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"Our little prince is sleeping," Brian announced softly as he took a seat beside Natalie on the couch in Baylee's hospital room. Watching Baylee shift slightly amongst the covers, curling Simba and George close, he had to smile. He was relieved to see Baylee sleeping so peacefully, especially with the surgery coming so close to date. It gave Baylee a chance to dream without worrying about the inevitable. It gave Brian peace of mind to see him so comfortable. Because he had seen the opposite side of the spectrum, where Baylee had been close to death. Shuddering at the mere memory, Brian tucked himself close to Natalie's side, watching her rework the Healthy Hearts Club's website. Smiling, he tenderly kissed her shoulder. "How are you, Nat?"

"Tired, worried, a little sleepy, nervous, scared…" Natalie admitted softly as she pushed the laptop aside for the moment, needing the comfort Brian could only offer. Sliding an arm around his waist, she glanced towards Baylee, feeling as though her heart was crushing with pain. As his surgery drew near, she could only remember the fear and anxiety she had experienced during Brian's surgery. This time, it was worse.

"Likewise," Brian agreed as he gently rubbed her shoulder with the tips of his fingers. "But, seeing him sleep like that… I know he's going to be okay…"

"Did you hear him earlier when he was talking to Lizzie? Telling her that when they get better he's going to marry her," Natalie murmured, snuggling closer to him. "He's so tiny, Bumpkin… And I know I probably shouldn't, but I love him like he was my own son--"

"He thinks of you as his mother," Brian interrupted softly. "And, frankly, I'm glad he does. You've always been a mother to him, Nat. Since the day he was born. I just wish you would have been the one laying in the hospital bed holding him…"

Nodding in agreement, Natalie closed her eyes, resting her forehead on Brian's chest for a moment. Hoping he wouldn't see her tears, she slid her other arm around him. "I love you, Bumpkin."

"I love you, too, Nat," Brian promised, rubbing her back gingerly, knowing that tears were falling. He had to smile softly at the thought, thanking God that he had Natalie by his side to help him through the heartache. Thankful that she understood his need to keep their status platonic for just a few more weeks. Till Baylee was better. Though, those thoughts deterred as Baylee's hospital door swung open with Nick following in a panicked rush, staring at a small machine. "Nick?"

"Nat, can you help me with this piece of crumbling dog shit? I can't get the songs I want on it," Nick whined loudly, thrusting the new MP3 player towards the couple. He had just gone to the store to buy it, making up for the one he had broken when he scared Alana from the mountain. He had been hoping to do some romantic gestures with the piece of machinery to make up for his blunder at her home, but nothing was working.

Sighing, Natalie broke from Brian slightly, quickly wiping her tears away as she took the MP3 player from Nick. Turning slightly so she was still close to Brian, she turned the player over in her hands, checking to make sure the batteries were installed correctly. Seeing that they were, she reached for her laptop. "Do you have the USB cord that came with it? Wait, this is the same as Bumpkin's, I'll just use his…" Leaning slightly for her laptop case, she tugged the necessary cord out, quickly attaching the player to her laptop. "I thought you just bought a player?"

"I did. A much less complicated piece of shit that's for sure. But the guy said that this was the best in the market and Alana really does know her electronics so--"

"You bought an MP3 Player for Alana?" Brian questioned in surprise as Nick took the chair by Baylee's bedside, though he faced the couple. Brian's light blue eyes glimmered with honest surprise as he stared at his younger friend. Since arriving in Kentucky, Nick and Brian had hardly found time to be together. Brian was busy with Natalie and Nick was planning this benefit concert. Or, perhaps, he was planning something entirely different.

"Well, yeah, I kind of broke hers when I--"

"What songs do you want on this piece of crumbling dog shit, Nicky?" Natalie cooed, tapping her fingers impatiently on the keyboard.

Nick suddenly shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Can't you just tell me how to do it?"

"…Is there something going on between you and Alana?" Brian suddenly accused.

"We're just friends, Rok--"

"Here," Natalie interrupted, shooting Brian a censuring look as she got to her feet. Moving behind Nick, she placed the laptop in his lap. "Just select the song from the list on the left and right click, select 'add to upload' and once you're done push the button there, then click 'yes', then--"

"I'll just point to the songs I want," Nick whined, forcing Natalie into his seat before crouching beside her. He had no time to memorize such a list of directions when Alana would be appearing at any moment. He wanted to surprise her with the gift. Not get caught in the middle of making it.

"You are such a spoiled baby," Natalie sighed, tucking her feet on the edge of Baylee's mattress. "Oh, Bumpkin? Nick's giving this to 'Lana 'cause he broke hers by scaring the living daylights out of her when she went rock climbing. And, once it was decided that she was going to live, they did some very naughty things on the hood of 'Lana's Jeep--"

"NAT!" Nick gasped in horror.

"Nick!" Brian growled in sheer disbelief, vaulting from his seat upon the couch. Walking over, he leaned on Natalie's shoulder to see what Nick wanted downloaded. He then glanced back to Nick with a look of annoyance. "What did you do with Alana? God, you cannot be screwing around with her. She isn't like the girls in Florida or California--"

"I'm not just screwing around with her!" Nick defended, glaring still at Natalie. "If you need to know, I'm falling in--"

"That all the songs you wanted, Nicky? You have plenty more room," Natalie interrupted with a sweet smile.

"I hate you so much right now it's fucking unbelievable. Just download them," Nick growled.

"You're just upset that you got caught," Brian sighed, pulling at his sandy locks. "These games are so tiring, Nick--"

"It's not a fucking game, Brian. Alana is different. And yes, I know, I've said that before, but this time, damnit, I mean it. I mean, Hell, I fell on my dick last night and thought I'd broken it, and she didn't just get up and leave or kick me out. She's different, Brian. I love--"

Before Nick could get his sentence completed or Brian could intervene, Alana came walking through the door with a box and an IV bag on top. She was bopping her head playfully to the beat in her head, dancing her way to Baylee's bedside. Her sweet voice singing, "There's too many questions / and too many strings / And it won't keep this thing tied / On the road, it costs the ride / It feels like I'm lying next to a ghost at night-And I have an audience…"

"Here's your piece of crumbling dog shit," Natalie informed Nick, shoving the player into his hands. Getting to her feet, she snapped her laptop shut, offering Alana a smile. "Keep singing, 'Lana. Maybe it'll drown out the constant bullshit that seems to emanate from a certain jackass in this room."

Nick stared after Natalie as she tossed the laptop to the couch, dumbfounded at the sharpness she had shown. Usually sweet and accommodating, Natalie rarely cursed. Turning to Brian when the bathroom door clicked shut, he raised one brow in confusion. "You been bullshitting around with her again?"

"I haven't been doing… I mean… At least… God, I hope she was talking about you," Brian breathed with dismay, sinking back onto the couch as he watched Alana hang yet another bag of medication for his son after setting a shoebox at the end of his bed. He gave Alana a curious glance, causing her to smile adorably. "You planning on sneaking my son out of here in a shoebox, Alana?"

"Nah, I've got a duffle bag waiting in my locker for that," Alana promised, toying with Baylee's platinum ringlets for a small moment. "Those are a pair of Converses that I just bought myself. Sky blue, Jungle Boogie Boy's favorite color. He said he wanted to decorate a pair all by himself. So the permanent markers are in there and everything."

"That'll make him happy," Brian noted with a smile, his gaze moving to his sleeping son. "I was--"

"Can we talk?" Nick interrupted, fiddling with the player in his hands. "I mean… When you're not busy or anything. 'Cause I know you've got stuff to do, probably. In fact, it can wait 'till you--"

"Usually when someone says that, I have to gear up for a parent screaming in my face," Alana laughed as she brushed her hands against her light yellow scrub top with a sweeping 'V' neck. Glancing around Nick, she noticed the perplexed look crossing Brian's face. "Do you need anything from me?"

Brian glanced to Nick. "Well, actually--"

"He was about to go see who pissed in Nat's cornflakes," Nick finished for him. Giving his friend a pleading look over his shoulder, he nodded towards the bathroom door.

Brian fixed a glare at his younger friend. "Nick, I need to speak to her--"

"I know you do, because apparently you've upset her over something. You hear that?" Pausing for a dramatic effect, Nick nodded solemnly when he heard a distinct sniffle from the bathroom. "Sounds like she's upset. Better go make sure she's not crying and thinking about leaving like she did a few months ago--"

"Damnit, Nick!" Brian cursed, lurching from his seat at the mere mention of Natalie vacating his life. Hurrying over to the private bathroom, he knocked softly, pleading for entrance. And when the door opened, Brian glared heavily at Nick before slipping inside.

"You're absolutely horrible," Alana groaned as she picked up the clipboard at the bottom of Baylee's bed, ticking off a few assessments that she had done.

"What? It's not my fault she's PMS'ing," Nick stated in defense. "Besides… I wanted to give you something--"

"If you're slapping your broken penis in my hand--"

"Didn't I show you that it's not broken?" Nick interrupted with a faint blush coloring his cheeks. Nothing, he was sure, would ever make him forget that embarrassment. "But it's not that… It's this…" Holding out the player, he gave her a slight smile. "To replace the one I caused you to break…"

"Nick…" Alana trailed softly as he reached to place it firmly into her hands. She turned the small player over and realized it was the most expensive brand on the market. Far too expensive for Nick to be wasting his money on just to pacify her. "This is really too much… It was my fault that the stupid thing broke. I should have been more attentive…"

"Oh!" Nick blurted, diving for the bag he had brought in with him. Digging into it, he extracted a small case. Handing it to her, he gave her a grin. "This has a special clip for your rock climbing harness. And the player has an impact warranty, it's supposed to withstand being dropped to the ground from the side of a mountain by a wild woman--"

"I am not a wild woman," Alana laughed, gently pushing on his shoulder as she rolled her eyes with disbelief. "And rock climbing is very invigorating. It relieves a hellva'lotta stress that builds up inside me. And Lord knows I have to be careful picking my spots because you're liable to come sniffing around."

"What am I, a bloodhound or something?" Nick questioned with a chuckle. Leaning over, he brushed her lips softly with his. "Just… Promise me something, okay?"

"Depends on what it is," Alana answered, leaning back slightly to find his dark ocean eyes.

"That next time you go, you'll take me."

"Why?" she questioned with confusion, furrowing her light blonde brows with question.

"So that I can make love to you when we get to the top," Nick explained softly.

"You taking my Jeep up to the top of the mountain to wait for the sex in the backseat?" Alana guessed, unnerved by the way his dark indigo eyes smoldered with wanting. Making love. God, did he really consider it making love? She could have sworn it was just sex. That all it would be was sex. That he'd get tired of her eventually.

"No… I'm talking about climbing up with you--"

"Nick, you had a fit when I was climbing. Are you scared that I'm--"

"Going to slip, fall, and break your neck?" Nick finished for her. Sighing, he sank down on the couch, toying with the holy knee of his jeans. "Yes, I am. I'm scared that something's going to happen to you out there and you won't have a way of calling for help--"

"Nothing has happened to me… That is, till you came up from under me and started screaming," Alana groaned, though she bit down on her bottom lip when she saw the hopelessness in his beautiful eyes. Moving to sit beside him, she reached to brush her fingers over his bare knee. "I'm fine, Nick… But you're not…"

"What do you mean?" Nick inquired, shivering at her light touch.

"I'm asking you what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong…"

"Nick…" Alana chided softly, tugging at the frayed edges of his jeans.

"What? I'm serious!"

"Fine--"

"What did you do with AJ the other night?" Nick blurted.

"What?" Alana yelped as Nick yanked her down into his lap when she tried to get up. Her teal eyes hurriedly searched his face for clues. The darkness in his ocean eyes, the way his forehead wrinkled in consternation. "Are you jealous? Is that why you bought me this MP3 Player?"

"I bought you this MP3 player because I broke your other one," Nick corrected. "And… Yes, damnit, I'm jealous. Didn't I tell you that already? And having that man whore hinting around at what he did with you is not helping."

"And exactly what is he hinting that we did that's not helping?" she inquired curiously, tucking the MP3 and the connection piece into her back scrub bottom pocket.

"What do you think? A-fucking-parently, according to him, you couldn't keep your hands off him--"

"He came into my house. Squealed like a girl over my CD collection. Stole some peanut butter cookie batter. Offered to wash my dishes. Took a tour of my house. Then watched two movies. And went home," Alana told him with a perfunctory sort of way. Her teal eyes gleamed playfully as she took his hand into hers, gently toying with the rings on his finger. "You were the one that spent the night in my bed, Nickalicious."

"But… He said… And then… I am so going to kill him," Nick muttered after a moment, tugging her close for a kiss.

"Not till after your concert, okay?" Alana suggested against his lips, wishing she didn't enjoy the closeness of his body.

"Does that mean I can have a sniper ready when the last song is over?" Nick murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist to hold her close to him. "That way, everyone--"

"Honestly, Bumpkin, it's nothing you did," Natalie insisted as she came out of the bathroom, rolling her eyes when she saw Nick and Alana's cozy embrace on the couch. Giving Brian an imploring look as she reached for her purse, she moved to kiss Baylee softly on the cheek. "I'm just going down for a burger--"

Brian's face crumpled in defeat. "Natalie--"

"You guys have to do a dry-run of the concert for tomorrow and I need some lunch," Alana explained hurriedly toward Nick, sliding away from his lap. "Tell Baylee I'll see him when he wakes up for a movie. And-Hey! Natalie! Wait up!"

Pausing just outside the door, Natalie shoved one hand into her purse, furiously searching for some cash. "What movie are you going to watch with Bay?" she questioned softly once Alana joined her.

"Whatever he wants to watch, I suppose. Probably the Lion King," Alana guessed, pulling out some money from the pocket of her scrub top. She offered it toward Natalie as they walked down the hallway together. "He loves watching the Lion King…"

"When he was a newborn, I stayed with Brian and Leigh to help out. Some nights he'd be so colicky that no one could sleep, and Leigh was always the first to give up. Brian was just exhausted from all the daily stuff he did, so I stepped in to give him a break. I always snuggled with Bay on the big couch and we'd watch that movie over and over…" Natalie trailed softly, accepting the money. "His first word after 'Dada' was 'Pumbaa', and he always said that when he was passing gas…"

"I'm surprised he doesn't call you Mommy…" Alana trailed, stuffing her hands into the back pockets of her pants. Feeling the MP3 Player, she made a face and pulled it out to stick it in her top pocket. She made sure to avoid Natalie's eyes as she walked her to the elevators. God how Alana missed being called Mommy.

"I always corrected him… Even though it did make me feel so good to be called that, it wasn't right… I'm not his Mommy. I'm just Brian's friend--"

"You're a lot more in his eyes, Natalie."

"I'd give anything to be his mother, Alana. But, God, Brian…"

"I meant that you're a lot more in Brian's eyes than just his friend. No matter what he tells you or what he tells someone else," Alana explained, leaning on the wall as Natalie pressed for the elevator. Reaching underneath her top to find her necklace, she subconsciously rubbed the beautiful ring with her thumb. "He wants you and he's trying so hard to get to that point. But having a sick little boy… That takes out so much… Drains you completely…"

"I understand, really I do… And I feel so damn selfish," Natalie sighed, resting her forehead on the wall beside Alana. "He tells me he wants to keep things platonic. Yet then he turns around and gives me these mind-blowing kisses that make my knees go weak and my heart starts fluttering and all I want is for him to just take me, right there,, and-God, I need to get laid," she whined.

"Nick's into the laying business. You should give him a call--"

"Lord, no. I saw him naked once and I think he'd break me in half. Besides, he's yours--"

"He isn't mine," Alana immediately sputtered, wondering slightly how Natalie had come across seeing him naked. Though her mind immediately fell to the end portion of Natalie's statement. There were no labels attached between them. "We just… He's… He wanted sex…"

"If all he wanted was sex, he wouldn't have bought you roses. Or an MP3 player--"

"AL! I can play 3 Doors Down on my guitar! Come listen!" a teenager in a hospital gown called from the hallway.

"That's my Chad," Alana explained when Natalie looked puzzled, though Alana was just relieved at the interruption. She signaled toward Chad, who grinned with excitement. "You going to watch Lion King with Baylee later?"

"Probably," Natalie murmured, glancing towards the elevator when the doors opened. "Have fun, okay?"

"With my kids… Always," Alana promised with a soft grin. "Enjoy that burger on me and next time, don't lock yourself in the bathroom with a mini-massager. Just gets Brian all flustered."
*~*~*

Standing with Alana to the side of the stage as the final adjustments were made to the microphones before the group went on, Natalie peeked out at the crowd gathered on the lawn. Less than two hundred had been invited to the performance. Every child in the hospital, plus a few special fans from radio contests and the fan clubs. There was a bustle of activity occurring just beyond the stage as the local radio media played music to keep the children and parents entertained for the time being. Awareness bracelets were being sold in a frenzy of spirit as children played excitedly amongst their parents. The hospital was alive with activity. Each sick child waiting on the large beach blankets having renewed hope in life. It was an amazing thing to see, especially as Alana glanced down to her five special girls in the very front center, almost right next to the small stage. "I think I'm going to go sit with the girls," Alana volunteered suddenly, glancing to Natalie who had been holding Baylee quite comfortably.

"Oh no you aren't," Natalie disagreed with a soft laugh, shifting Baylee to the opposite hip so she could take a photograph of the audience. "You're going to stay right here until-HEY!" she yelped when she felt fingers pinch her backside.

"Wasn't me!" A male voice blurted behind the women.

Scowling, Natalie turned, immediately laughing when she saw the young man standing behind her. "Aaron! How many times do I have to tell you not to do that… When Bumpkin's not looking," she trailed into a whisper, reaching to hug him.

"Little Nicky!" Baylee cooed with glee, leaning in with Natalie to join in the hug.

Leaving Alana bewildered, she glanced to see the girls waving with exuberance toward her. She smiled and waved back, fully prepared just to jump off the side of the stage and disappear into the crowd. She wasn't working today. Perks of getting the Backstreet Boys to perform at the Hospital for free publicity. Or at least that's what her bosses had told her. It hadn't mattered much as she stared at the young man conversing with Natalie. She wasn't a fool and recognized him immediately as Nick's little brother. But she wanted no where near the fire as she moved to slip away.

"'Lana! Meet Little Nicky!" Baylee insisted, transferring himself into Aaron's arms.

Groaning when Natalie reached to catch the back belt loops of her hip hugging, boot-cut, worn denim jeans, Alana was pulled back to the small group. Immediately swatting Natalie's hands away from her body, she winced as she discreetly fixed the denim to lay smoothly over her backside then tugged on the amethyst purple camisole to meet the jeans, though it rested neatly above her pierced button belly anyway. Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, she brushed a few stray locks behind her ears, smiling at Aaron. "It's nice to meet you."

"Are you the crazy rock climbing Alana?" Aaron questioned with a grin, kissing the top of Baylee's head before handing him back to Natalie. "Nick's told me about--"

"Show time in thirty seconds," a stage hand announced as he passed by.

"Which means it'll take Nick two minutes to get on stage," Aaron answered with a smirk.

"Nicky slow," Baylee confided to Alana as his father popped up beside Natalie to kiss them both good luck. But Baylee was deterred slightly by the ink close to Alana's hip. "'Lana! You got's a pony on your hip!"

Glancing down quickly, Alana blushed at Baylee's discovery, especially as all eyes moved to her body. Even Nick who had been greeting his brother. Sighing, she inched her jeans down to show the tattoo of a wild, black colt stallion rearing against the right front part of her lean pubic bone. And an unfamiliar name of 'Colton' weaved into the colt's black tail.

"Who the fuck is Colton?!" Nick blurted.

"Could you be anymore tactless, Nicky?" Natalie sighed, pulling her attention from Brian's kiss to look at the tattoo. "That's so cool… Want to see my tattoo?" she questioned as she handed Baylee over to Brian for several quick kisses.

"Looks like someone got to that honey-pot before us, Nicky," AJ chuckled, brushing his fingers over the horse.

"As much as I would love to stay for these displays of tattoos. My wife has just called saying she's pregnant and we need to get this show on the road," Kevin groaned, glancing to his watch.

There was a moment of silence following Kevin's announcement. Howie was the first to break the silence, stepping forward to hug the oldest member. "That's awesome news, Kev--"

"Already?!"

"You two have been trying forever--"

"That's why I'd like to get this show on the road so I can hit the road home in time to go to the first appointment," Kevin explained with a laugh, tackling all his band mates in a furious hug of gratefulness. That is, before he scooped up Baylee and Natalie for their own gentle hugs and kisses. And, so immersed within the news, Alana attempted to slip away unnoticed.

"Baby, wait!" Nick yelped, scooping her into his arms before she could get away. Pressing several kisses on her bare shoulder, he turned her back to the group. "You have to stay right here!"

"Nick!" Alana groaned with disbelief as the Hospital Director stepped onto the stage to welcome everyone. She attempted to grasp at Nick's hands in chances that he would let her free, but she remained firmly planted within his arms. Blushing furiously, she glanced out to the hundreds of cheering fans. She just wanted to be amongst them, drowning into the background. "Baby? Why do you call me Baby all the damn time?"

"'Cause you're so little and innocent?" Natalie supplied with a giggle.

"What would you prefer?" Nick returned, nibbling her neck gently.

"Sex Kitten?" AJ suggested with a grin, adjusting his earpiece.

"As exciting as Sex Kitten is and as much as I think Natalie is busting my backside, I'd rather just be Alana," she answered softly, pulling away from his embrace, far too uncomfortable for words.

Nick's brows furrowed slightly. "But--"

"We're on," Brian announced uselessly as the Director said their name and the audience began to applaud.

"Good luck," Natalie added as she reached to kiss each of their cheeks for encouragement, though Brian turned to meet her lips instead before sauntering out.

Halfway listening to Howie's greeting once they were all gathered onstage, Nick glanced over Kevin's shoulder to see Alana and Natalie leaning close to speak to each other. Baylee was sliding out of Natalie's arms to get to his grandmother, who waited at the stairs to carry him to a shaded seat. Keeping his eyes on Alana, Nick sighed. It seemed that just when things seemed to be progressing, she pulled away. For every step forward they took as a couple, she took two steps back, keeping him and his love at bay. Colton. Who in the Hell was--

"Nick," Kevin hissed in his ear, breaking him from his reverie. "How 'bout you tell everyone how you came up with the idea for this show instead of standing there like a lost puppy?"

"What?" Nick blanked.

"Oh God," AJ groaned, rubbing his face as the audience echoed with chuckles. "Why you decided to bring us all to Kentucky and to this hospital, Dumb-Butt…"

"Oh!" Sheepishly, Nick swept a hand over his forehead, raking back the stray locks of hair that insisted on falling. "Well, a couple weeks ago, I met five amazing girls," he began, looking towards the grinning faces as he continued his story.

"He's really great with the girls…" Alana murmured absentmindedly as she chewed thoughtfully on the tip of her thumb, forgetting that Aaron was even amongst her and Natalie. Instead, her teal eyes were focused on Nick as he launched into an excited, exuberant tale of meeting the five girls sitting in the very center of the first row. He made sure to hop down and kiss each one of them, causing each girl to turn bright red with blushes and giggles. He couldn't have had a better stage presence. Nor looked any handsomer. Dressed even in a simple green polo with a patch of an air freshener on the right chest and a pair of frayed and battered jeans - he was gorgeous. And it just made Alana's stomach knot with worry.

"…But enough of me babbling, right?" Nick finished with a laugh, scooping up a stuffed teddy bear to set on the piano. Looking towards Alana, he flashed her a quick grin before turning to the other guys. Giving AJ a nod, he glanced out at the audience. "We're going to start this show off with a bang, and, this song goes out to my Ba-wait, I can't call her that. Guess I have to call her Star, 'cause this is her favorite song…"

"What?" Alana blanked in shock, pulling herself away from her mournful thoughts as she heard the five girls screaming her name. Glancing out toward the stage, she watched AJ sauntering toward her. Then his pace picked up into a full sprint. The wicked grin on his face told her everything and her heart rate accelerated into a frenzy. "Oh fuck me sideways," Alana groaned in disgust as she stumbled away from Natalie, attempting to jump off the side stage stairs for means of an escape.

"I'm sure he wants to," Natalie commented with a giggle as she stepped aside, watching in awe as AJ quickly scooped Alana up and over his shoulder. "Have fun!"

Alana threw a threatening finger in Natalie's direction as AJ carried her back toward the stage. "TRAITOR!"

"BETTER YOU THAN ME!"

"And you both are dead," Alana breathed with disbelief as AJ set Alana on the stage, keeping his arms tightly laced around her thin waist, Nick standing beside him. All the children in the hospital flew into hysterics at Alana being onstage, cheering and screaming her name. The parents applauded with appreciative laughs and Alana was mortified. "And those five runts in the front row…"

"You know you love us," Nick crooned in her ear, grinning as he wound an arm around her waist to keep her near him. Not minding for once that AJ had a hand on her as the music began.

"Nick, I ain't singing," Alana objected as she looked toward the side of the stage where Natalie and Aaron were standing. Both were grinning like fools and Alana could feel the heat of her face start to burn from a blush. She wanted to run away, but with Nick's arm to her waist and AJ's hands elsewhere, she was stuck.

"Who said anything about singing?" Nick questioned low in her ear, pressing several kisses to her cheek before launching into the chorus with the rest of the group.

"So I just stand here like an idiot…" Alana trailed with disbelief, trying to wind herself from their arms.

Watching from the side of the stage, Natalie held a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter at Alana's disconcerted expression. Giggling as AJ and Nick kept her entwined in their arms, she leaned to speak to Aaron. "Why is he doing that? Can't he see she's about to die of embarrassment?"

"Uh… Because he can?" Aaron murmured with a shrug of his shoulders, unable to hide his lazy grin. Since the very first day that Nick had met Alana, he had called Aaron to let him know all about her. Each phone conversation between the brothers at least had a few minutes of Alana within every change of topic. Aaron had never seen his brother so infatuated with a woman before. So infatuated to share the stage with her…

"Yeah, but…" Natalie trailed with a soft sigh, watching as Nick pulled Alana into an impromptu dance. Despite the woman's attempts to pull away, she stuck close to his side, her body easily moving in time to his steps. Which thrilled Nick, Natalie saw with a smile. Letting her gaze slide over to Brian, she felt the familiar fluttering in her stomach that always arrived when she watched him perform.

Aaron glanced over at Natalie, nudging his elbow into her side playfully. "What's the matter, Naughty? Wish Preacher would pull you out there?"

Natalie tensed at the feel of Aaron's bony elbow in her ribs, immediately glaring at the young man. "Don't you think you should go play with girls your own age?"

Scowling, Aaron propped his elbow on Natalie's shoulder, having turned his attention back to the stage, where Nick was dipping Alana. "You're close enough--"

"Alana's younger than I am," Natalie mentioned as Nick pulled Alana up quickly, her long strawberry locks glistening underneath the sunlight as they spilled from her messy bun. The look on Nick's face was unmistakable as he twirled Alana into his arms, her back pressed against his chest as he rotated his hips against hers. The crowd was going wild at the dance, Kevin, Brian, and Howie watching in amusement. That is, till AJ took her with his verse. "…Nick really likes her, doesn't he?"

"Uh… Yeah? Blowing five hundred bucks on an MP3 player wasn't a big clue about that for you?" Aaron returned. "Not to mention sitting out in his car for four fucking hours because AJ was at her house and he had to find out what was going on--"

"They went to her house?!" Natalie squealed.

Aaron pulled away slightly, rubbing his ear. "From what Nick said, AJ went there, and then--"

"She's having a fling with AJ?!"

"Jesus Christ," Aaron groaned, looking around helplessly. "No… Nick thought they were, and then Alana assured him that nothing was going on, and Nick spent the night--"

"She gets her choice between AJ and Nick?! Is she stupid?!"

"What the fuck is your problem? Did you forget to take your Ritalin today?" Aaron questioned with a scowl, wishing the show were over so she would go be perky around Brian. Honestly, the woman was ten times more hyper than any teenybopper he had ever met. "And what do you mean by 'is she stupid'?"

"Nick isn't the most---He's a little--- And he doesn't---AJ brought her at least four dozen red roses---"

"That's it," Aaron interrupted, growling as he grabbed her by the waist. Flinging her over his shoulder, he ignored her squeals of protest, stalking out onto the stage. Coming to a standstill, he kicked the back of Brian's legs. If he didn't want her, he'd gladly throw her into the crowd.

"You're my shining-Natalie?!" Brian grunted in shock as Aaron tossed Natalie into his arms without another word. Crumpling slightly underneath her weight, he quickly reclaimed himself as Aaron threw his hands up in dismay, stomping off the stage as he grumbled underneath his breath.

"Can I go now? One woman minimum on stage right?" Alana inquired as the music abruptly ended, her voice projecting in the microphone system attached to Nick's head.

Nick's face fell slightly, though he maintained his grin for the audience, which applauded loudly. "Go? But--"

"I ain't--"

"SING WID 'LANA, NICKY!" Elizabeth suddenly shouted.

"You can't break Lizzie's heart," Nick insisted, already moving Alana towards one of the waiting stools.

Natalie gave Brian a nervous smile. "Great, Alana's singing. I'll just go make sure there's plenty of bracelets at the booth--"

"You'll sit at the piano," Brian suggested, carrying her over to the elegant piano and seating her upon the bench. Kissing the back of her head, he affectionately squeezed her shoulders. "And you'll play beautifully. At least you aren't singing."

Natalie blanked. "But--That's---Not till later--"

"It's now," Nick objected, grinning toward Brian who sauntered off stage with an encouraging smile.

Alana paled as AJ helped her onto the stool sitting by the piano. She felt his lips brush against the side of her face briefly and tensed. "Nick, I can't sing--"

"Yes you can. Come on, you only have one verse… Can't you do one little verse?" Nick pleaded softly as he leaned past her. Kissing her cheek several times, he pointed out the song on the set list to the band. Grinning when they all nodded, he pulled a stool close to Alana.

"I am so going to kill that Nick Carter, Jr. wannabe," Natalie grumbled under her breath.

Natalie's grumbles went unheard as the drummer clapped his sticks together to signal they were ready to begin. And, when Nick flipped to the particular song sheet, Natalie sighed. Flexing her agile fingers, she began to tickle the ivory keys softly to the tune of I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) by Meat Loaf. And at the familiar keys, Alana stared at Nick with disbelief, barely gripping the microphone he had placed in her hands. She could hear the children applauding and her stomach curled into tight knots of disbelief. She had never performed. Ever. "God, I hope I'm like that William idiot from American Idol who sang She Bangs horribly and got a record contract. Then I'll move far away from all y'all for torturing me like this…"

"You know, talking into your microphone like that isn't a good idea," Nick murmured in her ear. Reaching up, he smoothed a lock of hair back from her face, giving her an endearing smile. "Just pretend you're singing to one person. Forget about everything else," he whispered before pulling back to begin singing. He had chosen the song for a reason, hoping that, despite her nervousness, she would listen to him. "And I would do anything for love / I'd run right into hell and back / I would do anything for love / I'd never lie to you and that's a fact / But I'll never forget the way you feel right now / Oh no, no way / And I would do anything for love, / Oh I would do anything for love / I would do anything for love, but I won't do that / No, I won't do that…"

Lowering the microphone to her lap, Alana bounced her left foot nervous against the rungs of her stool. Her posture was straight as the sleekest arrow, unable to barely catch her breath as her heart continued to pound. She glanced off to the side of the stage to see Nick's friends waiting patiently, then backward to see Natalie concentrating on playing the piano so beautifully. She wanted to run till she felt Nick's fingers slip over her hand before twining with hers. When he pulled her hand into his lap, she glanced back to him, studying his dark ocean eyes as he sang for everything he was worth. His voice gorgeous as he harmonized with the melodies. "Some days it don't come easy / And some days it don't come hard / Some days it don't come at all and / These are the days that never end. / And some nights you're breathing fire and / Some nights you're carved in ice / Some nights you're like nothing I've ever / Seen before or will again / And maybe I'm crazy, oh it's crazy and it's true / I know you can save me, no one else can save me now but you."

Letting his mind wander as he sang, Nick squeezed Alana's hand, letting the words pour out from his heart. His eyes never left hers, saw the realization flicker across the dark teal depths. Felt his heart expand when she tentatively squeezed his hand. She understood. "…Oh, I would do anything for love, but I won't do that / No, I won't do that / No, no, no, I won't do...that…"

A small breath leaving her lungs when Nick's voice faded and the tempo of the song changed, she realized it was her turn to sing. She fumbled slightly with the microphone as her eyes grew teary with the thought of Nick singing to her. Wanting her to know that he would do anything for her. The very thought terrified her to the very depths of existence. She wasn't worthy of such a love nor did she feel she could withstand the heat. She would never be able to give it back to him. But, swallowing those thoughts, she took a deep breath and began her verse. "Will you raise me up? / Will you help me down? / Will you get me out of this Godforsaken town? / Will you make it all a little less cold?" At Nick's soft confirmation, she smiled softly, her lovely voice growing stronger. "Will you hold me sacred? / Will you hold me tight? / Can you colorize my life, I'm so sick of black and white. / Can you make it all a little less old?"

Nick grinned, sliding off his stool to pull her to her feet. "I can do that / Oh no, I can do that…"

Alana had to laugh softly as he twirled her into his arms, starting to slowly dance with her. Resting her forehead against his, using his microphone. Her voice was sweet and a piece of Heaven's choir, causing shivers to race down the backs of the audience. "Will you make me some magic / With your own two hands? Can you build an Emerald City with these grains of sand? / Can you give me something I can take home?"

"I can do that / I can do that," Nick confirmed.

"Will you cater to every fantasy I got? / Will you hose me down with holy water if I get to hot?" When Nick's indigo eyes widened at the seductive baritone growl Alana ended the verse with, she had to grin. "Will you take me places I've never been?"

Nick confirmed again, leaning close to nibble gently on her bottom lip.

"After awhile, you'll forget everything / It was a brief interlude / And a mid-summer night's fling / And you'll see that it's time to move on…" Alana trailed softly, the realization hitting her harder than she intended. Pulling back when Nick denied the claims. "I know the territory, I've been around / It'll all turn to dust and we'll all fall down. And sooner or later, you'll be screwing around…"

"I won't do that… No, I won't do that," Nick sang softly, pulling her back to him.

"Anything for love, I would do anything for love / I would do anything for love / But I won't do that, no I won't do with that," they finished together as Natalie flourished the ending with a beautiful crescendo of notes. Alana smiled softly toward Nick when the entire audience lit in applause, pulling her hand away from his cheek with a small brush. Even Brian, Howie, AJ, and Kevin whistled loudly from the side of the stage, Baylee screaming Alana's name from his grandmother's lap.

"I love you," Nick murmured just loud enough for her to hear, making sure to pull the microphone away before he spoke.

Alana's teal eyes widened and lightened in shock at Nick's revelation. The color drained from her face as she just stared at him, not knowing what to say in response. Her initial reaction was to hold him close and confirm the same for her heart, but she held back. She couldn't hurt him. Not with all the baggage she carried in her heart. It wasn't fair to him. And God seemed to confirm as much as AJ, Howie, Kevin, and Brian rushed the stage to pull her into hugs, raving that they never knew she possessed such a talent.