgun in Justin's car!"
Lance called out, dashing towards the dressing room.  "Hurry up ya'll, she
could have Kaleb at any minute." Mandy barked.  Chris stood in stillness as
the others moved rapidly around the backstage area.  Joey sighed, throwing
an arm around Chris' shoulder and tugging him toward the dressing room.
"Come on Dad, you need to get change so you'll be all nice and powdery-fresh
for Kaleb when he gets here." Joey cooed, leading Chris down the hall.
		Those few hours rolled on like pool balls as they break from their union
in the beginning of a game.  Justin slumed outside a hospital room, a
Styrofoam cup filled with hot coffee trapped in his left hand while his
right hand rested in his pocket.  His head was drooped and his eyes were
peering at his orange and yellow Nike's.  The aroma of coffee was pleasing
to Justin.  He wasn't much of a fan of coffee, but it had been a stable
thing in his life for over a year.  Coffee was Brian's choice of drink in
the morning and Justin found the scent of it engaging.  It was the scent he
smelled when he kissed Brian in the morning, tasting the lingering flavor of
the caffine and cream on Brian's lips and tongue.  Justin lamented with a
sigh, lifting his eyes.  He didn't really want to taste the coffee, though
he had taken a few sips of it.  He only wanted to reminisce.
		His eyes traced the surrounding area with mild interest.  Across from him
was a couch that was occupied by Britney and Joey.  Britney was sleep with
her head in Joey's lap while Joey nodded off profusely in his uncomfortable
position.  His light breathing was matched by Britney's as the young woman
clutched lightly onto Joey's jeans.  Justin smiled on them.  They were once
a struggling couple and now they were fit for each other.  Justin admired
the way they complimented each other perfectly.
		Justin ran his peering blue eyes over to the edge of the hall where three
lined up chairs sat.  In the first chair was J.C., his head in his hands and
his body hunched over.  He did not appear complacent in his seat.  He was
stressed and upset to no end, Justin knew.  Justin also knew it stemmed from
his strained relationship with Nick, his care for his friends Chris and
Meelah, and his apathetic relationship with Justin.  Each event collided
into one night with Meelah going into labor, Justin admitting to not loving
J.C., and Nick arguing with J.C. about going to the hospital.  In the end,
Justin had only a brief minute to apologize to J.C. about their previous
actions, Chris had neglected speaking with J.C. to concentrate on his
fiancée, and Nick leaving in his car to return to his Tampa home instead of
J.C.'s apartment.
		Justin drew his eyes on Lea, who sat next to J.C. with closed eyes.  She
was tired, spending most of her day attending to Angel's needs and becoming
accustom to Jonathan and Steven Timberlake.  She was fond of Justin's
half-brothers and their love for their nephew, but she also found it an
added stress.  She was also adjusting to being considered a part of Justin's
family.  The way his father took her in made Lea cautious, but she trusted
Justin and Brian.  She only wished her life was not going to be split
between Orlando and Miami.
		Justin frowned when thinking of how he did not receive a chance to speak
with Brian when he came to retrieve their son.  Justin was so caught up in
the excitement of Chris' and Meelah's son's birth that he did not get a
chance to go to their house and see Angel off.  He left that job to Lea and
his mother, trusting that Angel would be safe.  He only regretted not be
able to see Brian once more and tell him how he was feeling inside of his
heart.
		Justin released a deep exhale when finally placing his vision on Lance.
He was Justin's friend and now, Justin felt closer to Lance.  The
conversation they shared just an hour before was meaningful to Justin.  It
was encouragement for Justin to carry on, even if it meant he was to be a
single father.  Lance helped Justin accept that lust can not replace love.
Justin was more than thankful to the man he felt so distant with over the
past months.  He thought his and Lance's friendship had dwindle to a
meaningless companionship through the group.  He was becoming wiser.  Lance
cared for Justin and Lance cared for Justin's marriage.  They were
one-in-the-same, two men who fell victim to a blind lust for J.C.
		Justin smiled lightly at Lance as he curled up tightly in the chair trying
to talk quietly with Bryce over his cell phone.  Lance returned the smirk,
giving Justin a small wave.  'Maybe you're right Lansten.  Just maybe.
You've gotten your life back, you're happy.  Maybe there is life after
this.' Justin tried to convince himself while taking another inhale of the
coffee's perfume.
		Justin's musings ceased when hearing the door next to him click open.  His
head automatically snapped in the direction of the door with enthusiasm
coating his silvery-blue eyes.  He awaited a word, a notion, a hint as to
what occured in the room.
		A nurse exited the hospital room, glancing down at her watch before
quickly jotting down the time on a chart.  She sighed softly, scribbling
more information onto the chart while stepping out of the room.  Her weary
eyes lifted, a smile perching on her lips as she looked on Justin.  It was
custom.  "You're Mr. Timberlake, right?" the nurse wondered in a shrill
voice.  Justin was still not adjusted to people outside of his friends and
family still calling him Timberlake.  It felt foreign to him.  He nodded
insistently, a smile curling his lips.  "That's me." he added with a given
charm.  The nurse giggled lightly, her fatigue racing over her mind.  "I
still can't believe that you all are here.  Had anyone told the media, well,
this hospital would be swarmed with press.  And that's not good for the
little one in there." the nurse remarked, her voice ranging from joyful to
solemn.  Justin nodded with a fading grin.  "That wouldn't be good at all.
How is he?" Justin asked curiously, keeping his voice low so that his
friends could enjoy their slumbers.  "Which one?  The father or the
newborn?" the nurse chuckled, lowering the chart to her side.  Justin
snickered with her, stepping off the wall.  "Well, I guess the newborn since
I know the father will probably be the same no matter what." Justin joked,
drawing his cup up higher.  The nurse tilted her head to the side, breathing
easy.  "He's a healthy baby boy.  We don't see any problems at all right
now.  His momma sure knew what to do during her pregnancy to make sure that
the baby would be hearty." the nurse reported with her joyous demeanor.
Justin smiled with relief.
		"And it's always so good, in our time, to see a couple like that come
together.  Lord knows when I was younger society would not have been so open
about an African American woman and a Caucasian man coming together like
these two.  Or vice-versa too.  Let alone having a child together." the
nurse declared, standing on a serious point.  Justin nodded briskly,
overwhelmingly proud of Chris and Meelah.  He crossed his arms, hugging his
chest.  "It is a good thing to see.  Though, some folks still aren't as open
as they should be." Justin insisted, considering his own situation.  He
pursed his lips, sighing quietly.  "Oh, I know honey.  To see an interracial
couple is still a rare thing, but it's accepted.  Some people are just
old-fashioned and plain ignorant.  They do the same thing with couples of
the same gender." the nurse agreed with a wrinkled brow.  Justin lowered his
head.  "Why, just the other day, I seen this fine couple, two men, with
their son at the park.  They were all laughing and playing and some of the
other parents looked at them funny.  They stared at them." the nurse added,
causing Justin's frown to grow.  'Been there.' Justin lamented in his mind.
"But then I seen some of the more understanding parents allowing their kids
join in on the fun.  And all the couples talked and laughed and allowed
their children to interact with no one judging the other.  It was such a
good thing to see." the nurse continued, adding a sign of hope to her words.
  Justin's heart was warmed again.  He smiled a little more, raising his
head with pride.  He felt butterflies emerging in his abdomen.  "That...
that is a good thing to hear." Justin said.  The nurse nodded with her perky
grin.
		The nurse glanced down to her watch again and then a sigh wiggle through
her lips.  "Well, I had better get moving sweetie.  The father said it was
okay for you to go in and visit for a little bit.  You just holler for me if
you guys need anything." the nurse remarked as she began to shuffle down the
hall.  "Excuse me, could you tell me your name?" Justin requested in a
raised voice, trying to capture her attention.  The nurse turned a little,
her smile still prominent.  "It's Marge, Marge Abbigale Angel." she replied
in a crisp voice.  Justin's brow raised.  "Did you say Angel?" he asked in
disbelief.  She nodded pleasently.  "That's right darlin'.  Married thirty
years with two kids.  One's name is Thomas and the other's Abby." Marge
answered him, continuing her long walk down the hall while humming a tune by
Etta James.  Justin smiled again.  'Abbigale eh?  That would be a nice
girl's name.' Justin thought to himself, collecting himself.
		Justin crept into the room with his head ducked, his eyes hoping to view
pleasent faces.  He received his wish when spotting Meelah and Chris resting
on Meelah's hospital bed.  They sat close, Meelah's head resting on Chris'
shoulder with her body hidden under a spread of blankets.  Chris rested
comfortably on a small space of the bed, his body jammed between the metal
railing and Meelah's warm body.  In Chris' arm laid a blanketed infant.  It
was their son.
		Justin grinned, taking small, light steps into the room so that he did not
wake the sleeping child.  "Hey Momma and Poppa." Justin whispered, edging
near the bed.  Chris glanced up from his newborn son to offer Justin a tight
smirk.  "Hey there yourself Daddy." Chris responded in a hushed voice.
Meelah acknowledged Justin with a nod, her exhaustion from giving birth
taking its full toll.  "How are you feeling Meelah?" Justin wondered,
stopping at the railing of the bed and resting his hand just above Chris'
head.  Meelah lifted her head a little, depositing her chin on Chris'
shoulder.  "I'm tired, but I'm okay.  It was well worth it to see him."
Meelah answered ina tight voice, lifting her hand to pet her son's head.
Justin took his first glance at the child's face, wrinkled, taut, and red
from experiencing the suddeness of childbirth.  He was still handsome in his
own right, his tiny hands clutched shut and his eyes resting peacefully.
		"I don't know if he looks all that much like me.  He resembles you too
much Meelah." Chris complained quietly, petting back his son's hair.  Meelah
puckered her lips, uncontent by Chris' words.  "Kaleb will probably look
like you in time Chris, don't worry.  He's got big brown eyes like you
though.  And soft, soft cheeks." Meelah answered him, placing a small kiss
on Chris' cheek and hugging him around the neck.  Chris smiled lightly,
cuddling Kaleb closer to his body.  "Besides man, who wants the kid to look
like you, she's got all the looks." Justin teased Chris, ruffling his hair.
Chris growled softly, snapping his head away from Justin's reach.
		Meelah yawned in a quiet fashion, laying her head back onto Chris'
shoulder.  "I think Mommy's sleepy.  She worked hard to get you out, Kaleb."
Chris whispered to his sleeping son.  Justin smirked.  Chris was like Brian,
a natural with small children.  "I heard you got pretty worked up while I
was in labor." Meelah commented with a hushed tone, her head burried into
Chris' shoulder.  Chris blushed innocently.  He tugged at Kaleb's hospital
bracelet.  "I tried to be a soldier." Chris whispered loudly.  Justin
laughed under his breath.  "More like a senseless soldier.  I've never seen
you so scared in your life." Justin joked, shoving Chris in a playful
manner.
		Chris wrinkled his brow, tracing his eyes up Justin.  "Don't you have some
place to be young buck?  I thought all country bumpkins turned in by now so
that they could get up and go out to the farm and milk Bessies and chase
chickens all day." Chris snapped in a sarcastic way.  Justin rolled his eyes
backing away from the bed.  "And don't forget that we have to spit our
tabacca in our tabacca pots." Justin said, rudely imitating the noise.
Meelah twisted her face in disgust, a small grin pushing at her lips.  "Go
somewhere strange boy." Chris insisted, waving to his friend as Justin began
to exit the room.  "You two take care of my little nephew now.  And get some
rest.  You've just entered the world of parenthood and it's rough." Justin
warned them as he slipped out of the room.
		Meelah sighed, rubbing her face into Chris' neck.  "What's wrong Mee-Mee?"
Chris asked, rocking Kaleb in one arm while the other slipped around
Meelah's weary body.  Meelah sighed again, cuddling closer to Chris.
"Justin's right Chris.  We're parents now and have we truly boned up on what
it's going to take to be parents?" Meelah wondered, resting a hand over her
son's side.  Chris shrugged.  He bent down and kissed the top of Meelah's
head.  "We've watched Brian and Justin, right?  They're pretty good with
Angel.  And we've seen other couples too.  I'm sure we can do this." Chris
tried to assure her, even though he was truly scared of the situation.
Meelah nodded, too tired to present a strong argument.
		"I hope Kaleb doesn't have problems to deal with being that he's mixed."
Meelah whispered a thought aloud.  Chris scrunched his nose.  He didn't like
the concept of society neglected his son because he was a breed of an
African American woman and a Caucasian man.  He shook his head.  "I doubt it
Meelah, I truly do.  People will love Kaleb just like we do because he'll be
himself.  He'll have Angel to play with, and Amaiya too.  I think he'll be
fine." Chris responded, striving to bring his future wife into a more
positive mood.  He awnted to think of the happiness Meelah and Kaleb were
going to bring to his life.  He wanted to dream of the Christmases he would
share with his family, Meelah's family, and Kaleb.  He could see Kaleb
running around a tour bus with Angel as their fathers prepared for another
show.  All of the musings brought a lively smile to Chris' face.
		Meelah kissed Chris' neck, smiling briefly.  "You're something else Chris
Kirkpatrick." Meelah commented, her eyes falling closed.  "You are too
Kameelah Kirkpatrick." Chris grinned, kissing the top of her head again.
"Hey, I'm still a Williams buddy, at least for another few days." Meelah
retorted.  Chris snickered thoughtlessly.  "You're a Kirkpatrick in my mind
baby, just like little Kaleb." Chris jested, holding Meelah close.  'Just a
few more days.' he thought while holding his family.
		A few days it was, an Orlando-bright day on the first day in September.
Autumn was not a passion yet in the weather and summer was still twinkling a
bright eye over the Florida area.  There were only white clouds infrequently
running through the ocean blue sky in the late afternoon.  The weather was
warm, but not hot.  The wind shifted in a nice motion, only waving its hand
to cool off the streets and to wash away the frie that trickled through the
air.
		A large ivory-flaxen colored house sat at one end of an Orlando subdivion,
hidden away from the view of others was being attacked by cars of all kinds.
  The outside of the house held flowery decorations, the walkway covered in
yellow roses and the mailbox holding a single white balloon that jiggled in
suspension.  The name on the mailbox read: Kirkpatrick.
		In the spacious backyard of the home were people of all ages, prancing
around and searching for their seats.  The backyard held rows of white
chairs, all lined up perfectly and split in the middle for a long white
cloth that ran from the altar down to the backdoor of the house.
Decorations of flowers and candles were danced around the backyard, giving
the area a look of comfort and of bliss.  The sounds of a piano being played
serenaded the seated people as they glanced at a large, ivory white arch
stood above the altar.  Before the altar was an arrangement of white and
yellow roses with small yellow carnations hidden in the set.  The guests to
the home awed over the elegance of the backyard and the house.
		J.C. Chasez loomed over the backdoor, watching as guests passed him to
head for their seats.  Awaiting them as they entered the backyard were A.J.,
Lance, and Joey, all wearing all-black suits and white ties.  "Sure, right
this way Mr. and Mrs. Williams," A.J. chimed, escorting Meelah's parents in
the direction of their seats while Lance and Joey awaited the next guest to
enter the backyard.  Lance and Joey joked on the differences between Chris,
Justin, and A.J.'s weddings, citing Chris' as the most homelike.
		J.C. sighed, a helpess smile touching his lips.  'This is going to be a
nice wedding.' J.C. told himself, glancing around the backyard.  He eyed
Kevin as he played tunes at the grand white piano, just to the left of the
altar.  Then his eyes traced the guests, recognizing only a few guests.  He
could see Lacne's mother sitting with Justin's mother, carrying on a deep
conversation with his own parents laughed with Howie and Nick.  He chewed on
his lower lip as his parents adjusted to his fiancé.  He was still unsure if
his parents truly accepted Nick as his fiancé and future husband.  He
questioned himself whether or not it was what he truly wanted not that he
and Justin had somewhat resolved their feelings.  'Justin,' J.C. thought,
sighing to himself.  What had he done?  'Man, he may never come to me as a
best friend again.' J.C. thought, trusting that at least their friendship
would survive this ordeal.
		"Hey, how's Chris doing?" Toi Williams, Meelah's sister and maid of honor,
asked J.C. in a hushed voice.  J.C. turned his head a little, grining at
her.  "Last time I checked he was still real nervous, but he should be fine.
  What about your sister?" J.C. responded.  Toi shrugged, shooting J.C. a
cocky grin.  "Same thing." she giggled, crossing her arms to look out at the
guests.  There were only forty of the sixty guests in the backyard and it
seemed to be full.  Only exactly twenty chairs remained, spread in different
arrangments throughout the backyard.  "We should be starting in about
another twenty minutes." Toi spoke up, glancing down at her watch.  J.C.
nodded, clearly his throat mildly.  His eyes found Nikki, smiling loosely as
she sat with Amanda, Amaiya, Mandy, and Bryan.  He wanted to walk out into
the audience and sit with her, just for a few seconds, and see if he could
bring a stronger smile to her face.  He restrained himself.  It would be
wrong of him.  "Then I guess we should make sure that they're ready to go."
J.C. commented, snatching his eyes from Nikki and bringing them on Toi.  Toi
nodded with a bliss-filled smirk.  "J.C., you think just as I do." Toi
laughed, grabbing his hand and escorted him back into the house.
		"Wow, it's so nice out here.  I'm glad they made it this far." Joey
commented as he inched his arm around Britney's waist.  Britney held onto
Joey's arm, watching more guests slip into the backyard.  "I've got this
set." Lance spoke up, walking towards the guests as Britney and Joey stayed
motionless.  "Well you know Joey, if it wasn't for me, I don't think they
would have made it this far." Irish remarked in a cocky tone.  Joey turned
his head in Irish's direction with a doubtful grin on his lips.  "Puh-lease
Irish, don't even build yourself up like that.  You know it was me who got
Chris to pop that question and this was before he knew she was going to have
his kid too." Joey protested in a clear voice.  Irish rolled her eyes and
folded her arms promptly.  "Now who's building who up?  When Chris came out
to L.A. and Vegas all those times, I don't remember seeing you there.  I'm
the one who made sure they always went out on dates while he visited her and
made sure they had time to be alone in the studio.  I was on it boy." Irish
protested.  Joey laughed, mocking her.  "She visited here more than he
visited there, man.  I had them going to fancy restaurants and spending
nights together.  Shoot, I convinced Chris to get his own place so he could
be alone with Meelah anytime." Joey boasted.  Irish exhaled loudly, shaking
her head.  "You did not." she argued.  "Did too." Joey crooned, releasing
Britney from his embrace.  Irish continued to shake her head, dropping her
hands to her side.  "I did, I did, I did." Joey prattled like a child.  "Did
not, did not, did not." Irish retorted.
		"All right you two, quit it.  You both know that neither of you did this."
Chris said in a commanding voice as he, Toi, and J.C. stepped into the
backyard.  Britney ran her small brown eyes up Chris.  He wore a stylish tan
suit with a dark purple button-down shirt and a shimmering, pastle purple
tie.  His brown hair was slicked up in spikes while his face was neatly
shaven with his goatee masterfully crafted.  He looked like a new man and in
his heart, he felt like one.  Irish and Joey silenced their babbling, each
staring at Chris with amazement.  "Well, get yourselves together.  We've got
a wedding to start people." Chris insisted with his cocky grin returning.
		Britney peeled herself away from Joey, fixing her attire while awaiting
instructions.  "Misha and Britney, why don't you two go and make sure
Meelah's fully ready." Toi suggested, edging past Chris.  Misha nodded
quickly, glancing over her shoulder to make sure her son was safe with his
father.  Britney pulled a string of her hair behind her head, turning to
Joey.  She laid a quick kiss on his cheek, sighing into his ear.  "Be good
Joey." she whispered into his ear, petting his hair as she backed away.
Joey nodded, allowing her to slip away and follow Misha into the shadowy
house.
		Chris glanced around the yard, receiving several waves from friends and
family.  He smiled toward the front where his sisters sat around gushing
over his newborn son.  His son laid shielded in his mother's warm arms.  She
cradled him in a motherly way, her true grandmother nature shining
brillantly.  Chris winked toward his mother as Kaleb stayed quiet and
peaceful while being surrounded by his aunts and his grandmother.  "Well, at
least he doesn't feel unloved." Chris remarked, slipping his eyes off of his
son for a moment.
		"I'm feeling a bit unloved people, can I get a seat?" Justin made his
appearance known when he spoke up in his fading country accent.  Irish's
eyes lit up when seeing Justin step into the backyard, a broad grin running
over his face.  She greeted him with a smile while admiring him.  He was
dressed in a black suit, a black button-down shirt underneath with an
ivory-blue tie strapped around his neck.  His dark blue eyes were covered by
small, blue-tinted sunglasses.
		Justin laid a hand on Chris' shoulder, beaming at him.  "I don't even know
how you did this, J." Chris whispered, opening his arms to hug Justin.
Justin grinned, gladly accepted the embrace.  "Just breathe, man, just
breathe.  It'll all be over soon and you'll feel complete, trust me." Justin
whispered into his friend's ear as he hugged him, striving to boost Chris'
confidence and rid him of the nervousness he suffered with.  He patted
Chris' back while pulling back.  Chris offered him a more confident grin.
"I'm tired of you being the more mature one." Chris complained in a
sarcastic manner.  Justin shrugged, shooting Chris a cocky look.  "That's
life buddy." Justin snickered, fixing Chris' suit.  Chris nodded, sighing
arrogantly.  "You're always right Daddy." Chris huffed.  Justin rolled his
eyes.  "No, that's J.C.  I'm the little one, remember?" Justin chimed,
glancing over to J.C.  J.C. was shaky in giving Justin a smile.  Justin gave
him an edgy smirk, hoping to clear the air of disagreement for Chris'
wedding.  "Yeah, yeah, can we get Justin a seat people?" Chris requested.
		Joey gladly stepped forward, motioning for Justin to follow him through
the backyard.  "Glad you could make it Just, though you are a bit late."
Joey remarked as the two walked through the elegant backyard.  Justin
glanced around, observing the decorations as they passed.  "What can I say?
Even without Angel, I still seem to make myself late.  Go figure." Justin
remarked.  He was expecting to see his son at the wedding with Brian.  It
had been several days since Justin had the opportunity to visit with Angel,
permitting him to spend more leisurely time with his father.  "Well, that's
a shame Just.  Angel got here about an hour ago." Joey informed Justin as
they passed several rows of seats.  Justin raised his brow, somewhat
surprised.  The travel from Miami to Orlando was not a short one.  "Is he
sitting with Brian?" Justin asked as they got closer to the front of the
section of chairs.  Joey offered him a small grin, coming to a stop near the
third row.  "No, but you are." Joey said flatly, pointing to the chair
Justin was assigned to.  In the midst of the row was but only one chair
left, in the middle of one of Chris' friends and Brian Littrell.
		Justin stared at Brian, his heart heavy.  They had not spoken since Justin
had seen Angel.  They had exchanged words when Justin called to bid
goodnight to his son, but neither had truly spoken.  No heartfelt words were
released from their lips and their mild conversations usually ended with no
simple farewells.  The casualness of their relationship was dying and only
stiff emotions prevailed.  Justin knew then that this wasn't right.
		Justin turned to Joey with a ginger frown, his eyes falling to the floor
as his feet shifted.  "Is there somewhere else to sit?  I don't think it's
best for me to sit right there." Justin said in a low, dragging voice.  Joey
raised his brow and then grinned timidly.  "Nope, you've all got assigned
seats in here.  At least you get to sit down through this, I don't." Joey
replied, offering up a little humor to appease Justin's sadness.  "I think I
wouldn't mind standing." Justin replied softly, his eyes lifting to glance
at Brian again.
		To Justin's surprise, Brian was advancing in their direction, his light
blue eyes cool against Justin's skin.  Justin turned away again, his own
eyes pleading with Joey.  Joey shook his head with no pitty for his friend.
		"Is there something wrong?" Brian's country accent rang through Justin's
ear as the heat of his body drew close to him.  Justin shivered.  It had
been so long, too long.  He missed the sweetness of his voice, the
tenderness of his accent.  "Justin won't go to his seat and we have to start
soon." Joey answered him in a mocking voice.  Justin gave Joey a stern
stare, his eyes peering directly at Joey.  "I just don't think it'd be
advisable, considering the circumstances, for me to seat right there."
Justin said through clenched teeth, directing his full attention toward
Joey.  Joey wrinkled his brow, failing to allow Justin to faze him.  His
coal brown eyes returned Justin's icy stare.  "Well, we can't change the
seating arrangement.  This is the one that Chris and Meelah gave us.  So
please take your seat so that we can start." Joey hissed at Justin, forcing
out a smile to keep the atmosphere shifty.  Justin wrinkled his lips,
sighing unconsciously.
		Brian watched both Justin and Joey.  He could see Justin's argument in a
clearer way.  He crossed his arms, conscious of anything he wanted to say.
"I'm sure Chris and Meelah will be fine if I don't sit there.  You know my
reasons." Justin continued to argue in a low voice.  Before Joey could
respond again, another voice chimed in the air.  "Nope, sorry J.  Please go
to your seat so we can start.  It's for you and Brian's own good." Irish
jested, stepping between Justin and Joey.  She smiled brightly at Justin,
placing a hand on his shoulder and lightly pushing in the direction of the
aisle.  Justin stood stiff, scowling toward her.  "We're not changing the
seats Justin.  Honor Chris and Meelah's wish and sit with your husband."
Joey pleaded in a stern fashion.  "Please, Justin, just go." Irish added her
own sweet and endearing tone.  Justin stood strong in his belief.  He knew
what the added stress would mean to Brian and his already dwindling
marriage.
		Before Justin could offer up another contradictory statement, he felt a
moist hand grab his own.  His eyes briskly shifted to Brian, confused.
Brian sighed out a small smile.  He had to do it.  It was the best thing to
do.  "Come on Just, let's just go to our seats." Brian suggested, his blue
eyes opening a little liveliness for Justin.  Justin's eyes widened,
surprised in Brian's defeat.  Was he giving up?  Justin felt Brian's grasp
get tighter.  "Please, Just." Brian whispered, his lingering country accent
tugging on Justin's heart.  Justin blinked his eyes, still feeling shaky
towards the idea.  A smile softly ran across his lips.  He nodded a little,
finally following Brian down the row of chairs towards their seats.  Joey
and Irish grinned, ushering themselves back to their positions so that the
wedding could commence.
		Justin sat with an edgy demeanor circling him.  He glanced around, his
paranoia sending eyes toward him.  He didn't know how to act anymore.  He
was sitting next to Brian, the man he hadn't truly spoken to in over a week,
the man he was sure would be divocring him soon, the man Justin loved
wholeheartedly.  "Where's Bastian?" Justin got the nerve to speak, his voice
tight.  Brian turned to him, an endearing smile lacing his lips.  He then
motioned his head behind him, causing Justin's head to turn and glance
backward.  "He's with Harold and Lea.  Harold just had to see his nephew on
his visit and you know he couldn't go without seeing Lea." Brian answered
him in a low, soft whisper.  Justin smiled some, seeing his son being
bounced on Harold's knee as he and Lea talked in a more than casual way.  He
could see the budding love in their eyes as words rolled off their tongues.
He sighed to himself.
		Soon, Harold's eyes caught Justin's stare and he began to peer at Justin,
offering him nothing but a straight face.  Justin felt a ghost slip over his
heart, sending his head in the other direction.  A frown struck his mouth.
"I'm not his favorite brother-in-law right now, am I?" Justin asked in a
distressed tone.  He folded his hands in his lap and glanced down at them.
He still wore his ring.  Brian giggled lightly, leaning toward Justin.  His
shoulder brushed against Justin's in an unintentional way.  "You're his only
brother-in-law, Just.  But right now, well, let's say Harold is going
through some issues with our marriage." Brian answered him with small
giggles entering his speech.  Justin nodded, still holding a tight frown.
His fingers plucked at the last button on his suit jacket.  "He probably
thinks it's a good idea for us to divorce, huh?" Justin wondered, his voice
breaking.  He listened to a cool sigh from Brian, one that brought his eyes
upward.  "You know Harold.  He wasn't too open to us marrying in the first
place." Brian responded shortly.  His blue eyes told Justin the whole story,
an ending that Justin despised.
		Justin turned away from Brian again.  The music around them shifted, a
more familiar song being played as the wedding party marched up the aisle.
Justin licked his lips, thinking.  "And what do you feel about it?  Well,
you know, the idea of divorce?" Justin speculated, clearing his throat.  His
rounded his eyes to Brian once more, fear running through his own eyes.  His
timid blue eyes read Brian for an expression before words could be spoken.
Brian lifted his hand, pressing his index finger over his lips, signalling
Justin to be quiet.  It was adorable to Justin, the way Brian knew what to
do in the moment.  Justin sat back in his chair, a tiny smirk brushing his
lips.  He could wait on an answer from Brian.  Even if it meant divorce, he
sensed that he and Brian would become friends again, over time.
		It was a whirlwind for Justin.  He couldn't remember watching Chris walk
down the aisle or Meelah prancing down the aisle with her father or even
hearing the poem that Chris' sister Molly read or watching Joey give a
testimony of their love.  The preacher's opening words and prayer were but a
grouping of words floating in the back of Justin's mind.  All he could think
about was sitting next to Brian at the wedding.  He could only think of
feelign Brian's sweet warmth, listening to his steady breathing, and
contemplating what Brian would say concerning their future together.
Missing Brian wasn't a thought anymore.  He was close to Brian and it
satiated him.
		"Now, we'll have Mandy Moore come up and sing for us the song that the
couple has chosen to express their love for each other." the preacher spoke
clearly, drawing Justin's attention.  He placed his hands on separate
thighs, trying to wipe away the sweat from his nervousness.  As Mandy Moore
strutted over to the piano, standing behind a microphone in a yellow, flower
dress, he glanced over at Brian, seeing a warm smile etched into his lips.

	I try but I can't seem to get myself to think of
	Anything but you
	Your breath on my face
	Your warm gentle kiss, I taste
	The truth, I taste the truth

	You're what I came here for
	So I won't ask for more

	I wanna be with you
	If only for a night
	To be the one who's in your arms
	Who holds you tight
	I wanna be with you
	There's nothing more to say
	There's nothing else I want more than
	To feel this way
	I wanna be with you yeah

		Heat slinked over Justin's thigh, a hand reasting on top of his.  Justin
felt his heart jump and then shudder.  A lump formed in his throat as he
rotated his head to face Brian.  The smile was now directed towards him.
Brian snickered a little when viewing Justin's surprised expression.  He ran
his fingers over Justin's knuckles, relishing in the feel of his tender skin
again.  He learned every dent, every bone again.  His head titled as he did
so, the shivers running through Justin's hands exciting Brian.  He scooped
up Justin's hand and then held it, lacing their fingers together.  He
squeezed lightly, holding the hand in his own.  Their clammy plams met,
rubbing together.
		Brian leaned toward Justin, still smirking at Justin's bafflement.
"Remember that question you asked me earlier?" Brian whispered his inquiry,
drawing nearer to Justin.  Justin strived to swallow the lump.  His head
nodded in a shaky fashion.  He stared in the endless blue pools that were
called Brian's eyes.  Brian giggled again in a more flirty way.  He rolled
his fingertips over Justin's knuckles.  Justin could feel Brian's wedding
ring as it brushed his hand.  The dimples in Brian's smile sent his heart
racing.  His sprouting beard attracted Justin.  The way the whisps of red
hair decorated the outside of his mouth left Justin praying for a chance to
rub his cheek against Brian's once more.  The feelings were alive and Justin
again and he was afraid to let them go.

	So I'll hold tonight just like if you were mine
	To hold, forever more
	And I'll savor each touch that I wanted so much
	To feel before, to feel before

	How beautiful it is
	Just to be like this

	I wanna be with you
	If only for a night
	To be the one who's in your arms
	Who holds you tight
	I wanna be with you
	There's nothing more to say
	There's nothing else I want more than
	To feel this way
	I wanna be with you yeah

		Brian tilted toward Justin a little more, his grin growing.  The tip of
his nose brushed against Justin's as the tepidity grew.  "Well, I don't like
that idea at all, Just." Brian whispered loudly, giggling.  His breath
tasted sweet as it caressed Justin's lips.  Justin was melting.  "I don't
like it at all and I don't want it to happen Justin.  Do you?" Brian asked
curiously, pulling back from Justin.  His brow furrowed when asking the
question.  He desired an honest reply from Justin.
		Justin's lips quivered, praying Brian would return.  The feel of him so
close, his warmness arousing him.  The loitering aroma of Brian's cologne
tickled Justin's nose.  "Brian, I... I need you so much.  I've been fighting
not to call you and tell you because I thought you wanted to end it.  I'm
sorry Bri, I'm so so sorry.  I didn't mean for any of it to happen and I
don't... I don't want to lose you." Justin admitted with a shivering voice.
Tears began to line his eyes, his lips quivering.  He sniffled lightly.
		Again, Brian lifted his hand and placed the index finger to his lips.  He
asked for silence.  Justin gave it to him, sniffling quietly as Mandy
persisted to sing her declaration of love.  Brian winked at Justin, hoping
to stir him away from tears.  He shook his head as his finger lowered back
to his side.  Just answer the question Justin." Brian requested.  Justin
blinked his eyes, the tears staying embedded in his blue eyes.  "No, I don't
Brian." Justin replied, choked up.  The beam reappeared on Brian's face.
His agile hand lifted and tapped the end of Justin's nose.  He giggled
again, this time with love floating in his voice.  He proceeded to hold
Justin's hand, a committment formed with just a stare.

	Oh baby
	I can't fight this feeling anymore
	It drives me crazy
	When I try to (try to, try to)
	So call my name
	And take my hand
	You can make the wish
	Baby your command (command) yeah

		It seemed as the wind had shifted totally, leaving Justin blind to every
event that happened around him.  As he stood, listening to applause from
every angle, he felt some of the ovation wasn't just for Chris and Meelah as
they kissed at the altar.  He was standing, proudly, holding Brian's left
hand as he held Justin's right.  Their shoulders were pressed together.  He
could feel Brian's middle finger tracing the seam of his pants.  His own
head was tilted, almost laid on top of Brian's.  "We should talk about this
Justin." Brian whispered into Justin's ear as the newlyweds sped past their
aisle.  Justin turned a little, his nose brushing against Brian's ear.  He
smiled in a gentle way, nodding for Brian.  "This isn't a... a bad talk, is
it?" Justin asked with a rabid curiosity.  Brian snickered, leaning up so
that his lips brushed past Justin's cheek.  "Not at all, Curly.  I'm praying
it's a rather good talk.  We just need to clear up some things, that's all."
Brian said, softly, his lips dying to be pressed against Justin's cheek.  He
watched as Justin flexed his jaw.  He missed watching that.
		Just hearing the nickname 'Curly' again set Justin at ease.  He felt
others moving around him, but he did not want to move from Brian.  He was
scared it would take away their moment, his second chance.  "Just, we better
move and head inside for the reception." Brian advised, nudging Justin so
that he would follow suit with the rest of the guests.  Justin didn't want
to nod his head or move his feet.  He was terrified that that was their
chance, his moment to devote his heart to Brian once more.  Unconsciously,
he shuffled his feet and began to follow Chris' friend out of the row of
white chairs and towards the house.  Brian was still holding his hand while
his other hand had moved to the small of Justin's back, rubbing it as he
tried to push Justin through the crowd and toward the house.
		Justin was still in amazement, standing outside of Chris' house as the
reception took place in all of its glory.  He was standing next to Brian,
chosing to stand than take a seat like so many had.  He was waiting for
Brian to start their conversation so that they could discuss their 'good
talk.'  Brian seemed to be caught up in a mild conversation with Nick and
A.J., preventing him from giving Justin the time he desired.
		"Hey," Chris' voice yanked Justin's mind away from his musings.  He felt
foolish for not enjoying himself at his friend's wedding.  Justin glanced to
his right to see Chris next to him, Kaleb craddled in his arms.  Justin
fumbled out a smile.  "Are you going to have fun here or not?  Cause if not,
you can take you and your potty mouth back to your house." Chris declared in
an obnoxious way.  Justin knew Chris was trying to cheer him up and he
allowed it.  "I'll have fun when I want to Mr. Kirkpatrick." Justin gushed,
folding his arms while tipping his champagne glass.  Chris foiled a grin.
He rocked Kaleb a little, glancing down at him.  "Kaleb's having more fun
than you and he's sleep, Mr. Littrell." Chris proclaimed.  Justin snickered,
admiring the sleeping boy.  He did not let Chris' calling him 'Mr. Littrell'
affect him.  He wanted to believe that in a few years, he would still be
Brian's husband.
		Chris sauntered toward Justin, keeping Kaleb close to his chest.  "I saw
you two during the ceremony, J.  Please say you and him are working things
out." Chris whispered a plea into Justin's ear.  Justin falsified a grin,
elbowing Chris.  "I don't know, Mr. Kirkpatrick, I just don't know." Justin
chimed out loud, trying to sway suspicions from Brian.  Chris puckered his
hips, edging back.  "It was a good ceremony though and a great reception."
Justin boasted, leaning so that his body brushed against Brian's.  "Prove
it." Chris ordered, moving in the direction his bride was standing in.
Justin raised his brow to ask the question, 'How?'  "Enjoy yourself, for me,
Mr. Littrell." Chris requested with another appeal.  Justin sighed, shooting
Chris a simple smirk.  He mouthed the word 'okay' for Chris.
		Chris wasn't gone from Justin's side long before the sounds of country
music filled the backyard.  The DJ began to spin a tune that screamed
romance.  Couples already held the miniature dancefloor that was set up to
one side of the yard.  A sparkling spotlight glided over the area, shining
brightly on the couples.  Justin glanced at them with envy circling his
indigo orbs.  He tried to smile as he watched Chris and Meelah walk onto the
floor, sans Kaleb.  He uncrossed his arms, sighing gently as the resonance
of the Dixie Chicks came over the speakers.  'Life could be worse.' he told
himself.
		As he began to head in the direction of the house to dispose of his
champagne glass, a hand gripped his left arm, squeezing it gently.  Justin
turned his shady eyes on Brian, confusing again tightening his face.  His
eyes glanced up as he saw a white cowboy hat perched up on Brian's head.  A
snicker crossed Justin's lips as he looked at the hat and then Brian's
foolish grin.  "Where are you going Just?  Me and you haven't talked yet."
Brian declared, tugging Justin toward him.  Justin willingly moved in
Brian's direction, smiling perkily.  He felt Brian pressed up against him, a
warmness emitting from Brian's body.  "And you haven't given me a dance
yet." Brian added, inching his face toward Justin.  Justin raised his brow,
tempted by the idea.
		He did not resist Brian as Brian took the glass from his hand and set it
on a nearby table and then led him to the dancefloor.  He willingly slipped
his arms around Brian's neck as Brian laced his arms around Justin's waist,
pulling their bodies close together.  Justin felt Brian interlock his
fingers, letting his hands rest on the small of his back as they began to
sway back and forth to the melody of 'Cowboy Take Me Away.'  Justin didn't
fight his smile as he stared into Brian's baby blue eyes.  Watching him,
feeling him, being with him kept the smile plastered on his face.  When
seeing an equally large grin on Brian's lips, Justin knew life couldn't be
any better.

	I said I wanna touch the earth
	I wanna break it in my hands
	I wanna grow something wild and unruly

	I wanna sleep on the hard ground
	In the comfort of your arms
	On a pillow of bluebonnets
	In a blanket made of stars

	Oh it sounds good to me
	I said

	Cowboy take me away
	Fly this girl as high as you can
	Into the wild blue
	Set me free, oh, I pray
	Closer to heaven above
	And closer to you
	Closer to you

		"So, something you wanted to talk about Brian?" Justin finally asked the
question, pulling his eyes from Brian's for a second.  His shyness was
obvious.  Brian's own face lost its luster of happiness to fall victim to a
face of seriousness.  "Well, you know I was hurt and angered by what
happened between you and J.C., but I don't want to talk or dwell on that."
Brian said, speaking clearly and only to Justin.  Justin lowered his eyes,
his shame engulfing him once more.  "So what do you want to talk about?"
Justin asked fearfully.  Brian felt a tender smile brush his lips.  Justin's
innocence and fear encouraged him.  "Well, I want to talk about us being
together again.  I want to talk about being under the same roof with our son
and getting things right back to where they belong." Brian responded with a
healthy country accent.  He tugged at the tail of Justin's jacket with his
fingers, hoping to lift Justin's eyes so that he could stare into them.
		Justin followed Brian's signal, his eyes elevating and his stare returning
to Brian's.  "Where do things belong?" Justin asked, holding in a smile.  He
hoped for a solid answer.  Brian giggled, drawing his face closer to
Justin's.  Justin only felt one hand resting against the small of his back.
The other was lifting.  "We belong together.  We belong in our own little
world with everyone else looking in, jealous of what we've got." Brian
chimed in a soft voice, his lilting country accent still present.  The smile
was finally freed from Justin.  "You belong in my arms like you are right
now Curly." Brian added, his finger tapping the end of Justin's nose.
Justin giggled, a light blush touching his cheeks.

	I wanna walk and not run
	I wanna skip and not fall
	I wanna look at the horizon
	And not see a building standing tall

	I wanna be the only one
	For miles and miles
	Except for maybe you and
	Your simple smile

	Oh it sounds good to me
	Yes it sounds so good to me

	Cowboy take me away
	Fly this girl as high as you can
	Into the wild blue
	Set me free, oh, I pray
	Closer to heaven above
	And closer to you
	Closer to you

		Brian and Justin kept their dancing in-tune with the music that played
throughout the backyard.  Brian let his nose lightly nuzzle Justin's, his
affection towards Justin returning unconsciously.  Justin admired the
dimples in his cheeks, the way they flared each time they flirtatiously
laughed.  "This is a nice song." Brian whispered, his lips close to Justin's
ear.  The hairs of his developing beard brushing Justin's lobe.  A shiver
ran down Justin's body, his blood heated and his heart thumping.  "Man, I
missed your country accent." Justin admitted without thought.  Brian giggled
into his ear, hugging Justin a little closer.  He ran a finger down Justin's
jawbone and then across his chin, his finger feeling the texture of Justin's
unruly goatee.  "Well, you need to shave." Brian snickered, bumping his head
with Justin's.  Again, Justin blushed.  "I'd say the same, but you look too
sexy with your beard." Justin remarked in a quiet voice.
		Brian lifted the cowboy hat from his own head and slipped it on Justin's,
pushing the brim back to get a broad glance at Justin's face.  Justin kept a
gentle smile on his lips for Brian.  "Does this mean you want to be with me
again?" Justin questioned, losing his fear.  Brian sucked in his lower lip.
"With all that has happened, Justin, I mean..." Brian trailed off, lowering
his eyes.  Justin was disappointed.  It was the only way he could describe
it.  He had let his hopes get too high, just for a second.  He never thought
that just maybe Brian only wanted to be friends now, continuing to live
together for their son's sake.
		"Of course I do silly." Brian's face raised with an uncontrollable smirk
on his face.  He laughed quietly, watching Justin's warped expression.  He
pushed forward, kissing the bridge of Justin's nose in a brisk fashion.  As
he pulled away, the grin returned to Justin's face.  "We're going to be
together, Just, don't ya worry.  We're gonna work things out." Brian
whispered to Justin for assurance.  Justin didn't need it.  Brian's cerulean
eyes told the whole story to him in a timely fashion.  "Yeeehah!" Justin
screeched out as the music rolled on.

	I said I wanna touch the earth
	I wanna break it in my hands
	I wanna grow something wild and unruly

	Oh it sounds good to me

	Cowboy take me away
	Fly this girl as high as you can
	Into the wild blue
	Set me free, oh, I pray
	Closer to heaven above
	And closer to you
	Closer to you
	Closer to you

	Cowboy take me away
	Closer to you

		As the music began to come to a close, so did Brian and Justin's dance.
Their eyes were still dancing, staring into the other's eyes.  "I'm sorry I
hurt you, Bri.  I... I feel so guilty and I didn't..." Justin was not
allowed to finish his statement.  Brian pressed the tips of his fingers over
Justin's mouth.  "Justin, we've both had our chance to lament about this.  I
don't want to think about that anymore, okay?  I know you're sorry and I'm
sorry too.  I just want to see you smile." Brian whispered, holding his
fingers on Justin's lips.  Justin nodded for him, keeping silent.  Brian
lowered his fingers, awaiting Justin to move.  It only took a few seconds
before an honest, just smirk crossed over Justin's full, red lips.  "That's
what I like." Brian said softly, his gentle country accent caressing
Justin's lips.  The blush smacked Justin's cheeks again, causing his eyes to
drift downward.
		"Hey, I want to kiss you right now." Brian commented in a hushed voice,
his lips dangling near Justin's nose.  Justin's head rose some, his eyes
searching for Brian's.  He felt an automatic reaction churn, his lips
puckering for Brian.  Brian grinned mischievously toward his husband.  "But,
Just, there's one more thing we have to discuss." Brian added, delaying what
Justin wanted desperately.  Justin pulled away, his face swallowed by a pale
expression.  Again, his fear took resident in his eyes.  "You can't kiss me,
can you?" Justin worried.  He shucked his eyes without a wonder of Brian's
response.  "No, Justin, I could kiss you over and over and over again.
That's not a problem.  I just want you to know that, right now, I don't
think we should sleep together." Brian answered him briskly, his voice
carrying over the music that began to follow the Dixie Chick's song.  Justin
felt his heart rumble and his stomach turn.  It was an absolute truth that
Justin had never thought to deny.  'Why would he want to sleep with you?
Why would he want to be anywhere near you?  You betrayed him.' Justin told
himself, causing his body to gradually pull away from Brian's touch.
		Brian felt the tension appearing.  He did not release Justin as he strived
to tug away.  "Wait, wait, don't do that," Brian requested, tightening his
grip around Justin's body.  Justin felt Brian clutching him.  "All I'm
saying is that I'm not ready to have sex with you again after what has
occured.  J, we can still sleep in the same bed and I can still hold you
while you sleep.  I just don't think we should rush things and think that
sex is going to solve the problem or resolve the issues." Brian explained
himself, praying Justin would understand.  Justin ceased his actions.  He no
longer tried to run from Brian.  He stayed fast in Brian's arms.  "I... I
understand, Brian." Justin said quietly, his face still looking down.
		Brian cleared his throat, pulling the hat from Justin's unruly curls.  He
brushed his chin along Justin's temple, sighing above his ear.  "I still
want to kiss you babe." Brian repeated a stolen whisper.  Justin allowed his
head to rise, his eyes heavy.  Brian shook his head, grinning amicably at
Justin.  He nuzzled his nose against Justin's.  "I'm not gonna be happy
about this unless you're happy Justin." Brian told him, his sweet breath
drenching Justin's lips.  Justin's mouth opened, pleading for Brian's lips.
"If you're home with me, if you forgive me, if you hold me, I'll be happy."
Justin murmured back, his lips reaching.  Brian giggled, leaning closer.
"Then looks like we're gonna be happy, Curly." Brian snickered, permitting
his lips to brush Justin's before leaning in for a passion kiss.
		The kiss was not only able to leave both Brian and Justin weak in the
knees, but also J.C. Chasez as he looked on from a table he occupied.  He
pouted and then frowned.  He could not have expected to see this.  He did
not want to see Justin and Brian in each other's arms again, kissing and
holding each other freely in front of their friends.  He felt he fought a
hard fight, a strong and just one.  Still, it was only just to J.C.  He knew
if he and Justin had taken their relationship any further, it would not have
been accepted.  Who was he kidding?  J.C. knew he could not be Angel's
father.  He couldn't take Brian's place in Justin's life.  He also could not
turn away Nikki or Nick.  Each held a different degree of affection in his
heart.  'Now comes the choice.' J.C. told himself as he stole his eyes from
Brian and Justin.  'Marriage to a man that could not be more dedicated to me
or life with a woman who has held my friendship and love for so long?' J.C.
contemplated, staring down into his glass of champagne.  He tipped the
glass, staring into the golden liquid.  The gold could have represented
Nick's soft, flaxen hair or the sprinkles of gold in Nikki's caring eyes.
J.C. couldn't decide.
		'If I was to divorce Nick, I'd have to go public.  There is no way you can
hide divorces in the industry.' J.C. told himself, failing to be optomistic.
  'But then again, if I was to be with Nikki and we broke up, what would
that say about me and her?' J.C. added an extra thought, another negative
one.  He sighed, rolling his head to the side.  On one end of the backyard
stood Nick, chatting with his parents and on the other end was Nikki,
casually playing with Tyler.  He groaned.  'Great, they both get along with
my faily too.' J.C. grumbled mentally, pouting.
		J.C. tapped his fingers along the table to a familiar beat in his head.
He licked his thick, pink lips.  "You know who you want Josh.  It's time you
do something about this." J.C. said aloud, pushing his chair back.  Now that
J.C. was without Justin, he knew in what direction his heart was moving in.
It would take some time, but J.C. was determined to make things right with
the one he loved.  After all, who was he without the one he loved?
		"Aaaww, now this makes my day." Bryce chimed as he glared at Brian and
Justin dancing close, their eyes on only each other.  Lance found himself
curiously glancing over to the couple, taking his gaze from his boyfriend as
they danced.  He smiled innocently when viewing Brian and Justin.  "It does
do something for ya, don't it?" Joey giggled as he and his girlfriend,
Britney Spears, danced near Lance and Bryce.  Bryce nodded happily,
clutching Lance tighter.
		Britney ushered her eyes away from Brian and Justin.  She wasn't as
forgiving as Brian came off as.  She had her own dislikes toward what had
occured between Justin and J.C., but she chose not to voice them.  It was
her own friendly gesture.  It was also her way of keeping Justin close, the
way she loved him.
		"It's been a good day.  Seeing my friend get married and then seeing those
two get together.  It makes you want to celebrate all night long." Lance
commented, snuggling his head to Bryce's shoulder.  Bryce gleamed, rubbing
his hand down Lance's back.  The bristles of his incoming goatee brushed
against Lance's forehead, sending shivers down the latter's back.  "Me and
you could celebrate all night long." Bryce whispered into Lance's ear before
kissing the lobe of his ear.  Lance shuddered again, gripping Bryce's waist.
  He nuzzled his chin against Bryce's shoulder.  "I'd like that a lot,
Bryce." Lance answered in a loud whisper.  Bryce giggled quietly, lightly
brushing his crotch against Lance's.  "And I like doing that." Bryce cooed
as his lips pressed softly against Lance's temple.  Lance's pale skin
flickered a reddish shade.  He grazed his fingers over Bryce's arms, pulling
out of the embrace.  "But I love you." Lance smiled while staring at Bryce.
Bryce shook his head, fighting his bashful-like nature.  "Love you too
Jamesy." he replied, leaning closer to Lance.  Lance rolled his eyes, his
blush reddening.  "It's always good to hear that my boyfriend loves me."
Lance snickered through his abashment.  Bryce nodded, tugging Lance back
into his tight embrace.
		Lance leaned into Bryce, dancing slowly to Innosense's 'I Wish.'  He began
to succumb to thoughts that had rolled through his mind since the start of
the wedding.  'I turned down J.C.'s proposal at Brian and Justin's wedding;
I got Bryce back while J.C. proposed to Nick at A.J. and Amanda's wedding;
so what's going to happen this time?  Will J.C. propose to Justin?  Should I
propose to Bryce?' Lance wondered.  A thought struck him.  'Propose to
Bryce?' Lance dawdled on the thought.  He cleared his throat in a quiet
manner, considering the option he had never considered before.  'He's the
rigth guy for me.  I mean, look at what we've been through and what he's
given me.  Your family loves him.  Stacy couldn't love him more.  The guys
love him.  He's better than those other two boyfriends and you know it.'
Lance told himself.  The soft caressing of Bryce's lips on his neck brought
out a grin.  'Soon enough.  It'll either be Joey or me, soon enough,' Lance
smiled to himself, dancing just a little closer to Bryce.  'Hopefully, it's
gonna be me.' Lance grinned.

	Hey, when we met that day
	I was thinking that I wanted to know you
	And hey, we had so much to say
	I was thinking that I wanted to go with you

	(Oh, I) Never felt this way before
	(Oh, I) Never wanted anyone more
	If somewhere there's a lucky star
	Listening to my heart

	I wish
	Every night when I close my eyes
	I wish
	I'll be yours and you could be mine
	I wish
	More than anything, at the top of my list
	I hope that one day
	"I love you," you'll say
	That is what I wish, what I wish

		The Innosense song seemed to continue on until the following week as it
played heavily into the headphones that Britney Spears wore.  It was New
York City, home of the MTV Studios and also home of Radio City Music Hall,
the music hall that was being revamped for the MTV Video Music Awards.
		It wasn't the most quiet setting either.  The show would start in eight
hours and final rehearsals for the performers were beign held.  There were
but four acts left awaiting their opportunity to walk on the acclaimed
stage.  Britney was one of them.  Her chance was coming next, following
Christina Aguilera's rehearsal.  She did not mind standing near the stage as
Christina and her dancers discussed a mistake in their routine.  She was
awaiting her own dancers arrival in the front of the music hall.
		Nearby her was Dave Holmes, prepping for a quick segment that would air on
TRL that day.  He was to interview the pop acts from the show, a task that
was not foreign to him.  In fact, Dave, unlike Carson, had become accustomed
to it.  He related more to the innocent, laid-back nature of pop acts more
than he could with the heavy metal or hip-hop artists.
		"Hey Brit', we're ready to start.  How about you?" Dave's voice reached
over the sounds of Nikki's soaring vocals.  Britney turned to him, her head
cocked to the side.  She adjusted the long, yellow Nike coat that covered
her white halter top and baggy, gray sweat pants.  "Sure." she tried to coo,
but she loathed the thought of dedicating her free time to yet another MTV
interview.  She forced out a smile for Dave as she lowered her headphones,
walking in the direction of the cameras.
		Christina glanced down to where Britney stood, her eyes giving off a
selfish stare.  'What are you thinking Chrissy?  Things have changed so
much.' Christina strived to tell herself.  She crossed her arms, her baby
blue bandanna holding back her blonde hair.  "Hey Christina, we need to go
over the break down, the few steps towards the end, again." Tina Landin,
famed choreographer, told the young singer.  Christina glanced over her
shoulder, her lips pouty.  "Just a second, I need to catch my breath."
Christina replied, her voice throaty.  Her laryngitis was still lingering,
preventing her vocals from being in top fashion.  "Come on Christina, if we
hurry, we can head back to the hotel babe." Jorge, Christina's not-so-famed
boyfriend, spoke up.  Christina furrowed her brow, sighing deeply.  She gave
Britney one more glance as she prepared to speak with Dave Holmes.
'Tonight, hopefully, we'll be seeing eye-to-eye girl.' Christina prayed as
she stared at the girl she had once called a friend.
		"All right, thanks Carson.  I'm standing here with no doubt the best
looking girl for tonight's show,Miss Britney Spears.  How are ya Brit'?"
Dave chimed, glancing over to Britney.  Britney lifted her microphone,
smiling tightly for the camera.  "I'm good.  You?" Britney voiced a perky
answer.  "I'm doing good, just fine.  Now we hear that once again you have
quite a few surprises for the MTV viewers during your performance tonight."
Dave mentioned, his head turned towards Britney.  Britney nodded, hiding a
face of boredom.  She brushed a few strands of her honey-brown hair behind
her ear.  "Anything you could tell us?  Maybe give away a few things?  I
know last year we sort of let the cat out of the bag, so maybe you could
tell us this time." Dave prodded, hoping for an interesting interview to
deliver to the MTV viewers.  Britney sucked in her bottom lip, considering
her options.  She shuffled her foot over the ground, watching the cameras.
"Well, I don't really want to give anything away, you know?  I want everyone
to be surprised by what happens." Britney said in her slick, Southern
accent.  Dave nodded, understanding, but disliking the answer.  "Just a
little something, come on." Dave pleaded, searching for a response.  Britney
laughed, turning her head from the camera.  She was faking it.  "Okay, okay.
  Uhm, gosh, I don't know what to tell ya without giving it all away.  I
don't want to be a goob about this and tell you all that's happening,"
Britney gushed, tossing more of her hair back.  "Well, I'll be doing a lot
of dancing and I'll be performing with a surprise guest.  I think.  Right
now, it's working out pretty good.  Me and this other person plan on putting
on a real good show for ya'll." Britney gave a solid answer.  Dave smiled,
getting something from her.
		"So, you and someone else?  Will it be just a regular kind of dance thing
or something more?  Something we wouldn't expect from Britney?" Dave
wondered, hoping for more details.  Britney giggled again.  She glazed her
tongue over her lips, hoping to escape the interview soon.  "Well... it's
going to have plenty dancing, but it's definitely not what you would expect.
  It's, uhm, it's rather risqué, if that's what you want to call it.  It'll
be one of my hottest performances." Britney answered him, growing serious.
Dave's eyebrow raised, a devious grin crossing over his guilded lips.  He
slipped a hand into his pocket, lips curling.  "Ooh, risqué?  And hot too?
You heard it here people.  Britney Spears is about to get risqué for the MTV
VMA's tonight." Dave gloated, turning his concentration back on the camera.
Britney grinned, making faces to entertain the viewers.
		"Now about the show tonight, who's your date?  What are you wearing?" Dave
gushed, trying to sound friendlier.  Britney rolled her eyes, holding a
tight smile.  "Well my boyfriend will be there, but I guess you could say my
official date is my mom.  I know, I'm such a goob, but I wanted her to be
there and to see the performance." Britney babbled.  Dave nodded again, not
really giving it much care.  "No Justin tonight?" Dave wondered, sparking a
controversial topic.  Britney's mouth fell open, her eyes widening.  "Oh mah
Lordy, no.  Oh gosh no.  I'll probably sit between my mom and my boyfriend.
That's Joey, not Justin." Britney said, her voice showing signs of
irritation.  "Okay, well we know you have t get ready to go rehearse for
your set, so thanks for chatting with us Britney.  We appreciate it." Dave
grinned, extending his hand toward Britney.  Britney hesitantly grabbed it,
shaking it.  "Anytime." she gleamed.  "Hopefully you'll pick up an award
tonight." Dave added as she backed away.  Britney nodded toward him, making
her final exit and fleeing from the bondage of another boring MTV interview.
		A new sound had entered the arena.  With a change in schedule, mainly
switching rehearsals between *NSYNC and Britney Spears for technical
reasons, *NSYNC rehearsed fiercely on the stage set up for the awards.
Standing backstage, watching the performance from the shadows, was Lea and
Angel.  Lea craddled Angel in her arms, allowing the toddler to view his
father as he danced perfectly to the fast-paced beat.  Angel clapped his
hand to the melody, a wild smile covering his face.  He enjoyed seeing his
father dance and sing along to the endless song.  Justin's voice kept him
satiated, especially when his father sang to him at night before he laid
down to sleep.  "Do you see Daddy?" Lea whispered into Angel's ear, her own
smile thrilling.  She was delighted that her employers and friends, Brian
and Justin, were once again under the same roof and gradually they were
becoming close once more.
		Christina walked around the backstage, her concentration planted on a
cellular phone conversation.  "Yes, Mom, I understand.  Just tell them that
I said to fix it.  I'm sure your dress will be fine." Christina said in a
less-than-thrilled tone.  She pushed back a strand of red hair, letting it
frolic with the other strands of blonde, scarlet, and black hair that rested
on her back.  She tugged down the front of her bandanna, frustrated with her
mother's constant complaints.  "Mom, I have to go now.  They need me to go
do an interview for TRL and I have to meet up with you-know-who cocnerning
the performance." Christina sighed, her delicious blue eyes batting in a
soft way.  She crumbled her pourty pink lips.  "Okay, okay.  I'll have it
taken care of.  Bye Mom." Christina grumbled in an urgent voice.  She
quickly clicked off her phone, desiring to toss it aside and leave all the
stress of a simple awards show behind her.
		Christina glanced around.  She could hear that music was fading from
speakers and dancers were exiting the main stage.  She slinked her way
forward, curious as to what performance had just been rehearsed.  She
slipped next to Lea, the nanny unrecognizable to her.  "Who just got off
stage?" Christina questioned with a whisper to Lea, still glancing around
the backstage area.  Lea took a quick look to her right, spotting Christina.
  She swallowed easily, adjusting Angel's position in her arms.  "*NSYNC."
she answered her flatly.
		Christina crossed her arms, intrigued fully.  She tossed her head to the
side, peering at the members of *NSYNC as they talked on the stage.  Her
eyes traced over to Lea and then Angel.  She gave Angel curious glances, a
wonder filling her blue eyes.  Angel stared back at her, silent.  His face
was blank.  Christina licked her lips, forcing out a smile to appease the
child.  "Cute kid.  Looks sort of familiar." Christina spoke in a tart
voice.  Lea nodded, rolling her eyes secretly.
		Lea began to take a few steps to her left before hearing Justin call out
to her.  "Wait, hold it just a second Lea." Justin bellowed.  Lea cursed
under her breath, holding steadfast.  She raised her head, pulling Angel up
so that he could latch onto his nanny.  Justin stopped in front of the two,
grinning insanely at his son.  He tapped the edge of Angel's nose with his
fingertip, inching closer to his son's face.  Angel gleamed, raising his
hands to his father.  "I'm sorry Bastian, I can't hold you right now.  I've
got to go talk with your uncles." Justin whispered to his son, pushing
Angel's arms down.  Angel frowned, pulling away from Justin.  Justi sighed,
furrowing his brow.  He did not want to deny Angel a second to be with him,
but it was too risky for him at the moment.
		"Oh my God, I thought I recognized him." Christina's voice caused Justin
to shift in his position.  His head popped up, the unexpectedness of her
presence shocking him.  He turned his head so that he could peer in her
direction, his eyes glazing over her mesmerized expression.  He shucked his
blue eyes, frowning tightly.  He allowed his head to rotate back in Angel's
direction.  He pet Angel's hair back.  Angel shot him a curious glance,
confused by his father's expression.  "Daddy'll be right back, okay
Bastian?" Justin spoke softly to Angel.  Angel fumbled a silly grin for
Justin.
		Justin swayed his body in Christina's direction, a scowl fighting through
his solemn expression.  Christina viewed the expression with a sour taste
deep in her throat.  She peered her blue eyes at his lips.  They were
narrowed.  "Something you needed?" Justin questioned her, animosity coating
his words.  Christina sighed, folding her arms.  She was not looking for an
argument, especially in the atmosphere she was in.  "Justin, come on, we
have to get passed this.  You know I left messages on your phone, I've
called your office, and I've even tried contacting your mother.  I am sorry,
so sorry for what I did.  I was jealous, I was hurt, and I didn't know how
to control my emotions.  Those aren't excuses, just reasons that I acted so
irrationally." Christina said, a plea running through her raspy voice.
Justin held a stiff position, his hands sliding into his pockets.  "You
can't be like this forever.  It's not you.  Come on, all those years we've
known each other.  I know the true Justin, the forgiving one, the friendly
one.  Don't put up this front," Christina begged, uncrossing her arms to let
one of her hands lay on his taut arm.  Justin glanced down at the hand.  It
was sincere.  "Please.  I'm sorry." Christina whispered, her sincerity
becoming silky and meaningful.
		Justin was striving to become friends with forgiveness.  After all, it was
that acquittal that saved his marriage.  Justin sought to do the same for
being given a second chance.  "Okay, Christina, okay.  You're right... this
has gone on a little too long and I don't have room in my heart for this
anger anymore." Justin spoke clearly and poetically.  Christina's gleaming
smile touched her lips instantaneously.  She loosened her touch, letting her
hand glide up to Justin's shoulder.  "I hope I didn't cause too much hell
for you and your family." Christina added, trying to relieve herself of all
guilt.  Justin sighed, a smile wrestling with his lips.  "We survived."
Justin gave a brief answer.  Christina grinned, contentment holding her.
		Christina glanced past Justin, catching Angel watching them.  She let her
grin spread, her eyes admiring his youthful face.  "I've never seen him this
close before." Christina murmured.  Her eyes danced while awtching Justin's
son.  Justin eased to the side, allowing Christina a closer look.  "He's so
cute." Christina added in her hushed voice, cautiously approaching Angel.
Justin beamed when hearing the compliment toward his son.  He crossed his
arms, holding his chin up high with undeniable pride.  "That's my boy."
Justin boasted in a slithering country accent.  Christina giggled, finally
coming clsoe enough to stare directly into Angel's playful blue eyes.
"Well, he's got your charm." Christina remarked when seeing Angel's gracious
smirk toward her.  Justin laughed loudly, letting his arms fall to his
sides.
		"Hey J, we got to get moving out of here so that Britney can rehearse."
Chris called out to his friend from the side of the stage.  Justin glanced
up with solid eyes.  He nodded, a petite grin scratching at his face.
"Aight, be there in a sec'!" Justin yelled back.  He glanced at Christina
and Angel, their curiosity toward each other still glorified in their
stares.  "Lea, if you want, you can head over to where my mom is.  She and
Paul should be ready to check out of here soon." Justin informed his son's
nanny, drawing her attention from Angel and Christina.  Lea only offered him
a nod, pulling back with Angel.  Angel sighed in her arms, disappointed.
Justin gave his son a small wave, hoping Angel would cheer up when seeing
his grandparents.
		Christina pulled herself up to an erect position again when Lea and Angel
began to stroll away.  "Just too cute." Christina whispered again, giving
Angel a minute wave as he left.  Justin took a small step forward, catching
one last glimpse of his son.  "I should get going Christina.  The guys'll
have a fit if I'm not present for this stupid MTV interview we've got to
do." Justin spoke up in a leery tone.  Christina narrowed her eyes again,
disappointed by Justin's statement.  "Yeah, I understand.  I've got one of
those to do in a little bit before I can get out of here." Christina sighed.
  Justin nodded with a solemn grin.  He shoveled his hands back into his
pockets.  Christina gave him a promising smirk.  "So get out of here
already, J.  You know they'll cuss up a storm if your ass isn't over there."
Christina giggled out, nudging Justin in the direction of his bandmates.
Justin nodded, beaming as he began to run off.
		"I didn't think you had it in you Christina." a female voice caught
Christina's attention as she watched the man she lusted after run off.  She
cocked her ehad to the side, sighing a wail of disappointment.  "Are you
going to start something?  I'm not really in the mood to battle with you
right now." Christina gushed, crossing her arms and eyeing Britney as she
emerged from the shadows of the backstage.  Britney twisted her hips, coming
to a stiff stop near Christina.  She puckered her lips, trying to decypher
Christina's mood.  "I'm not here to battle with you, Chrissy.  I'll give you
credit for being bold enough to apologize to him." Britney spoke in a soft,
yet sincere, voice.  Christina's brow raised and her eyes let the slick
coating of anger slip off.  Her left eyebrow arched as she took an easier
stance with Britney.  "I know, I know, surprise, surprise, I admit that you
have..." Britney began to speak, but Christin's voice halted her words.
"Did you just call me Chrissy?" she wondered, a gentle smile fluffing her
lips.  Britney giggled, pushing a few strands of her hair behind her ear.
She nodded.  Christina giggled happily, falling into an eased position with
Britney.
		"We never had a real chance to talk in all these months that we've been
battling each other." Christina remarked in a friendly tone.  Britney nodded
to show her concurrence with Christina.  "Sorta like when we knew the end of
the MMC was coming and we still didn't talk because of the whole Justin
thing until the last party where we boo-wooed together the whole time."
Britney laughed loudly after speaking.  Christina followed her in the loud
cackling.  She placed a hand on Britney's shoulder for support, the memory
still a vivid image in her mind.  "Oh, do I.  That was so, so sad, Brit'.
To think we didn't even talk after that day except at like special events
where we just had to talk." Christina babbled through her tittering.
Britney proceeded to chuckle while thinking of their childish behavior.  She
allowed the same strands of her fall from behind her ear as her eyes lined
up with joyful tears.  "We were such goobs." Britney snorted.  Christina
nodded incorrigiblely.
		Christina let her hand drop, her own eyes stinging with tears that desired
release.  "Look at us now, though.  We're some kind of teen sex icons and we
still act like the little girls we were on the Mickey Mouse Club." Christina
gleamed, folding her arms.  Britney leaned back, letting her hair fall
backward.  "We're still those kids at heart, that's all." Britney chimed.
		"Christina, we've got to run now.  Your stylists want to meet with you
about your outfits." Jorge called out to his girlfriend, pulling Christina's
eyes from Britney.  Christina pouted, seeking more time to reacquaint
herself with Britney.  "Okay, I'll be there in a second." Christina belted
back in a serene voice.  Jorge nodded, dashing off into the shadows of the
backstage area.
		Christina turned to Britney once more, hoping to hold a brief conversation
with her again.  "Sorry about that.  Boyfriends, go figure." Christina
huffed, her tinted lips savoring a smile.  Britney giggled, her head
lollying.  "I know all about that, Chrissy.  But, uhm, I don't think I know
about that cutie?  You're gonna have to fill me in on him when you get the
chance, girly." Britney hinted with a giggly expression.  Christina rolled
her eyes as she snickered.  "Only if you tell me about Joey, Brit'."
Christina bargained.  Britney nodded, signing a deal with her former
castmate.  "Okay, but you better get running, girly.  You know how stylist
people get when you're not there on time." Britney jested, stretching from
her position.  Christina took a step back, sighing.  "You're so right.
Plus, my mom will go crazy if they don't fix some thing that's wrong on her
dress." Christina huffed out, gripping her cellular phone tightly.  Britney
raised her brow with surprise.  "Your mom's gonna be there?" Britney asked
in a slightly ecstatic voice.  "Yeah.  Yours?" Christina wondered.  Britney
nodded happily, a sparkling smile covering her face.  Christina grinned,
leaning back on her heels.  "I bet they'd love to see each other again.
Quick, what's your cell' number so we can get them hooked up tonight."
Christina questioned, dialing into the memory of her cellular phone until
she reached her address book.  Britney leaned over, glancing at the phone.
She began listing off her numbers, thrilled that she and Christina had made
a connection again, forgetting the past that had kept them apart for so
long.
	I can't stop missin' you
	Only meant to be kissin' you
	Can't you feel me wishin' were so
	So together baby
	Oh whoa, I can't stop hopin' time will fly
	And we'll never say goodbye
	Cause forever, you and me
	So together baby

	So, so together (Oh, so, so)
	So, so together (Oh, so, so)
	So, so together
	So together, you and I

		The voices that hamornized so beautifully for Dave Holmes and the camera
crew of MTV belonged the the young women of Innosense.  They performed an
acapella for the cameras, hoping to win over many more MTV viewers with
their talent-filled voices.  They knew it was possible when they placed
their all into the acapella performance of the remix to 'So Together.'  It
was the right tune to hold viewers in their spot in front of the television
and keep their eyes open to the well-endowed voices these young women
possessed.
		Dave's brow remained raised as the girls finished off their acapella
exhibition.  His mouth laid gapping, his disbelief in their talent
meaningless now.  "Well, uh, wow, that was great ladies.  Excellent.  We
hope to hear more from ya'll tonight on the show." Dave chimed, regaining
some composure after receiving several cues from his producer and cameraman.
  "We'll try Dave." Nikki gleamed, pulling back.  "We'll see ya'll there."
Veronica cheered, pointing toward the camera.  Mandy and Jenny giggled,
falling back from the microphone.  "See ya later." Danay waved, smiling
brightly.
		Dave and his crew began to move away while the ladies of Innosense took a
breather.  "Whew, that was work." Danay exhaled, leaning against a few of
the seats that occupied the vast area inside of Radio City Music Hall.  "But
we did good." Jenny added, pulling her hair back into a loose ponytail.  She
received nods from both Mandy and Veronica.  Danay puckered her lips,
releasing another weakened sigh.  She scrunched her nose, watching Nikki
stray away from the group and toward a seat of seats that were occupied by
J.C. and Joey as they awtched Britney rehearse for her performance.  'Oh,
girl, what are you doing this time?' Danay wondered, eyeing Nikki openly.
		Nikki slid into the barren seat next to J.C., snuggling to him a little
with a brightened smile.  She let a hand rest on top of his, their arms
brushing against each other on the armrest.  J.C. glanced quickly at Nikki,
offering her a gentle grin.  "Hey Peaches." he whispered, trying not to
interrupt Britney's performance.  Nikki breathed easy, letting the sound of
J.C.'s voice explain all of his thoughts.  "Hey Josh." she exhaled as he
began to lace their fingers together.  She was glad that Nick had decided to
remain in Orlando with his brother while J.C. attended the awards.  She felt
no guilt for being so close to J.C. when Nick was not around.  She knew he
would give her his full focus without regret or reservation.  It was a
custom gesture between the two.
		"I love you Brit-Brit!" Joey wailed as Britney became engulfed in her
dancing.  Britney's concentration was broken as she laughed wildly at Joey's
statement.  She briskly stepped to the side, ending her choreography,
leaving her dancers lost as to where they were to move next.  Joey smiled
endlessly, leaning forward on the seat in front of him, propping his arms on
the top of it and resting his chin on his wrists.
		J.C. and Nikki giggled quietly as all the dancers stopped their routines,
falling into their own round of laughter at what was occuring.  Tina Landin
had a scowled transcribed into her face, her eyes looking down on Joey.
"Joey, you're going to have to leave if you keep fooling around.  I have
three totally different shows that I'm trying to choreograph and I can't
afford for you to mess them up with the little time I have left." Tina
scolded him without hesitation, leaving Joey silent while the others
endeavored to hush their snickers.  Joey cocked his head to the side, a
slight frown glossing his lips.  he stayed silent, awaiting Tina's movement.
  "Okay, now let's get this back in gear people so we can be ready for
tonight.  We only have fifteen minutes left." Tina called out, her anger
still prominent in the way she spoke.  The dancers quickly moved to take
their positions again while Britney strolled leisurely to the middle of the
group.  She forced her laughter back down into her stomach when glaring at
Joey's powerful brown eyes.  She blew him a quick kiss, a giggle peeping
out.  Joey laughed to himself, smiling generously at his girlfriend.
		"Think you'll ever smile like that again?" Nikki whispered a question into
J.C.'s ear.  J.C. perked up, leaning forward in his chair.  His palm was
sweaty from holding Nikki's hand, but he refused to release it.  "I hope."
he replied in a gentle voice, his eyes glancing around.  Nikki bent forward,
keeping her body clsoe to J.C.'s.  "I hope so too, Josh." Nikki agreed,
permitting her head to rest on his shoulder as they listened to Britney
proceed with her rehearsal.
		Justin sat comfortably on the edge of the bed in his hotel room, dressed
in cream-colored, turtle-neck sweater with tight, brown and tan patchwork,
leather pants.  He stared toward the mirror on the dresser before him.
Shopping with Lance for grocerries an hour earlier made him feel relaxed.
Now, fully dressed for the awards, his stomach was no longer at rest.  He
was going to do something important to him, ending a chapter in his young
life.  He didn't know how he could survive, making a decision like this, but
he had to do it for the individual sleep next to him on the bed.  Justin
took his lazy blue eyes away from the mirror and glanced down to the child
that was heavy into his sleep right next to Justin's left leg.  Justin
couldn't imagine how watching an animated movie with Winnie the Pooh in it
tuckered his son out so much, but it did and Justin did not fight the idea
of permitting Angel to take a quick nap before the awards show.
		His mind was stolen from thoughts of Angel when he heard the bathroom door
click open and watched Brian emerge from it, his face filled with a
comfortable expression.  Justin sucked in his bottom lip, staring at Brian.
Brian's golden-brown hair was still dripping wet, beads of water caressing
his chest as he toweled off his shoulders with a fluffy white towel.  His
blue eyes peered at the mirror as he approached it, a tune humming from his
lips.  He wore a pair of loose, hip-hugging, dark blue, leather pants.  The
pants hug low enough that Justin could spy Brian's pair of white briefs on.
His chest was bare as Brian headed toward the mirror.  The water ran over
his taut nipples and his semi-muscular chest.  The scent of his cologne
trickle through the thin air of the room.
		Brian glanced into the mirror with open eyes, his cheeks flushing when
seeing Justin staring at him.  He giggled lightly, laying the towel down on
the dresser.  "Dressed?" he wondered, viewing his husband's reflection
through the mirror.  Justin gave him a small nod.  He continued to suck on
his lower lip, ducking his head a little.  Brian nodded back, rotating his
shoulder muscles to relax his body.  He took another brisk look in the
mirror, still staring into Justin's eyes through the mirror.  Again, he
smiled.  "Why are you watching me?" Brian pondered.  Justin shrugged,
offering a simple grin to Brian.  "It's been so long since I've had the
opportunity to... uhm, look at your chest." Justin replied in a shaky voice.
  He swallowed hard after his words had slipped off his lips.  'Should I
have said that?' he speculated as Brian turned halfway around.  Brian flexed
his jaw muscles, his dimples hiding within his thin cheeks.  "You see my
chest every night when we go to bed, Just." Brian responded with an
indifferent tone.  Justin sulked on the bed, picking at the sleve of his
sweater.  He felt embarrassed by his words.  "No, I don't.  I'm always
sleeping on my side when you come into the room, after your shower.  I never
look." Justin answered him in a shallow voice.  He struggled with his words,
speaking thoughts that he ahd kept hidden from Brian since their
reconciliation.
		Brian furrowed his brow, disappointed in his own way.  He was blind to the
fact that Justin was indeed turned in the opposite every time he had come to
bed.  They no longer took showers together because of Brian's request to
slow the physical state of their relationship down.  As Brian thought about
it, he had always pushed off the thought of Justin's back being to him as a
statement that Justin wanted to sleep in the spoon position.  It made sense
to Brian because Justin loved the position, it was comforting for both.
Now, Brian felt as if Justin was scared to touch Brian in any kind of
physical form besides an embrace or a kiss.
		Justin heard Brian's light footsteps as he approached Justin.  Brian took
a seat on Justin's right leg, making sure not to put too much pressure on
Justin's body.  Justin instinctively placed an arm around Brian's waist,
supporting him.  He kept his head low.  He did not want Brian to pity him.
		Brian ran a finger over Justin's cheek, saddened by his quietness.  "I
remember the times we used to sit at the table; you'd be eating your cereal
and I'd be sipping on coffee, playing footsie with you under the table.  I'd
sit around the table with no shirt on and we just sat casually, me and you,
with smiles on our faces." Brian commented, reliving a fonder time in his
marriage to Justin.  Justin felt the need to sulk, his guilt rippling
through him once more.  "Just because I said we shouldn't have sex doesn't
mean I don't want you to look at me or anything.  I want you to lay your
head on my chest at night, okay?  Don't be afraid to come to bed without any
clothes on.  I mean, it might be kind of hard on me at first, but I think
I'd prefer deny my penis pleasure before I'd deny my arms the chance to hold
you." Brian stated in a soft voice, his limpid country accent cooling
Justin's depression.  He knew the words Justin wished to hear.
		Justin shyly lifted his hand and let it rest in the center of Brian's
chest.  His fingers traced the scar on Brian's chest, touching it gently.
He sighed, satisfied.  He kissed Brian's shoulder as Brian pet his curls.
"We're doing the right thing, right?  This choice is going to affect Angel's
life, babe." Justin wondered, concerned for the child sleeping soundly next
to his leg.  Brian nodded, glancing toward the mirror.  "He'll adjust, I'm
sure.  Who knows, maybe deep down Angel's wanted this." Brian shrugged,
scooting closer to Justin's chest.  He could feel Justin's sweet breath
tickling his chest.  "Bri, Angel doesn't even know what's going to happen.
He doesn't even know what it is silly." Justin giggled, giving Brian a
nudge.  Brian snickered with him.  "Well, the papers have been signed, so he
can't change it now." Brian boasted in a hushed voice, hoping that Angel
would get all of his nap out.  Justin shook his head, playfully rolling his
eyes toward Brian.
		"Our labels gave us enough trouble with just having Angel.  I hope they
don't change their minds concerning this." Justin remarked.  Brian
contemplated the statement, his mind on what had transpired in the two days
that they ahd been in New York.  "We signed a new contract, Justin.  I doubt
they'll try and break that or try to move around it.  They eventually
accepted Angel and they'll do the same this time." Brian assured him,
resting a hand on Justin's shoulder.  Justin sighed speechlessly.  He wanted
to be at ease with the whole situation, but he could not help but feel
tense.
		The sounds of a quiet yawn stirred them from their easiness.  Justin and
Brian, both, quickly glanced down to Angel as his head began to peek up.
"Ah, he's awake." Brian whispered in a tittering voice.  Justin grinned as
Angel blinked his eyes open, staring up at his fathers.  He yawned softly,
his eyes batting closed again.  "You should get dressed," Justin murmured,
nudging Brian's back with his palm.  Brian scooted up a little, watching as
Angel stretched from his position on the bed.  "I'll get him." Justin added
as Brian lifted his body from Justin's lap.  Brian nodded to show that he
agreed with Justin.
		Justin reached down for his son, but a hand grasped his.  Justin looked up
at Brian with bewildered blue eyes.  Brian presented him with an angelic
grin.  "I love you, Curly." Brian whispered.  Justin was caught.  The web of
affection in Brian's eyes held him as their son began to cough quietly.
Justin began to question his words.  He wasn't sure whether Brian meant it
or said it in the moment.
		Brian could read the doubt that flared in Justin's pupils.  He leaned down
a little further, his sincere expression trapping Justin.  He licked his
lips while his small blue eyes held Justin.  "I'm not just saying this,
Just.  I mean it, I really do.  I'm talking from the soul, okay?  Despite
what's happened over these few weeks, I really do love you." Brian confessed
without hesitance.  His voice was enough to assure Justin.  The doubt
lingered over his heart, but Justin did not allow it re-entry.  He kept an
optomistic view, praying that he and Brian would be able to get past the
issue of his affair so that their marriage could survive many more years.
		The sun was slowly fading, but it was ever-present outside of Radio City
Music Hall.  The air was not thick, but it held its aroma of delight.  The
lights from above were not enough for the masses.  Splashes of brilliant
light was emitted from cameras and towering lights, leaving celebrities
blind and awe-struck.  The massive red carpet that covered all ends of the
outside of Radio Music Hall was covered in reporters, fans, and celebs.
Each end held at least one important figure.  The night was coming on, but
not without the stars making their appearance first.
		"Welcome everyone to our rain-free edition of the 2000 MTV Video Music
Awards Opening Act here outside of Radio City Music Hall.  I'm Chris
Connely, sitting up top here with the lovely Serena Altschul.  How are you
feeling tonight Serena?" Chris Connely spoke clearly as the commencement of
the show began with its news hour.  Serena, with her hair entangled in a
mixture of braids and platinum blonde weave, lifted her microphone, taking
her eyes off of arriving guests.  "I'm feel pretty dry, Chris, compared to
last year's show.  I could remember being over at the Metropolitan Opera
House with Kurt last year and just getting drizzled on.  So it's nice to see
some sun this time around." Serena answered him in a foggy voice.  "That it
is, that it is, Serena.  We've got all sotrs of things going on here and all
sorts of peopkle arriving all over the place." Chris commented in his
nasally voice.  Serena nodded, taking a few more glances around.  "I just
saw Dr. Dre arriving a minute ago, and I think that I can see Destiny's
Child getting out of their limo right now." Serena remarked.  Chris slumped
forward some, glaring directly at the camera.  "And we've got our many
correspondants, like Kurt Loder, Bryan McFadden, and Jon Norris, scoured
across the red carpet to give you the quick interviews you need before the
show starts." Chris informed the at-home viewers.  "That's right, and right
now we've got Jon Norris down on the red carpet and he's standing with a few
guests that just arrived.  Jon, who do you have for us down there?" Serena
wondered as her producers fed her information via an ear-piece.
		"Well, Serena and Kurt, I'm actually down here with a group of mixed nuts.
  Well, a group actually.  I'm standing with the guys of *NSYNC and a couple
of friends." Jon responded, turning his attention to the group that
consisted of *NSYNC, Meelah, Brian, and Angel.  A few waves ran across the
camera as screams rattled through the air.  "We're all nuts." Chris chimed,
trying to cause his voice to reach out to the microphone Lance held.  Jon
laughed unconsciously, falling victim to the natural humor *NSYNC possessed.
  "I wouldn't say that... but you have brought quite a few people with you
here tonight to the MTV Awards.  I see you brought your girlfriend, Chris,
and uhm, a Backstreet Boy too?  What's going on guys?" Jon wondered with his
own rabid curiosity.  He gave Angel several looks as he clung to Brian,
cringing at the sounds of screaming fans.  "Correction Jon, I'm here with my
wife." Chris gleamed, holding up Meelah's left hand so that the camera could
get a glimpse of her left ring finger.  Jon's brow raised immensely, his
eyes glancing around briskly.  Meelah shyed away, her eyes glancing toward
the other celebrities that began to fill the carpet.  "Wow!  Really?  An
*NSYNCer is married?  When did this happen?" Jon asked abruptly with a hint
of excitement in his voice.  Meelah turned her attention back to the
interview with an indication of interest.  Chris glanced at his wife, a
smirk curling his lips.  Meelah smiled wildly, sighing.  "About a week ago.
We're newlyweds actually, passing up a honeymoon to be here." Chris replied
in a cheery, yet sarcastic tone.  Meelah nodded immediately, allowing her
husband to drap an arm around her.
		"Whoa, really?  That's pretty amazing.  So, you two are Mr. and Mrs.
Kirkpatrick?  And no one knew about this?" Jon wondered with dazzling eyes.
His interest was unfaded.  Chris scratched his goatee, contemplating a
simple answer.  "Yes, she took his name.  Poor girl." Justin joked, patting
Meelah's shoulder.  The others laughed while Chris managed to press out a
smirk.  "We kept it pretty quiet.  A simple wedding at our house with a few
close family and friends.  We didn't want the media there because it would
ruin the moment.  Now, we're telling everyone so they won't look at us funny
or ask a lot of questions." Chris answered the question Jon presented
earlier.  Jon nodded, extending his mic toward Meelah.  "Are you still going
to be with 702?  We haerd that when A.J. McLean married, his wife left the
group she was with.  Will the asme apply to you?" Jon shot out another
inquiry.  Meelah arched an eyebrow, a foolish grin rolling over her plum
lips.  "I'm still gonna be with my girls Misha and Irish.  We're finishing
up work on a new album that should be out by January." Meelah responded in a
clear, calm tone.  "Yeah, Chris did a little work with them on the new
project." J.C. added with his own personal pride.  Jon nodded again,
searching his mind for one last question for the newlyweds.  "We're the guys
all in attendance at your wedding?" he wondered, gradually moving the
microphone around in search of a response from one of the members.  Nods
circled around.  "Yes, they were all there.  Some were in the wedding
party." Chris answered first.  "We had a real good time." Lance added with
his own charming grin.
		J.C. and Joey began to wander away from Jon as they spotted a few of their
friends.  Lance glanced around as he could hear fans cheering for him.  "So,
you guys also brought Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys to tag along?"
Jon pondered, offering his microphone toward Brian.  Brian furrowed his brow
as Angel scrutinized the patrons on the red carpet.  "Actually, I'm here
with him." Brian replied coyly, pointing toward Justin.  Justin rolled his
eyes, laughing mildly.  "I'm confused." Jon stated plainly, a smile fading
from his thin lips.  Justin tugged on Brian's shirt, pulling him closer.  He
sighed, lowering his hand to grab Brian's.  "Chris isn't the only married
*NSYNC member." Joey chimed, throwing his arm around Brian with a bewitching
smile.  Jon's eyes grew in size, his mouth dropping some.  Justin giggled,
nudging Brian.  "I'm here in support of the guys and my husband." Brian
spoke up with his impervious country inflection.  Jon's hand became unsteady
with his microphone.  His surprise was hard to disguise as the cameraman
tried to focus on Brian and Justin.  "They actually jumped the broom before
us." Chris gleamed, trying to ease the situation.  He knew how difficult it
was going to be for Brian and Justin to admit to the world that they were a
married couple and he wanted to support them fully.
		"Wow, you're... uh, you two are a couple?  The rumors are true then?" Jon
wondered with a morbid experssion entangling his face.  Justin giggled
again, striving to fight through his nervous emotions.  He turned to Brian
for reassurance.  It was there in Brian's eyes as they both laughed off the
situation.  "Not really.  People were saying things like we were dating and
that we were boyfriends or something." Justin stated.  "We haven't been
dating since... how long babe?" Justin added a question for his husband.
Brian thought over the inquiry with a humorous expression on his youthful
face.  "Over a year now.  We had our one-year anniversary back in July."
Brian answered him directly, forgetting the cameras existing.  Jon stood
fearfully as his time began to run out.  He knew this story was too big for
his producers to rush; still, his time was limited.  "Yeah, the Fourth of
July.  Independence Day ya'll." Justin acclaimed, his attention focused on
the camera.  "All the rumors of us dating and what not aren't true.  We
dated awhile back before anybody talked about us being together or anything.
  So we didn't lie to anybody.  We just kept our married life personal."
Brian added to clarify their response to Jon's question.
		Jon swallowed hard, taking a few glimpses to the other stars as they
passed him.  "And... and who's this?" Jon questioned, motioning toward
Angel.  Justin grinned in a fatherly way as the topic of his son was brought
up.  "That's little Angel.  He's their adopted son." Joey cheered, ruffling
Angel's hair with his hand.  Angel crinkled his face toward Joey, hating
when others played with his soft, blonde hair.  "He's a sleepy guy right
now, but he won't be here long." Brian added, pulling Angel closer to his
face.  Jon stood even more dumbfounded as the secrets many searched for were
being revealed in a matter of minutes.  "He'll be going back to the hotel to
be with our little one in a minute." Chris agreed, divulging another grand
secret to the viewers.  "You... you have a child too?" Jon became more
expeditious with his questions as he stumbled with his words.  "A
two-week-old son, back at the hotel with my mom." Chris replied with a broad
smile.  "We didn't want to leave Kaleb back at the hotel, but he couldn't be
out here in this madness." Meelah noted with a wonderous look on her face.
		Jon cleared his throat as his producers began to tell him to move to the
next guest.  "I'm sure ya'll had better be getting inside soon.  Things are
really starting to get crazy out here, but it has been a joy talking with
you guys and I hope you win something tonight at the awards." Jon said,
following his producers' commands and wrapping up his interview with *NSYNC
and their family members.  He extended his hand, grabbing Chris' first.
"It's been a pleasure Jon." Chris agreed in a solemn voice.  "Go MTV!"
Justin rooted as his other friends began to head in another direction.
		Brian tugged on Justin, causing Justin to stumble toward the path his
friends had walked.  "Come on Mr. Spotlight." Brian snickered, lacing his
arm with Justin's and escorting both his son and Justin down the red carpet.
  "Justin!  Justin!  Justin!"  The name was shouted from several reporters'
lips repeatedly.  Justin sighed and forced out grins for many of the
cameras.  "We need to find your mother and Innosense.  Lea is supposed to be
hanging around with them." Brian remarked as he continued to walk down the
red carpet with Justin.  Justin rolled his eyes at the thought of speaking
with his mother.  "Justin, are you here tonight with Britney?" one reporter
shot out.  "Justin, what's going on between you and Brian?" another
inquired.  Justin pressed his lips together, searching for an effortless way
out of his troubles.  "He's here with me tonight.  That should answer your
questions." Brian responded with a sharp, but gentle, tongue.  He shot the
cameras a smirk before ushering Justin further down the walkway.
		Britney Spears pulled her fingers through her highlighted blonde hair,
glancing around as several cameras snapped shots of her.  She snickered out
an adorable grin for the lenses, her glossy pink lips shining.  Her straight
her, with the help of extensions, fell just above her shoulder blades, while
she sported a tan, suede two-piece outfit.  Her top was of reseaonable size
with long fringes extending from the low-cut, V-neck collar and her pants
hung off her hips.  Around her neck was a thin chock with a long, indigo
feather dangling from it.  The outfit resembled a tattered Native American
dress.
		Standing but a few steps away from her was Christina Aguilera.  She smiled
brightly for cameras while her midn thought of many other things.  She let
the cameras snap pictures of her revealing outfit; a barely-there black
ensemble with a long, flowing skirt that had thigh-high slits up the sides
and a black G-string.  Her blonde hair was striped with red and black
sections of hair.
		Christina glanced behind her and watched as Lynne Spears and her own
mother, Shelly, chatted and reminisced over the children's experiences with
the Mickey Mouse Club.  Christina sighed with an endless grin.  She strutted
in Britney's direction as more photos were snapped.  "They can't get enough
of us, girl." Christina laughed as she stopped right near Britney.  Britney
nodded, glancing around the vast area.  She searched for her boyfriend
amongst the other celebrities.  "I bet they are so shocked to even see us
standing next to each other." Britney remarked while waving to a few
shrieking fans.  Christina nodded, catching a glimpse of Jon Norris as he
and his camera crew advanced toward them.  "Heads up, we've got an interview
girlfriend." Christina whispered, taking a step closer to Britney.  Britney
sighed, already seeing a question in Jon Norris' eyes.  She and Christina
agreed with a nod, allowing Jon and his crew to step closer.
		"Well, of all the musicians and celebrities out here tonight exchanging
phone numbers and e-mail addresses, I and many viewers surely did not expect
to see two of Pop's loveliest out here together." Jon commented as he held
his microphone out toward Christina and Britney.  Christina rolled her eyes
promptly, holding a ginger smirk on her lips.  "Don't believe the hype
ya'll.  Me and Britney are still good friends." Christina assured Jon.
Britney concurred with a nod.  "So there is no animosity going on between
you two?  The press rambles on and on about it daily." Jon prompted more
curious questions for the young women.  "Oh, no, not at all.  It's just a
big rumor.  We just don't get to see each other as often as we did when
we're younger, so of course, but we don't put up some kind of front for the
cameras or anything.  It's a friendly competition for us." Britney replied
with certainty in her voice.  "In fact, me and Brit' were just talking this
afternoon about how our moms would love to see each other again.  They don't
get to talk since me and Brit' usually arrive at award shows different times
and perform at different events.  So we made sure to synchronize ourselves
tonight so that they wouldn't miss each other." Christina noted with a
snicker following her statement.  Britney giggled along with her as a herd
of people passed them.
		"Speaking of a friendly competition, it doesn't seem like we'll see much
of that from the Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC anymore.  I don't know if you two
ladies have heard, but Brian and Justin just admitted, about ten minutes
ago, that they are married and have an adopted son.  What is your take on
that?" Jon wondered, sparking a more controversial conversation between
himself and the two women.  Christina's brow raised immediately while
Britney chewed on her lower lip.  She wasn't given time to warn Christina
and she knew that she would not be prepared for the announcement.  "Well, me
and Justin go back for a long time, so it's no surprise to me.  I spend a
lot of time with that family when I have off time just because they're such
a caring family and there's so much love between them." Britney informed Jon
in defense of her friends.  Christina attempted to swallow a lump in her
throat, but failed.  After her stunt with trying to frame the couple, she
could not believe that, six months later, the couple would admit to being
married.  "So you've known all along?" Jon wondered, ignoring Christina's
quietness.  Britney gave a small nod, hoping not to incriminate herself.
"I'm close to the guys and it wasn't something they wanted to hide from me
or their families or anything.  They just didn't want the public to know
right away so that they could live a stable life and, of coruse, raise their
son.  I'm happy for them." Britney responded in a proud voice, her overlying
country accent unaffective in the way she came across.  "Yeah, me too.  You
can't help but be happy for them because they are so cute together.  They're
not like some couples where they're happy on-camera and then can't stand
each other off-camera." Christina agreed.
		Jon led his microphone in her direction with a fond curiosity in hearing
Christina's take on the situation.  "I think they felt some pressure for a
long time to tell the world, but I figure that as long as they are happy
with each other, why should they have to tell the world?  I'm sure their
fans will still love them and, hopefully, they will accept them." Christina
agreed.  Jon nodded, smiling lightly.  "That was probably a factor in their
issue with telling people, huh?  Whether or not their fans will accept
them?" Jon contemplated, looking for an answer from either girl.  Britney
pressed her lips together, biting her tongue.  She knew to hold it before
she lashed out against the support fans should show the couple.  "Probably.
I still think fans should support an artist for their music and not who they
date or marry or whatever." Christina answered him in a smoother voice,
allowing Britney a chance to consider a response.  "I agree." was all that
Britney answered with.
		"I suppose that I should let you two get moving now.  The awards should be
starting soon.  I hope you all win something tonight and best of luck with
your performances." Jon stated when hearing another plea from his producer's
to catch up with other celebrities.  Both Britney and Christina waved and
smiled for the camera as Jon and his crew pulled away.
		Britney liberated an arrogant sigh when seeing Jon halt the next
celebrity.  "Well, wasn't that just so fuckin' wonderful?" Britney commented
in a sarcastic tone.  Christina smirked while crossing her arms.  "I can't
believe they actually told everyone." Christina remarked in a coy tone, her
eyebrow arching as she watched another group of patrons approach.  Britney
mumbled another response as she eyed Joey advancing toward her.
		Christina's head turned to see Joey give Britney a brief hug and then a
kiss on the cheek.  She submitted a gentle grin for Joey as he glanced at
her.  He nodded toward her, a way of showing his acknowledgement.  His
attention returned to his girlfriend as he heard a few reporters call for
them.  "Come on Brit', let's go and play nice with the press for a second."
Joey suggested, leading his girlfriend away from Christina and the growing
noise.  Britney sighed once more, taking a quick look over her shoulder to
watch her friend standfast.  "I'll see ya on the inside Chrissy." she called
back as she and Joey pulled ahead.  Christina nodded, responding with a
simple smile.
		"Ooh!  Justin, those pictures you sent me of him did not do him any
justice." Lil' Kim squealed as she raised Angel slightly above her face,
admiring the child.  She pulled him back down, allowing him to clutch onto a
piece of her patent leather outfit.  Justin grinned, winking at Angel as
Angel searched for escape.  "Should I take that as a compliment Kim?" Justin
wondered with a spicy tongue.  Kim twisted her mouth to the side, peering at
Justin.  She then brought her blue eyes on Angel.  "Your Daddy has such a
smart tongue.  Don't be like him.  You're so much cuter." Kim chimed,
rocking Angel in her arms.  Angel poked out a smile for her.  "And just as
shy as your Dad, I can see." Kim giggled, bringing her eyes over to Brian.
Brian blushed lightly, fumbling with the bottom of his shirt.  "Don't
encourage him." Justin jested, grabbing Brian's hand to comfort him in the
midst of the media frenzy.  Kim watched them with curious eyes.  "Word sure
does spread like wild fire when it comes to you two." she noted as cameras
rushed to snap photos of the two holding hands.  Justin was thankful he was
near the edge of the carpet where much of the media had left to shop for
other celebrities to interview.  "They know a sexy couple when they see
one." Justin smirked, nudging Brian to build up his confidence.  Brian
stayed as quiet as his son.
		Kim arched her brow as reporters began to move in their direction.  "Kim,
we had better get moving.  You still have to do a quick interview with MTV
and then flirt with the reporters some." Hilary Weston, Kim's A&R rep,
informed her.  Kim sighed endlessly.  She glanced back down to Angel.
"Hon', don't be like your fathers.  Stay out of the music industry, okay?"
she requested of the toddler.  Angel giggled, shaking his head in a humorous
way.  Kim snickered, offering the child back to his parents.  "Ooh, you're
so much like your fathers." she giggled as Justin gladly welcomed his son
back into his arms.  "That's our boy." Justin gleamed.  Brian merely nodded.
		"Justin!  Justin!  Brian!"  The shouts came once more as Brian and Justin
stood with Lil' Kim.  Kim rolled her eyes, taking  step to the side with her
bodyguard.  "You guys should get moving along.  I'll handle these guys." Kim
suggested as her bodyguard led her in front of Brian and Justin.  She
quickly puckered for the camera and then began to wave wildly toward them, a
broad smile on her thin lips.  Justin smiled loosely as Brian led him toward
the inside of Radio City Music Hall, allowing Kim to blow kisses to the
reporters that tried to steal pictures of the couple.
		Serena Altschul stood near the entrance to Radio City Music Hall trying to
complete her job of getting a few last-minute interviews.  After having the
pleasure of interviewing Steven Tyler and the displeasure of speaking with
Eminem, Serena felt relieved to take another interesting route with talking
with Chris and Meelah Kirkpatrick.  "Well, Kurt, as you said, I am standing
here with a couple that has surprised many just as his bandmates have.  I'm
standing here with Chris Kirkpatrick and his new bridge, Meelah Williams...
er, Kirkpatrick from 702.  How are you two doing tonight?" Serena wondered,
correcting herself as she leaned her microphone in Chris and Meelah's
direction.  "Hey, she's got hair like I used to have." Chris remarked
amongst the firey screams from onlooking fans.  He toyed with Serena's
braids, causing Serena to laugh and still search for an answer to her
question.  "We're doing great.  How about you Serena?" Meelah answered for
herself and Chris, smiling innocently toward Serena.  Serena ended her
laughter with a smile, pulling her microphone back.  "Well, I'm doing great
on this nice evening.  Now you guys sure did shock us here at MTV by
announcing your recent marriage and also, you two have a son now, right?"
Serena began her interview with simple, but required, questions.  Both
Meelah and Chris nodded proudly.  "He's only two weeks old.  He's back at
the hotel with Chris' mother right now." Meelah answered another of Serena's
questions.  "Yeah, hopefully my mom put him to sleep by now.  Hey, Kaleb!"
Chris added, waving graciously to the camera.  "How did you go all nine
months without letting the world know?" Serena asked with a sensible
curiosity.  "Uhm, I sort of did like my girl LeMisha did and kind of stayed
at home quite a bit.  I just took it easy, traveling occassionally back to
Vegas to see my family.  I spent a lot of time with Chris' though.  You
know, just taking a little bit of time away from 702 as the pregnancy went
on." Meelah responded intelligently.
		Serena contemplated a few more questions as she was prompted by her
producers.  "How was the wedding?  I heard it was rather low-key." Serena
wondered, throwing out the question for either to answer.  "Yep, it was kind
of a quiet affair." Chris answered her in a more serious voice.  Serena kept
the mic out, hoping for a more ellaborated reply.  "We would've invited you,
Serena, but we knew that we'd have cameras for days there if we did.  It was
more of a family and close-friends kind of thing.  Nothing really big."
Chris added.  "We wanted everyone to feel comfortable at the wedding and
it's kind of hard to do that with cameras all around.  Plus, we didn't want
Kaleb exposed to all of that right-away." Meelah attached to Chris' words.
		"Speaking of exposure: Do you two have any comments toward Justin's
announcement tonight?  It's definitely a shocker to us, but you know, you're
in the group with him Chris, and Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera both
said that they already knew.  Do you think this is going to have much of an
affect on the group?" Serena stuffed all of her information into one simple
inquiry.  Chris thought over the question, expecting it.  He scratched his
goatee while raising his left eyebrow.  "I hope not.  Man, I don't really
know, but I hope the fans are the same toward us and the media too.  We're
in full support of Justin and Brian, so we didn't really foresee a problem
with them telling everyone.  At least now they can take their son for a walk
and know that people aren't going to print false info'.  They wanted it to
be a bit easier on their life." Chris responded in a grave voice.
		Serena pushed out a meaningful smile, hoping to rid Chris of his stern
expression.  "What about the next *NSYNC record?  Are you guys working on it
or taking some time off?" Serena became more technical with her next
question.  "We're taking about two weeks off, right about now.  But that's
it.  We're heading straight into the next record." Chris responded with a
more earnest tone.  "In fact, Justin, J.C., and Joey have been in writing
sessions on and off with each other and other producers.  We're hoping to
get a lot of the songs done in the next month or so, so that we can head
into the studio and record and have the album done by end of January for an
early March release." Chris added a more descriptive reply.  "Okay, well I'm
sure your fans will be looking forward to that.  You two should be heading
inside now.  I think they're doing a last call for guests to enter inside
soon." Serena noted as the media tried to approach their area.  Chris and
Meelah both nodded, taking a quick glance at the other celebrities as they
headed for the lobby of Radio City Music Hall.
		Chris snatched up Meelah's hand, taking a few steps forward as Meelah
latched onto his jakcet with her free hand and made sure she stayed close
behind him.  "Chris, what do you think the reaction will be from your fans
knowing that you're in an interracial marriage?" a reporter managed to shot
out a question that halted both Chris and Meelah's feet.  Chris turned his
head, anger circling his deep brown eyes.  Meelah kept her eyes forward,
praying Chris would control his temper.  "I think the fans will respect the
fact that I've married a very beautiful woman and they will not judge me or
her by our skin color." Chris replied with a calm demeanor, catching the
plea in his wife's eyes.  Meelah sighed a sigh of relief, pushing Chris
forward so that they could escape the oncoming media.  "But if you'd like to
contemplate whether or not our skin color matters, then I'll let you
contemplate whether or not I'll dignify you with another word." Chris added
in spite, returning to his walk with Meelah.  He smiled internally knowing
that he appeased both sides of his mind.
		"And the winner is..." WWF star The Rock held his last word as Kid Rock
began to tear open the envelope that held the announcement concerning the
winner of the Best Dance Video award.  Kid Rock lowered his sunglasses and
shucked his mouth to one side.  His long hair bounced as he tilted his head
and leaned for the microphone.  "Uh... *NSYNC?" Kid Rock announced in a
foolish voice.
		The announcement definitely appeased both sides of Chris' mind as he and
his commrades leapt from their seats.  Chris quickly snatched up his wife
while receiving a pat on the back from Lance.  Justin stood with a warry
look before receiving a small hug from Brian.  "Congrats baby." Brian
whispered, brushing his hand vigirously over Justin's tight curls.  Justin
smiled wildly, patting Brian's stomach before ushering passed him.  Joey
followed him with a tight smile on his face.
		Each member of *NSYNC made their way on stage, gladly accepted their moon
man from the Rock and making casual conversation with Kid Rock.  "Woo!" Joey
howled as he looked at the Moon Man.  He laughed lightly, finding a position
at the back of the group as the others circled the podium.  "Yeah!" Chris
added with his own unique voice.  "Well, all right." Lance chimed, his
country accent flaring as he spoke.  Justin found his way to the front of
the group, taking a moment to admire the award.  He smiled endlessly at it.
"Okay, okay... man, we didn't expect this.  I was sure Britney was gonna
come up here and snatch this award up like she did last time." Justin jested
humorously, receiving a few laughs from the crowd.  "We love you Britney!"
Joey attempted to call out from the back, causing a few fits of laughter to
break out within the group.
		"Okay, first we have to thank God for blessing us with this award.
Without Him, we wouldn't have this." Justin started out, pulling an applause
from Chris and much of the audience.  "We wanna tahnk our families for
supporting us no matter what we did, what we wore, what we sang, or
whatever... thank you." Justin added, beginning to pull away and allowing
Lance to step forward.  Lance's mouth began to open, but the words never
made it out before Justin jumped to the front again.  "Oh yeah, I wanna
thank my baby for supporting me throughout the year and through tonight,
especially.  I love ya and Bastian too." Justin gushed with his broad smirk.
  He winked toward Brian, who in turn nodded toward him.
		Lance leaned in toward the microphone, hoping to get a few words out.  "We
want to thank our management, WEG, MTV, and all the personnel that helped to
get this song out on the radio and TV..." Lance started out, his deep voice
and country accent slurring his words.  "And especially the fans, we love
the fans for all they've done.  Without ya'll, we wouldn't be up here."
Chris jumped in, interrupting Lance.  Lance furrowed his brow, trying to
remain happy while on stage.  "Yes, thanks to the fans." Lance added,
pulling back with a hint of disappointment written in his eyes.  "Thanks
MTV!" Joey bellowed as he passed by the mic.  "Yeah, thank you MTV.  Hey
Mee-Mee, I love you.  Look Ma', we've got a Moon Man." Chris added another
statement, snatching up the award with pride.  "We've got a Moon Man, we've
got a Moon Man..." Justin crooned while snapping his fingers and dancing
amusingly.  J.C. stepped up as Justin moved away.  He strived to hold in his
laughter as Justin passed.  "And that's all I have to say about that." J.C.
spoke out, imitating Forrest Gump for a few, final laughs.  The applause
continued as *NSYNC trotted off the small section of the stage with a large
entourage following them.
		"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Destiny's Child..." the announcer
proclaimed as the MTV Video Music Awards returned from a drawn-out
commercial break.  A wide range of applause sprung out as the ladies of
Destiny's Child strutted across the stage while the instrumental to
'Independent Woman Part I' vibrated in the background.  Beyoncé Knowles,
Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams strolled dressed in tight, black
leather ensembles, their beauty overdone for the occasion.  They lost no
pride in their movement despite the drama they experienced in losing
long-time members LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, and brief member
Farrah Franklin.
		They reached the podium, smiling, with a hint of egotism, for the cameras.
  They glanced around after receiving their ample amount of applause.  "All
right, so some people have called us Divas-In-Training." Beyoncé began the
introduction in her over-confident voice.  "And some say that to be a diva,
you have to be glamorous and walk with the grace of Diana, sing with the
power of Whitney Houston and the style of Madonna." Kelly added, reading
directly from the TelePrompTer.  "But we believe that to be a diva, you not
only have to walk like Diana, sing like Whitney, and dress like Madonna, but
you also have to remain humble and stay true to yourself." Michelle stated
in a shy tone.  "That's right girl, and we feel that these two young ladies
not only have all of those characteristics, but then some.  They're some fly
ladies with fly personalities and their style and grace ain't nothing to
mess with." Beyoncé chimed, making sure the attention returned to her.
"These girls can sing too, don't forget that." Michelle jested, glancing at
Beyoncé.  "And yet, these girls have also remained humble and they have
great personalities.  We feel they will one day be worthy of wearing that
Diva crown." Kelly insisted, taking her eyes off the TelePrompTer for a
moment to put attitude into her speech.  "So ladies and gentlemen, would you
please help us in welcoming these fabulous Divas-In-Training.  Miss
Christina Aguilera and Miss Britney Spears..." Beyoncé announced, clapping
with the crowd as the attention began to fall on the stage nearby.

	Come on over, come on over baby
	Come on over, come on over baby

		The sounds of Arabian music, mixed with the sounds of a remixed version of
'Come On Over Baby' left the audience curious.  Christina emerged from
behind a black curtain that sat at the back of the stage.  She strutted to
the front with her head high and her microphone near her face  Her
blonde-red-black hair flew wildly as she shook her head and began to cover
the stage with her dancers.  Her outfit cosisted of a red body-suit with a
vertical zipper running down the middle of it.  The zipper was only zipped
partially, revealing a tight, black halter top while her arms were decorated
in jeweled tattoos.  She sashayed to the middle of the dancers and began her
dynamic dancing to the beat that she loved so much.

	I'm not just talkin' about ya sexuality (Ya sexuality)
	But I can't help myself when you put your hands on me
	(When ya put ya hands on me)
	Oh, no

	It's paradise, when you and I
	Get close, get tight
	When all I wanna
	Go on all night
	I wanna play the game with you baby
	Listen to me

		Christina strived not to strain her voice too much as she sang.  Her
laryngitis played a major part in how high her notes got.  She allowed
herself to sound scratchy to add to the sexiness of the song while her small
frame bounced around the stage.  She kept a strict eye on Jorge, hoping for
some kind of enthusiasm to inspire to give her all to the song.

	All I want is you - Come over here baby
	All I want is you - You know you make me go crazy
	All I want is you
	Now baby don't be shy
	You better cross the line
	I'm gonna love you right cause all I want is you

	Come on over, come on over baby
	Come on over, come on over baby

		Christina threw her head to the side while passing one of her dancers her
mic.  She pulled her long, flowing hair back and smiled senseleslly for the
audience.  She and her dancers mimicked the dance from her video for the
dance break.  They gave strict attention to every step they took, hoping to
please Tina Landin with their effort.  Christina forgot her troubles with
her voice to win over fans by her dancing ability.  She was more than
thankful for those years on the Mickey Mouse Club.  It aided Britney, J.C.,
Justin, Nikki, and herself in pulling off the difficult dance routines
choreographers asked for.
		As the dance break came to a close, Christina searched for her microphone.
  She slide to the right side, snatching up her microphone from one her male
dancers.  Her icy blue eyes gazed around as her dancers got into position
for the rap portiong of her song.  Christina gleamed, licking her lips as
she and the female dancers stepped to the side and began their own routine.

	Don't you wanna be the one tonight?
	We can do exactly what you like
	Did you wanna be just you and me
	We can do what comes so naturally
	I've got a thing for you, got my mind made up
	I'm serious
	Never been more baby
	Let me show you that it's real
	And it's right here, so come on

		Christina's set ended with an explosion, making for the perfect transition
to the next set.  Christina and her dancers dashed off to the side of the
stage.  The sounds of a semi-familiar song filled Radio City Music Hall as
the black curtain was pulled open to reveal Britney Spears sitting with the
back of a black chair to the front of her, her arms hoisted on the back
while her head was tilted down.  Dressed in a black suit-and-tie with a
titled black hat, Britney bobbed her head to the melody of the Rolling
Stones' anti-establishment classic, 'Satisfaction.'

	La la la la, la la la la la
	La la la la, la la la la la

		Britney lifted her body from the chair as the song progressed, strutting
irresistably to the center of the stage.  She kept her head tilted downward
so that her eyes were hidden by the shadows of her hat.  Her blonde hair was
pinned up in the hat while her body fit perfectly into the suit she wore.

	I can't get no satisfaction
	I can't get no satisfaction
	And I try, and I try, and I try, and I try

	I can't get no satisfaction

		A hard thump sent Britney from the Stones' classic into a new beat.  The
crowd squeeled uncontrollably when watching Britney.  She tore off her black
suit to reveal a spangled, flesh-toned outfit.  The outfit was decorated in
glittery sequences, her bra-like top clutching to her breasts while her
pants hung off her hips, revealing her newly pierced belly.  She tossed her
hat to the side with the rest of her outfit as her dancers ran over the
stage.  She licked her lips in a sexy way, prepared to move into her next
song.  The crowd could not stop chanting for her as she moved from teen pop
star to a young woman who was more-than confident with her sexuality.

	Tell me, oh yea
	Uh, uh

	I've never been one for a summertime fling
	Something about you attracted me
	Even though I was young when I met you
	I'm a little bit older and things have changed

		Britney cut the first verse of her rock-remixed version of 'Bubble Gum
Love' in half.  She allowed the pre-recorded parts to handle her higher
notes while she groaned out the deeper vocals.  As the hip-hop beat mixed
with the rock beat, Britney and her dancers danced erotically to the music.
They left no step undone while Britney made sure to amaze and shock the
crowd with how much sex appeal she placed into her dancing.  Her
adrenaline-pumping routine left jaws on the floor while others cheered her
on without hestitation.

	I don't want no bubble gum love
	That ain't good enough
	Boy I know you've got love inside of you
	But that's something you've gotta prove
	I don't want no sugary love
	Because baby that just ain't good enough
	I know you've got something special for me
	So stop acting innocent

		Britney's song seemed to end all to quickly, but not without plenty of
sexual moves.  She and her dancers ceased dancing as the music dropped out
and Christina and a few of her dancers waltzed to the area that Britney
stood in.  Christina's dancers rounded Britney's while Britney and Christina
stared at each other.  "Mmph, so you think you're better than me?" Christina
asked through her microphone, her voice scratchy.  "Well, uhm, yeah, I know
I am" Britney replied flatly, her voice heavy with exhaustion.  Christina
rolled her head and responded with, "Oh really?  You're that hot huh?"
Britney sighed, shaking her hips a little.  "Well, uh, I'm just nasty..."
Britney jested, glancing out to the crowd for approval.  There was no doubt
that the crowd was enjoying the 'battle' between Pop's reigning divas.
		Britney turned her head back to Christina, smiling lightly.  Christina
shot her a smirk, raising her hand.  Just as soon as her hand lifted, a new
beat shook Radio City Music Hall.  The sound was too familiar for the
audience, some automatically tapping their foot to Janet Jackson's classic.
Britney and Christina both ran to the center of the stage, prepared to amp
up the crowd.

	Do you wanna get nasty?
	We wanna get nasty
	Do you wanna get nasty?
	Ladies, let's get nasty

	Who's that with those nasty moves? (Christina A!)
	Who's that with those nasty grooves? (Britney S!)
	Who's that with the nasty voice? (Christina A!)
	Who's getting all those nasty boys? (Britney S!)

		The girls and their dancers danced to the same routine, a choreography
that was provided by one of Janet's former choreographers, Tina Landin.
Their kept a steady beat with each other, watching from the corners of their
eyes to make sure they were in-tune.  Britney scooped portions of her hair
back, praying that her outfit held up for the performance while Christina
unzipped more of hers, revealing more to her body.  They were walking over a
line that proved their worth in the music industry and to end all the rumors
that had plagued them concerning their relationship.  They needed to prove
that the only animosity they felt was for the media and their words against
them.

	Nasty boys, don't mean a thing
	Ooh, you nasty boys
	Nasty, nasty boys
	Don't ever change
	Oh you nasty boys

		And with that, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera made their mark, once
again, on the MTV community.  With an overwhelming applause from the
audience, Britney and Christina stood proudly, side-by-side, with grand
smiles on their lips.  Britney threw her hand up with satisfaction in the
effort she and Christina put into the performance.  Christina giggled
quietly as her dancers pulled away.  She turned to Britney, laughing
incorrigibly.  Britney joined her, slapping hands with her in approval of
their performance.  Christina offered her arms and Britney gladly fell into
them, hugging the smaller girl with happiness.  "We did it girl." Britney
snickered into Christina's ear.  Christina nodded, sighing.  "Yeah, but I
bet I'll be congratulating you later on." Christina chimed while releasing
Britney.  Britney shook her head before turning and waving to the ground.
The applause proceeded on, giving each young woman her earned acclaim.
		Christina was true to her words.  What seemed to be a few mere minutes, in
actuality a whole commercial break, Fiona Apple and Lenny Kravitz stood
onstage presenting another award.  "And the winner for 'Best Pop Video'
is..." Fiona Apple stated, drawing out her words to allow Lenny Kravitz the
opportunity to unseal the envelope.  "Britney Spears for 'Bubble Gum Love.'"
he said plainly, reading directly off the slip of paper.
		Britney was forced out of her seat by her mother Lynne as an arousal of
applause ushered her to escape the aisle she sat in.  Britney glanced
around, thoroughly shocked by the announcement.  She felt Joey pull on her a
little.  She tripped into his embrace, permitting him to kiss the top of her
head while she adjusted to her own surprise.
		Britney pulled away from Joey as the background music to her song flooded
Radio City Music Hall.  She gripped her hands shut, a bewildered smile
coating her lips.  She pulled her hair back as she strolled up to the
podium.  She gratefully hugged Lenny Kravitz and then shared a mild embrace
with Fiona.  Her eyes widened when seeing the Moon man, her second American
one in her career.  She turned to the podium as the applause continued.  She
giggled with embarassment as Joey proceed to holler out her name.  "Golly, I
swear I was not going to win this award.  It's really an honor." Britney
boasted, taking a few more glances at the metallic figure.  She let loose a
glistening grin for the camera while thinking over the speech she had
created a few days before.  "Uhm, okay, first I want to thank God for
blessing me with the ability to do this daily and for giving me guidance
through this industry.  I wanna thank my momma and daddy for all they've
done.  My little sister, my brother... uhm, Johnny!  Oh, I've got to thank
Johnny and WEG for their support.  Fi, Laura Lynn... uhm, Max Martin for
writing such a great song and Nigel Dick for directing such a fun video."
Britney babbled out, endeavoring to remember all of her supportes.  "Wow,
uhm, thanks to MTV for this award and a great year.  Wow, all my friends
back home.  Oh yeah, thanks to Innosense for being in the video.  I love
ya'll.  Oh, yeah, yeah, thanks to the fans!  I love you guys so, so much!
You've done a lot for me." Britney chimed.  Screams rattled through Radio
City Music Hall, all chanting for Britney.  She giggled quietly, grabbing a
hold of the Moon Man.  "Go Britney!" Joey bellowed out, hyping up the
audience even more.  Britney blushed lightly, tossing her hair back.  "I
love you too, Joe.  Thanks again." she finally said, allowing Lenny and
Fiona to escort her from the stage.
		Brian sat anxiously in his seat.  Justin had left minutes before the
commercial break.  He and the men of *NSYNC were headed for the dressing
room to prepare for their performance on stage.  Brian was not almost alone
in the row *NSYNC occupied with their guests.  Towards one end of the row
was Meelah conversing with Joey's sister, Janine, and Lance's mother, Diane
Bass.  On the other side of Brian was his mother-in-law, Lynn Harless, and
Lynne Spears, Britney's mother.  He could not find refuse in any of the
women.  He knew he was receiving stares from several of the night's
attendants.  It was a territory he was going to have become accustom to.
		"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome A.J. McLean from the Backstreet
Boys." the announcer came over the main speakers again, revealing a surprise
to Brian.  Brian's baby blue eyes automatically shifted to the stage,
gradually applauding as he saw his fellow Backstreet Boy walk across the
stage dressed in a cut-off shirt, leather pants and a cowboy hat.  Brian
eyed A.J. with curiosity, unaware of his presence in New York City.
		A.J. stepped up to the podium that was set-up on the corner of the stage.
He glanced around, grinning like a Chershire cat.  "Well, well, well...
what's up New York?" A.J. called out, being greeted by a lasting ovation.
"It's good to be here even though MTV decided not to give us any nominations
this year." A.J. commented with heavy sarcasm.  A mild laughter followed his
statement.  "But that's okay.  At least it gave these guys I'm about to
introduce a chance to win something.  If we were here, we all know they'd
lose." A.J. continued with his light humor while giving the next performers
a chance to get set up backstage.  "But anyway, this next group is a great
set of guys.  They're really cool and have sold a bunch of records over this
past year.  And if you heard tonight, they get bonus points because one of
them is married to my friend.  What's up Brian?" A.J. chimed, waving to his
friend as he spotted him.  Brian blushed, giving A.J. a small nod.  "And
that's cool, you know those two being together.  It's the year 2000 people.
So would you all please help me in welcoming the second hottest boy band
around... *NSYNC!" A.J. announced loudly, hoping to pull an immense amount
of applause for them.  He suceeded as the crowd wailed for *NSYNC as the
curtains parted across the main stage.
		*NSYNC stood on the dim-lit stage, all in a line with their band set up on
risers behind them.  They were all dressed in orange cut-off shirts and
baggy, white pants with Lance sporting a gray vest and orange tips in his
hair.  Justin wore a white bandanna, smiling lightly toward the crowd as the
band began to strum up a familiar tune.  He glanced at J.C. as he prepared
to croon the first verse.  'Don't let me down, Josh.' he thought, turning
his head back to the audience where he caught Brian staring at him.

	Ba ba ba ba ba
	Ba ba ba ba ba

	I always dreamed of everlasting
	Dreaming of serenity
	Into a love that's my every dream
	Something special just for me
	My angel you are
	My soul shall forever believe

		The gentlemen of *NSYNC began to bob a little on the stage, trying to
imitate choreography they had praticed during rehearsals.  J.C. took a step
to the side of the stage while Joey walked forward, his head cocked to the
side.  He waved to his sister and then Meelah.  He felt his verse coming on
as J.C. ended the first verse.

	So I'll give you my love
	And all of my heart
	It's all for you
	And the dreams from above
	Our love

	And I know this much is true
	Ba ba ba ba ba ba
	It's true
	I know this much is true

		The first song ended on a high note with Justin and J.C. holding the final
notes to the chorus.  As the band finished playing, each member took a quick
look around.  They all slid from their stiff positions in the center of the
stage toward the long walkway that led past the mosh pits.  "Hey, where's
Britney?" Joey questioned, following the skit they had set up.  "Man, we
don't need her" Justin replied, glancing at Joey before snapping his fingers
for the band to flow in with the next song.  As the tune came on, members of
the audience began to shriek, the familiar Max Martin song being played as
Joey took the middle of the group again, the others following him up the
walkway, mimicking dance moves they had been taught.

	Oh baby, baby
	How was I supposed to know
	That something wasn't right here
	Oh baby, baby
	I shouldn't have let you go
	And now you're out of sight, yeah

		Joey grinned immensely as they finished a mock-performance of Britney's
famous '...Baby One More Time.'  He received an odd look from his girlfriend
as he and the others pulled from their positions.  "Enh eh, what about the
Backstreet Boys?" Lance suggested as his bandmates found separate, but
assigned, places to stand on the stage.  Justin shook his head, smiling
tirelessly.  He turned to the band again and snapped his fingers, a few
chords of another Max Martin song flowing from a keyboard.

	I want it that way...

		"Hey, hey, how about we get the ladies out here?" J.C. suggested, glancing
at his bandmates as their skit continued.  They all nodded, throwing one
hand up in the air as Chris shouted, "Hey ladies!"  With that, a hord of
male and female dancers ran to each end of the stage while an upbeat, urban
sound filled the speakers of Radio City Music Hall.
		Strolling in from the left end of the stage, after all the dancers had
found a spot on the stage, was Innosense.  They were all dressed in tight,
spangled, blue tops with baggy jeans that were decorated in swirls of blue
and green.  Danay sported a pink bandanna, while all the girls wore body
glitter.  Veronica's hair aws straightened, falling just above her
shoulders.  Nikki's hair was pinned up into a ponytail, her slender body
sparkling with faux rhinestone tattoos.  They danced around *NSYNC as the
other danced wildly on the stage.

	One two, three to the four
	I think it's time to get on the floor
	If you're looking for a hot boy to freak
	I'm telling you girl, it's gonna be me

	One two, three to the four
	I think it's time to get on the floor
	If you're looking for a hot boy to freak
	I'm telling you girl, it's gonna be me

	Bye bye bye

		The J.C.-remixed version of 'Bye Bye Bye' came flowing into the speakers
of Radio City Music Hall.  All of the occupants of the stage danced as if
they were in an urban club, closely, and passionately.  Justin licked his
lips, adjusting the head-set microphone he wore.  He grabbed Mandy's hand
and led her to the front, followed by the other members of *NSYNC and
Innosense.  He and Mandy took the lead dancing while Justin whined out the
first verse.

	Can't believe I put trust in you
	Gave my all to you
	But you did nothin' but fuss and fight
	Said a promise is a promise
	But you were never honest
	So now, baby, I have to say bye bye

		Mandy pushed Justin backward, following the other members of Innosense to
one side of the stage.  They popped their bodies and then shook their hips
sensually.  Nikki switched places with Mandy, becoming the leader of the
group as she and Mandy took the main leads on the bridge with the others
hamonizing in the background.

	But you say
	I'll miss you after today
	Still I won't believe you
	Cause you'll never change
	(Never change)

	Ain't givin' what I need to be
	Gotta give me room to breathe
	You try, you lie
	And now I'm tellin' you bye bye bye
	You had your chance, wanna try
	I'm not gonna take you back in my life
	This time, deny
	But I'm tellin' you bye bye bye

	Bye...
	Mmm, what what what

		Justin riled up the crowd with his ad-libs as they all formed in a
semi-triangle near the front of the stage.  The cheers were evident that the
performance was being loved.  The music slowed up a little as the cries
silenced some.  J.C. bobbed his head, glancing from left to right and then
vice-versa.  He took a quick look at Nikki as she prepped herself for the
next portion of the song.  He smiled evenly, adjusting his mic so he could
be heard.

	Now, ladies, sing it for me
	Uh huh, I hear it
	Yo MTV... what?
	Nikki, sing it for me

	Say bye bye, bye
	Oh whoa, say bye, bye
	Boy, say bye bye bye

		Nikki and Justin exchanged turns on the ad-libs as the fast-paced music
rang through Radio City Music Hall again, the dancers running around to get
the crowd hyped once more.  *NSYNC and Innosense gave their full attention
to the intense choreography, throwing little effort into the final hook.
Jenny smiled towards Chris as the two danced, hoping to keep the enthusiasm
going.  It did not take much for Chris to grin and nod.  "Come on, what?
What?" he shouted out, trying to spark life back into the crowd.  Justin
laughed, thrusting his hips fashionably as Mandy danced behind him.  He
pushed his bandanna back some as sweat crept from his brow.

	Ain't givin' what I need to be
	Gotta give me room to breathe
	You try, you lie
	And now I'm tellin' you bye bye bye
	You had your chance, wanna try
	I'm not gonna take you back in my life
	This time, deny
	But I'm tellin' you bye bye bye

	Bye bye bye
	(What? What?)
	Bye bye bye
	(What? What?)
	Bye bye bye
	(What? What?)

	Bye bye bye

		The finale was signified by a few pyros and flashes of spotlights across
the large performance stage.  Each member of *NSYNC and Innosense breathed
heavily, their bodies wary from the thunderous performance.  "Thank you."
Justin exhaled into his headset, smiling lightly.  The crowd's approval came
in a long-standing applause.  They could not help but love the creativity in
*NSYNC's performance.
		The girls of Innosense held their pose for a moment, shock wrapping their
face.  It was the first VMA's they all attened, together.  It was their
first time performing for the MTV crowd.  It was also their first true taste
of fame and they did not want to spit it out.
		"Yeah." Joey grunted, pulling out of his pose and pulling his headset from
his head.  He followed Lance up the catwalk and towards the exit.  The
dancers began to exit the stage as the members of *NSYNC did.  Chris threw
his arm around J.C., grinning widely.  "That was hot." he gleamed while
strolling with his friend.  "Most def'." Justin agreed, escorting Veronica
and Nikki toward the exit.  "Let's just see if MTV likes it." J.C. warned
them, a smug look on his face.  Justin tossed his bandanna at J.C.,
disappointed in his reaction to their performance.  "They'll love it, I'm
sure." Danay assured the others as they walked.
		Danay wasn't too sure, but she was right.  "And the winner for 'Viewer's
Choice' goes to... *NSYNC!" Lil' Kim cheered as she stared at the paper she
had yanked from the envelope.  The men of *NSYNC stood once again with shock
written into their faces.  They were picking up their third award for the
night after already winning 'Best Dance Video' and 'Best Group Video.'  It
was a new experience for them.  They felt as if they were now being accepted
by a higher gentry of the music society.
		Joey immediately pushed by all of his bandmates to reach his girlfriend,
sweeping her up in his arms and holding her tightly.  He had to share his
enthusiasm with someone he never could.  Britney smiled sweetly, running her
fingers through Joey's hair as he hugged her.  "Put her down you big goof."
Lance insisted as he skated out of the condensed aisle.  "Hey, let them have
their moment, Bass." Dre, one of *NSYNC's security insisted.  Lance crumbled
his cherry-red lips as he watched Britney and Joey kiss, deep down, wishing
it was Bryce and him.  Lynne Spears smiled on her daughter and her
boyfriend, clapping as the crowd did for *NSYNC.
		Chris placed a small kiss on his wife's lips, squeezing her hand tightly.
"Congratulations sweetheart." Meelah said, taking a second to wipe away
traces of her lipstick with her thumb.  Chris licked his lips as her hand
dropped, grinning.  "Boy, this feels so good." he chimed, holding her hand
as the cheers continued.  He took a glimpse down the aisle and spotted J.C.
eyeing Brian and Justin with depression lining his eyes.  Justin kissed
Brian lightly on the lips and then hugged him.  He ignored any shame or
embarrassment he had in the past.  He needed to show Brian his affection at
a pentacle moment.  Brian showed no regard toward attendants that desired to
watch his husband and him.  He slipped his hand over the small of Justin's
back and held him.  He waited so long to be able to show affection toward
Justin publicly.  Now was his time.
		"Come on ya'll." Chris insisted, dragging J.C. down the aisle while
tugging on the tail of Justin's sweater.  Justin hesitantly followed Chris,
wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.  He took a quick look over his
shoulder to see Brian waving to him with a proud smirk.  He giggled quietly
as Lance threw an arm around him and guided him up the steps to the podium.
		Lil' Kim briskly pulled each member into an embrace, thoroughly delighted
by their win.  Lance immediately found the microphone, taking a brief look
at their third Moon Man for the night.  He laughed lightly.  "Okay, last
time we forgot to thank our label for saving us when they did.  Thanks to
Jive Records for pulling us out of the mud and putting us back where we
belong." Lance said foremost.  He could feel the others crowding around him,
still commenting on their win.  "And a special thanks to Johnny and WEG for
always being there for us... and Brit'.  We feel really honored to be apart
of the management team with ya'll." Lance added, pulling back to let the
others speak.  "Okay, I just want to say that it feels good to have won this
award.  Take that A.J." J.C. cheered, snatching up the Moon Man as he spoke.
  Chris shook his head with laughter.  "Uhm, thanks to MTV and all the
viewers.  We appreciate this one a lot.  Hey Kaleb, Daddy'll be home soon."
Chris said shortly, hoping to pull away from the podium as soon as he could.
  "Okay, I just wanted to say that this is the one award that we really
wanted to win and we want to thank the fans for this.  Really... I mean
seriously, we would not be here if it wasn't for ya'll.  So thanks so much!
We love ya'll.  We really do." Justin stated in a serious tone.  The members
of *NSYNC clapped, aiming their concentration toward the fans in the upper
section of the music hall.  "Oh yeah, I love you Bastian.  See ya soon."
Justin added with a grin.  He followed Lance and Lil' Kim down the steps as
the others celebrated mildly at the top of the steps.
		"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Christina Aguilera and Britney
Spears." the announcement sent a shock through the crowd.  Christina and
Britney pranced out on the stage hand-in-hand.  Smiles covered their faces
as they approached the podium.  The fans cheered wildly when seeing the two
together once more.  They were, once again, making a statement against the
media.  They did not care what was published before.  They were there to
state the truth with their actions and silence the rumors with their speech.
		Christina and Britney gave each other quick glances before giggling.
"Tonight sure has been fun, girl." Christina remarked first, following
portions of the TelePrompTer's dialogue.  She brushed pieces of her lengthly
hair behind her shoulder, puckering her lips.  "It sure has, Christina.
We're here at the beautiful Radio City Music Hall." Britney cheered in her
bubbly accent. "And you got an award too." Christina added an extra comment.
  Britney nodded, blushing with indifference in her eyes when reading the
TelePrompTer.  "There's been so many stars here like Bono, Blink 182,
Eminem..." Britney followed the words exactly.  "Anyway." Christina snapped
automatically when hearing the name of the disgruntle rapper.  Britney
mocked a face of surprise, laughing afterward.  Christina grinned, batting
her seductive blue eyes.  "And so many things have happened like the thing
with Fred and the guy from Rage Against the Machine, us performing together,
your old boyfriend announcing his married to a Backstreet Boy..." Christina
followed the game, smirking.  "Hey." Britney interrupted her with a mild
titter.  "Anyway, I think the biggest thing to happen here tonight would
have to be us introducing this next guest." Britney boasted with a lingering
smile.  She turned to Christina and awaited her to complete their duty at
the podium.  "That's right, Brit'.  Just like Destiny's Child said earlier,
this woman is a Diva.  Her versatility is unmatched.  Plus, this woman, is
truly all about the music..." Christina reveled.
		Just as soon as the words crossed her lips, 'Music' came thumping into
Radio City Music Hall and Madonna emerged from behind the large black
curtain.  She strutted her way to a microphone in the ecenter of the stage.
She rocked a black cowboy hat while her blonde hair streaked with black, a
black boa snaked itself around her neck and a black pants-suit clung to her
firm body.  The audience stood in ovation, clapping savagely for the musical
icon.  The crowd howled for her as she graced the stage.
		Christina and Britney stood at their podium, clapping.  They glanced at
her in awe.  They could only hope to be her one day and watching her was a
pleasure for them.  "Girl, I can't wait to get to the after-parties."
Christina commented to Britney as the applause drew on.  "Me too.  Which one
her you going to?" Britney wondered in a hushed voice.  "Don't know quite
yet.  Probably Tommy Matolla's.  You?" Christina replied.  Britney smiled
wickedly.  "*NSYNC's party.  You should come." Britney suggested.  Christina
contemplated the idea as the applause began to die down.  They could see
their cue to leave the stage as Madonna chatted casually.  A smirk twitched
around the corners of Christina's lips and she released it.  "Okay, I
suppose I can make an appearance for the hell of it." Christina agreed,
trailing Britney in their nonchalant walk.
		As the limo pulled up the Enigma club, Britney wasn't sure if she should
have attended the party.  "Now ya'll ca have fun tonight, but I don't want
ya'll doing anything stupid and be cautious of who you hang with.  I don't
want to hurt anybody up in here." Lonnie warned all of the occupants of the
stretch, black limo.  He received several nods from everyone.  He smiled
with a reserved look as the door to the limo was pulled open.
		"It's time to party." Lance boasted with his bass voice.  He was the first
to exit and wave to the masses as photographers snapped pictures of him and
reporters called to him.  "Let's make this live people." Chris insisted,
holding Meelah's ahnd as he departed from the limo.  Meelah sighed before
following him.  Meelah glanced around as lights flashed all around her.  She
pushed her hair back and awaited Chris' first move.  "Ready baby?" he asked
her in a coy voice.  Meelah batted her eyes, unsure.  She finally nodded
when seeing J.C. emerge from the limousine.  "Are we going or what?" J.C.
wondered, wandering up to where Lance stood.  Chris nodded with excitement
flaring in his brown eyes.  He gave a few, quick waves to the crowd before
allowing security to escort he and half of his party inside of the club.
		Joey assisted Britney in escaping the confines of the limo.  Britney
chewed on the corner of her lower lip with a nervous expression holding her
face.  She pushed pieces of her hair back while adjusting her blue jean
jacket.  "Hey everyone." Joey said, waving amicably toward the crowd.
"Britney!  Britney!" the fans called, causing Britney raise her head with a
half-hearted expression of her face.  She gave a few waves, trying to follow
her boyfriend.  She felt free to move in her baby-T and her ash-blue-colored
jeans.  On the front of her baby-T was a blue, glittery Superman symbol with
the word 'Super Girl' on the inside of the pentagon-like shape.
		"Miss Spears... Britney..." reporters began to call to her.  Britney
shrugged them away, keeping her eyes forward.  "Let's just get inside so I
can see my mom or Nikki and the girls." Britney suggested, nudging Joey
toward the entrance of the club.  Joey slinked his arm around her lean waist
and pulled her forward.  "Okay honey, let's go." he agreed, guiding her
inside.  Britney clung to Joey with a promising look in her faces.  She was
thankful that her boyfriend was so understanding.  He kept her safe when she
needed to be.
		Justin stepped out of the limo with Brian close behind.  Justin ducked his
head from all of the reporters as Brian held onto the tail of his shirt.
"Lord, where's Joey?" Justin wondered, reaching his hand backward and
searching for Brian's.  Brian briskly grabbed onto Justin's hand, holding it
tightly as he tried not to get lost in the media frenzy.  "There they are!"
one reporter shouted out as the others began to flock in Brian and Justin's
direction.  Justin sighed arrogantly, holding his husband close to him.  "Oh
my God, look, they're really holding hands." a younger female gushed,
turning her head away from them.  Justin shook his head and began to pull
Brian towards the club.  "Don't worry, I've got ya'll." Lonnie assured them.
  He began to push others back so that Brian and Justin could promenade
toward the club.  "I'm with you." Brian whispered into Justin's ear.  Justin
nibbled on his lower lip with fear as more comments were slung toward them.
"Is it true?  Oh my gosh, is it true?" some girls shouted out as they looked
on Brian and Justin.  Justin hung his head, praying he would reach the front
of the club soon.  "I think it's so cute!  Hey Justin!" another commented.
Justin smiled lightly as he began to blush.  Justin could hear the music of
the club tugging him inward and he held Brian's hand tighter as they escaped
the fire of the media.
		Brian stood to one side of the club, bobbing his head to the intense
music.  He took a glance to the dance floor where he could spot Justin and
Britney dancing, while Lance and Veronica danced nearby.  Jon Norris stood
near him, awaiting a word from his producer to begin filming a segment for
MTV News with Brian.  Brian swallowed lightly, eyeing Nikki and J.C. as they
danced to one side of the club.  'He had better not try anything with Foxy.'
Brian thought arrogantly while observing the two.  "We're ready Mr.
Littrell." a technician informed Brian in a loud voice.  Brian nodded,
sighing as he took his eyes off of the dance floor.
		"I'm Jon Norris and I'm standing by, here at Enigma, the home of *NSYNC's
VMA after-party, with Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys.  How's it going
Brian?" Jon stated, glancing at Brian.  "Pretty good." Brian replied
chipperly.  "It's kind of crazy here.  You've got all sorts of stars coming
in here." Jon commented, starting a friendly conversation between the two.
Brian nodded, taking another brief look around.  "I just saw Lenny Kravitz
and P!nk a minute ago.  When we got here, we saw Lil' Kim, Lil' Cease, and
Mark Walhberg.  So it's a mixed group." Brian agreed in his healthy country
accent.
		"Well, if people haven't heard by now, you and Justin from *NSYNC admitted
that you two have been married for what... a year now?  And you even have a
son?" Jon wondered, hoping to clear up some misconceptions.  "That's right.
It's been a year now and we have an adopted son... his name's Angel." Brian
replied with a soft smile.  "It has certainly been a surprise for everyone.
What made you do it?" Jon questioned him, trying to reach his voice over the
music.  "Well, for awhile we wanted to do it, but there was a lot of red
tape around it.  So we knew we couldn't just do because we didn't know what
the reaction was going to be.  Finally, we just went to our management and
our label and we were like, 'Look, everyone's asking and we're tired of
hiding from it.  We have to do this for our son.'  And so, we did it." Brian
replied fully, hoping it would end questions concerning the matter.  "Sort
of like, for the sake of the family, right?  Just to end secrets?" Jon tried
to clarify Brian's reply.  Brian nodded immediately.  "Definitely.  It was
definitely a family thing.  Me and Justin wanted our marriage to stay
balanced and to make sure our son's happy." Brian chimed.  "But we didn't
really think of it as lying as some people did.  We were never asked about
marriage, so we never worried about it.  It was always a question of whether
or not me and Justin were dating.  So we just answered with what we could
and that was that we weren't dating." Brian added.  Jon nodded, considering
a final question so that he could move along.
		"Well, it's always good to hear that musicians are happy and that they can
have both a career and a personal life.  And we've already seen that the
marriage won't affect the Backstreet Boys because you've still been touring
and working on the album and everything." Jon noted.  Brian grinned happily.
  "It's not going to affect my music career.  Justin's very supportive of it
and the guys are very supportive for my marriage and my family life." Brian
assured Jon.  "Okay, that's great to hear.  I know you're going to have a
lot to deal with now with the new record and everyone knowing about you and
Justin now.  Anything you want cleared up?" Jon offered Brian a chance to
shine.  Brian did not have to contemplate on the question long.  "Uhm,
Justin doesn't go out with Britney!  For so long, I've heard that and it's
so funny to me.  I mean, I love Justin and so I don't have to worry about
that.  Still, I hear it so much, it's crazy." Brian snickered.  Jon laughed
with him.  "Now they know.  It was nice talking with you Brian." Jon
cheered, extending his hand to Brian.  Brian gladly took it and shook it.
He permitte Jon and his crew to walk away while smiling to himself.  His
marriage may have struggled and he knew more wars were to come, but now he
had faith that he could at least have private and public support from
Justin.  It was a healing thought.

					TO BE CONTINUED...

*** Did it take long enough?  I'm sorry about that.  I've been so busy with
college!  So please forgive me.  I know I told a few of you that it would be
done sooner than this and I hoped it would, but hey, it's out now, right?  I
hope you liked this one!  Look, Brian and Justin made it... well sort of.
There are still some unresolved issues coming for ya'll.  Yes, mo' drama.
Some of you thought I was mad or hurt because I said I didn't receive fan
mail anymore.  No, no, no.  It doesn't bother me.  I get plenty of
responses!  I get a lot of love and it doesn't bother me.  Now, write me
about this part!  Make me happy with yuor complaints or compliments.  It
doesn't matter to me.  Oh yeah, Innosense's album came out recently.  Did
any of you buy it?  Let me know.  You can expect to see more of their music
in the stories.  I suggest those of you who are sad because you don't get to
be around a loved one to listen to 'Rain Rain' or for those of you who want
a song about love, listen to 'I Wish' and 'So Together.'  They're great!
Anyway, I'm hoping to get right to work on the next part.  Expect the return
of two characters!  I want to focus a lot on Brian and Justin, but is there
another couple you'd like me to take a closer look at?  Let me know and I'll
try and focus on them soon!  Thanks for reading this section.  It's long, I
KNOW!  I hope you enjoyed it.  Thanks again... I just know I'm forgetting
something!  UGH!  Peace... ***