Hello reader,

Here is the long awaited new chapter of the ongoing series, Where Do We Go. I do apologise for the delay, and the hopes that this longer chapter will in some way appease your wish to see a new chapter will hopefully content you until I get the next one written. And yes, there will be more, because this story is far from finished.

Read on...

Cheers

Musicfan

#

Shane and Stephen got a surprise when they finally caught up with Mark the next day. Their tour manager barely heard their request before readily agreeing, saying that he'd look into moving some of the band's commitments to another time so they could take some time off. Stephen and Shane exchanged perplexed looks as Mark suggested they take off the following weekend, since there was only one appearance that could be rescheduled.

"What's wrong?" Mark asked, leaning back in his chair as he regarded the duo.

"We're just not used to people saying yes when we ask for time off," Stephen said with a sheepish grin. Mark laughed at his comment.

"To tell you the truth, Stephen, I was expecting this for the last couple of weeks. You lads have been working your tails off and I knew it was only a matter of time until you got burnt on it all. Whilst I know Louis won't be too happy about it, he's not here and I am, so take some time off. Recharge yourselves and come back fresh. Better than falling on your noses from exhaustion."

"Thanks Mark, we appreciate it," Shane said as he stood up. "I'll let the others know so that they can make some plans." Mark nodded and Shane went off to tell their bandmates.

"Stephen?" Mark turned as Stephen started to get up and follow his friend. Stephen looked at him with the nod, waiting for him to continue. "You have a minute to sit and chat?"

Stephen shrugged and nodded, puzzled by Mark's request. "Yeah, sure. What's up?"

"I wanted to apologise to you," Mark said, looking serious for a moment. "I knew what Louis did to you and I knew it was wrong. I should have done something about it, but I didn't. So I wanted to say I'm sorry."

Stephen was shocked into stillness. He knew damn well what Mark was referring to. He had heard what Mark had said to Mike a few months back. He didn't say anything in response, unsure really on how to respond to Mark's comment. He looked down at his hands, trying to come up with something to say.

"It wasn't your fault, Mark. We both know that Louis will do whatever he wants and to hell with the consequences with his actions. And by the time you probably found out, the damage was already done. But I'm glad you said something to Mick, because it helped clear the air with the rest of the lads, and it showed me what really good friends I have around me." Stephen looked up and gave his tour manager a wry grin. "And despite me, they solved the problem themselves."

"I heard about that," Mark grinned. "And good on them for doing it. Stephen, I know how hard it can be for you, and I know that the last few months haven't been easy. But I wanted to say that whatever you do, don't let it get away from you. And, whatever you decide in the future, well, I just want to say that I'll help you out if you need it."

"Help me out?" Stephen asked, confused by what he thought Mark was implying.

"Yeah, help you with stuff. If you need to arrange a trip, or bring your friend over, I can make sure he's on the same floor as you, that sort of thing." Mark was a little uncomfortable with the suggestion, but he had promised himself that he would have this conversation with Stephen when the time was right. And if he was reading this right, after what Ronan had told him about Eloy, that Stephen was close to making the jump of being together on a regular basis. He wanted to do something to make up for what Louis did to Stephen. He didn't like what had happened one bit, and it was time that Louis got back some of his own by the people he had wronged in the past. "Look, Steve, its no surprise you came down here because I know what happened to your friend's group. I was half expecting you to ask to get away earlier this week, but I should have known you wouldn't shirk the performances."

Stephen looked back down at his hands, appalled that his tour manager had read him so easily. Obviously the other lads had been talking, and he experienced a flash of violent anger at their apparent betrayal. But as Mark kept on talking, mentioning the upcoming tour and how not being in one place all the time could be used to his advantage, Stephen fought down the anger he felt. He knew that Mark was only trying to help, and really, he was surprised that Mark had suggested it in the first place. The idea of having Eloy on tour with him if he were willing sent a jab of excitement into him as he thought about Eloy being with him night after night. It was something he had dreamed about, but never thought would happen. And here, in front of him from out of the blue, Mark was suggesting that he do just that.

"Mark, I honestly don't know what to say..." he trailed off, speechless at the offer.

"You don't have to say anything at all," Mark said. "I'm just giving you ideas to think about. It wouldn't be the first time I let someone sneak a loved one on a tour with them and I'm sure it won't be the last." He smiled at the surprised look on Stephen's face.

"But what about Louis?" Stephen asked, stricken at the thought of his manager finding out what they were thinking of doing. But Mark waved that away as if it didn't matter.

"And when was the last time you saw Louis on a tour, other than in London or Dublin?" Mark scoffed. Stephen grinned at the expression on his face, knowing full well that Louis was working on the next scam --- there was nothing new that he could do for Boyzone, and they pretty much managed themselves these days. "Anyhow, that's a ways off. But think about it. If that's something you want to do, you tell me and we'll work it out. All right?"

"Yeah, all right," Stephen agreed. "Mark, I don't..."

"Then don't thank me, unless it works," Mark said with a slight smile. "If it doesn't, you may end up cursing me for the rest of your life." He lost the smile as he leaned forward, wanting to leave Stephen with one last thing to think about. "But one thing I will tell you, is that when we're on tour, it will be very hard to keep it under wraps. Try as we might, word may get out. And that's something that you really need to think about, Stephen. There may be consequences and if we put this in motion, you might have to deal with it. Its not a decision that one can make lightly."

Stephen glanced up from his clasped hands, acknowledging his tour manager's advice. "Yeah, I will think about it. And you're right, it's not something we can just jump into without talking about it. And even if I do, I'd want to talk to the rest of the lads, because I don't want to do anything that might jeopardise what we have together." Mark nodded as he spoke. "But thank you for taking the time to talk to me," he said earnestly.

At that moment, they were interrupted by whoops as the lads came back down to the lounge, having just received the news from Shane. Ronan was excited that he would get some time to spend with Yvonne, and Keith and Mikey looked happy that they'd be able to see their families again and spend a few days at home. That essentially ended Stephen's conversation with Mark, and he was relieved that it had ended. He felt awkward talking to Mark about this and he still wasn't sure if it was something he was ready to jump into until he had thought it out.

His friends didn't leave him any time for reflection right away, because they insisted that they all take Mark out for a celebratory dinner. Mark and Stephen were swept into their crazy plan as they headed out for food and drink.

They ended up at a small Italian restaurant down the street from the hotel. The boisterous group kept the staff busy as they went through a lot of alcohol and food in their celebration. Though they didn't quite close down the place, they were determined to continue the party back at the hotel pub and try as he might, Stephen couldn't get away. He desperately wanted to ring Eloy with the good news, but it seemed like the others were determined to thwart him in his efforts. He knew they probably weren't even thinking of him needing to ring Eloy, but it certainly felt that way to him! Finally he told them he had to go to the loo and slipped out to go up to his room for some privacy.

The hotel lobby was teeming with fans that had booked into the hotel knowing the lads would be there. While many of them were too young to be served in the bar, it didn't stop them from waiting for the lads to come out. Stephen found himself caught in a group waiting by the door. Though he was almost dancing with impatience to be away, he forced himself to act as he normally did, stopping to sign some autographs and pictures. The time dragged until he could extricate himself from the group and climb the stairs to his room. He didn't want to take the lift as the group had started to follow him in that direction and he thought the stairs would be discouraging to them.

He was winded by the time he got to his floor and he ruefully thought about how badly out of shape he was as he made his way into his room. They had a tour coming up in the fall and he knew it was going to be grueling. He made a promise to himself to get in better condition before it started so he would be able to perform without gasping. He chuckled, also acknowledging that the night's pasta wasn't the way to do that, either.

Falling across the bed, he grabbed his mobile and dialed Eloy's number, waiting impatiently for it to connect. Eloy picked up on the third ring, and was happy to hear that it was Stephen on the other end.

"Hey, liefste, how is it going?" He asked, knowing that Stephen had had a busy week of promotion.

"Great, hon. Fantastic," Stephen said. He was so excited about his news that he didn't know where to start. "Hey, listen. Have any plans next week?"

Eloy, who was making himself a late dinner, was puttering around his kitchen as they talked, putting together some leftovers from a meal his mother had brought over. "Not really. Why?"

"Because it just so happens that I have some time off, thanks to Shane and Mark." Stephen told him, unable to hold the news back any longer. "So I was wondering if you would like to come over to London and spend some time together...." He paused, almost holding his breath, hoping Eloy would say yes.

"Ja?" Eloy perked up at the news. The thought of getting away from home appealed, though it was the thought of seeing Stephen again that made his heart beat faster. "When?"

"Thursday through Monday," Stephen told him. "We're all knackered here and Mark figured that we were going to need the time off sooner or later." He was thinking about also telling Eloy about the other half of Mark's proposal, but then decided he wanted to talk to him about it face to face, so he could see what Eloy's reaction to that would be. "Please say you'll come," he urged.

"Honing, nothing could keep me away," Eloy said, instinctively responding to the sound of entreaty in Stephen's voice. "Where?"

Stephen laughed, aware he didn't have a clue as to where they were staying in London the following week. "You know, I don't have a clue! I'll check with Mark and get back to you. Oh Eloy, I'm so glad you can come over!" He was bouncing on the bed, excited by the idea.

"And will I get to meet your sister?" Eloy said, amused by Stephen's reaction. When Stephen paused, he realized that his lover had totally forgotten their plan of meeting with Michelle the next time he came to see Stephen.

"Erm, well," Stephen paused, thinking. "Shite, I better tell her, or else she'll skin me alive. Damn, I wished I hadn't promised her, I'd rather it just be us together. It's been too long."

"Ja, it has," Eloy agreed. However, knowing his own sister, he knew that Stephen's would never forgive them if she was left out this time. "Why not just have her come over on Saturday or Sunday? That would give us Thursday on together before she arrives."

"Now that is a fantastic idea, love," Stephen responded. "I'll check with her as well and set it up. Oh, E, I'm so glad you can come over."

"Ja, so am I." Eloy grinned. "I think a trip to see you will be great." Already, he was thinking of what to pack, thinking of the outfits he had in his closet and wanting something special to see Stephen in. He also started thinking about bringing a gift for Michelle and he went through different ideas while they chatted on the phone.

"God, next week seems like forever!" Stephen complained. Eloy laughed at him, knowing he had only just got the news from his manager and he was already impatient for him to be there. It gave him a special feeling to know that Stephen wanted him there immediately, and not the following week.

"Next Thursday will come soon enough, liefste." Eloy assured him. He also refrained from pointing out how fast it would go by. It always seemed like any time they spent together moved at a different rate from when they were apart, and he knew Stephen's frustration with their frequent separations. "Let's talk about something else."

"Okay," Stephen readily agreed, knowing the futility of his frustration. "How're things going with you?"

"Goed, actually." Eloy was pleased to inform his lover. "I've had some meeting with some producers about doing some recording, which is nice. And I've been approached to do some presenting work this Fall as well."

"Yeah? Good for you, honey. I'm thrilled for you, I really am," Stephen said, happy to hear the excitement about his plans in Eloy's voice. It had been so long since he had, that he had forgotten how much it meant to him to hear Eloy interested in work again. Eloy went on to tell him about some of the shows he was possibly going to present, and Stephen told him to do it all, because then he'd be getting his name and face in the public eye more. Eloy agreed, knowing that Stephen was right. One of the things in this business was that if you disappeared for a while, the fans tended to move onto someone new. And he really wanted to capitalize on the CITA fandom while he could use that as a draw with various producers.

By the time they were both yawning into each other's ear, they agreed it was time for them to go to bed. Stephen promised to ring him as soon as he had some information about the following week, and Eloy said he would look into flights to London. When they hung up, Stephen lay sprawled on the bed, ideas running through his head about the weekend. He looked at the clock on the nightstand and when he realised how much time had passed, he decided it wasn't worth going downstairs to rejoin the lads. It was also too late to ring his sister, so he kicked off his sneakers and got ready for bed.

As he was washing up in the bathroom he realized he was humming to himself. He grinned at his reflection, feeling really good about the world at the moment. It also amazed him that just the idea of getting together with Eloy could put him in such a silly mood. His smile widened at the thought and he looked at himself in the mirror, acknowledging the fact once again. He was in love with Eloy, and when they could be together, his world felt right again, like it was on firmer ground than when they were apart. His thoughts sobered him slightly as he continued them onto Mark's idea of having Eloy on tour with him. He leaned against the sink, almost weak at the thought of the idea of having Eloy with him every day. He also knew that it was a big step that he would have to think about before making a decision. His gut reaction was to shout yes to Mark and put everything in motion, but with so many people involved, he knew he had to plan it all very wisely.

He made his way back into the bedroom, his clothes over one arm which he absently draped over the back of the chair as he walked over to the bed. He chewed his lip as he thought back to their conversation and Eloy's talk about doing presenting work. It was possible that Eloy wouldn't have the time to go on tour with him, either. The thought made his heart sink as he shut off the light, climbed into the bed and snuggled under the duvet. He put his arms behind his head as he thought everything through. When his thoughts started to blur together he consigned his decision for another day and drifted off to sleep.

#

He was roused the next morning to the ringing of the telephone. He struggled with the covers for a moment before freeing his arms enough to pick up the receiver. It was the wake up call that Mark had set up for them and he dropped it back down onto the table once he realized he was listening to the recording from the hotel's switchboard. It was far too early in the morning for him, but he also knew they had an early morning call at the television station. He groaned, silently cursing Saturday morning television programmes. As he got up, he conveniently put out his own mind memories of running to the television as a kid in the morning, excited to be able to watch his favourite shows without having to go to school. Not that it was allowed that often. He mother preferred to get them all out of the house and into fresh air. He snorted as he made his way to the bathroom. As if there was much fresh air in that part of the city growing up! He used to resent her for the lost opportunity of watching television and usually made his way over to a friend's house where he could watch without fear of reprisal. The times she had found out, she chastised him, saying he was undoing all of her good work about getting him outside and into the fresh air, but it had never deterred him. It was the thought of kids doing the same thing today that got him moving along, showered and dressed in time to grab something to eat at the restaurant downstairs before they had to get their ride over to the studio.

He took the stairs down to the lobby, using the time to ring his sister. He knew she'd be up early, not being allowed to sleep with an active toddler in the house.

"Hello," she said distractedly obviously in the middle of something else as she picked up the phone.

"Hey, Shel, its me." He said, making his way down each flight and telling himself that this was going to be his exercise for the day. "How are ya?"

"Oh my God, has hell frozen over?" She asked to no one in particular while he laughed on the other end. "I do believe its me long lost brother on the phone! And before 7 o'clock in the morning! Will wonders never cease?"

Stephen laughed, acknowledging the gentle rebuke that she had had to ring him up the last several times they had spoken. "No, just up early for work," he admitted as he passed through the fire door that let him out into the hotel lobby. Mark was standing by the entrance to the restaurant, looking at his watch. When he saw Stephen, he motioned him through, eager to get the group moving along.

Stephen waved to him as he walked into the room, which was fairly empty, this early in the morning. A buffet was set up at one end of the room and he grabbed a plate and put some toast on it, reaching over to take a little jar of jam as well back to the table he selected by a window. "Listen, Shel, I'm on the run because I have to get something to eat before Mark shoves us into the studio. But I have some news for you."

"Oh? Something good?" She asked, noticing a tone of excitement in his words.

"I think so," he grinned, nodding to the waiter who came over with a cup of coffee. He saw Ronan drift past him and could hear chattering at the door that signaled the others arriving. The noise level was about to rise accordingly and he knew that he wasn't going to be able to talk much longer on the phone to his sister. He told her about his time off the following weekend and how he was going have Eloy fly over to meet with him. "So want to come over and meet my sweetie?"

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away, Stephen!" Michelle said, thrilled with the news. "I've been pining away for months now to do this! When do you want me to come over?" She was thinking about making her own plans, and with leaving Jordan with her mother for the weekend so that Alan could also have some free time to himself. That would make up for her scooting off to London for a day or two to meet up with her brother. She counted herself blessed that she had a husband who was so tolerant of her little excursions to see her brother from time to time. He knew how close they were and how little she got to see her brother and was always urging her to go when she got the opportunity.

"How about Saturday?" Stephen suggested. "You can stay overnight and go back on Sunday. Would that work?"

"I think that would work out fantastically!" She said, excited by the thought. Then she paused, thinking. "But Stephen, if you only have a couple of days together, maybe I shouldn't come this time so you can have the time alone."

Stephen grinned, knowing how much that offer was probably killing her. His heart warmed at her generous move, as he knew that she had been dying to meet Eloy for so long but was willing to make the sacrifice to allow him some time alone with his lover.

"Nah, its okay. I have to be honest and tell you that he's really coming over from Amsterdam on Thursday, so we'll already have a couple of days before you get here," he admitted.

"Oh? Well then it's not a problem, is it?" She said, delighted. "Oh God, I'll have to look at getting over there."

"Don't worry about that, Shel. I'll make the plans. Just as long as you can come over," he said. By this time the other lads had made their way through the buffet and had sat down at the table. "Listen, I gotta go, but I'll give you a ring later, okay?"

She could hear the rest of the group chattering in the background and knew that he needed some time to eat before they went off to do their show that morning. "You do that! And don't forget!"

"I won't," he promised. "Love you, bye!" He rang off and put his mobile down on the table, picking up a piece of toast and biting into it.

"Your sister?" Ronan asked, gesturing towards Stephen's mobile with his knife. Stephen nodded as he swallowed his food before replying.

"Yeah, she's coming over next weekend when E's going to be in town," Stephen told him, a big grin coming over his face.

"Is she really?" Ronan asked. He could see how excited Stephen was about it. Other than the group, no one other than Michelle knew about Eloy. For the life of him, he couldn't imagine being so circumspect to the point of hiding everything from everyone, but he understood why Stephen felt he had to do so. Mark had also mentioned that they had spoken the night before and that he had made the offer to Stephen to bring Eloy along on tour with the group if that was what Stephen wanted. He heartily approved of the idea.

"Yeah," Stephen said, glancing around the room to see if any of the other lone diners were within earshot. The few individuals up that early were business sorts, with their newspapers spread out before them while they chatted on their mobiles. None of them were paying any attention to the large group off to one side of the room, so Stephen relaxed a little as he continued. "She's been dying to meet up, and we had promised her that the next time he got to London she could come over. Since we're going to have next weekend off, this is going to be the time."

"She must be bouncing off the walls," Keith said, knowing Stephen's sister.

"Oh she was!" Stephen laughed. He felt close to doing the same, knowing that Eloy was going to be with him at the end of the week. "Lord knows what will happen when those two meet up! I'm almost afraid to see it."

"Good for you," Shane said, patting Stephen on the shoulder. "Just have a place to run in case they gang up on you!"

"Yeah, I will!" Stephen replied, pushing his plate away from him. "I'm going to chat to Mark and see about getting a flight for Michelle. I'll see you all later, yeah?" The others waved to him and he jumped out of his seat and went looking for Mark, who was sitting on a sofa in the lobby chatting with Barrie. They looked up as they heard Stephen approach.

"Morning, Stephen." Barrie greeted him. Stephen gave him a wave as he reached them.

"Morning, Barrie, Mark," Stephen nodded towards the other man. "Hey, I was wondering if you could help me out by having Fran set up a flight for Michelle for this upcoming weekend. I've been promising her for ages that she could come over and spend time with me, so this is probably the best time to do it." He was reticent about talking to Mark in front of Barrie. Not that he didn't trust him, but he was so used to holding his private life separate from work that he held back out of habit more than anything else. "She wants to meet up so I figured I'd just stay at the hotel and we could spend the weekend together. So if we could get two adjoining rooms, that would be lovely."

"Certainly, Stephen. That's not a problem. And what about your other friend?" Mark asked him.

"Oh, that's all set, so we don't need to worry about that," Stephen assured him. "Thanks a lot, Mark. I really appreciate it."

"Not a problem," Mark assured him. "That's what I'm here for."

The rest of the group, who had left the restaurant together, interrupted their conversation. Mark glanced at his watch before nodding to Barrie. "Time to go, lads."

It was a very agreeable group that arrived at the station for the early morning segment on CD:UK. They took time to chat with members of the audience, mainly made up of girls who had been waiting since early morning for a chance to see their idols. Their mothers stood at the back of the audience, admiring the young men who went out of their way to chat with the fans who had been waiting patiently for their arrival.

The tv crew had to make several attempts to get them in place for the opening with the hosts. It was rather harrowing reining the boys into position, put on their mics and to sit in place as the floor director calmly counted down the seconds until the show was live. It was almost as if it were magic the way the crowd settled down just as the light glowed red on top of the camera and the host introduced the group. The lads were in top form, kidding around with the hosts, flirting with their fellow guests and the audience, and singing impromptu songs during the programme.

From the studio they went to a radio station where they promoted their single, participating in a contest to give away tickets for their upcoming tour that fall. When they were finished with that, they found a large crowd waiting for them outside the radio station. After the early morning start, their energy was flagging, but they put on a good face for the eager crowd that awaited them out on the street.

Eventually Mark and Barrie got them out of there, knowing that they weren't going to last much longer. The group gratefully climbed into the people mover, which took them back to the hotel.

Stephen followed the others into the hotel lobby, though he did stop to pose for a couple of photographs for fans that were patiently waiting outside the hotel. His friends had made excuses and made their way inside, not wanting to be on anymore for the day. But Stephen felt bad for the girls waiting outside so patiently, so he took what time he could with them until Mark came to fetch him.

"Come along, Stephen," Mark said, knowing full well that if left to his own devices, Stephen would be out there all day, stuck by his own good nature. Stephen reluctantly allowed himself to be taken away from the hotel door and into the lobby. "You'd be there all day if I didn't rescue you."

"Yeah, probably," Stephen said, grinning tiredly at his tour manager. "I can't help it, though. I just know how long they've been waiting there."

"And they'll be waiting the next time you're in town as well. It certainly won't be the first time you've had to chat with that lot," Mark said a bit cynically. "Why don't you go up to your room and get some rest, yeah?"

"Yeah, think I might," Stephen said, stifling a yawn. He waved and headed off to his room to take a nap. The others were nowhere to be found, and he assumed they were crashing until later in the evening. They were off that night to an industry party, which was something that Stephen wasn't really looking forward to. He considered it one of the necessary evils of the business he was in, but certainly didn't enjoy it at all.

When he got to his room he lasted long enough to kick off his boots before collapsing on the bed. He hadn't even turned on the lights, but had just closed the door and made his way in the semi-dark room to the low rise platform in front of him. He relied on Mark's good planning to wake him up in time to get ready and his last thought was that he really needed ring his sister with news about her flight before he drifted off to sleep.

#

The next few days seemed to drag for Stephen as he waited with anticipation for this long awaited reunion with Eloy. He found that he couldn't concentrate on much of anything during the week as the group went through the rest of the commitments that they had on the schedule. The other lads teased him mercilessly, knowing full well that the following weekend was going to be so important for him.

"Ah, leave be." He admonished his friends, but it didn't help at all. He took their teasing with good humour, knowing that they meant well, and that they were pleased to see him so happy.

Though the hours of each day seemed to drag on, time did pass, albeit slowly in Stephen's assessment. They were finally at their last day of work, doing an interview for Smash Hits and a photo shoot. Stephen found it hard to concentrate on the questions the writer asked him, which were a compilation of questions sent in by the fans. It seemed to be the same questions he had been asked before, and there were only so many times one could answer what his favourite colour was.

Though it seemed like eternity, they were finally finished with the photo shoot and were set free for the day, and for the group, a long weekend that was well deserved. They piled into their van back to the hotel where the lads packed up to head off in various directions for the weekend.

"Stephen," Mark said, pulling him aside as he came into the lobby. "Let me come up with you and give you the stuff you'll need for this weekend." He glanced at the group of ever present fans and Stephen nodded, acknowledging the need for discretion.

"Absolutely. Come on up," he said, gesturing to the lift door. He followed Mark inside along with a couple of other guests and made their way to his floor. They chatted about the day's work as they made their way down the hall to his room.

"Here we are," Stephen said, opening the door with the key and letting Mark enter before entering behind him. The door closed, ensuring privacy. "What stuff?"

Mark sat down in the chair by the window and pulled an envelope out of his jacket pocket. "Hotel stuff. I thought it best that we move you all to another hotel so that the fans think you're out of town." He handed the packet to Stephen, who opened it to look at the arrangements. "It's a nice little place that isn't on the beaten path, so to speak, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with fans. It's mainly known as a tourist hotel, so many of the guests will be from out of town. I've already checked you in, as well as your sister in the adjoining room. By the way, Eloy is registered as her husband."

Stephen burst out laughing at the mental image that comment provoked. "You registered him as Alan?" Mark nodded and Stephen continued to chuckle. "I love it."

"Yeah, well, it seemed to make sense, so let's hope no one asks why a man with an Irish name has a Dutch accent," Mark said wryly. "Since they're already checked in, all Eloy has to do is ask for the key in his name. Or Alan's name to be precise. I assume that you'll just have Michelle come up to the room and you can give her the other key then." Stephen nodded. "I considered just having the key left for him at the airport, but figured that would be harder to set up. Hopefully this will be fine."

"It's more than fine," Stephen assured Mark. "And Mark, if I haven't said it before, thank you so much for going through all this trouble."

"No problem, I'm glad to help," Mark said with a grin. He had noticed the change in Stephen since their conversation the week before, and he was happy to see him so relaxed for a change. It certainly made handling him as a minder much easier. He thought that Stephen was rather relieved that he knew about the relationship with Eloy and was willing to help them out. From what he had heard from the others, Stephen wasn't getting much support elsewhere, other than from his sister.

"So, you're ready to move over whenever you want. I registered you as Mr. Patrick O'Malley, so you've got your own alias," Mark continued as Stephen looked through the paperwork for the hotel. "Figured with your accent we might as well keep you Irish."

Stephen chuckled as he nodded, sitting on the bed. "Yeah, just as well. I don't plan on spending much time in public, though." He gave Mark a cheeky grin, who laughed at his expression.

"Right then, pack up and take a taxi over and you'll be all set." Mark said, standing and stretching. He was looking to a few days off himself, as this had been a long run for himself as well. "If you need anything, you have my mobile, yeah?"

"Yeah, I do," Stephen said. "But I think I'll be all set." He got up to follow Mark to the door. "Thanks for going through all this trouble."

"No trouble, Stephen." Mark assured him. "I do have to say that you lads are one of the easier groups I've had to work with over the years, and you especially have been the least demanding in terms of what kind of things you ask for. Don't worry about it, right?"

"Right," Stephen said with a grin. "Alright, I need to pack and set off. "I'll see you after the weekend, yeah?"

"Yeah, we have to head up to Glasgow for a show up there, so make sure you meet us at the airport on time!" Mark patted Stephen on the shoulder as he headed to the door. "Have a good time and enjoy yourself."

"I think I'll have no problem doing that," Stephen said, the feeling of anticipation that the weekend was now on hand making him restless. He felt like bouncing, and couldn't contain his excitement. "Thanks again."

"You're welcome," Mark said. "Oh, and by the way, I picked that hotel because of their excellent room service. I have a feeling you won't really be heading out much this weekend, so I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed."

Stephen laughed, colouring slightly at Mark's implication. "Ah, you're the best. You have yourself a good weekend, and I'll see you on Monday."

"Yeah, I will. Bye now," Mark said with a nod as he left the room. Stephen followed him and saw that the others were already leaving, having packed before their interview that morning. He said his goodbyes and was grateful that they were in a hurry and didn't tease him anymore than they had already.

Once he was done, he headed back to his room and packed his stuff, making sure he had everything before hauling his bag down to the lobby. It looked like any lingering fans had long since left, so he gratefully handed his key over to the bellhop and asked for a taxi to be called. He hadn't looked forward to having to fend off fans, so he was relieved that he was spared that. It had helped that each of the lads had left around the same time, so fans thinking they could beat them to the airport had long sing left. He just hoped that no on noticed he wasn't going home to Dublin this weekend. He didn't think it would be a problem, since neither was Shane, so people would think that maybe they had gone off together. At least he wasn't going to let it bother him in the meantime.

The taxi arrived right away and he tossed his bag onto the back seat next to him. He gave the driver the name of the hotel he was going to and sat back as they wound their way around the city. Idly he wondered what the driver thought, taking him from one hotel to another. He was sure it was probably one of the more normal trips the man took, though. They arrived in short order and he paid the man the fare and a nice tip before getting out. Nodding to the doorman, he entered the hotel and headed up to the room that was already reserved for him.

It was a nice quiet tourist hotel, catering mainly to Americans from the accents he heard around him. There was an understated elegance about the place that was rather pleasing. The lift was just off the lobby, so he made his way to the 16th floor and found his room at the end of the hall.

It was a rather large room, being on a corner of the hotel, and he silently applauded Mark's good taste in hotel choices. There was a large bed against one wall, as well as a large table off to one side for entertaining, separated by a sofa and television against one wall. He noticed the television could be swiveled so that one could watch from the bed, though he knew that there wouldn't be much need of that. There was also mini bar built into the credenza next to the television and he peeked inside to see what they had in way of drinks.

He rang Eloy's mobile, but just got his messenger service. Looking at his watch, he realized that Eloy was probably on his way already, so he left a message giving him Mark's information about the name he had to get his keys under at the hotel desk. When he rung off with Eloy's mobile, he rang his sister to let her know that everything was set.

She was rather amused that Mark had registered Eloy as her husband. "Well that was cheeky of him, wasn't it?"

"I thought it was a good idea," Stephen said, defensive on Mark's behalf.

"I know, hon, I'm only winding you up," she assured him. Actually, she was tickled with the idea, as Eloy already felt like family to her, so she wasn't at all put out that Mark had registered them that way. "It's fine. I don't mind having Eloy for a husband."

"Hmm, I wonder what Alan would say to that!" Stephen said with a laugh. He told her about the hotel room, and how they had adjoining rooms at the end of a hall, so that they shouldn't have much problem keeping out of people's way. "Mark did a fabulous job."

"Yeah, he did," Michelle agreed. "I'm so glad this all came together the way it did. Mark has been great setting this up."

"Yeah," Stephen said. He knew how long Michelle had been looking forward to meeting Eloy and he felt thrilled that his two favourite people were finally going to meet. "Think you can wait until Saturday?"

"No," she admitted and they laughed companionably. "What time is Eloy due?"

"Not until later this afternoon," Stephen told her. "I tried to ring him, but couldn't reach him so I left a message on his mobile. But he should be here in a few hours."

"Bet you're looking forward to that," Michelle said knowingly. She could hear the nervous energy in her brother's voice and knew how hard he was trying to keep still while they chatted. "Not long, then."

"No, not long at all." Stephen said with a happy sigh. "I can't believe he's almost here. It seems like forever since I saw him last." Inside, he worried about the time that they had spent apart, thinking that Eloy would have changed his mind in the time they had been separated. Though he knew that wasn't true, he still felt insecure with their relationship when Eloy wasn't near. He had so many anxieties that Eloy would find someone else, and that he would tell him their attempt at a relationship was all a mistake.

"Don't worry, sweetie," his sister assured him, well aware of the way his thoughts would go once left to his own devices while he waited. "It will work out fine."

"Yeah, I know. But sometimes Shel, it seems so impossible," Stephen sighed, thinking of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles facing his relationship with Eloy, not the least being his role with the group and the industry in general. "I wonder if it will ever work out to the point where I won't have to worry about it anymore."

"Someday, sweetheart, it will. You'll know when the time is right," she said. She knew well the doubts going through his mind. "Until then, stop fretting about it."

"I suppose," he reluctantly acquiesced. "Well, I should let you go. But when you get here, give me a ring and then just come up to the room."

"Oh, I can't just come up and catch you two together?" She teased him as he growled menacingly at her. "After all, you could be having a tryst with my husband!"

Stephen laughed at her comment. He knew she was going to enjoy that one and not give up teasing for a while.

"That's the whole point of this, Shel." He reminded her. "And besides, he's your husband this weekend in name only. The rest is all mine."

Michelle was amused at the proprietary tone in her brother's voice. She was so looking forward to finally meeting the man who made him so happy, and she knew that the next few days would drag slowly until she got on the plane over to London.

"He'll be there soon, and then you won't have to worry. And in a few days, I'll be there also. That's the time you'll have to start worrying about!" She joked.

"Oh, I know! Don't remind me about that!" Stephen exclaimed with a groan. His imagination ran wild when he thought about Eloy and his sister meeting for the first time.

"Oh, do I hear my dear child calling for me?" Michelle said with a laugh, knowing full well that Stephen was going to dwell on that last comment for a while. "I do think he is. Have to go love, but I'll see you in a couple of days. Don't bother to ring me, I think you'll be too busy to think of it."

"You think?" Stephen asked with a laugh.

"Yeah, that I do. Well sweetie, I'll talk to you soon. Enjoy your time off," she said softly. "And stop worrying so!"

"I will. Thanks hon. Love you," Stephen said.

"I love you too. And I'll see you on Saturday!" Michelle said firmly. She rung off as her son came barreling into the kitchen, and was soon distracted from thoughts of her brother by the antics of her child.