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*IN THE CAR*

"Do you mind if I check out your CD's?" A.J. asked while they sat behind the Backstreet van in a rather long line of traffic.

"No, go ahead," she said reaching for the case in the back seat.

Flipping through the case he came across Korn. "You two don't look like the Korn type."

"Really? Have you ever heard 'All In The Family'?" she asked smiling. "That's Bean's favorite song," she said putting the CD in and turning to track 20.

"Speaking of Bianca, do you think she cares that I call her 'Bean' too?" he asked.

"No! Believe me, if she cared you would know. She doesn't let just anyone call her that. She's actually pretty strict about who she lets call her that," Brianna said seriously. "Besides, she'll let you call her anything you want."

A.J. was surprised by Brianna's straight-forward comment. "What do you mean?"

"What the hell do you think I mean? And don't even act like you don't notice that she likes you, 'cause you've been flirting with her all day long."

"I was hoping my flirting would pay off, but I really wasn't sure if it was working," he replied.

"Did she talk to you?"

"Yes."

"Then it's working."

*IN THE VAN*

"So, do you kinda get the idea of what the tour's gonna be like?" Kevin asked Bianca as they sped down the highway.

"Yeah," She lied. She understood enough to get by, and she was so excited to actually be on the tour she didn't want to do anything to ruin it. But she caught on quick and she could handle it.

"Okay, now that I've told you how it'll work, I can tell you the fun stuff. You're allowed to bring people on the road with you, but no more than three at a time unless they're family. For safety reasons, mainly."

"That's cool. Can anyone stay with me for the whole tour? Or do they have to leave after a while?"

"One person can stay for the whole thing," Kevin answered, hoping that one person would be Brianna.

"Cool, I can bring my mom," she said waiting for his reaction. She knew he was waiting for her to say she was bringing Brianna.

"Oh, yeah," he said trying unsuccessfully to hide his disappointment. "That's cool."

"Well, she'll probably be too busy to stay with me for the entire tour, so I'm gonna ask Brianna to stay. She's like my sister, so she counts as family," she said as she watched Kevin's face light up.

"That will be fine, too. Like I said, you can bring anyone you want," he replied unable to hide the happiness in his voice and smile.

*BACK IN THE CAR*

"Well, it looks like we're almost here," said A.J. Everyone knew that the boy loved to shop. "I'm ready to go spend some mad money.

"Make sure you buy Bean something, or she'll get pissed," Brianna said with a laugh. "She loves for guys to spend money on her. Big money."

"Done deal," A.J. said grinning. "I can get her a birthday present since it's not that far away."

Brianna laughed. She was just teasing, but if A.J. wanted to take her seriously, that's fine, too. AT the least, Bianca might get some cool clothes from him that Brianna could borrow.

*BACK IN THE VAN*

"I'm so excited," Bianca said happily. "I never thought this would come. This has been my dream since I was a little girl, but now I'm actually gonna be living it."

Nick watched Bianca closely. 'She's even cuter when she's excited. I can hardly wait to see her on the first night of the tour,' he thought.

"It'll seem unreal for the first couple of months, but then everything will sink in. It just takes time," Kevin said with a smile.

Bianca liked Kevin She could tell that he was going to watch out for her and Brianna. Especially Brianna. It was obvious he likes her. 'They're really good for each other,' she thought with a grin. 'They just seem to match each other.'

"So..." Nick began trying to think of something he could say to Bianca. "Do you like to shop?"

"Definitely! I am a maniac when it comes to spending money. Especially someone else's money," she answered with a playful smile. "I always got in trouble with my mama back at home. I can't keep money unless it's in the bank."

"Do you like Spencer's?" Brian asked looking back at Bianca.

"Well, I've never been in there."

Brian was hoping that's what her answer would be. He had a plan to cheer Nick up, but it was up to Nick to make it work. 'I'll get him started,' he thought. 'But he has to finish it.'

"Nick, man, you love Spencer's. Why don't you take Bianca and show her what a crazy store it is," Brian said elbowing him in the ribs.

"Uhh...sure. That's if you want me to," he said looking at Bianca with a questioning look.

"Sure. I'm up for anything."

With that said, they all got out of the van and went to wait for Brianna and A.J. to arrive.

*5 Minutes Later*

Brianna saw Bianca, Kevin, Howie, Brian, and Nick standing in front of the mall as she parked her car. She had gotten a really good parking space, so she and A.J. didn't have very far to walk.

"Hey," Kevin said to Brianna smiling sexily and taking her hand.

"Hey," she said sweetly. Thoughts about Space Mountain ran through her mind, making her heart race. She still hadn't told Bianca, but she was planning to as soon as they got back to the hotel.

"So, is there more business to discuss?" Bianca asked as A.J. walked up beside her.

"Hi, sweetness," he said in his raspy voice. Bianca giggled as he once again slipped his arm around her shoulders.

"Well, now all we have to talk about is the tour," Kevin answered. "If all you other guys want to go ahead and be shopping, that's fine. It won't take long at all."

"I'm gonna go walk around by myself. I need some alone time. The other half of me is feeling left out," Brian said grinning. "I've been neglecting it.

"Looks like it's just me and you again," Brianna said looking at A.J. "I need some new clothes anyway. Want to help me pick some out?"

"Hey, do you mind if I come with y'all?" Howie asked.

"No, not at all. Y'all can both help me pick out some new clothes," Brianna answered cheerfully. "Are you sure you don't wanna walk around with us Brian?"

"No, thanks though. I'm just gonna walk around. Not shop," he said before walking in the opposite direction.

A.J., Brianna, and Howie headed off to start shopping. She wanted to go to all the trendiest stores.

"Before y'all go, we need to meet back here in about an hour. Then we can shop together," Kevin said looking at everyone. By 'we', he meant he and Brianna.

"Sure Hitler, can we go now?" A.J. asked. He was the most impatient person in the world when it came to spending money.

"Yeah, go ahead, but remember: one hour," Kevin stressed to him once more. He knew A.J.'s addiction to spending money. The last time the guys all went shopping, A.J.'s the one that made them late. "Okay, we need to start talking."

"I'm all ears," Bianca said smiling.

Nick couldn't help but smile at how sweet Bianca looked. 'There are so many things I want to say to her, but I can't because of A.J.,' he thought unhappily. 'If only they would realize that they aren't right for each other.'

"Okay, are there any questions you want to ask about anything?" Kevin asked turning to Bianca.

"Well...there is one that automatically comes to mind," she replied.

"Shoot."

"What are the traveling arrangements?"

"You'll have your own tour bus. It'll be smaller than ours, but that's because it's just going to be you and your guest."

"Brianna," she interjected.

"That's fine," he said smiling to himself. "So, you'll have a separate bus and your own hotel room unless you and Brianna want to share."

"We'll share. If we had separate rooms, one of us would end up in the other's room anyway," she said stopping to look at a dress in the window of Nordstrom. "Hey, do you mind if I go try that on?"

"Yeah, sure. Me and Nick will find a place to sit and talk."

"Come in and give me your opinion. Besides, one night I might be wearing this on stage. You don't want me to embarrass y'all do you?"

"We'll go. Won't we Kev?" Nick said hitting Kevin on the chest.

"Sure, we wouldn't you to make us look bad," Kevin replied jokingly.

The three walked into the Nordstrom's and over to the dress racks. "What color should I try on?" Bianca asked moving a couple of dresses to the side.

"Green," Nick said. "That's my favorite color."

Plucking the green one off the rack, she headed to the dressing room. After a few minutes, the door opened, drawing Nick and Kevin's attention to the dressing room. Bianca soon came walking out.

As Bianca came out into full view, Nick couldn't take his eyes away. The dress fit her perfectly, and he couldn't help but notice that she had curves in all the right places. 'I don't think the color green has ever looked that good,' he thought still unable to stop staring.

"Does it look okay? Is it too short?" she questioned. "I feel like I look bad."

"No, I think it looks fine," Kevin told her seriously. "A.J.'ll love it."

"Yeah, it'll look great on him," Nick replied hatefully.

"Well, I don't think I'm gonna pay this price for a dress and let A.J. wear it," Bianca told Nick noticing the anger in his voice. "Besides, I already know it looks better on me."

"Bianca, Nick and I are gonna walk outside while you change back into your clothes and pay for the dress," he told her as she headed back into the dressing room. "Nick, I need to talk to you."

"What is it?" Nick asked as they got outside the store.

"Man, what's been up with you today? You haven't been yourself at all," Kevin asked looking a little concerned.

"Nothing man. I just thought I was gonna be able to spend an hour without having to think about A.J. He seems to pop up everywhere I go now."

"Yeah, but you know, we pretty much live together."

"I know, but I would like to have an hour without him being mentioned. We're really not on good terms with each other right now."

"Well, why aren't y'all on good terms? Everything was fine this morning."

"I'm just tired of A.J. trying to make an ass out of me in front of the girls, especially Bianca," he said looking everywhere but at Kevin.

"I'll talk to him about it but at least try to cheer up. He's not around now."

Just as Kevin finished his sentence, Bianca came walking out of the store. "Are y'all ready to go?" she asked looking at them.

"Yeah," Kevin said. "You didn't get the dress?"

"No, I decided I should wait."

*At The Same Time*

"Man they have some awesome sneakers here," A.J. said walking around Foot Locker.

"Yeah, I know. That's why I came here. I love shoes," Brianna said picking up a pair of Nike's. "These are great. What do you think?"

"They'd look good on you, but I'm not so sure about me," A.J. replied grinning.

Brianna looked over at Howie. "What do you think?"

"I like them. Look at those blue and orange one's though. Those seem to match you for some reason," he said showing her the shoes.

"Ooh, I didn't see those. I like them," she said putting down the pair she was holding. "I think I'm gonna get these."

"I shouldn't buy anything else," A.J said looking at his bags. "I've gotten something from almost every store we've been in, but I can't seem to stop myself."

"I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get these shoes. I haven't bought anything yet and I love these," she said thinking about it. "Yeah, I'm definitely gonna get these shoes."

"Hey, how long do we have before we have to meet up with the others?" A.J. asked looking at his watch.

"Half an hour. We still have time to check out some stuff you want to look at Howie," Brianna said looking over to see what he wanted to do.

"Whatever y'all want to do is fine with me. If I see anything I wanna look at, I'll let you know," he replied.

"Okay. Now, back to these shoes," she said pulling her wallet out of her purse.

*At The Same Time*

"That's all I can think of to ask you," Bianca said looking at Kevin. She scrunched her nose up as she tried to think if she had any more important questions. "That's pretty much it."

"Okay then. If you two want to go ahead and go to Spencer's that's cool. I'm gonna head back," Kevin said walking toward the food court.

"Alright, where's Spencer's? What kinda stuff is in there?" Bianca said looking at Nick.

"Well, it's basically just fun stuff. Some of the stuff is kinda gross though. If you don't like it, we don't have to stay. We don't even have to go if you don't want to," Nick answered her nervously. 'I sound like such a dork,' he thought looking at the ground as they walked toward the store.

"No, I want to go see it. It's sounds really cool," she said noticing the nervousness in his voice. "I might be a 17 year old girl, but that doesn't mean I'm not exposed to this kinda stuff."

'I cannot believe I'm actually alone with her. Maybe today isn't going to be such a waste after all,' Nick thought looking over at Bianca.

As they walked into Spencer’s, they were greeted by bright displays of music memorabilia. The center attraction just happened to be the Backstreet Boys.

"Don't you ever get tired of seeing your face plastered in windows everywhere you go?" Bianca asked Nick seriously.

"It was a shock at first, but you get used to it, I guess." Nick answered. "You need to go on and be expecting it, too, Bianca. You're gonna be just as famous as we are one day soon. You have talent. I can tell." 'Way to go, Nick. That was the smoothest thing you've said all day.' He congratulated himself while he watched Bianca's reaction.

She blushed at his comment, wondering if he was being sincere or just trying to make her feel good. After all, she was still an unknown opening for the biggest boy band in history. That was enough to make anybody nervous.

Their concentration was broken when they realized they had still been walking. They were standing now in front of a display of kinky birthday cards. With one look, Bianca blushed again and turned to look at Nick.

"I think we've seen enough for one day," Nick said embarrassed. "Let's go back and find the others."

"Sure," said Bianca. "We can do that." She didn't want to admit it, but she kinda missed A.J. and was wondering what kind of stuff Brianna had been telling them in their long absence.

*10 Minutes Later*

As A.J., Brianna, and Howie walked up, A.J. noticed that Kevin and Brian were alone. 'Where are Bean and Nick?' he wondered a little more anxiously than angrily.

"Hey, you," Brianna greeted Kevin as she slipped her hand into his. "Did you buy anything?"

"No, I found Brian after I left Nick and Bianca. We just walked around looking at the sports stuff. What did you buy?" he asked looking down at her bag. 'If it's anything like what Bianca looked at, boy that'll be good,' he though smiling,

"Oh, I bought a really cool pair of sneakers at Foot Locker and a few things I needed."

"So, Kev, where's Bianca and Nick?" A.J. asked trying to hide the fact that he was uncomfortable that they were both gone and probably together.

"Here they come now," Kevin answered looking past A.J.

Bianca was laughing at something Nick had just said, and Nick was obviously happy.

"Hey, baby," A.J. greeted Bianca as he walked between them.

"Hey," she smiled.

"Well, guys, it's late. Don't we need to get going?" Brain asked trying hard not to yawn. "Besides, Bianca has a big day tomorrow."

"Yeah, you're right. I hate that today had to go by so fast, but doesn't time always do that when you're having a good time?" Kevin replied squeezing Brianna's hand. "C'mon, we'll walk you two to your car."

Brianna's pulse sped up. Maybe she could get a good night kiss out of him like the one at Space Mountain, but in front of the guys she doubted it.

"G'night, everybody. See you in the morning, Bianca." Nick said.

"Yeah, guys, see ya," Brian added.

"Had fun shopping with you, Brianna. We'll have to do it again sometime." Howie laughed as he added "Maybe next time I'll actually buy something."

"That would be cool, I'm looking forward to it." Brianna was looking more toward her good-bye with Kevin and hoped the guys would hurry up and get on the van.

"I had a really good time today," A.J. said, looking into Bianca's eyes. "I mean, the few minutes we were actually together."

Bianca laughed. "Me, too." His brown eyes were so deep, and he was so cute. He looked over his shoulder at the guys, who were boarding the van. As he leaned in, Bianca knew what was about to happen.

A.J. lips softly brushed hers; leaving two feathery kisses on her mouth. Just as quickly as it had happened, it was over and she was looking into those deep brown eyes again.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered as he pulled away from her face. With that he turned and boarded the van.

*At The Same Time*

Brianna leaned against the drivers side door of her Accord, Kevin standing in front of her. Their hands hung at their sides, their fingers intertwined and their thumbs circling each other.

"Today was really...eventful," Brianna said breaking the silence. She really didn't know what to say to him, since he hadn't said anything about Space Mountain.

"Yeah," Kevin agreed. "Look..." he began, "I hope I didn't cross the line today on the ride. I mean, you were looking at me, and it was dark, and..."

Kevin was quieted by Brianna. "No, you didn't cross the line. You didn't do anything that I didn't want you to do." She was not known for being subtle with men.

Kevin was surprised, but happy, with her reply. "So, you wouldn't mind if I did it again?"

"Not at all." Brianna bit her strawberry-stained bottom lip and looked up at him playfully. Actually, she minded if he didn't.

He lowered his head to hers and kissed her deeply. As his tongue entered her mouth again, she felt him move his right hand to her waist and move himself closer. A small moan escaped her lips as she felt his body press against hers. She ran her hand through his short hair and let it rest on the back of his head. His eyes flew open and their eyes locked; Brianna didn't bother to close hers again.

As the kiss ended, Kevin pulled his head away. "I hate to break this up," he started, "but I think the other guys are waiting on me."

"Make them wait," was her reply as she pressed her lips to his again. Kevin returned the kiss and this time Brianna broke the lip-lock. "I guess you had better go before they come looking for you."

"Yeah, but please come with Bianca tomorrow. I really want to see you."

"I know, I want to see you, too. I'll definitely come."

"Okay then, see you tomorrow morning." Kevin pulled her in by the waist for a tight hug, squeezed her hand. "Sweet dreams," he said and turned to board the bus.

'I have to be dreaming,' Brianna thought as she watched him walk off. Bianca interrupted her thought .

"I enjoyed watching the show, but can we go now?"

Brianna turned red, not knowing anyone was watching. "Sure, let's head back to the hotel. I've got some dreaming to do."

*Later That Night*

"So, did you have fun today?" Bianca asked as she walked to the bathroom to brush her teeth. "You and Kevin sure did get close."

"I had a wonderful time," Brianna answered with a smile. "He's so..."

"So...what?"

"Amazing. I've never met anyone like him. Today, on Space Mountain, we had the most incredible kiss I think I've ever experienced. It was awesome," she began. Brianna described the entire experience in detail. Bianca sat wide-eyed listening the whole time. "That's pretty much it," Brianna finished.

"Wow, I wish I could have an experience like that," Bianca replied smiling at how Brianna looked.

She was lying across her bed with her head in her hands like a girl talking about her first big crush. "You really like him. Don't you?" Bianca asked breaking into Brianna's thoughts.

"Yeah. I know we just met, but he is different than any other guy I've met," she replied seriously. "What about you? You seem to be taking quite a liking to Mr. McLean."

"He's okay, but we just met, so I don't know what's gonna happen," she said blushing.

"Oh, please. Bianca, you let him call you Bean. The only guy I've ever known you to let call you that was Eric. Girl, I know how you were about him. You don't let just anyone call you Bean."

"Yeah, well, I guess I do like him. They're all really nice. They're fun to be around."

"Yeah, well, Nick seems a little distant."

Bianca thought about their talk earlier. "No, you just have to talk to him. He's just a little shy around people he doesn't know. He really is sweet though."

"Well, since we have to get up tomorrow morning, we need to go to bed. See you in the morning," Bianca said getting into her bed. "Sweet dreams."

"Yeah, you, too," Brianna said with a smile.

With that, the two girls drifted off to sleep each thinking of their 'eventful' day.

*At The Boy's Hotel: Kevin's Room*

Kevin lie awake on his bed with thoughts of the evening running through his mind. He couldn't ever remember meeting a girl like Brianna. She just mesmerized him. He wanted desperately to pick up the phone and call her. He ached to hear her voice again; just to hear his name spoken in that throaty voice of hers.

Kevin couldn't help but let his mind wander. He thought about the sly was she smiled when she took his hand in the mall, or how she bit her lip and closed her eyes as she leaned against her car. 'I'll bet she looks like an angel when she's sleeping,' he thought. Oh, how he wanted the chance to see that.

"Kevin, snap out of it. You just met Brianna yesterday," he said out loud. He sat up and, throwing both legs over the edge of the bed, buried his head in his hands. Kevin realized he needed to get out of that room. Even though it was 1:30 a.m. he still knew of one person who would be awake to listen.

*A.J. & Howie's Room*

"So, A.J. you're being awfully quiet tonight," Howie said walking out of the bathroom with his purple toothbrush in hand. "It's not like you to be this quiet."

"I don't know, D. It's like she just stiffened up when I kissed her," A.J. answered his friend, still thinking deeply.

"Maybe you just took her by surprise, that's all."

"She didn't kiss back, put her arms around me, nothing. No emotion whatsoever."

"I don't know what to tell ya, Bone. I'd help you if I could."

"Maybe I took action too fast. She doesn't seem like the quick type. Tomorrow I'll let her make the first move. G'night, D."

"See ya in the morning, A.J."

With that, the two friends turned out the light and fell asleep.

*Brian and Nick's Room*

"Man, you can't tear yourself up over this," Brian said in an exasperated tone.

"Yeah, but Brian," Nick countered, almost whiningly. "A.J. doesn't have to stifle the poor girl. She's not the type, anyway. Did you see how uncomfortable she was when A.J. kissed her tonight?"

Nick had been spying out the van window. When A.J. had leaned toward Bianca, Nick's heart sank. He had never met any woman that could say no to A.J.

His hope did return, though. When Bianca's lips met A.J.'s, Nick saw her body tense. He could tell it was from discomfort, but she didn't push A.J. away. Still, Nick hoped...

"Nick, are you totally sure you didn't imagine that?" Brian asked. He didn't want to aide in getting Nick's hopes up and then have him disappointed.

"I know, Bri. I'm positive. And she's going to be with me." Nick said as he was interrupted be a knock on their door.

"Guys, can I come in?" It was Kevin, but almost 2 in the morning was no time foe a social call.

"Something must be up," Brian whispered to Nick as he opened the door.

"Were you guys sleeping?" Kevin asked already knowing the answer to his question.

"Nah, man, we were in here with two fine girls," Brian answered his cousin smiling.

"Love the sarcasm, cuz," Kevin replied dryly. "I need to talk to you, but if you'd rather me leave, I will."

Brian could tell that something was really bothering Kevin. His eyes were rimmed with red from trying to sleep, and his normally tidy hair was disheveled from tossing and turning.

"What's up, Kevy?"

"Girl confusion, man. I can't get this chick out of my head."

"What chick?" Nick asked.

"What chick?!" Brian repeated looking over at his best friend. "The only chick he's been with all day. What flavor was her lip gloss anyway, man?" he asked looking at Kevin with a sly smile.

Kevin turned a deep shade of red at Brian's remark. "Yeah, that would be her," he mumbled nervously.

"Well, what's wrong?" Brian asked.

Kevin thought for a moment and finally answered. "Nothing's wrong. I like her. A lot. That's what I don't understand. I've only known her for two days. How much did you two see today, anyway?"

"I didn't see anything between you and Brianna," Nick answered, throwing his hands in the air to emphasize his point.

"I saw a lot," Brian said laughing. "But seriously, Kevin how do you feel about Brianna? What are you hoping will happen?"

"I like her, I've already said that. I could see us together, and I want us to be together..."

"And..." Brian questioned.

"And I think she feels the same about me."

"Well then, what do you need my advice for? I can't tell you exactly what to do, man. But I remember what Uncle Gerald told you about performing. You need to follow your heart; it'll take you where you want to be."

"Thanks, man. I knew you could help me kinda sort things out." Kevin smiled warmly at his favorite cousin.

"Anytime," Brian said opening the door for Kevin. "Now, go and get some sleep, bro. You can't look like shit when you see your girl tomorrow."

Just as Brian was walking away from the door, Kevin poked his head back into the room. "Just one more thing, Bri."

"Yeah?"

"About the lip gloss. It was strawberry." Brian chuckled and Kevin left, closing the door behind him.

Back in his room Kevin collapsed on his bed, relieved. Brian had helped ease the confusion. He quickly drifted into a contented sleep thinking of Brianna who, asleep in her hotel room across town, was asleep dreaming of him.