Disclaimer: This is a work of FICTION. As such, it does not imply anything about the true sexualities or anything else for that matter of the celebrities mentioned in the story. This story contains homosexual themes. If you are below the legal age to read such material, please leave. If such material offends you, go away. If it is illegal to view such material where you live, go somewhere else.
Special note: This part of the story is an indulgence on my part and will probably have little if any bearing on the storyline. This is not something I planned but something I want to do. If you don't like it let me know and my next post might be the original version of what this Chapter was to be. Also the first half or so was written as part of the original...I think you should be able to see where I switched directions.
While I'm not even sure they read this, I'd like to say hi to some great people at this point...in no particular order, Angel Lenoir, great writer fantastic friend. Go read his stories, there among my favourites. Clive, also a great writer and friend. Emily a new author and friend that I am grateful to know. Adam, also a writer of some very good stories. Mike Ellis, Wes, Chris, Jade, Tommie...the list goes on and on. These folks are some of the greatest people I have had the honoUr of calling my friends. You'd probably recognise some of them as the authors of your favourite stories. Also to my readers, my thanks go out to you all. Hope you don't mind my rattling and take care.
Going with the flow Chapter 6 --------------------
"Excuse me Mr Gately."
Hearing my name, I turned around and saw Dave, the driver at the doorway of the dressing room. "Oh, hi Dave. They're here?"
"Yes sir. I left them at the balcony with your other guest before I came here."
This brought a smile to my face. "Thanks Dave. We'll see you after the show." Lance was in the audience and he was going to see me in action. I had been searching for a way to tell him about this since I met them. This was the perfect opportunity. The fact that the other guest was there made the surprise even better. My mind wandered further and the nervousness returned. 'What if he was angry with me for not being completely honest?' I pushed that thought aside and went back to getting dress.
"Nervous Steve?" Ro asked, catching the look on my face. "We've done this a thousand times. How can you be nervous? Oh wait, that Lance fella is here." The others chuckled at my discomfort.
"Stephen ole boy, one word of advice, you better stop messing with your hair before you lose it all. You've been at it for ten minutes already." Mikey had to add his opinion.
"Looks like our boy's falling fast." Keith said, making me blush even more. I ignored them and continued fixing my hair.
Back to N'Sync...
"Hey guys, look who decided to drop by," Nick Carter said grinning at a surprised Chris. At the sound of his voice, the JC, Lance, Joey and Justin went over to where Chris stood, not yet recognizing the other five people in the balcony. Five sets of eyes bulged and five jaws hit the floor. Before them stood all five Backstreet Boys. It was a full two minutes before any of them could speak.
"What are you guys doing here?" Lance asked after the ritual of hugging and greetings were completed. He was getting really confused now. He wondered if this was part of Steve's plan as well or if it was just some bizarre coincidence.
"We've been friends with Ronan Keating since we at one of the MTV shows and he invited us here. He's been bugging us for a while now actually. No one knows we're here." Kevin Richardson answered for his group. "Why are you guys here? Checking out the competition or maybe stalking the competition?"
"We were invited by a friend of Lance's. How he managed to arrange for us to be here is at this time, still a mystery. Though I can make a pretty good guess. Who is this Keating guy you're talking about?"
"He's one of the guys in Boyzone. Have you even heard of them?" Brian asked, smiling because he knew they had not.
"No, If I, have, I don't remember." Joey looked below at the crowd. "Are they really that hot or is it because they're in their home turf?"
"I can't believe you guys, Boyzone's been around longer than all of us. Not by much but still. And believe me, they're huge. When they decide to seriously try and break into the States, it's gonna be interesting. Fortunately for us they've not really done that yet. Watch the show and you'll know what I mean," Kevin answered. As he said this, the lights dimmed and the screaming below them intensified the opening act was about to come on.
"Well if the opening act is any indication, I see what you mean." Westlife had just been introduced and were starting their set. Everyone took their seats and conversation ceased as they concentrated on the show.
"These guys are quite good. I really liked that cover of 'Seasons In The Sun," Justin whispered to Brian who was next to him.
"You think so? Wait till you see the real stars come on," Brian answered with a smirk.
"Sorry Brian, there's no way I'm going to be performing tonight." For that remark, Justin got a punch on the shoulder from Brian while everyone else shushed them.
"You alright Lance? You haven't said more then ten words since you guys got here."
"Huh? I'm fine Kev, just some stuff on my mind. Thanks for asking."
"If you say so. I'm here if you need someone to talk to." Lance didn't say anything but just nodded. Thinking that he had intruded enough, Kevin shrugged and turned his attention to the others. Westlife had finished we getting off the stage. The crowd went wild as a new sound filled the place. Lance didn't pay much attention to this until he heard the beginning of the music being played. Ten heads shot up when they heard it. A figure could be seen going onto the stage, the crowd hushed as they tried to make out the identity of the person. The lighting was deliberately poor to hide just that. The still unknown man began to sing as four more figures appeared beside him.
You're all I ever needed You're all ever wanted So tell me what to do now Cause I want you back
The crowd was obviously torn between screaming their heads off and jeering. On the balcony, the guys of N'Sync were stunned speechless. These guys were making fun of their song. "Hey Just, if you don't shut that mouth of yours soon, we're gonna have to send you to the hospital," Nick said smirking.
"Wait, wait, wait. We're singing the wrong song here," one of the guys on the stage stopped the music before it went any further. The other singer looked around apparently in shock, his face still mostly hidden. The audience was still confused and silent "Sorry guys, our friend here seems a bit confused tonight." Saying this, he nodded to the band and the music started again.
Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine I'm leaving my life in your hands People say I'm crazy and that I am blind Risking it all in a glance
"At least they got the words right," was all Kevin could manage. His band mates were surprised as well. Lance, JC, Joey, Chris and Justin didn't say anything but had recovered sufficiently to grin evilly as their friends got a dose of what they had received as well.
"Stop!" the music stop again. "Okay since you can't get it right then I guess I'll have to take over." The crowd roared as they heard the a chorus of African voices. Then a voice began to sing and the crowd went wild.
Lets not forget this place Lets not neglect our race Let unity become Life on earth be one
So let me take your hand We are but grains of sand Born through the winds of time Given a special sign
"That voice, it sounds familiar somehow," Justin whispered, not wanting to spoil the moment. There was a gasp from someone on his left. He looked over to Lance. The look on Lance's eye showed was a mixture of recognition shock and disbelief and awe. Joey wore a smirk on his face that Justin found even more puzzling.
Then all of a sudden, there was an explosion and the lights were thrown on revealing the five singers on the stage as the smoke cleared. The one who earlier sang the 'wrong' songs step forward again and took over.
So lets take a stand And look around us now people So lets take a stand And look around us now people...
By now, all the guys of N'Sync were looking over at Lance. Not really knowing what to expect. Lance seemed to have gotten over his surprise and was relaxed. There was a small smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He noticed his band mates looking at him and his smile grew into a full-blown grin. He gave them a questioning look and turned his attention to a single person on the stage, still grinning. The BSB were oblivious to what was happening and just enjoyed the show.
As the first song ended, the blonde lead took a step forward and the crowd cheered again. "Hello Dublin!" he waited for the silence before continuing. "Tonight we have some very special people with us. The next few songs go out to friends new and old, live long, prosper and may your jeans split in the right direction (hehe thanks Angel)." The music started again.
It's the sign of the times, girl Sad songs on the radio It's the sign of the times, girl As the leaves begin to go But all these signs now, showing on my face Proving me wrong, taking it's place And I pray to God That there's more that we can do, yeah And I pray to God That there's more that we can show More that we can do, yeah Isn't It a Wonder as a newborn baby cries And isn't it a wonder with the sweetness in my eyes and isn't it a wonder at the crossroads of my life Isn't it a wonder? Isn't it a wonder, to me? It's the way of the world when, Wrong takes hold of right It's the way of the world In which we've all lost sight But isn't this world Too simple to be true? Holding on to memories of you And I pray to God That there's more that we can do, yeah And I pray to God That there's more that we can show More that we can do, yeah Isn't It a Wonder as a newborn baby cries And isn't it a wonder with the sweetness in my eyes and isn't it a wonder at the crossroads of my life Isn't it a wonder? Isn't it a wonder, That I can see, a change in me But I won't look back Cos that's behind me And after all, Strong words are spoken My heart will never be, never be Never be broken...
Isn't It a Wonder as a newborn baby cries And isn't it a wonder with the sweetness in my eyes and isn't it a wonder at the crossroads of my life Isn't it a wonder? Isn't it a wonder, to me? That I can see, a change in me But I won't look back Cos that's behind me And after all Strong words are spoken My heart will never be, never be Never be broken...
As the song ended, another tune started. Didn't they say that I would make a mistake Didn't they say you were gonna be trouble People told me you were too much to take I could see it, I didn't wanna know I let you in and you let me down You pushed me up and you turned my whole life around I could feel that I had no where to go I was alone, how was I too know that.. You'll be there, when I needed somebody You'll be there, the only one who can help me I had a picture of you in my mind never knew it could be so wrong Why'd it take me so long just to find the friend that was there all along. Who'd believe that after all we've been through I'd be able to put my whole trust in you Goes to show you can't forgive and forget looking back, I have no regrets cause.. You will be there, when I needed somebody You will be there, the only one to help me I had a picture of you in my mind Never knew it could be so wrong Why'd it take me so long just to find the friend that was there all along You will be there, when I needed somebody You will be there, the only one to help me I had a picture of you in my mind never knew it could be so wrong Why'd it take me so long just to find the friend that was there all along
When the song ended, the boyz ran back stage for a quick change. "Man these guys are awesome." Justin said, obviously enjoying the show. The BSB just gave him an 'I told you so look'. Nobody mention Steve to Lance and he didn't say much either.
"Enjoying the show?" Stephen Gately asked the crowd as Boyzone took the stage once more. "This part of the show is for some friends of ours. The next songs go out to DP from Zak with all his heart. This next one is a cover of one of my favourites, hope you like it." Ocean apart day after day And I slowly go insane I hear your voice on the line But it doesn't stop the pain If I see you next to never How can we say forever Wherever you go Whatever you do I will be right here waiting for you Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you I took for granted, all the times That I thought would last somehow I hear the laughter, I taste the tears But I can't get near you now Oh, can't you see it baby You've got me going crazy Wherever you go Whatever you do I will be right here waiting for you Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you I wonder how we can survive This romance But in the end if I'm with you I'll take the chance Oh, can't you see it baby You've got me going crazy Wherever you go Whatever you do I will be right here waiting for you Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you
The song ended and once again Stephen stepped. Looking into the crowd his eyes searching, he found the two people sitting at the front row holding hands and winked. They smiled back at him, one of them mouthing a thank you. Of course, the girls around them started screaming. Then he looked up at the balcony and waved as he began singing. No matter what they tell us No matter what they do No matter what they teach us What we believe is true No matter what they call us However they attack No matter where they take us We'll find our own way back I can't deny what I believe I can't be what I'm not I know our love forever I know, no matter what If only tears were laughter (ooh) If only night was day (ooh) If only prayers were answered (hear my prayers) Then we would hear God say (say) No matter what they tell you (ooh) No matter what they do (ooh) No matter what they teach you What we believe is true And I will keep you safe and strong And shelter from the storm No matter where it's barren A dream is being born (Ooh) No matter who they follow No matter where they lead No matter how they judge us I'll be everyone you need No matter if the sun don't shine (sun don't shine) Or if the skies are blue (skies are blue) No matter what the end is My life began with you I can't deny what I believe (what I believe, yeah) I can't be what I'm not (I know, I know) I know this love's forever That's all that matters now No matter what No matter what (no, no matter, no) No, no matter That's all that matters to me
No sooner had the ended another one started^Å You're the key to my life... Rain on the window covers the trace Of all the tears that I've had to waste And now I'm missing you so And I won't let you go away Stain on the desktop where coffee cups lay And memories of you forever will stay And the scent of your perfume And the smile on your face will remain... And I never gave up hope when things got me down But I just bit on my lip and my face began to frown Cos that was just my pride and I've nothing else to hide And now the way is clear and all I want to say is.. All of my life the doors have been closed now And all of my dreams have been locked up inside But you came along and captured my heart, girl You're the key to my life Yeah Year after year, was blaming myself (blaming myself..) For what I'd done, just thought of myself I know that you'll understand (you'll understand...) This was all my own fault, don't go away.. And I never gave up hope when things got me down But I just bit on my lip And my face began to frown Cos that was just my pride and I've nothing left to hide And now the way is clear and all I want to say is... All of my life the doors have been closed now And all of my dreams have been locked up inside But you came along and captured my heart, girl You're the key to my life Yeah Dear you know that I feel for you There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do Stop the thunder and the pouring rain You're the one that's going to stop the pain Dear you know that I feel for you There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do Stop the thunder and the pouring rain Listen to me can't you hear what I say... All of my life the doors have been closed now And all of my dreams have been locked up inside But you came along and captured my heart, girl You're the key to my life Yeah
With that the set ended and the boyz ran backstage, leaving the audience screaming for more. More than a few were awed at the intensity of the emotions that was in the singing. That's all for now...if you've reached this part, thanks for reading. As far as writing goes this falls below even my normally low standards but I wanted to do it and I did so there. Ah the joys of creative control. Next post will be better...again, let me know if I should send the actual version of this chapter. This is for you luv. muakz