Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 00:18:40 CDT
From: River Shant <groundwriter@hotmail.com>
Subject: 'NSYNC-Brush with Fame-Chapter 5

Disclaimer: This story is fiction. This does not imply anything about the
members of *N SYNC.  If you do not like it then don't read it.

Note to the reader: Okay, this chapter starts the introduction of some
already well-known fictional characters into my story.  Devon and Rob.  If
you guys aren't familiar with these characters then read T.R.'s: Devon and
Lance, and Rob's: Rob and Lance.  Next thing.  This story takes place in
the future of T.R.'s and Rob's stories.  So I know that you're confused
about Rob and Lance and Devon and Lance.  Just bare with me.I have a plan.
I just thought it would be neat to fuse some of these stories together.

`NSYNC-Brush with Fame

	The plane landed safely back in Orlando within a few hours and
Stellara woke me.  We headed into the airport and got our luggage.  From
there we headed to a phone booth and called management and told them that
we had arrived, they said that someone was on her way and just to wait.  So
we sat around outside and smoked a cigarette.  A few minutes later a limo
pulled up and Britney popped her head out of the window and yelled for us
to get in.  The driver took our bags and we got into the limo.

"Hey guys, how was you trip," Britney asked.

"Hi Brit," I said as I hugged her, "It was okay, just kinda sad saying
goodbye to everyone."

"Yeah," she started, "I know what that feels like."

"So Britney," Stellara questioned, "What's on the agenda today?"

Britney was obviously excited to answer this question, "Today we get to
test out our wardrobe for the tour.  This is always so much fun.  Then from
there we are going to meet up with the Backstreet Boys and have dinner to
celebrate the launch of the tour."

"Sounds cool," I murmured, "Except for the part about BSB."

"River," Britney pleaded, "Give them a chance.  They are really nice guys,
I know that you'll be great friends with them."

	I thought about what she said and decided that if I wanted this
tour to go well for me, then I would have to give them a chance.  I guess I
was judging before I knew the whole story, I was wrong.  It was worth
giving them a try.

	We pulled into wardrobe and got out.  After meeting with the
designers and having a chat we got to try everything on.  It was actually
pretty fun.  I was never into dress up, but this was cool.  I got to wear
all these phat outfits which were a perfect fit.

	I was in my dressing room trying on some outfits when the guy who
was helping me said, "Very nice.  These are great looking on you.  But
seriously, you don't need the outfits, you're perfect as it is."

I was dumbfounded.  All I could manage was, "Thanks."  I never did know how
to take to compliments.

"Here try this one on," he said as he handed me this cool orange shirt.  It
was kinda tight fitting, which is not really my style, but hey it looked
okay.  "This really shows off your chest muscles," he said seductively as
he started rubbing my chest.

"Woah!  What do you think you're doing guy?"

"Sorry I just couldn't help myself.  You are just so damn hot!"

"Well thanks, but no thanks.  I happen to be seeing someone at this time,"
I said as I left the dressing room.  Britney and Stellara were chatting up
a girl storm in the waiting room.

"Damn Riv. You took you took super long in there," Stell said.

"Yeah, I didn't even take that long and I'm.THE STAR," Britney joked.  I
had to admit she was funny.  Stellar laughed too.  It seemed that Stellara
was starting to like her.  I was glad.  She needed a girl to talk to on the
trip.

"Well you guys," the designer butted in, "That's it.  You guys are free to
go."

"Great," Britney said.  "Let's go get changed so we can meet the guys at
the restaurant."

	We got back to the hotel and changed into our garb.  From there we
met in the lobby and got into a limo which zipped us off to some remote,
out of the way, restaurant.  It was very nice.  We got inside and the
hostess took us back to a secluded party room where five guys were waiting
for us.

"Look guys," the blond one said, "There here!"

"Hi guys," Britney said as she walked around giving each guy a hug, "Nice
to see you guys again.  I'd like you guys to meet my dancers, River and
Stellara.  Guys these are the Backstreet Boys: Nick, Howie, AJ, Kevin, and
Brian."

"Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you," I said as I shook everyone's hand.

"Hello," Stellara said.

	We passed the formalities and sat down to eat.  After our food came
and we started eating, conversation began to pick up a bit.  It was
actually enjoyable.  They were pretty down to earth.  Together, they acted
like a single being, I guess because they were so comfortable with each
other.  I admired that.  We finished eating and decided to go back to the
hotel and hang out some more.

	We got back to Britney's room, IT WAS HUGE!  "Damn Brit. They sure
didn't hold anything back from you, did they?"

"Of course not," she started, "Only the best for THE STAR!"  She had
everyone laughing at her pseudo-egotism.

"So what do you guys want to do," Kevin asked.  Everyone basically just
shrugged their shoulders.

"Do you have to be doing something?  We could just sit around and chill.
I'm pretty sure that you don't get to do that a lot," I said rather
condescending, but no one caught it in my voice.

"He's right Kev," Brian said as he smiled at me.  I smiled back.  "Why
don't we just lay around for once, we don't have to constantly keep
ourselves busy."  Everyone agreed.

	We sat around for a while watching the tellie and chatting about
stupid stuff.  I had to admit, they weren't that bad.  Maybe I would end up
liking them.  I was pretty comfortable except for the fact that Nick and
Brian were up on my nuts the whole time.  Couldn't they pay attention to
someone else?

"Will you guys excuse me," I said, "Nicotine is calling my name."  I walked
out onto the balcony and lit up a cigarette.  It felt good to be alone for
once.  But my freedom was short-lived.  Soon after Brian walked out onto
the balcony.

"You know those aren't good for you," he said.  I thought about the first
time Justin came out when I was smoking and how I got him to try it.  Maybe
I should try and corrupt this guy too.  Then I thought naw, that would be
something special between Justin and me.

"I know," I shrugged, "But once you're hooked, it's very hard to quit."

"I guess," he said, "It's alright, I won't hold it against ya."  He
laughed.

"I feel so privileged," I joked.  He sat down next to me and starting
talking.  It was nice to talk to someone alone.  We started talking about
everything.  Which led us to `NSYNC.  He talked about how cool everyone
was.  I felt so bad for not giving him a chance.  He really did like the
guys, sincerely.  We laughed about Joey's eating habits, Chris's hyperness,
Lance's Adam's apple, JC's stick up his butt, and Justin's hair.

	Justin.  My Justin.  Talking about him brought tears to my eyes.
Brian noticed this and handed me a tissue.  I thanked him and wiped my
eyes.

"So Justin means a lot to you, huh?"

"More than you know."

"I think I've figured it out.  I mean the way you talk about him and the
way you're crying," he stopped himself, "I wish I had someone like that."

"Don't worry, you will," I comforted him, "I was just like you before I met
Justin and then he came into my life and I was forever turned upside down.
I mean, I didn't even like guys before him."

"Really, I guess I've always liked them," he stopped, "Oops.  Was I
supposed to reveal that?"

"Don't worry about it," I said, "You're secret is safe with me."  He hugged
me.  I smiled and went back to talking to him.  We talked for hours.  By
the time we went back inside everyone was asleep.  Nick was on the floor in
front of the TV, Howie was lying on a cot, Kevin was lying next to Britney
in the bedroom, and AJ was sleeping on the couch with his arm around Stell.
I did a double take when I saw this and decided to talk to Stellara about
it later.

"Looks like all the prime spots were taken," Brian sighed.

"There's always my room," I said, "We can crash there."

"Sounds like a plan," Brian said and headed for the door.  I left them a
note and took Brian into my room.  I quickly stripped into my boxers.  I
jumped into bed and settled under the covers.  I noticed that Brian was
lying on the floor with only a pillow.

"You know," I said, "There is room up here for the both of us, if you don't
mind sleeping with me.  And I sure as hell know that it a helluva lot more
comfortable up here."

"Alright," Brian said as he made his way into my bed. We lay there for a
while talking until we drifted off into sleep.

	I woke up and noticed a warm mass underneath my arms.  It was
Brian.  I didn't realize that I had wrapped my arms around him in my sleep.
I have to admit that it felt nice to be holding someone again.  I slipped
out of bed and went out onto the balcony to breathe in the morning air (and
smoke a cigarette), but fresh air sounds like it has more class.  While I
was smoking Brian walked out onto the balcony.

"I know that you're taken, and I respect that, but your arm around me felt
really comforting," he said.

"I'm really sorry about that, I guess it's just a habit.  I didn't mean for
it to lead to anything," I sighed.

"Oh I know that, you seem like the faithful type, and I would never do that
to Justin, it's just that no one has ever done that before and it felt
really soothing."

"I'm glad," I said as I hugged him.  He smiled.  I flicked my cigarette off
the balcony and led Brian back inside.  From there we got all of our stuff
together and headed into Britney's room.  Everyone was already awake and we
said our greetings and ate breakfast.

	The tour was in full swing and I was overly stressed.  I knew it
would be like this but it had already been three months since I had last
seen Justin.  We tried to keep in constant contact but our schedules
wouldn't permit anything but a five-minute call every now and then.

	On our way through California I got a letter in the mail from
Justin, it almost killed me on the inside:

Dear River,

	How have you been?  I'm a wreck right now.  We're going through
Pennsylvania and I haven't had one wink of sleep.  Every time I do get a
chance to sleep, I end up keeping myself awake thinking of you.  I know it
sounds pathetic but it's true.  I keep dreaming of the next time we'll be
together.  I know that our tours aren't helping this a bit, but it's fun to
think about.  Maybe I just need some time off.  Management says we get all
of next week off.  This means I'll be able to call you more often.  I'm so
excited.  Well I guess I should get going.  Take care.

									Love,
									
Justin

	I cried after this letter.  It wasn't even sad, but it hurt.  Then
after a while I had an idea.  I picked up my phone and dialed the number.

"Hello," the voice said on the other line.

"Hey JC! This is River, I need to ask you something," I said.

"River!  Hey man how you been, let me go get Justin," he said.

"NO WAIT!  I called to talk to you.  I need to know where you guys will be
at for your week break.  I want to surprise Justin," I said.

"OH!  Okay let me get you all the info."  We talked for another 30 minutes
and then hung up.  An hour later, I marched myself into the room that
management was staying in and had a little chat with them.  I told them I
would be taking a week off due to personal emergencies.  They tried to
reason with me and I let in a little.  They said they would pay for the
whole trip if I narrowed it down to five days and performed at the next
stop.  Of course I agreed.  Boy did I show them.  Hehe, I can be such a
softy sometimes.

	I was soon on a plane to New York.  When it landed I caught a cab
to the hotel that the guys were staying in.  At the front desk I said, "Can
you please tell me what room JC Chasez is in please."

"Yeah, sure.  Let me get that for you.  Haha.  Take a number," she said
rudely as she pointed to all the screaming fans outside.  "Security!"

"Do we have a problem here," a gruff voice resounded.  I turned expecting
some ruthless big fat guy, but it turned out to be their bus driver.

"Bob," I said excitedly.

"River," he started, "What you doing here?"

"I came to surprise the guys, would you be so kind as to show me to them."

"Sure thing Riv.," Bob said.  "It's okay ma'am, he's practically a member."

"I truly am sorry sir," the receptionist apologized.

"No harm done," I said.

	Bob took me up to the thirteenth floor and started pointing out the
rooms of each guy.  As soon as he finished he left.  I quickly ran to JC's
door and knocked.

"It's open," he yelled from inside.  I walked in and saw everyone but
Justin sitting around.

"River," Lance yelped.  He ran to me and gave me a hug.  Everyone else
greeted me and I began to wonder where Justin was.

"Where's Justin?"

"He basically hasn't left his room, he's bummed about something," JC said
sadly.

"Yeah," Chris said, "He hardly talks to anyone and just sticks to himself.

"And the worst thing is," Joey exclaimed, "Is that he hardly ever eats!"

"Well I'm gonna go see if I can cheer him up," I said as I exited.

"I'm sure you'll do exactly that," Lance laughed.  I turned and shot him a
look but kept walking.  I got to his door and knocked.

"Please guys, I don't feel like doing anything," Justin screamed from
inside.

"I have a delivery for Justin Timberlake," I said trying to disguise my
voice.

"Just leave it there," he yelled.

"But sir, I really do need your signature."

"Oh alright!  Hold on."  The door slowly opened and Justin poked his head
out, not looking up to see who I was, "Where do I sign?  Wait where's the
package?  Where's the clipboard?"  He then looked up angry and then his jaw
dropped.

"Surprise!"

"Oh my god!  River!  How did you? Why did you?  When did you?"

"Stop talking and kiss me," I said as I pushed myself inside and drew him
to me.  The kiss was divine.  Our lips took their time to get reacquainted,
and then our tongues began to explore their familiar caverns.  He led me
over to the bed where he laid on top of me.  My hands were everywhere.  His
hands were everywhere.  It felt great!

"So I hear you're being quite the hermit."

"Uh, I guess.  I'm just glad you're here."

"Good."  I kept kissing him.  I started taking his shirt off and he took
mine off.  I kissed down his neck and flicked at his nipples with my
tongue.  He went stark raving mad.  I was soon on top of him grinding my
hips into his.  He was moaning all over the place.  We made out for about
two hours and not once did either of us try to go any farther.  That's my
Justin.  Never trying to push me into anything.  I slipped my hands into
his pants and slowly began to jerk him.  He was startled but when I smiled
at him he calmed down.  His hands were soon in my pants and we finished
each other off.

"That was great," he said as he rolled off of me.

"I agree," I said rather exhausted, "Can we take a shower now?"

"Sure," he said with a big smile and off we went to the bathroom.  In the
shower there was the occasional kiss, but nothing sexual.  I felt so at
ease.  After the shower we dried off and I borrowed some of his clothes
because I was too lazy to unpack.  Everything fit great save the pants that
were a little too long.

"You look great Riv.," Justin said.

"Thanks," I said as I modeled for him.

	I convinced him to come to JC's room and there we met up with all
the other guys.  But there was someone else in there.  I walked over to him
and the first thing I noticed was the big blue streak in his hair.  He also
had a cast.  And he was gorgeous!

"Hi.  I don't think we've met," I said as I extended my arm, "My name's
River.  I'm a dancer for Britney Spears and a good friend of these guys."
I hit Chris on the arm for effect.

"Ouch!"  I laughed.

"The name is Devon," he started, "I'm touring with them right now."

"Oh I know who you are," I yelped, "You're the kid from Europe that MTV's
raving about."

"That's me.  Well I'm not actually from Europe, I'm from Ohio."

"Cool, well it's really nice to meet you Devon."

"You too River."

"So what are you guys doing tonight," I asked.

"Well, since Justin finally decided to leave his room," JC began, "I think
it would be cool if we all went clubbing."  Everyone agreed and left to
their rooms to get changed.  When everyone was gone I chatted with JC while
he prepared for the night.

"So JC," I started, "How's it going with Lance?"

"Oh, yeah, you didn't hear."

"Hear what?"

"There is no me and Lance anymore, we decided that relationships within the
group would not work out.  It actually turned out pretty well; we're the
closest we've ever been.  And whenever we get lonely, we have a little
fun," he said.

"Sounds cool.  Now what about this Devon guy?"

	JC proceeded to go into the whole story about their identities
being withheld, and the anger between the guys.  I just sat there and
listened while he told me about his injury and how he thought Lance was
falling for him.  I laughed and we were soon interrupted by Devon who came
in looking sharper than a razor blade.  I mean this kid was perfect.
Except for the cast, he had heavenly written all over him.

"You guys ready," he asked.

"Just about," JC responded.

"I am," I said.

"Well everyone is waiting downstairs for us, so I take it that that's our
cue to exit," he said rather classy like.

	We went to some club that I was not familiar with and dance for
hours.  I spent a lot of my time trying to sneak a few bumps and grinds in
with Justin, but not enough to make it noticeable.  From there I would take
the occasional smoke break at the table where Devon joined me.

"Can I bum a smoke off of you," he said.

"I don't know," I joked, "It's kinda bad for you know.  Especially since
you're a singer."

"Whatever," he growled as he stole a cigarette from my hand.

"Make yourself at home," I said.

"Will do," he laughed.

"So are you enjoying the tour?"

"Yeah, I guess.  But with this bum arm I can't do the choreography that
people come to watch."

"Hey, if you ever need a stunt double, just give me a call.  It would give
me a chance to come on tour with you guys."

"I'll remember that," he chimed.  God he was a hotty.  I kinda felt bad for
thinking these things, but I knew Justin did the same thing.  He just had
to.  We sat there and shot the shit for a few more minutes and then Justin
pulled me back out on the dance floor.  Boy did I make them look bad.  I
busted a few house moves on them and then did the old school break dance
moves.  I was the king of the dance floor.  I was also very tired after a
while.

	We all decided to leave and headed back to the hotel.  During the
ride, Lance and Devon were pretty much to themselves, while Justin and I
tried to seclude ourselves also.  It didn't work because Chris kept bugging
me about my tour and how everyone was.  We finally got back to the hotel
and Justin and I dragged ourselves back to the room and fell asleep.  No
nothing, just sleep.  He put his arm around me and I was out.

	The next four days flew by because I spent all my time with Justin.
We went everywhere together except for the restroom.  Every now and then I
would hang out with JC and sometimes I would steal Devon away from Lance
because I wanted a non-`NSYNCer to talk to.  I really did value his
friendship.  We exchanged numbers and stuff and decided that we would get
together sometime after the tour and hang out.

	Saying goodbye was really difficult.  It meant I had to say bye to
Justin again.  We made our promises to keep in touch and had one last
goodbye kiss before I left.  I'm telling you, this boy gets better at
kissing after every kiss.  I was soon on the plane back to my tour.

	I arrived in California and picked up where I left off.  I got my
bags and headed to the hotel that they were staying at.  I walked in and
surprised everyone.

"River," Stellara yelled excitedly.

"Hey babe," I said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

	Britney was next.  Boy was she over excited to see me.  You would
think that I had been gone for years.  I asked where BSB were and Stell
gave me their room number.  I walked over to the room and knocked.

"Who is it," a voice yelled from within.

"Housekeeping," I said in my most foreign sounding comical voice.  Brian
opened the door and as soon as he saw me his face brightened.

"River!"

"Heya Bri.  How's my favorite backstreet boy?"

"Great," he said as he hugged me.  "We have a big surprise for you!"

"I love surprises.  It better be good."  I walked into the room and hugged
everyone.  Kevin walked up to me and sat me down.

"River," he started, "While you were gone I was sitting with Stellara.  She
was playing a tape.  I really liked the music so I asked her who it was.
She said it was your band and that you had recorded it.  I took it to
management and made them sit through it.  They loved it."

"Stop right now, I said this before.  I dance, I only sing for fun."

"Let me finish.  They said that once this tour is over, they want you to
bring your friends out to Orlando and you guys could cut a CD.  Then if you
want you can tour with Lit and Eve6."

	Inside I was overjoyed.  But I was confused.  Give up what I love
doing, or bring my friends out and we all can make it.  I didn't know what
to do.

"Does Stell know," I asked.

"Not yet.  We wanted you to be the first to know," Brian cut in.

"Well, uh, let me get back to you guys on this one.  It will take a lot of
deciding.  I need to speak with Jane, Kat, Skyler, and Stellara."

"You can have all the time in the world.  Or at least the rest of this tour
to think about it," Kevin said.

	I didn't know what to think.  If I did this I would be dragging
myself away from pop music.  Which meant I wouldn't ever be around Justin.
And if I said no, I would be letting all my friends down.  I excused myself
from the room and went to go think.


     	Well what do you think River should do?  I don't even know yet.
But we'll see.  Remember to keep an eye out for more appearances by Devon
and for Rob's introduction.  And of course I want to thank everyone for
responding to my stories; it gives me a reason to keep writing. As always,
if you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to e-mail me at
groundwriter@hotmail.com. The next chapter will be up very soon.