Okay the usual stuff that nobody reads. This is a gay story with lots of gay sex. If you aren't supposed to be here, leave. The work is mine and unless you ask you can't post it anywhere else. I have no clue if any member of Westlife is gay, so this is all my fantasy. Email me at rye_encoke@hotmail.com to tell me what you like or hate.
The author wishes to acknowledge and thank the archivist for Nifty for allowing this story to be published here.
Authors Notes: Sorry for the delay, but here is the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it. VERY IMPORTANT to read all of the notes at the end of the chapter.
DEDICATION: To my Davey and to my Glenn. Love ya both, always.
- New Friends, Old Friends -
The bus traveled on through the night. In the quiet area at the back of the bus Corey, Nick and Spooky slept in a tent that had been put up. Spooky had been thrilled with it and tried to convince everyone to let him make smores but to no avail. The three of them had showered and Spooky had his chance to wash both Nick and Corey's hair then they spent a good part of the night telling scary stories.
Rye and Mark had decided to sleep with Kian and Jill. Kian and Rye shared the middle of the bed with their lovers behind them. The boys were in their room, Shane and Nicky wrapped around Bryan. The third bedroom was empty.
In the early morning at a stop to get gas Liam, dressed in track pants and jacket, came up to inform the driver of a change in destinations. The groups inside slept on.
Finally around 9 the next morning, much later than they usually got up, the friends all wandered out into the lounge.
"Have you seen Spooky, he wasn't with us this morning?" Nick asked as he scratched his belly.
"Not us," Jill said and looked over at Bryan.
"Me either," Bryan said and began to look alarmed, as did everyone else.
"Well he was up, there's his cereal bowl in front of the tv. Wait here's a note that says he is with Ed," Mark said then added, "Holy fuck!"
Everyone turned to Mark who was staring out the large bay window. Still in their early morning stupor nobody had really looked outside but they all gathered around the window. They were parked in a large fenced in compound with probably 2 dozen other buses and too many vans and cars to count. Outside celebrities roamed freely, obviously enjoying being with each other.
"That's Steve Tyler from Aerosmith," Nick pointed out excitedly, "I love him."
"There's the Backstreet bus," Corey pointed out.
"Oh my God there's Faith Hill and Tim McGraw," Jill gushed and Rye smiled knowing she was a closet country music fan.
"What the hell is going on?" Shane asked in awe as he spied more celebrities.
"I told you there were going to be celebrities here," Corey said.
"You arranged this?" Bryan asked and turned to Corey.
"Sort of. I got Cheryl to get me the name and number of every celebrity within driving or flying distance and between the two of us we convinced them to come and make your final show the biggest event of the year. Liam sold the thing to MTV who will broadcast it live by satellite with me as host. This concert is making you guys more money than your entire tour," Corey said proudly.
"Your idea to do this though right?" Rye asked. Corey nodded and blushed.
Bryan smiled and stepped forward, wrapping Corey in his embrace, the skin of their bare chests touching. "Thanks Cor. For everything you did for us. You're a great friend and I love you a lot."
Bryan then kissed Corey softly and tenderly on the lips. Corey was surprised and then suddenly embarrassed when his cock sprang to life and became hard. He tried to pull away but Bryan wouldn't let him.
"No worries my friend. I am very pleased you reacted that way. It's nice to feel you hard against me like that. Tonight after the concert you two are gonna spend some time with me and my boys and we can be completely naked with each other," Bryan said.
Corey wasn't sure what to do. He was still totally embarrassed and he looked at Nick to see his reaction to him becoming hard with Bryan. To his surprise Nick smiled and wrapped his arms around him from behind.
"Don't worry Fuzzy. Bryan is a sexy God and I got hard myself watching you two hug," Nick pushed himself into Corey's behind so that Corey could feel that Nick was indeed hard.
"I love you Corey, nothing will change that, but Mark and Angel have shown us that we can also share our love with our friends. I am completely and hopelessly in love with you Corey James and if you get hard for another guy that's okay cuz I know that it's me who gets to love you," Nick finished.
Corey turned in Bryan's arms to face Nick. Bryan didn't release him so he was still wrapped in both men's arms.
"You are in love with me? Really?" Corey asked.
"Yes. Last night when I sang that song I realised it," Nick said then began to sing softly, "I want to thank you, for all the things you've done, but most for choosing me, to be the one."
Corey made a small sound and pulled Nick close to him. He was sobbing as Nick held him.
"Are you okay Corey?" Nick asked with a little worry. Corey could only nod. After a few minutes he finally was able to speak although he still spoke with a slight tremor of emotion.
"I wanted to say that I loved you too, but I was scared you didn't feel the same or that you would get scared. I was afraid maybe it was just sex or something. I'm sorry I didn't have more faith in you..." Corey stopped again as the sobs came back.
"Shhhh...it's okay Corey. We both know it now, we are in love with each other. Put all your doubts aside and just love me okay," Nick said and Corey nodded.
"Why don't you two go hit the shower while the rest of us get dressed," Bryan suggested and Nick smiled as he led Corey back to the washroom.
"Boy that was intense," Kian smiled as he hugged Jill close.
"Yeah but really sweet," Jill nodded.
"Hey there's Spooky," Shane laughed and pointed.
Everyone looked out the window to see Spooky mounted on top of Ed's shoulders. He was wearing a headset like the security guys did and was looking down at the two men Ed was speaking with.
"OHMIGOD!" Nicky shouted and raced to the front of the bus. He was out of the bus so quick all anyone could do was stand and watch him as he ran to Ed and the men. He must have shouted because the two men turned to look at him and finally it made sense. Nicky almost launched himself into his Sadik's arms.
"It's Alex and Hassan," Shane announced happily.
"Wow Hassan has sure changed," Jill said, this being the first time she had seen him after his haircut.
Soon Nicky's excited voice was heard as he entered the bus holding Hassan's hand and grinning widely.
"My Prince," Bryan said as he wrapped his arms around Hassan, Nicky still holding both his and Alex's hands.
"Hello my dear friends," Hassan said with emotion.
"Why are you here? How did you get here? I mean I am glad you are but.." Nicky gushed.
"We saw the terrible thing that happened and flew here immediately to be with you. We were waiting outside the compound and were going to call you when the large man knocked on our window," Hassan said.
"I had Spooky with me and he told me to go get the king cuz you guys would want to see them. As soon as I realized who he meant I got them inside," Ed said from the doorway.
"The small one, he is gifted?" Hassan asked and everyone understood his meaning.
"More than you could ever imagine," Rye chuckled.
"Really? I've never really believed in that before, but Ed did manage to find us," Alex said.
"Spooky honey," Bryan said as he took Spooky into his arms from Ed's shoulders, "Let's see how much we can impress the Prince and how much we can scare Alex okay?"
Spooky smiled and nodded.
"Alex, My Prince, this is Daniel who we call Spooky. He can be kinda spooky and if you aren't prepared he can scare you pretty good. But we love him to bits, don't we Spooky?" Bryan said and blew a raspberry on Spooky's neck.
"Yeah, bits and pieces," Spooky giggled.
"Okay Spooky boy, do the Prince first since he already believes," Shane smiled as he rubbed the boys arm lovingly.
Spooky leaned forward and looked at the Prince, "But I will scare them."
"Well the Prince will be surprised but he already knows you are special. And he is really really nice and is gonna love you to bits and pieces too. Alex you can scare as much as you want until he believes ya then he will love ya too. Everybody loves our Spooky," Nicky said.
Spooky turned and looked at the Prince again and said, "You used to have long haiw but Unca Bwyan cut it so you could hide and you pwetended to be in a aiwplane cwass, but just fow pwetend."
Hassan smiled and nodded, "That's correct little one. How special you are. I would like to call you my tiny friend as well. Would that be acceptable?"
Spooky turned to Bryan and looked confused.
"He wants to be your friend Spooky and he is asking if that is okay," Bryan said.
Spooky smiled and nodded then turned to Alex and looked at him for a bit then turned back to Bryan.
"I will scawe him just a little bit ow a lot?" Spooky asked.
"A lot," Bryan said.
"His little baby Beth is with the angels now but comes to play at the castle. She plays with the fishes in the fountain," Spooky said.
The reaction from Alex was beyond what anyone thought would happen. Alex went very pale and then passed out.
"He sooda believed us huh Unca Bwyan?" Spooky said sounding faintly pleased with himself as he looked at the man sprawled on the floor.
"Yep he sure shoulda. You okay Spooky boy?" Bryan asked, only now thinking how this could have had a negative effect on the small boy.
"Yeah. They won't let me say things that will huwt anyone. I love you Unca Bwyan," Spooky flung his arms around Bryan's neck and watched as the others moved Alex to a sofa.
"Well let's all get dressed while we wait for Alex to come round," Mark suggested.
Everyone left for various rooms, leaving Hassan and Ed with Alex.
- Briefly with the Boys -
Bryan set Spooky on the bed while the boys began to change into jeans and t-shirts.
"Spooky I am sorry I made you do that. It's not right to have you do those things to impress or scare other people and I'm sorry," Bryan said as he sat next to the boy.
"It's okay. They said I could cuz Beth wanted hew daddy to know she visited," Spooky said.
Bryan nodded, "This time it was okay but I promise not to do it again. Now you wanna come with us while we practice the new song or do you wanna stay here with Ed and Jay or maybe Nick and Corey?"
"Unca Nick and Unca Cowey awe gonna go see Backstweet Boys and tell them they awe mawwied and I wanna go see Unca Howie. He smells nice," Spooky was hooked on Howie's smell and just couldn't get enough of the Backstreet Boy.
"They're gonna tell the boys they are in love?" Nicky asked of Spooky as he pulled on his t-shirt.
Spooky nodded.
"Is it gonna go okay?" Shane asked of the boy.
"Cept for Unca Bwyan. He thinks God thinks it's bad fow Unca Nick to love Unca Cowey. I have to be thewe to help Unca Nick," Spooky said matter of factly.
Everyone stopped briefly to look at the boy then nodded.
"You are pretty special for sure Spooky. I love you to bits and pieces too ya know," Nicky said as he pulled the boy to him and hugged him then gave him a belly fart. Spooky giggled gleefully.
"Yep you sure are. I am really happy you are with us Spooky. I love ya to bits and pieces," Shane said and also blew noisily on the little boy's tummy.
"Okay Spooky honey. We're gonna head out. You can play the playstation til Uncle's Nick and Corey are finished showering then you can go with them. I want to warn you about something even though you probably already know it. There are lots of famous people out there that you may know or have seen. I want you to promise me you will not go anywhere with anyone no matter how famous they are or how nice they seem. Only one of us or Nick or Corey or one of Backstreet or our security. Nobody else okay?" Bryan said seriously.
"Okay Unca Bwyan. Aftew I will call Unca Blue and help him with secuwity. Did you know I am secuwity now too? Unca Blue said so. He said I am special secwet secuwity and vewy impowtant. I get to weaw the eawphones and heaw all secuwity but I can't have a badge cuz then I wouldn't be secwet anymowe," Spooky explained.
"You are our security for sure. Did you know you saved our lives when those bad men came for us?" Shane said, suddenly serious.
"Yes," Spooky answered simply.
"You are probably too young to realize fully what you did but thank you Spooky," Shane said.
"You'we silly Unca Sane," Spooky said and pulled up Shane's shirt to blow on his tummy.
This broke the suddenly serious mood and everyone laughed as Bryan scooped up the laughing boy and they went back to the lounge.
- Decisions -
"I love washing your body," Nick said softly as he gently ran his soap slicked hands across Corey's smooth belly.
"I just love you touching me. And it's not even sexual," Corey said.
Nick reached down and gently stroked Corey's hard cock a couple of times, "Oh really?"
"No I mean I get turned on by you of course, but it's just the way I feel inside when you touch me or when we look at each other and God when you were holding me out there and sang the words of your song to me...if I had died at that moment I would have died happier than I ever thought possible," Corey said.
"No talking bout dying, I couldn't go on without you. I haven't really said it in so many words yet but you and me, I want us to be together forever. I don't want to rush things and talk about marriage or anything yet, let's just let things go ahead slowly. But seriously Fuzzy, I can't think of myself in the future without thinking of you there with me," Nick said.
By now both men were very emotional and had tears in their eyes.
"What a couple of softies we are, blubbering like babies. But I feel the same my beautiful strong Dragon. I don't even want to try thinking of my life without you in it any more," Corey said.
"Cor baby. I know you are out and I am so proud of you for that, but right now I don't know if I can be. I have had to work so hard to make it as a solo act and I just don't know if my career could handle coming out as gay. Can we think about it for a little bit, a week or two, before we come out as a couple?" Nick asked.
"What? You want to come out? No you can't," Corey said.
Nick pulled back a bit to look at Corey, "But we are together now. It's not fair to hide us. I'm not ashamed of us in fact I am so proud of the man I got. I just need to figure out the best way to do this."
"I don't think you should. Look you and me will be living together in the same house, all our friends will know and there will be rumors of course but that could even help. But if you just come out and announce it, it could be the end of your career. I don't want that to happen," Corey said.
"Well if it did I could always fall back on my business degree and work for you," Nick joked.
"Baby everything I have is yours, although I don't have much yet but you can't just throw away your music," Corey said.
"I wouldn't be throwing anything away if I had you. Besides I could still write and produce," Nick said.
Corey shook his head, "Let's talk to Mark and Rye and the others about this please. You can't know how happy I feel that you want everyone to know about us but it would kill me if your music suffered because of it."
"Yeah okay that's a good idea. I want to tell the guys today though okay? Will you come with me?" Nick asked as he leaned forward and gently kissed Corey's ear.
"Yeah I will be there. Then we get to do the whole family thing. You need to meet my mom and dad as my official boyfriend although they already love you and probably figured it out long before either of us did. Then there's Helen and her girls Lici and Sam, then Steve and his kids David and Missy and then Elaine and her son Eli. You need the official approval of all my little sista's and bruv's. And we have to talk about Eli and David, but we can do that later," Corey said as he was drying himself off while Nick dried Corey's hair.
"Well the guys are as close as family to me as my blood family so you get to meet them today and get their approval. Then there is the real family. No idea how that is all gonna work, and I am kinda worried how Aaron is gonna take it," Nick said.
"You think he is prejudiced?" Corey asked.
"Not sure. He hangs out with a lot of the rappers and stuff and being gay in that crowd is not cool. But being his big brother I just don't know what kinds of expectations he has for me in that regard," Nick said.
Corey, now dry, leaned into Nick's arms and held him, their bodies pressed tightly together, "As long as you and me are together we can be happy. Nobody wants to lose family cuz you are gay, but if they can't accept it then they don't really love you."
"Yeah you're right, but it wouldn't stop it from hurting," Nick said softly.
They held each other for a bit longer before heading to the back of the bus to get into jeans.
- Who Goes Where -
Mark and Rye were the first to hit the lounge and saw that Alex was now awake although still obviously shaken.
"Scared the hell out of ya didn't he?" Rye smiled.
"Nobody knows that, nobody. Her mother died in childbirth, no other relatives, it's just not possible," Alex shook his head.
"For you and me maybe, but that boy listens in on God. Don't make him prove it to you again cuz next time it might kill you. If you ask him later I bet he can tell you a bit more about your daughter," Mark said.
Alex nodded and looked at Hassan then looked away not meeting his eyes.
"Whoa what was that about Alex?" Rye asked seeing what had happened.
"Nothing," Alex said.
"That's crap. Look at your man. He is not upset at all, he still looks at you with nothing but love. He is waiting for an explanation but he is gonna wait til you're ready," Rye said.
Hassan breathed out deeply, "Yes this is true my love. I did not know you had a child but I am not upset you kept this from me. There are things about me that you do not yet know. You did not keep it from me for hurtfulness but only that it was obviously still a hurt to you. Come and sit by me and put your mind at ease."
Alex let out a long shuddering sigh and walked shakily to sit with his Prince.
Just then the boys and Spooky came into the room.
"You okay Alex?" Shane asked as he sat next to the man.
"I will be. That was just such a shock," Alex replied.
"I'm sorry Alex, I wasn't thinking. We are all just so use to our Spooky boy that it never occurred to me how you might react," Bryan said.
"Can he tell me more?" Alex asked then looked at Spooky and smiled.
Spooky smiled and climbed down off of Bryan's lap and into Alex's.
"She isn't a ghost she's a angel, a guawdian angel, she watch's you. You wewe so sad fow so long she was always wowwied. She is happy now and says the King is pwetty. She likes to play with the fishes in the fountain and she wuns with the hosees in the fields. Did you know angels can wun as fast as hosees. They can see hew and they always smile at hew," Spooky said.
Alex had tears running down his face but he was smiling broadly, "I'm glad she likes the horses. Thanks for telling me Spooky, that was really nice of you,"
Jill and Kian came out at that moment.
"Everything okay Alex?" Jill asked.
"Yep it's all great. So you and Rye want to tour the place with us and introduce us to the celebrities?" Alex asked.
Everyone saw the child like hope in the Prince's eyes.
"Sure sounds good to me. What are you boys gonna do?" Rye asked.
"We need to do a run through with the band for the song Bry boy wrote for you," Nicky said.
Rye's eyes opened wide and welled with tears, "My song?"
"You didn't think I forgot did you?" Bryan asked softly.
"I wasn't sure. I thought maybe you got scared like you said when I asked you to do it and didn't write one. And I haven't heard you practising or seen you writing," Rye sniffled, his voice thick with emotion.
"My Angel," Bryan breathed out the words and it was like a benediction, he took Rye into his arms, "I was worried at first but not any more. This song is for you and you will love it simply because it is from my heart to your heart. But besides that it actually is really good."
The two men held each other for a bit until the arrival of Nick and Corey broke the moment.
"Well we are off to see Backstreet and tell them about us," Nick said as he held Corey's hand.
"Yeah we know, Spooky told us. He says he is going with you," Bryan smiled as he picked the boy up from Alex's lap and pushed him into Nick's arms. "See ya in a couple of hours all. Have fun."
With that the boys all trooped out of the bus.
"Uh okay, Spooky is with us then," Nick said and Spooky smiled and rested his head on Nick's shoulder.
"We know you will look after him. If you two need time alone or he get's restless just make sure he is with one of us or security or someone you trust to look after him," Rye said.
Nick nodded and rested his cheek against the boy's head. Just moments ago his nerves were so on edge he was having a hard time breathing. Now, holding Spooky, he was calm and relaxed.
- Walking With Celebs -
Rye, Jill, Alex and Hassan waved to Nick and Corey as they headed to the Backstreet bus, Spooky riding happily on Nick's shoulders.
"Well let's go meet some people," Rye said as Ed walked up behind him with Matt and Andy.
"Matt is going with you. There are actually a lot of people here who want to meet you so you are gonna sorta do a tour," Ed said.
"Yes sir!" Rye saluted and came to attention then broke out into a grin.
Ed rolled his eyes, "Yeah yeah laugh it up gay boy. You have no idea how hard we had to work to keep people from banging on the bus doors at 5 o'clock in the morning. Now go."
Jill laughed and wrapped her arm through Hassan's.
"Okay well let's just work a big circle and start there," Matt pointed. Sitting outside a bus was Steve Tyler with several musicians.
The group walked over.
"Hey Matt," Steve waved.
"Hey Steve. This is the guy you wanted to meet. Angel Steve, Steve Angel," Matt introduced.
"I'm a huge fan, I'm very pleased to meet you," Rye said as he shook hands.
"You have no idea how much I wanted to meet you after hearing you play the other day. Then after hearing the story and finding out about your new music label well I wanted even more to meet you. I'd like to get together in the next few weeks to discuss turning over management of this group of guys to you," Steve said as he indicated the group with him.
"They are a new group?" Jill asked.
"Yeah sort of. They have been my backup musicians and singers for a bit doing clubs and stuff. They're great and would like to try to make a career on their own but I just don't have the time, resources or skills to do it," Steve admitted.
"Sure here's my card. I am booked up for the next few weeks but will put you in touch with Liam. He can work with them to see what their potential is and we can do a meeting when I get back," Jill said as she handed a card to Steve and another to one of the guys.
"Cool thanks. I understand we will be jamming on stage tonight," Steve smiled at Jill as he spoke to Rye.
"Are we?" Rye asked then turned to Matt. It seemed odd to him that his security people seemed to know more about what was going on in this concert than he did and he wasn't sure how he felt about that.
"Yeah you are. The concert is going to begin about 4 and gonna last well past midnight. You or the boys will be performing at least once with each guest," Andy said.
"So when are we going to get a chance to practice?" Steve asked.
"Oh we don't practice. We just sorta wing it. It's been thrown together so fast there's just no time," Rye said and Steve's eyes opened wide a bit but he nodded.
"By the way these are our friends Alex and Hassan. They are both big fans as well," Jill introduced.
"Well I'm always happy to meet fans," Steve said as he shook hands.
"I am well pleased to meet you. I have enjoyed much of your music," Hassan spoke. Jill was surprised. Hassan had always been confident, being a prince you had to be, but there was something so open and appealing now about him.
"Hey guys. You sleep too late I have been up since 5," Cher's voice said from behind.
"So it was you they were keeping out," Jill chuckled.
"The only thing kept me out was that the second time I went Spooky opened the doors and told me if I made any more noise he wouldn't sing with me tonight. I ain't scared of these big lugs," Cher said with a laugh as she punched Matt's shoulder.
"That's our boy," Rye smiled as Cher put an arm around Andy.
"Hey Cher these are some friends of Angel and Beauty's. This is Alex and this is Hassan," Matt said. Obviously security was now on a first name and a familiar basis with most of the celebrities. Rye was amused at this.
"Hi. Nice to meet you. Hey Steve. Ed says there are too many of us here so some of us have to double up on performances. You wanta do something together with me and Angel's nephew. I was thinking of "Walk This Way". The little guy can dance around with us. It'll be a hoot." Cher said.
"Uh..." Steve looked a little baffled.
"We gotta run. I'll make sure Ed knows you two and Spooky will be together. Seeya guys," Matt waved as he steered the group away from the celebs now discussing their performance for the night.
"When did Ed take over planning this?" Rye asked.
"Well it's actually a bunch of us. Ed is just the one we all go to once we get things straightened out," Matt said then activated his mic. "Ed it's Matt. Listen Cher and Steve Tyler will be combining their acts and working with Spooky. Steve and Angel will be doing a jam so let's get as many other instrumentalists in on that and cut down the number of performances. Cher will be performing a song for one of Angel and Beauty's dance numbers as well. Contact her for the song since I haven't been able to pin her down yet. She's still at Aerosmith's bus."
Everyone watched as Matt nodded to himself then said, "Okay confirmed. Steve has a group he has been working with and wants to sign to the firm to promote. Let's work them into the night and give them a spot."
Angel was definitely feeling out of the loop and turned to Jill, "Why do I feel like I have lost control of my company."
"It's just for now Angel. You guys need to focus on the concert," Andy said.
"There's our next stop," Matt nodded at another group of people sitting outside a bus.
Jill's gasp and nervous swallow was clearly heard by all as they approached Faith Hill and Tim McGraw with several other's.
"Hey all," Matt said.
"Hey Matt, Hey Andy," Tim said as he stood.
"I'd like to introduce Angel and Beauty and our friends Alex and Hassan," Matt said.
"So nice to meet you," Faith said as she took Rye's hand.
"I am such a huge fan," Jill gushed then blushed. Rye smiled and wished Mark had been there to see it.
"I'm happy to hear that. We weren't sure what our reception would be here but everyone has been very nice," Faith said.
"Not sure of your reception?" Rye asked.
"Country mixing with Pop and Rock. Sometimes there are some ego clashes," Tim explained.
"Well not here. In fact I can give you the names of at least a half dozen rock and pop stars that are here that are dying to meet you but scared to come meet the big superstars," Andy said.
"Really? Well do that then so we can go meet some of them. Oh let me introduce our friends. This is Billy Gilman and these are some of our backup singers and musicians and friends," Faith said.
"I have heard you sing. You're amazing. I would be honored to sing with you tonight," Rye said to Billy as he shook the young man's hand and was treated to a shy smile and blush from the young star.
"I'd be honored. I understand that this show is sort of just one big jam session and we don't get to practice. Would you mind if we do a song I am familiar with, I am nervous enough being here," Billy asked.
"Actually I was hoping to sing 'Til I Can Make It On My Own' with you," Rye said thinking quickly of the songs he had seen the young man perform.
"Well I know the song of course but it's not really a duet," Billy said.
"We can do it. You just sing the way you normally do and I will blend with you," Rye smiled reassuringly and it seemed to work.
"That would be great. Do you think I could sing with Westlife? Or at least meet them?" Billy suddenly asked.
"As soon as they get back I will send them over to meet you or have security bring you to our bus. What song would you like to sing with them do you know?" Jill asked.
"Uptown Girl," Billy stated without hesitation then blushed again.
"He has a huge crush on Mark," Tim said.
"TIM!" both Faith and Billy shouted at the same time causing Tim to wince and back up a step.
"Hey no problem. I have a huge crush on him as well," Rye laughed and threw an arm around the young performer who was definitely near to tears. "So no boyfriend yet?"
Billy didn't know what to do and looked like he either wanted to cry or vomit or both. Finally he shook his head.
"Well don't worry about it. You're cute as hell and very talented. You'll find someone someday," Rye said and rubbed Billy's shoulder.
"Nobody knows," Billy said and glared at Tim who seemed oblivious.
"And nobody will find out from anyone here. Wanta know a secret that very few other people know?" Rye said, coming to a decision. Billy nodded and Rye moved away from the group a bit.
"Me and Mark are together, you knew that. But Bry boy, Shane and Nicky are also all three together in a very committed relationship. It's not easy being gay and it's not easy being in the public eye and it's damn near impossible to be both. At some point you may have to decide between the two of them. That's what me and Mark had to do. But I can tell you for a fact that you will find someone and you will fall in love with them," Rye said and Billy smiled and nodded.
"Tell ya what I'll do for ya. I'll keep my eyes open for any hot young singers that I meet at my label and keep you updated," Rye chuckled.
"Cool. I like blondes and green eyes. They don't have to be singers or even famous but they have to be nice and be funny," Billy suddenly became quite animated and added, "Or maybe a latin boy like Andy cuz he is really hot too."
"Well I don't think Matt will let you have Andy, but we will all of us keep an eye out for someone for you," Rye chuckled.
"Wonder what they are talking about?" Faith said to Jill as she turned to watch Rye and Billy who was now quite excited.
Jill laughed, "I think Angel has just been recruited to find Billy a boyfriend."
"I wonder where Billy and Jesse are hanging out," Andy suddenly said and turned to Matt, "Are they still with Alex and Carl?"
"What a great idea?" Jill said as Matt spoke into his headset.
"Billy and Jesse?" Faith asked.
"A couple of boys about Billy's age who are a couple. Sweet boys who would probably love to hang out," Jill explained.
"They won't all get up to anything will they?" Tim asked.
Jill looked at the man and said, "Let's see three gay horny teenage boys. Nah they won't do anything at all."
Both Jill and Faith rolled their eyes and laughed as Tim looked flustered and shook his head.
In no time at all Billy and Jesse ran up to the group holding hands. Introductions were made and a quick word said to Billy and Jesse before the new trio ran off together, all three now holding hands.
"We probably will not want to know right?" Tim asked.
"I wouldn't," Jill agreed.
"Yeah me either. And no need to. Billy is a smart boy and won't let himself get into trouble," Faith said.
"And Billy and Jesse are great kids as well. It's all gonna be fine. Looking forward to tonight. We gotta take off," Matt said as he began to move the group away.
The rest of the morning went this way. The group of six moving through the compound and meeting dozens of celebrities. Rye and Jill were slightly surprised at the names that had come to show support. Particularly by the number of Blues and Jazz performers who had come at B.B.'s call and not Corey's. They all wanted a chance to play with the Angel of Blues as B.B. had dubbed Rye. Alex and Hassan were starstruck the entire time. Matt and Andy seemed to be in charge and took everything coolly.
Just before noon Jesse and the two Billy's were met by the group as they were coming out of one of the tour buses. Rye smiled widely while Billy Gilman blushed but looked very happy.
"Everything okay?" Rye asked softly.
"Yeah great. I just made two wonderful friends and they have a friend who lives near where I live they are gonna introduce me to. For now it will do," Billy said and shrugged happily.
"Sex is fun but it pales next to love. Just remember that. Nothing wrong with fooling around but don't give up your search for love," Rye said and was treated to another blush.
"Yeah it is fun. That was my first time. But it was nice and got rid of any doubts I might have had. Still I know in my heart I want what they have together, which is love," Billy said.
"You're pretty smart for so young. I can help you keep in touch with each other as often as you want so that you at least have some buddies around to relieve some of the stress every now and then," Rye smiled and was rewarded with a smile in return.
The boys all took off then running and shouting and generally being teenagers.
- Backstreet Bus -
"Hey D," Nick said as he stepped onto the bus.
"Hey Nick," Howie smiled and reached out to take Spooky from Nick's shoulders.
"Hi Unca Howie," Spooky said gleefully and made no pretense about inhaling deeply of Howie.
"Hey Spooky boy," Howie replied and held the boy close to receive a hug and kiss and return it. Howie smiled as he felt and heard the little boy sniff him.
"Is everybody here?" Nick asked nervously.
"Yep in the lounge. AJ just got up and I think Kevin and Brian are still in sweatpants," Howie answered then saw Nick's nervousness and glanced between him and Corey. With an intuitive leap he suddenly realised what was about to happen.
"Oh wow," Howie half whispered.
"What?" Nick asked then saw the look on Howie's face and knew Howie had it figured out.
"Hey that's so cool Nick. You two are awesome together. I am so happy for you both," Howie said.
"Well that was easy. Now if the others can just suddenly become psychic we won't have to do this at all," Corey joked.
"No. You have to tell them Unca Nick. Unca Bwian is gonna be weally weally mad but I will help," Spooky said.
Nick looked ready to cry. This was suddenly too real and happening too fast. He wanted to turn and run but Corey stepped in behind him and slipped his arm around Nick's waist just as the door to the lounge opened and AJ stepped through.
"Hey guys, hey little buddy," AJ smiled then his eyes fell on Corey's arm around Nick and his eyes widened a bit.
"Or we could just stand here until they all come in at some point and figure it out," Corey rolled his eyes.
Nick turned and glared at Corey. "This isn't a joke," he said angrily.
"I know baby, but so far this is just going all wrong and you have to admit..." Corey began but was cut off.
"Baby? You two are together?" Kevin asked as he stepped around AJ.
"Oh fuck," Nick said and sat down heavily.
"Hey it's cool. I always figured you were gay," Kevin paused then added, "Brian's gonna be pissed though,"
"Pissed about what?" Brian said coming into the room.
Nick groaned and Corey couldn't help but giggle at the comedy of errors.
"Sorry but this couldn't have gone worse if we had planned it," Corey said as he pushed Nick over on the seat and sat down beside Nick, leaning very intimately against him.
"What's going on?" Brian asked again as his eyes narrowed a bit seeing how close Corey sat next to Nick.
"Spooky let's go play Playstation," Howie said as he saw the look on Brian's face.
"Nope," Spooky said, "Hafta stay."
Howie looked at the little boy and was surprised at the determination in his voice.
"I said what's going on?" Brian asked again.
"Well it's like this Bri. Me and Corey, we're together," Nick said weakly and swallowed, trying hard not to throw up. All his confidence had gone right out the window.
"What the fuck do you mean you're together. You mean you're a fucking faggot?" Brian said and everyone was surprised by the unconcealed hatred.
"Brian!" Kevin said sounding shocked.
"What? You can't tell me you approve of this abomination. What did this faggot do to you to make you think you are homosexual Nick?" Brian asked glaring at Corey.
"He didn't do anything to me except give me unconditional love," Nick shouted back. When Brian had attacked Corey all of Nick's fear had suddenly turned to anger.
"I'll bet he did," Brian sneered lewdly.
Nick rose up anrily, "You don't say shit about him like that again."
Corey placed a hand on Nick's arm. Brian glanced at this and his eyes flared. In an angry rush he swung at Corey and landed a glancing blow before running to the back lounge.
"Corey," Nick said with worry and pulled his lover to him.
"I'm fine, he barely touched me," Corey said.
"Okay now I have to go talk to Unca Bwian," Spooky said.
"No," everyone said at once.
"Yes. Now he has to listen to me so things will be okay," Spooky wriggled out of Howie's arms and landed on the floor and was back in the lounge before anyone could stop him.
- The Voice of Angels -
Brian sat on the sofa his head in his hands. He heard the door open.
"Get the fuck out and leave me alone," he hissed.
He was surprised when he saw tiny running shoes on the floor in front of him and felt a small hand on his arm.
"Spooky?" Brian said as he raised his tear filled eyes to look at the little boy, "You shouldn't be here."
"But I love you Unca Bwian and the angels said to come and talk to you," Spooky said.
"The angels?" Brian asked.
Spooky nodded.
"How come you hate Unca Nick and Unca Cowey and Westboys and me?" Spooky asked as he climbed into Brian's lap.
"I don't hate any of them and not you. But Nick is doing something wrong and God says I have to hate what he is doing," Brian answered.
Spooky shook his head, "You'we wong Unca Bwian. You let othew people tell you bad things and don't listen to the angels in youw heawt."
"You're too little to understand," Brian said as he began to rock the little boy.
"Nope. Wemember when you wewe in the hospital and almost died?" Spooky asked.
Brian turned and looked at the little boy with surprise. Nobody really knew about the time in the hospital, how close he came to actually dying.
"They wewe fixing youw heawt and you almost died. When you did an angel came and held youw hand. Do you wemembew?" Spooky asked.
Brian's eyes widened. He had never told anybody about that except the other Backstreet Boys, not even his family. After he had recovered he had put the whole thing off as some sort of dream or hallucination brought on by the drugs and loss of blood.
"The angel said that God was giving you anothew chance. He was fixing youw heawt so you could leawn about love. This is youw time Unca Bwian. This is what God was saving you fow. Those people awe wong. It's okay fow Unca Nick and Unca Cowey to love each othew. And Unca Wye and Unca Mawk. And Unca Bwyan and Unca Sane and Unca Nicky. And me. Did you come hewe because you love Unca Nick or because you want to kill Unca Nick like those bad men?" Spooky asked.
Brian had stared to cry again. This little boy was telling him things that he shouldn't know. That he couldn't know.
"You? You're gay? You're too young to know that. You can change," Brian said.
Spooky shook his head, "I know things the angels tell me. One day thewe is gonna be an accident and a little boy is gonna lose his mommy and daddy and Unca Bwyan is gonna be his new daddy and I am gonna be his boyfwend."
"But it's wrong," Brian said.
"Why?" Spooky asked.
"Cuz God says so," Brian replied.
"Do you speak to God?" Spooky asked.
"No but the Bible says so. Everybody says so," Brian answered.
"But what does God say?" Spooky asked.
"I don't know. Do you know? Does he speak to you?" Brian asked.
"Do you wemembew the name of the angel who held youw hand?" Spooky asked.
Brian nodded.
"Nathaniel says you sould listen to me. God is in youw heawt Unca Bwian. You sould decide fow youwself and not let othew people tell you what God says. Inside youw heawt you know what is weally wight," Spooky said. He kissed Brian on the cheek and left him there, walking back to the front of the bus.
- Briefly in the front of the bus -
Spooky walked in and was once again picked up by Howie.
"Well how did it go?" AJ asked.
Everybody looked at Spooky and never questioned why they suddenly put all their faith in the little boy.
"I got him weady," Spooky said.
"Ready? Ready for what?" Nick asked.
"A visit," Spooky said and looked back at the lounge.
Everyone suddenly stood and looked at the back of the bus.
"Really?" AJ asked in a quiet and awe-filled voice
Spooky nodded.
- A Visitor -
Brian had fallen to the floor after the boy had left. He was so confused. All his life he had been told it was wrong. But he loved Nick. He was his brother and best friend. And the others, they were all good people. And that little boy, surely he wasn't a sinner condemned to hell.
"Hello Brian," a voice filled with love said.
Brian looked up into eyes that held compassion and understanding.
"Nathaniel?" Brian asked as he once again looked into the eyes of his guardian angel.
"It's time to make a choice Brian," Nathaniel said.
"A choice?" Brian asked.
"You know the two paths and you must make a choice," the angel spoke.
"Which one is right?" Brian asked.
"I can't tell you that. Maybe neither is absolutely right. But the choice you make now you will have to live with," Nathaniel said.
"What if I choose wrong?" Brian asked.
"Then I will walk your path with you until you come to His arms. He will either send you back to learn your lessons again or He will bring you to His love," Nathaniel said.
"If I choose wrong I get sent back? I don't go to Hell?" Brian asked.
"There is no Hell Brian. This is a Truth I am allowed to share with you at this time, this most important time when you must choose. The Bible is a record of things given to man from angels like myself, but they were given to men Brian. Men who can make mistakes and who have their own motives. A soul is sent to Earth to experience things and share them with the other souls. If you do not experience the things you set out to then you return. The only hell there is is this one here on Earth that has been created to test souls," Nathaniel said.
"The Bible is wrong?" Brian asked.
"Wrong? Not wrong so much as flawed. Not flawed by God but by centuries of men using it for their own purposes," Nathaniel replied.
Brian thought for a long time then asked, "Who is Spooky?"
This time it was Nathaniel who paused, then finally, "Spooky is a soul, like you, who came here to experience things. But he is also touched by God in a special way and where most souls have one or two angels to guide their steps and watch over them, Spooky has legions upon legions of angels who follow him and guide him. He has a very large role to play when he gets older and he will play a part in something so large that all of heaven has awaited it for millenia. Of these things I cannot speak more."
"I've been a fool haven't I?" Brian asked.
"No. God gave you a wonderful gift. Free will. The choices are yours. Sometimes souls come here to experience the mistakes they make. Whether this is a mistake or not is not known to you or me. But the choice is yours Brian and yours alone. And it's time to make that choice," Nathaniel said.
"Am I going to remember any of this or will I forget it like last time?" Brian asked.
"You will remember passing out from stress and remember vaguely talking to me. That is all. But in your heart from now on you will always know and be aware that no matter what your choices are you will always have an angel by your side to watch over you and be with you," Nathaniel said.
Brian nodded and sighed, "Then I guess my decision is made."
Nathaniel nodded and reached out a hand filled with light and it passed into Brian's skull.
- Back up front -
"It's ovew," Spooky said as he turned to look at the door that opened a few moments later.
Everyone looked at Brian, looked to see some sign of his experience. He really looked like shit. He walked to them and stood looking at the table top and would not meet their eyes.
"The Bible says homosexuality is a sin. The Church says it's a sin. All my life I have known it was a sin. But all my life I have been told and believed that God is love. And now those two things which I have known and believed all my life are clashing and I am so confused inside. And I have to figure out what is right and what is wrong and I don't know how to do that. I think that maybe I can't put all my trust in a book written thousands of years ago and translated so many times by fallible men who had their own agendas and purposes. I think I must listen to my heart instead," Brian stopped and everyone could see the intense struggle he was going through.
Nobody said anything or even moved, they just waited.
"I think," Brian started then stopped again then began again in a stronger voice, "I believe I have been wrong. I believe that we are all loved by God and that the gift of love that God has given us, no matter what form it takes, is good. I'm sorry and I ask you to forgive me and be my friends again."
Brian was rushed by his friends so quickly he was almost bowled over.
"Oh Brian thank you," Nick said as he hugged his friend.
"When it came down to it there was really only one choice I could make," Brian said.
"I'm so happy for you cuz," Kevin said as he also hugged Brian.
"Brian, I would like to introduce you to Corey James, the man I love and who loves me. He makes me happy Brian and I want to spend the rest of my life with him," Nick said as he pulled Corey forward.
"Hi Corey. I'm Brian, but you can call me asshole," Brian joked nervously.
"I think Bri is good. You mean so much to Nick and I am very happy you two will be friends again," Corey said.
"So what happened back there?" AJ asked.
"The stress just got to me and I blacked out I guess. When I came to I just realized that maybe I have been wrong all this time. I remember talking to Spooky and then I passed out and I remember having a talk with someone in my dreams then I woke up and things just seemed clearer," Brian said although you could see in his eyes he felt this part was particularly unclear.
Everyone looked at him then at Spooky.
"You made a good choice Unca Bwian. Did you see an angel?" Spooky asked, nudging Brian's mind just enough to remember.
"What? No," Brian looked confused for a moment, "Well maybe. Remember when I was in the hospital and said I saw an angel, well I think the same thing happened just now."
Brian seemed to remember none of his conversation with Spooky and his angelic visitor seemed to be part of a dream.
"You told us you saw an angel in your dreams yeah," Nick said.
"I think it happened again," Brian said in awe, "I think I spoke to an angel. I...I think maybe my guardian angel helped me."
Everyone smiled and clapped him on the shoulder or hugged him.
"I think so too. I am so happy for you cuz," Kevin said.
"You don't think I'm losing my mind or something? You believe me?" Brian asked feeling both embarrassed and excited.
"Of course we believe you. Dude your angel spoke to you. That is so cool. Even if you can't remember it all, it's still so awesome," AJ gushed. Nobody but the other members of the band knew just how deeply spiritual AJ was and nobody knew that he had met his own angels during his troubled times with drugs and alcohol.
The group went back to the lounge and sat together happily chatting about their past adventures, mostly telling Corey some really embarrassing stories about Nick. Corey, being the wonderful boyfriend he was told his own embarrassing stories. The two sat together and held hands. Every now and then Brian would look at them as they smiled at each other or squeezed each other's hand and he would smile. At first they were small smiles but as time went on they got bigger until he was smiling constantly.
By the time Nick and Corey decided to leave and take Spooky back to the bus Brian was back to the happy go lucky man that none of them had seen for years.
Outside the Backstreet bus and on their way back to the Westlife bus Nick spoke to Spooky.
"Are you able to tell us what happened?"
"No," Spooky said simply.
"Okay. Thanks though Spooky, I think you did a good thing. And next time you are speaking to Brian's angel you can thank him for me," Nick said.
"He says youw welcome," Spooky replied, his arms wrapped around the top of Nick's head as Nick carried him to the bus.
Nick and Corey smiled at each other. Neither one of them doubted that Spooky had just returned their thank you's from Brian's angel, didn't doubt it for even a moment.
- Bryans Song -
Bryan sat at the piano, a tear rolled off his cheek and landed on his arm but he seemed to not notice. The last note finally faded away and he turned to look at his bandmates. Not one of them was not crying. They all sat there just staring at Bryan, not saying a word, almost not even breathing.
Finally Bryan could not stand it anymore, "Is it awful?"
That was what broke them and they flung themselves at him and all began to sob as they petted him and kissed him and stroked his hair and arms lovingly.
It was Kian who finally spoke first, "Our Bry boy, oh our Bry boy I can't believe how incredibly beautiful and perfect and amazing that was. Rye is gonna be a basket case we will have to have it be the very last thing."
Mark kept kissing Bryan, "Oh my God Bryan you love him so much. Angel was right, you put it all into your song. It's one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. Thank you so much Bryan for loving Rye."
"It's okay then? Really?" Bryan asked, still feeling unsure and vulnerable.
"I will tell you our beautiful lover. It is so perfect that I am beginning to wonder if there are two angels here, Rye and you, because that song is so inspired it could only have been written by someone sent from God. So if you aren't a real angel then God is sure speaking through you," Shane said and kissed Bryan sweetly.
Bryan breathed a deep sigh as Shane released him, "Phew I am so glad it's good. Okay well I was working on the voices and I thought Shane Boyo would sing the first verse and I would sing the second and we all harmonize on the chorus. I hate to have to choose but there are only two verses and I want to sing the second."
Everyone looked at him and smiled.
"Are you kidding. We would be happy just to be on stage with you and let you sing the whole thing. Too bad we don't have a choir to sing the last chorus with us. It would make it sound, I don't know, heavenly," Nicky said.
"We can arrange for it. I have Matt, Andy and Jay getting some of the back up singers for the performers that are here to come in and give us a hand," Ed said and walked onto the stage from behind a curtain.
"You heard?" Shane asked.
Ed walked to Bryan and embraced him tightly.
After a few moments Bryan squeaked out, "I can't breathe Ed."
Ed started and released Bryan then smiled and punched him lightly, "Smartass."
Everyone laughed. Soon there were about 2 dozen backup singers standing around as they were taught their parts. Once again after it was over there was not a dry eye in the house. Everyone congratulated Bryan.
- Everyone Back at the Bus -
Rye and his group were walking towards the bus from one direction as the boys were approaching from the opposite direction. Mark's eyes got wide and he threw his head back and laughed as he ran to Rye and sweeped him up into his arms and kissed him passionately.
"Wow what was that for?" Rye asked as he finally was allowed to breathe again.
"Bryan's song is amazing and I just needed to hold you. And it's just so wonderful to be able to do that in public. It was cool wasn't it?" Mark chuckled.
"It was incredible my love. Shall we let all those people staring at us feel what real love feels like?" Rye asked as he nodded in the general direction of the other gathered celebrities.
Mark turned and saw that a lot of people had turned to look at the couple and where openly smiling. Mark turned back to Rye and nodded then placed his hand over his lover's heart and let his head fall forward to gently rest on Rye's forehead.
Almost immediately the aura of love spread outward and it's effect was noticeable as it spread across the compound. All conversation stopped and it was a long time after the boys entered their bus before it began again. The boys of Backstreet sat on the lawn chairs outside their bus with their mouths open and tears were visibly falling from Brian's eyes.
"Hey guys," Mark said as Corey and Nick woke up. They had been lying on the couch together with Spooky sprawled out across them.
"Hi," Corey yawned and stretched.
"Hey Spooky boy," Bryan said happily as he picked up the boy, "How did it go? Were you able to help Brian?"
"Hey how did you know?" Nick asked.
"He told us this morning. That's why Bry boy put him in your arms as you were leaving. So how did it go?" Shane asked.
"It turned out okay but it was pretty bad," Nick said and a tear escaped as his emotions came forward again.
"Hey my boys, let's cuddle up," Rye said as he sat down next to Nick and pulled him close. The others all quickly took places around the couch and reached to touch and caress either Nick or Corey.
Just as Corey placed a kiss on Nick's lips the room filled with Jesse and the two Billy's.
"Ohh," Billy Gilman said and everyone turned to see the wide eyed teen with his mouth still o-shaped.
"Hey Billy come on in and meet the boys. Of course you must keep your hands to yourself as they are all spoken for and I guess you now see that Nick and Corey are also spoken for," Rye said by way of letting Billy know about the couple but also clueing everyone else in on Billy.
"Dangit how come all the really hot gay boys are already taken," Billy said and put his hands on his hips and looked pissed.
Everyone paused a moment then broke out into laughter.
"Hey don't worry about it Billy you'll get a boyfriend soon enough," Bryan said and pulled the boy down to sit between him and Mark.
"Yeah he will he is awesome. Really funny and a real hoot to be with," Jesse said as he sat in a very surprised Kian's lap.
"And he learns real quick, doncha Billy?" Billy asked and wiggled his eyebrows.
"You guys were careful right?" Jill asked.
"Of course. Just a little jerking off and some oral," Jesse said.
Billy was once again blushing furiously and looked like he wanted to die.
"Just be careful Billy. Remember that sex is nice but love is awesome," Mark said as he pulled the boy close and hugged him.
"Hey that's what Angel said too," Billy Gilman said.
"Yeah we told him all about how we were doing it wrong and just fucking. We told him about how our cousins taught us all about what love really means. The sex was cool but it was just sex between friends and nothing can beat love," Jesse said.
"Billy is gonna sing a song with me and would like to sing with you guys. You think you could sing Uptown Girl with him tonight?" Rye asked.
"Awesome possum," Bryan said and placed a gentle kiss on Billy Gilman's cheek.
"Hello?" a voice called into the bus.
"Brian?" Nick said softly and looked to the front of the bus.
"Come on in Brian," Rye shouted out.
Brian came in and looked at the scene and blushed.
"Hiya," he said softly.
"Hi Unca Bwian," Spooky said happily.
"Hiya Spooky," Brian smiled and everyone saw him become more at ease.
"How can we help you Brian?" Rye asked.
"I guess Nick told you about it all," Brian said.
"Nope. We hadn't gotten to that yet. Would you rather he didn't?" Jill asked.
"No it's okay. I guess I wanted to come and tell you myself," Brian answered.
Brian sat down beside Nick after Rye moved a bit to allow some room on the now crowded couch. Everyone listened intently to Brian and Nick as the story was told. Brian even included his "dream" about the angel. When he did all the boys looked at Spooky and knew that somehow Spooky had done something really wonderful.
"Thanks for sharing that with us Brian. I am very happy things worked out well," Rye said.
"I guess I am straight with the boys and Nick and Corey, I mean.. ....I meant that things are okay with us now," Brian blushed.
"We knew what ya meant buddy," Bryan said as he cuddled Shane and Brian's eyes open wide.
"Whoops. We keep doing that," Nicky giggled then leaned over and kissed both Bryan and Shane.
"Woohoo us too," Billy kissed Jesse then they both moved to kiss Billy Gilman.
"Wow. Okay," Brian seemed to not know where to look.
"Come on guys. Brian just admitted some very heavy things he went through let's try not to upset him by being too over the top. Those three are in a very committed relationship Brian and those three are just horny teenagers," Rye said.
"Actually Jesse and me are in a committed relationship too and Billy here just needed someone to hang with and have some fun," Billy said.
Brian nodded and sighed, "It's still so new to me but I saw how much Corey and Nick are so much in love and then I saw and felt you two....."
Brian had drifted off as he looked at Mark and Rye.
"It's too beautiful isn't it?" Shane said softly as he gazed with love at Rye and Mark.
Brian nodded.
"If nothing else Brian, that had to let you know that their love, my love, is right," Nick said softly.
Brian nodded again, "It's right from God isn't it. It has to be."
"That's why we call him our Angel. We are convinced he is a real Angel from God," Bryan said.
Rye laughed, "Well my Bry boy thinks that anyway."
Brian looked at the faces around him as did Rye and a sudden surprise crossed his face.
"I think we all sort of believe it my Angel," Mark said and Rye saw all the boys nod their heads.
The talk between the various friends lasted for some time. Brian left a little bit later after breaking down when Rye said he had a special song for Brian. A few other celebs showed up. Hassan and Alex came in again and were with a very excited Pink who had fallen in love with Hassan and his accent. The boys all left with Pink after a bit and Hassan and Alex left to visit with Cher and took Spooky with them. Soon it was almost time for the concert to begin.
"Angel? We are just about ready to head inside. We though it would be kind of cool to bring the guests together and just sort of do something together before the concert began," Andy said.
Rye looked around and saw that everyone thought this was a good idea. The group got up and went outside to find that everyone had gathered together in front of the bus. Celebrities, band members, security, friends and family of celebrities, everyone was there. There was at least 250 people. Ed handed a mic to Rye that was hooked up to a speaker system on the bus.
"Hi everybody. I just want to thank you all for showing up. I guess I also owe Corey a big thank you for putting this together since I have been informed he is the trouble maker that brought you all here," Rye said and there were chuckles from the crowd.
"I can't begin to tell you all what this means to us. I know some of you are a little freaked out about the way this was all put together with no time to practice and some of you performing together for the first time. I want to just say that this concert is not like our others. We don't care about polish and professional. Tonight is about having fun and being here for each other. So I just want to say that if you screw up tonight nobody is gonna care, least of all us, we are just so thankful and happy you are here," Rye said.
Mark took the mic from Rye, "I just want to add to what my Angel has said. I think that you all deserve a huge thanks but even more so does Corey. Let's hear it for Corey please."
Everyone applauded and hooted and cheered as Corey blushed.
"I have no idea what you all put him through when he called and asked you to show up here but I want your solemn promise that you will treat him right from now on because he is a very special friend to us all and a wonderful loving caring man and you could do a lot worse to have him as your friend and as someone on your side in the media," Mark finished.
Again loud cheers. Nobody knew it at that moment but Corey's actions had worked to solidify him as a friend to the stars and he was from that night on sought out by the stars and he never had to run after a celebrity again for an interview.
"It has become a tradition before our concerts to begin with a particular song. This song seems to embody how we all feel for each other. Please now join us," Mark said and handed the mic back to Rye.
Rye began the song and was soon joined by everyone gathered. When it was over the group moved en masse into the venue.
- The Concert -
The lights went down in the stadium, the spotlight hit the stage, the crowd roared to its feet as a figure strode to the centre of the stage.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Corey James and welcome to the final concert of the Westlife tour. Tonight is special in some very important ways. First off we have some very special guests that have come to show support for our boys. Second this concert is being broadcast live on MTV to several countries and will be recorded for future broadcast. It is also being viewed at this very moment live in over 53 different stadiums, arenas and parks across the country. Tonights live audience in parks, stadiums and watching on tv is estimated at over 200 million. How do you all feel about that?" Corey asked.
The crowd roared again. Backstage Rye looked at Mark and Jill in surprise and saw the surprise echoed in their eyes. The boys were off somewhere getting ready to open the show with one of the guests.
"Okay so who should we have to get this party started? How about......PINK!!!" Corey shouted.
Pink strutted onto the stage as the lights flashed and the music flared:
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
Get this party started on a Saturday night
Everybody's waitin for me to arrive
Sendin' out the message to all of my friends
We'll be lookin flashy in my Mercedes Benz
I got lotsa style, check my gold diamond rings
I can go for miles if you know what I mean
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
Pumpin up the volume, breakin down to the beat
Cruisin' through the west side
We'll be checkin' the scene
Boulevard is freakin' as I'm comin' up fast
I'll be burnin' rubber, you'll be kissin' my ass
Pull up to the bumper, get out of the car
License plate says Stunner #1 Superstar
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
Get this party started
Makin my connection as I enter the room
Everybody's chillin as I set up the groove
Pumpin' up the volume with this brand new beat
Everybody's dancin and their dancin for me
I'm your operator, you can call anytime
I'll be your connection to the party line
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
I'm comin' up so you better get this party started
Get this party started
Get this party started right now
Get this party started
Get this party started
Get this party started right now
Corey, applauding, strode to the center of the stage where he got a hug from Pink.
"Wow! Now that's the way to start a show. Let's hear it for Pink," Corey shouted and the crowd responded.
"Thanks Corey. It's not the way I wanted to start the show though. I wanted to get my girls together and do our number from Moulin Rouge but unfortunately someone else was already doing that number," Pink smiled then looked right into the cameras.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the Moulin Rouge,"
Backstage Rye and Mark looked at each other and mouthed the words "No shit!" to each other at the same time.
The crowd went nuts as the curtain opened to Westlife in drag. As at Friends and Family, Shane was taking Mya's part, Bryan was Pink, Kian was L'il Kim and Nicky was Christina.
Where's all my souls sisters
Let me hear ya flow sisters
Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister (oh)
Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister
He met Marmalade down in old Moulin Rouge
Struttin' her stuff on the street (street)
She said, "Hello, hey Joe, you wanna give it a go?" (woah)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
(Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister)
He sat in her boudoir while she freshened up
(Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister)
Boy drank all that Magnolia wine
Upon her black satin sheets
I swear he started to freak yeah
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
We come through with the money and the garter belt
Let 'em know we got that cake
Straight up the gate
We independent women, some mistakes us for whores
I'm sayin` why spend mine when I can spend yours
Disagree? Well that's you and I'm sorry
I'm a keep playing these cats out like Atari
High heeled shoes getting love from the dudes
Four bad ass chicks from the Moulin Rouge
Hey sisters, soul sisters
Better get that dough sisters
We drink wine with diamonds in the glass
By the case the meaning of expensive taste
You wanna gitchie, gitchie, ya ya (come on)
Mocha Chocolata what?
Creole Lady Marmalade
(One more time c'mon)
Marmalade (ooh)
Lady Marmalade (ooh yeah)
Marmalade (ooh, hey hey hey)
Touch of her skin feeling silky smooth, hey
Colour of café au lait (all right)
Made the savage beast inside roar until he cried
More (more) more (more) more (more)
Now he's back home doin' 9 to 5 (9 to 5)
Livin' the grey flannel life (oh pity)
But when he turns off to sleep memories creep
More (more) more (more) more (more)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya da da (yeah-ey)
Gitchie, gitchie, ya ya here (here)
Mocha Chocolata ya ya (ooh yeah)
Creole Lady Marmalade
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ah, oh)
Voulez vous coucher avec moi (Yeah yeah yeah yeah)
Christina (oh yeah ooh)
Pink (Lady Marmalade)
Lil' Kim (hey hey uh uh uh uh uh uh uh)
Mya (oh oh ooooh)
Rot wilder baby (baby)
Moulin Rouge
Misdemeanour here
Creole Lady Marmalade ooh yes
The crowd couldn't decide whether to laugh, cheer or applaud. The boys had decided on giggling as they approached a near hysterical Corey at center stage.
"Wow that was...wow," Corey wheezed out.
"Hey tonight is about being with our friends and having fun and this was a blast," Bryan said and Corey completely lost it as he looked at Bryan in drag.
"Okay well up next we have something a little calmer and something very special. We are proud to be able to introduce our Angel who is singing a very special song for us. Ladies and gentlemen, Angel," Shane said.
Rye walked out onto the stage to the thunderous applause and waited for the audience to calm.
"I want to thank you all for coming as well as all the celebrities and their friends and families who have shown up here to make our last concert so special. I also want to thank a very very dear and close friend who I can honestly say that we all love very much, Corey James. Can I please have you show your love for Corey," Rye said and was rewarded with much applause.
When it had died down Rye continued, "This next song is for a very special someone who had a bit of an epiphany today. This song is one of his favourite songs. Some may think it doesn't fit in at a pop concert since it is a hymn. But I think when you consider some of the reasons behind tonight's concert you will find it is very fitting. This hymn is called How Great Thou Art.
"Can I have all the lights out please with just the one stage light in front of me on. I would like you all to look up into the heavens once the lights are out," Rye instructed.
One by one the lights went out leaving just a single stage light which Rye stood in front of. Rye could see every head in the audience crane to look at the sky above which had just faded into the darkness after sunset, a few bright stars just becoming visible. Backstage Brian Littrell took a few steps onto the stage and was focused on Rye and not the sky. Rye began:
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works Thy Hand hath made;
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then shall I bow, in humble adoration,
And there proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art
The crowd was absolutely still, not a sound could be heard. Brian stood quietly with tears running down his face. He didn't flinch as Nick and Corey approached him from either side and pulled him into their arms.
"You okay Brian?" Corey asked softly.
"Is he really an Angel? I mean could he really be one?" Brian asked.
Nobody answered, instead they all stood there staring at the man known as Angel as he sang of God's love and wonders. He turned and left the stage and saw Brian with Nick and Corey. He came to them and pulled Brian into a hug.
"Faith is in your heart Brian not in what some preacher tells you. That song was for you so that you know just what God is really all about," Rye said and held Brian as he once again broke down. He moved him to behind the curtains as Corey once again took the stage and the lights came back up.
"Ladies and Genlemen, our Angel," Corey said simply to the suddenly thunderous applause. After it died down Corey continued.
"Now our next guests are going to perform something pretty special. Ladies and gentlemen our very special guest Spooky along with Cher and Steve performing Walk This Way," Corey applauded as the lights went up to the two stars and Spooky in his white outfit.
Although the lyrics were inappropriate in a huge way to be singing with Spooky, it didn't matter since the little boy was concentrating on strutting across the stage and singing along with the chorus. What was just as much fun to watch was the way Steve and Cher smiled and giggled as the little boy danced, skipped and strutted across the stage. When it was over the two stars stayed at the back and let Spooky take the bows.
"Hi audience. Thanks fow coming," Spooky said excitedly and waved.
--Hi Spooky-- The audience responded and the little boy nearly floated offstage.
"Let's hear it for Spooky!" Corey shouted completely ignoring Cher and Steve Tyler. The audience went nuts. Offstage Cher and Steve were all smiles and totally unconcerned at the lack of attention on them.
"Did you heaw them say my name Mistew Steve?" Spooky asked as he held out his arms to be picked up.
"Sure did little buddy, you were amazing. Next tour I go on I am bringing you with me how's that sound?" Steve asked.
Spooky thought about it for a minute, "You'we just kidding but that's okay. I like you."
And with those words and a hug around the neck Spooky added another celebrity to his list of honorary aunts and uncles. Next to them Auntie Cher smiled happily.
Back onstage Corey was introducing the backup group of Steve's who were going to perform one of Aerosmith's songs. The night continued on for many more hours but it went by much too quickly for the celebrities. Backstreet performed their song "The Perfect Fan", the boys deciding to dedicate their performances to Brian after his harrowing day. Billy and Rye performed together followed immediately by Billy with the boys. Faith and Tim performed Faith's song "There You'll Be" to which Jill and Rye danced. Then Jill and Rye did another latin number. Nick performed his song "I Got You" again but was introduced by a teary Brian who made sure everyone knew just how proud he was of his friend Nick. There was "The Big Jam" as it came to be referred to later that starred over 20 blues and jazz greats and lasted for an hour on its own. This jam session was recorded on video, dvd and cd and became one of the top selling blues and jazz albums of all times.
Finally though the night was coming to an end with only one performance to go. The curtain raised to a piano with Bryan sitting at it with the other four boys standing around the piano.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Our final performance tonight is a new song written by Bryan McFadden and performed tonight for the first time by Westlife. Here is Bryan to introduce it," Corey said softly and left the stage.
"You all have probably heard about how Angel came into our lives. Shane, Nicky, Kian and myself were doubly lucky that night. We did not lose our brother Mark and he is now closer to us than ever before and we found our Angel. It's hard to explain just how much our Angel means to us. We can try to explain to you how hard life is for us out on the road. How we worry about our safety all the time. How we can never be sure if someone is there to be our friend or to use us for their own purposes. So when Angel came into our lives it changed us all. Never before had we felt such unconditional love and returned it to someone so willingly. Although our Angel is our Mark Fella's love he is also our love. He has become so much a part of us all that none of us can even think of our life without him in it."
The boys all had lumps in their throats as Bryan spoke from his heart of their love for Angel. They all briefly wondered if he might go too far and say too much about their relationships but they all came to the same decision that they didn't care if he did. They also realized as he continued that he was intentionally using their pet names for each other as he spoke, making this something personal between them all.
"So some time back our Angel came to me and said 'Bry boy I want you to write a song for me. I know you can do it cuz Shane Boyo said you could write. I started to cry because he had such faith in me, such unquestionable faith, and I was scared I wouldn't be able to put into words all the love I had for him. But Nicky Love and Kian Sweets along with Fella and Boyo all gave me their strength and love and support and I secretly wrote this song. Today I sang it to them all for the first time and I made them cry. So I want to bring our Angel out so that we can sing to him of our love. When it's done I am afraid none of us will be able to continue because this song touches our emotions in a very deep way. So we will say thank you and good night now. And now please welcome back to the stage our true Angel," Bryan finished.
Rye walked onto the stage and went to each boy and hugged them and held them long. He whispered words into each of their ears and kissed them all on the neck or cheek and Mark on the lips. Behind the group the made up choir filed in.
"Ladies and gentlemen......Angel," Bryan stated and began the song.
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There's always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
Oh weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of the Angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escape one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees
In the arms of the Angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
Some comfort here
The song ended and Rye was suddenly in the arms of his boys as he sobbed without restraint. The audience was completely silent as they watched this moment. Finally Matt came on stage and took Rye up in his arms and carred him off with the boys following behind. There was not a dry eye in the stadium or any of the other stadiums, parks or living rooms where this was being watched.
As the group made it's way silently to the buses they were followed by their other friends and visiting celebrities who were also silent as if afraid to break this moment. Once on the bus Matt set Rye down on the sofa where he was immediately surrounded by his boys. Rye's hand reached out and stroked Bryan's face who smiled through his tears. Rye turned and smiled a watery smile at Mark who smiled back.
"Let's go home our Angel," Mark whispered and Rye nodded.
....THE END....
Disclaimers
Okay all songs, poems, lyrics, words etcetera used in this story belong to their respective authors. Many times in the story I gave credit to a song to someone other than the correct artist. This was done for literary purposes only and was not meant to detract any from the rightful owner.
The original characters are products of my own imagination and any similarity to other fictional characters or any real persons is strictly coincidental.
Thank You's
My thanks go out first of all to all the readers of my story. I enjoyed writing this story and put a lot of my own emotions into it. For the most part the readers have been incredibly supportive and loving. I made many friends through this story and several people that although they were in my life only briefly I feel I am better for knowing them and calling them friend.
To my Davey and my Glenn I send my love and affection. You are both wonderful men and will always be in my heart. I hope that life brings only love and happiness to you.
The Future
This was as far as this story was originally supposed to go. The last scene where Bryan sang was written almost 2 years ago (God has it been that long). Although the story took many unexpected turns the main plot was written and I stuck to it for the most part.
Tre and DJ were never meant to be anything more than a couple who appeared in one chapter. Originally they were meant to meet an untimely end on their way home from the concert and meeting Westlife. A group of drunken idiots were supposed to gay bash them causing Angel to start a political movement for gay rights. But people fell in love with them and I had to do a rewrite of the chapter after they met the boys. Corey was also supposed to be a one shot deal but I fell in love with him.
Most readers noticed that for awhile I seemed to defend the way the characters acted. I finally gave up on that for the most part. I just wanted to say here that I love the emotions of the boys and I love to cry along with them. This wasn't meant to be a jerk off story although many have told me that the sex scenes are very hot. Instead this was meant to be the written equivalent of a chick flick. I wanted tears and I got them. This was written mostly for me and I can still go back and read the story and bring myself to tears so for me this story was a success.
So is this really the end? Not yet it isn't no. This is as far as it was originally intended to go but as most authors will admit the story and characters have a way of getting away from you and taking you to unexpected places. So here is what is to come.
--Homecoming-- This will take up immediately where this chapter left off and will be about 8 chapters long and be about the boys heading home and some unexpected events that test the boys relationships.
--Wedding Bells-- Okay the proposal had been planned but so many people suggested a wedding and then I polled the readers and was overwhelmed by the response that a sequel will be added to Mark and Rye. Wedding Bells will be about 5 chapters long and be the days leading up to and including the ceremony of Mark and Rye. This will take place about a year after Homecoming.
--Fatherhood-- Okay Spooky was another one of those characters that just took me by surprise and who I fell in love with. Spooky's sudden revelation that the boys would be daddies was amazing even to me as I wrote it down. Fatherhood will be about 10 chapters and will take place about a year after Wedding Bells and will detail the events that bring a broken child into the lives of the boys.
--Flying Without Wings-- The finale of the story. This will take place some 30 years after the boys first met and is a surprise. This will be about 3 chapters long. In it we will see what the future holds for our boys, Angel, Jill, and their assorted friends and Spooky.
Spinoffs and other stories by author
--Corey and Nick-- I know I know I said that these two would not get together but something about the two of them together just appealed to me and every time I turned my back Nick kept crawling into Corey's bed so my next full length story will be this one telling of the love of Corey and Nick. The first few chapters will follow the storyline of Mark and Rye but then will diverge where this chapter ends. The boys and Corey and Nick will meet every now and then but for the most part Westlife will not be in this story after their final concert.
--Jamie and Scottie-- This will be another story that will very briefly follow the Mark and Rye storyline but will then be independant. This story will end up going in the high school section and Westlife may not make any other appearances other than the school concert scene.
--Xander and Andy-- This one is not related to Mark and Rye at all and will be a high school story. It is another jock loves nerd story with a couple of interesting twists.
All of my stories above will follow the same guidelines as Mark and Rye. They will be mushy and romantic and make you cry. Gay people are pretty much accepted by friends and family and just about everybody is gay or is willing to experience it. I know it's not realistic but most of the stories you read aren't either and I like my stories.
The way I plan on writing is to spend my time working on Corey's Story, Xander and Andy, and the continuuing Mark and Rye series. None of the stories will be posted until they are complete. This means that it will be some time before anything gets posted again. I need to look after myself and reclaim my love for writing.
Mailing List I have no idea when my next story will be posted but not I expect this year. However if you send me an email and ask specifically to be put on a mailing list I will do so. You will be notified and this list will be used only to let you know when a new story has been started and where to find it.
Future of Mark and Rye I got so many emails telling me I should publish this story that it got me thinking about it. So as a side project I am working on polishing and refining the story. Also I need to substitute the band Westlife with a made up one and remove anything that could link Westlife to the story. This is just something I am contemplating doing and no real idea if it will go anywhere but be assured if I somehow manage to accomplish this I will put up notices on any story I have posted.
Thank you once again for your kinds words and for sharing my world.
Signed with love Rye Encoke