Disclaimer: This story is fiction and does not represent the real people that might be mentioned here. If you are under 18 or if it is illegal to read this in the country where you live, the city where you are, etc. then don't. Again, this is just some fantasy I concocted in my head so don't get insulted. Also, the songs I use in my story are from the Backstreet Boys.
Chapter 3: Don't Wanna Lose Written by: "Bear"
Nick woke up to the mindless ringing of the telephone. He turned to his side and picked up the phone. "Good morning Mr. Carter, this is your wake up call" he heard a nice woman say on the other end of the line.
Nick just groaned and said, "Thank you." He put the phone down, intentionally leaving it off the hook and returned to his sleeping position. Nick once again got comfortable and fell into a light sleep.
He woke up thirty minutes later to the sound of scuffling outside in the halls. He looked at the clock and saw that it was already pass ten. He thought to himself, `Great Nick, you've done it again. Late once more.' He quickly got up and went to open the curtains. As he did streams of sunshine hit the room quickly illuminating it. He opened the sliding doors and stepped out into the balcony. Nick took a deep breath and smelled the slight hint of salt water in the air. He looked to his left and saw a glimpse of Lake Michigan. He instantly missed his home in Tampa. He sincerely loved his house and its proximity to the water. He took a few moments to enjoy the ambiance of Chicago before going back to his room to get ready.
Nick took a quick shower and then started to explore his luggage for some decent clothes. After a few minutes, his room looked like a pigsty with clothes all around the place and toiletries lying everywhere. He finally decided on black parachute jogging pants and a Michael Jordan Bulls jersey. He thought it would be fitting since he was in Chicago and all. Before heading for the door he took a look back at the mess he made and felt a feeling of warmth inside. `Yup, definitely feels more like home.' He laughed at himself before entering the hall.
He thought of the most logical place everyone would be. `Kevin's room' and headed in that direction. As he reached the door he could hear laughing and conversation on the other side. He didn't bother to knock but instead just headed inside. As soon as he entered the room Howie quickly spotted him, "Well, well look who finally decided to grace us with his presence."
Nick just smiled at Howie's attempt before eyeing everyone in the room who was busily eating. "Well, somebody once told me its always nice to be fashionably late." Before taking a bow in front of everyone.
Coming up he suddenly felt a pillow hit his head. "I said fashionably late, Frack, not really late." Brian quickly shouts back at him.
Nick just smiles back at Brian before spotting Linda sitting on the arm of his chair. He suddenly felt a little queasy and tried not to look in their direction. He returned his attention to the rest of the group. "Mornin' guys."
"Good morning Nick." Kevin took the initiative. "I don't think I have to introduce everyone to you," looking at the guys of N'Sync.
Lance quickly got to his feet and approach Nick. He held out his hand and Nick instantly gave a handshake "Hey Nick. How ya been?"
"Fine and you."
"You know pretty good all considering."
"Yeah, I guess you can say the same for me." Taking a glance towards Brian's direction.
Joey was next right behind Lance. "Hey Joey wazzup man. I like the new hair. It's cool."
"Thanks man, I knew you would agree." They gave each other a quick hug and then returned to their places around the table. Nick then spotted JC on the bed gave him a little wave. JC just nodded and continued eating. He then found Justin at the foot of the bed with his eyes on his plate. He continued his search and found A.J. on the phone as usual. Kevin and Howie having a deep discussion near the table. Brian and Linda near the balcony. "Hey guys, where's Chris at?"
"Oh, he won't be here till later. He had some other matters to attend to back home." Lance answered.
Nick looked around finding a safe place to go away from the sight of Brian and Linda. He then took a look back at Justin who still had his focus on his food. A smile instantly crept on his face thinking about late last night.
Nick walked towards the foot of the bed and put himself right next to Justin who still had his eyes on his plate. "Hey Justin, in a better mood this morning." Justin's face turns a shade redder not even looking at Nick. Nick just sighed and said, "I guess not." before starting to get up. Nick instantly felt a hand on his forearm and saw Justin facing him. He sat back down and looked at Justin. Justin, meanwhile, turned to his face to the side.
"Um....I'm sorry Nick. I feel like such a fool. I was.."
Nick interrupted him, "Justin, it's okay. I didn't get hurt or nothing. It's no big deal man." Nick said patting Justin's back.
Justin still didn't look Nick's way and continued on, "I know what you must think. I was so embarrassed by the whole situation. I'm sorry." He paused slightly before, "Um...how about we start over again like a new beginning or something?" Justin asked hopefully.
"NO, Justin." Justin was shocked by Nick's answer and immediately looked at Nick with fear.
"No. Justin, I mean, how about we start off as friends, best friends. Deal?"
A smile crept into Justin's face before answering Nick, "Deal" with them both shaking hands.
"So are we cool now?" Nick asked.
"Yup, we are."
"Cool." Nick said before grabbing a piece of bacon off Justin's plate.
"Hey, I wanted that."
"Too bad it's mine now." Nick said before putting it in his mouth. Justin put his plate down beside him before jumping on the unsuspecting Nick. He soon had Nick on the ground with his arms over his head and with him over his stomach. "Okay, Nick. Now say you're sorry and you're never ever gonna steal Justin's food anymore." Justin said in a childish voice.
"No, NO, NO" Nick said arrogantly.
"Well then I'm just going to have to torture you till you are." Justin put Nick's arms higher and took a hold of it with one hand. Then with the other hand he started to tickle Nick. Nick instantly started to laugh and struggle against Justin. But Justin had the upper hand and continued his abuse.
"Okay, okay I give." Nick said exasperated.
"Good, now say you're sorry." Justin said starting to let go of Nick. Nick felt the pressure release and then soon turned Justin over and got into the same position as Justin was before. Justin was now the one on the floor with Nick on his stomach.
Nick got both of Justin's arms over his head with his right arm holding them down. Justin started to struggle but found himself trapped under Nick's weight. Nick started to wave his left index finger in front of Justin's face. "Now, now Justin you have to learn that when you have someone down you should keep them down." Nick them proceeded to tickle Justin until he was in hysterics.
By now the whole room was looking at the two teenagers. Nick was doing such a good job that tears were starting to roll down from Justin's face as he tickle the N'Syncer more and more. Kevin then interrupted sensing it was going over the line. "Nick, stop." Kevin said with authority. Nick knew not to contradict Kevin whenever he used that tone so he got off of Justin and helped him up. Nick then looked at Kevin and he was not at all happy. Then he looked around the room and found Brian, Howie, Lance, AJ, and Joey also laughing from all the commotion. Justin on the other hand was a different story. He took a look at Justin and suddenly felt his whole disposition change.
Justin looked mad and angry. Nick felt a bit of guilt with what he had done. He looked straight at Justin and said, "I'm sorry. It was just a joke." Justin didn't answer him and just walked away towards the door. Nick sighed and giggled a bit before saying, "Hey, Just, we're still best friends, right?" Justin didn't answer before slamming the door on the way out.
Nick took a look around and saw that everyone had gloom faces. He felt a bit ashamed of what happened. He looked towards the floor and whispered, "Well, he started it." Kevin just shook his head before heading back to the table.