Love of a Child by shrinkingviolet, Anastacia
Past Featured StorySummary:
Everyone knows that a child's heart gives one of the purest forms of love. They love without knowing how, when, or why. They love unconditionally and selflessly. They love for who someone is, not for what they can achieve out of that love. They cherish those who they love the most, refusing to part with them under any circumstances. And, through a harrowing journey, it takes a child's broken heart to show Brian and Nick just how important true love can be.
Categories: Fanfiction > Backstreet Boys Characters: Brian, Group, Nick, Other
Genres: Drama, Romance
Warnings: Graphic Sexual Content, Violence
Challenges:
Series: None
Chapters: 59 Completed: No Word count: 354187 Read: 118964 Published: 07/23/06 Updated: 05/09/08

0. Awards by shrinkingviolet

1. One : Help Me by shrinkingviolet

2. Two : Little Assistant by shrinkingviolet

3. Three : Encouraging Comforts by shrinkingviolet

4. Four : A Real Girl by shrinkingviolet

5. Five : Chasing Temptations by shrinkingviolet

6. Chapter Six :: Raining Adoration by shrinkingviolet

7. Chapter Seven :: More Than Expected by shrinkingviolet

8. Chapter Eight :: Sweet Surprises by shrinkingviolet

9. Chapter Nine :: The Perfect Date by shrinkingviolet

10. Chapter Ten :: Coming Home by shrinkingviolet

11. Chapter Eleven :: Love Like No Other by shrinkingviolet

12. Chapter Twelve :: Waiting for Hope by shrinkingviolet

13. Chapter Thirteen :: Needing Her by shrinkingviolet

14. Chapter Fourteen :: Vying for Attention by shrinkingviolet

15. Chapter Fifteen :: Buying Her the World by shrinkingviolet

16. Chapter Sixteen :: Pleased to Tease by shrinkingviolet

17. Chapter Seventeen :: Family Ties by shrinkingviolet

18. Chapter Eighteen :: Bargaining by shrinkingviolet

19. Chapter Nineteen :: Capturing Her Essence by shrinkingviolet

20. Chapter Twenty :: Past Regrets by shrinkingviolet

21. Chapter Twenty-One :: What He Knew All Along by shrinkingviolet

22. Chapter Twenty-Two :: Against His Will by shrinkingviolet

24. Twenty-Three :: Contrary to Popular Belief by shrinkingviolet

25. Twenty-Four :: Righting Wrongs by shrinkingviolet

26. Twenty-Five :: Family Ties by shrinkingviolet

27. Twenty-Six :: Painful Confessions by shrinkingviolet

28. Twenty-Seven :: Stirring the Ruckus by shrinkingviolet

29. Twenty-Eight :: Nursing the Wounded by shrinkingviolet

30. Twenty-Nine :: Mending Hearts by shrinkingviolet

31. Thirty :: Shattered by shrinkingviolet

32. Thirty-One :: Wishing Wellness by shrinkingviolet

33. Thirty-Two :: We'll Make It by shrinkingviolet

34. Thirty-Three :: For The Rest of Time by shrinkingviolet

35. Thirty-Four :: Plans and Promises by shrinkingviolet

36. Thirty Five :: Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours by shrinkingviolet

37. Thirty-Six :: Working Together by shrinkingviolet

38. Thirty-Seven :: Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous by shrinkingviolet

39. Thirty-Eight :: Saying it to Him by shrinkingviolet

40. Thirty-Nine :: Defying Odds by shrinkingviolet

41. Forty :: Building Confidence by shrinkingviolet

42. Forty-One :: The Right Way by shrinkingviolet

43. Forty-Two :: Shining Stars by shrinkingviolet

44. Forty-Three :: Ultimatum by shrinkingviolet

45. Forty-Four :: Perfect Places by shrinkingviolet

46. Forty-Five :: Temporary Goodbyes by shrinkingviolet

47. Forty-Six :: Murder of Mojo by shrinkingviolet

48. Forty-Seven by shrinkingviolet

49. Forty-Eight by shrinkingviolet

50. Forty-Nine by shrinkingviolet

51. Fifty by shrinkingviolet

52. Fifty-One by shrinkingviolet

53. Fifty-Two by shrinkingviolet

54. Fifty-Three by shrinkingviolet

55. Fifty-Four by shrinkingviolet

56. Fifty-Five by shrinkingviolet

57. Fifty-Six by shrinkingviolet

58. Fifty-Seven by shrinkingviolet

59. Fifty-Eight by shrinkingviolet

Awards by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
I was going to wait until the story was completed before doing this. However, seeing as I am rather forgetful, I decided it would be best to do it now. :-)
Love of A Child has won the following awards:

More Than Dreams Awards, Season One:

Best Brian Fan Fiction



Best Nick Fan Fiction




Anastacia and I would like to thank everyone who has nominated and/or voted for us. We would also like to thank everyone for their continued support of our writing. :-)
One : Help Me by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Just wanted to say very quickly that it is my supreme honor to be co-writing another story with Anastacia. That she even wants to collaborate with me just warms the cockles of my heart. She is a very talented author, and having her as a friend, confidant, and co-writer is more than I could ever ask for.
"Alana! Thank God you're back from your vacation!"


'Some vacation,' the young nurse thought sadly as she moved toward the nurse's station after stowing her things in the break room. After spending a week at her small home, utterly alone, drowning herself in a mournful vigil, she had mustered up the courage to return to work. Her supervisor had understood, though none of her coworkers knew the tale. But, she appreciated the silence of her sorrows. After all, yesterday would have been his third birthday and she didn't need visitors. She was happier alone. It was safer. So, brushing the thoughts into the back of her subconscious, she reached for her ID badge filled with colorful pins that her young patients loved. Attaching it to her Disney scrubs; she brushed a few fallen strawberry blonde locks behind her pierced ears, reaching for her normal scrap of paper to take report on her patients for the shift. Working in a pediatric cardiac unit was anything but dull, but she relished in helping the sick children. Bending her tall, lithe body over the nurses' station, she shifted her dark teal eyes to the night shift nurse, plucking a pen from her pocket. "Who's the trouble maker?"

"Alana, you know you've got the golden touch when it comes to kids," the night nurse teased with a rueful smile, glancing over her notes. "His name is Baylee Littrell. He's three years old and his birthday is November 26, 2002. He has a history of ventricular septal defect. The cardiologist thought it would close on its own, but it's been increasing in size and he's developing congestive heart failure because of it. He's got a lot of swelling in his legs and his hands with some junk developing in his lungs. He has a poor appetite, the poor little thing, and becomes overexerted when he plays. He's set for surgery as soon as we can stabilize his heart with medications. Only... We couldn't manage to even get an IV in the kid, which is horrible, considering all his medications are by IV. We're hoping--"

"I got it," Alana promised with a smile, scribbling down the rest of the information she needed before tucking it into her pocket.

"His father's in with him now, attempting to calm him down," the night nurse continued, though Alana paid her no mind as she headed down the hall.

Her mind naturally flowing into a state of systematic thinking about protocol and procedures, signs and symptoms of the boy's sickness, and tasks that needed completed for the work day; she completely ignored the new resident doctors stumbling over their feet as she passed. Not that she was rude. That was hardly the case. After only a year of working at this specific hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, Alana was on a first name basis with a majority of the workers; from the nursing assistants to the chief of staff. She was devoted to her job and the services of helping others. Especially the children. So, her patient's pained cries ringing out from his private room startled her considerably. Glancing inside for a moment, she noted the large piles of IV starter kits in the trashcan, causing her to frown. They never should have done the treatment at the bedside. In Alana's mind, the bed was the child's safe haven. Procedures would be done in the treatment room. Not where he needed to feel safe and comfortable. Exhaling her consternation, Alana knocked briefly on the door before popping inside. "Baylee?"

Sniffling, the boy lifted his head from the safety of his father's chest, twisting to look at her with his large cobalt eyes. Tears staining his cheeks, he took in her scrubs, shrinking in his father's embrace. "No," he whined, looking to his father for assurance and understanding. "No needles, Daddy…"

"I don't have any needles, Baylee," Alana quickly promised, taking a step back from the bed as to not overcrowd the toddler and his father. Standing there, she took a quick assessment of the child. The heart failure was indeed in its worst stages. His hands and feet grossly swollen from the fluid unable to be pumped out by the heart, the paleness of his skin, and the use of his entire ribcage to even take the tiniest breath. He needed to have this medications started as soon as possible. Perhaps even some oxygen therapy. But, she needed to gain his trust first. "Do you need to do a strip search of me? You can check my pockets. Honest. No needles. I just wanted to talk."

"St'ip?" Baylee repeated with a small smile, settling back into his father's embrace. Pointing to her scrubs, his eyes widened slightly. "Daddy, her's gots Donald," he murmured.

"I see that," Brian Littrell approved as he felt the grip of his son's hands loosen from his t-shirt. Baylee had been near hysterics since several nurses had attempted to start an IV in his body. His arms were filled with bruises almost as much as his beautiful dark blue eyes were filled with tears. Brian had been furious at the lack of care to his son, raising holy Hell with the supervising nurse as well as the director of the hospital. After all, he had his heart surgery in this very hospital and gave a significant donation, he didn't want to see his son tortured. That's when the supervising nurse had assured him of a wonderful nurse coming in shortly from vacation. He could only hope this was her. "There's Mickey and Goofy, too."

"So, you like Disney then?" Alana questioned with a small smile gracing her lightly glossed lips, hoping she was making headway.

"Chip an' Dale," Baylee informed with a slight nod. Releasing his father's t-shirt completely, he slowly sat up, wincing slightly from the exertion. "But Donald most, 'cause Daddy can talk like him--Daddy, do Donald?" he implored, leaning back against the stiff pillow.

"I'd rather not embarrass myself, Baylee," Brian chuckled, glancing up toward the stranger.

"Oh!" Alana drawled with her familiar southern accent, immediately offering her hand out toward Brian. "My name's Alana, I'll be taking care of your son today. I'm so sorry for not introducing myself earlier."

Taking her hand, Brian squeezed it gently, sitting up from his slouched position on the bed. Having spent the past two days in the hospital with his only child, he had gotten little rest in the few short hours Baylee slept. "My name's Brian. Nice to meet you--"

"George, Daddy," Baylee interrupted softly, reaching for the stuffed monkey at the foot of his hospital bed. As his father leaned forward to grasp it, he eyed Alana warily. "'Lana's got big boob--"

"Baylee!" Brian groaned in absolute horror, retracting backward to cup a hand over his son's slightly blue-tinged mouth. He immediately glanced toward Alana to gauge her reaction, hoping a palm wouldn't be coming flying into his face. "I am so sorry--"

"All the boys on this floor say the same thing. Only, they ain't so nice as Baylee here," Alana laughed good naturedly, taking the bright orange monkey into her hands. She studied the raggedy animal for a moment, then moved to sit on the edge of the bed, holding it out toward the boy. "You like monkeys?"

His response muffled behind Brian's hand, Baylee nodded. Once Brian pulled his hand away, he scowled slightly before turning his attention to Alana. "Yes, ma'am… An' Nicky says big boobies are good for 'nugglin'--"

"Nicky…" Alana trailed thoughtfully, her dark teal eyes suddenly electrifying to the color of a deep Caribbean sea as she teased. "Now I know who your Daddy is! In N'Sync, right?"

Baylee's eyes widened in horror. "No, 'Lana! Backseat Boys!" he announced loudly.

"Backstreet Boys," Brian corrected with a sigh. Grateful Baylee was taking a liking to the young woman, he couldn't bring himself to scold the child further. He was in enough pain. Offering Alana a sheepish smile, he reached to adjust Baylee's blanket.

"I've seen your uncles in that band, Baylee. I think I'd take them to a backseat…" Alana playfully continued, though the joke was for his father more so than the child.

Unable to contain the first true laugh he had experienced in several weeks, Brian leaned back on the bed, his shoulders shaking with mirth. "I don't think any of them would mind…"

"Howie gets carsick," Baylee informed, his fair brows furrowing with thought. "AJ always falls asleep, an' Nicky's too big to get in the backseat, his head gets in the way--"

"Then I guess I just have to take you?" Alana suggested, glancing toward Brian with a soft grin before reaching out to ruffle Baylee's platinum curls. "I have the most awesome Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Baylee. We'll go cruising up into the mountains and just have us a grand old time--"

"I can't go nowhere," Baylee interrupted with a pout, though his eyes had lit up hopefully at her suggestion. Smoothing his swollen hands over his Spongebob Squarepants pajama top, he shook his head gently. "I too t'ick…"

"Well… That's why I'm here… So I can make sure that you get better so you can take a ride in my fancy Jeep. But, I've got to get some things done with you first to make sure that you do get better. Do you want to go with a walk for me? We can take your Daddy and George?" Alana offered, knowing this was her best shot at getting an IV started.

"Where to?" Baylee inquired, though he slid to the edge of the bed. Reaching for her as his father took George, he smiled hopefully. "Carry me?"

"Of course I can carry you," Alana agreed, reaching to gently pull the toddler into her arms. She noted the heaviness of his body, realizing that once the extra fluid was pulled from his body, he would most definitely be lighter. Pushing that momentary thought aside, she gestured toward Brian, carrying the boy toward the treatment room. "And, we're going somewhere so I can get you feeling better."

"Daddy? 'Lana take me campin', otay?" Baylee questioned, looping his arms around Alana's neck. Resting his head on her shoulder, he closed his eyes, suddenly weary from his tirades earlier.

"When you get better, you can do whatever you want with Alana," Brian promised whole heartedly as he entered the treatment room behind his son and nurse. He felt his body significantly tense when he looked at all the items within the room, knowing this would be considered a room of pain for most children. Everything possibly needed to inflict pain upon a youngster was in here. For a moment, Brian thought about reaching to yank Baylee from the room, but Alana's reassuring teal eyes suggested otherwise.

"Brian, can I see George for a moment?" Alana questioned as she reached into the IV cart to pull out the necessary items for her procedure.

Shifting in Alana's hold slightly, Baylee paid no mind to what was going on as he found a comfortable resting place. Yawning against her neck, he reached to toy with the stethoscope draped over her shoulder. "'Lana? You goin' to listen to George's heart?"

"Actually, I'm going to get a little tube started in George's arm so he can get medicine. I'm going to show you how I do it to him, then I'm going to do the same to you. So you can start feeling better. But, how about you listen to my heart while I'm putting the little tube into you? Is that a deal?" Alana offered, carefully placing Baylee upon the examining table and setting the stuffed monkey right next to him. Reaching for the wheeled stool, she slid up close to the bed, starting to open the packages of supplies. She then reached into the back pocket of her bright blue scrub pants, retrieving several different types of cartoon Band-Aids. "I need you to hold these for me. Okay? Till I get done with George, then you can pick which one he gets."

"George t'ick too?" Baylee questioned softly, spreading the Band-Aids in his palm. Turning slightly, he reached for the monkey's hand, holding it gently as his father did to him. "It otay, George… 'Lana no hurt us," he promised.

"Well, if you're sick, then of course George's is sick," Alana explained as she expertly inserted the IV needle into the monkey's arm, pulling the needle away to leave the catheter that would infuse medications. Tossing the needle into the red bin designated for sharp objects, she glanced toward Baylee. "Which Band-Aid does George get for being a trooper?"

"C'n he get dinosaurs an' Spongebob? He likes to watch Spongebob wit' me, an' when I'm not t'ick we pretend he's King Kong and killin' dinos," Baylee explained with a hopeful look in his cobalt eyes as he held up the two Band-Aids. "An' I gets the same when you do mine?"

"Sounds good to me," Alana approved as she took the Band-Aids, placing them upon George's orange fur. Clicking her tongue with approval, she handed George over to Baylee. "All done and he did such a good job. Can I get yours started now, too? Then I'll talk your Daddy into letting me go downstairs and get you something from the McDonalds? Like a vanilla milkshake? Now that's my favorite."

"Please, Daddy?" Seeing his father's approving nod as he sat down next to him, Baylee hugged his monkey close, looking back at Alana. "Daddy'll buy 'em? You have milkshake with me?" he questioned, not noticing when Alana gently took his arm in her hands. "An' maybe nuggets?"

"Nuggets sound pretty good to me. I didn't get a chance to get breakfast this morning. What kind of sauce do you like, Baylee? I really like the barbeque sauce, but then I also like to get the honey…" Alana trailed, keeping Baylee's mind occupied on other things as she felt around his tiny, bruised hand. She found a somewhat small vein, far better than the rest she had felt. Confident she could easily access it, she placed the tourniquet onto his upper arm and swabbed the area.

"I mix 'em," Baylee answered, glancing up when his father placed something over his head. Remembering, he reached for the end of the stethoscope, the tip of his tongue pressing between his lips as he placed it over Alana's heart. "Nicky always mixes barbecue an' honey, an' sometimes it gets on the fries… 'Lana! Your heart beating fast!"

"Of course my heart is beating fast, because I think I'm falling in love with this little boy sitting in front of me," Alana teased with a sweet smile, glancing downward briefly as she pressed the needle into his skin. Satisfied when he didn't flinch and blood began to run through the capped tubing, she hurriedly pulled the needle away, leaving the catheter. Uncapping the system briefly to flush it with saline, assuring herself that it was indeed patent, she then recapped the tubing and secured it with a see through dressing. She then took the two Band-Aids Baylee requested, placing one on the tubing in a loop to keep it secure and the other upon his wrist. Finally, completing the procedure, she placed a colorful splint on his hand and wrist to keep him from flexing his wrist and dislodging the tubing that could cause an infiltration; a painful leak of fluid into the tissues instead of the circulatory system. "All done!"

"Nuh uh! I did'n feel nothing!" Baylee argued, looking down to see the tube protruding from his hand. "'Lana? …You c'n fall in love with me if you want," he promised.

"Well… Thank you, Baylee…" Alana whispered, her teal eyes darkening slightly with a secret pain that she shared with no one. Keeping the tears from spilling, she reached to brush her fingers through his platinum blonde curls. She suddenly realized who Baylee had reminded her of, which only caused a deep heartache she fought daily to hide. To kill with her adventurous lifestyle. "Hey, there's a toy room at the very end of the hallway. You want to go play there a few minutes? I want to talk to your Daddy, then I'll go get your McDonalds."

"C'n me an' George go sleep while you talk?" Baylee requested, muffling a yawn. He had slept little the night before, the constant visits from nurses and doctors the day before having stressed him so much he could barely relax. Despite his father's attempts to calm him with songs and stories. "George s'eepy…"

"That sounds even better," Alana agreed as she pulled the child into her arms when he reached for her. Rubbing his back gingerly, she motioned for Brian once more. Carrying Baylee back into his private room, she laid him on the large hospital bed, reaching to tuck the covers around him as he drifted into a peaceful sleep. "I bet he'll sleep for a long while. I'll get the medicine and connect it to his IV port as soon as possible. Getting that fluid off his body will make him feel a lot better."

"Thank you," Brian murmured, reaching to smooth his son's curls away from his forehead. Leaning close, he pressed a soft kiss to the warm skin, adjusting the blanket so George's face peeked over the edge. Stepping back, he glanced over at Alana. "…He gets upset if he wakes up and George is under the covers…"

"I'd get upset too if I woke up and my best friend was hiding from me after a good nap," Alana agreed with a nod, reaching to take the abandoned seat beside Brian who kept his quiet close to the bedside. "The Nursing Supervisor, Kathy, wants me to take over complete care of Baylee. She'd like me to work three days seven to three, then two days seven to seven. He'd be my only patient. And, I'd like to accept as long as you approve."

"That's… I think Scooper would really like that," Brian approved with a nod. Baylee had been adamant in his dislike of every other nurse that had walked through the door, and Alana seemed to have the angelic touch his son craved. Fussing with the ID bracelet on his wrist, he glanced to the flowers and balloons adorning the ledge by the window. "It'll be good for him to have someone that he can know and trust… But I don't suppose I could get you to work twenty-four hours a day…"

"Would that mean talking to the Supervisor about overtime and double time combined?" Alana mused with a thoughtful smile, though it quickly turned to a soft laugh. If she could possibly handle a twenty four hour job, she probably would have taken him up on the offer. She wanted to stay away from her home as much as possible. That's perhaps why she spent all her time running around the city and even the outskirts to participate in some of her favorite rock climbing exercises.

"Well, they probably wouldn't be able to pay you enough," Brian sighed, briefly touching his wedding band before dropping his hands to his sides. "Can you try to make sure that the nurses he gets when you're not here are tolerable, though? …That one last night was a…"

"Cheap version of a dominatrix that needs to retire? Or at least get out of the leather dress that's probably going to burst through the seams if she does one more IV hang?" Alana guessed with an angelic expression.

"That… Woman… Had the nerve to ask if I needed company," Brian snorted, still miffed from the offer. Realizing he probably should have kept that to himself, he cleared his throat. "Sorry… How about I go down and get those milkshakes and nuggets--"

"If it makes you feel better, that woman has asked if I needed company in the treatment room…" Alana offered with a teasing smirk.

"Good God," Brian breathed, his face paling at the thought. Glancing over at Alana, he raised one brow. "That would be painful, wouldn't it? What if a body part made contact with a stray needle or God knows what else?"

"Are you thinking I took her up on the offer?" Alana questioned incredulously. "Do I set off your gay-dar? 'Cause, I know I don't wear makeup or a lot of jewelry, but I didn't think I was that butch--"

"Lord, no," Brian quickly interrupted, shaking his head. "Not that I have a gay-dar, but if I did, you certainly wouldn't be setting it off. Now… Milkshakes? Nuggets?"

"How about you go take a breather? Go home, take a shower, get a quick nap in? I'll stay with him till you get back, no matter what time. If it's past three, then I'll just clock off and come back up with him. He won't ever be alone. I'll get my charting and bring it in here. And when he wakes up, I'll take him down for McDonalds. On me," Alana offered, knowing how exhausting having a child in the hospital was.

Brian looked towards his sleeping son, his heart aching with worry. "I don't want to leave him--"

"I know you don't, but you should. His hospital stay is going to be a long haul. You're going to need as many breaks as you can get. It's exhausting having a child in the hospital. Sometimes, I think the parents are more worried than the kids. You really do need to get all the rest you possibly can. And he's not going to be alone."

"Well… Okay," Brian acquiesced after a moment, leaning to brush a kiss over Baylee's cheek. Reaching for the notepad and pen on the table by the bed, he quickly jotted down several numbers. "I won't be gone long. But here are the numbers to my cell, my parents', and my place. Just in case he needs me." Handing the paper to Alana, he plucked his wallet from the drawer, the chivalry his mother had instilled in him at a young age unwilling to let her buy food for Baylee. Holding out a card, he pushed it into her hand, ignoring her disconcerted expression. "I insist, Alana."

"A lesser woman would throw this back in your face and insist that she's wealthy enough to purchase two milkshakes and some nuggets and it wouldn't cause her to break the bank. But, I figure, with the kind of woman I am, I'll charge a Big Mac Meal on you and call it even."

*~*~*



Brian groaned with irritation as he flopped onto the large bed. Pressing his hands against his face, he shook his head vigorously, as though clearing the weary fog from his mind would put things as they should be. Heaving a sigh, he sat up, his hands falling to his lap. His eyes landed on the rings that had been so carelessly tossed onto the dresser, the diamonds glittering in the sunlight. The only thing she had left behind.

Looking through his home for a clue of his wife's presence, he had discovered everything of hers was gone. The clothing, the jewelry. Books, knickknacks. The expensive china given to them on their wedding day, from his mother. Nothing remained to even hint that she had once lived there, but for the rings he stared at. But he had known she would be gone, had known her threats of leaving would come to fruition when he had taken their son to the hospital. He had clung to the shred of hope that she would feel the maternal desire to be by her child's side.

Why he had thought she would suddenly acquire the need to be with their child, he would never know. He could still remember when she first found out that she was pregnant. It had been a fatal error on her part when she took antibiotics, never realizing that they hindered the action of her birth control. Brian had been thrilled, thinking she finally realized that a family would only add to the completeness of their marriage. But she had been irate; teeming with a vehement furiousness. For months she had threatened abortion, but he had struggled and prevailed through the birth of their son. Of course, in the media, she was deliriously happy with being pregnant. But behind closed doors… Brian had morphed into two complete parents as she flitted about, entertaining herself with their lavish lifestyle. Baylee had been upset at first, wanting to cling to his mother though she just cast him aside like a useless trinket. Now, at the age of three, he was ambivalent to her presence. Or lack there of.

Standing, Brian moved to the dresser, opening the top drawer that had become a junk drawer of sorts, containing a myriad of items. Sweeping the rings off the polished wood and into the drawer, he closed his eyes briefly, ignoring the dull ache in his heart as he slowly removed his own ring. Perhaps, had he been a better man… Pushing the thoughts away, he dropped his ring into the drawer, not daring to look where it landed as he slammed the drawer shut. He could not deal with the heartache of a failed marriage on top of the worries for Baylee's health. Opening his eyes, his gaze landed on the framed wedding portrait that had been placed so lovingly in the center of the dresser. Had she wanted to leave then, too? Picking up the frame, he stared at the picture, as though the frozen smiles could give him a clue. It had all been a lie from the start, he realized, angrily hurling the frame across the room, barely hearing the resulting crash.

Unable to stand the suffocating nature of the master bedroom, Brian stalked out and made sure to avoid stepping into his son's bedroom. Instead, he hustled down the stairs and toward the living room. He could always force himself to nap on the couch. What might result was a back ache, but that was the least of his problems. Collapsing on that very couch, he tossed his head back against the soft cushioning, staring at the ceiling with watery eyes. Attempting to grind the tears away with the palms of his hands, he stifled a struggling sob, realizing how fast his life was crashing amongst the rocky pits of Hell. His pseudo wife was gone in the breeze of Lexington's humidified air and his son was practically knocking on death's door, needing a corrective heart surgery which he couldn't receive till he was able to actually withstand the surgery. Struggling to reach for the phone, he dialed a familiar number that could possibly salvage the wreckage of his life.

    Hey! You've reached Natalie Hayes! Unfortunately, I can't get to the phone. Bri and Leigh can be such slave drivers, y'know? But, I love my job! I really do! Leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I possibly can. And, while you're listening to this, give a little prayer for Baylee.

Stifling another sob, Brian drew in a deep breath as he listened to the tone, grateful that someone was showing concern. Someone aside from his family and the hospital staff. "…Nat… It's Bri… Call me? I'm home right now, but I'll be heading to the hospital in a little bit. If you hear from Leigh--" Brian cut off, not knowing what message he wanted to give his estranged wife. "Nevermind. …Just call me, Nat, please," he choked out softly, ending the call.

Well, that had been a complete disaster, Brian decided, desperate to connect with someone for a moment. He just wanted to release his pent emotions without fear of being criticized. So, Kevin, his older cousin, was out of the question. Though he had concern for Brian's ill son, Kevin would not take lightly to the ending of a marriage that Brian had barely fought for. And AJ, well, he may be able to listen about Baylee, but would probably wish the bitch dead and him good luck on bachelorhood. Howie was a possibility, but he hadn't the heart to disturb the man again. Sighing with defeat, he dialed the second most known number in his mind.

"If this is Aaron, you're dead," a groggy voice answered after several rings. A voice so familiar and, despite the irritation, welcoming that Brian almost sobbed.

"Don't you know you should be up goofing off instead of lying around the house like an oversized pig, sleeping the day away?" Brian inquired with a sad smile, immediately reaching to rub away the tears that had rained over his face. He couldn't even begin to recall the last time he had spoke to Nick after the completion of the Never Gone Tour. Much less when he had maintained a meaningful conversation with the man while they were on tour. Other things had been far more important in his mind. Unfortunately.

"Well, Hell, I was up goofing off all night last night… Damn, B, it's nine o'clock!" Nick whined.

"Then it was the perfect time to call…" Brian trailed. "What are you up to? Wait, that was a stupid question…"

"Well, I was asleep… But now I'm laying here wondering why my best friend called me out of nowhere at the crack of dawn… What's wrong, B?"

"Best friend?" Brian paused, biting down hard on his inner cheek till he was sure he tasted the metallic flavor of blood. God, did hearing those words just make his heart wrench. What kind of best friend could just desert another for a pushy woman? Just because Leighanne had hated Nick didn't mean that Brian should have attempted to end the friendship. What had he been thinking?

"You used to be… Back before…" Nick trailed softly, obviously attempting to mask the hurt in his voice. "And to me you still are. Always will be, Frick."

"Yeah…" Brian trailed uncomfortably, hating the desolation in Nick's voice. "How are you doing?"

"Alright I guess… Just finished the show in California… But what's up, man? You sound… I don't know, like the world's coming to an end."

"I think it just ended…" Brian laughed somewhat bitterly. "…Didn't Kev tell you about Baylee?"

"I haven't talked to him in ages. Last I heard he and Kris are going at it like rabbits… Not that that's any different."

"Howie or AJ?"

"AJ's being a devoted boyfriend and Howie's buying condos in Cabo… What have I missed? Did somebody die? Damnit, I knew that reality show was a stupid idea--"

"Scooper's sick," Brian confessed in a rushed breath, knowing if he prolonged the torture the news would be strained through sobs. "He's… I got him sick… He has the same thing I had. That heart defect, y'know? He needs surgery… His is a lot bigger than mine ever was… God he's so sick…"

"No," Nick whispered, and in Brian's mind he imagined the younger man launching himself out of the bed. Immediately came the sounds of a fumble, and Brian knew he had tangled his legs in the sheets. Despite growing into a mature, if somewhat irresponsible man, Nick remained a clumsy boy at times. "Where are you? LA? Or did you bring him down here?"

"We're in Kentucky… We're at home…"

"I'm coming, okay? That is… If you want me to--"

"Of course I want you here, but--"

"Leighanne can't stand the sight of me?" Nick guessed with what Brian imagined a dark scowl.

"Nick, wait, it's nothing to do with her. And it's not that I don't want you to come. It's just. Don't you have stuff to do in Florida? LA? Where ever you are right now? We don't want to pull you away from--"

"Fuck Florida and LA. Bay's more important than anything, B."

"He keeps talking you up to this nurse we have…" Brian admitted with an amused smile, relieved that he'd have someone other than family at the hospital with him. Perhaps it was his chance to make up for his mistakes in their friendship. "It's his Nicky this, his Nicky that…"

"What can I say? I'm loveable," Nick cooed with a soft laugh. "And I'll be on the first flight out."

"Thanks, Frack, I appreciate it."

"Anytime, Frick."
Two : Little Assistant by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
We greatly appreciate all of the wonderful feedback we have received. If we could we would hug you all and give you candy. But, since we can't do that, we decided to update :) Thanks again ~ shrinkingviolet (Jo)
Alana resisted the urge to roll her eyes as the flock of nurses communed around the nursing station, far more interested in spreading the latest gossip than filling out their charts. Usually, Alana would be back with Baylee, but she had to finish a little last minute charting and pulling orders that the doctor had prescribed for the boy. It wasn't that she didn't like the nurses she worked with, but some were just ridiculously two-faced. Especially the ones working on the seven to three shift. She hardly ever put her trust into others, unless they proved to be worthy. Especially as these nurses spoke of slipping to the media that Baylee was in their hospital and what a stoic profit they would make. The media was fiendishly conniving, practically starving for information on the young patient. Their deals of massive profits were no doubt alluring. And, when they told Alana what a handsome profit she would make off the deal, she just made a face and turned slightly. "How could you honestly use a poor sick little boy as your meal ticket? Doesn't this hospital pay you enough?"

"It's not like it'd hurt anything--" the older of the nurses cut off when she saw a young man approaching the station.

"Excuse me? Can you tell me which room Baylee Littrell is in?" he questioned, his gaze seeking out Alana.

"My God, it's Nick Carter!" one of the freshly graduated nurses squealed from behind Alana.

"Should we get him an ID Badge?" Alana questioned with a playful squeal, moving to stand from her seated position behind the long desk. Flipping Baylee's chart closed, she leaned over the counter with a kind smile. It didn't take a genius to realize who the man was standing before her, especially as she studied the depth of his dark indigo eyes. Nor did it take the wild squeal of her overly excited co-worker. Though, even if he wasn't famous, she still would have recognized him as Baylee's beloved 'Nicky.' Picture frames littered the child's room, most encasing photographs of himself and Nick. She knew he would be a happily anticipated guest for the sick little boy. "Sorry about that. He's right down the hall, last room on your right, 415-A."

"Thanks," Nick murmured, ignoring the heated whispering going on around him as he stared into a pair of mesmerizing teal eyes. Dipping his gaze slightly, he read her ID badge quickly before looking back up. "Last room on the left?"

"Right," Alana laughed, pushing a few fallen strawberry blonde, straight locks behind her multiply pierced ears. Keeping direct eye contact with his indigo eyes, she decided that he could very well be considered handsome. Dark blonde locks highlighted with platinum streaks spiked into a messy style. A sleek, angular nose. And those lips… But she brushed those thoughts aside, having no desire to fall down that road again. "Go to your right. If you swing a left, you're going into a teenage girl's room. And, though I'm sure she'd scream with delight, her heart couldn't take it and you probably couldn't either."

"Gotcha…" Nick trailed, letting his eyes sweep the curve of her neck as she leaned her head to one side, studying him. Flicking his tongue over his lips, he suddenly wondered what her skin tasted like. Releasing his breath in a soft sigh, he quickly pushed away from the desk, grateful for his baggy track pants. "Thanks a lot," he said after a moment, giving her a quick smile before heading down the hall.

'They're an honest to God herd of nosy cows,' Alana thought with a rueful smile, moving to seat herself once more with Baylee's chart in her hands. Leaning toward the printer and fax, she snatched his latest blood work from the top, comparing it to the past few days, and what the doctor had been ordering. She was always in the habit of checking out doctor's orders, knowing quite a few times she had caught a sleepy doctor's mistake. She was intelligent, having graduated high school at the age of seventeen, with honors. Then going directly to college for nursing, four year degree at the age of twenty one, Summa Cum Laude. And she assured herself that she would use all of her knowledge to make sure that Baylee would become well again. She would not make another mistake when it came to a child's life.

"God, Alana, he was totally checking you out!" a squeal erupted from behind her, seconds later the newest nurse sat down on the desk, pushing aside Alana's paperwork. "Like, my God, did you see that bulge in his--"

"I wasn't exactly checking out his lower anatomy, Heather," Alana interrupted, offering the woman a somewhat kind smile, despite the agitation creeping just beneath her skin. She was always kind to those around her, despite her inner thoughts. "He just wanted to go see his friend's son. Give him a break. I bet he's worried sick."

"So worried he had a boner bigger than I've ever seen--" Heather snorted, carefully examining the tips of her fake nails. Smoothing the front of her Scooby Doo scrub top, she glanced up when the intercom light lit up. Reaching over, she pressed the button. With a bored sigh, she plucked a pen from her pocket. "Yes?"

"'Lana? Where 'Lana at?"

"I got it," Alana announced with an excited coo at Baylee's chipper voice. Since she managed to get his medication infused, he seemed to have been doing better. Well, at least the fluid was reducing from his body. They just needed to get his heart fixed. Unable to hide her smile, she scooted Heather off the desk so she could roll over to the intercom system. Pressing the button, she leaned close. "What can I do for my Jungle Boogie Boy?"

"My 'Lana gots a boyfriend?" Baylee questioned loudly.

Surprised by his blatant question, Alana leaned back in her chair only to find the other nurses suddenly hurrying back to the station to find out the answer. She had never brought her personal life into the workplace. She cherished her privacy; especially from the gossip-mongering vultures she called coworkers. They didn't need to know the highlights nor the disappointments of her life. She'd much rather hear about them and offer jokes as means of relief from what she faced at her empty home. "I was hoping that'd be you after you get discharged, Handsome. Why?"

"You like tall guys wit' blonde hair?" Baylee fired off quickly, and in the background there was a muffled protest.

"Oh my God," Heather breathed. "He's trying to hook you up with his Dad, and that's just--"

"Brian is by no means tall. I'm five foot, nine inches," Alana chided in hopes to hush up the woman, leaning closer to the intercom so she could possibly hear what was being said in the background.

"Baylee! You little--"

"'Lana? You 'member Nicky?" Baylee continued, a quick giggle escaping him as the voice in the background died into a whine.

"Of course I remember your Nicky. Did he make it to your room?" Alana inquired, moving to stand, though she kept close to the intercom.

"Uh huh. An' he's tellin' Daddy about the hot nurse with big boobies an' I knowed it was you--"

"Baylee!" Nick's voice erupted in the background, filled with horror. "Brian! Do something!"

There was a quick shuffle before Brian's voice crackled through the system, "Alana, come back here and I'll tell you everything."

"Not that!" Nick yelped.

Baylee's jubilant laughter came through the intercom. "'Urry, 'Lana!"

"Good Lord, y'all are so goofy," Alana laughed as she grasped Baylee's chart, filing it back into the system. Then, glancing down the hall momentarily, her teal eyes electrified as she sauntered into the medicine room. Retrieving Baylee's next dose of medicine as means of an excuse, she came out to see the nurses looking at her expectantly. "He needs his medicine."

"Right…" Heather trailed, rolling her eyes. "…Need help?"

"I can hang an IV bag myself," Alana assured as she glanced toward Heather for a moment. "You want his number or what?"

"Whose? Brian's? Or Nick's?" Heather questioned in confusion, her lips forming a pout as Alana headed down the hall without answering.

Alana knew Heather made some kind of face, but she refused to turn around as she continued down the hallway. Stopping just in front of Baylee's room, she turned to catch her reflection in the glass covering the fire extinguisher. Wrinkling her nose at the image before her, she balanced the IV bag on her shoulder and pulled her long strawberry blonde locks back into a tighter twist, fixing it just so a few strands layered her pretty face. Halfway through smoothing her Disney's Lion King scrubs, she stopped herself with a dark scowl. What was she thinking? She was in no position to be looking for a love interest. Nor did she want one. Rolling her eyes at her foolishness, she reached to tap politely on Baylee's door.

"'Lana's here!" Baylee announced with a delighted squeal. "C'min!"

"I've got your next dose of medicine, Handsome," Alana announced with her natural drawl, making sure to avoid Nick's eyes as she breezed toward Baylee's side. Crouching down, she brought out a needless syringe from her pocket to attach to the tubing in his arm. It was to assure that the catheter was still in his vein before infusing the medication. Pushing some normal saline in, she then stood to hang the bag of medicine. "I haven't seen you all day, y'know. You were sleeping when I came in."

"George an' me played King Kong last night," Baylee admitted, dipping his hand into the pocket of her scrub top. Extracting the pad of Post-It notes, he grinned from ear to ear. "Nicky! You c'n give 'Lana your number now--"

"Scooper," Brian admonished softly, shaking his head as he perused the leftover contents of the breakfast tray. Making a face, he replaced the cover, deciding he would run down to McDonald's for some real food shortly.

"That's okay, he's just lucky I keep the Post-It's in my patch pockets instead of my breast pocket," Alana teased, leaning to blow a raspberry on the side of Baylee's face after securing the tubing of the IV to the port in his hand. Setting the right calculations, it began to flow.

"'Lana, this is Nicky," Baylee murmured, pointing to the man who slouched in a chair in the far corner. "Nicky, this is my 'Lana, otay? You tell her now how hot she is?"

"Despite the air conditioning, I think I'm hot too. Red cheeks and all," Alana attempted to dissuade, noticing the dark red tint to the tall man's cheeks. She smiled kindly nonetheless, reaching out her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Carter. I'd be Alana, Baylee's nurse."

"Look, about what Bay said," Nick began, grasping her hand for a quick shake before dropping it into his lap, where he began to fiddle with the hem of his t-shirt. "I didn't mean… I didn't tell him to… That is…"

"He thinks that the intercom is his personal phone to me. He loves to play with it almost as much as he loves to play with the call bell. And, from what I can tell, he loves to start trouble. No harm done. Honestly. He's already told me I have big boobies, so, I can imagine he conjured up the rest as well," Alana assured.

"Nuh uh!" Baylee cried in disbelief, turning to stare up at his father. "Daddy! Tell her! Tell 'Lana Nick wants to give her a rid--"

"Scooper! That's for Nick to discuss privately with Alana!" Brian blurted, reaching to cup a hand over his son's mouth. "We really have to start watching what we say around him, Nick. I mean, honestly--"

"But you were going to tell me what he said?" Alana inquired, her interest suddenly piqued as she moved to sit on the bed with Baylee, slipping off her nursing clogs.

"I didn't say anything," Nick defended with a scowl in Brian's direction, ignoring Baylee's wild hand motions. Had he realized Baylee would sound the alarm and tell the entire staff of the hospital what he had said casually to Brian, he would have kept his mouth shut. "I simply said--"

"That Alana is attractive," Brian interrupted, dropping his hand from Baylee's mouth.

"Daddy!" Baylee huffed, turning to look at Alana. "Nicky said that you's hot, and then he said that he wished he could take you for a ride that you'd never forget," he informed her hurriedly.

"Does he have a nice car for a ride, Baylee?" Alana inquired further, unable to help her teasing as she saw Nick squirm with mortification. Pulling herself into the hospital bed, she allowed Baylee to crawl over to snuggle against her side. Playing idly with his light blonde locks, she continued to steal glances at Nick through her long eyelashes, wondering if he really did find her attractive. Not that she needed verification, nor the approval of a man. She was satisfied with herself. Attractive or hideous, though she saw more imperfections than anything.

"Um…" Baylee pursed his lips in thought for a long moment. "He did'n' bring any car… He flewed on a plane. But at home he's gots lots of cars. An' then he told Daddy that he would rock your world--"

"Baylee, that's enough," Brian interrupted as Nick sank lower in the chair.

"Thanks for all the information, Handsome," Alana laughed, turning to lightly kiss the top of his head before reaching to check the IV tubing to assure it was infusing properly. That is, till Baylee set the Post-Its on her chest. "Giving them back already? Usually you have them all around the room by the end of my shift."

"You gots to give Nicky your number so he can give you a ride an' rock your world, 'Lana," Baylee explained with an impatient sigh.

"I bet Nicky has plenty of girls' numbers," Alana answered, feeling Baylee's hand sneak into her pocket once more to produce a pen.

"But yours is better," Baylee returned with a bright smile, laying the pen atop the Post-Its.

Playfully rolling her eyes toward the young boy, she leaned to affectionately kiss the side of his face nonetheless. Picking up her pen and Post-Its, she glanced at the dark purple paper, clicking her pen to produce a tip. She wasn't interested in making any sort of romantic connection with Nick, but she hadn't the heart to break the excited face of the little boy. Nick would probably be far to embarrassed to use it anyway. Scrawling her number on the piece of paper, she glanced toward Baylee. "Do I need to give it to him?"

"I do it," Baylee insisted, scooting to the edge of his bed. Holding Alana's hand, he gingerly slid to the floor. Remembering the IV, he looked up at the nurse hopefully. "Pull my thingie?"

Nick snorted with laughter, clapping a hand over his mouth when he saw the glare Brian gave him. "Sorry," he muttered.

"He's just jealous cause I won't pull his thingie, Baylee," Alana assured when Baylee shot a puzzled glance between his father and Nick. Reaching for the IV pole, she moved it around the bed so Baylee could walk. She kept a close eye on him, observing his mere exertion at walking across the room. God how he needed that surgery.

Climbing into Nick's lap, Baylee released a soft sigh of exhaustion before handing over the purple paper. "You call her, Nicky? Rock her world--"

"Baylee, please stop saying that," Brian breathed, shaking his head. It seemed that all Nick had to do was show up and his son's vocabulary was littered with phrases and words that he did not understand. He only hoped Baylee wouldn't let some of them loose when his parents showed up later.

"What wrong wit that?" Baylee questioned, pursing his lips in order to catch his breath. "Nicky like my 'Lana. Wanna make her a happy world. Ride in her car. She got's a dark blue jeep!"

"I'll call her, Bay," Nick promised softly, gently wrapping his arm around the boy and holding him close. Pressing a kiss to the top of his head, he lightly rubbed his back, glancing down at the phone number written on the paper. "Hey, you want to put this in my Blackberry for me? You know how I am with paper, dude. I'll end up washing my pants and then have to start stalking her…"

"I play with your Blackberry?" Baylee squealed with excitement, obviously loving to play with gadgets.

"That'd probably be my cue to leave… I've got a break coming up…" Alana trailed, glancing to Brian with a smile. "Jungle Boogie Boy, I'll bring Lion King back after my break for us to watch, alright?"

"Otay. You get milkshake and 'nuggle with me?" Baylee questioned hopefully.

"You probably need to take a little rest while she's on her break, Bay. That way you can have energy to snuggle," Nick murmured, lifting his gaze to look at Alana. She met his eyes for a moment, a smile touching her lips, and instantly he felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment once more. Of all people to blurt things in front of, he should have known better than mention his attraction in front of Baylee. He would never be able to live this down.

"Nicky 'nuggle too?" Baylee asked Alana, leaning forward to give her a hug.

"Sure, Nicky can snuggle too. We'll rock his world together, alright?" Alana teased, blowing an affectionate raspberry against the side of Baylee's face, trying to ignore the delicious smell of Nick's cologne.

"Oh, God," Nick hissed under his breath, grateful that Brian was scooping Baylee from his lap. Jerking his t-shirt down, he stood from the chair in an attempt to conceal his arousal.

"Good God," Brian breathed, shaking his head as he settled Baylee in the bed. "Get some rest, Scooper, okay?"

"Love you, 'Lana," Baylee murmured sleepily as she stepped over to adjust his IV tube.

"Love you, too, Jungle Boogie Boy," Alana promised, kissing his forehead before turning to glance at Nick. "It was nice to meet you."

"It was really nice to meet you," Nick murmured, aware of Brian's gaze moving from him to Alana. Smiling, he glanced down at her number, deciding to ask Brian what time she left work once she was out of the room.


*~*~*


Glancing up from his expensive Blackberry, Nick saw Brian flipping through the small photo album that Baylee kept on his bedside table. Hoping to forget his earlier embarrassment, he grinned suddenly. "So, B… Where's your hot assistant at?"

"She's not my assistant," Brian reminded, glancing up from the photo album, finding it highly ironic that Nick had mentioned the woman in the particular photograph without even knowing who Brian was looking at. Though, when he noticed the devilish gleam in his friend's dark blue eyes, he knew Nick was starting to cause trouble. He was just highly embarrassed about what had happened earlier that morning. Baylee had all but handed Nick's backside on a silver platter to Alana, who had been surprisingly good natured with the teasing as well as dishing her own. He certainly appreciated Alana more than she would ever know. "She does the website and public relations for Healthy Hearts Club."

"Whatever," Nick shrugged. "She's always hanging around you, I just assumed she'd be here… Nita? That's her name, right? The little short thing with a big rack and--"

"Natalie," Brian gritted, suddenly remembering how much he detested the way Nick treated and spoke about women. He acted as if they were party favors; that is, if they were beautiful enough to be considered such. Not to mention, Brian certainly had a soft spot for Natalie Hayes, his public relations and website designer for the foundation he started to help children with heart defects. Not to mention, she had been his former wife's best friend for what seemed like ages. He had known her as long as he had known Leighanne. Perhaps better than he knew Leighanne.

"Sorry… Sheesh. I'm just wondering why she's not here is all…" Nick trailed, rolling his eyes. Brian had always gotten testy whenever anyone mentioned Natalie. As though she were his wife instead of Leighanne. Sometimes Nick wondered if his friend had ever… No, not Brian. But he had to know. Had to egg the older man just a little bit. "You and her aren't ban--"

"And risk the sanctity of my marriage?!" Brian shrieked, causing Baylee to jerk in his sleep. Tossing the photo album upon the bedside table, he immediately reached to cover Baylee with the blankets. Alana was getting ready to leave work and if Baylee woke before then, he would con her into staying later. Though, glaring now at his friend as he boosted himself from the bed, he decided maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea. "I'm not like you, Nick. Using women because you're desperately alone in life and far too impulsive to control your sexual needs."

"I don't use women," Nick returned defensively. Hating how Brian always turned the tables in their conversations, he tossed his phone aside and stood. Scooping up the photo album, he smirked when he saw the picture Brian had been looking at. "No offense, Frick, but I don't think anyone would blame you if you tried… Probably not even Leigh--Leigh. Where is she?" he blurted, just realizing that the woman was not there.

"Florida, California, Boca, Bora Bora, Georgia… I don't know," Brian admitted honestly, leaning on the heavily covered windowsill filled with get well gifts. Glancing outside, he realized that they were overlooking the employee parking lot, immediately locating Alana's expensive jeep.

"You kicked her out?" Nick questioned incredulously, letting the photo album drop to the table.

Brian winced at the radiating sound, immediately glancing backwards to see Baylee still sound asleep. He smiled with relief, turning back to the window. That boy could honestly sleep through anything. Brian knew it came from being on tour. "She left."

"When? Why?"

"She's been threatening to leave for months," Brian admitted with a heavy sigh, pressing his forehead to the cool windowpane. "She's not happy. I don't love her. She didn't want to be a mother. I don't know, there are dozens of reasons that she gave. But none that she left when I came home to find everything gone but her wedding band and engagement ring… And our wedding picture…"

"Whoa," Nick breathed, not knowing what to say. Even though he had never cared for the woman, he knew that Brian had meant to be with her forever. He was one of the few men Nick knew who took their vows seriously. "I'm sorry, Frick…"

"Yeah, I was, too… Now I'm just mad that I didn't realize it was all some kind of big joke to her… I should have known…" Brian mumbled with a heavy sigh, deciding not to dwell on the past affairs. It had been Leighanne's choice to leave. If she didn't want to stay, fine, he couldn't have made her anyway. He had to focus on his son. "Hey, there's Alana…" Brian motioned as he trained his gaze on the parking lot, motioning toward the woman sauntering toward her Jeep, throwing her messenger bag on top of the hood before ducking inside to pull out a bag to locate a different pair of shoes. "Want to go down and get her license plate number?"

"Why do I need to do that?" Nick questioned with a snort, though he pushed his friend aside to look down.

"Because--" Brian's eyes widened as he pushed a few more things aside to see what she was doing. After securing her shoes, she stood next to her car, peeling her scrub top over her head, revealing a bright purple sport's bra. She then wriggled out of her scrub bottoms to reveal a pair of tightly adhering cargo capris. There wasn't an ounce of fat anywhere on her athletically trained and leaned body. Her curves speaking volumes even at this height and distance. Even Brian found himself gawking as she tossed her long locks into a high ponytail. "-She's stripping…"

"Dude, you mind not standing beside me right now? Your hard on is sticking in my hip," Nick hissed, stepping aside. Pressing his forehead against the window, he stared down at the vision below, whining when Alana stooped, offering him the perfect view of her ample cleavage. "Holy shit, Frick…"

"She's got one helluva body," Brian whistled in shock, far too engulfed in watching Alana for the time being as she adjusted her cargo capris, sliding them further below her hips. "Who knew she was hiding all of that in those scrubs. I mean, she looked good in the scrubs but… Damn."

"Horny much?" Nick questioned, though he barely heard the older man's response, too busy watching Alana prop one foot on the driver's seat to tie her shoes. He could imagine all too well how wonderful her lithe legs would feel wrapped around his--

"Daddy? …Where George?"

"Shit," Brian cursed, forgetting to let George peek from above the covers. Reluctantly turning away from the sight, he trudged to retrieve the stuffed monkey from beneath the blankets.

"Sucks to be you," Nick teased with a smirk, reaching to feel the Post-It in his pocket as he gazed down at Alana. Licking his lips, he tried to decide how long it would take her to go home. How long he should wait until dialing her number. "Oh fuck me raw," he groaned, seeing an impeccably dressed man rushing up to speak to Alana.

"Is she naked?" Brian blurted before his brain could catch the impulse, rushing over to jump on Nick's back to see what was happening after Baylee drifted back off to sleep. Furrowing his sandy brows, he watched the man in a white coat embrace Alana with a peck to the cheek before allowing her to settle against the hood of her car to talk.

"From the look of joy on her face, she probably will be soon," Nick snorted with a scowl. It was just his luck, really. It seemed every attractive, personable woman he had met in recent months had been taken. Or lesbians… "And get off me, dude. Your dick's poking me in the spine!"

"It is not!" Brian scoffed, though he blushed nonetheless as he slid from Nick's back, carefully observing the situation. She showed no signs of interest in the man, just a general smile and occasional laughter, moving her hands with animation as she spoke. "And she told Scooper she was single."

"Maybe he's just a random get together guy?" Nick suggested, not believing his words even as he spoke them. Somehow, Alana didn't strike him as the random sex type. Though, he conceded as the man leaned in to embrace Alana again, this time hugging her longer, he could be wrong. "God, I hate that lucky son-of-a-bitch…"

"You hate him?" Brian inquired with a small smirk, watching Alana gently push the man away though he didn't seem to know the difference. Offering an exuberant wave, she dipped to pick up her messenger bag, tossing it into the backseat of her Jeep before jumping in. "And, why do you hate him? You weren't exactly stimulating conversation for her. Scooper had to make the play for goodness sakes."

"She made me nervous…" Nick trailed with a sigh.

"Made you nervous? The infamous Nick Carter? Nervous? Over a woman? How many women have you been with before she came along? I mean, honestly, Nick--"

"I can't explain it, alright? Jesus…" Shrugging, Nick turned to glance at Baylee, who continued to sleep peacefully, George the monkey tucked close to his side. "I think I'll run down and grab something to eat… You want anything?" he offered, looking to see Brian had once again picked up the photo album.

"Yeah, that'd be great. I got a room at the house set up for you whenever you want to head back…" Brian murmured absentmindedly, seating himself beside the bed once more.

"Sounds good, man…" Pausing at the door, Nick turned to look at his friend. His face breaking into a grin, he leaned in the doorway, clearing his throat to catch the older man's attention. He couldn't resist one final tease before dinner. "When your hot assistant shows up, she's staying in your room, right?"
Three : Encouraging Comforts by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Again, thanks for all the wonderful feedback. It warms the cockles of our hearts, honestly. :D
"Daddy, I no like these other nurses," Baylee announced with a mournful pout as the nurse disappeared. He instantly reached to cover his arm where the woman had so viciously drawn blood, poking the needle in every angle till the young child called out in protest. An immediate bruise began to form as the toddler hopped from his bed and attempted to hurry toward his father. His breaths immediately became labored with overexertion, but he said nothing as he tugged on his father's jeans. His lips were tinged blue from lack of oxygen, not that the nurse cared. His cheeks reddened with effort. His face layered in a cool sweat. "Where's my 'Lana? Her no work 'night?"

"She'll be back in the morning, Scooper," Brian promised, pulling his son into his lap. Smoothing his curls from his face, he leaned close, pressing soft kisses over Baylee's forehead, his heart wrenching when the boy began to shiver. Vowing to speak to someone in administration about the lack of care for his son, he held the small body close, reaching to pull a blanket off to bed. "When you wake up in the morning, your 'Lana will be here, I promise."

"Her yell at that nasty nurse?" Baylee inquired further as he snuggled close to his father's chest for protection. "Beat'er up? In green Jell-O like Nicky wants?"

"Yes, she'll… Green Jell-O?" Brian repeated in horror. Shaking his head, he wrapped the blanket around Baylee, making sure to let George peek out the top. "I don't think Alana would want to fight in Jell-O, Scooper. It'll make an awful mess… But I'll make sure she lights a fire under the nasty nurse's butt, okay?"

"She'd the only nice nurse here'd. That 'Eather keeps looking at your and Nicky's underwear stuffs," Baylee huffed, though Brian feared that was because he needed to catch a breath of air.

"I'll be sure and leave some nasty ones out for her to look at," Brian murmured, gently rubbing Baylee's back. "How about you, me and George take a little nap? Then maybe later we can watch--"

"Brian?"

"Daddy! That's my Knot!" Baylee suddenly squealed, though it came out raspy with the amount of fluid building in his lungs. Though, he didn't seem to care about his sickness as he squirmed to get to the floor and greet their visitor.

"There's my little Bay-Bee!" Natalie cooed, dropping the items she carried to the floor so she could scoop Baylee into her arms. Holding him close, she squeezed him gently, smacking several kisses on his cheek as he hugged her tightly. Releasing a tight sigh at the redness of his face, the way his small body trembled with each breath, she blinked back tears, cooing softly as he rested his head on her chest. "How's my favorite little man tonight?" she questioned softly, glancing up to see Brian rising.

"Mad!" Baylee explained, scowling darkly as he rested a hand over her heart, listening to the correct beat that a heart was supposed to move with. "Nurses mean and my 'Lana ain't here'd. You stayin' Knot? Meet my 'Lana? Be her best friend? Nicky be her boyfriend! After me!"

"I'm staying," Natalie promised, rubbing his back gently. Not knowing who this 'Lana was, she looked at Brian with confusion. "Been here just a few days and already got yourself a girlfriend?"

"No, Scooper did," Brian chuckled, reaching to embrace his friend as well as his son. He couldn't even begin to explain how happy he was to see Natalie in the room. Nick had gone to his house for the night, exhausted. So, Brian was alone again. But with Natalie around, he suddenly felt a little better. He hadn't seen her for months. "You know if I ever broke it off with Leigh that I'd be coming after you…"

Natalie's cheeks flushed slightly at his words, not daring to hope there was seriousness behind his teasing tone. Brian was completely off limits to her. Forever… Sliding her arm around his waist, she let her head rest on his chest for a moment, breathing in his familiar scent as he squeezed her to him. "Right…"

"I missed you so much," Brian confessed softly as Baylee squirmed to the floor, allowing the adults to hug one another as he climbed back into his bed. He didn't seem to realize, though he brought Natalie closer than ever. Inhaling the soft scent of her shampoo, he actually shuddered with honest relief. She had left without a word, saying something about a vacation. But that had been the most of it. Then she got busy in work once again. It just didn't seem fair that his very best woman friend had skipped off. "Why'd you disappear from me so long?"

"I'm sorry," Natalie apologized, tucking her face against his chest, hoping he wouldn't see her tears. She had hated leaving him, hated it more than anything in the world. But she'd had no choice, not with Leighanne breathing down her neck about needing to have Brian to herself. For whatever reason, Natalie had turned from the person she was closest to than anybody, and had regretted it every day. Not wanting to tell him the truth, she snuggled closer to him, leaning up to lightly kiss his cheek. "Things just got crazy…"

"You don't have to tell me twice," Brian sighed heavily, squeezing her. "Don't leave me again, alright? Scooper and I need you with Leigh gone…"

"I'll stay as long as you need me," Natalie promised, glancing over to see Baylee had drifted to sleep, George curled tightly in his arm. "And I'm sorry about Leigh… I came as soon as I got your message--"

"Thank you," Brian interrupted gently. "And it's okay about Leigh… I knew she was going… Sooner or later…"

"Do you need me to do anything for you?" Natalie inquired, though she longed to stay in his arms. "If you want to go home for a little while, I can sit with Bay--"

"I'd rather stay here with you and Baylee. We can share that hospital bed. Lord knows we've slept in smaller, right?"

Natalie nodded, a soft giggle escaping her as she remembered the times she had been crammed into a bunk on a full bus with Brian. Squeezing him tightly, she allowed herself to gently kiss his cheek again, her lips lingering over his skin for a moment. "Just promise not to kick me out this time?"

"You're the one that started tickling me like crazy," Brian teased, his hands sneaking to her sides for a gentle tickle. At her soft squeal that mixed into a giggle, he had to lift her up for a tighter hug. When he finally relinquished his hold, he held her out at arms length to admire her. She still looked the same. Light caramel eyes that deepened around the pupil with amber. Her light brown wavy locks twisted into a high black clip. Her thin, petite form dressed in a smart white button up shirt and khaki Bermuda shorts. "I think you've gotten prettier."

"You've just gotten blinder, old man," she teased, reaching to trace the smile lines at the corner of his sky blue eyes. His strawberry blonde hair fell in a mess over his forehead, and she impulsively smoothed it back, shivering slightly as she raked her fingers through his hair. "And still don't know how to use a comb…"

"I've just been waiting for you to come back and brush it."

"I will if you brush mine," she offered with a smile, gasping when he pulled her into another hug. "God, I've missed you…"

"I'm so damn glad to have my best friend back," Brian explained, burying his face against the side of her face.

Natalie nodded, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, unsure if she could trust herself to speak as tears once again began to fall. Wishing she could be so much more to him, she gently kissed his neck, starting to pull away when she felt his flinch.

"Your lips tickle," he laughed sheepishly, his cheeks turning a dark crimson. Deciding to let her go finally, he reached to flip the photo album shut, not wanting her to know who he had been looking at. After the thrill that just raced through his body at the feeling of her lips, he decided it was for the best.

"You are so adorably cute when you blush, Bumpkin," Natalie teased softly, turning to retrieve the bag she'd thrown down earlier. Digging inside, she pulled out her boxer pajama set. If she was going to sleep with the man, she would be comfortable. Grabbing her toothbrush, she stuck it into her mouth, tossing her pajamas over one shoulder as she unconsciously began unbuttoning her blouse. "Is there any toothpaste in the bathroom, or do I need to get mine?" she questioned, wriggling out of her shirt to stuff it into her bag.

"There's some in there," Brian promised, immediately turning around to give her privacy, his cheeks now flaming.

"You've seen me in less, Bumpkin," Natalie reminded him, biting back a smile at his embarrassment. Stuffing her shorts into the bag with her shirt, she quickly removed her bra, draping it over the chair arm momentarily as she hurriedly pulled on her pajamas, deciding it best not to notice Brian's surreptitious glances over his shoulder. Kicking off her sandals, she padded across to the bathroom. "I'll just be a minute…" she trailed, pulling the door shut behind her.

"Boy am I in trouble," Brian muttered, collapsing into a chair to compose himself, knowing that was a feat above impossible.


*~*~*



Looking at the clock for possibly the hundredth time since getting out of the shower, Nick heaved a sigh, his fingers pressing the memorized digits before he could think of a reason not to. Groaning when he heard the ringing on the other end, he wondered if Dr. Big Shot was with her. If they had met up later for… Pushing those thoughts aside, he stepped out on Brian's back deck for a cigarette. He had actually quit before the start of filming the reality show, but… After months of living in a house with his siblings, he had been grateful for the stress-relieving nicotine. Glaring at Brian's cordless when it continued to ring, he envisioned all sorts of things Alana could be doing to keep her from answering the phone.

Before he could threaten to throw the phone out into the middle of the deep in ground pool, there was a shuffle of various pitched crackles. Briefly, in the background, Nick could have sworn that he heard Paradise by the Dashboard Lights by Meat Loaf playing. But his thoughts shifted to the breathless, breezy voice. "Hello?"

"A-Alana?" Nick blurted, wincing at the hopeful squeak that came from his lips. Clearing his throat, he paused, taking a deep drag of his cigarette before speaking again. "Alana… It's Nick… Carter… From earlier. I'm Bay's--"

"Nicky…" she cooed appropriately. "Still angling to take me for a ride?"

"Oh man," he breathed, a tingle starting at the tip of his head and spreading lower. Flicking his tongue over his lips, he tossed his cigarette into the grass, suddenly not desiring it anymore. "You want me to?"

She offered a throaty laugh that turned to a soft purr. "Do you honestly think you could handle me?"

Smirking, Nick turned to go back inside, banging his knee on the edge of the doorframe. "Ah, fuck… I've got restraints…"

"Restraints?" Alana questioned in a slight air of confusion at the initial statement of pain. "As in weight restrictions? Things you can't do?"

"No, no!" Nick quickly answered as he kicked the door shut, pausing to rub his aching knee before moving into his room. "Things to tie you down with--"

"What makes you think I don't have the same for you?"

"You think I can't handle you?"

"You had to get a little boy to handle your moves for you," Alana reminded, laughing with hearty amusement. "I honestly can't believe you called me."

"I can't believe he went blabbing what I told Brian… Why wouldn't I call you? You're a beautiful woman who didn't make me feel like a complete idiot."

"Then I couldn't have possibly been doing my job right…"

Dropping onto his bed, Nick pushed his bags to the floor with a grunt before leaning back against the pillows. "…What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing…" Alana trailed, though the ending of the word drawled with a southern accent as she seemed to sober slightly. "What can I do you for?"

"Take me for a long ride in your jeep?"

"After you told Brian you were going to stalk me and when we're hardly on a first name basis?"

"I told Baylee that and that was so I wouldn't lose your number," Nick explained softly, poking at the remote with his toe to mute the TV.

"Is that supposed to settle my fears?"

"You're afraid of me?" Nick questioned incredulously, choking back a laugh. "Babe, I'm harmless!"

"Any man is hardly harmless," she assured him. "Would you consider a background check, criminal record check, blood test, mouth swab, and semen sample--"

"Jesus Christ, all that? …Will you be collecting the semen sample yourself?" Nick inquired with a grin, wishing immediately that the thought hadn't risen in his mind.

"If you'd like me to stimulate your prostate from behind to cause an ejaculation at the hospital, sure," she answered, her voice laced with bemusement.

"No damn way… That's exit only back there," Nick growled. "I was thinking along the lines of you stimulating something else entirely…"

"Don't you have tons of women in that expensive Blackberry of yours to handle that? Or do you make it a point to call strangers and ask them for sexual favors?"

"I didn't call for sexual favors, you're the one who wanted something that I can only get from doing something sexual--"

"Then what did you call for, Mr. Carter?" Alana implored. "Because I do have to be up at quarter before five just to get to work at seven for Baylee."

"I…" Nick trailed, furrowing his brow as he desperately tried to remember his original reason for calling. Taking a deep breath, he shrugged, though she couldn't see it. "I just wanted to see if maybe you'd be interested in going out with me while I'm in town. Nothing major, just dinner or dancing or… Whatever people do around here for fun--"

"Well at least you didn't invite me to go cow tipping…" Alana mused with an adorable giggle.

Nick grinned, relaxing slightly. "Knowing my luck, the cow would fall on me…"

"Right into a fresh patty, I figure," she drawled.

"And if that happened, there'd be no way of talking you into a good night kiss, so… Dinner?"

"I'm pretty busy after work every day…" she hesitated.

"Lunch?" Nick questioned, wanting to kick himself for being so overeager. "Maybe we could have lunch at the McDonald's in the hospital sometime? …If you can't, I'll understand--"

"McDonalds tends to get a bit boring after Baylee orders it all the time for you. So there's no way for you to weasel out of his room during lunch. So… How about I order pizza? Or do you have some crazy famous fetish about not eating pizza because of religious orientation or--"

"As long as it's got tons of cheese, that's perfect," Nick interrupted.

"Nothing like making a new friend over extra cheesy pizza."

"Exactly… Tomorrow, then? My treat."

"I think I can handle buying a pizza."

"Promise to keep those weirdo nurses from attacking me?" Nick requested, sitting up to peel off his t-shirt. The phone caught in the armhole, causing him to spend several moments flailing and cursing under his breath. Finally wrenching the t-shirt away, he tossed it to the floor, pressing the phone to his ear. "Sorry," he apologized breathlessly. "I was--"

"Think you can handle not jerking off on our first phone call?" she teased.

"I was planning on doing that after our call was through--"

"No need to delve into your personal life," Alana interjected, her voice sounded as if her entire body had shuddered at the mere image. "What you do on your off time…With those creative hands…Is your business…"

"Creative hands?" Nick repeated, mind filled with the memory of her swift moving fingers. Biting back a moan when the thought aroused him, he hastily got to his feet, heading for the bathroom. "I'll bet your hands are more creative, Alana…"

"Why's that?"

"'Cause you save lives every day," Nick answered honestly, pausing to glance down at his own hands. "I mean, mine just play a guitar now and then and sometimes the drum, but yours… You take blood and give shots and hold hands when the kids are scared and… You do something meaningful."

Alana was silent for the longest moment. So extremely quiet that Nick thought she might have disconnected the call. Then he heard the softest of sniffles. So soft that he was convinced it might have just been a sneeze or sigh. "What you do is important, too. And, I can prove it."

"I don't do anything important," Nick disagreed. Forgetting his reason for getting up, he turned to flop back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. "I just sing and dance and get into fights with my family--"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"I'll prove it tomorrow."
Four : A Real Girl by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Last update for this week - My Summer Theater Workshop is just about to start dress rehearsal and everything for our first performance this weekend *is nervous*, so I won't be able to update again until early next week. Enjoy, and thanks again for all of the wonderful reviews.
Natalie stirred slowly from an exhausted sleep, turning onto her side with every intent of curling her arms around Baylee and Brian. Surprisingly, the night spent in the hospital hadn't been too horrendous. Baylee had slept most of the night and the bed had been comfortable. Of course, she assumed that was because Brian was only a few inches away from her, considering Baylee had snuggled in the middle. Only, when she turned, she found a somewhat cooling, empty spot beside her. Allowing her light caramel eyes to open to find where her men had drifted to, she found herself staring into a pair of large cobalt eyes. She naturally leaned back in shock at the discovery, not expecting to be nose to nose with the little boy.

"It's ten-clock, Knot. We missed 'Lana. Daddy went for 'fast. Want 'Lana, but you's blocking my walkie-talkie line to 'Lana," Baylee informed her quite seriously, extending his splinted arm with the IV port toward the intercom system. "Ain't seen 'Lana t'day, Knot. P'ease, get up?"

Sitting up slowly, Natalie muffled a yawn behind one hand as Baylee slid over into her lap, his splinted arm resting gently over her chest as he leaned up to kiss her good morning. Gently smoothing his curls, she brushed her fingers over his cheek, grateful to see that a night's rest had reduced the redness she had seen the night before. She had been so worried upon receiving Brian's heartbreaking message, her chest heavy with a worried pain when she had quickly thrown together things to be with him. Finally making contact with Leighanne at the airport, she had been shocked to learn Baylee was in the hospital, her friend not having even mentioned the extent of the little boy's illness. Giving him a soft smile, she hugged him gently. "Call your 'Lana, Bay-Bee," she encouraged softly. "And I'll go get dressed--"

"Is Alana in here?" Nick blurted, rushing hurriedly into the room before Baylee even had a chance to reach the intercom. He looked completely flustered as he hurriedly attempted to smooth the blue pinstriped, short sleeve, button down shirt over a gray t-shirt with some graphic design. He had matched the tops with a pair of worn jeans, ripped and faded. But they were his favorites. Running his hands quickly through his messy blonde locks, he glanced about the room. "She ain't here 'cause I called her last night, right? Hiding from me? I knew I made a complete ass of myself-Oh, hey, Natalie."

"Hey, Nicky," Natalie replied with a bemused smirk as she slid out of the bed, squeaking softly when her bare feet touched the cool floor. Keeping a grip on Baylee as he reached for the intercom, she glanced over at Nick, raising an eyebrow when she saw he was checking his reflection in the surface of the window. She could probably count on one hand the times the man had shown any interest in his appearance. Alana must be important… "Um… Hand me my bag? I need to get some clothes on--"

"You're naked?!" Nick blurted, whirling away from the window in horror. He hurriedly reached for her suitcase, tossing it toward her. He barely paid mind to what she was wearing, scooting her toward the bathroom as he reached for Baylee who hurriedly called for Alana. "Get the Hell in the bathroom before Alana gets in here! Who knows what she'll think!"

"For goodness' sake, Nicky!" Natalie squealed, catching herself on the foot of the bed before she fell face first to the floor. Sending him a scowl, she pulled a few items from her suitcase, hoping Brian would return soon. "I'm not naked, I'm in my pajamas. In case you forget, I'm not married to Bri--"

"And he's horny as Hell and his wife left him. I doubt it would matter at this point. Just…" Nick whined loudly. "Please get into the bathroom and get clothes on?"

"Why is the state of my undress important to you all of a sudden?" Natalie questioned, backing slowly towards the bathroom. "The last time you saw me, you were practically begging me to take something off--"

"Just go!" Nick insisted with a growl that ended in a higher pitched whine, causing Baylee to giggle with amusement. Satisfied when Natalie was finally concealed behind the closed door of the bathroom, he turned to offer Baylee a quick hello. He had all but given up hope about his date with Alana, especially as he walked by the nurses' station and couldn't locate her. Though he did locate plenty of nurses willing to alleviate his heartache. But that was besides the point as he heard a young voice call out her name. Lurching toward the hallway, he popped his head out to find Alana embracing two young girls in hospital gowns pulling IV poles.

"Ready to dance today on my break, Chickadees? I learned this hot new dance a few nights ago. Macarena or something?" Alana announced to the girls, sure enough demonstrating the movements to the long over dance fad. Though, Nick approved of the way she wiggled her round, tight backside to make the girls giggle.

"You're a few years too late, Al," one snorted.

"Are you serious?" Alana offered a hurt pout, and then sighed as she shrugged her shoulders. "Guess I can just shake my badonkadonk like y'all." And she demonstrated the exact movement, swaying her hips seductive manner before rolling them.

"Oh, fuck me now," Nick moaned, holding a hand over his mouth in hopes she hadn't heard. Feeling his body respond to her innocently seductive movements, he quickly reached down to make an adjustment, wishing that for once he could keep his hormones in check. Glancing back when he felt someone poking his back, he nearly fell from the room when he saw Natalie. "Natalie-Shit, don't scare me like that--"

"What are we looking at?" Natalie inquired, peering around Nick in attempts to see, though he quickly blocked her. "Damnit, Nick--"

"You just saw all of that… Didn't you?" Alana inquired softly as her cheeks flushed with a deep crimson, tucking her hands behind her back to stand erect. Her strawberry blonde locks falling into her teal eyes as she shifted her feet uncomfortably. Showing her first signs of shyness.

"Um… Kinda," Nick answered, training his eyes on hers, not daring himself to even peek at her chest. Though, when Natalie poked one fingernail in his side, he lurched forward with a howl, landing face first into Alana's chest, sending the both of them falling against the opposite wall. "Damnit, Natalie!"

"TOLD YOU NICKY LIKES 'NUGGLING BIG BOOBIES!" Baylee shrieked as he popped up from between Natalie's legs.

"Glad they're useful airbags," Alana groaned, her body crushed beneath Nick's weight.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry," Nick apologized repeatedly as he pulled himself away, his face flushed a deep crimson. Vowing to murder Natalie later, he grasped Alana's hand gently. Helping her to her feet, he instinctively reached to adjust her scrub top, jerking his hand away when she slapped it. "I'm so sorry--"

"I can handle the boys on my own. Trust me, I've been handling them since I hit puberty," Alana assured as she slipped away from the wall and hurriedly smoothed the Tinkerbell scrub top she had been wearing. Her cheeks were a dark crimson, near purple as she hurriedly swept the straight strawberry locks away from her face. Usually, she wouldn't have cared much about it. Nursing had seemed to erase any kind of personal boundaries. Children were constantly using her as a pillow. But the heat that Nick had left her with… That scared her. "And you might want to handle the boys in your pants… Privately… 'Cause you're bound to break something with that whipping around."

As Nick released a pitiful whimper, Natalie stepped forward, biting back several giggles as Baylee leaned from her arms to reach for the nurse. Smiling when the other woman welcomed into her arms, cooing with excitement, she was relieved to see Brian heading down the hall, her stomach growling loudly when she spied the large bag he carried. He was delayed by the young girls, however, and she turned to see Nick was sputtering to respond to the nurse. "You must be Alana, the one Nicky's been all agog over. I'm Natalie--"

"I'm not agog!" Nick growled.

"It's nice to meet you, Natalie," Alana greeted, reaching one hand from underneath Baylee to shake Natalie's hand. She felt Baylee tuck his face against her neck, breathing with relief as he held tight to her scrub top. She shifted to kiss the side of his face affectionately, assuring him that she was sorry for taking so long. Though, when Natalie mentioned that Nick was 'agog' with her, she couldn't deny that she felt a thrill of a shiver rip down her spine. But she regretted that thought when her heart panged with guilt.

"Nice to meet you, too," Natalie assured her, reaching to smooth Baylee's hair. Loving to torture Brian's friend, she leaned close, murmuring just loud enough for Nick to hear, "Nicky's agog. Nearly threw me in the bathroom 'cause I was in my jammies--"

"Natalie, damnit," Nick growled, his eyes narrowing when he heard Alana's soft laugh. "It wasn't--"

"Nicky threw Knot," Baylee informed Alana, squeezing her tightly. "My 'Lana watch 'Nocchio t'day? Get good lunch? Knot be best friend now? 'Tay th' night like Knot?"

"I see you've been making tons of plans while I was working hard this morning," Alana guessed, carrying the little boy into his hospital room. Settling him back into his bed, she then turned to retrieve something from the closet as Natalie, Nick, and Brian entered as well. Moving to sit on the bed beside Baylee, she tucked her feet beneath her and offered the festive bag to Baylee. "This is to say I'm sorry for all the mean nurses you've been having lately. I had a very, very, very long talk with them this morning. And none of them are going to be taking care of you at night anymore."

"You gonna 'tay every night?" Baylee chirped hopefully, peering into the bag with interest. Glancing up at Alana with wonder, he waited for her answer, wanting to know before he opened the gift. Curiosity got the better of him, and, ignoring his father's soft admonition, he dug into the bag.

"I'm going to give you and your Daddy my cell phone number, so, if you need me, no matter where I am, you can get in touch with me," Alana attempted to explain as Baylee pulled out a soft stuffed lion cub. At his excited squeal, she smiled and reached to kiss him again. "I thought George could use a friend… And since Lion King is our favorite movie… You needed a big kitty!"

"Simba!" Baylee squealed, diving to scoop up George. "George! It Simba! You new best friends!"

"That is so sweet," Natalie cooed, ignoring Nick's scowls in her direction as she moved to sit on the other side of Baylee.

"You really didn't have to buy him anything, Alana," Brian chided the young nurse as he reached into the large paper bag, pulling out a Styrofoam container. Popping the top open, he placed it on the bedside table in front of Natalie, revealing a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, fried eggs, hash browns, and several pieces of toast. He then reached back inside to grab a large cup of ice cold milk along with packages of butter and syrup. It was Natalie's favorite breakfast and she would eat it all. Without any help from Baylee. Smiling when she beamed a grin of thanks, Brian reached to retrieve the French toast sticks he had bought for Baylee.

"I know I didn't have to. I wanted to," Alana explained as Baylee crawled into her lap with George and Simba, giving her ample opportunity to listen to his heart with her stethoscope. "And, I've decided that I'll come to take care of Baylee during the nights. Off the clock, so my employer won't be beside herself."

"Daddy! We have s'eepover wit' 'Lana and Knot? Get Nicky come?" Baylee questioned hopefully as he reached for his breakfast. Smiling his thanks when Natalie pulled the tray closer so he could share her syrup, he looked towards Nick. "Nicky! We have s'eepover t'nigh! You c'min'?"

"Your Dad and Nat could just go home for the night," Nick mumbled absentmindedly, ignorant of Alana's bewildered look. That is, till Baylee giggled and pressed a hand to Alana's thigh.

"Nicky's a d'ood 'nuggler, 'Lana," the little boy insisted.

"Oh really?" Alana laughed. "And here I thought you were the best 'nuggler in the world."

"Nuh uh, not me. Nicky wraps his arms 'round you and holds real tight and 'ticks his chin 'gainst your shoulder," Baylee explained around a mouthful of his breakfast, giggling when Natalie reached to wipe syrup from his chin. "On'y, Knot's gots big boobies, so she might be bester than Nicky. But you got'a ask Daddy, they 'nuggle all the time--"

"I knew it!" Nick blurted loudly.

"Don't even get started on that mess again, Nicky, or I can let all your shit bare," Natalie warned with a hiss, causing Nick to contort his hand and slash at the air as if he were a feisty feline.

"And on that delightful note… Brian, if you want me here at night, just let me know, okay?" Alana reminded as she pulled the bright purple stethoscope from around her neck. Popping the cushioned ear pieces into her ears, she held the diaphragm of the scope and snuck it underneath Baylee's scrub top, taking a quick listen to his lungs before sneaking it around to listen to his heart.

"'Lana always warms the 'teth'cope 'fore puttin' it on me," Baylee informed Natalie with a proud smile. "Her's gots rid of nasty nurses for me, an' I call her anytime--"

"Why don't you finish eating your breakfast, Bay-Bee, then you can tell me everything there is to know about your 'Lana," Natalie suggested with a smile, offering him a box of orange juice. "'Cause you're getting your breakfast everywhere but your mouth, Sweet Pea…"

"It'll be the worst hour conversation you'd ever have," Alana assured as she moved to stand.

"'LANA! SOMEONE WROTE ALL OVER YOUR SHOES!" Baylee suddenly shrieked.

Tripping in surprise from Baylee's shriek, Alana fell against Nick. Feeling his arms snake around her trim waist to hold her up, she braced her hands against his. Immediately glancing down at her purple Converse sneakers, she sighed with relief, forgetting about pulling herself from Nick's arms. "All the kids I take care of write on my shoes. I keep a special pen in my pocket and they just take it and write whatever they want."

"C'n I write somet'ing?" Baylee inquired, hurriedly slurping down the rest of his juice. "Daddy, I done, otay?" Swiping a sausage from Natalie's plate, he turned to face Alana, his eyes widening when he saw Nick holding her close.

"You okay?" Nick whispered, his fingers pressing against her back to keep her close. She shifted slightly in his arms, her head snapping up until she looked into his eyes, and instantly the breath was sucked from his lungs. He saw her eyes widen with the realization of what was resting against her hip, and he bit back a whimper when she pulled away. "I'm sorry--"

"It's okay," she quickly interrupted, taking a step back only to have Baylee grab at her foot. Not ready for the shift of gravity, she ended up on her backside, just staring up at Nick. The pain barely recognizable as warm pooled in the pit of her stomach. It had been so very long since she had even identified the warmth of wanting from within; much less felt a physical reaction from a man. And, she could hardly deny the excitement that caused her heart to race as she drowned within his dark indigo eyes. "Really… It's okay…"

As Nick continued to stare at Alana, Natalie munched thoughtfully on a hash brown, trying to come up with a reason why Alana would so blatantly attempt to ignore the mutual attraction. From what she had observed, there was no significant other, and Baylee had informed her during his monologue in the middle of the night that Alana had no boyfriends at all. Save for Baylee, of course. Sighing softly, she glanced up to see Brian gazing at her. Instantly her cheeks flushed slightly, still unused to his stares after all the years she had known him. "I was just thinking…"

"That I got's no room on these 'neakers!" Baylee announced with a huff, crawling into Alana's lap. "You buy new ones?"

"Natalie was talking, Baylee," Brian chided.

"Yeah, but I more important?" Baylee cooed, tugging on Alana's stethoscope. "You buy new ones, 'Lana?"

"It's not important," Natalie assured Brian softly when he opened his mouth to lecture his son.

"Nat was just looking to spend a night away from the hospital. She just got here from a long ass plane ride. She needs a bed to sleep in. Both of you. So, I can stay with the Squirt," Nick suggested, though his gaze was no where near Natalie.

Natalie shook her head, refusing to even think of what she would do alone with Brian. In his house… "No, no, I'm fine. I'm used to sleeping in weird places. But you, Nicky, you're used to having a big old bed to yourself. And Bay's a kicker. Why don't you go back to Brian's tonight? Bumpkin, you can go with him. I'll stay with Bay--"

"'Lana here'd 'night. Knot an' Daddy go 'ome. Nicky 'tay!" Baylee interrupted with derision.

Nick grinned with satisfaction. "You heard the Squirt, Nat!"

Natalie scrambled for an excuse. "But your Daddy doesn't have a bedroom for me--"

"You use his bedroom!" Baylee decided, ending the potential argument as he turned to Alana. "So, buy new 'Neakers for me and only me?"


*~*~*


"You're not taking me to get all those samples and specimens you were talking about last night, are you? 'Cause honest, I thought you were joking," Nick chuckled nervously as Alana led him down a hospital corridor. Keeping a step behind her, he trained his eyes on the swing of her hair as she walked, ignoring the carnal instincts that made him long to drag his gaze down. Huffing out a breath, he bit the inside of his mouth, a useless attempt to drown out the flames of arousal licking his body. The woman barely had to look at him and he was turned on. "Or are you going to do some wickedly twisted nurse thing to me and they'll find my mutilated body in the morgue?"

"Don't look so scared, Mr. Carter, you know you'd be spinning with ecstasy if I did that wickedly twisted nurse thing," Alana purred as she stopped just before a closed door, turning around to face him. She leaned demurely on the wall, offering a seductive smile as she crossed her arms beneath her supple breasts. She had just stolen the man from Baylee's room after it was decided who would be spending the night with the young boy. He had sounded so forlorn on the phone when he insisted that he wasn't important. So, she was set to show him otherwise.

"If… If you're about to have me… Spinning with ecstasy… Can you at least call me Nick? Please?" Nick requested, gulping at the images that came to his mind.

"I was hoping I wouldn't have to be so formal. But I figured maybe you were kinky and did that whole 'say my name' angle…" Alana laughed, slightly thrilled to see Nick squirm so much. Since tragedy struck in her life, she felt plain and unattractive. Though, that's how she had kept herself for a better part of the years. But, having Nick so close was starting to change her mind.

"Nah, I only do that when the lady wants to be dominated…" Nick trailed with a knowing smirk.

"Bet you've had plenty of them," Alana guessed, pulling herself away from the wall. Any hope of kindling what she had been feeling quickly doused by doubt and guilt. She had no right to be starting another relationship. She had vowed against that. She didn't need the heartache. "But, I'm taking you to prove that you are important."

"How?"

"C'mere," Alana drawled with a sweet southern accent native to her Kentucky roots, reaching for Nick's hand. Smiling to give him confidence, she pulled him inside the private recreation room. There was one on every unit; just a place for the children to play without the worries of diseases, treatments, and hospital paraphernalia. Waiting inside was a small group of five girls that were very special to Alana's heart, then an empty chair and an acoustic guitar. The girls were from a variety of pediatric units at the hospital. Units she visited frequently. Two from her cardiac unit. Two from cancer treatment. And the other from orthopedics. "These girls are extremely special to me. I love them with all my heart. The one with blonde curls is Justine. The redhead is Allison. The lighter blonde is Samantha. The girl with a kick-butt Adidas hat, that I bought her mind you, is Gloria. Then the beautiful little toddler with a purple bandana on her head is Elizabeth. They are, by far, your biggest fans. Just promise you're going to forgive me for putting you on the spot."

"Okay… What do you mean by putting me on the spot--" Nick yelped slightly when Alana pushed him further into the room, feeling uncomfortable when five pairs of eyes turned to stare at him.

The girl with the purple bandana--Elizabeth--grinned from ear to ear with recognition, and seconds later she was launching herself at him. "Nick!" she squealed with excitement, beaming up at him as he carefully lifted her into his arms. "'Lana, it Nick!"

"Yes, Ma'am, that's your Nick," Alana approved with a sweet coo, leaning to kiss the side of the toddler's pale face. "Lizzie listens to your solo CD every time she has a Chemotherapy treatment. She doesn't cry as much, especially when the IV is started."

"I a big d'irl, Nick," Elizabeth informed with a soft giggle, resting her head on his chest.

"My solo CD? The one that--" Nick shut off the statement before he finished, not wanting to sound like a spoiled pop star. Glancing over at the four remaining girls, who were sidling over shyly, he cleared his throat before looking down at Elizabeth. "So you're a big girl, huh? What's your favorite song, Lizzie?"

"Who need da world," Elizabeth answered, her large ginger eyes widening as she glanced up at Nick. "'Lana like Miss 'Merica. She sing all da time to me."

"Me too," Samantha, the light blonde, announced as she wrapped her frail arms around Alana's waist, tucking her face close. "Only, my favorite is Girls of the USA. And Al has a fantastic voice. She makes everything hurt so much less when they're poking and prodding me because of my heart…"

"I like I Need You Tonight," Gloria announced, adjusting her Adidas cap before stepping over to gently rub Elizabeth's back. Her dark chocolate eyes glanced up at Nick shyly before looking away, a faint flush touching her pale cheeks. "Alana made me a special CD filled with that song to play during my treatments… Though she put Scandalicious in the middle…"

"Hey, this ain't Alana time, girls," Alana chided as she leaned to kiss the top of Gloria's head. A crimson blush rose to her lightly caramelized cheeks as she turned to invite Justine and Allison closer. Justine gripping her hand tightly as Allison used her wheelchair to propel herself to Alana's other side.

"My… My songs help?" Nick questioned incredulously, looking from one innocent face to another. His throat closed with emotion at the thought that they listened to his music during their treatments. They went through pains and heartaches that he would never understand, and he felt humble in their presence. It always tore him up to meet pediatric patients, children who had been given a short time to live. Only to spend their days locked in a hospital. His eyes filled with tears as the girls all nodded enthusiastically, and he tucked his face against Elizabeth's neck.

"Is otay, Nick," the little girl soothed, tenderly brushing his cheek with one small hand. "No cries, p'ease?"

"I told you that you were important," Alana murmured softly as she reached to hug Nick tenderly, not expecting such a sensitive reaction from the man. She had thought he knew what had did for these children. For his fans. But the lost look in his indigo eyes warned her otherwise. He had seemed so lost.

"Can I do anything?" Nick questioned, turning to kiss Elizabeth's cheek softly as she continued to coo softly towards him. He choked on a laugh at the irony. Such a small girl in pain comforting a grown man. When he should be the one comforting her. Spying the guitar, he cleared his throat, reaching to wipe his tears away. "How about I sing you girls a song I've been working on?"

"Can we get autographs and pictures afterwards, too?" Allison inquired hopefully, though she blushed instantly at the thought of her pushiness.

"If he don't, I'll kick his ass later," Alana murmured toward the older girls, causing them to laugh.

"How about I get Alana to go get my camera out of my bag… Then we can get pictures together and I'll bring them back later?" Nick suggested with a glance at Alana.

"You're going to visit us again?" Justine questioned in shock.

"You bet. A friend of mine… Well, you guys know Brian's little boy Baylee, right? He's a patient here, he's getting ready for surgery--"

"Mama was tellin' me," Elizabeth interrupted softly. "I want'a meet 'im…"

"I'll hook you up," Nick promised in a soft whisper so no one else could hear. "Anyway, I'm staying here a lot to be with Brian and all, so I'm here every day. And as long as it's okay with you, I'll see if Brian can come down here with me tomorrow, okay? But you've got to promise to do what Alana and your doctors tell you--"

"Oh, that's reassuring. Nick Carter telling my patients to behave…" Alana interrupted with a dry sarcasm, causing another fit of giggles. That is, till Nick shifted Elizabeth in his embrace to reach for her. "Hey!"

"Don't make me tell you to say my name," Nick growled low in her ear, tickling her sides. At her soft squeal, he chuckled, giving in to temptation and lightly kissing her cheek. "Thank you," he whispered softly before turning to the girls. "Now, how about some music?"

"I should go get the camera while you girls swoon, huh?" Alana decided as she helped the girls back to the plush couches, taking Elizabeth from Nick's arms to settle her into Gloria's lap. She didn't know if Nick wanted her intruding upon the moment.

"Hurry back," Nick murmured.

"I ain't playing your bodyguard," Alana warned, though she offered a coy smile as she ducked out.

"You want dirt on Al, don't you?" Samantha guessed with knowing as Nick strummed and tuned the acoustic guitar.

"Al?" Nick repeated dumbly, his fingers scattering against the strings at Samantha's question. "Uhm…"

"He likes her," Allison giggled.

"Well, what's new about that?" Justine inquired. "Dr. Wright has been trying to get her number forever…"

"And Dr. Adams," Gloria reminded.

"My brother, too," Samantha announced.

"An' the chaplain," Elizabeth piped up, eyes wide with innocence when everyone looked at her.

"Every man within a hundred mile radius of Al is hot for her," Samantha summed up for Nick. "So, you, too?"

"She's… Nice," Nick answered carefully, though the heat in his cheeks told otherwise. "She's pretty… Funny… I like her…"

"Nick's hot for 'Lana," Elizabeth announced with a peal of laughter.

"Well, can you blame him? I hope I look like that when I grow up," Justine decided, picking at her hospital gown. "She joked about getting me balloons filled with pudding to stuff in my bra… I never thought she'd actually do it… She makes me laugh when I feel like there's no way I'd ever laugh again…"

"When I started chemo and was worried about my hair falling out, she brought her laptop to the hospital… We got online and she let me pick out a bunch of hats and bandanas to wear," Gloria added softly, removing her cap to show off her lack of hair. Rubbing one hand over her bare scalp, she smiled slightly. "And then when they all arrived, she brought in a hairstylist to shave my head… For two weeks she wore one of those things that makes you look bald, so I wouldn't feel so alone…"

"Every weekend she comes to my room and paints my toenails for me," Allison offered. "Even though she whines about doing girly things…"

"She's an angel, Nick," Elizabeth summed up, leaning against Gloria's chest with a smile. "P'ay song now?"

"The new one you're working on, right?" Justine concluded as Alana tapped on the door and popped back inside. She set the expensive camera at Nick's side, then crawled amongst the girls on the couch, Elizabeth immediately reaching for her.

"Yeah… Promise to tell me if it sucks a big one okay?" Nick requested softly, glancing from face to face with a slight smile.

"Just sing!" Elizabeth insisted with a firm pout, extending her hand with an accusatory finger.

"Alright, alright," Nick laughed, strumming a few chords carefully. Concentrating on the music, he closed his eyes before he began to sing. "She wears lots of makeup on her face / All the boys think she is great / Check out all the attention that she gets / Like a proud princess / She lurks, she smiles, she gets / But I, no I, no I won't be sold / By a pretty face with Daddy's moneybags / I see through the shore / I don't want a beauty queen / I want a real girl…"
Five : Chasing Temptations by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Sorry about the lapse in updates. Had to get the summer semester out of the way and all that, and now I have several months ahead to do nothing but write. That is, as long as people want me to. And, as long as Anastacia wants to continue writing with me... Anyways, enjoy :)
"You know, Nat, you really didn't have to come here and clean my house. I was thinking more along the lines of actually resting. Going from a long plane ride to a hospital, and then home to cleaning? That ain't healthy at all. Honest, take a seat," Brian chided for what he felt was the thousandth time, glancing up from his laptop to see Natalie diligently folding his boxers and setting them into a large pile. It was amazing to see a woman so attentive to his needs, especially since Leighanne wouldn't be caught next to a washer or dryer. To think Natalie was his estranged wife's best friend was just unbelievable. They were complete opposites. And, that kind of opposites certainly didn't attract.

"Bumpkin… I checked, you only have three pairs of clean boxers at the hospital, and you need clean clothes… Besides, I like doing this. It makes me feel useful," Natalie explained with a smile, scooping up the stack of clean clothes to carry to his bedroom. Pausing behind the couch, she glanced over his shoulder, gently smoothing the blanket spread over the back. Pulling her hand away when her fingers brushed his neck, she turned to head upstairs.

"Thank you for looking at my unmentionables," Brian called, craning his neck backward to see her disappear. Once she was gone, he brought a hand to the back of his neck, unable to deny the thrill that raced down his spine at the mere touch of her fingertips. She had been his best friend for ages. His wife's best friend for longer than that. He had merely considered her a little sister since she was only twenty-three compared to his thirty-one years. But, now, with desperation getting the better of him, he was starting to look at her with a passionate pleasure.

Returning a few moments later, Natalie paused several feet behind the couch, watching Brian gingerly touching his neck. Biting back the urge to join him and ask for a snuggle, she headed to gather the rest of the clean laundry. He was her best friend's husband. Well, technically. Leighanne had never been what Natalie would consider a true wife, especially after Baylee's birth. And though she was close to Brian, closer perhaps than she was to anyone else, she knew she had to tame the urges within to grow closer. "I'll just get these put up and--" Breaking off into a yelp, Natalie watched the stack of towels fly to the floor as Brian pulled her down next to him. "Bumpkin!"

"I shower at the hospital. Towels aren't important," Brian insisted with a cheshire smile, wrapping his arms around her as he affectionately kissed her cheek. "And you're not going to be my maid. You're my guest."

Natalie shivered at the touch of his lips. "Bumpkin, I work for you. You're not paying me to just sit around and pretend to look pretty--"

"I am now," Brian answered with a very matter of fact tone, grinning wider.

"That antiseptic smell at the hospital has affected your brain," Natalie teased, sliding one arm around him when he pulled her closer. Allowing her head to rest on his chest, she breathed in the scent of his cologne, reaching to fiddle with the open collar of his button down shirt. It was a familiar scene, snuggling close late at night. Brian had been the one to find her, crying and inconsolable, after breaking up with her high school sweetheart. It had been Brian that held her close that night, listening so intently to her sobs that her life was over. Brian that had been the first person by her side when her father died, though he had been in Switzerland when she called him. It seemed that every time she needed someone, Brian was there. Closing her eyes, she relaxed in his embrace, only to jump slightly when the oven timer went off. Leaping away from him, she hopped to her feet. "Oh! The cookies!"

"The cookies?" Brian questioned in surprise. "You baked? What happened to Miss I Burn Water?"

"I called Mom for step by step instructions…" Natalie trailed, giggling at his disbelieving expression. Throwing her hands up, she sighed. "Alright, I'll admit it! It's the pre-made cookies that you just throw onto a cookie sheet and put in the oven!"

"Bet they're burnt," Brian laughed, jumping over the back of the couch to hurry after her.

"If they are, you're going to eat every one of them and tell me just how darn good they are," Natalie threatened, darting into the kitchen. Peeking into the oven, she squeaked in surprise. "Um… Bumpkin? …Guess it'd help if I turned the oven on, huh?"

"And now I become equally convinced that you are once again Leigh's best friend. She couldn't even find her way to the oven. I had to draw her a map and she still couldn't flip a switch," Brian laughed, moving to kiss the back of her head as he reached to turn on the oven.

"Hey, hey, I can flip a switch… I'm just not used to this fancy oven you have," Natalie defended, turning to stick out her tongue at him.

"I know you can, I just love that you're adorably ditzy," Brian decided, matching her with his own tongue poking out.

"I just love you," Natalie whispered under her breath, leaning up to cover his lips with hers.

At first, Brian thought that perhaps he was dreaming when he felt the softness of lips sweeping over his. It had been so long since he had been kissed so tenderly, causing his entire body to flush with delight. And when he realized it was Natalie kissing him, he felt his whole world begin to spin. The words that she had said beforehand had never sounded so sincere. Not even on his wedding day, though that was a faded image of the past. Forgetting his deceiving, soon to be ex-wife, he reached to cup her face, eagerly returning the kiss. "Nat…"

"Brian," Natalie whispered against his lips, gasping softly when his arms curled around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Knowing she should pull away, that her feelings for the man were dangerous enough already, she placed her hands on his chest. Fully intent on pushing herself from his arms. Until his lips parted, the tip of his tongue teasing her lips.

"I love you, Nat," Brian whispered when her lips parted ever so slightly to gain him entrance. He felt his entire body shudder with delight as he tilted her chin ever so slowly, allowing himself a taste of her. And God was she sweet.

Trembling, Natalie slid her arms around his neck, drawing his tongue into her mouth for a gentle taste. The sparks of arousal from his kiss growing into a flame, she pulled him closer, allowing her fingers to tangle in the hair at the nape of his neck. "Brian--"

"I've loved you since I met you," Brian insisted as he pulled her up into his arms, setting her upon the counter. Then, wrapping his hands within her wavy light brown locks, he pulled her down to meet his lips, swirling his tongue against her own, producing a low moan.

"God, Brian…" Natalie gave in to the cries of her body, slowly winding her legs around his waist to draw him closer to her, needing to feel his warmth. It seemed his hands were everywhere, dragging slowly down her back and at the same time lightly caressing her cheeks. Trailing her fingers down his chest, she hesitated when she reached the first button. "Let me--"

"My scar…" Brian reminded her softly as his lips moved to the side of her face, outlining the curvature of her jaw. He was still sensitive about the scars left from his own open heart surgery. Never seen in public without his shirt on.

"Can I kiss it?" Natalie questioned softly, her fingers fumbling with the buttons.

"I… No one has ever done it before…" Brian trailed, reaching to cup her hands with his. When she looked up into his eyes in shock, he discovered that the dark amber flecks of her eyes had completely concentrated the rest of her pretty irises. He grinned as he leaned up to kiss her again, pulling her into a swaddled position in his arms. Carrying her toward the living room, he gently laid her upon the couch, bending over to seek her lips once more. "Comfortable?"

"I'm always comfortable when I'm with you," she whispered honestly, her fingers reaching to continue unbuttoning his shirt. Heart beating madly in her chest, she stared into his eyes as her fingers gently grazed the scar on his chest. Lifting her head, she brushed a soft kiss over his lips before dipping her head to trail her mouth over his scar.

"Oh God," Brian breathed with a heavy shudder, closing his eyes to control the sensations lapping over his body. It had been so long since he had been intimate with a woman. Leighanne had resented him for becoming pregnant, so it had literally been three years since he had made love. Not that he had experienced this overwhelming desire with Leighanne before. "Nat…"

"Hmm?" Laying her head back so she could see his eyes again. Moving her fingers in slow circles over his chest, she wet her lips anxiously, her entire body aflame from his gentle touches. Wondering if she should tell him the truth, she reached to smooth her thumb over his cheek. "What is it, Brian?"

"It's been so long… And aren't you… Nat…" Brian fumbled to have his questions answered, glancing worriedly into her darkening eyes.

"Pure as the driven snow?" she supplied with a slight smile, using the words he had on earlier occasions. When some of his friends tried to get too close. Nodding, she cupped his face in her hands.

"I can't take that away from you," he whispered apologetically, leaning to kiss her forehead. "You need to save that for someone special."

Natalie felt the desire that had so quickly flooded her body quickly rush away, replaced by a coldness as his attentions turned brotherly. Wanting to shout out that he was her someone special, that he wouldn't be taking anything from her, she instead nodded shakily, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. "I'm sorry, Bumpkin… I got carried away, and--"

"Hey," Brian chuckled with interruption. "I ain't got any problem with all that touchy feely stuff."

"But all that touchy feely stuff leads to this, remember?" she reminded him softly, reaching to button his shirt. Only, she couldn't resist offering one more soft kiss to his scar. "And one of us always pulls back…"

"I just don't want to hurt you, Nat. I love you way too much to hurt you."

As though his rejections didn't hurt more than anything else he could do, she thought sadly, resting her head on his shoulder once she had buttoned his shirt completely. "I know…"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Natalie lied, pressing soft kisses to his cheek. "I think jet lag's starting to hit me…"

"Then let's go to bed?" he suggested, reaching down to kiss her softly once more as means of an apology.

"Got to wait for the cookies I'm slaving over," she reminded him with a smile.

"I'll go draw you a long hot bath and I'll wait for the cookies?"

"You're not going to go all Peeping Tom on me and watch me through the keyhole, are you?" Natalie questioned with a soft laugh, though the gleam in her light caramel eyes was hopeful.

"Lord no!" Brian blurted, blushing furiously.

"I was kidding, Bumpkin. You're too much of a gentleman to do anything like that," Natalie assured him, kissing his crimson cheeks. "Give me lots of bubbles, okay? And the cookies should be finished in a couple minutes, so I'll wait down here for them--"

"Can I sit on the toilet-with the lid down-And talk to you while your bathing?"

Natalie nodded, moving to slide from the couch. "Sounds like a plan to me, Bumpkin… And if you get me all riled up, I reserve the right to jerk you into the tub fully dressed."


*~*~*


"Do you always wear that to bed or is it just to torture me?" Nick blurted when Alana stepped out of the bathroom wearing a purple spaghetti tank top and matching boy cut shorts. Her long blonde hair was thrown into a haphazard ponytail, several soft tendrils framing her face as she headed over to the messenger bag she'd placed on the chair. Glancing down to make sure Baylee was completely asleep, Nick gently shut the book he had been reading and set it aside, his eyes nearly glued to Alana's trim body.

"Wouldn't you like to know…" Alana teased with a seductive purr, glancing over her shoulder before peering into her messenger bag to locate her favorite tropical twist chapstick. Standing up when she located it, she arched her back as far as she could to stretch her slightly achy muscles. She honestly had no clue that Nick would be spending the evening at the hospital with her and Baylee. She had thought it was teasing. But, there he was, and her with barely a stitch of clothing. "If I honestly had known you would be here, I would have worn a baggy sweatshirt and sweatpants to conceal my ugliness. Trust me."

"Ugliness? What ugliness?" Nick questioned, licking his lips slowly as she applied her chapstick. Even from a few feet away, he could smell the tangy, tropical aroma, and knew it would taste heavenly. If only he could just… Shaking his head to clear away the lusty thoughts, he heaved a hearty sigh. "You're far from ugly, Alana--"

"You want some?" Alana offered, tilting her head to the side in wonder as he studied her so closely. She offered her chapstick toward him, her damp locks spilling over her shoulders. Nick noted that they were curly, realizing she must iron her hair every day.

"Uh…" Nick blanked. "Huh?"

"You want some of my body?" she rephrased, her teal eyes glittering impishly.

"Hell yes," Nick breathed before he could censor his thoughts. Cheeks burning, he groaned. "I mean… That is… I, uh…"

"How about some chapstick?" she offered, tossing the small tube to him before sinking into the nearby chair, propping her bare feet upon the mattress of the bed.

Fiddling with the tube, Nick let his gaze slowly move up her bare legs. "I was trying to picture what you look like without clothes on… I mean, your work clothes! What you wear at home! Are you naked at home? Er… I mean…"

"Nick," Alana laughed softly, reaching to swat his upper thigh playfully as she crossed her long, bronzed legs. "What is up with you? Are you always this damn nervous? 'Cause usually you're exuding with this come-fuck-me-now confidence that makes hundreds of girls wilt to their knees in ecstasy."

"That's just on stage, though?" Nick offered lamely, not sure he could tell her the truth. Not knowing how she would respond if he admitted that she made him nervous. There was just something about her, the rebellious spirit he saw within her, shielding a sorrow he was certain was there somewhere. Somehow, in her presence, he felt like nothing but an idiot. Which he no doubt showed constantly…

"You were pretty terrific with those girls today and that wasn't a stage," Alana contradicted, reaching a bare arm behind her to retrieve her bottle of Pepsi and bag of Peanut Butter M&M's. "And, I really do have to say thank you for that. You were so great with them. I owe you the world. Honestly."

"You don't owe me anything. I just wish there was something more I could do for them… If only there was some way I could arrange it, I would so get all the guys here for a concert or something. Just for the kids and their families, you know? Spend a whole afternoon with them, talk to them… 'Cause they've all got a story, and even though each one breaks my heart, I…" Nick sighed, rubbing away the hot tears that had filled his eyes.

"Hey, they're resilient kids, Nick. They don't let what's happening to them affect their every day lives. And they certainly don't want you to feel sorry for them. They just want to be treated like kids. They want their hugs and kisses and someone to hold their hand when it hurts. Yeah, we do lose some of them, but most thrive. It's not all sadness. You just have to remember the joy," Alana explained softly, withdrawing her legs from the bed and reaching to rub his thigh in a soothing manner. She had been submersed in the heartache since she had become a nurse. Then she had been wrapped around within her own personal saga. But, she didn't think about that as she nurtured Nick's hurts. "And if you really want to do that… Let me know, I can get everything fixed here, you just have to get the guys."

"They'll be all for it," Nick assured, patting her hand absently, his mind already rolling with ideas. "I'll talk to Brian in the morning, get him to call Kevin… And I'm sure Nat can take care of what little publicity we'd need… Do up some banners and whatnot for our site or whatever. Maybe I can talk management into giving whatever money we would have gotten for doing a concert to the hospital. I'll call AJ and Howie tomorrow--"

"You're serious about this?" Alana interrupted, expressing her amazement as she leaned back in her chair. She hadn't really considered that Nick would be so willing to donate money to the hospital, nor put on a benefit for the sheer effort of cheering up the sick children. She expected him to want something out of it. To get some kind of medal for his efforts. To have his fans swoon at his adoration for the children. It was amazing to see him so animated about something other stars would consider trivial.

"Very serious," Nick affirmed. "And I want Liz, Justie, Lory, Sam and Al to be right up front. Hell, I want Liz on stage," he added with a chuckle, amazed that the little girl had cooed her way into his heart. Tomorrow he would be bringing her to Baylee's room for a short visit. "I have to do this, Alana… Will you help me?"

"She'll sing right along with you. That's for sure," Alana agreed with a soft smile, glancing into Nick's dark indigo eyes. Shyly, she offered a small nod as she drew her legs to her chest. "I'll help you with whatever you need."

"Even if I just want a soft word and an encouraging hug 'cause it's been a long day and I'm beat and just want to snuggle with you and Bay--"

"You've got Baylee right there and you were fantastic with the girls today," Alana complied.

"But what about my hug and snuggle?" Nick encouraged with a smile, reaching for her hand.

"Again, Baylee's right--" Alana's sentence halted and turned to a muffled squeal as Nick managed to catch hold of her hand. He pulled her right into his lap without any means of an argument. And, though she could have most definitely given him a run for his money and most definitely a toss out of the bed, she allowed him this moment of domination. She assured herself it was because she didn't want Baylee to wake up, but there were other reasons as well.

"Don't you ever stop with the sarcasm?" Nick questioned, wrapping his arms around her waist to hold her close. Reaching up with one hand, he gently touched her damp hair, breathing in the tropical scent of her shampoo.

"Am I supposed to?" she questioned, glancing to the side to see Baylee curled close to Nick, leaving her no room to slide over. So, she was stuck on Nick's lap, so close to straddling him… Did he have his hand in her hair?

"It'd be nice?" Nick suggested, toying with the elastic band that held her hair up.

"Okay…" she trailed, keeping quite still, not sure of what she should do while perched upon him. After all, when he had held her earlier, he had responded in quite a surprisingly physical manner. Holding her breath, she toyed with the silver ring on a chain. "So, what did the girls tell you about me when I went to get the camera?"

"That every man within a hundred mile radius has the hots for you," Nick admitted, easily tugging the band from her hair. Smiling as her hair cascaded down her back, he twirled a tendril around his finger thoughtfully. "But more importantly that you're a wonderful person…"

"I just work hard at my job and I hardly have that much interest in me from the opposite sex," Alana scoffed softly, feeling a tender tug at the base of her skull. Turning to face him, she found a strawberry blonde curl wrapped around his index finger. Her eyebrows rose with honest curiosity at his action as she moved to straddle his lap. "They didn't go on about my singing did they? I swear to God they called the local radio station on me a few weeks ago to get me to sing--"

"They just went on about how you help them when they're feeling down," Nick interrupted, dropping one hand to her waist as he continued to play with her hair. It felt like silk against his skin, sliding erotically over his finger. Closing his eyes for a moment, he imagined the way her hair would feel against his body as he… Remembering Baylee was snuggled close to his side, he reluctantly pushed such thoughts away, though the evidence of the thoughts remained nestled just perfectly against Alana's backside. Licking his suddenly dry lips, he opened his eyes to find her staring at him.

"I think we need to get an extra hospital bed in here for tonight…" she decided softly, biting at the corner of her lip to keep her own body from reacting to what lay hardening beneath her. It had been so long since she had a physical connection with a man. The last man she had been with was her ex-husband and, ironically enough, he had been her first as well. Attempting to hide her growing heat of passion, she offered a devilish smirk. "And ain't that supposed to be an exit only?"

"Why would we need an extra bed?" Nick questioned, shifting her in his lap slightly, until his arousal rested against the front of her boy cut boxers. Her soft gasp sent a thrill through him, and it was all he could do to keep from tugging her down for a kiss. Instead, he wriggled slowly beneath her, a welcoming smirk touching his lips. "That's not an exit, is it?"

"God, Nick," Alana whimpered in shock, fully prepared to slam her fists against his chest to tell him to stop, but found her fingers intertwining within his shirt to steady herself against his manipulative movements. Squeezing her eyes shut, she bit down harder on her bottom lip to keep control over herself. Dear God in Heaven this wasn't happening.

Nick moaned softly, his hand gripping her waist gently. "Alana, I--"

"Need to take a cold shower," Alana concluded, the better side of her conscience and guilt getting the best of her. "Baylee's sleeping right beside us."

"Fuck," Nick breathed.

"I'm sorry," Alana apologized as she reached to take the light blue elastic band that Nick had placed upon his wrist. Once it was tucked securely in her hand, she slid off Nick's lap, moving to push two chairs together. Hurriedly tossing her long strawberry golden locks into a messy bun, she rubbed her prickled arms, feeling the threat of tears wash over her. What the Hell had she been thinking?

"Alana, I'm sorry," Nick began, eyeing her worriedly as she jerked a blanket over the chairs. Not sure what he had done, but wanting to make things right. "Look… You sleep with Bay, alright? I'll take the chairs. You need your rest, you worked today--"

"I'm fine. He knows you better than he knows me. He'll be more comfortable with you," Alana dissuaded, crawling onto the chair and extending her long legs to put the chairs at a comfortable distance. She then reached within her spaghetti strap tank top, playing with her silver ring once more.

"But… What did I do? I came on too strong, didn't I? I'm--"

"You didn't do anything wrong," Alana promised softly, glancing sideways to find him staring at her. "It was me, honestly… And I didn't want to wake Baylee up. Brian would never forgive me and I'd probably be fired on the spot…"

"At least let me call for an extra bed, okay? I'd never forgive myself if you woke up with a crick in your neck or a charley horse in your-very soft and beautiful-thigh…"

"Nick," Alana laughed as she rubbed her eyes to ward off the tears. "Are you always so damn horny?"

"Not always," Nick shrugged easily as he slid out of the bed. Stooping, he grabbed a clean t-shirt from the open suitcase by the bedside table. "I'm going to change for bed…"

"Okay…" Alana agreed with a soft nod, watching him move awkwardly toward the bathroom. Exhaling a hard breath of pain, she climbed away from the chairs and slid into bed beside Baylee. The warmth of Nick's body soothed her, but she could hardly keep the tears from falling as she gazed down at the stirring little boy. He reminded her so much of her-"Hey, Jungle Boogie Boy…"

"'Lana," Baylee murmured, shifting closer until his head rested on her chest. "Why cries?"

"Just had a scary dream," Alana assured him, brushing her fingers through his hair. "What are you doing up?"

"Had dream 'bout Daddy…" Baylee yawned softly, reaching for George and Simba so they could join in the snuggling. "Nicky go pee?"

"Yeah, I'm just taking his place till he gets back," Alana promised as Baylee draped a leg and arm over her.

"'Lana?" Baylee questioned, tilting his head back so he could look into her eyes.

"Yeah, Sweetheart?"

"When I have my surg'ry, you be in d'ere wit' me? Hold my hand? An' don't let 'em take George an' Simba?" Baylee requested hopefully, his voice wavering with fear. "They won't let Daddy go in, and I wan' someone…"

"Oh, Sweetheart," Alana sighed, pressing several kisses to his forehead. "Of course I'll go in there and sit with you the whole time. I won't let anyone hurt you. Dr. Riley, who's doing your surgery, he's a good friend of mine. He'll let me in there with you, no questions asked."

"George an' Simba, too?"

"I promise," Alana agreed, crossing an imaginary line over his heart. "Now we need to get you back to sleep. Want me to sing to you? Though I sound like a canary who swallowed a big 'ol bullfrog?"

"Nuh uh, you don't sound like that," Baylee disagreed as he rested his head on her chest once again. "You sound like an angel, 'Lana. You sing a pretty song for me?"

"Let's see what I can dredge out of my noggin for you," Alana drawled, slowly rubbing her hand along the boy's back. Humming softly and oblivious to Nick peeking out from the bathroom, she recalled her favorite song from Bambi II. Finding the right key, her gloriously beautiful voice comforted the little boy within the dimness of the room, proving indeed that she truly was a remarkable singer. "Under the snow, / Beneath the frozen streams / There is life… / You have to know / When nature sleeps, / She dreams there is life…"

Leaning in the doorway of the bathroom, Nick watched as Baylee's head drooped slowly, smiling slightly when he heard a soft snore come from the little boy. Alana continued to sing, her fingers gently smoothing Baylee's hair as she did so, her eyes closing as she snuggled closer. The chain hanging around her neck slid, the sliver ring catching the soft light for a split second. The token of a former love, perhaps? He wasn't sure. But he had never seen her without it, and knew it was just one small key to the secrets she kept inside. As her voice faded softly, her head drooping against the pillow as she fell asleep, he walked slowly over, pausing to bring the blanket up over her and Baylee. Leaning slightly, he kissed both their cheeks, his mouth lingering over Alana's for a second. "One day, will you let me in?" he whispered before pulling away to settle in the chair next to the bed. His eyes trained on the two snuggled so tightly in the bed, he pulled the blanket over his body, knowing he could watch them both sleep and never grow tired of it.
Chapter Six :: Raining Adoration by shrinkingviolet
Shifting uncomfortably within the somewhat padded chair, Nick reached in attempts to yank the blanket over his head to prolong the softness of sleep. He didn't know exactly when he had drifted off after watching Alana and Baylee sleep so peacefully, but he had. And the dreams had been quite sweet. Of course, for once, they had actually circled around marriage. And when he lifted the veil of his beautiful woman in white, he was faced with Alana. That had left a beautiful smile on his face. But, when he opened his eyes, he came face to face with Natalie, yanking him away from his perfect world. Shrieking in fear, Nick jerked backward, causing himself and the chair to topple hard. "Holy shit!"

Wincing at the crash, Natalie looked to make sure the noise hadn't disturbed Baylee. Smiling slightly when she saw Brian had fallen asleep with his son snuggled close, she turned back to see Nick was scrambling to his feet. "Do you mind not making so much noise? I know I ain't much to look at, but I expected a 'good morning' before you went all psycho…"

Furiously rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Nick attempted to get up from the chair. Only he kept himself stuck within the chair and clattering back to the floor. Whining loudly, he craned his neck to see Brian snuggling with Baylee. "Where the Hell is Alana!?"

"She left…" Natalie trailed, holding the chair still so Nick could stumble from it. Stepping back before she went crashing to the floor with him, she winced from the colorful expletives leaving his mouth in a growl. "What in the world is wrong with you? Did you have a bad dream or something? Honest, if it was the one about me chopping your penis off with a paper cutter, you know I'd never do that!"

"No, you threaten with rusty scissors," Nick growled, glancing around the room. "Where'd she go?"

"Home, maybe? She mentioned needing a shower before she went for her workout--"

Nick leapt up to his feet in shock, tugging furiously at his blonde locks. "Why the Hell would she leave without saying goodbye? Do you think it's because I scared her? God, I really did push too hard. I had her in my lap and I just couldn't help myself. Then grinding on her. God, I am an animal--"

"Whoa, whoa," Natalie interrupted, placing a hand on his chest to push him into the chair that had not been toppled. Had last night been the official Backstreet make out night? "You had her in your lap? And you were grinding on her?!"

"Is that not what I just said?" Nick scoffed, though it turned into a whine.

"Nicky… Alana's not some random chick you just picked up in a club," Natalie sighed, shaking her head. "You can't just flirt with her and act like she doesn't matter… Where are you going?" she blurted when Nick vaulted from the chair, barely pausing to pull on his jeans.

Nick hurriedly zipped his fly and secured the buttons while he glanced out the window, whistling loudly when he located Alana hopping into her car. Stumbling slightly on the cuff of his pants, he ran as he pulled on his shoes. "I'm going to go find her and tell B I need to talk with him later--"

"You're going to find her and then you're going to tell Brian that you need to talk to him later?" Natalie questioned in confusion as Brian stirred on the bed.

At her complete blunder of his sentence, Nick ran face first into the arch of the doorway. Groaning in pain, he pulled away to gaze at her with honest disbelief. "Natalie if you aren't the dumbest dumb person I have ever met--"

"If that ain't the pot calling the kettle black," Natalie grumbled, miffed.

Nick furrowed his brows. "…Now you're bringing races into it now? We're not even--"

"Good God, Nick! Just go!" Natalie cried.

"I think you two should have been Frick and Frack… Or at least twins separated at birth…" Brian groaned with a heavy yawn as Nick screeched about calling him later, racing out of the hospital.

Several moments later Nick burst out the side entrance that to the parking lot. Pausing to draw in several deep breaths, he scanned the area for Alana's jeep, placing one hand over the stitch that had formed in his side from racing down the stairs.

Fully prepared to jump on the hood of her jeep if necessary, he found his ego deflating when he couldn't locate her vehicle within the rows of cars. Pressing his hand deep into the throbbing pain of his side, he swallowed several heavy breaths, wondering where she could have got to. Then, from behind him came the alternative thump of a heavy bass system. Turning, he caught a glimpse of strawberry blonde curls and he groaned. "Shit on a fucking lousy stick!" he cursed, racing for his rental car to give chase.

Seconds later he peeled rubber as he swerved onto the street, spying the dark blue jeep several car lengths ahead, Alana's long hair flying in the breeze. Where was she going to in such a hurry? Ignoring the bleep from his cell phone that informed he had missed a call, he cursed loudly when the light ahead turned yellow. His curse turned into a string of several expletives as the jeep zipped through the intersection, the car between them cautiously hitting the brakes. "Goddamnit to the shit fucking Hell!"

*~*~*

It had been pure luck, stopping at the sporting goods store to get a basketball. The one at Brian's house was hopelessly deflated, and there had been no evidence of a pump anywhere. After losing Alana, he had decided to spend the morning on a court, sweating off the extra steam in his system. So, after a quick glance in the phonebook at a phone booth near the hospital, he had hit the road in search of a ball. His jaw had nearly hit the ground when he had seen Alana's jeep zipping out of the parking lot, quickly disappearing around the corner. Kicking his tire with frustration, he raced into the store, cornering the first clerk he saw.

"The young woman that just left here," he began, pausing to draw in a calming breath. "Miss Moore. Do you know where she was heading, by chance?" he questioned carefully, eyes scanning the nearest display. Before the clerk could even respond, he motioned to the store. "I'll take a dozen of all the basketballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, ping pong balls and such you've got, as long as you can deliver them to the hospital and make sure they get to the Pediatric Recreation Center, okay?"

"Alana Moore?" the gangly clerk recalled with a largely lopsided smile, tripping over a basketball he had been stocking in a bin. Not that it mattered as he continued to grin as if having a silent orgasm. "Hot sex on two legs without any need for a stack of hay or a Playboy?"

"Yeah, that's the one," Nick agreed with a conspiring grin. Reaching for his wallet, he plucked out a credit card. "Where's she headed to?"

"You should know she ain't into the dating scene," the clerk warned as he loped toward the cash register, running the card through the machine before removing his cap to scratch a snow of dandruff flakes from his jet black, oily hair. "She's turned me down so many dad-burn times I'm startin' to think she likes rooting around in fish twat… But hot damn is she hot--"

"No, no, we're just friends…" Nick accepted his card, quickly wiping it on the leg of his jeans before tucking it back into his wallet, masking his disgust with a cough. He could only imagine the clerk sitting in a dark room doing disgusting things to a pillow while thinking of Alana. The mental image caused his stomach to heave with nausea, and he coughed again as the clerk slowly rang up his purchase.

The clerk snorted with a nasally laugh, "Of course you're friends. If she wouldn't go for me, what the hell makes you think she'd go for a bloated cow like you?"

Snatching the receipt, Nick scrawled his signature hurriedly, shoving the pen and paper back. As he waited for his copy back, he drummed his fingers on the counter. "Yeah, well… I've gotten close to her treasures," he mused with a wistful sigh.

"Well, I've touched the treasured land," the clerk announced with a haughty smile, taking his time in closing the cash register and returning Nick's copy. "She came in here today, right? Over in the mountain gear section. Needed a new pulley. So I told her she could use me as a pulley and gave her hand a taste of candy. She was so damn hot for me that I couldn't resist just reaching out and-God, I can still smell her on me--"

"This," Nick interrupted, grabbing a handful of the clerk's shirt and jerking him across the counter, "is for putting your hands on Alana," he explained before slamming his fist into the younger man's nose. The satisfying sound of crushing cartilage and gushing blood followed immediately, and he yanked the gangly form completely over the counter, dropping him in a heap on the floor. "And this foot will be through your ribcage if you don't tell me where she went," he added with a threatening growl, placing his foot in the center of the man's torso.

"Down about fifteen miles, take a right into Blue-Grass Park! Follow the Stallion Trail all the way back toward the mountainside! She'll be there!" the clerk shrieked in fear, holding his hands to his face in attempts to stop the blood, though it seemed as if he had spied on Alana far too many times.

"Right into Blue-Grass Park, Stallion Trail, back to the mountainside," Nick repeated calmly, casually leaning over to wipe the trace of blood from his fingers onto the clerk's shirt. Grinning evilly, he applied pressure to the man's ribs. "Oh, and by the way, just so you know? I had Alana in my lap last night. We were in bed, her hair was wet, and she was doing things to me that you better not even dream of her doing to you. Oh… If I ever find out you're in here when she comes by for whatever reason, you will regret it. Have a nice day," he stated with a smile, snatching up his receipt before storming out of the store.


*~*~*


Grunting with exertion, Alana reached for the nearest sharp lip of the rocky mountain side as her foot searched for means of a hold. She slipped slightly, but held tight as her rope tightened in the event of a fall. Sweat slicked her bare back as she glanced down to see the dozens of feet separating her and the ground. Finding a ledge in which to stand upon, she grinned with satisfaction and used all of her upper body strength to pull herself up. Leaning back slightly, she punched a stake and rope into the rock for means of an anchor. The faint music of 3 Doors Down raged softly within the ear-buds of her expensive MP3 player. She was vaguely aware of her surroundings as she reached for the next piece of rock, climbing all the way to the top of the medium sized mountain. She could feel the dampness in the air, knowing it would storm soon as thunder rumbled around her. But she didn't mind the rain, in fact, she welcomed it with the small canvas pop-up tent she stuck in her durable, light weight backpack. Since the death of her son and divorce of her husband, Alana had found an outlet of comfort in extreme sporting. It was a chance to risk her life and prove that she was still alive inside. Anything to ward away the numbness.

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"

The sound of Nick's irate voice echoing against the peacefulness of mountainside caused Alana to loose grip on the next piece of her rock with her special shoes. Her leg quickly slipped out from under her, shifting her entire center of gravity. And, before she could make heads or tails of the situation, she jerked away from the mountain, her knees slamming heavily into the sharp rock as she plummeted to the ground. She heard Nick's hoarse scream and her rope locking, causing the harness around her lower torso to tighten, jerking her to a stop. Without warning, her MP3 player went crashing to the ground as she dangled upside down in shock, staring at Nick's scarlet face. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?! YOU COULD HAVE GOT ME KILLED!"

"YOU WERE DOING A GOOD ENOUGH JOB OF THAT ON YOUR OWN!" Nick exploded, racing forward to help her. She struggled from his hands, her elbow contacting sharply with his chin as he reached to unfasten the carabiner on her waist. The rope loosened considerably, and before he could make heads or tails of what was happening, he fell backwards to the rocky ground, Alana landing hard atop him with a grunt. "ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL YOURSELF?"


"If I was trying to kill myself, do you honestly think I would have been trying to bolt myself to the mountains with hooks, ropes, and carabiners?" Alana growled as she pushed away from his body, wincing when she straightened hers. Glancing down, she saw the dark blood starting to run from her knees and felt the sting of brush burns on her bare back. Making a pained face, she noted that her MP3 Player was resting on the ground in several pieces. "Another hundred bucks down the damn drain," she muttered, limping toward her Jeep for her first aid kit.

"Sorry," Nick winced, scooping up the scattered remains of her MP3 Player. Following her, he leaned against the hood of her Jeep as she spread the contents of her first aid kit out. "I'll buy you a new one--"

"Don't worry about it," she answered, crawling onto the top of her hood to extend her aching knees. Reaching for the alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, she took a small medicine cup and mixed the two. Then, holding her breath, she poured the contents over her first bleeding knee. "Jesus have mercy," she whined with lack of breath.

"Here," Nick said, grasping the back of her knee and lifting it slightly. Blowing gently on the scrape, he held her leg still when she attempted to wriggle away. "I honestly didn't mean to make you hurt yourself--"

"Screaming up at me 'What the fuck do you think you're doing' and you didn't mean to make me hurt myself?" Alana blurted incredulously, relinquishing care of her injuries to Nick as she leaned back against the hood of her jeep. She felt the cool mist of rain approaching, but merely dragged her gloved hands over her now loosened curls. Groaning when Velcro caught a curl, she ripped the gloves away and tossed them to the ground, reaching to fix her yellow sports bra and black mesh shorts.

"At first I didn't see the rope," Nick explained softly as he cleaned her knee with gauze gently. His movements were automatic, but gentle, having tended to the many wounds of his younger siblings over the years. Once finished with a bandage, he turned to her other knee, bracing it against his hip before pouring another mixture of alcohol and peroxide over it. Hearing her soft whine of pain, he gently blew cool air over the wound, reaching for more gauze. "Plus I was a little irritated…"

"Well that harness around my hips and thighs is going to leave a nice bruise just so you know," Alana declared, allowing her eyes to flutter open from a hard squint of pain to watch him. "…Why were you irritated? You were sound asleep when I woke up and I wanted to go check on some of the kids. Then when I got back, you were still asleep and I needed to relieve this tension so I went out and told Nat to let you know I'd be back Monday to work--"

"Because even though I was asleep, I guess I'm naďve enough to still expect a goodbye," Nick interrupted softly, bandaging her knee slowly. Leaning over, he pressed a whisper of a kiss to the inside of her leg just above the bandage. "Not to mention having to go all the way across fucking Hell's half acre to find you so I could see what I did that made you get up and haul ass--"

"You didn't make me haul ass," Alana returned softly, gingerly turning on the hood of her Jeep to show Nick her bare back. If there was any bleeding or scrapes, she somehow knew that he would take care of them for her. Pressing her hand near her inner thigh, just above her bandaged knee, she felt a shiver racing down her spine, causing her to shudder. "And I did say goodbye… You were just asleep… And it wasn't a verbal goodbye…"

"You snuggled with me and kissed me," Nick murmured, reaching to dip gauze in the mixture to dab on the light scrapes along her spine. Unable to resist, he leaned forward, pressing soft kisses beside each abrasion as he blew softly. Resting his hand on her thigh, he unconsciously moved his fingers in slow circles as he cleaned away the small traces of blood. "I thought it was a dream…"

"I didn't snuggle," she disagreed, biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep from whining with pleasure. Curving her spine to give him better access, she blew out a hiss of hot air. The sensation of his lips against her back were sending shock waves of warmth through her entire system. And the way his long fingers rubbed against her thigh was sending her into a tizzy of delight. Unable to help herself as she felt raindrops start to fall, she held her hand just above his, feeling the movement of the circular repetition against her thigh. "…But I did kiss you goodbye."

"Next time, can you wake me up? So I can kiss you goodbye, too?" Nick requested, moving his hand slowly up her thigh as his kisses trailed down her back once more. Allowing his tongue to flicker over the skin just above the waistband of her shorts, he whined softly when she guided his hand further up her thigh. Pushing aside the first aid equipment, he continued to taste the skin of her back, his other hand creeping slowly up her side until it met the curve of her breast.

"Oh God," Alana wheezed softly as her hand tightened against his when his tongue flicked over the small of her back. Her entire body shivered with carnal delight as the gray skies seemed to open with a flood of water. But the water did nothing to soothe the heat of her body as she took his hand from her breast to nibble at his fingertips. The rain was merely producing steam.

Nick barely glanced up when he felt the rush of rain against his back, too fueled with desire to notice as he continued licking and nibbling her skin. Her hand left his, he was vaguely aware of it slapping against the hood as his fingers continued their trek up her thigh, not stopping until he cupped the firmness of her backside in his palm. "Alana," he moaned, ardently pressing the thickness of his erection against the back of her thigh.

"I haven't had… I haven't been… You'll be…" Alana could hardly explain the meaning behind her broken sentences as Nick's other hand sneaked underneath her to grasp her backside. Without warning, he used the slickness of the hood to turn her around. She yelped in shock as she crashed against his chest with a labored breath, wasting no time as she wrapped her long, powerful legs around his waist. Drawing him close, she felt his erection pressing through the layers of her clothing. She shuddered at the warmth he provided, cupping his face within her hands to find his mouth. Rain racing down their faces and meeting against their intertwining tongues caused her to whimper with sheer delight.

"This has to go," he growled into her mouth, his fingers tugging impatiently at the harness strapped about her waist. He heard her answering whimper, felt her hands over his, guiding for just a second until the harness fell free. Moaning with delight, he thrust against her, sucking her tongue deep into his mouth as he reached to tug her sports bra down over her breasts.

Unable to speak her own concerns about his wardrobe as his tongue lapped steadily against hers, she reached to dig her nails lightly against his shoulders. Sliding closer over the slippery hood, she wriggled against him in attempts to harden him further. Bunching the hem of his t-shirt, she finally yanked it over his head, tossing the sopping mess into a nearby mud puddle. When he sought to meet her lips once more, she turned her head to deliver a nibble against the side of his neck. "God, you taste good…"

"Not as good as you," he disagreed, catching one hardened nipple between his fingers for a gentle tug. Dipping his head, he sucked it between his teeth, his hands skimming down her wet sides to her shorts. Taking one step back, he quickly shucked them away, tossing them towards his shirt. Cupping her bare rear in his hands, he lifted her off the hood, holding her tight against him as he bit down hard on her nipple.

"Oh God," she whimpered in shock as the pit of her stomach coiled with tight knots of pooling desire. Her nails dug into the flesh of his shoulders to keep herself melted against his body. Tipping her head back for a moment, she allowed the cold rain to kiss her face, assuring herself that this wasn't a dream. When his fingers tightened against her backside, sliding her against his throbbing erection, she shivered. Holding her breath, she tilted her neck to seek out his neck, nipping feverishly to brand him with a delicious mark.

Nick growled deep in his throat, turning to lean against the hood as he slid one hand lower, his fingers grazing her heat. Releasing her nipple with a slow tug, he tilted his head to catch the other, his tongue flicking drops of rain from the underside of her breast. Seeking out the tiny nub that hardened at his touch, he rubbed it gently, holding her to him when she began to squirm. Desire ran rampant through him, his body begging for release already.

"Damnit, Nick, I need you," she begged softly with hope, rotating her hips
against his hand manipulating the central core of her pleasure. She gasped sharply as his rubbing grew faster, threatening to cause a release that neither were prepared for. Tightening her legs around his waist, she drew his erection closer, reaching down with one hand to undo his pants, slipping a hand inside to grasp him. "Please… Oh Please…"

"Here?" he questioned, dragging his tongue up to her neck, where he nipped hard. His finger slid lower, thrusting gently into her moist folds without warning. He barely noticed when she pushed his pants down, her hand tugging hard on his arousal. Thrusting against her hand, he turned, resting her on the edge of the hood as his finger continued its quick thrusts. "God, you're wet…"

"It's raining," she reminded him, breaking a moan against his mouth when she felt his tongue slide against hers. He then began to flick his tongue with the movement of his fingers thrusting inside her. She felt herself on the pinnacle of breaking through her ecstasy as she dragged her nails lightly down the long length of his member.

"Not down there," he disagreed, jerking against her with a shudder of delight. Covering her hand with his, he guided it to his waist, pulling his finger from her reluctantly. Nibbling on the tip of her tongue, he let his hands fall to her hips, lifting her slightly. Letting the very tip of his length brush against her.

"I need you," she told him with a soft rasp to her voice, tracing her hand from the pit of his stomach upward to the broadness of his chest. Suddenly, within the darkness of the pouring rain, she realized he had a series of tattoos outlining his chest and arms. Purring with appreciation, she dipped her head to nibble upon the inked skin, hoping to show her gratitude.

With a deep moan, Nick slowly lowered her onto him, his moan growing into a shout as she enveloped his length tightly. Whimpering her name, he laid her down on the hood, bracing one hand next to her head as he began his slow, gentle thrusts. "You feel so good, Alana…"

"And you didn't even have to use restraints," she whispered, folding her arm behind her head to circle her small hand around his tattooed wrist. Closing her eyes, she bit down hard on her bottom lip to keep from shrieking out, just enjoying the sensation of him filling her completely. The slick friction between them causing fire to lick at her skin as the cool rain continued to fall down upon her flushed skin. Her breathing labored with ecstasy as she quickly build up against her passionate release, keeping her free arm against his side to knead his side quite tenderly.

"Next time," he growled against her shoulder, his free hand sliding down her thigh. Careful of her scraped knee, he gently guided her leg up and out, allowing himself to thrust deeper. Biting softly at her tangy skin, he laced his fingers with hers at his side, slowly moving her hand to rest on her thigh. "Hold that there," he murmured in her ear, resting his hand just below her navel.

"Okay," she promised softly, her hand clenching around his wrist in attempts to hold herself against the deepest of penetrations. She held her breath as a soft squeal died in her throat, his fingers toying with the chain with a moon pendant dancing below her navel. "God…"

"Let me know if I go too hard," Nick whispered, waiting for her gentle nod before urging himself deeper within her. At her responding squeal, he repeated the motion, his thumb sliding lower over her abdomen. Nibbling at her earlobe, he pressed the tip of his thumb against the trembling nub, arching his back as he plunged into her core.

"Nick," she gasped sharply, her nails digging into his wrist and side. She felt her passion begin to break over the dam of her heart, gushing through her body like a warm tidal wave. "I'm--"

"Don't hold back," he whimpered, continuing his momentum. Concentrating solely on pleasing her, he held back his own release, his stomach knotting when she began to tremble. "Alana--"

"But you--" Alana whimpered as she squirmed against him, her body burning for release.

"You first…"

"Nick, I want you to--"

"I'm not there yet," Nick gasped, pinching hard at the hard nub, arching deeper into her with each stroke.

"But if I--" Alana could hardly finish her sentence as she propped herself up from the slippery hood. Hooking her leg around his backside, she clenched to send him deeper into her body. Freeing her hand from his wrist, she looped it around his neck and eagerly sought his mouth. Offering him her tongue in a fierce battle of ardor, her entire body shuddered with a sweet release of ecstasy, enabling Nick to feel everything that she felt as her heart hammered against his skin.

"God--" Nick growled against her tongue, his body shuddering against hers as he held her tight against him, his hand sliding up to tangle gently in her hair. Dragging his teeth over the tip of his tongue, he rocked his hips in a slow circle, gently lowering her to the hood once more as her body began to relax.

"I don't think I can take anymore," Alana declared softly as she tangled her hands within his soaking wet locks, pulling him over her to tease his lips gently with her tongue. Flicking lightly to catch the rain drops.

"Almost," he promised breathlessly, leaning back slightly so he could look into her eyes. When he felt her body tense slightly around him, he gasped, arching against her so hard she squealed. "Alana, I--"

"I know…" she promised, embarrassed to admit he was heightening her passions once more.

"Again," he requested softly, not sure he could hold himself back any longer. "Fuc--"

"Me raw," she whined, idly stroking his wet chest, urging him deeper.

"Want me to?" he questioned, unsure which beads of moisture sliding from his skin to her fingers was rain and which was perspiration. Not that he cared. Shaking his hair from his eyes, he pulled her up for a sultry kiss, his hands clamping her hips tightly.

"Only if you have the stamina," she breathed into his mouth, tangling her fingers within his locks to pull them away from his beautiful indigo eyes.

Lifting her up off the hood, Nick carried her the several steps to his rental, making sure never to lose contact with her lips even as he fumbled for the door handle. Leaning her against the door for a long moment, he groaned a laugh out as she began to squirm against him, her fingers trailing his neck gently. Pushing the door open finally, he eased her onto the backseat, pausing only to kick off his pants before joining her. Slamming the door shut to fend off the driving rain, he pulled her into his lap, smirking at her surprised expression. "Let's find out," he whispered, guiding her onto him.

"But, Nick, you were so close and…" Alana grinned impishly as she reached for her soaked athletic bra, pulling it over her head and tossing it toward the floor. Leaning to brace her hands on either side of his head, she leaned over him to find his lips once more. Kissing his top lip first, slowly pulling it into her mouth for a tender suckle, slowly begin to rock her hips against him. The feeling of his erection completely filling her sending shockwaves through her system. "God… Is this covered under rental insurance?"

"It's worth the extra fee if it's not," Nick murmured, his hands sliding to cup her breasts gently. Pinching and rolling her nipples with his fingers, he arched up to meet her hips with his, growling softly. "Faster, baby… I'm… Fuck--"

"Who's fucking who raw?" Alana inquired softly against his ear before nipping his earlobe, rolling her hips in a tantalizingly slow motion.

"I think it's just about--" Nick cut off into a loud moan, gripping her breasts for leverage as he arched off the seat. His release building hard and fast, he let his head fall back against the seat. "Alana!"

"Explode," she encouraged softly as she hardened the rock of her hips against his pelvis, moving faster with each tremor heating Nick's body.

"Yes," he hissed with delight as his body began to shudder beneath her. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he brought her down hard to him, holding her tight as the ecstasy erupted deep within. Hot flames engulfed him as he released a strangled cry, slumping against the seat. Bringing her down for an ardent kiss.

"Is that what you were hoping to find when you came to get me?" she whispered softly with a ragged breath, Nick pulling her to lie upon the large backseat of the SUV. Reaching to brush the sweaty locks from his smoldering indigo eyes, she felt a shiver race through her. The rain continued to beat upon the roof as the windows grew foggy with their passion. She couldn't have asked for a better experience.

"Not quite," Nick murmured, turning his head to nibble softly on her palm. Giving her a lazy smile as he held her to him, he traced the lines on her palm with the tip of his tongue. "But that was way better…"
Chapter Seven :: More Than Expected by shrinkingviolet
Sitting in the middle of Baylee's hospital bed, Natalie barely glanced up from her laptop when Brian entered the room. Fingers flying over the keys, she kept her mind focused on the message she was writing for the Healthy Heart Club website. An update on Baylee's condition. She had been joyous to write that he was starting to feel better thanks to the care he was receiving. At the moment it was in the Pediatric Recreation Room, playing with other children. Closing her eyes briefly, she sent another quick prayer up, this time including Baylee's newest friend Elizabeth. The little girl had arrived at Baylee's hospital room just after breakfast, nearly dragging Nick along with her. She had instantly captured Baylee's heart, and the boy had begged Alana to let him go play.

Shifting, she glanced to see Brian looking through a stack of cards that had been delivered that morning. Wishes of health from his fans. Clearing her throat, Natalie held the laptop out to him. "Here's the update," she murmured, quickly looking away once he took the computer from her.

"Thanks," Brian answered, glancing toward her to flash a grin, but her gaze was no where near him. He knew it was because of what happened Friday night. He had all but thrown himself at her. Desperate for some kind of romantic entanglement, he had all but shattered his friendship with the wonderful woman. With his best friend. He had to keep track of his emotions from now on. He couldn't put her in the middle of his heartache. Not anymore. Fighting a heavy sigh, he settled the laptop on his lap as he hurriedly scrolled through the recent update. He smiled appreciatively at the creativeness of the page. "You do such a great job with this page, Nat. No wonder we pay you so much."

"You pay me too much," Natalie replied softly, pulling the laptop back into her lap when he held it out. She wondered what his reaction would be if she told him she would be willing to do the job for free, then quickly decided against it. After what had happened Friday night-or, truthfully, what had not happened-it seemed he had grown distant. True, he still hugged her, still insisted she snuggle with he and Baylee at night, but she could tell he was holding something back. With a heavy sigh, she looked at him, his words still burning in her mind. I've loved you since I met you. Didn't he realize what those words could do to a woman? Especially considering she had loved him then, too.

"I don't pay you enough," he laughed, leaning back in his chair as he braced his hands over his face. "…Guess you should put up later that he's having his surgery next Friday. Alana's going to be in the surgical unit with him. They're even letting him have George and Simba with him. Although, I think Alana coaxed them into that, too. At least the guys'll be here then. We won't be so alone, y'know?"

"Yeah… Howie's going to be able to make it from Cabo?" Natalie questioned softly as she quickly uploaded the update, grateful the hospital had allowed her to use the high speed internet access. Once the update was done, she snapped the laptop shut, pushing it away before sliding off the bed to put it away.

"Howie's leaving early just to come here to see Bay and Nick. Always trust your little love affair to be worried about the little ones," Brian teased, watching Natalie bend over her laptop bag. He tried to pry his eyes away from her curved, supple backside, feeling his loins burn with need. Groaning softly, he pressed his hands into his lap, glancing out into the hallway instead. "…How you have a crush on him is beyond me…"

"I don't have a crush on him," Natalie disagreed, shaking her head as she stooped to push her laptop bag under the bed. "Howie's just a sweet, romantic guy who always knows how to make a girl feel special--"

"You say this as if you dated him-Are you not telling me something?" Brian accused quickly, feeling his heart sink.

"Bumpkin," Natalie sighed, flopping into the empty chair next to him with a sigh. If she didn't know better, she would think Brian was jealous. "Howie and I went out one time. You know that--"

"If he's so terrific, so romantic and sweet, why didn't you stay with him?"

"Because my heart already belonged to someone else."

"Flavio?" Brian guessed the name of her ex-lover, immediately snorting at the name. The man had always been one step away from calling himself Fabio, the greatest lover in the world, or so he thought. He recalled many a time where he could have wooed Natalie far better than the two-bit-so-called Italian could.

"Flavio? Lord, no," Natalie breathed, waiting for the familiar heartache that always followed the mentioning of his name. It never came, however, and she shook her head slightly. Flavio… She had met him in California, just after Brian's wedding. A photographer, Italian, very wild and dangerously exciting. Though he had left her at home alone more than he had spent time with her. She should never have been surprised to learn he was sleeping with everything but her. "I dated Howie after Flavio…"

"Well then who--"

"It's not important, Bumpkin," Natalie interrupted, unsure if she could even tell him the truth.

"Well obviously it is--"

"You."

Brian choked, "What?"

"You asked… It was you."

"Was me…" Brian repeated, turning to glance at Natalie to catch her light caramel eyes. He had to assure himself that she wasn't lying or merely pulling his leg. Though, she had never teased him before. She reserved the merciless teasing for Nick. She was just so sweet with him. So, that meant… Brian reached up to rub his heart, feeling as if it were rushing into a furious flight. Licking his dry lips, he took a deep breath in hopes to calm himself. "Past tense? So not anymore?"

Did he have to sound so hopeful? Natalie swallowed hard, biting down on her bottom lip to ward off tears. "Brian, I--"

"Me? I had your heart? The romantic part of your heart?" Brian whispered.

Natalie nodded. "You still do--"

"God, Nat, I love you so much--" Brian hesitated on his next set of words, just wanting to yank her into his arms. He wanted to meet her lips in a passionate dance of tongues, laying her upon the bed and finishing what he should have so many nights ago. But, staring at the empty IV pole, he knew he couldn't be foolish. "God, Nat…"

"You're married to someone I used to call my best friend," Natalie whispered, quickly brushing her tears away. She knew what would come next. The declaration that she was his best friend, that he didn't want to risk--

"She left me, Nat, and she's not coming back," Brian whispered softly.

"What if she does?"

"She's not the person I fell in love with."

"I'm sorry, Brian…"

"I'm not," he answered softly, reaching to brush his fingers delicately down the side of her face. "If only I had been the man and asked out who I wanted to ask out in the first place - you. But… God, Scooper is so sick and I can't…. I don't want to ruin our friendship by taking it somewhere and not having it work out when my heart's so focused on him. Can you just give me time? Just a little bit more--"

"I've waited nine years, Bumpkin," Natalie reminded him, turning her head to press a soft kiss to his fingers. Years of hiding her true feelings, standing at Leighanne's side and pretending to be happy when the woman married the man Natalie loved. Years of wondering if he loved her even an inkling more than he hinted at. Closing her eyes, she bit back more tears.

"Is that you're way of blowing me off or promising me that you'll give me a chance when I'm ready?"

"I'll be here when you're ready," Natalie promised, leaning over to kiss his cheeks softly.

"I love you, Nat, so much," Brian whispered against her cheek, moving to kiss the corner of her mouth, praying she meant it.

"I love you more," Natalie murmured, resting her fingers against his neck briefly. "But I should go down and get our lunch…"

"Want me to go with--"

"You need to stay here and work on your thank you message for the site," she reminded him, reluctantly pulling away. She needed time alone. To think over and analyze what he had just said.

"Take my credit card," Brian decided absentmindedly, reaching for Nick's sketchpad and a pen.

"I already have your credit card that you gave me last week…" Natalie trailed, digging her purse out of a drawer. "I'll be back in a little bit--"

"Hurry back," Brian insisted with a small smile.

"I will," she promised softly as she left the room. Once in the hallway, she leaned against the wall for a long moment, drawing in several deep breaths to calm herself before heading for the elevator. Immersed in her mental replay of Brian's declarations and promises, she nearly walked right into Alana, who was going the opposite way. Lifting her head at the last minute, she quickly stepped aside. "Holy crap--"

"Damnit!" Alana yelped in shock as she caught her foot against Natalie's heel, sending her plummeting to the tile floor with a small bag of IV normal saline solution beneath her. She heard the loud pop of the bag and felt the seeping of cool fluid against her new scrubs. Pulling back, Alana glanced down at her light purple Disney Princesses scrub top, now showing the delicate outlines of her expensive bra. "Nothing like a wet t-shirt contest to really make my Monday morning…"

"I'm sorry," Natalie murmured, wondering how it was she always managed to make a mess of things.

"Guess just because you got long bird legs don't mean you're supposed to be graceful," Alana laughed with a soft shrug, standing up and gathering the empty bag she had been fixing to give to another nurse. Glancing toward Natalie's forlorn expression, she offered an encouraging smile as she pressed a hand to Natalie's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. I caught all the saline on my scrubs. No mess, no fuss."

"I should have been looking where I was going. It's just that me and Brian… And then… Just… Ugh! Men!" Natalie growled, rubbing her temples.

Alana's face grew into a serious expression as she glanced up from her damp top. "You have no idea how many women mutter that in these halls…"

"…I'm sorry," Natalie murmured softly. "If you don't have a spare top, you can borrow one of my shirts if you want… They're in my bag in Bay's room. I'll just go--"

"Hey, I'll dry out, don't worry," Alana assured sweetly. "Why don't you come take a walk with me back to the nurse's lounge? All of the cows are out trying to scope on Nick and Brian, so no one uses it anymore. You can come vent if you like?"

"Just what I need. Some more horny cows scoping on Bumpkin," Natalie sighed. "Is there junk food in the lounge?" she questioned hopefully.

"You're talking about nurses here, we've got every junk food known to man in there," Alana promised, gesturing to Natalie to follow her. Leading her behind the nurses' station, she entered the private nurses' lounge and started to collect the variety of junk foods hanging around the fridge and cabinets. Thinking she had enough, she dumped the contents upon the coffee table and collapsed onto the nearby sofa.

"My God… Do you know how long it's been since I've been able to actually eat one of these?" Natalie asked, scooping up a Snickers before dropping onto the sofa. "Leighanne absolutely refused to allow it anywhere in the vicinity of the office… Her car… Her house…"

"What about your car or house?" Alana questioned in confusion, kicking off her converses as she tucked her legs beneath her. She knew vaguely about Brian's wife from what he told her and what Baylee mentioned. Brian had explained that they were separated and Baylee really didn't know his mother. She thought that was a shame; Baylee not knowing the strength of a mother's love, but who was she to say? She had experienced that too.

"I kind of got used to not eating it I suppose…" Natalie trailed, pausing to take a bite of the candy. "Plus the fact that up until a few months ago I spent the majority of my time with them…"

"You still shouldn't have let her dictate the rules of your life," Alana murmured softly, reaching to play with the ring on her silver chain. She wished she had learned that early in her life. But, unfortunately, she had been in the same place. Her mother and stepfather having complete control over what she said and did. Guilt was the reigning factor along with just the hope of being loved and appreciated. But she received neither. Not with her half brother becoming the only piece of sunshine.

"I did it so I could be near Brian… And Baylee when he came along. It was either live with her tyranny or not be around the man I love--"

"Now that's something I understand," Alana laughed softly, watching Natalie's light brown eyes widen in horror. "C'mon now, it's not too hard to see something brewing between you two love birds. It's the way you treat each other. In the morning always cuddled together in that godforsaken hospital bed with Baylee lying on top of you. I'd venture to say you've been the mother Baylee was hoping to find in Leigh-Sorry, habit that comes with being a nurse. You read people too well…"

"You read me pretty damn well," Natalie murmured, reaching to toss the wrapper away. "And I guess I don't mind confiding in you, you're the closest thing I've got to a friend right now… Something's been brewing between me and Bumpkin for years, at least it has been on my side. But there was nothing I could do, not with Leighanne sitting in his pocket all the time. And then she married him, and then Baylee came and… Here I am."

"And now with Leighanne gone; Brian's starting to realize that things aren't so one-sided?" Alana guessed, watching Natalie rummage through the junk food for means of sustenance.

"He freaking told me that he's loved me since he met me," Natalie grumbled, scooping up a pack of Skittles. "This while we're sharing the most amazing kiss in the kitchen the other night… And then he turned me away 'cause I'm a virgin--"

"I'm the closest thing you've got to a friend right now and you don't mind confiding in me, yet you have the balls to bring out your sexual history?" Alana questioned with amusement.

"Don't you mean my lack of sexual history?" Natalie returned with a soft giggle.

"A lot of sexual history or lack of sexual history; it still don't need to be discussed between perfect strangers. Unless you're at a clinic needin' a penicillin shot," Alana drawled, her accent getting the best of her as she grinned.

"Sorry… I tend to trust people when I think they're nice… A downfall of mine, it would seem," Natalie murmured, pulling her knees up to her chest as she munched on her Skittles. "Bumpkin says I always trust too easily… I wonder if that's some deep mysterious hint of his…"

"Did he also say you've got a real knack for offending people without even meaning to?"

"I wasn't talking about you!" Natalie yelped, sitting straight up, her caramel eyes wide and earnest. "Honest, I was talking about jackasses and whores in my past… And you aren't either one."

"Well, thanks for that, as close to a friend as I'm going to get--"

"I totally said that wrong--"

"I'm just teasing you. It's alright, honest. I've been called worse."

"Can I call you my friend, then? Or should we go out for beer and pizza tonight before I get the pleasure of saying you're my friend? I play a mean bar piano when I've had a few beers in me--"

"You mean like a blind Beethoven?" When Natalie's eyes widened in horror, Alana laughed. "Okay! Okay! Just kidding! I knew he was an alcoholic paralyzed midget!

Snorting with laughter, Natalie slung a handful of Skittles at Alana, shaking her head. "You're horrible! Mozart was the alcoholic paralyzed midget! Beethoven was the herpes-infested pimp!"

"Well what-the-fuck-ever, they're both dead bastards and you can use Brian's credit card to pay for tonight!"

*~*~*

"So, J, you're sure you're going to come, man?" Nick questioned, impatiently clicking his pen in his hand. Looking down at the papers scattered across the table in front of him, he wondered if he had taken on too much by jumping into the idea of the benefit. His gaze landed on the purple friendship bracelet Elizabeth had presented him with that morning, one she had requested Allison make just for him. Smiling slightly, he nodded to himself. There was no way he had taken on too much.

"Yes, Nick, I'm sure that I'm going to come," AJ announced with an impatient sigh, obviously bothered that Nick had questioned him at least ten times previous to the last. "I told you, I need to get away from the suffocation of dating this…this…little girl who has nothing better to do than spout my shit on Myspace. If I needed the shit said, don't you think I'd said it myself--"

"What-the-fuck-ever, man, you're the one who couldn't wait to get into her pants," Nick interrupted with a grumble. "When are you flying out?"

"Whenever the Hell you need me… Maybe a few days earlier… Bay's in a Pediatric Unit of the hospital, which means nurses who like kids. What kind of nurses like kids? Young nurses! Young and hot nurses! Yes-sir, I'm flying out early!"

"You are a horny fucker," Nick sighed, thinking of one nurse in particular as he smiled. "Natalie's here too, and I know you love her--"

"You mean how I love ruffling her virgin feathers with talk of S&M that makes Brian's face turn purple?"

"Like he should care?"

"You just ain't reading the signals, Little Brother. So, what are we doing this thing for anyway? Trying to impress a hot resident or nurse?"

"You're the only one who thinks with his dick, J. I'm doing it 'cause these kids are awesome and I want to cheer them up--"

"So a dick hardening patient then?"

"All the patients on this floor are kids… So maybe they're more your type?"

"Ouch," AJ howled with laughter. "Smooth… But what the Hell is your change in attitude for? When we left the tour, you were ready to ride any woman that so much as batted her lashes at you. Not to mention down in the bottom of an alcohol bottle…"

"Bay needs me to be here, man. The bitch of an egg donor that gave birth to him hauled ass, so Rok's alone. I'm just here for Bay--"

"And I'll find out the real reason when I get there," AJ interrupted with a chuckle. "What day do you need me there?"

"Five minutes before we start singing," Nick suggested with a scowl, knowing the older man would only attempt to humiliate him. And succeed. "Just whenever you get here, really. No rush--"

"I'll get packing right now. We're all staying at B's house?"

"Uh…" Nick faltered for a moment. He hadn't gone that far in his planning. "Yeah, sure. Call me when you get in--"

"If I feel like it," AJ decided, terminating the conversation without any means of a goodbye.

"He's so going to fuck up my life, I can feel it," Nick groaned as he hung up the phone. Resting his forehead on the desk, he heaved a weary sigh before pulling one paper close to make sure he had called everyone. Management was all for the idea, Kevin was already on his way to be with Brian for the surgery at the end of the week, Howie's flight was coming in at five in the evening. Natalie had told him that morning she would get a few press releases out… "Fuck this," he sighed, pushing the papers away as he leaned back in his chair.

Closing his eyes, Nick folded his arms over his face as he leaned back in the large, leather chair. The director of the hospital had been kind enough to give him this room so he could plan the benefit concert in privacy. Of course, Nick had greedily accepted the room when he realized that Alana was avoiding Baylee's hospital room because of one specific occupant - him. After their passionate encounter on the hood of her car in the pouring rain, Nick had expected her to want to grow closer. But, inside, when they woke up at dusk in the backseat of his rental, she had offered him a kiss of thanks and gathered her clothing. Climbing into her Jeep, she sped off without any words about what they had just done. And she had avoided him for the rest of the weekend. Well, even now. He had to wonder what he had done wrong. Usually when he had sex with a woman, she was clinging tightly to him, making him vow to never leave.

"Nick?" a soft feminine drawl called, bringing Nick away from his dreary thoughts as the board room door opened. Slowly, Alana stepped inside with a box from the local pizza place. She smiled with uncertainty as she closed the door behind her. Nick thought she looked absolutely beautiful in light purple Disney princess scrub top and black capri scrub bottoms. Sure enough, glancing down, he found she had matching light purple Converse shoes. Though his eyes glanced back up to see that her long strawberry blonde locks had been ironed and allowed to lay loosely over her shoulders. An obvious attempt to hide any hickies he had given her over the weekend. "Thought you might be hungry, so I brought you lunch?"

"Awesome," Nick breathed, a smile touching his lips as she carried the box over. Pushing the papers aside, he gave her an affirmative nod. "The show's a go. The guys are all heading up this week, and Johnny's calling the hospital director this afternoon to talk about the donation. Howie was saying that if the weather's not too bad, maybe we could do it outside--"

"I already talked to the hospital director and it's supposed to be sunny on Thursday and pretty mild. So, he's setting it up to do it outside in the play area we've got for the kids. I talked to the local radio station and they're going to get us a stage for you guys. Then the sports shop where I get my rock climbing equipment going to be donating some shade for the sicker kids. And the cafeteria will get drinks and stuff for them…" Alana answered as she slid onto the clean piece of desk in front of him, offering him the box. Though, at his bewildered look, she smiled softly. "I know a lot of people?"

"As I was saying… Howie told me that if we can do it outside, he has contacts with Pepsi, and they'll donate ice, sodas and waters to anyone who shows up. And Brian's supposed to be checking with Papa John's to see if they'll do pizzas for the kids afterwards," he explained with a grin, scooping up a slice from the box. At her amused smile, he shrugged. "We know people too?"

"As if I didn't know that," she groaned, closing the small box and setting it off to the side for him to eat later. Precariously swinging her legs as she sat on the large desk, she tucked her long strawberry locks behind her pierced ears. "Spice Girls, Madonna, Shania Twain, Paris Hilton, Queen of England, bet they're all in your little black book--"

"None of them are in my little black book," Nick interrupted with a scowl. "Have you had a look at Madonna lately? She's starting to get old. And the Spice Girls were never pretty. Shania's too bouncy, Parasite can rot in the depths of Hell, and I've never been desperate enough to even think about the Queen in a sexual way--"

"Okay, okay, didn't mean to get your G-string in a bunch," Alana interrupted with a soft whistle, holding her hands up in defeat.

"Forgotten everything so quick? Or did it slip your notice that I go commando?"

"Things went pretty fast, I didn't have time to notice," she answered, turning slightly to glance at his pieces of papers filled with a hurried scrawl. Allowing her tremendously long strawberry blonde locks to become a golden curtain to hide the faint blush of her cheeks, she demurely crossed her legs at the ankle. She had actually spent the last three days trying to forget what she had done with the man. It had been completely uncharacteristic of her. The only man she had ever been physical with was her ex-husband and now she had to chalk up a Hollywood Heartthrob. What in God's name had she been thinking? She wanted no relationship and had spent the past three days crying over it. Thank God she was at least on birth control to manage her menstrual cycle.

"We can take it slow next time," Nick promised, resting one hand on her knee gently as he ate. Comforted that she had sought him out finally. He had been worried that his overzealous actions had scared her away, which was the last thing he wanted to do. Squeezing her knee slightly, he wiped his greasy fingers on his jeans before reaching for his scattered papers.

"You've done a lot of work for this project," Alana noticed, completely ignoring his mention of them having sex again. In her mind, the first time would most definitely be the only time. She had promised herself when she placed her son in the ground and scrawled her name over the divorce papers that she would never seek out that type of heartache again. She was better off living alone. Shifting her still tender knee away from his hand, she overlooked the papers he started to gather around her. She noticed the variety of doodles scratched into the free spots of the paper. "And obviously wasn't paying attention to the serious end of the business…"

"Those were just when Kevin was going on and on and on and on and on about… Something," Nick shrugged, straightening the papers before shoving them into the folder. He truly loved Kevin like an older brother, as he had said in countless interviews, but the man loved to talk. About the most inane of topics, most of which didn't interest Nick in the least. "Think you can sweet talk Frick into letting the guys stay at his place?"

"You're his best friend, shouldn't you be doing the sweet talking?" Alana questioned, kicking off her shoes and settling her socked feet on each arm rest of his plush leather chair. Reaching in her pocket, she withdrew a Blow-Pop that Elizabeth's mother had given her after coming upon them in the play room. The entire parental unit of the hospital seemed to know Alana's likes and dislikes, making sure to have treats whenever she stopped by. It was amusing to say the least as she fiddled with the wrapper. "And you're pretty talented, even if they are just doodles."

"What can I say, I have creative fingers," Nick murmured, leaning back in his chair to go over his notes. Wanting to make sure he had remembered everything. "Oh fuck me raw, we need chairs-wait, I'll get some big blankets to spread out so it'll be casual…" Idly rubbing her bare calf, he continued to read his notes, not noticing that he moved his chair closer to the table. He felt comforted by her nearness, the feel of her warm skin beneath his fingers. "And Brian already lined the band up, they should be here Wednesday to do their setup…"

"I'm sure everything will be perfect. You've honestly thought of everything. Making sure every kid in the hospital will be there along with your fan club in the area and others. Then donating all the money to the hospital? It's just… Oh, I'm getting those awareness bands made and having some of the nurses sell them. One for each of the girls' causes, y'know? A dollar each and I'll send them to the local charities supporting that disease," Alana promised, biting down on the hard candy outside of her lollipop as Nick's long fingers brushed against her silky leg. It seemed like even the most simplistic of touches from him caused a sweeping brushfire of passion to kindle within her body. "Oh! I have a request."

Nick nodded, making a quick note on the corner of the page he was reading. "Nat's going to have a booth for the awareness bands, Brian and Howie's charities are going to be selling some too… What's your request?" he questioned, glancing up.

"I know the girls have been egging you to bring me up on stage to sing. Lizzie especially, because her mother was just telling me how wonderful she thought it was that I'll be singing with the radio stations present. Do not, under any circumstances, pull me up on that stage. I sound like Cookie Monster with ten cookies caught in his throat and I'm terribly shy. Promise me? This concert is about you giving something to these little girls. Not me."

"Well…" Nick trailed, chewing on his lower lip as he flipped to the tentative set list. "I was hoping that you'd come up and sing--"

Alana wrinkled her nose with distaste. "Are you trying to make me die of embarrassment? I sound awful--"

"In the words of your Jungle Boogie Boy, you sound like an angel. And I just want you to come on and sing one song. With me and Nat. Not that she'll be singing, she's doing piano--"

"You and Natalie will make a good duet and you haven't even heard me sing," Alana protested, watching him play idly with the delicate anklet on her right ankle.

"I have so heard you sing. The other night when you were singing Bay to sleep," Nick informed softly, his fingers tracing her ankle bone.

Alana softened with a heavy sigh, "Nick--"

"Sing with me? Please? With me on top?"

"Excuse me? You on top?" Alana questioned, almost sliding off the desk in surprise.

"Alright, with you on top?" Nick clarified with a grin, his hand sliding up to her hip to steady her.

"Are we talking about a concert or what?"

"I’m asking you to sing with me, Baby."

"But you were talking about being on top as in-Baby?"

"Are you going to sing with me or not?" Nick whined, his fingers dancing under the hem of her scrub top.

"I can't," she insisted softly, reaching to grasp his hand before it could go up farther, though she was aching for him to do so.

"Don't you want to know what song I want to sing with you?" he murmured, twining his fingers with hers as he set the folder aside.

"I can't imagine…" she trailed as he slid his chair closer to the desk, helping her feet fit snuggly against the sides of his hips within the chair.

"Paradise By the Dashboard Lights," Nick murmured, resting his head on her thigh as he leaned close, his ocean blue eyes wide and hopeful. "Please?"

"How'd you know I like Meat Loaf?" she questioned incredulously, feeling her body respond immediately to his.

"I heard it last week when I called you…" Nick trailed softly.

"You were paying that much attention to the phone call?" she asked, her voice barely coming out above a whisper. Her heart fluttered against her ribcage as her stomach curled with nausea. Glancing down at their intertwined hands, she couldn't understand what was happening. Hadn't he just wanted sex?

"Well, yeah… Shouldn't I have?"

"I didn't think you would…"

"Guess it's a good thing you weren't watching a porn, huh?"

"Totally," she agreed with a useless smile, slightly thankful he was so naďve.

"Do you have any plans for tonight?" he questioned softly, running his hands up and down her calves gently. Wanting to have her alone and get to know her.

"Natalie's offered to take me out for some beers," Alana confided, offering him what she hoped was a regretful smile. Feeling her calves tighten at the smooth strokes of his hands, she released a soft whine of a breath, reaching to play idly with his messy locks.

"Tomorrow night?" Nick suggested. "Oh, don't let Nat get a hold of tequila… She tends to do crazy things when she gets tequila…"

"Then you haven't seen me do a good bar dance," Alana laughed.

"Guess this is a girls only night out, huh?" Nick sighed wistfully.

"You'd have to talk to Natalie."

"I'd rather just kiss you," Nick murmured, tugging her legs until she fell into his lap.

"Nick," Alana squealed with soft surprise as her arms wrapped around his neck to keep from toppling. How he managed to control the situation, she would never understand. She had taken on men twice his size at the local bar. But, whenever he pulled her, she gave in to the desire. Or at least her heart tried to. "Wait--"

"Just a kiss, okay? I know you have to go back to work," Nick murmured, tangling his fingers gently in her strawberry blonde locks. Tugging her face down until their lips were barely touching, he wrapped his other arm around her waist, holding her close. Looking into her dark teal eyes for a moment, he whispered her name before covering her mouth with his.
Chapter Eight :: Sweet Surprises by shrinkingviolet
"One! Two! Three! Go! Go! Go!" Alana hollered as two shots of tequila were placed in front of her and Natalie on the long bar. The girls had celebrated their friendships over a variety of shots for the night at the local bar where every man seemed to be watching them with lusty smiles. But Alana was ignorant as she swayed her hips to the saucy beat of her favorite country songs. Glancing at Natalie with an impish gleam in her teal eyes, they both took licks of salt from the backs of their hands, hurriedly chasing the salt with a shot of tequila, then biting and sucking against a slice of lemon. Biting the flesh of the lemon away from the peel to chase down the burning alcohol, Alana furiously beat her hands on the bar and letting out a whoop of celebration when she finished. "Damn that was good!"

"Holy shit!" Natalie bellowed with a loud squeal of excitement, tilting her head to spit the lemon peel into the bowl in front of her. Grinning at the shouts of appreciation from around her, she turned to look at Alana. "I'm only two shots away from doing a Coyote Ugly--"

"Can you really do that, Natalie? Those dances, I mean?" Alana inquired excitedly as she glanced to the bartender, Randy, who was practically begging for her to get on the bar. She frequented this bar at least once a week for a beer and another excuse as to not go home. And, by the end of her day, by no means of inebriation but for the sheer opportunity of fun, did she jump on the bar to dance. A rare flaw in her usually shy demeanor.

"Hell yes! All you have to do is wiggle your hips and shake the twins," Natalie informed with a grin, accepting another shot from the bartender. Swirling the potent liquid inside, she held her hand out for another coating of salt. She really needed this night. Away from the stress and worry at the hospital. Away from Brian's pleading, soulful looks that only caused her heart to beat faster. He had been understanding, telling her to go out and have fun, slipping her some cash 'just in case' as he'd kissed her so sweetly. Climbing up so she stood on her barstool, she glanced over her shoulder, the alcohol in her system pushing away all her normal apprehension as several catcalls echoed throughout the bar. "C'mon, Alana!"

"That girl is going to be drunk as Hell," Alana laughed as John, a local patron of the bar, hurriedly ran to the jukebox to select Alana's favorite song. Smiling in appreciation, she took the shot that the bartender had made her special - a screwdriver - then pulled herself onto the bar. Standing up, she drank the entire contents and tossed the glass back to Randy. Then, leaning down to adjust the boot cut of her jeans over her cowboy boots, she glanced up at Natalie as she stood to fix her cowboy hat. "Don't fall, alright?"

"Oh, please. I've danced drunker than this," Natalie assured her, reaching to loosen the clip holding her hair up. Tossing the clip to the bar, she kicked it into the crowd, shaking her hair loose until it fell to her waist in soft waves. "When I’m sober again, ask me about the pole dance I did in Italy--"

"Like you'll want to tell me when you're sober," Alana mused, straightening her cowboy hat over her locks, waiting for the particular fiery part of the Devil Went Down to Georgia, launching herself into a full routine that she had learned from watching Coyote Ugly.

Hands on her hips, Natalie followed the routine step for step, her cowboy boots stomping against the wooden bar. She couldn't remember the last time she had fully let herself go, having lived under Leighanne's dictations for so long. Exhilarated, she released a throaty laugh as Alana bumped hips with her, her gaze moving to the opening door of the bar. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw a familiar blonde man step inside, but she was so caught up in the dance she merely looked away.

Coming to a complete standstill just inside the bar, Nick's eyes widened when he saw Natalie dancing on the bar, Alana right beside her. His gaze was riveted to the lean form of Alana, his mouth going dry as he watched the sensual movements. Releasing a grunt when the man accompanying him walked straight into his back, he stepped aside, not wanting to tear his eyes from the display of sexuality.

"Are we in the wrong bar again, Nick?" Howie inquired with a heavy sigh, rubbing his face as he stepped beside Nick. He had spent several hours at the hospital with Brian and Baylee before Nick came hurrying in, pleading for him to go out for the night. He had been caught within jet lag, but agreed nonetheless to the youth. Now starting to regret it as he thought they'd leave again. "Does this one not have the right colored seats? 'Cause I bet there's only two more bars in this rinky-dink town-Who's that dancing with Natalie? And when did Natalie start dancing on bar tops?"

"That's… Alana…" Nick trailed with a grin, grabbing the older man's arm and tugging him towards the bar, grateful he had chosen this bar despite it's out of the way location. Brushing past several other men, who growled with annoyance, he stood directly in front of Alana, staring up at her, his eyes darkening with desire.

"Alana?" Howie repeated with confusion, having not heard all the details about the new woman in Nick's life. Not that he truly cared for the moment as he watched Natalie rotate her hips with her arms swinging above her head. He had to grin as the song changed to Pour Some Sugar On Me. Hearing a softer intrusion of melodies, Howie called above them. "HEY NATTIE!"

Glancing sideways, Alana watched as Natalie glanced down and squealed with sheer excitement. Without any warning, Natalie leapt off the bar into the arms of a short, Latin man, pressing a flurry of kisses to his cheeks as he spun her in a circle. Smiling with amusement at Natalie's excitement, Alana continued to dance on the bar as men chanted her name. Moving to grasp the metal pole at the end of the bar, she curled her legs around it and spun herself upside down. That is, till she came face to face with Nick. Her heart leapt to her throat as she flipped neatly off the pole onto the floor, smiling meekly toward him as she turned around till her back faced him, rotating her hips against his till the song ended.

Gripping her hips, Nick held her close, moving in rhythm with her hips as he lowered his head to her neck for a soft nibble. "Having fun?" he murmured, one hand sliding forward to rest against her flat stomach.

"Like a pervert in the Playboy Mansion," she promised as she felt the building of his arousal against her jean clad backside. Turning in his arms, she settled her black cowboy hat onto his messy blonde locks and draped her arms around his neck. Stepping close into his embrace, she connected her hips against his once more, this time rotating slowly as she leaned up, her lips a hairsbreadth away from his. "I thought you weren't coming?"

"Not at this moment I'm not," Nick moaned softly, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. Dipping his head for a quick kiss he motioned behind him towards Natalie and Howie, though they were the last thing on his mind. "Howie showed up and I decided we needed to go out and have some fun…"

"Didn't you like the other bars you were at?" she continued with an impish glint dancing in her teal eyes. Turning away for a moment, she saw Natalie animatedly motioning toward Randy to bring several drinks to the back booth in the corner of the bar. Natalie then hollered for Alana to join her and Howie, but she turned back to meet Nick's lips once more. "This isn't the best bar in town, y'know. Just the easiest to get to from my house… Or walk back from when I'm a bit drunk…"

"Does that mean you'll let me come home with you?" Nick requested, hands cupping her backside to hold her to him. Nibbling gently on her bottom lip, he leaned back against the bar.

"Nicky, at least bring her to the corner before you start undressing her, okay?" Natalie hollered as Howie led her to the back booth.

"I only bring stray kitties home with me," Alana dissuaded, though she growled appreciatively when she felt Nick's hands tighten against her backside to bring her up into his arms. Tightening her arms around his neck, she pulled her bottom lip away from his teeth, gently running her tongue along the outside of his sweet lips. "But God do I love it when you do that…"

"Do what?" Nick questioned, maneuvering them through the bar to the back booth. Dropping into the empty side, he kept his lips on hers, his hands squeezing her backside tightly. Bringing her closer against his hardness.

"Someone's getting lucky," Natalie announced with a wave of her hand, reaching for the bowl of peanuts.

"I love it when you pick me up like that," Alana explained softly within his mouth, bracing her arms against the booth cushion. Hearing Natalie's loud, high-pitched giggle, she realized that others were watching them. Biting down against his bottom lip, she briefly grinded her hips against his to show her appreciation before kissing him once more. "Your friends are here. Behave."

"I didn't do anything, though," Nick whined, lightly smacking her rear as she slid out of lap to sit next to him. Leaning back, he reached to adjust his arousal, wincing when Howie kicked him under the table. Lurching, he glared at the older man. "Goddamnit, D--"

"You know better than that," Howie warned. "And how about an introduction to your…" He glanced toward Natalie as if he were looking for the nicest word to explain what Nick's women were. But when Natalie shrugged helplessly, he sighed. "-New flavor?"

"This is Alana. My new friend," Nick emphasized with a scowl, returning the sharp kick to Howie's shin. He didn't need the man's interference. At all. "Go back to groping Nat under the table, alright?"

Natalie's jaw dropped, the peanut she had just popped into her mouth falling to her lap. "Howie is not groping--" she cut off with a squeal, playfully slapping Howie's shoulder when his hand landed on her side in a tickle.

"I can't believe you're eating those peanuts…" Alana trailed as she wrinkled her nose in disgust at the mere thought, folding her hands in her lap. She suddenly felt quite out of place as Howie, Natalie, and Nick got into a three way argument, knowing she probably didn't fit into their world. That is, till Randy came sauntering over with a tray of drinks that Natalie had ordered. Setting them down, he then motioned to another employee, setting a small tray of tropical liquor shots, cherries in a bowl, and a can of whipped cream in front of Alana. "Randy," Alana groaned as she reached to shove his shoulder playfully.

"Hey, I don't make the orders, I just fill 'em," Randy explained with a grin, wiping his hands on a towel. "Y'all need anything just holler, okay?"

"Cherries!" Natalie cried with excitement, reaching to pluck one from the bowl.

"Been a while since you had one of those, huh, Nat?" Nick questioned with a smirk, looping his arm around Alana's shoulders as he reached for his beer.

Natalie blanked slightly, the stem of the cherry poking out from her mouth; her lips pursed into an 'o' of surprising. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It was a joke?" Nick offered, lightly grazing Alana's bare arm with his fingers. "I mean, Hell, you dated Fartio, there's no damn way you're still a vir--"

"That's none of your business," Howie growled, sending his foot into Nick's shin once more.

"Which means she's not," Nick muttered, reaching to rub his stinging leg. Glaring at Howie, he saw the warning expression in his friend's eyes, and sat back with a shrug. Not that he really cared. He was just trying to make a conversation, in the hopes it would persuade Alana to talk. Tilting his head slightly, he kissed her cheek gently. "You okay?"

Alana jerked slightly at the feeling of Nick's lips against her cheek, immediately apologizing with a hand to his chest as he flinched in surprise. She had fallen into a world of her own thoughts by accident. Mournful thoughts as she realized she hadn't a clue what was going on with her life. But, seeing Nick's hopeful indigo eyes, she mustered a soft smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Alcohol's a depressant, y'know--"

"Alana! We should get more cherries! These are great to munch on!" Natalie interjected, happily bouncing in her seat as she reached for another.

"They're not for munching," Alana explained softly as she glanced over to the bar to see a few of her male friends holding up bottles of beer to her with wild grins. She shook her head softly as she secretly flipped a bird toward them, causing a ruckus of laughter. They had ordered her the favorite ingredients of her favorite drink - body shots.

"What are they for, then?" Natalie questioned, popping the stem off as she sucked the cherry between her lips. Chewing thoughtfully, she saw Alana's eyes start to gleam impishly and couldn't help but smile as she tossed the stem into her mouth. "Show me?"

"You're eating a stem?" Howie questioned incredulously, quirking one brow. "That's disgust--"

"Here," Natalie interrupted, plucking the stem from her teeth with a smile. Holding it out, she heard Alana erupt into giggles as Howie stared at the perfectly tied knot in the center of the stem.

"I told you she wasn't a virgin!" Nick exclaimed, slamming his beer into the table.

"Nick," Alana sighed, reaching to grasp his face so he would look to her. "I need to show Natalie what the cherries are for. Okay?"

"Okay…" Nick trailed in confusion, quickly jerking his legs away when he saw Howie was about to kick him.

"Okay," Alana agreed with a soft smile, turning to face him within the booth. "I need you to point to somewhere on your body…" Noticing the familiar gleam in his indigo eyes, she cleared her throat. "Upper torso please."

"Well you didn't specify," Nick sighed, glancing down his chest. Shrugging, he pointed towards his chest. His curiosity piqued, he lifted his head to stare at Alana. "Now what?"

"Hold on," she laughed, reaching to undo the buttons of his light blue camp shirt. Revealing his tattooed chest, she reached for the can of whipped cream and a cherry. Spraying a dollop of whipped cream on the very center of his chest, she then offered him the cherry. "Hold this in your mouth, but don't eat it." When he did as commanded, Alana reached for her shot of tropical liquor. Grinning impishly, she leaned down to suck and lick the whip cream from his chest, then chased the frothy sweetness with her liquor, and ended the sensation by delving her tongue between his lips to catch the cherry for them to share. Giving him half to swallow, she leaned back with the stem in her mouth. After a few moments, she revealed her own knotted cherry stem with pride.

"Fuck," Nick whined, reaching with one hand to cup the back of her neck. Dragging her close, he sucked her tongue into his mouth the instant their lips met, his hand stealing inside the top of her spaghetti tank for a quick caress. With his other hand, he grasped hers, bringing it to the straining bulge in his jeans. Shuddering with delight when she squeezed him, he growled against her lips. "Do it again?"

"Oh my God," Natalie breathed, holding one hand over her mouth as she stared at the couple across from her. Her entire body tingled with awareness, and though she knew she should look away, her eyes were riveted to them for one long moment. Slowly pulling her gaze away, she glanced towards Howie, taking a long drink from her bottle of beer. "Want me to do you?"

Howie glanced casually toward Natalie after watching the scene before him, though when his brain recognized the words, he lurched. Sputtering for an answer, he choked on his beer and hurriedly set it to the table. "What?!"

"Where do you want the next one?" Alana purred softly against Nick's lips, pulling her tongue away from his as she stroked his erection through his baggy jeans. The only body shots she had ever done were on her ex-husband and he had never reacted as strongly as Nick. His whine fueled the passion inside her body and for a moment, she forgot that Natalie and Howie existed, nibbling against the corner of Nick's mouth.

"Anywhere," Nick answered honestly, his fingers pinching her nipples hard. Releasing her neck, he slid his hand down her back, whimpering softly when she moved to straddle his lap. Her fingers landed on the button of his jeans, and he smirked against her cheek, the passion mounting fast as her hand easily slipped inside to stroke him gently.

"Do you want me to do a body shot off you?" Natalie clarified for Howie with an impish smirk, placing a hand on his chest. Fueled by alcohol as well as the passionate display across from her, she leaned up, nibbling gently on his earlobe. "Or you can do one off me…"

"Are you serious?" Howie wheezed, unable to believe that Nick was mere inches away from having sex in a public place as Natalie offered him the same. Never on God's green Earth would the rest of the crew believe him, especially as he nervously wetted his lips as he glanced toward Natalie with apprehension. "Brian would kill me…"

"Are you going to do one off of me?" Alana inquired as she heard Howie's sharp wheeze, realizing that Natalie was offering him something. Grinning wryly, Alana leaned back to grab her whipped cream, shot, and bowl of cherries. Continuing to lightly stroke his erection with just the very tips of her fingers, she applied a dollop of whipped cream to his belly button. Offering him the cherry again, she leaned to lick the whipped cream from his belly button. Lingering for a moment to flick her tongue within his belly button, she felt him shudder as she shot the liquor into her mouth and leaned over to share both the liquor and the cherry with Nick.

Nipping hard at her bottom lip, Nick arched against her fingers, easing her top down over one breast. Keeping it cupped in his hand, he dipped his head, tugging the strap of her tank over her shoulder with his teeth. "Can I pick where I do it?" he murmured, bringing his lips back to hers for another kiss. Pressing the pad of his thumb against her hard nipple, he growled, "I want to do one right there."

"Brian…" Natalie repeated, shaking her head in an attempt to clear the alcoholic fog from within her brain. For one fleeting moment she thought that if Brian were there he would no doubt have hustled her away after her first shot. Meeting Howie's eyes with her own, she licked her lips slowly. "It's just a body shot, Howie. Not like I'm going to ride you like a bull at a rodeo."

Howie's dark eyes widened in disbelief as he quickly glanced to Nick, convinced he had seen the light tan of a breast, and then back to the beautiful woman beside him. Was he that stupid? "One body shot and look what it got Nick-I'm in."

"If you're doing a body shot there, can you at least lay me down in the booth so your friends don't get an ample view and my nearly naked body? …Or my friends for that matter…" Alana trailed softly as she shivered against his hold, loving the way he taunted and teased her. Her nails digging slightly into his erection, she reluctantly released him, though she continued to flick her tongue sweetly against his lips. She wanted him so badly. In this drunken state, she couldn't deny it.

Turning, Nick gently laid back in the booth, gasping as her legs straddled him, her body nestling against his tightly as she leaned over him. Taking the can of whipped cream from her, he slowly placed a dollop on and around her nipple, groping blindly on the tabletop for the cherries. Smirking, he placed one between Alana's lips before lifting her breast to his mouth. Swirling his tongue around her nipple, he carefully licked all remains of the cream away before darting the tip of his tongue back and forth over her nipple. Sucking it into his mouth as he heard her purrs of delight, he nibbled at the sweetness of her skin before releasing her. Accepting the shot, he quickly tossed it back, the glass clattering to the floor as he jerked her down for a kiss.

"Thank you," Natalie purred softly, catching Howie's lips for a quick kiss, pulling him with her as she laid back in the booth. Sucking his bottom lip between her teeth for a gentle bite, she released it with a soft sigh when he sat up slightly. Deciding it best to ignore the hardness pressing against her, she wet her lips with the tip of her tongue.

"God, Nattie," Howie breathed in disbelief as his hands settled on either side of her head, bracing himself as she bunched the expensive shirt he was wearing to reveal his bare chest. Reaching beneath the table, he watched in surprise as Natalie ripped the can of whipped cream from Nick's hand. Applying it in an odd squiggle pattern over his chest and nipples, Natalie grinned wickedly. Fingers trembling, Howie placed a cherry within his mouth and handed her a shot. Immediately sucking in a deep breath, he prepared himself as Natalie leaned up to begin the tedious process of cleaning his chest of whipped cream, her tongue skillfully lapping over each nipple to bring it to a tortured peak. Shuddering, Howie watched her take the burning liquor and immediately bent over to push the cherry into her mouth with his tongue.

"The whipped cream has been confiscated," Alana informed Nick softly as she became vaguely aware of the pain shooting up her knees. Taking a deep breath, she pulled away from Nick's lips and adjusted her breasts back into her top before running her hands in the curtain of strawberry blonde locks brushing the small of her back away from her face. "And I better go. I work tomorrow."

"Come home with me," Nick requested with a soft whine as her hands moved to fasten his jeans. Seeing her shake her head slightly, he let her pull him up into a sitting position. Pulling her into his lap, he offered her another gentle kiss, straightening the strap of her tank. "…Let me come home with you, then?"

Pulling away slightly, Natalie traced Howie's lips with the tip of her tongue, nibbling gently at his bottom lip as her hands slid down his stomach. Trembling when he caught her lips in another kiss, she curled her leg over his, drawing him closer. Lightly digging her fingernails in his back, she arched against him, whining softly when Alana's voice broke into her passion induced haze.

"You can't come home with me," Alana disagreed softly as she attempted to unwind herself from his arms, her buzz quickly fading into the reality of her life. Staring into his pleading indigo eyes, she felt her heart lurch slightly with a newfound pain. A pain that she wanted no part of. "I have to get to sleep so I can work tomorrow. I'll get no sleep with you there. Take Natalie home. Get some rest."

"Natalie?" Nick questioned, glancing over at the squirming couple across from them. Looking back at Alana, he released her, reaching to caress her cheek softly. "Howie can take her home… She's in good hands… Want me to drive you home at least?" he offered, not sure he liked the idea of her walking home alone. "I'll just walk you to your door, I promise--"

"Howie," Natalie breathed softly, her entire body shuddering. "Take me home?"

"Alright," Howie weakly agreed, tugging her up by the hands and leading her out of the bar without another word. He obviously assumed that she would direct him to the right car, far too aroused or shocked to care about finding it himself. Even if he was the sober person of the two.

"You should go with them, Nick," Alana encouraged as she watched the pitiful couple stumble to the door, Natalie declaring her evanescent love for Alana before disappearing. "I like taking the walk home. It's relaxing and helps me clear my mind. Honest."

"Alright…" Nick agreed softly as they slid out of the booth. "You've got my number, though… Call me when you get home? Just so I'll know you got there okay?" he requested, dropping a few bills on the table before leading her outside. Seeing Natalie leading Howie through the cars in the lot, he winced, deciding that Howie would be in charge of her for the remainder of the night.

"So you can hear my voice to finish jerking off?" Alana inquired, wrinkling her nose in an adorable manner as she slid her jean jacket onto her bare shoulders to protect her from the cool winds. "No thanks, Nick. Nothing happens to the girls in the country. Trust me. Ain't no one gonna rip me into the woods and rape me viciously."

"Alana, God… Please don't say things like that, okay?" Nick requested with a worried glance towards the darkness past the lot. "Just call me. I'll go sit in a bucket of ice water to keep from jerking off, and--"

"Nicky! Let's go! My nipples are craving some Latin loving!" Natalie shrieked from across the parking lot.

Nick groaned, resting his forehead against Alana's for a brief moment. "Be careful. Call me."

"You act like you'd miss more than sex if I was abducted," Alana laughed, ruffling his locks before pulling away. Tugging her jacket across her chest, she smiled. "See you later, Nickalicious."

*~*~*

"I swear to God that I am never, ever, ever going out drinking with Alana again," Natalie announced slowly, cracking one eye to look at Brian when she heard the soft rattle of pills in a plastic bottle. Sitting up slowly, she offered him a small smile, accepting the pills. Fumbling with the top, she closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath to ward off the nausea that curdled her stomach. Last night's actions a fading memory, she was astounded when she pictured the things she had done in the booth with Howie. Her last coherent image was of falling into the backseat of Nick's car. She had awakened to the pounding in her head to find herself curled in a tight ball in the center of Brian's bed, fully dressed, clutching his pillow. Howie had fervently assured her that nothing had happened between them after leaving the bar, and she knew he had no reason to lie. It had been moments of drunken foolishness, her body craving some sort of attention. She felt horrible for using Howie in such a way, worse still for having deceived Brian. As she swallowed the pills with the juice he offered, her heart clenched painfully in her chest with the knowledge that she could have done something stupid that would have pushed him away from her forever. "You're not mad at me, are you, Bumpkin?"

"How can I be mad when I'm the one that told you to go have fun…" Brian murmured, seating himself on the edge of the bed, watching as Baylee peeked outside into the hallway every few moments to see if Alana was coming back. Unlike Natalie, Alana showed no signs of a drunken stupor, though her cheeks tinged bright red whenever Baylee had mentioned Nick. Brian made sure that he would remember to ask Nick later about how he had compromised his son's nurse. Though, glancing down at Natalie, he felt his heart lurch painfully at the remembrance of the dark purple splotches on Howie's neck. She had all but thrown herself at the older man that night.

"But you didn't mean for me to do… That…" Natalie sighed, chewing on her bottom lip as she leaned back, keeping her eyes on Brian. "I'm sorry, Bumpkin…"

"Well, we all know what happens when you do tequila shots…" Brian teased, lightly rubbing her arm as he leaned to kiss the side of her face. "And Howie's the dead man. So don't worry about it. Just, try not to barf on me, alright?"

"I think I did all my barfing when I woke up… Which reminds me, I need to buy you some new sheets," Natalie murmured, covering his hand with hers. "And don't kill Howie--"

"JJ!" Baylee shrieked from the doorway all of a sudden. His face lighting up, he dragged his IV pole into the hall, waving his unencumbered arm wildly. "YOU HERE!"

"Hey, Snot Face!" AJ whistled loudly as he dropped his bag of presents, leaning down to scoop the little boy into his scrawny arms. Blowing a wet raspberry on the side of Baylee's face, AJ grinned wickedly at the boy's squeals of laughter. After Nick had called him about the concert, AJ had slowly packed and then booked a flight to Kentucky. Sleeping the entire way, he was now refreshed and exuberant, ready to enjoy the visit with his second family. "How's George doing? You taking good care of him for me?"

"George gots ivy like me!" Baylee announced, holding up his splinted arm before pointing to the stuffed monkey lying next to Natalie on the bed. "An' he's gots a new friend… Knot, where Simba?"

"Oh God, I think I sat on him…" Natalie moaned, shifting her weight to one cheek so Brian could retrieve the stuffed lion cub.

"Oh Knot!" Baylee groaned.

"I've seen that face one too many times in the mirror. Little shit-faced there, Nat?" AJ chuckled as he allowed Baylee to dip in his arms to grab both stuffed animals. Pulling him back up into his arms, AJ grabbed the IV pole and shifted them over to a nearby chair.

"Don't ask," Natalie groaned, covering her face with one hand as she shifted in the bed. AJ's high spirits made her feel nauseous, which was dangerous as Brian stretched out next to her, the aroma of his recent breakfast clinging to him. "Why are you so freaking cheerful this early in the morning? Aren't you supposed to be off raping and pillaging?"

"Judging by all those young nurses waiting in that nurses' station, I'll be doing a fair share of pillaging in a few hours," AJ confided with a devilish grin, ruffling Baylee's locks as he was shown the stuffed animals. "But I had to come see my Snot Face first and-Damn did Nick get laid last night!"

Skidding to a stop, Nick wobbled slightly on his feet as he struggled to maintain a grip on his sausage and egg biscuit. Once certain he had a grip on it, he shot a glare at AJ, who grinned wickedly at him. "Th'fuck you talking about?"

"No he didn't," Natalie informed with a small smile. "She sent him home to take care of me."

"She?" AJ blurted with surprise as Baylee wriggled from his arms to get to Nick, obviously searching for half of his food. "So he's back to hunting for women?"

"Guess he wasn't satisfied with what you had to offer, huh?" Natalie returned, tucking her face between Brian's neck and the pillow in hopes of shielding some light from her eyes.

"Go to Hell, Nat," Nick grumbled, giving Baylee his biscuit. "And she didn't send me home to take care of Happy Hands Hayes, that's for sure--"

"Then why did she kick your ass to the curb?" AJ inquired with a smirk, watching Brian physically flinch at the words his friends were teaching his son. Not that AJ much cared as he slouched down in his chair, staring intently at Nick.

"She didn't kick me to the curb," Nick scowled, flopping into the empty chair with as much noise as he possibly could. Propping his feet on the bed, he leaned back, folding one arm behind his head. "She had to work today and said she knew if she stayed in my company she'd get no sleep." Nudging Natalie's leg aside with one foot, he got into a more comfortable position before scooping Baylee into his lap. "But we have plans for tonight--"

"No you don't," Natalie interrupted, her voice muffled against Brian's neck. "When she gets off, she and I have plans to go ride ATVs--"

"Nu-uh!" Baylee interrupted with a sharp shriek of disgust. "My 'Lana is staying here'd wit me 'night!"

"My head," Natalie whined, yanking the blanket up over her.

"What the Hell's wrong with her? She wake up in some stranger's bed or something?" AJ questioned, looking to Brian for clarification. "If she did, it ain't all that bad… Nat? Just get the guy's number, that way you can hit him for child support if you have a kid--"

"Go to Hell, AJ," Brian and Natalie both muttered at once.

"Oho! The plot thickens!" AJ cried with a Cheshire grin. "'Parently our sweet, innocent Natalie woke up in Brian's bed--"

"Sweet? Innocent?" Nick snorted in disbelief. "Not hardly--"

"Can't you two go fondle each other in front of the nurses or something?" Natalie demanded, sitting straight up to glare at the men.

"She was macking on Howie last night," Nick told AJ, matching Natalie's sharp glare.

"At least I wasn't taking my pants down for the entire bar to see what little I have to offer," Natalie shot back.

"Wondered why D wasn't here," AJ mused thoughtfully, glancing out the open door when he heard approaching footsteps. "I talked to him this morning and he said he was in town, so I figured he'd be-Holy shit! Brian, quick, break my leg!"

Natalie growled, "Gladly--"

"That's my 'Lana, JJ!" Baylee cried happily as he finished his stolen biscuit. Hopping down from Nick's lap, he grabbed his IV pole and dragged it hurriedly toward the doorway.

"Hey, my Jungle Boogie Boy," Alana cooed sweetly as she bent to scoop Baylee into her arms. Hoisting him to the curve of her hip, she leaned to check the empty IV bag. Smiling with approval, she affectionately kissed his cheek. Moving to take a seat on the empty chair with Baylee in her lap, she swiftly disconnected the tubing before grabbing the needless syringe of normal saline from her pocket to flush his IV port. "Let's get you off this big 'ol pole, Sweetheart... And I've got to tell you, Baylee, I'm really going to have to lay off rock climbing for awhile and stick to racing horses. My knees are aching something fierce."

Whirling to stare at Nick, AJ raised his brows in question. "What th'fuck did you do with her, man?" he inquired in a whisper.

"He made me crash into the side of a mountain," Alana told AJ, glancing up from her work with an impish smile. Her teal eyes shimmered with a playfulness that Nick hoped he would only know. "It's nice to meet you, my name's Alana."

AJ grinned, leaning forward. "Nice to--"

"Dat's JJ, 'Lana. Knot said once that he's a man whore, but I don't know if dat's good," Baylee stated with an impish grin.

'Thank you, Baylee,' Nick thought triumphantly.

"It's probably good for the women he knows," Alana whispered against the side of Baylee's face, pressing another kiss to his cheek as she unscrewed the syringe from the port. "And you're free!"

"I go p'ay wit' my d'irlfriend now?" Baylee questioned hopefully, wrapping his arms around her neck.

"She's waiting for you in the play room," Alana confirmed, hugging Baylee close as she buried her face in his light curls for a moment of peace. "And Lizzie has requested you take her to dinner tonight. So I'm going to go out after work and get you the best dinner ever and take you to the classy private waiting room for a romantic dinner. How's that sound?"

"Wit' candles?" Baylee chirped excitedly. Sliding from her lap, he scurried to the bedside table, grabbing his father's wallet. Flipping through it, he pulled out a large bill. "Buy her woses? An' a new 'danna?"

"I can do all of that," Alana promised with a nod, glancing to Brian to make sure it was okay before she took the money. At his encouraging smile, she glanced back to Baylee. "What color roses do you want? And what color of a bandana?"

"'Avendar woses," Baylee explained, rubbing his nose. "An' gets her a yellow 'danna?"

"Whoa, Snot Face, you can't get yellow and purple… They'll clash," AJ disagreed. "Get red roses for the first date, always. It tells the lady that you have a passion for her. And the yellow is good with red, so we'll stick with that."

"Red an' yellow," Baylee told Alana with a grin.

"He's so damn gay," Natalie murmured to Brian.

"Alright, Casanova," Alana laughed, leaning to kiss him as he puckered his lips. "Go play with Lizzie and I'll make sure to have everything perfect for tonight - Wait, aren't you buying me any roses?"

"Maybe later," Baylee answered with a secretive smile, patting her cheeks softly before scurrying to the bed. "Daddy, I go wit' Lizzie, otay?"

"Alright, Scooper, you play nice and be sweet," Brian reminded his son, but when Baylee snorted with derision, he had to laugh. Baylee was an honest gentleman when it came to playing with Elizabeth. He always made sure that Elizabeth had the best toy between them and they were playing a game that she liked. Pride could not even compare to what Brian felt in his heart as he watched his son skip off.

"I think I just got turned down by a three year old," Alana murmured with surprise as she watched Baylee disappear, shouting Elizabeth's name.

"I'll buy you roses," AJ decided, reaching for his wallet.

"Excuse me?" Nick choked.

"Get yourself some roses on me, Alana, and maybe you need a date for Snot Face's love fest?" AJ offered.

"I am not buying myself roses with your money," Alana laughed with honest surprise.

"Well how about you tell me what time this romantic dinner is and I bring you roses?" AJ suggested with his most winning smile.

"Excuse me?" Nick choked again, yanking his feet off the bed so fast he dragged Natalie's leg with them. Ignoring her squeal of protest, he sat up, glaring at AJ. How dare the man waltz in and… Show him up like that?

"Six o'clock," Alana answered softly, leaning back against her chair to take a small break. She had been helping the other nurses with their work all day. That is, to avoid Nick and what she had done with him last night. Not that it mattered much, considering when she did see him it wasn't as if they spoke to one another. He really was interested in carnal delights. And, sizing up AJ and his charming smile, she knew he was just the same. Which suited her fine.

"And you'll have to show me where the classy waiting room is," AJ insisted, tucking his wallet back into his jeans before leaning back in his chair. Ignoring Nick's glares, he shifted slightly so he was facing Alana, reaching to adjust his cap as he met her eyes with his.

Nick scowled, moving to get to his feet. "Now wait a damn minute--" his voice dropped into a whine when Natalie's foot made sharp contact with his shoulder, knocking him back. "Goddamnit, Nat--"

"That's for almost sending me off the bed! And she's going TVA'ing with me--"

"ATV, Natalie, and you're in no condition to get on a 4-wheeler. It'll be riding you by the end. So, another day," Alana interrupted, sliding off her chair to affectionately kiss Natalie's forehead. "Feel better-And, if you really do show up tonight, AJ, the waiting room is the one right before the nurses' station and blue and purple tones are my favorite colors and--" Alana yelped in shock when Nick barreled at her like a raging football player, sending both of them propelling out of the room. "See you later, y'all!"

"You're actually going to let him show up to Bay's private dinner?" Nick blurted as he jerked the door shut behind them.

"Why not?" Alana yelped in shock as he pushed her against the far wall, bracing his hands on either side of her. Why he had shut the door to Baylee's room, she had no idea, especially when they were in the vastly open hallway. Though she shrunk against the wall immediately, studying his dark indigo eyes. Was there a hint of possessive jealousy inside his beautiful irises? "He seems like a nice guy and I could use some company with the love birds--"

"You couldn't have asked me?" Nick interrupted. Though he knew that wouldn't have mattered. AJ would do what he wanted, regardless of whose feelings would be upset in the process. At times it felt to Nick that the older man always wanted what he had, whether it be a woman, a car or a dog. But mostly the women. "Maybe I want to buy you roses--"

"You never said you wanted to buy me roses--"

"Because that jackass with the permanent wood didn't give me a chance--"

"Well why would I expect you to even say anything if given the chance when all we talk about is sex anyway?" Alana interrupted, squeaking slightly when Nick took a step forward, pressing their bodies together against the wall. She was so utterly confused when the man came around her. She had tried to tell herself that it was merely about sex. Whenever they saw each other, it always turned sexual. So why was she to worry that he was trying to get to heart? Which she forbid.

"That's not true and you know it," Nick disagreed with a sigh, pulling away.

"Fine…" Alana trailed, watching him take a few steps back before pushing herself off the wall. "I've got some work--"

"Blues and purples are your favorites, right?" Nick interrupted softly.

"Yes…" Alana trailed, glancing up into his dark ocean eyes with confusion. "Why?"

"I just wanted to know," Nick murmured, glancing over his shoulder to see Brian peeking out the door. Looking back at Alana, he lifted his hand, tracing her cheek with the backs of his fingers, ignoring the tight knot of nurses that stared at him from the desk down the hallway. Alana thought he was only interested in sex. Smiling slightly, he traced her lips with his thumb, not knowing how he could prove otherwise.

"You're causing a scene," Alana whispered, leaning back against the wall once more to keep him from knowing that her legs were weak. Feeling his thumb gliding over her lip, so tender and considerate, causing her heart to ache with wanting.

"Well… I'll just cause a bigger one," Nick replied decisively, keeping his eyes on hers as he stepped closer. His heart flipped dangerously in his chest when he heard her soft sigh of anticipation. Dipping his head, he caught her lips in a soft kiss, cupping her face in his hands.

"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" Alana whispered against his lips as he pulled her closer to intensify the kiss. She was vaguely aware of a flash exploding somewhere, but hadn't the sense to concentrate on it. Far too caught within the feeling of Nick's tongue gently probing against her lips so he might delve between them. Shivering as she circled her hands around his wrists to hold tight, she offered him the chance, sucking playfully on his tongue.

"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" Nick returned with a ragged whisper, reluctantly releasing her lips. Smoothing her hair back gently, he lightly kissed the faint remains of his earlier marks. "But I'll let you get back to work now… Blues and purples?"

"Blues and purples," she agreed with a shiver. "But why?"

"You'll find out," he promised, brushing her lips with his before stepping back. "But now you better go get the cows back to work…"

"As long as you promise not to leave me alone with your splintered friend," she suggested with a coy grin, moving in the opposite direction of the gaggle, though they soon came rushing for her with sharp squeals.
Chapter Nine :: The Perfect Date by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
I'm in such a giving mood, I decided to update with two chapters tonight. ;-)
"Jungle Boogie Boy!" Alana called out with a bright smile when she saw Baylee walking timidly down the hallway holding onto his father's hand. When the boy caught sight of Alana, he dropped his father's hand and waved a hurried goodbye. Attempting to rush over to her without losing his breath, Baylee reached out his arms for her. She eagerly met him halfway and scooped him up to kiss his flushed cheeks. He had requested to be dressed nice for his date tonight. So, Brian had dressed Baylee in a pair of khaki shorts and a light blue and white striped polo shirt. Knowing this night was important to both toddlers, Alana had even made sure that she dressed appropriately. She had straightened her strawberry blonde locks to fall in a golden curtain down to the small of her back. Her lips were touched faintly with her favorite lip gloss. She had dressed in a pair of short khaki shorts to accentuate her long, silky legs and matched it with a light yellow, off the shoulder, sleeveless shirt that exposed just a hint of her bare midriff. She had even picked up a new, pretty dress for Elizabeth to wear, her mother nearly in a fit of tears when she saw what Alana had done for her little girl. But it was those sincere gestures that made Alana feel alive. Setting Baylee on the floor, she reached for the contents she had been holding. "Ready for your date, Sweetheart? I've got the bandana wrapped in this pretty box and here are the roses you wanted. Lizzie's waiting inside."

"Thank you, 'Lana," Baylee cooed, one hand reaching up to smooth his wayward curls. Huffing several breaths into his hand, he made a face, wanting the night to be perfect. "My breath otay? Daddy go 'nuggle wit' Knot," he insisted, clutching the roses to his chest as his father tucked the box under his arm so he would have one hand free. "Want'a go in alone…"

"You treat her right, y'hear me? Like I always taught you, Scooper. Women are precious jewels, each one to be admired and loved for their special sparkle," Brian reminded his son, reaching to press a kiss against Baylee's forehead. Upon his son's confident nod, Brian released him, reaching to hold open the door as Baylee walked inside. Craning his neck, Brian watched Elizabeth stand from the small children's table to greet Baylee. She wore a sunny yellow sundress with a light blue bow wrapped around the waist. A pretty crown of yellow daises that Alana had fashioned together sat atop her bald head. But she couldn't look more beautiful and Brian choked down a sob, sending a prayer to God that both children would be okay.

"I'll get you plenty of pictures," Alana promised as she reached to rub Brian's back with encouragement.

"Alright. Thanks a lot, Alana," Brian murmured, lingering for a moment to watch his son greet Elizabeth.

"Hi, Lizzie," Baylee murmured shyly, smiling as he reached for her hand. Remembering the manners his father had taught him, he slowly bent over, pressing a quick kiss to the back of her hand. Straightening, he grinned at the girl, holding out the roses. "Red woses for passion!"

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose in confusion as she stared at the flowers then the back of her hand. She immediately glanced to Alana for help, who gestured for the little girl to hug Baylee. Grinning appreciatively, she took the small bouquet and placed them on one of the chairs, then reached to hug Baylee. "What passion?"

"Uh… I dunno," Baylee admitted, hugging her tightly. Feeling the box drop to the floor, he groaned. "Wait! I gots 'reset for you!" he cried, backing up to retrieve it. Flushed, he wiped the bright paper with his hand, making sure it hadn't gotten dirty. "'Ere!"

"Thanks a lot, Alana," Brian murmured again, knowing his son would be okay. Giving her a gentle hug, he quickly released her, heading down the hall slowly.

"See you in a few hours, Brian," Alana called cheerfully, leaning against the doorway as she watched Baylee take Elizabeth to the loveseat for them to sit. Making sure she was comfortable first, he then climbed up to sit with her, helping her open the present. She had to laugh when Elizabeth's large doe eyes widened at the sight of the yellow silk bandana, Baylee immediately grinning toward Alana with thanks when Elizabeth kissed him. Satisfied with the childlike love blooming between the toddlers, she fixed herself to go inside, till hands sneaked around her thin waist. "Lord help me if it's AJ…"

The hands paused for a moment, fingers lightly stroking the bare skin showing above her shorts before pulling her back against a familiar body. One hand left her waist for a moment, only to appear in front of her holding a large bouquet of lavender and sky blue roses. "Guess you don't need God's help, huh?"

"Nick…" Alana trailed softly with an even softer sigh. Grasping the large bouquet in her hand, she brought her fingers up to caress the silky petals of the beautiful flowers. She had never seen such a beautiful mixture of roses before. Nor had she ever seen the richest of colors that he so diligently provided her. Feeling tears gently slip from her gorgeous teal eyes, she kept her back pressed against him, far too afraid to turn around and meet his gaze. What did he honestly think he was doing? Catching her unaware and so very puzzled about her life. She had been happier, at least she thought, when she figured he was just angling for sex, though a tinge of hurt always fell upon her heart when she assumed as much. But, unfortunately, he was starting to prove her wrong. And God help her, she thought, she was starting to fall in love with this man.

Confused by her near-silent reaction, Nick pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head. Breathing in the scent of her shampoo, he smiled slightly, watching her fingers lightly touch the roses. Though, he wished she would say something. "…Did I get the wrong colors? I can go get some different--"

"No… God no… They're beautiful… The perfect color… Thank you," she whispered, her sentences drawled long with a homey southern comfort.

"You're welcome--"

"Nicky! Dis a private 'mantic dinner!" Baylee squealed from inside the waiting room, where he was attempting to assist Elizabeth with her new bandanna. Though the silk kept slipping through his fingers, he was diligent in his task.

"Apparently you haven't been invited," Alana chided to Nick, though she never glanced back, merely entering the room. Delicately setting her flowers on a spare chair, she then moved to help Baylee with Elizabeth's bandana. Though, she assured him that he did most of the work if not all of it.

"We eat now?" Elizabeth questioned hopefully, holding one hand to her stomach. Turning to look at Baylee, she grinned. "'Lana gots my favorite!"

"Cat boogers and dog snot?" Nick questioned from the doorway with a smirk. "Or is it dog boogers and cat snot?"

"EW!" Elizabeth shrieked, her nose wrinkled with disgust. "No, Nick!"

"That's really romantic, Nick…" Alana trailed as she grabbed the plastic containers of dinner. Instead of going out to a fast food restaurant to pick up something for the children to eat, Alana had taken the time to fix dinner for them. She had done so many times for Elizabeth when she trudged through Chemotherapy, refusing to eat anything. It had broken Alana's heart to see the child so emaciated. So, she went home and cooked a fury of food, making sure everything was delicious to the nauseous child's palate. And, ushering the children to their table, Alana opened both of their containers for them. She had made home-made macaroni and cheese, lightly seasoned lemon-pepper green beans, and breaded chicken fingers on bamboo skewer sticks for festive entertainment. "How's that look to you, Lizzie?"

"'Licious!" Elizabeth squealed, giggling behind her hand when Baylee rushed to pull her chair out for her. Smiling at her friend, she thanked him with a quick kiss on the cheek, her large doe eyes gleaming with joy when his face flushed a deep red as he moved to his own chair. "T'ank you, Bay," she murmured.

"Welcome's, Lizzie," Baylee promised, hurrying to his seat so he could see what he would be eating. He immediately licked his lips with hunger at the pleasurable aroma floating in the air. "'Lana, this gonna be good! We got's drinks?"

"Of course," Alana answered, grabbing two juice boxes of Fruit Punch. Hurriedly pushing the straws into each, she set them on the table, both children hurriedly digging into the food. Satisfied that it was good, Alana reached for another container on the counter with larger portions. "Hungry, Nick?"

"Oh yes," Nick hurriedly answered, eyeing the container as his stomach growled loudly. Moving to the sofa when Alana motioned to it, he watched Baylee lean over to tuck Elizabeth's napkin in her lap. Smiling at the innocent beauty of the two children, he glanced towards Alana, then back at the children for a moment. Picturing himself a little older, with the young woman by his side and two blonde children nearby on a quiet evening at home, he felt his heart rate increase, a lump form in his throat. Alana thought he was only after sex, and, at first, that was his intention. But he couldn't deny, especially to himself, that the woman had stirred something in his heart. Something he had long ago thought was impossible.

"Good thing I packed extra then," Alana decided as she gave him the container and silverware. When he popped the top and hunched over the coffee table to eat, she had to smile. Somehow, in the deeper recesses of her heart, she knew that he would show up. He never seemed to stay away. Content with that thought, she slipped off her Converses and tucked her legs beneath her as she sat down with a cold soda.

"Bay'll wipe out all the macaroni. The kid's like a little Hoover around it," Nick pointed out, waving his fork over towards the boy. "I think he inherited Brian's appetite… Aren't you going to eat?" he asked incredulously as she sat there looking at him. Licking his lips clean, he raised one eyebrow. "You're not one of those women who starves themselves, are you? 'Cause believe me, it's cool as all Hell when a lady knows how to chow down, like--" his cut off abruptly when a startling belch erupted from Elizabeth.

"'Scuse me!"

"Like that," Nick finished with a chuckle as the girl continued to eat.

"Calm down Lifetime Movie of the Week, I ate while I was cooking up a storm for these two and I'd rather wait for my dessert," Alana assured, rolling her eyes as she leaned over to steal a chicken finger from Nick's container to nibble on though she didn't want to prove anything. In fact, she rather would have stated that she kept a healthy appetite so she could continue to pursue her wild adventures and activities such as ATV racing, horseback riding, rock climbing, riding rapids-And a variety of other sports that would probably cause Nick a heart attack though he had yet to mention that afternoon.

"What's for dessert?" a raspy voice questioned from the doorway.

Whirling around, Nick's jaw dropped when he saw the elaborate bouquet of crimson red roses. Passion. Snorting, he glanced to his own arrangement, which suddenly seemed paltry in comparison. Scowling at the older man, though he could barely see his face, he wondered if AJ planned on ruining his life or if it simply happened that way. "This is a private dinner for--"

"JJ!" Elizabeth squealed, already halfway across the room. "Bay's got me woses! And a 'danna! An' we eatin' chick'n an' mac'n'chee an' beans an' juice--" Pausing to draw in a deep breath, she wrapped her arms around AJ's leg, holding tight. "You 'tay? Eat 'sert?"

"I really hope those roses are for Elizabeth," Alana drawled as she stared at the lithe Latin man stooping in the doorway to affectionately kiss Elizabeth's cheeks before scooting her back to finish dinner. He then called an elaborate hello to his 'Snot face' and allowed his eyes to fall upon her. The sultry grin spreading across his ruggedly handsome face actually caused a faint blush to spread to her cheeks. The man had all but thrown her onto his shoulder that day and ravaged her in the public bathroom. In fact, he had spent most of the day following her around in the hospital, bringing up silly conversations that just caused her to laugh. She had enjoyed the company.

"These are for my little Lizzie," AJ explained, extracting a small cluster of bright yellow roses from the center of the mass he held. Setting it on the coffee table, he held out the rest of the roses to Alana. "And these are for the most beautiful nurse in this hospital."

Baylee leaned over, gently poking the back of AJ's knees. "You f'got t'say the most bootiful nurse wit' the biggest boobies, JJ!"

"Thank you for letting him know that I have the biggest breasts, Baylee. It's not like he couldn't figure that out on his own," Alana sighed as she covered her hand over her face to hide the deep crimson touch to her flaming cheeks. Though, AJ didn't let her stay that long as he grabbed her hand, pulling her up so she could accept the forest of red roses. "So, I'm just the most beautiful nurse in this hospital, huh? Did you do scouting elsewhere?"

"Babe, after seeing you, I knew that nobody could even hope to compare," AJ murmured with a slight bow, transferring the roses into her arms. Leaning close, he pressed several kisses on both her cheeks, grinning as she pulled away. "I'm sorry I'm late… I had to go to all four florists to get all the roses--"

"FOUR?" Nick choked against his food, throwing the container onto the coffee table as he vaulted to his feet. His entire body was tense with disgust as he pointed his fork accusingly toward AJ. "You wiped out the only four florists in this damn town for flowers?!"

"For Alana," AJ confirmed with a nod, hiding his pleased grin. "And I had to wait at the last one for the delivery truck to come with more--"

"Thank you, AJ," Alana hurriedly interrupted as Baylee and Elizabeth's eyes grew wide with Nick's colorful vocabulary. Accepting the roses, she leaned to press a quick kiss to AJ's cheek and then to Nick's cheek as she gathered his roses. Ducking underneath the sink, she located two empty vases. Filling them with water, she placed the flowers in each, though some of AJ's had to be tucked in with Nick's. "The roses were very sweet. Thank you both… How about dessert?"

"Whipped cream and handcuffs?" AJ questioned hopefully, slinking behind Nick to flop onto the sofa. Leaning back, his arms draping along the back, he released a satisfied smile when Nick grumbled under his breath, flopping into the opposite chair.

"That'll be next time," Alana laughed, pulling a plate of fresh cut strawberries from the fridge and a large bowl. Setting both on the coffee table, she motioned for Elizabeth and Baylee to come over for desert. Sitting beside AJ on the sofa, she pulled the top from the bowl to reveal a creamy white dip. "This is something my Momma made when I was younger whenever we got strawberries picked. It has cream cheese and marshmallow cream spread mixed together. Absolutely delicious," Alana explained as she dipped the first strawberry for Elizabeth, then for Baylee, and then one for AJ, offering it to him.

Leaning close, AJ slowly licked some of the dip off the strawberry, letting his tongue flick across Alana's fingers. Allowing one hand to rest casually on her bare leg, he gently sucked the strawberry into his mouth, nibbling at her fingertips before sucking one finger into his mouth with a lascivious grin.

"My doggie Tyke does that to Daddy's fingers when he feeds him a treat. Only, Daddy gets bloody fingers and curses," Baylee announced to Elizabeth as he licked the sweet dip from his strawberry.

"Oh dear God…" Alana whispered in honest shock, her skin prickling with awareness as AJ slowly sucked the strawberry juice from her finger, lapping his tongue in circles over her delicate finger. She hadn't expected him to be so blatant with his attraction to her, nor did she expect him to take the strawberry from her hand with his mouth. At a loss for words, she glanced to Nick.

Sucking gently, AJ released her finger, licking his lips slowly as he leaned back. "Can I have another?" he requested huskily, his fingers lightly tracing Alana's kneecap as he propped one foot on the coffee table.

"Yeah, get off your ass and dip your own," Nick growled as Alana leaned to grab a small paper plate. Having Elizabeth and Baylee gather the strawberries they wanted and fixing some dip in the middle, Alana smiled as they hurried over to watch the movie she had in for them. Sprawled on the floor, they cuddled close to share, but Nick's eyes watched as AJ's dark eyes roamed the length of Alana's body. His blood began to boil as he saw AJ reach to touch, quickly reacting by letting his foot catch AJ's ankle.

"You little--" AJ yelped, jerking his leg away as he turned to glare at Nick. Swiftly kicking his foot out to make contact with Nick's shin, he smiled in victory, his hand returning to its trek to touch Alana's thigh as she settled back next to him. Quickly pulling his legs from Nick's reach, he shifted closer to the younger woman, letting his hand press against her warm skin. His other hand reaching to make an adjustment, he shot Nick a warning glare before lightly stroking Alana's inner thigh. He wasn't worried about Nick. The man never could stand up to a true challenge.

Feeling AJ's fingers brushing her inner thigh with warm strokes combined with the pained expression in Nick's dark blue eyes caused an unsettled feeling to wash over her body. Tensing, she reached to grasp AJ's hand, holding it up as if she were inspecting the expensive jewelry layering his hands. She didn't want to hurt either man, though her heart lingered over Nick's hurt far more than AJ's hurt. Not that she understood why. Both men were after one thing, both demonstrating that quite clearly. "The detail on these rings is amazing. Silver has always been my favorite for jewelry. That yellow gold is just way too tacky, y'know?"

"Yeah," AJ agreed, twining his fingers with hers. "Silver is sexy--"

"What about white gold?" Nick intervened, pushing himself from the chair and stepping over AJ to sit at Alana's opposite side. He couldn't just sit idly by while AJ swept into the place that Nick so desperately desired. Having been fueled by Alana pushing AJ's fingers away from her sweet thigh, he extended his hand toward her to show her the most recent ring he had purchased. Fiddling with the white gold ring, he showed the intertwining print of seahorses engraved into the gold. "I think that has more appeal then cheap silver."

"That's gorgeous…" Alana approved, reaching with her free hand to run her fingers delicately over the engraving. "Seahorses. They're one of my favorite sea creatures. Besides Orcas and dolphins… I've never been to the ocean…"

"Dolphins!" AJ yelped, pushing his other hand over Nick's. Extending his pinkie finger, he tilted it so Alana could see the dolphin ring he had purchased recently. The light in the waiting room caught the diamond eye, gleaming softly. "I love dolphins, Alana. And I'll be more than happy to take you on a trip to see the ocean…"

"But he can't take you scuba diving or surfing," Nick tempted, sensing from seeing her rock climbing stunt that she was an adrenaline junky. It would make sense, considering her occupation was nursing. Though, he truly didn't like the idea of endangering her life, he had to try something.

"…I think I should be watching the kids and you two should be eating the strawberries," Alana concluded, feeling slightly claustrophobic.

*~*~*

"Baylee-I'm sorry, Dr. Littrell," Natalie corrected when Baylee shot her a scowl. Tugging consciously on the hem of her white skirt, she glanced across the hospital room to see Brian lounging on the bed. "Are you sure that nurses dress like… Like this in surgery? …Wouldn't their legs get cold?" she questioned, frowning down at the skimpy outfit she wore.

Heaving a sigh, Baylee followed Alana across the room to scrub his hands thoroughly. Looking over his shoulder to see George waiting on the small operating table, he assured himself that his best friend was going to be alright. Turning his attention to Natalie, he grinned. "Daddy picked it out, Knot. I tol' him I wanted you to be a nurse!"

"I just want you two to know that you set back nursing as a profession at least a hundred years with that degrading outfit," Alana announced as she showed Baylee how to wash his hands for a surgical procedure. With the surgery coming up in just three short days, Alana decided it was best that she show Baylee how it might be. Buying him a pair of children's surgical blue scrubs and wearing a pair herself, she wanted everything to be real as possible as they operated on George the Monkey. Reaching for a towel, she dried her hands profusely and showed Baylee how to do the same. Then, gathering the surgical hats to place around their heads and then pull the gloves onto their hands. Taking the tray of supplies, she walked Baylee toward the operating table where George lay with a oxygen mask over his face running pretend medication that would make him sleep.

"Well it ain't like I picked it out," Natalie defended with a scowl in Brian's direction as she washed her hands carefully.

"Daddy said he wanted a f'ee peep show," Baylee disclosed to Alana with a loud stage whisper. "He said Knot might bend over and he'd get to see--"

"Scooper!" Brian scorned. "Concentrate on your surgery!"

Rolling her eyes as she snapped on her gloves, Natalie stepped over to assist Alana with preparing the supplies. They had gone over the entire routine earlier as Baylee had napped, Natalie not wanting to be completely incompetent. With a glance at Brian, she smiled slightly, remembering his kiss earlier in the day, which had sent her reeling. Clearing her throat, she returned to her task as Baylee stepped onto the stool at the table.

"George is already sleeping, Dr. Littrell. We gave him some special air through that mask on his face to make sure that he won't feel anything that we do and so he'll sleep through the entire surgery," Alana first explained as she gestured toward the oxygen mask. "So, now we need to clean his chest off. Ask Nurse Natalie for a sponge."

"Gi'me a sponge, Knot," Baylee requested, holding out his hand.

"Yes, Dr. Littrell," Natalie murmured, placing the sponge in his small hand.

"Normally, the sponge is going to stain your skin orange, which makes sure no bugs in the air can get inside your body. But, since this monkey is already orange and the sponge isn't wet, we don't have to worry," Alana explained as Baylee rubbed the dry sponge over George's chest. Once he was done, Alana threw it into the trashcan. "Now, Nurse Natalie, can you give me the scalpel."

Handing over the instrument, Natalie watched with rapt attention as Alana carefully made the incision in the monkey's chest. Lifting her gaze to check on Baylee, she realized he was clutching her arm tightly, holding his breath as he stared. "It's alright, Bay-Bee. Dr. Moore has made sure that George is completely asleep. He's not feeling a thing," she promised softly.

"He's dreaming about Simba and Elizabeth, I bet," Alana promised as she set the scalpel back onto the tray, gently poking her fingers into the cut she made, she pulled out a bit of stuffing that was differently colored from the rest. Stuffing she had been holding in her fingers when she poked inside. "Ah! I found it. There's the bad stuff that was making George sick!"

"Bad stuffing!" Baylee scorned, his flaxen brows furrowed as he watched Alana dispose of the offending fluff. "Nurse Knot got good stuffing?"

"Does Nurse Knot have good stuffing, Dr. Moore?" Natalie questioned with uncertainty, causing Brian to chuckle softly from the bed.

"There should be a stuffed red heart on the tray. We're going to give George a brand new heart," Alana answered, turning slightly to show Natalie her smiling teal eyes though her mouth was covered with a mask.

"Knot make good stuffing at Chri'mas, 'Lana. Her cook it all day, an' last year I made sure her did'n' use the box crap that Daddy hates," Baylee informed, watching Natalie transfer the red heart from the tray to Alana's hand. "An' Knot made a red velvet cake that Daddy said was better than sex--"

"Scooper!" Brian groaned, his face flushing deep red with embarrassment.

"What?!" Baylee exclaimed as he leaned over to kiss the heart, helping Alana tuck it inside George.

"Don't tempt Daddy with things he can't have," Alana explained, glancing back to Natalie. "Can I have the needle and thread, please?"

"Knot tie George up?" Baylee requested, chewing nervously on his bottom lip. "Her's fixed his tore arm before an' you can't tell it… Please, Dr. 'Lana?"

Before Alana could reply, the door flung open, knocking against the chair behind it as a tall man filled the doorway. Scratching his chest as he muffled a yawn, Kevin glanced around the room, his brows furrowing when he saw the surgery taking place in the center of the room. "What the Hell's going on here?!"

"KEVIN!" Baylee screamed with dismay as he stared at his cousin's rumpled and almost definitely dirty clothing. Hopping down from the stool as Alana switched places with Natalie, Baylee lumbered over to Kevin, prepared to strike. "YOU'S 'TAMINATING THE ROOM! OUT! OUT! OUT! NOW!"

Kevin backed up quickly, remembering all too well how the little boy's temper was. "Alright, alright! Just calm down, Bay! What's happening in here that I might… 'Taminate the room?"

Baylee released a growl of frustration, shooing the older man back into the hall. "George have surg'ry! Him's heart bad an' we fixin' it! NOW, OUT!"

"Well! Hello to you, too, Kevin! I missed you something fierce!" Kevin fired out in the hallway as the door was slammed in his face. "Glad you left your wife at home with the fertility monitor to see how I was doing--"

"I better go talk to him before the media finds out about his pregnancy woes," Brian grimaced, rolling off the bed. "Let's close up George."

Nodding, Natalie bent over George, waiting until Baylee had resumed his post before beginning the small stitches. Hearing Baylee's labored breathing, she worked quickly, knowing he was beginning to get tired. Though the medication and care were doing wonders, his heart was failing fast. Whispering a quick prayer as she finished the row of neat stitches that weren't the slightest bit noticeable, she straightened, cutting the thread with a breath of relief. "He's sewn up, Bay-Bee."

"D'ank you, Knot!" Baylee cooed with excitement, glancing up to Alana. "All done?"

"All done… He just has to sleep away the medicine," Alana murmured, pulling the gloves from her hands and the rest of the donning material that was needed for the surgical unit. But Alana's mind was elsewhere as she stared at Natalie and Baylee working so hard on George as they tucked him into bed for sleeping. She accounted for the way that Baylee's hand curled around Natalie's wrist as he reached to be held. Natalie immediately scooped him up and he curled close into her arms as she adorned him with sweet kisses. She was most definitely Baylee's mother, no matter what DNA testing stated. And it was a painful reminder of what she was lacking, especially as Baylee requested for Natalie time and time again. Just proof that she was no longer a mother. No longer needed to a child at every moment of the day.

"You need to thank your Dr. 'Lana," Natalie murmured to Baylee as he leaned to give George another kiss. Glancing over at Alana, Natalie could sense the heartache swimming in the dark teal eyes, her own heart constricting painfully when the woman turned away to dispose of her gloves. Setting Baylee on the floor so he could rush over, she headed to the door, stepping into the hallway. "Mr. George Monkey is resting comfortably after his surgery," she announced with a smile, moving to give Kevin a quick hug. "He's in recovery now, but the doctors expect a full recovery…"

"She's been watching too much ER," Kevin chuckled as he swept Natalie off her feet for a quick squeeze, affectionately kissing her cheek, breaking away from his conversation with Howie and Brian. "I've missed you, Nat! And I hear sparks are flying between you and the little cousin. I'm so happy for you. Honestly. He deserves a great woman."

"Speaking of great women, how's Kristin?" Natalie questioned, squeezing him tightly before he set her down. She honestly did not want to discuss the sparks that were allegedly flying. Especially when she and Brian kept their distance. Not daring to glance at Brian, she kept her attention on his older cousin, blatantly aware of Howie's presence in the hallway. She hadn't seen him since her drunken debacle several nights before, and was too embarrassed to look at him either. "You had any luck making me a baby to spoil rotten?"

Kevin grinned. "I think you were trying hard enough to do that with Howie--"

"Is nothing sacred?" Natalie questioned with a sharp groan, turning her light caramel glare on Brian.

"Howie told him, not me, so get that ugly glare off of me!" Brian growled, gesturing toward his shorter friend.

Rolling her eyes, Natalie turned back to Kevin. "Tequila was involved, so get off me."

"That's what I told her," Howie mumbled.

"Oh, please… Like he wasn't groping me from the moment he walked in the bar--"

"Do you mind not saying that in front of Brian?!" Howie squealed.

"Well you went and bragged to his cousin about everything else! It's not like I told him you had your hand down my pants--"

Howie sharply gasped as Brian's hand clenched his shoulder. "HELLO!"

Natalie shook her head. "Bumpkin," she chided softly, grasping his free hand and tugging him away from Howie. "No fighting… Now, I'm going inside to get into some real clothes. Why don't you go down and get lunch with Kevin and Howie?"

"Because… You… Him… He… And you… I…" Brian growled with frustration as he cupped her face within his hands. Needing to assert his romantic feelings for the woman, he pulled her close for a hard kiss. His tongue probed softly against her lips, which eagerly parted to give him entrance. Grinning when he felt her knees buckle slightly, he persisted with the deep kiss, sucking on her tongue before slowly releasing her. "No more Howie."

Natalie's eyes fluttered dramatically as she reached to hold tight to his shirt. "No more--"

"Damnit, AJ!" Nick whined as he chased the older man down the hallway. "Why were you flirting with those nurses?!"

"Why the Hell would a young, virile, very sexy man like myself flirt with young, hot, very sexy nurses, Nick?!" AJ shot back, darting behind Kevin so he could secretively tuck the slip of paper into his back pocket.

"You said all those women were dogs compared to--"

"Baylee's inside sleeping with an IV running, Brian," Alana softly announced as she slipped into the hallway, gingerly easing the door closed behind her. Turning, she immediately shoved her hands in the back pockets of her blue scrub bottoms. She hoped there were no remnants of tears, having furiously scrubbed her face in the bathroom after Baylee fell asleep, though her necklace with the mysterious silver ring hung out from her scrub top. Not that it mattered as she became overly self conscious, six pairs of eyes staring at her.

"'Lana! You have to meet Kevin," Natalie insisted softly before either AJ or Nick could take a step forward to claim her attention. Looping her arm through Alana's, she drew her over. "This is Brian's anal-retentive, smartass, know-it-all cousin Kevin. Kevin, this is Baylee's wonderful, sweet, loving, attentive, gentle nurse, Alana."

"Anal-retentive," Howie repeated with a snort of laughter.

"Smartass," Nick added with a smirk.

"Know-it-all," AJ echoed, grinning with amusement.

"Pretty much my 'cuz in a nutshell," Brian summed up with a twinkle of merriment in his eyes.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Kevin, despite all the flaws they've listed," Alana teased good naturedly as she caught his emerald eyes, reaching out to shake his hand. When his hand met hers, she smiled, though glanced longingly toward the opposite end of the hall. She had been hoping to get outside for a little horseback riding or ATV riding before the rain started once more.

"So, babe," AJ began, quickly slipping between Natalie and Alana. Smirking slightly at Nick's displeased scowl, he casually draped one arm around her shoulders. "Want to show me around town this afternoon?"

"I would really enjoy showing you around town, AJ, but I really do have some things to do this afternoon," Alana apologetically declined as Kevin motioned toward Brian to let him know he was going in to see Baylee. Obviously wanting to get away as well, Howie offered to join. Smirking, Alana glanced sideways to Natalie who shrugged helplessly. "Besides… It's supposed to rain…"

"I won't melt," AJ promised softly.

"No, but shit floats," Nick remarked.

"And apparently it's about to hit the fan," Natalie sighed, leaning up to kiss Brian's cheek. "I'm going to change--"

"Ran late at your stripping gig, Nat?" AJ guessed.

"You should know, you were the one who kept begging me for just one more lap dance," Natalie returned.

"She does have a nice ass…" AJ trailed, though he glanced to Alana. "You should borrow her costume. You'll need to take it in at the waist-Ow! Damnit, Nat!"

Natalie glared at him. "For your information, my waist is the same size as Alana's. Maybe if you'd take your attention from a lady's chest once in a while, you'd notice things like that."

"She's a lot more toned than you are, Nat--"

Wincing when the argument broke out about Alana's body compared to Natalie's body, Alana decided it was time to leave. Slipping easily from AJ's embrace, Alana ducked toward the exit, motioning for Brian to call her if problems should arise. The man grinned and nodded, waving her away before falling back into a trance with the heated argument. Shaking her head, Alana hurried down the hall, slipping into the locker room to retrieve her messenger bag. Fiddling with attempting to find her keys and walk out, she gasped softly when she crashed into a dormant force. Glancing up, she found Nick's indigo eyes. "Stalking your new hobby?"

"Hobby?" Nick repeated dumbly, reaching to tuck a stray lock of her strawberry blonde hair behind her ear. Letting his fingers trail her cheek in a soft caress, he smiled slightly. "You're not a hobby, Alana…"

"Maybe just a fad?" she guessed ruefully, finally retrieving her lanyard of keys from the bottom of her messenger bag. Ignoring the feeling Nick made with his fingers over her cheek, she slid the bag onto her shoulder. Ducking around him, she moved for the elevator, reaching to press the button only to have another hand reach out and get it for her. "Walking me to my car, Nickalicious?"

"Maybe I'm walking you to my car?" Nick suggested, resting his chin on her shoulder as they waited.

"Why would you walk me to your car?" Alana inquired, fighting to hide a smile as she turned her head to whisper the words against the side of his face. She inhaled the sweet scent of his cologne and had to release the smallest of sighs. It felt so good having him so close to her.

"Other than the fact you left your sports bra in there and I thought I'd give it back to you?" Nick murmured, letting one arm circle her waist. Everything always felt right when he was holding her. As though he were meant to have his arms around her. "I--"

"Nick, Kevin wants to go over the set list for the show," Howie interrupted as he walked up. Glancing over his shoulder at AJ and Natalie, who were still arguing, he heaved a sigh, grateful that Brian's attention was no longer on him.

"Guess you don't get to taste this flavor tonight, huh?" Alana announced, glancing toward Howie as she moved herself from Nick's embrace. She had been vaguely aware of Howie's statement at the bar, deciding at first that she really didn't care. She had denied herself the pleasure of a man's body for long enough. But, feeling her heart starting to make room for Nick, she became slightly burned by the 'flavor of the week' pun.

"Flavor?" Nick repeated, sending a glare at Howie. "No, wait, Alana, you've got it all wrong. You're not some flavor of the week, you're--"

"Probably good enough for a month," Alana guessed as she glanced to the lingering elevator doors the remained closed. Heaving a sigh, she adjusted her messenger bag. "I think I'm just going to take the stairs. I've got stuff to do. It was nice to see you again, Mr. Dorough."

"Take care," Howie replied with a warm smile, though his smile faded when the young woman slipped into the stairwell. Backing up when Nick turned his glare on him again, he held out one hand in defense. "Don't even start, Nicky!"

"Flavor?!" Nick sputtered with disgust, not knowing if he could even speak another word. His hands curled into tight fists as he glanced to the stairwell, wanting to chase her, but knowing Kevin would have his hide. Usually Howie was the understanding one of the bunch. Yet, he was trying to detonate Nick's potential love life before he even had a chance to screw it up himself.

"That's how you date, Nicky. One girl. One week--"

"Flavor!" Nick interrupted with a scowl, pushing one finger against the older man's chest as he backed up against the wall. "Listen here, you interfering jackass! You can go to bars and do body shots with Brian's little flirt. You can even finger fuck her in the backseat. Hell, for all I care, you can go bang her brains out on the side of a mountain while Brian watches! But don't you ever stick your nose in my business again! Alana is not a fucking flavor, alright? She's different. She's special. I'm falling in love with her--"

"Hey! Where'd Alana go?! I almost had her in the backseat of my rental. I figure with a little more charm she might even let me into her backseat!" AJ cackled with a festive announcement, pulling away from his fight with Natalie as Brian asked her to go to dinner with him. Slapping a hand on Nick's shoulder, completely oblivious to the potential fight breaking, he glanced around. "What's her car look like, Dicky? I need to go catch her."

"Go to Hell," Nick spat, pushing him away. "You just want to get laid."

"Fucking right," AJ whistled with a wicked smile. "And she's the lucky bitch that can lick me clean--"

"Aje, I really wouldn't start this now," Howie interrupted with a gentle sigh, looking helplessly down the hall. Hoping for assistance.

"You son-of-a-bitch, why would she want to lick you clean? Or have you completely forgotten Kaci? Remember her? The love of your life?" Nick scoffed.

"What the fuck do you care? You ain't exactly brewing chemistry with her. What'd you have? Six flowers total in that pathetic display? Honestly, Dicky, I thought I taught you better over the years. Twelve flowers or more and the legs spread like butter--"

"Yeah, sure, you've been a fountain of knowledge, " Nick snorted, shoving AJ away so he could get to the arriving elevator. Turning to glare at the older man, he held up both middle fingers as the doors began sliding shut. "And, just so you know? Alana's legs do more than spread."
Chapter Ten :: Coming Home by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Happy Sunday! :-)
Taken with the heavy beats of 3 Doors Down, Alana danced provocatively within the middle of her kitchen, her two long braids whipping around as she bounced her head to the beat. She had been baking homemade cookies for Baylee, knowing he needed as much attention as possible as the date to his surgery grew closer. She knew the cookies would make him feel loved. Or so she hoped. Her little boy always loved to find her baking cookies just for him for no reason whatsoever. Smiling briefly at the memory, Alana stole a lick of batter from the bowl, hearing the distant tapping of her door over the blaring music. Stealing some more batter on her index finger, she popped it into her mouth as she hurried for the door, pulling it open as a gust of damp wind blew past her and wrapped around her practically bare body. Through the short striped boy cut boxer shorts and flimsy purple camisole. "AJ?"

"The one and only," AJ answered with a grin as he shivered in the doorway, his eyes quickly roving her figure before meeting hers. "Alright if I come in, babe?"

"How'd you get my address?" Alana asked first, shielding her body with the door to keep the wind from sweeping her over once more. She critically eyed the man before her, flabbergasted that he had even found her home. No one but the friends from her broken marriage knew where she lived. And those that had hired her for the hospital. How he managed to acquire her whereabouts was puzzling.

"I got it from the hospital--"

"And how much did that cost you?"

"I have to get Howie to take some Heather chick out on a date--"

"I could just slaughter that woman and serve her as pig slop," Alana groaned with disgust, opening her door wider to give AJ entrance. Once he slipped inside, she moved to her living room to turn off her large stereo system blaring her music and rushed toward the kitchen to retrieve the cookies from the oven. Usually she would be doing a long dash around the house to remove all the photographs of her ex-husband and child, but she had long ago placed them away in her child's old bedroom. The room that remained forever locked until she felt so desperately alone that she would curl into his bed and sob.

"Nice crib," AJ commented as he followed her through the house, shrugging off his jacket to drape it over the back of a kitchen chair. Eyes following the cookie sheet as it was transferred from oven to table, he felt his mouth water at the delicious aroma. Spying a plate with several warm cookies piled on it, he glanced at Alana. "May I?"

"As long as you don't sue me for a burnt tongue, sure," Alana agreed, nodding toward the table as she walked back to add more dough to the cookie sheet for another round. Glancing around her home, she was satisfied with the feeling it invoked. Nurses made quite a suitable income and her ex-husband had owned his own construction company. So, they had built the home on a large patch of Kentucky land, knowing that they would raise many children together. She had designed the inside of the house herself, draping it in cool blues, purples, and greens. Pieces of fantasy art opened the walls to creativity. But the most she had ever spent were for the sports, activities, games, and electronic equipment she enjoyed.

"Holy shitballs!" AJ exclaimed, bouncing through the doorway into the living room, careful to keep any crumbs from landing on the carpet. "You've got more CDs than I do!"

"Is that a bad thing?" Alana laughed, hurriedly pushing the cookies into the oven. Making sure the timer was set, she followed AJ through her home, watching him glance over her entire stand of CDs. She was almost afraid to show him her two stands filled with DVDs.

"And you have them organized…" AJ trailed with a smirk, though he nodded with approval when he saw the neat collection. Plucking one off the shelf, he held it up with a grin. "Want me to autograph it?"

"One of the girls that I took care of gave me that as a gift when she got out of the hospital," Alana explained as a furious blush tinted her cheeks. What were the chances that the artist would honestly be looking through her CD collection?

"Uh huh…" Opening the case, AJ popped the light blue CD out, tilting it in the light. "Guess she put a few smudges on the back, too?"

"Just because she bought it for me, doesn't mean I didn't listen to it. That would have been rude," Alana mumbled, moving to sprawl on her soft blue couch. Watching him continue to go through her collection, she turned onto her side and curled against a pillow. "And, if you want my opinion, Black and Blue was my favorite of your albums. And, I love your voice."

"My voice?" AJ blurted, turning to look at her with wide eyes. "You love my voice? Not Brian, the golden-voiced angel--"

"Brian's voice is nice, don't get me wrong," Alana interrupted with a small smile, wondering if he acted so well when other women told him the same. "But there's a certain generic quality to it, y'know? That raspy, sultry, crooning that you do is just overly amazing. It makes me shiver. Honestly."

"Thanks," AJ murmured, replacing the CD before moving to sit down at the end of the couch, pulling her legs into his lap. Tracing the fine silver chain circling her ankle, he gave her a smile. "Baylee says you're the best singer in the world…"

"Baylee is far too sweet for words," Alana answered, suggesting she was no where near that quality as she propped herself up on her elbows.

"What's this I hear about you singing a song with us?" AJ questioned, his fingers lightly tracing her ankle as he settled back on the couch.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Alana lied.

"Oh, come on… Nat's almost having an orgasm over the whole deal--"

"She's allowed to. Playing the piano for you guys is a huge deal. I've heard her tinkering on the one in the Children's Recreational Room. She's fantastic."

"Yeah, she's alright. But she's just playing one song… And, according to her and Nicky Dicky, you're singing on that song too--"

"I'm not singing."

"What are you doing then?" he questioned, letting his fingers trail upwards to her knee, lightly tickling as thunder rumbled in the distance.

"Watching with Lizzie, Al, Glory, Sammy, Teeny, and Baylee," Alana laughed, pulling her silky legs away from AJ's grasp as she sat up. Tucking her legs beneath her, she turned to face him on the couch, staring at him curiously. "…Can you tell me about Nick?"

"Nick?" AJ whined softly as he shifted so he was facing her. "What do you want to know?"

"Anything… Everything, I guess?" Alana asked, her teal eyes glittering with hope. She had hoped she could confide in someone about what she was feeling with Nick. Well, she at least hoped she could find out more information without it leading back to him. Brian and Natalie would squeal and Alana was still unsure of what she wanted. "Howie called me a flavor of the week earlier… Does he really do that? Have flavors? Flings? Just pure sexual encounters?"

"Doesn't everyone? I mean, Hell, not to sound like a prick, but… It's hard to find someone who'll stick around with our kind of lifestyle. And Nick, well… He's a guy, lame as that sounds, and sometimes a guy just needs that… Release I guess? But it's not like he's got a different chick every week or anything."

"But he doesn't stick around, right? Just gets what he needs? Says anything to get it?" Alana guessed, praying she didn't look disappointed.

"Nick's not like that… I mean, if it's a random girl in a bar, he's drunk and horny, sure, he might lay it on so he can get laid. But if he meets someone he likes a lot he turns into Mr. Magoo… Though he tends to get hurt when that happens," AJ admitted. Tilting his head to one side, he regarded Alana carefully. "Why?"

"Just curious, I guess," Alana answered, hearing the timer announce its presence. Grinning, she slid from the couch, scooting herself into the kitchen to retrieve the next batch of cookies.

"But you can ask me about me now if you want!" AJ hollered after her, bounding up to follow her. Watching her for a moment, he grinned, leaning against the counter to sneak a finger into the batter. "Aren't you curious about me?"

"Are you sniffing around me so intently for a piece of ass?" she questioned as she brought the cookie tray to the table to scoop the cookies onto the cooling rack.

"Isn't that all you're interested in?" AJ returned. "You don't exactly exude that 'settle down' vibe, Alana."

"I don't know what I want…" Alana answered honestly as she set the cookie tray on the oven to scoop more batter onto it. "But I know that I've only really been with one-two men in my life and I don't exactly want to keep racking up sexual partners… I'm not a whore."

"I didn't say you were." Dipping another finger into the batter, AJ leaned to the side until he caught her dark teal eyes.

"I feel like it…" Alana answered softly, spooning the last of the batter and offering it toward AJ, before moving to place the last cookie sheet back in the oven.

"Why do you feel like a whore?" AJ murmured, licking the spoon clean.

"No reason," Alana promised with a forced laugh, tilting her head sideways to admire AJ for a moment. "If you moved in permanently, I wouldn't need a dishwasher…"

"Or a towel," AJ promised with a wicked smirk.

"I have no doubt," she laughed harder. "Or underwear…"

"Or clothes at all for that matter," AJ chuckled, turning to put the spoon in the sink. Reaching for the bowl, he turned on the tap.

"Too bad you have a girlfriend, huh?"

"I wouldn't call her my girlfriend…" AJ trailed with a shrug as he looked for some dish soap.

"I'd call her something… And you don't have to wash my dishes," Alana answered. "You probably should get back to your friends…"

"I call her a whiny, mouthy little bitch who apparently thinks of me as her sugar daddy and means of making a name for herself… And I don't mind. Brian's at the hospital trying to pretend he doesn't want to bang Nat till the sun comes up, Howie and Kevin went to Ann's for dinner, Nick's off doing what-the-fuck-ever, and I was lonely and wanted companionship--"

"Aren't you just a pile of information," Alana teased as she set the timer, leaning to catch his hands before he could start on the dishes. She hadn't the heart to push AJ from her home. He was a great guy. A little perverted, but most of her male friends were like that anyway. It made things interesting. "C'mon, if you are lonely and want companionship, you certainly shouldn't be washing my dishes."

"Going to take me on a tour of the rest of the house?" AJ questioned hopefully.

"Until you find something to play with, sure."

"But I see something I want to play with already," AJ murmured huskily.

"Great!" Alana grinned as she stepped toward him till their bodies were touching, her forehead resting against his. Her voice drew into a husky whisper, "I've always needed someone to challenge with my pinball game."

*~*~*

Grumbling with annoyance, Nick glanced at the dashboard clock of his rental car. Erotic images of Alana and AJ doing all sorts of things inside the house, he glared at the front door, wondering just how long AJ was going to take. His fingers drummed restlessly against the steering wheel, the heavy strains of Metallica doing little to relieve his tension.

It had been a mistake, deciding to follow AJ. Somehow, he had known the older man was up to no good, and, upon seeing Alana's dark blue Jeep, had cursed mightily. He had assumed Alana would quickly kick the man out, but had been surprised when she had let him enter the house so quickly. So, parking, Nick had kept a watchful eye on the door, waiting for his friend's exit.

It had been hours since AJ disappeared inside the beautiful home. Five hours to be exact. What the Hell had been thinking when he introduced AJ to Heather? Well, originally, Nick had hoped AJ would find Heather attractive. But having set sights on Alana first, Nick knew it was a long shot. And the selfish bastard had scored her address. Nick was convinced that he would murder AJ in his sleep. Jerking away from his thoughts of slicing AJ's throat open when lightning raced across the dark sky, Nick jumped at the rolling thunder. The rain was growing heavier, making it far colder than he expected. Squinting through the foggy glass, he noticed the door opening. Soon, AJ ducked outside as he pulled Alana with him, freshly kissing her cheek. There was a whisper between them before AJ hugged her tight with another kiss, racing across the lawn in the rain. "That fucking asshole!"

AJ had barely backed out the drive when Nick flung his door open. Not feeling the slashing rain, he tread heavily across the lawn, glancing towards AJ's retreating taillights. Grumbling a string of curses, he clomped up the steps of the porch, shaking rain from his hair as he reached to ring the doorbell.

"AJ, honest to God I don't need anyone curled next to me in bed tonight-Nick!" Alana gasped in shock as she pulled the door open to find Nick brooding on her door step. He was soaked with rain, panting heavily, his breath coming in wisps of cold air. Frowning, she reached for his arm, hurriedly pulling him inside. "What are you doing here?"

"What the Hell was that… That interfering fuck nut doing here?!" Nick exploded with a hard shiver, eyes quickly darting around for any signs of what he had been imagining.

"He stopped by to spend some time with me because he was lonely," Alana answered softly, stepping back at the sign of wildness in Nick's dark indigo eyes. Wrapping her arms around her body, she rubbed the top of her foot against the back of her calf, just carefully watching him. She didn't understand what all the hysteria was about, doing her best to avoid staring at the way his clothing clung tightly to his body. Especially his tight, ripped arms. "Why? What's wrong?"

"Lonely," Nick snorted, raking a hand through his sopping hair. "Did he… You… He and… Do I smell cookies?"

"Chocolate chip, you want some?" Alana offered, wrinkling her nose in confusion.

"Damn straight… Wait, no. I didn't come in here to eat cookies," Nick disagreed with a sigh. "Well… Maybe one…"

"How about I go get you a t-shirt and some sweat pants?" Alana offered, knowing she had baggy enough clothing that he would fit. "You can go into the kitchen and get some?"

"Alright… Maybe a towel--" Nick cut off, staring into her living room. Immediately all thoughts of AJ and cookies left his mind. "Holy shit! You've got a hi-def widescreen!"

"Just because I'm a girl means that I can't have expensive electronic toys?" Alana questioned with surprise, leaning on the door she had just closed as Nick fell to his knees in front of the flat screen hanging on her dark blue wall. She had to smile at his worshiping of her expensive television, finding it adorable.

"And you've got… Sweet fuck in a hand basket," Nick sighed, taking in all the attached game systems, noticing that she had surround sound. Grinning suddenly, he shook his head in awe.

"Now you won't ever need me for entertainment again," Alana whistled with a laugh, moving toward the stairs. "I'm going to get you those clothes and towel."

"Can I move in with you?"

"For my electronic equipment? You've got to have way better stuff at your house," Alana commented, starting up her stairs.

"Yeah… But my house doesn't have you," Nick murmured as he dragged himself to his feet.

When she didn't answer and disappeared upstairs, Nick knew that his words had gone unheard. He silently cursed himself for being so soft spoken at that point. When had he ever been quiet in his life? Groaning at the thought, Nick glanced around the living room, surprised to only find fantasy art on the walls. No pictures of family or friends anywhere within her house. Furrowing his brows in confusion, he moved toward the kitchen to grab a few cookies, but noticed an open door. Curious, he moved to the stairs and flipped on the light, following it to a lavishly furnished basement. A pool table, dart board, personal bar, and expensive stereo system were set up amongst soft leather couches and another flat screen television and other items. But what caught Nick's attention was the beautiful drum set sitting off to the corner.

With a pleased whimper, he crossed the carpeted floor to admire the setup, spying a pair of drumsticks resting on the seat. Peeling off his wet t-shirt, he tossed it into the sink behind the bar, wetting his lips anxiously as he moved behind the drums. Shivering in anticipation when he picked up the sticks, he settled onto the seat.

Shifting one drum stick between his fingers, he reached over to run the tip of his finger against one of the cymbals. Feel the familiar coolness of metal, he could hardly contain himself. It had been so long since he played the drums, especially since Baylee had been sick. Glancing up at the ceiling, he closed his eyes for a moment to take in the feeling of sitting on the leather stool. Then, without warning, his hands tightened upon the sticks and flew against the drums in a feverish momentum of rhythm. The beating of the drums came with a personal flavor of notes brewing in his head. Of songs that he had yet to compose. Of thoughts about Alana.

Slowing the rhythm to the softest of taps to resemble his thoughts of making love with Alana in the rain, tapping on the cymbals like a spring shower, he was oblivious to Alana walking down the stairs. Clothing braced against her chest with her arms wrapped around them, she was surprised to see Nick on her drum set. The mastership he had over the drums was amazing and he couldn't have looked handsomer. His wet blond locks mixed into a messy style raking back from his brow as his lips pursed with intense concentration. His taut chest bare and displaying the permanent inking he had done to his body. His muscular arms leading down his long, tapered fingers holding great control over the sticks in his hands.

Glancing up, Nick grinned. "Am I impressing you, Alana?"

Holding her breath, she set the clothing on the leather couch, just watching him as he fell back into the soft rhythms and beats. Then, without warning, she walked to stand beside him and the drum set. Ducking underneath his arm, she stepped inside his embrace of the drum set. Carefully watching him tapping against the variety of drums, she waited for his hands to rise before stealing the sticks. Then, without warning, she broke in a furious repetition of Nick's original beat, only making it faster and spicier. Grinning with appreciation, she slipped down into his lap as she continued her own demonstration, actually flipping the sticks within her hands as she continued. "Am I impressing you, Nick?"

"Maybe," Nick murmured in her ear, resting his hands on her thighs so he could feel the gentle vibration of her muscles.

"Guess I have to work harder," Alana decided, manipulating the cymbal into a sound of gentle rainfall as she increased the flick of her wrist creating a flurry of syncopation with her opposite hand.

"Don't you know it's never good to show a man up?" Nick questioned, catching her wrists in his hands and pulling them back. Ignoring her whine or protest, he plucked the sticks from her fingers, tossing them aside. Tilting her head back slightly, he covered her lips with his.

"Why?" she inquired softly as she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, pulling his bottom lip into her mouth for a tender suckle. She felt the dampness of his jeans through her flimsy boxers, but could hardly care as she leaned against him, nipping his bottom lip before teasing it with her tongue.

"'Cause I said so," Nick murmured with a soft moan, his hands sliding beneath her top. Edging it upwards, he caressed each inch of bared skin, his tongue dipping between her lips. Whimpering when he tasted the hint of cookie batter.

"How long were you waiting outside?" she asked softly, turning to straddle his lap as her nails lightly raked across his bare back.

"Since he got here--"

"Nick! Why didn't you come in?" Alana exclaimed as she leaned back, searching his dark indigo eyes. "Or at least… Did you follow him here?"

Nick's cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment. "Yeah… Kind of--"

"Why?"

"Because… AJ's smooth and sexy and knows the right words to say that'll make a woman melt, and I was worried that if he… Well… Damnit, I was jealous," Nick admitted with a scowl.

Alana studied his handsome face for several moments, sighing softly she reached over to kiss him sweetly. The sincerity in his voice made her heart flip several times within her chest. To hear that he was actually jealous over AJ being with her caused her body to warm. She wanted him to stay. "You are just way too cute," she laughed, pulling herself out of his lap. Stretching slightly, she took his large hands into hers. "C'mon…"

Nick eyed her warily. "Are you going to kick me out because I'm being an overprotective fuck nut who needs to learn to back off before I scare you away--"

"Actually, I was thinking that AJ got a tour of the house, but I want you to have a tour of the bedroom…" Alana answered as she stood on the carpeted stairs, releasing his hands to rest hers on her curved hips. "Unless you want me to kick you out--"

Nick leaped up, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to reach her. "Bedroom," he growled, scooping her up into his arms. "Just… Tell me which way to go, alright--"

"Nick!" Alana squealed in shock as she reached for his shoulders in a way to steady herself. But Nick was already racing up the stairs. Tucking her face against his bare neck, she held her breath after giving directions to her bedroom. She felt him running through the living room and lumbering up the second pair of stairs. There was a brief hesitation at the top of the stairs, but finally she felt him fumbling with the door to her bedroom before flinging it open. Her room was dark and quiet, only the steady beat of rain tapping her picture window leading to a beautiful veranda overlooking her land. Her room was draped in different depths of purple, a large bed waiting in the middle, candles littered on what seemed to be every surface. And Nick's roses sitting in a vase by her bed.

Nick smiled against her hair as he carried her across the room, gently laying her down in the center of the bed. Covering her mouth with his for a moment as he slowly peeled away her thin boxer shorts. Then, pulling away, he brushed several soft kisses over her cheeks before sliding off the bed, reaching for the book of matches on her nightstand.

"Only undressing the good part, I see," Alana mused, sitting up as she unwound the silky strawberry blonde locks from their braids. Tossing them into a high messy ponytail, she watched Nick moving around the room to light her dozens of candles. She smiled softly as she brought her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs. The faint smell of angel food cake and sweet vanilla lingered in the air and she closed her eyes for a moment to concentrate on the rain outside. Then, allowing her eyes to open, she found Nick lighting the last candle, his chest glistening in the soft flames of warm light.

Smirking, Nick crossed the room again, reaching past the sheer curtain to unlatch the window. Pushing it open, he shivered slightly at the cool breeze before turning to look at Alana. His only intent making love to her all night long, he strode towards the bed, fumbling with the buckle of his belt. Not seeing the small trunk cattycorner to the foot of her bed, he walked right into it, flipping head over heels over it. With a pained gasp, he sprawled on the floor at the foot of the bed, one foot still hanging over the trunk. "Oh, shit…"

"Nick!" Alana yelped in shock as she grabbed her boxers, hurriedly pulling them back onto her body as she knelt to her thick, plush carpet. Brushing the fallen tendrils away from her face, she bent down to catch Nick's eyes. When he rolled over to his back with a pitiful groan, she tried not to laugh. Holding a hand to her mouth, she took a deep breath to control her giggles. "Are you okay?"

Nick slapped one hand over his face, wincing as he shifted slightly. "I think I broke my dick--"

"What about your ankle?" she interrupted with question, leaning over him to undo his sneakers. Pulling them away and gently stripping him of his socks, she started to palpate around his ankle bone, deciding whether or not it was swollen.

"My ankle's fine…"

"Nick, the way you twisted when you fell, are you sure it's--"

"It's fine!" Nick interrupted with a loud whine. "I just can't feel my dick, 'cause I landed on it full force--"

"Are you trying to tell me you had an erection?" Alana questioned, leaning back to catch his pained eyes.

Nick stared at her for a long moment, his lips parted slightly. "Baby, I've had an erection since you sat in my lap downstairs, and now I can't feel it--"

"God, Nick," Alana groaned hard to fight her laughter, reaching down to tenderly rub his cheek. "I better go get you some ice to reduce the swelling. Lord knows if you can't feel it and you had an erection… We might need to take you to an Emergency Room--"

"I am not going to the hospital and explaining to some stranger that I broke my dick while trying to be romantic," Nick cut in with a scowl.

"Well, that's no problem," Alana assured, fighting a smile. "I know all the doctors--"

"Hell no!"

"I'd look at it, but I'm sure it'd only be more painful… God, you really are Mr. Magoo…"

"I am so relieved that you find this so damn funny," Nick grumbled, pulling his leg down so he could start sitting up. He yelped when Alana pushed him back to the floor. "What?!"

"This is a serious thing, Nick," Alana exclaimed when he became defensive. "God, if you really did break your penis, we need to go to the Emergency Room. You could need surgery--"

"I'm not going to the Emergency Room. I'm not having surgery. It just needs to… Rest for a while?" Nick suggested.

"Did you hear a popping or cracking?" Alana inquired as Nick moved to stand. This time, she allowed him to do so. Still sitting upon the floor, she stared up at him with confusion and concern. Staring at his lower anatomy, she noted the still risen bulge in his jeans, deciding maybe it wasn't so serious. Perhaps just a bruising…

"No… It just banged against the trunk, then on the floor," Nick explained, carefully unzipping his jeans before starting to push them down. He had to see it, maybe it was just stunned from his fall…

"Well, I ain't kissing it better," Alana murmured, covering a smirk with the back of her hand as she moved to stand, wondering if he would be telling his friends about this escapade. "If you don't want to go to the Emergency Room, will you at least tell me if you have trouble urinating, blood when you urinate, or if you can't? Because, honestly, if you ripped any of the tissue, you need to get it repaired immediately."

Nick nodded distractedly as he sat on the edge of her bed. Leaning back, he glanced over at her hopefully. "Can you at least look at it? I mean, you're a nurse, you've probably seen thousands--"

"Hardly thousands of penises," Alana laughed as she turned to face him. Holding her breath to ward away any future giggles, she composed herself into a serious manner. Then, glancing down, she gently took Nick's erection into her hands. She heard him whimper, though it wasn't in pain. Gently manipulating the hardened organ, she was relieved to find no swelling nor bruising. "I think you just scared him, Nick."

"He has a name," Nick murmured, covering her hand with his.

"Seems you're very fond of him," Alana guessed, leaning down to playfully nip the skin against his pelvic bone. When she felt his body tense beneath her, she was fueled with a playful energy, drawing her tongue to the very center of his pelvis for a sweet kiss.

"Well…" Nick gasped softly as he laid back, his hand squeezing hers gently. "He's persistent, he's got a hole in his head, his neighbor is an ass--"

"Guess he does need someone to love on him," Alana concluded with a soft laugh against his skin, affectionately rubbing the base of his penis, feeling his hand slowly move with hers. Feeling her own body tense with excitement, she moved her kisses up to his belly button, flicking her tongue against it till he shivered. "What's his name?"

"Well…"

"If you're going to start with pick up lines, Nick, you really should follow through," Alana explained softly as she released his hardness and ran her hand up his side. Like a prowling kitten, she slid onto his body and nipped her way up the center of his chest. Finding the black footprints on his chest, she outlined them with the tip of her tongue. Then, tracing upward, she suckled against the pulsation of his throat, purring softly. "You should tell him he needs to date a nurse."

"Charge," Nick murmured, sliding his hands to rest on her thighs as she straddled him. "His name is Charge… And there's only one nurse we're interested in dating…"

"Why is his name Charge?" Alana questioned against the front of his throat, nibbling his Adam's apple.

"'Cause… He's a ramming steed--"

"I never should have asked," Alana laughed with disbelief, pulling away from her tender kisses to his throat. She stared down at Nick with honest disbelief, her dark teal eyes glittering amongst the warm candlelight. She honestly enjoyed her time with Nick. He was sweet and undoubtedly goofy.

Nick grinned, his hands sweeping beneath her camisole to cup her breasts. "Plus, it's really fun to be jacking off and scream 'CHARGE' at the top of my lungs--"

"Oh my God," Alana snorted, immediately pushing his hands from beneath her shirt. Pulling herself away from his naked form, she moved to slide off the bed, only succeeding in falling to the floor. Slapping her hands to her mouth, she burst into a series of hysterical giggles till tears were streaking down her face.
Chapter Eleven :: Love Like No Other by shrinkingviolet
"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.
Chapter Twelve :: Waiting for Hope by shrinkingviolet
"Kevin and Howie are going out to get us all something to eat. AJ and Aaron just went down to the machine to get a lot of sodas," Natalie announced softly as she appeared in the private waiting room set aside for Brian and his family as Baylee underwent surgery. His parents had also stepped out for a breath of fresh air, not that Natalie blamed them. Each had kissed her cheeks and thanked her for being here, but she was more concerned about watching Brian. Tentatively seating herself on the couch beside him, she reached to gently rub his shoulders. It had been hours since Baylee was whisked away to surgery, Alana promising that everything would be fine. The boy had been brave, gripping Alana's hand as he kissed his father goodbye, asking for a large present when he awoke. That had caused the group to laugh, though they had bought several large presents to comply. Now, they just waited.

"Okay," Brian murmured, idly flipping the pages of the hospital Bible. The familiar words of comfort seemed almost bland now, so he continued to glance through the passages, hoping for something-anything-that would put his mind and heart at ease. Setting the Bible down on the table, he lowered his head into his hands, furiously pressing his fingers against his eyes. "Nat…"

"What?" she questioned softly, her hand drifting to his back for a supportive rub. She wasn't exactly sure what he wanted, but knew she would do anything within her power to provide it. Concentrating on Brian kept her mind at ease about Baylee lying underneath a knife. The very thought made her sick inside. So she had to remind herself just as quickly that Alana was inside. Nothing would happen to him.

Brian didn't know. Reaching blindly for her hand, he grasped it tightly, suddenly needing her strength. "Is this how it felt for everyone when I was in there? …All this worrying and praying and crying? Knowing that I would be okay, but fighting that fear that something would go wrong?" he whispered.

"Kind of…" Natalie agreed softly, covering his hand with both of hers. She brought them to her lips for several sweet, reassuring kisses. She had been a mess when Brian was in surgery, only she hadn't be allowed to express such. Leighanne had been the one to play lead that day. The grieving lover. Though she had left as soon as Brian was in recovery, though no one had ever dared to tell him that. "Worse for others, I suppose."

"You were there…" Brian trailed in a murmur. He remembered all too well waking up to find Natalie at his bedside, her caramel eyes filled with tears of concern. Even then he had known… Feeling the couch sink slightly, he glanced to see Nick sitting on the other side of him. "God, why haven't they given us an update--"

"Because you just called back there about ten times," Nick murmured softly.

"And your point is?" Brian questioned, wincing when he realized how loud he was. "God, I'm sorry, Nick…"

"It's okay," Natalie murmured, kissing his fingers again before holding his hand in her lap. She could understand his tenseness, his need to know every detail. "Alana promised she'd let us know how things were going."

"Hell, maybe I should just get out of here. Then she'll come to talk to you…" Nick trailed offhandedly, reaching to rub the back of his neck as he slouched upon the couch. Since the overwhelmingly popular concert, Alana had all but sent a restraining order banning him from her presence. She had avoided all of his phone calls and conveniently avoided her own home. She kept her conversations civil and cool within Baylee's hospital room. And all he had said was that he loved her…

"Nick," Natalie sighed, shaking her head. Releasing Brian's hand, she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before getting to her feet. "I'll go see if I can--"

"No, that's okay, wouldn't want her to go screaming from the hospital," Nick muttered, standing as well only to guide Natalie back to the couch. Then, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his wrinkled jeans, Nick exhaled a long, pained breath. "I'm going to go take a walk, alright?"

Brian nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat as he prepared to stand. "Do you want some company--"

"Nah, you should stay here, B," Nick answered offhandedly. "Call me when you know about Bay."

Natalie watched Nick saunter out of the waiting room, turning to look at Brian when they were alone. "I worry about him, Bumpkin…"

"Why?" Brian questioned with a sigh as he reached to snuggle close to Natalie, not wanting her to leave.

Gratefully wrapping her arms around him, Natalie released a soft sigh when he rested his head on her chest. Closing her eyes, she gently smoothed her fingers through his hair. "Because he's so… I don't know. It's like he wears his heart on his sleeve, you know? And he's so damn cocky about it, like nothing can hurt him. I'm not saying Alana would do it, but I'm just afraid that one day his heart's going to get broken into a million pieces…"

"Then we'll be there to pick up the pieces--"

"Like always… He's like our adopted son or something, Bumpkin… Pretty soon he'll be asking me to change his pants-Well, never mind, he already did that once…"

Brian released a strained chuckle, tightening his arms around her. "God, I don't want to know."

"You, the man who grilled me for two hours about the details of my date with Howie, don't want to know?" Natalie questioned softly, gently kneading the tight spot at the back of his neck. Kissing the top of his head, she smiled slightly. "I don't believe it…"

"That's different. You were out with Howie. Mr. Latin Lover. And I didn't want him stealing you away," Brian mumbled with a forlorn pout.

"You don't think Nick could have stolen me away?" Natalie questioned with a small smile, almost not believing they were having such a conversation at such a trying time.

"We had a unspoken rule about you."

"An unspoken rule? …What kind of rule?"

"He didn't date you and I didn't kill him."

"Just who else did you have this rule with?" Natalie inquired softly.

"Everyone but Howie and Fabio," Brian snorted.

"Why not Howie?" Natalie pressed, not bothering to correct him.

"'Cause the asshole escaped my clutches--"

"Bumpkin…" Natalie sighed, kissing the top of his head once again. "At least now I know why all my flirting with AJ and Kevin never led anywhere…"

"Brian?" Alana's voice inquired with much hesitation as she pushed the door to the waiting room open. She immediately pulled the surgical skullcap from her head, allowing her long strawberry curls to fall in waves to the small of her back. She looked overly weary as she stopped halfway to pull the blue paper covers from her shoes, which were means of sanitation. "Can I come in and talk to you?"

Immediately pulling away from Natalie, Brian stumbled to his feet, dragging one hand through his hair quickly. "Is he out? He okay? When can I see him--"

Seeming to anticipate Brian's unsteady gait, Alana took a step back in time to catch him as he stumbled. She hurriedly helped him to his feet, but his arms wrapped tightly around her small frame. Feeling crushed, she said nothing as she patted him gingerly on the back. "He's just fine. The surgeon just sewed the patch into his heart where the hole was and got it beating again. He's just getting closed up and he'll be transported to Recovery till he wakes up and then he'll be in the Pediatric ICU. I'd say give him another two hours and you'll see your little boy looking twenty times better than when he came in here."

"Thank God," Brian breathed, his words drowned out by the return of his parents and friends, and somehow in the shuffle he was transferred to the chair in the corner. Tears of joy flowing freely down his cheeks, he was barely aware of the murmur of chatter in the room.

"The surgeon's going to come out and talk to you when he's done, but I told him I'd come out and at least let you know what's going on," Alana explained as Natalie hurriedly rushed out all the information to the variety of people within the room. Not seeing Nick, Alana was relieved as she bent down to Brian for a moment, whispering everything would be okay. Then, standing, she moved toward the exit, aching to get the sweaty scrubs off her body. Perhaps soak in a long hot shower and then go out for a beer. Everything would be returning to normal now. Baylee would be in the PICU, so her care would no longer be needed. She would go back to have the regular load of patients on her floor. Then Baylee would be discharged and she would be alone once more.

"Alana?" Natalie called softly, extricating herself from Kevin's hug before crossing the room. Pulling her eyes from the small, telltale splatter of blood on the front of the woman's scrubs, she took a deep breath. "Care to take a walk with me?"

"Do you mind if I…" Alana's initial decline came to an uncomfortable silence as Natalie and Brian proceeded to follow her anyway. Glancing down at the surgical blue scrubs, she immediately cursed herself for not cleaning up before seeing the family. Haphazardly tugging the top away from her body, revealing a simple gray racer-back tank top, she stuffed the top into the nearest laundry bin for personnel. She had hoped they would be deterred, but they waited patiently and then started to walk with her once more. Fighting a sigh, Alana tugged haphazardly at her long curls, feeling claustrophobic with having each on either side of her. This surgery may have gone quite well for Baylee, but had brought forth a whole rush of scarred emotions back into Alana.

"Why have you been avoiding Nicky?" Natalie questioned immediately. Not bothering to beat around the bush. She was worried about Brian's best friend, and knew that, despite Alana's attempts to deny it, she had feelings for the man.

"God," Alana groaned in shock as she tripped in her footing at Natalie's blatant question. Crashing against the soda machine, she welcomed the coolness before pushing away. Snorting away her embarrassment, she reached into a pocket for a dollar. She couldn't stand the smell of smoke, so she decided that caffeine would be in her best interest to calm her shattered nerves. "Natalie, today isn't--"

"He loves you, Alana. He's been so damn miserable since you hauled ass after the concert--"

"Natalie," Alana stressed weakly. "Please, don't--"

"At least go talk to him?" Natalie requested softly, turning her friend towards the elevator. "Even if you just tell him you want nothing to do with him, that things would never work out. He needs to know."

"He's gone to look at babies in the nursery," Brian explained. Having known Nick for so long, he knew that the younger man would have migrated there during his walk. He always did when visiting a hospital.

"The Colton in my tattoo… That's the name of my son," Alana confessed before she had any means or conscious to stop herself. Her entire body went rigid at the mere mention of the name, keeping Natalie from pushing her entirely into the elevator. Bracing herself against the wall, Alana released a horrible shudder, her entire body quaking with pain.

"Your son?" Natalie repeated softly, letting her hands fall gently to Alana's back. "What… What happened to him?"

"He's dead," Alana whispered, her voice barely rising so Brian or Natalie could hear. The pain laced in her voice was enough and confronting the facts caused tears to rise once more. It was almost as if she walked around in a haze, never acknowledging the presence that Colton still had in her life. It was disturbing to say the least, but it was how she functioned. Otherwise, she would have killed herself long ago.

"God… I'm so sorry," Brian breathed, unable to imagine having to go through losing a child. Though he had come close, he knew his heartache would pale in comparison. Gently, he pulled Alana away from the wall and into a hug, half expecting her to shove him away. Instead, he felt her shudder, heard a soft, strangled sob against his shoulder as she began to cry.

"I was a Pediatric Nurse for Christ-sakes and I couldn't even… He just…" Alana voice broke against several hard sobs. Her entire body quaked with emotion as her hands balled into fists, clutching Brian's t-shirt. She felt lightheaded as memories rushed through her like a hurricane, sweeping her backward into thoughts she had so longed to just forget. "God, it was my fault…"

"No it wasn't," Brian attempted to soothe gently, holding her tight as Natalie hugged her from behind. "It wasn't anyone's fault, Alana…"

"Don't," Alana whispered, taking a deep breath to hold within her lungs, trying to calm her wrecked nerves. She still trembled significantly as she released Brian's shirt, pulling away from the couple. Moving back to the soda machine, she hurriedly stuffed her money inside, pounding on the Pepsi button when it wouldn't release.

Natalie cast a worried glance at Brian. "Alana--"

"He… He would have turned three this year… A few days before I first met Baylee… Colton Mark Moore… God, he was the cutest thing you would have ever seen. Had the courage of a lion… So happy and playful from the minute he was born. He'd just lay in bed with me babbling till I fell asleep, then he'd drift off… These beautiful strawberry blonde curls and dark brown eyes… These little freckles sprinkled across his nose… Always wanted to be a cowboy… Had his own horse and everything… And, I just--" Alana slammed a hard fist into the center of the soda machine when the Pepsi wouldn't release, strangling another sob in her throat. The sudden reflection of physical pain seemed to yank her from her trance. "I'm sorry…"

"It's okay," Natalie promised softly, startled when a Pepsi dropped from the machine. Quickly brushing tears from her eyes, she took a deep breath and glanced back at the elevator. "Go talk to Nick about this, okay? He'll… He needs to know…"

"No," Alana murmured, ducking down to take the Pepsi from the machine. Holding the ice cold can to her now bruising knuckles, she sniffled heavily. So embarrassed she couldn't even manage to make eye contact with Brian and Natalie. "No one knows here. Not a single person in this entire hospital knows and I want to keep it that way. Where I worked before… I couldn't stand… Don't tell him."

"I'm not going to tell him. You are," Natalie insisted gently, hugging herself. "He needs to understand why you're pushing him away, Alana--"

"I'm not doing anything," Alana insisted as she shook her knuckles in attempt to ward off the pain. Glancing down at the slightly swollen hand, she wondered if she needed to stop off at the Emergency Room for her stupidity. Not like it mattered. She knew she wasn't going upstairs. "I'm glad that Baylee is going to be okay and I wish you all the best of luck."

"You're just going to walk away, then?" Natalie questioned, resisting the urge to stamp her foot in irritation. "You'll climb the side of a mountain and all that death-defying bullshit, but you won't explain to the man who loves you why you're pushing him away?"

"Natalie, don't," Brian murmured as Alana started to walk toward the Emergency Department.

"Why not?" Natalie demanded with a huff. "Fine. I'm going upstairs to talk to Nicky--"

"No, you're not," Brian insisted, grabbing her by the waist and leading her back toward the private waiting room. As much as his heart pained for Nick, he understood Alana's reservations about telling him. She had barely been able to say that her son had passed, so explaining to Nick would be torture. She wasn't ready for that. "This is between Alana and Nick. You have no say in what he knows and what he doesn't know about Alana. She obviously wants that kept private and that's the way it's going to stay. Okay?"

"Damnit, Bumpkin, if it was you and me, wouldn't you want to know?"

"Of course I would want to know. But I would want you to tell me. When you're ready."

"But that's the point, she's not going to tell him. She's just going to walk away, and Nicky'll be hanging around us like a sad lost puppy and it's going to be so damn hard--"

"Don't put her out to pasture so fast, Nat. She might actually turn around and surprise you."

*~*~*

Releasing a slow, painful sigh, Nick shifted in the rocking chair of the hospital nursery. It had become a habit of his, to always stop at the nursery when he needed the unwavering attention of a newborn to listen to his problems. The hospital seemed to have no lack of newborns, though there was one in particular that always drew his attention. An abandoned little boy, whose mother had skipped out just hours after giving birth. Staring down at the infant in his arms, he was once again mesmerized by the large eyes gazing up at him with a wary interest. A fine smattering of wispy black hair graced the top of the baby's head, and when a tiny fist made contact with his chest he grunted in surprise. "Sorry… I was just thinking how great it'd be if I could come in here and just take you home with me one day…"

Usually, Nick was obliged to stand outside in the hallway, the window of glass separating him from the newly arrived bundles of joy. It was just procedure after the increased rate of kidnappings. He had understood as much, just watching the wonders of the world find their own miraculous marvels of life. But when the neonatal nurses had discovered that Nick was a close friend of Alana's, the doors had been opened. He had mentioned wanting to help in any way possible and the nurses had directed him to the back of the nursery where the abandoned children were kept. The hospital had a special drop-off place for unwanted infants. The parents could feel free to take the children to the Emergency Room to be left. No questions asked. It was even stated that Alana spent a good deal of her breaks in the back, nurturing the children. Nick decided it wasn't such a bad idea.

The baby released a soft whimper, tiny legs struggling in the hospital blanket. Automatically, Nick reached to adjust the blanket so his feet were free, smiling when he heard the pleased sigh. Tracing the bottom of splayed toes, he was once again amazed at the miracle that was a baby. His first time holding the small infant he had been so nervous about dropping him or holding him so tight, thinking only how fragile the child was. But now, it was almost second nature to him, easily shifting the baby so he was cradled on his thighs. Keeping one hand behind his neck, he did his usual check of hands and feet, adjusting the tiny bracelet wrapped around one ankle. Baby Doe. His heart lurched slightly at that, wondering if he could love the child anymore if it was Baby Carter instead. Immediately he entertained the notion of starting an adoption process, quickly shoving such hopeful dreams aside. "You'd need a good Mom, wouldn't you? I could love you to death, but you'd need that soft voice to soothe you at three in the morning… A soft chest to cuddle up to when you need to be reminded that there's someone who loves you…"

"Mother's aren't all that they're cracked up to be," a soft feminine voice suggested, causing the small infant to immediately tilt his head in that direction. He writhed within Nick's arms, suggesting that Alana had been the one nurse to visit him most often. She offered a small smile as the infant's hands reached out to her, though he was barely aware of his own movements. "We named him Zachary. Zach for short. Calling him 'Baby' all the time just wasn't too fair…"

"Zach… Hear that, buddy? That means you have to grow up and be big and strong. So you can live up to your name," Nick murmured, lifting the baby to quickly hug him close. Offering Alana a quick smile, he drew in a quick breath. "Is Bay--"

"Already out of surgery and transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit already. His Daddy and Natalie are with him now. He's still sleepy, but he's going to be just fine," Alana promised with a soft nod, fussing with the ace bandage wrapped around her right hand. She had spent most of a few hours calming down in the Emergency Room after sending her hand into the soda machine. She had cut a few of her knuckles open, which required cleaning, and mildly sprained the wrist. By the time she had collected herself, the surgeon had found her to say that Baylee was asking for her. She stopped in to wish him well, quickly slipping out before Natalie could corner her again. She wanted to just leave the hospital, but she had to see Nick. For some reason…

"That's good. What happened to your hand?" Nick questioned softly as he stood, gently shifting Zachary so his head was resting on his shoulder. Curving his arm protectively around the small body, he made sure his hand was properly supporting Zachary's neck before stepping over to Alana. She had been crying, her eyes now red-rimmed and still clouded with despair. "Alana…"

"I'm an enormous klutz," Alana answered with a short shrug of her shoulders, postponing the eventual eye contact that Nick always demanded. Tugging at the hem of her white tank top, she knew this had been a complete mistake. Just like allowing Nick to make love with her in the park. Make love…

Nick let his thumb graze her cheek, holding back a sigh when she turned away. Longing to pull her into his arms and promise that he would try his best to rid her of any pain, he cleared his throat, kissing the top of Zachary's head. "You think you can hold him? He's getting restless, and I have to go ask Jen for his bottle so I can feed him--"

"No, actually, I just wanted to get--" Alana's futile attempt at discouraging the transfer of the child was meaningless as Nick shifted the boy into her arms. She accommodated his weight easily, making sure to cradle him close to her body. And, before she could object further, Nick was dashing out of the room. Exhaling a hard sigh, Alana moved to sit in the rocking chair. It was always hardest holding Zachary and the other little boys, because they reminded her so much of Colton. Sitting by the large picture window with the moonlight glimmering over their closely nestled bodies. He would lazily suck his thumb as he watched his mother for the longest time, cooing at her before drifting asleep. Even when he had become a toddler he still waited for her in the rocking chair by the picture window. Sometimes, Alana would just stare at the rocking chair for hours, waiting for Colton to come running. "Nick's a very stubborn guy, Zach… I guess that's something I need to learn about him…"

Zachary sighed softly as though agreeing, his small hand landing on Alana's chest as he gazed up at her. Large cobalt eyes that reminded Alana of Nick. Wrapping his fingers around the silver ring hanging by the small chain, tugging gently as his mouth worked on the fingers of his other hand.

"You always liked that, huh?" Alana murmured against the child's forehead, pressing a soft kiss against his skin. Staring down at the silver ring with a diamond centered, Colton Mark etched on one side of the diamond with his birthday on the other. "Colt gave that to me, y'know. My first mother's day ever. Of course, he was only two months old and had no clue that he and his Daddy had gone out and bought it. But, when we told him the story, he was so proud of that ring, Zach. Always playing with it."

Zachary's eyes widened slightly in understanding, his lips smacking against his fingers as he began to nuzzle her chest.

Pausing in the doorway, Nick felt his heart lurch as he listened to Alana's soft murmurs, straining to hear what she was saying to the infant. Zachary's gentle grunts throughout caused him to miss some words, but he got the gist of everything. With startling clarity, he sagged against the doorframe. Colton was her son. His Daddy bought the ring…

"I miss him a lot, Zach. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. That I don't wish things could have changed so he stayed with me. So they both stayed with me…"

"What happened?" Nick questioned softly.

"Nick," Alana yelped in shock, leaning forward as the little boy lurched in her arms. His hands immediately went out as if to catch himself, but Alana cradled him close. There was a slight whine to his whimper, but she reassured his safety quite quickly.

"I happened?" Nick inquired in confusion as he stepped into the room, gripping Zachary's bottle tightly.

"God no," Alana breathed as she shifted Zachary back into his bassinet. Making sure to swaddle him with the blanket, she immediately started for the door. She felt as if the room were closing in on her. Clawing subconsciously at her throat for a breath, she stepped back when Nick reached for her. God, this was a mess. An absolute mess.

"What, then?" Nick persisted gently, glancing helplessly towards the bassinet when Zachary began to whimper. Knowing that if he turned to get the baby Alana would leave, he reached out with one foot, gently rolling the bassinet close so he could scoop Zachary into his arms. Cooing softly, he stared at Alana as he offered the bottle to him. "Alana, please… Tell me…"

"They left me…" Alana whispered, fiddling with the fabric of the ace bandage. She couldn't stand to meet Nick's dark blue eyes, knowing she was melt into tears without any means of hesitation. It had been hard enough telling Brian and Natalie the story about her son. She absolutely detested allowing people into her life after the hardships. It was easier to keep to herself and help those that reached out to her; never asking for help in return. Letting all these people in was too dangerous.

"Left you? …Why?" Nick murmured, moving to settle in the rocking chair. When Alana shook her head, he sighed. Not wanting to push her too hard for fear of losing her forever, he cuddled Zachary close as he drank. Slowly rocking, he dipped his head to press a soft kiss against the boy's cheek.

"It doesn't matter why they left… They just did… And they're not coming back…" Alana answered softly, sinking into the nearby rocking chair when she noticed a nurse peeking in. Resting her aching wrist against her knee, she watched Nick soothe Zachary into a comfortable slumber as the bottle emptied. A small smile found its way to her beautiful face, but when Nick looked up, she sat straight. "I've always been left… My father left me when I was a toddler. My mother pretty much left me the day she found my stepfather and had the golden son… It's not so bad…"

"What do you do when someone wants to stay, though?" Nick murmured, easing Zachary onto his shoulder for a burp. Gently rubbing his back, he smiled slightly at the large belch, unable to resist turning his head for several soft kisses. "That's my boy…"

"No one has ever wanted to stay… Or at least I haven't let them…"

"I want to," Nick told her softly, his statement punctuated by another loud belch. "Good Lord, Son--I mean… Zach…"

"…You're great with kids," Alana told him after Zachary settled against him with a satisfied smile, his fingers finding their way back into his mouth. "Baylee and Zachary… You'll make a great father."

"I'd… I'd love to be Zach's father," Nick admitted softly against Zachary's cheek.

"I wish more people were like you. Then we wouldn't have to worry about abandoned or abused children…" Alana decided as she tilted her head, seeing Zachary fall into a peaceful sleep. Smiling softly, she gestured toward Nick's shoulder. "The angel's asleep."

"Guess that means I have to give him up," Nick sighed, finally catching her gaze.

"You can hold him while he sleeps--"

"I can't… I'll get too attached," Nick whispered brokenly, dropping his gaze to the fingers that had curled around the neckline of his t-shirt. God, he would give anything to be able to stay and hold Zachary all night. To feel the reassuring warmth of the small body cuddled so closely to him. To hear the soft, pleased sighs as he slept. To look a nurse in the eye and tell her that, yes, that was his son… He had never felt so needed before, not by anyone, until meeting Zachary. Glancing at Alana, he quickly looked away, ashamed when he felt the sting of tears in his eyes. Squeezing them tightly shut, he wondered if she was even slightly aware of how much he needed her.

"I think you already are," Alana commented softly as she watched Nick carefully unwind Zachary's fingers from the neck of his shirt. When the infant was lowered into the bassinet for a peaceful nap, Alana felt her heart lurch at the way Nick's shoulders rounded inward. He looked so lost as he gazed at the small infant, small beads of icy tears running a path down his anguished face. Exhaling a hard breath, Alana reached to wrap her arms around Nick from behind. Pressing her face into his upper back, she felt him shudder. "God, Nickalicious, it's okay."

"He deserves so much better," Nick nearly whined, his voice cracking slightly as another shudder shook him. "He should be in a home, Baby… Not in some hospital surrounded by babies that are going home… What'll happen to him if nobody ever takes him?"

"He does deserve something better," Alana agreed as she squeezed him in a reassuring manner, placing a soft kiss between his shoulder blades. "And I'm sure he's going to find it. You've got to have faith."

"Do you… Do you think I'd have a chance of adopting him?" Nick questioned, covering her hands with his so he could hold them tight.

"Nick…" Alana trailed in surprise as she moved around him, popping up underneath his arms. Gingerly, she cupped his face so she could study his smoldering blue eyes. She felt her heart swell when she realized he was serious, though it instantly turned to trepidation. "Adopt him? Are you sure? I mean, he's not a puppy or--"

"I love him, Alana… I can't just turn away not knowing what's going to happen to him… He needs me, just as much as I need him. I know I'm not the most perfect person in the world, but I can give him love--"

"I'm not saying to turn away from him. I'm saying to give this serious thought. This is a drastic change and you've got to be sure that you're doing it for the right reasons. It's not just enough to love someone--"

"Yes it is," Nick disagreed softly, looking towards the sleeping infant. Nodding to himself, he bit back another wave of tears. "Yes it is…"

"…Nick…" Alana whispered, dropping her hands from his face when she realized he was looking elsewhere. Stepping away from his arms, she just studied him with Zachary, knowing he was convinced. "Just think about it. That's all I'm asking."

"I will," Nick promised, pulling her into his arms. Kissing the top of her head, he squeezed her gently.
Chapter Thirteen :: Needing Her by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Whoops, I had the chapter number wrong. Sorry 'bout that. :)
Nick smothered a yawn as he walked down the hallway of the Pediatric ICU wing. He had spent the largest part of the morning at Children and Youth Services filing for the adoption of one Zachary Doe. He had a long interview with the social service worker on his case. And, mentioning that he had a long-term relationship with Alana Moore had certainly increased the likelihood of the adoption processing forward. It was exciting to hear that in a few weeks he would know whether or not he definitely had Zachary as his adopted son, knowing that the encouraging smile of the social worker meant he would most likely be decorating a nursery very soon. He kept the news to himself, however, not wanting to jinx his chances as he entered Baylee's private room.

"Nicky!" Baylee exclaimed suddenly, shattering the man's thoughts as he paused in the doorway. The child's eyes were shimmering with excitement as he sat in his bed, coloring on a pair of light blue Converses that Alana had bought for him to decorate. All the swelling from his sick heart had subsided and he was now breathing normally. Only remnants of the surgery were the staples running along his chest. The tubes having already been pulled because his discharge was imminent.

"How you feeling today, Bay?" Nick questioned with a grin as he moved to settle on the edge of the bed, muffling another yawn as he laid back, watching Baylee draw.

"Lizzie comin' t'play after lunch," Baylee informed him with a grin. "An' Daddy said that when I go home, I c'n come an' visit her!"

"She gets to go home a few days after Scooper does, so they'll be seeing each other almost every day," Brian guessed with a chuckle as he glanced up from his magazine. He watched Nick for several moments and decided that his friend couldn't have looked better. There had been a brief mention that he and Alana had talked about her family, so Brian assumed everything was cleared between them. Now, she just needed to admit that she loved him. "Nat took Alana out to lunch, so you just missed her."

"It's lunch time already?" Nick questioned in surprise, dragging a hand through his hair. It seemed only moments before he had been cuddling with Zachary before the interview. Since his decision to adopt, he had been spending every available moment with the baby, asking the nurses to explain every detail about the care the child was receiving. Though, his thoughts shifted when he realized he hadn't seen Alana all day. "Say, B… Why don't you and Nat go do something tonight? You haven't left the hospital since Bay's surgery… I'll see if Alana'll stay with me and Bay for a while. You need a break--"

"'Lana stay here'd?" Baylee inquired with a hopeful smile, handing one of the shoes over to Nick for inspection. His dark blue eyes twinkled merrily as he planned out his evening. "I missed my 'Lana, Daddy. You and Knot go bye-bye. 'Lana watch Lion King wi'f me! Her can be Nala and Nicky can be Simba! 'Course when Nicky wants'ta be Simba wi'f 'Lana, she says she be Scar and he be Mufasa 'stead!"

"Scar and Mufasa?" Brian repeated, raising one eyebrow as he set his magazine aside. "And why's that, Scooper?"

"'Cause her can throw him off the mountain this time!"

"Oh, Good Lord--"

"Bay, c'mere," Nick interrupted, tapping the boy lightly on the shoulder to divert his attention. When Baylee turned, he pointed to a small blank spot on the side of the shoe he held. "What are you going to put there?"

"That's for you," Baylee explained as he handed Nick a black permanent marker. "You was mad that you no get to make shoes for 'Lana. So, I save you room."

"But… I don't know what to write--"

"Something for 'Lana, duh!"

"Well thank you, Captain Obvious!"

"You two… Sometimes I think I should have adopted you as a second son, Nick," Brian laughed as Baylee made a face at Nick when his back was turned. But, when Nick whipped around, Baylee looked completely innocent as he held out the marker. "…He's really going to miss Alana when he's discharged."

"Her goin' away?" Baylee questioned in confusion, unable to imagine any reason why he would miss Alana. The woman had become what he considered a permanent fixture in his life.

"How's that shoe tasting, Frick? Hope it's clean," Nick laughed as he began writing on the shoe.

"Shut up, Nick," Brian mumbled with a scowl, glancing toward his son who was holding the opposite shoe, patiently waiting for an answer. "You're all better, Scooper. Which means we get to go home. You won't have to stay at the hospital anymore. You won't need Alana."

"But… Her's my 'Lana, Daddy," Baylee explained, furrowing his flaxen brows. "I needs her for'eber…"

"I'm sure she'll let you call her on the telephone. Like we do with Nicky when he goes back to Florida or California, whichever he decides."

"But what if George an' Simba get sick an' need new 'tuffing?" Baylee questioned, his voice turning into a high-pitched whine. "What if my scar 'urts? I need 'Lana, Daddy!"

Brian winced. "Scooper--"

"Great parenting skills there, Papa Bear," Nick announced capping the marker.

"I no better, Daddy! I 'till sick!" Baylee insisted, pushing at Nick until the man stumbled from the bed. Burrowing under the covers, he peeked out with a hurt expression. "Need 'Lana, Daddy," he whined, dramatically draping his arm across his face. "I sick…"

"Scooper, you are not--"

"Jungle Boogie Boy, what are you doing wrapped up in all those covers?" Alana questioned in surprise, stopping halfway inside the doorway to watch Baylee's antics. She had thought about just dropping Natalie off at the hospital, but the older woman insisted she come up. Settling her hands against her hips, she shook her head in disbelief, her golden strawberry locks spilling over her shoulders from her long ponytail. She was a picture of perfection in a pair of worn, scuffed, and ripped, hip hugging jeans and a simple white racer back tank top. Simple and beautiful, though Natalie caught Brian's attention immediately in her jean skirt and light peasant top.

"'Lana!" Baylee squealed, sitting up. Suddenly remembering, though, he quickly laid back down, drawing the covers up to his chin as he regarded her with a sorrowful look. "I sick, 'Lana… I need you…"

Natalie glanced over at Brian with a sigh. "You told him, didn't you?"

From the chair closest to the bed, Nick chuckled, thoroughly amused at Brian's mishap. "Without any sugarcoating at all!"

"Well, I need you, too," Alana promised, kicking off her shoes as she ignored the other adults. Crawling onto the full sized hospital bed, she pulled away the blankets so she could burrow inside. Exhaling a soft sigh, she curled her arms around Baylee's small form, tucking her face against his shoulder. Every day she saw Baylee was a reminder of how fantastically well he was doing. A reminder that he would soon be leaving; along with his family. Which meant Nick would be departing and she wasn't sure she could handle that. Frowning, she kissed his bare shoulder. "We'll be sick together."

Baylee opened his mouth to reply, squeaking when the covers on the other side of the bed lifted. Glancing up, he grinned when he saw Nick crawling into the bed. "Nicky sick too, 'Lana," he announced over Brian's attempts to explain his actions to Natalie. "He need you. You make him feel better, otay?"

"And what is Nicky so sick with, Boogie?" Alana inquired as Baylee turned in her arms to face her, reaching to place Nick's hand upon her hip. Glancing above Baylee's unruly platinum locks, she saw Nick's dark indigo eyes. The flames of desire flickering so heatedly upon his pupils caused a small whimper to muffle through a sigh. She was becoming far too attached. Every night she slipped beneath her covers she was thinking of him. And when she awoke to a cold bed, she could actually visualize him curled next to her. Suddenly, she really didn't feel too good.

"I 'unno," Baylee murmured as Nick snuggled closer. "Him needs kisses, though. Lots an' lots of kisses--"

"Then start kissing him," Alana insisted with a playful smile, scooting Baylee toward Nick.

"Ew! No!" Baylee shrieked, jerking the blankets over his head to shield his face.

"Since he met Lizzie he never kisses me," Nick sighed plaintively, leaning close to brush his lips over Alana's cheek. "Apparently Lizzie holds a tight rein…"

"Guess I'll have to make up for what you're lacking?" Alana suggested, vaguely listening to Brian and Natalie argue semantics of how Baylee should have been told. It was almost as if they were a married couple already. Though, Alana was more taken with the man sharing Baylee's bed with her.

"If you want," Nick murmured, his lips trailing to the gentle curve of her neck, where he nibbled gently. Drawing in a deep breath, he gloried in the soft scent of her. The hand resting on her hip slid upwards, pulling her closer when Baylee crawled over his legs to reach the side of the bed.

"Daddy! I get ready for my Lizzie now?" Baylee questioned, interrupting his father's speech.

"-Nat, I'm saying that I didn't realize he'd be so-What? …She's coming to see you, Scooper. You don't have to--" Brian's words were unheeded as the little boy hopped from his bed. Scurrying over to the closet, he reached up to yank down a pair of scrubs Alana had bought him. Clutching the garments, he hurried into the bathroom with his bare behind showing from the hospital gown and shut the door behind him. Silence evoked the room for a moment, but Brian raised a finger to Natalie before she started. "Now wait a damn--"

"There's way too much chaos in this family of yours," Alana decided as she grasped a few wrinkles of Nick's t-shirt to pull him closer. She kept his lips a few centimeters away from her own, just inhaling the spicy flavor of his breath. Her body trembled slightly at the feeling of his warm breath against her face. And she smiled. "God, I'm going to miss you when you go back to Florida…"

"I'm not leaving for awhile… Do you think you can take a vacation anytime soon?" Nick requested, nibbling softly at her bottom lip as he jerked the covers over their heads for privacy. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, he felt his body shudder with sudden desire, wishing they were anywhere but in Baylee's bed. "I'm going with Brian to the Bahamas--"

"What does me having vacation time have to do with you going to the Bahamas with Brian?" Alana interrupted in confusion as she was draped in a soft darkness with her lover. She could still see the excited shimmer radiating from his indigo eyes. Smiling sweetly, she cupped his face in her hands, offering the smallest of kisses to his lips. "And why are you two going to the Bahamas?"

"Well… Nat's going too, and Baylee, of course. And I was thinking that you've been working so hard the past few weeks, that you really need a break," Nick explained softly, pulling her closer to intensify their kiss.

"Nickalicious," Alana whimpered softly against his lips as her body melted against his. Caring less about the bickering couple outside the blanket, she brought her knee between his legs, feeling the hardening of his erection. It seemed like so long since they had made love-Had sex. Delving her tongue between his lips, she playfully flicked hers against his, her hands sneaking underneath his shirt to feel the warmth of his skin. "You don't want me to say no. And I haven't been working hard. I've been goofing off with only one patient--"

"So you can goof off a while longer," Nick interrupted, moaning softly. "In fact--"

"Nicky! Out! Out! No kissin' 'Lana in my bed!" Baylee shrieked as he flung the bathroom door open. "Stop it!"

"Damn," Alana muttered within Nick's mouth, reluctantly pulling away as the blankets were yanked down. Sitting up, she saw Baylee crawling back into the bed, launching himself into her arms. She cooed softly as she kissed the sides of his face, glancing toward Nick. "You've been denied access, Nickalicious."

Nick nearly whined, reaching beneath the blankets to make a quick adjustment before anyone noticed. "Surely there's an empty bed somewhere--"

"No access!" Baylee insisted, wrapping his arms tightly around Alana's neck. Tucking his head beneath her chin, he gave Nick a look that dared him to try and move closer. "My 'Lana 'tay an' p'ay wit' me an' Lizzie. Nicky go bye-bye!"

"Apparently, I'm babysitting while Brian and Natalie go out to get something to eat," Alana decided as she tenderly rubbed Baylee's back, glancing sideways toward Brian and Natalie. Both looked surprised at the suggestion, but nodded with looks of great thanks. "And I'll have a slumber party with Boogie tonight so Daddy and Natalie can get a good night's rest."

"Slumber party?" Nick repeated, sending Brian a glare for nodding again. Damn the man, he had Natalie all the time. It wasn't as though he had to steal moments from time to time. "Am I invited?"

"You s'eep on the floor," Baylee informed him, snuggling closer to Alana. "'Cause 'Lana and Lizzie s'eep wit' me!"

"We can at least get another bed rolled in here for tonight, Boogie. Don't want your Nicky waking up with a stiff neck… Among other things…" Alana cooed at the little boy as he reached an arm out to grasp the shoe resting beside them. Holding it up for her viewing, Alana had to grin. "You finished my new shoes?!"

"Uh huh! I did it all by myself!" Baylee chirped with excitement as Nick whined again. Ready to tell her every detail of his scribbles, he glanced up to see Elizabeth peering around the doorframe. Launching himself from Alana's lap, he scrambled off the bed. "Lizzie here! Daddy and Knot, go bye-bye!" he insisted, pushing impatiently at his father's leg.

"Did you give him the sex talk yet, Bumpkin?" Natalie inquired with surprise as she was pulled from her chair and pushed toward the door. She hadn't expected Baylee to be so strong, but he was adamant in his decision. She figured that much out when she found herself in the hallway with Brian following closely behind.

Brian paled slightly, wincing when the door was pushed shut behind them. "Now wait a damn minute. I… He's too young for the sex talk!"

*~*~*

Handing over her key when Brian asked for it, Natalie rested her back against the wall of the house, watching him fumble with the key for a moment. Smiling slightly at his hissed curse when the lock clicked open. Fully expecting him to bid her goodnight and leave to return to the hospital, she turned to thank him for dinner, giving a start when she saw he had moved closer. The light reflecting in his azure eyes gave her a shiver, the wine she had consumed during their meal giving her the nerve to lean close and offer him a quick kiss.

"Nat," Brian sighed against her lips, bracing one hand on the wall. Knowing he should go, he wanted only to stay with her. To welcome the affection she offered so freely, take a taste of the passion that always hinted just beneath the surface of their relationship. Sliding his lips over hers, tilting his head to intensify their gentle kiss, he cautiously tasted the remaining hints of the sweet wine on her tongue. Drinking in her scent, relief washing over him when her hand danced up his chest, her fingers curling in the collar of his shirt. Pulling him closer.

"Brian," Natalie gasped, placing the flat of her palm over his heart. The cloud of desire enveloped her, her fingers creeping to pop open the first buttons of his shirt. Needing to touch the warmth of his skin for as long as she was able. Knowing he would pull away. Brushing the tips of her fingers over the base of his neck as his teeth grazed her tongue. Releasing his collar, she slid her hand up, tangling her fingers gently in the light brown curls. Returning the force of his kiss with one of her own.

Brian barely heard the soft whine that escaped his throat, too occupied with tasting her. Enjoying the feel of her body next to his as their kiss continued its fervor. Resting his hand on her waist, he leaned closer, knowing he would not be able to pull away. Her body yielded to his touch, giving off a welcoming warmth that shook him to his core. Breaking their kiss, he trailed soft kisses over her cheek, stopping when he reached her ear. Breathing in the scent of her shampoo as her finger made a slow circle on the center of his chest.

"Brian," she breathed again, her body reeling from his kiss. Tilting her head back, she looked into his eyes, grateful he held her against the wall when she saw the desire glittering in the bright blue depths. Her knees weakening, she anxiously licked her tingling lips.

"I don't want to leave," Brian admitted softly as he pressed his forehead to hers, leaving a small distance between their gazes. His mother had always said that eyes were the window to a woman's soul. And the light caramel curtains of Natalie's soul were faintly fluttering as the windows were left open for him. He had bided his time with Leighanne. Patiently allowing her full reign of his life and now that she was gone, he wanted to follow his heart. Like he should have the first time he met Natalie and Leighanne. Natalie had been patiently waiting in the background of the music video for Leighanne to finish. He had attempted to approach Natalie first, but Leighanne was quick. Far too quick. And a tell tale Siren. But now he had Natalie in his arms and he wouldn't be pulling away.

"You want to go inside and take a nap before you go back to the hospital?" Natalie whispered in confusion, her eyes widening slightly as she struggled to comprehend his meaning.

"Nat…" Brian trailed with a slight smile, blushing at the realization that he would have to explain what he meant. Her oblivious naivety could be sweet and indefinitely consoling, but when it came to something they had been skirting around for years, it was a hindrance. "Scooper forbade me to return to the hospital tonight. But I know that if I go inside, I won't want to take a nap. I'll want to be with you… To take a drive on the pure snow, y'know?"

"Oh," she gasped, wanting to kick herself for not understanding. Wetting her lips again, she nodded slightly, sliding her arms around his neck to draw him in for another kiss. Her stomach twisted nervously, and she released a soft squeal when he pulled her into the house. "Brian, wait--"

"I wasn't going to pull you right into bed, Nat," Brian groaned as his cheeks brightened into a cherry red as he released her waist and moved to shut his door. "I just wanted to get us inside the house. That is allowed, isn't it?"

"Of course it is. I just… That is…" Natalie trailed, sweeping a hand through her hair. "I've been longing for you to pull me into bed for years now," she blurted, immediately clapping her hands over her mouth as her cheeks flushed brightly. Groaning, she turned away from him, not wanting him to see her embarrassment. "God, Bumpkin, I'm sorry--"

"I can't see me ever pulling you into bed," Brian admitted truthfully, staring at the back of her head for the longest moment. Usually, this is all the farther they ever got into this particular conversation. Both would apologize and move away from one another. But Brian wasn't allowing this tension to occur another moment longer. Reaching, he tentatively laced his fingers through hers. Pulling her toward him, he inhaled the soft scent of her strawberry shampoo and slowly wrapped her up into his arms, cradling her close. "I can, however, see myself carrying you up to my bed."

"I love you," she murmured with a smile, letting her head rest on his shoulder as he headed up the stairs.

"I love you, too, Natalie. So much," Brian whispered as he turned to kiss her forehead, leading them into the bedroom. Carefully, Brian laid Natalie amongst the softness of the mattress. He held his breath as he stepped back to admire her form. She was a beautiful creature. Petite and angelic, dressed in a soft yellow camisole and short denim skirt. Her long, light brown, wavy locks tossed into a clip and he couldn't help himself. Reaching, he plucked the clip from her hair, causing the waves to cascade in silky ripples. "I want to be your first, Nat…"

Natalie tensed slightly at his words, feeling as though a bucket of ice had been dumped over her body. Opening her mouth to speak, she closed it quickly, not having the nerve to ruin the moment. Grasping his hands with hers, she tugged him down onto the bed, smiling slightly at his surprised gasp. "Make love to me, Bumpkin…"

"You mean it?" Brian whispered, unable to hide the grin creeping to his handsome features.

"Please," she murmured, one hand sliding to gently graze his neck. "If you pull away now, I'll go crazy--"

"I won't," Brian promised, leaning to kiss the side of her face, inhaling the scent of her sweet perfume. Leaning over her, he continued to rain kisses along the side of her face as she laid back till he was laying atop her. "I love you so much, Natalie. And I won't hurt you."

"I trust you," she whispered, shivering at the tiny thrills that radiated through her body from his soft kisses. Fumbling with the remaining buttons of his shirt, she slid her hands over his warm skin, pausing when she reached the waistband of his jeans.

Brian nodded in confirmation at her words, not knowing what else to really say as he guided his lips over hers. Feeling the shirt slide from his back and the cool freshness of the central air sweeping over him, he had to shiver. Wanting to feel the warmth of her skin, his hands slipped underneath her silky camisole. Shuddering at the feeling of her soft skin, he dipped his hands inside the waist of her skirt, rubbing his fingers along the elastic band of her panties. "God…"

"Brian," she murmured into his mouth, arching off the bed slightly when his hands gently tugged on her skirt. Her heart felt as though it would pound out of her chest when she heard his soft sigh. Welcoming his body against hers when he settled over her, she wrapped her arms around his waist, one hand sliding forward to grope at his belt buckle. "Please…"

"Guess that's why God let Adam and Eve run naked," Brian chuckled as he kissed the corner of her lips, finally easing the skirt away from her waist. Tugging her panties with the skirt, he cast them to the end of the bed, bringing his hands up the smooth silkiness of her legs toward her inner thighs. The feeling of her moist heat sent his heart into a flutter of excitement.

Trembling, Natalie dipped her head to bite down gently on the skin of his neck, finally succeeding in unbuckling his belt as he gasped sharply. Emboldened, she let her tongue trail to the curve of his shoulder, her hand slowly slipping into his jeans. Running her finger along the elastic of his boxers, she hesitated momentarily before allowing her hand to slide lower.

"Oh God," Brian whispered in sheer surprise as the camisole and satin bra slid away from Natalie's body and she grasped his hardened length. The picturesque look of her bare body lying amongst his pillows, her large breasts heaving slightly with her soft breaths combined with the sweetest expression of wanting crossing her face mixed with the soft rubbing of her fingers along his shaft caused him to shudder with sheer ecstasy. He couldn't have asked God for a better evening nor a happier point in his life. "You're so beautiful, Natalie Rose..."

Natalie blushed at his murmured words, leaning back slightly to look into his eyes. His fingers continued their sweet torture between her legs, causing her body to tense with desire. Feeling him tremble over her, she quickly withdrew her hand, tracing the lines of his abdomen before letting them trail over the faint pink scar in the center of his chest. "Brian, please--"

"I love you," he promised her as she wriggled beneath him, yearning for something more than just soft fingertips. Shivering when her tongue traced the outline of his scar, he withdrew his hands from her legs. When she whined loudly with displeasure, he had to smile, catching her mouth in a kiss as he pushed his pants away from his body. Slipping his tongue into her mouth for several soft strokes, he positioned himself at the threshold of her burning heat. He hesitated as he ran his fingers over the contours of her body, tracing the curvature of her breasts. He didn't want to hurt her.

"I love you," she whispered, reaching to caress his cheek. Slowly, she shifted beneath him, draping one leg over his to increase their contact. Shivering, she nibbled at his bottom lip, opening her eyes to look at him. "Baby…"

"If I hurt you, tell me," he requested, sucking her top lip into his mouth.

"I will…"

Brian nodded at her promise, catching her mouth against his for a soft kiss as he slipped between her legs. Feeling her cradle him closely, he intensified the hunger of his kiss as he eased himself within her body. He was soft and gentle as he positioned himself within her, waiting for some kind of grimace of pain. He knew the first time making love for any woman was painful and he didn't want her to remember that. He'd rather her anticipate the wanting and needing of him within her. The catching of her breath as desire washed over her. And, when he pulled away from her feverish kisses, he was surprised to find her so placid. "Are you okay, Nat?"

He was being so gentle, so caring. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes and she nodded shakily, not trusting herself to speak. "I'm okay," she promised when he continued to stare down at her. Biting down on her lower lip, she slowly slid her hands down his chest, letting them rest idly on his waist. He filled her completely, more than she had ever dreamed possible, and the worry etched in his eyes caused her to fall in love with him all over again. "Brian--"

"I love you, Natalie," Brian promised once more, leaning down to find her lips in a sweet kiss. Tilting his head, he pressed forward with the kisses, moving his hips in a slow and steady rhythm against her. Surprised when he felt her move with him in a fluid wave, he shuddered as his hands raced along her sides, stroking her softly.

"I love you more," she whispered, shaking with pent-up passion as their bodies moved together. Breaking their kiss, she pressed her face against his neck, inhaling his scent as she softly kissed the damp skin. Wrapping her arms around him, she allowed her nails to lightly rake his back as the flames of desire grew stronger. "God, Brian--"

"I'm going to take such good care of you, Nat. You're never going to want for anything ever again. You and Scooper are my whole life…" Brian murmured against the side of her face, cupping his hand against the back of her neck to hold her against him. The warmth of her body was sending waves of desire crashing against him. The passion quickly building without any means of restraint. He had wanted this for so long. Wanted her. So very long.

"I know," she promised, clinging to him tightly. Never had she imagined she could love him more. "I-I won't ever let you go, Bumpkin… Ever…"

"God…" Brian breathed heavily against her bare shoulder, nibbling affectionately at the skin as his body flamed with passion. Unable to control his desire, he quickened the thrust of his hips, sending himself deeper into her core with every strong yet easy movement. He pulled back slightly to watch her eyes, the darkness of the caramel irises fueling his wanting to continue at the grinding rhythm. Her soft squeals and moans sent shudders through his body and he grinned as he caught her lips again, pulling her up to meet his body. The beads of sweat from their bodies collecting and mixing amongst their slick skins.

"Brian!" Natalie squealed suddenly as her entire body shook. Wrapping herself around him, she squeezed him tightly, biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep the pleasure from erupting too soon. Leaning her head back, she brought one hand to his face, her fingers outlining his jaw as he guided their bodies into an intense rhythm. "God--"

"Dear God," Brian seemed to correct with a tortured grunt, attempting to hold his breath to prolong the sweetness of their union. But the feeling of her body beneath his and the way she tightened to draw him in further was fighting against him. Staring down into her dark caramel eyes, he offered a haphazard smile, hoping she understood how much he loved her. How he always had loved her. How she had been first in his life, even when she thought she was second. All the words that he longed to say in the close comfort of her arms.

Natalie's eyes widened slightly with realization as she stared into his eyes, her hand dropping to his shoulder in a soft caress. Nodding slightly at the hope she saw, she brought him down for a sweet kiss, tangling her fingers gently in his hair as her body shuddered with delight. "Brian, I-please--"

"I know," he agreed, cupping his hands underneath her arms and flattening his palms against her back. Bringing her close to his body, her breasts rose to brush against his chest and he shivered with delight. Unable to hold on to the brink of pleasure much longer, he found himself releasing the desire that had gathered for so many years. A wave of ecstasy crashed over his body as he found her lips, murmuring a thousand 'I love you's' to her.

Crying out, Natalie purred his name as her body began to slowly relax, returning his soft kisses. Tightening her fingers in his hair, she held him to her, knowing she could never let him go. Feeling his gentle trembles, she broke their kiss to look into his eyes, resting her hand over his pounding heart. "I love you," she breathed.

"I love you, too, Natalie," Brian swore as he curled his arms around her bare body and slowly rolled to his side. He brought her to him, however, pressing the softest kisses to her forehead. Exhaling a soft breath of contentment, he leaned back to find her smoldering caramel eyes. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No," she promised with a smile, releasing a soft sigh when he smoothed the damp hair from her face. "You were perfect."
Chapter Fourteen :: Vying for Attention by shrinkingviolet
Alana waved goodbye to Baylee and Elizabeth as they went scurrying out into the hospital hallway, demanding that Elizabeth's mother hurry up as well. The youngsters were going down to the cafeteria for breakfast before heading to the outside playground of the hospital to play for awhile. Alana had promised to take them, but Elizabeth's mother had declined the offer quite quickly, insisting that she stay with Nick. Elizabeth and Baylee had already been telling her that Alana was falling in love with Nick. It was an absurd notion and Alana had fought a groan when Elizabeth's mother had said as much. But, glancing toward the man slumbering on the extra bed, she truly did entertain the notion of love. He had gone beyond the distance with her.

Noticing the way he curled onto his side, Alana moved away from Baylee's hospital bed and stood at his bedside. She had never had the pleasure of snuggling against him for a long period of time. She was always quick to get away from him after spending a night with him. Though only one night had been in her bed. Biting down on her bottom lip, Alana slipped beneath the covers beside him. Spooning herself against him, she carefully bunched his blue t-shirt over his shoulders, displaying his sleek back. She admired his tattoos as he slept peacefully, tracing her fingertips lightly over 'Kaos' inked down his spine.

"Are you trying to seduce me in m'sleep?" Nick mumbled against the pillow, his body shivering at her light touch. Cracking one eye, he groaned at the bright light streaming through the window, certain he had just fallen asleep.

"Like it would take much," Alana murmured as her fingers moved over the musical note on his right shoulder blade. A small smile played with her lips as she entertained the idea of tracing the outlines with the tip of her tongue. Now that would be seducing. "…I just wanted to see your tattoos… I've never looked at them…"

"Oh…" Burying his face against the pillow one more, Nick released a blissful sigh. His skin tingled where her fingers touched him lightly, and it was all he could do to keep from rolling over to seduce her. Letting his breath out in a hiss, he reached beneath the sheet covering his lower half to adjust himself quickly, hoping she wouldn't notice.

"You can go back to sleep," Alana offered as she traced her fingers over the half moon next, ignoring the movement of his hand beneath the sheet. She knew he was fighting embarrassment by the way his ears grew red. So, she said nothing as she brought her legs up to hug the curve of his backside, brushing her bare feet along his calf.

"Kind of hard to do that now," he murmured, sliding his hand back to rest on her thigh. "Did you sleep good? Bay's one hell of a kicker--"

"I think I've got enough bruises to make a complaint at the police department, but I sacrificed myself for Lizzie, so it was worth it," Alana confided as she wrapped her arms around him, having finished admiring the tattoos on his back. Exhaling a soft sigh as she pressed her forehead against his bare back, she found her heart fluttering as she confessed her heart's secrets. "But I probably would have been happier sleeping with you…"

"I don't know… I'm a pretty bad kicker too," Nick mused softly, twining his fingers with hers, smiling at her closeness. "But then again, I'd kiss wherever I kicked…"

"Well, I toss and turn, so I'd suspect that you'd never even find my body to kick it…"

"I'm sure I could pin you down eventually," Nick murmured, rolling over to face her. "Good morning, Beautiful," he whispered, looking into her eyes for a moment before catching her lips in a gentle kiss.

"Nickalicious…" Alana cooed in surprise as she felt the softness of his lips against hers. A shiver ripped through her spine as warmth flooded her body. Reaching to cup his face within her hands, she greeted him with a soft passion of thanks. "I'm hardly beautiful, but thank you."

"Well, the last time I called you Baby I got kicked in the ass, so I figured Beautiful was the way to go," he explained, winding his arms around her waist to pull her closer. Smiling slightly when she trembled next to him, he offered her another kiss, letting his fingers dip beneath the shirt she wore to gently caress her soft skin. "Did you think anymore about going to the Bahamas with us?"

"I thought you were just kidding…" Alana admitted softly, reaching to draw the covers over their bodies so they were nestled in cozy warmth. Not that she needed the blankets to remain warm with Nick's arms wrapped around her. She loved the feeling of him holding her. It made her feel like she was special for once in her life. Like she could do no wrong. That she wasn't a failure.

"I want you to come with us," Nick murmured, pressing several soft kisses to her neck before letting his head rest next to hers. Smiling, he pulled her leg over his, reveling in the feeling of her body pressed just so perfectly against his. When she was next to him he felt complete, as though nothing could go wrong, ever. "Brian's going to see if Lizzie can come down, too, so it'll be a nice big family type vacation…"

"So, you want me to be the babysitter?" Alana guessed, searching his dark indigo eyes for a sense of what he truly wanted. Lazily running her foot against his bare calf again, she suddenly wondered if he had meant what he said at the hospital concert. If he really did love her or if it had been just the passion of the song? Would she have said it back if he meant it?

"Only if you consider me a baby…"

"So, I'm your guardian for the trip? Making sure you don't untie a couple of bikini strings? …Is Howie going to be there pressing me to sign under his record label?"

"No, Howie's not going to be there… And the only bikini strings I'll be interested in untying are yours," Nick promised. "Please? You can spend your days doing whatever you want. Lazing around in bed eating chocolate and reading sexy books… Anything…"

"I don't read sexy books…" Alana laughed softly, though her thoughts turned serious as she brushed her hand over his thick bicep. She knew that, underneath it all, she truly did need a vacation. A chance to get away from Kentucky and the past she was trying so hard to forget. A chance to breathe again. And she had never seen an ocean before. But, it just wasn't possible. "…I don't have the kind of money to spring for an expensive vacation to the Bahamas, Nick…"

"We'll take care of it, Alana… All you have to do is come, we'll take care of everything else," Nick murmured.

"I couldn't possibly let you pay for--"

"Then you can pay me back," Nick interrupted. "But Brian wants you to come so he can show his thanks for helping so much with Baylee… And I want you to come because--"

"I was just doing my job taking care of Baylee. There is no need for thanks."

"Then come to be with me?"

"Nick… I just… And you…" Alana could hardly express herself as the shock of his request melted into her system. He was pleading with her to be with him when things were starting to end. He should be heading back to Florida just as Baylee was getting discharged. But he wanted to stay... "To be with you?"

"If you want?" Nick inquired softly. He had thought it was a wonderful idea when he'd thought of it, but now… He realized she might not want to spend anymore time with him. That she may have considered the past weeks fun, but didn't want to pursue anything more. And that thought scared him. "I mean… If you don't, that's okay, I just thought…"

"Well I just thought that you'd be leaving… That you wouldn't want to… With me… That you were some kind of… I guess your reputation proceeds you, too…" Alana bit down hard on her bottom lip as she withdrew her leg from his, pulling out of his embrace. "If Brian wants me to… I mean… I don't know…"

"Alana… I love you--"

"Nick…" Alana interrupted as her heart leapt to her throat and a sharp gasp of air caught against her lungs. The words resounded in her mind and before she could anticipate her needs, she found herself sitting on the floor beside the bed. Tugging at her long, strawberry locks, she groaned. "I just… God, what did you say?"

Heaving a soft sigh, Nick moved to sit next to her, wincing when she drew away from him. "I said I love you, Alana…"

"God, Nick…" Alana trailed, rubbing the back of her neck as she squeezed her eyes shut. This is why she had kept herself at a distance with the male persuasion. She didn't want to get caught in the middle of a romantic affair where feelings were… She had promised herself… Nick was making such a chaotic mess of her life…

"Is it wrong?" Nick questioned softly, pulling his knees to his chest so he could rest his arms on them. Leaning his head back against the side of the bed, he stared at the ceiling. "I'm sorry…"

"No, it's not wrong and you don't have to be sorry--"

"Then why do you pull away from me when I tell you? Why do you look like a deer caught in the headlights?" Sighing, Nick ran his hands down his face, wondering how he always managed to screw things up around her. "I won't say it anymore, okay? At least, not till you tell me you're ready to hear it…"

"This is the first time that you've told me and I was surprised… And I doubt you even know what a deer caught in headlights looks like, Surfer Boy," Alana attempted to tease, resting a hand on his knee. But when he didn't share her smile, she sighed softly with a pained expression. She glanced down to the ring resting on her silver chain, shaking her head with disbelief. "Who decided to go to the Bahamas?"

"Brian wanted to take Bay on a vacation for a while… He loves the beach, so Brian decided to go all out," Nick explained softly, covering her hand with his. Lifting her fingers to his lips for a soft kiss, he glanced at her. "And he invited me, and was all for it when I asked if you could come along… And this isn't he first time I've told you I love you--"

"I chalked the other one up to the passion of singing…" Alana interrupted with a soft trail, hating the way her body reacted to the sweetness of his kisses. She was falling for him faster than she had ever anticipated. She had to lock her heart up tighter if she ever wanted to survive.

"Oh… Well… How about we just keep going like we have, then? And for that to happen, you have to agree to come to the Bahamas with me so that I can let you see what a wonderful guy I am--"

"I already know you're a wonderful guy, Nickalicious, honest. And I like you a lot--"

"That's the part I have to work on," Nick interrupted with a smile, kissing her fingers again.

"You're not mad at me, are you? Because I didn't--"

"I'm not mad at you, Beautiful. I promise," Nick murmured. "Now, say you'll go with me? Please?"

"I'm going to have to pay you back all that money."

"Just a few bucks here and there when you have extra…"

"More than just a few bucks, Nick."

"When's your birthday?"

"May Twenty-first… Why?"

"Then consider the trip to the Bahamas your birthday present," Nick insisted. When she drew up to argue, he held up a hand to silence her. "From Brian, Baylee, Happy Hands and me, okay? And if that's too much, well… Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas for the next three years."

"I can't even imagine you three sticking around for three years…"

"As much as we love you, do you honestly think we could just walk away?" Nick questioned softly, pulling her into his embrace. "Do you honestly think that little Baylee Thomas Wylee Littrell is going to just up and forget about you? That I could just let you go?"

"I just figured that if my family can't even tolerate me…" Alana shook her head as she shifted into his arms. Burying her face into his chest as she shuddered, she felt a wave of tears start to wash over her. Nick was far too endearing to her. He knew just what to say to make her feel better. Even if he was the one to start the trouble. She just wanted held for a moment. To know she was safe in his arms if no where else.

"Your family is obviously a bunch of baboons who don't know a good thing when they see it," Nick murmured softly against her hair. Holding her close, he felt his chest tighten with pain when she shuddered again. "It's okay, Beautiful…"

"If you want me to go to the Bahamas with you, then I will," she promised as her fingers curled into his t-shirt. Tears wetted her face, though she refused to show him as she tucked her head underneath his chin. She felt so small and insignificant at that point in her life; it seemed as if Nick was the only one who understood her. Somewhat.

*~*~*

Bursting into Baylee's hospital room, Brian skidded to a stop when he saw the couple snuggled close together in the bed. Alana's head rested on Nick's shoulder, resting quietly as Nick created an elaborate design with Baylee's Legos. Grunting when Natalie walked straight into his back, he stepped aside, motioning for her to look at the two on the bed. Glancing around the room, he smiled when he saw Baylee had claimed the extra bed, curled up with George and Simba as he napped. "Put the kid to sleep, huh, Frack?"

"I'm actually that boring, Frick," Nick agreed as he craned his neck toward Alana. They had spent most of the morning curled up together in a peaceful silence. Then Baylee had romped into the room and demanded Alana's attention. After hours of playing and then watching a movie, Baylee had drifted into a long nap. Alana had then curled up with Nick on the opposite bed, making small conversation till she too drifted. "She's been like that for hours. I'm just glad she ain't drooling… Kind of would have made her less beautiful in my eyes… Okay, so not really, but a damp shoulder is just disgusting--"

"One word from you about drooling, Bumpkin, and you're dead," Natalie warned with a faint blush to her cheeks as she moved to settle on the couch. When Brian's eyes met hers she felt her blush deepen, grinning at his knowing look. Pulling one leg under her, she leaned to retrieve her laptop to type up an update that Baylee would be leaving the hospital soon.

"So, you two finally laid each other?" Nick guessed, glancing toward Brian with a wicked grin. It didn't take much to realize that something between the two flittering lovebirds had changed. Especially with that easy, breezy grin sweeping over Brian's facial features and the fluid movement in his walk. All the tension had been swept away from his body.

Brian sputtered for a moment, quickly shaking his head. "Nick!"

"That'd be a yes," Alana murmured softly as she shifted against Nick, resting her head within his lap as she stretched indolently.

"I'm not having this conversation," Brian insisted, feeling his cheeks flame slightly when Natalie snickered from behind the laptop.

"She rocked his world," Alana concluded as she folded her hands over her abdomen, glancing up at Nick with a small smile.

"Alana!" Natalie squeaked, slapping the laptop shut quickly. "I did not--"

"'Parently, he rocked her world too," Nick murmured to Alana with a chuckle.

"It was a mutual rocking," Alana agreed. "But if we had been at my house last night, they wouldn't have had a clue what true ecstasy was. Their rocking would have been a mere quiver."

"Well… I know I should agree with you on that, but… You've got to put into consideration the fact that they've been avoiding any type of quivering for the past nine years. Add to that the fact that Happy Hands is-or should I say was?-a virgin, and the fact that Brian's been living like a monk for the past three years…" Nick trailed thoughtfully, ignoring the utter embarrassment on his friend's face. "It's a damn wonder we didn't feel the aftershocks here!"

"Deflowering a virgin is less pleasing then everyone makes it out to be. Pain, blood, mess, and walking funny afterwards…" Alana trailed as she moved to sit up beside Nick. Stretching once more, she noticed how dark cherry the couple's cheeks were and had to laugh. "I'm glad y'all had such a nice night. Honestly. That tension was just nuts…"

"I didn't walk funny afterwards," Natalie defended with a glance at Brian. "…Did I?"

"Frick's strutting," Nick announced with a laugh as the older man crossed the room. "Ain't seen you strut like that since that time you groped Happy Hands on the bus and thought it was Leigh--"

"Would you shut up, Frack?" Brian groaned as he hurled the nearest object at Nick's head.

Catching the paperback book before it made contact, Nick grinned from ear to ear. "Alright, alright… Sheesh…"

"Wait, wait. I want to hear about this groping," Alana insisted.

Natalie stared at Brian. "You groped me?! When?!"

"Well, it couldn't have been that good if she ain't recalling the information," Alana sighed dejectedly, moving to climb out of the bed to gather her things.

Brian groaned, glaring at Nick for bringing it up. "It was years ago, the bus was passing through a tunnel, I thought you were Leigh, you walked past, and I pulled you down--"

"Oh. My. God. That was you?! I thought it was AJ!"

"Don't let her fool you, Sex Kitten. She just wants me for my body and I wasn't even remotely interested in having her. Especially when I met you," AJ announced as he sauntered into the room with a single deep purple rose for Alana, having heard the entire conversation. "Pull her into my lap… Please…"

"Like you weren't the one who gave me my first body shot when I turned twenty-one," Natalie muttered, rolling her eyes.

Nick snorted, glaring at the rose as AJ brought it over to the bed. "Gee, Aje, you shouldn't have… Really, it can't go anywhere. You have a girlfriend, I'm falling in love with someone else, and think about it… Would society accept us as a couple?"

"If I can't even accept us as a couple, Nicky, I doubt society would be for it, either. Besides, I was drunk and needed the money when I was with you. Also, I dumped my girlfriend a few days ago and this rose is for the beautiful creature climbing out of your bed. I was hoping she'd take me for a ride on her ATV's today," AJ explained with wicked smile, handing the rose to Alana as he affectionately kissed her cheeks.

"Thanks, AJ," Alana answered, kissing his cheek as an expression of gratefulness. "And, yeah, if you want to swing by my house, I'll take you out--"

"No deal, she's taking me out--"

"You dumped Kaci?" Natalie interrupted with a gasp.

"Like that should come as a shock," Brian chuckled.

"I'm not shocked. More like relieved. Do you know how much money I had down that they'd break up before summer?" Natalie questioned. "Hallelujah, that means I got--"

"You were betting on the longevity of my relationship?" AJ questioned in surprise.

"Don't look so offended," Brian laughed. "That's money she's going to be spending to go to the Bahamas."

"You little… And you… Bahamas? We're going to the Bahamas?" AJ questioned with a grin of hopefulness.

Nick scowled, tugging Alana back onto the bed so he could hold her. "No… We're not going anywhere. Brian, Happy Hands, Bay, Alana and I are--"

"You're welcome to come," Natalie piped up with a grin. "The more the merrier!"

"Can I room with Alana?" AJ questioned as Nick muttered a foul string of curses into the back of Alana's ironed locks. Not that AJ much cared about Nick's perturbed nature as he grinned excitedly toward Alana. "The Bahamas is so fucking beautiful, Al. We'll have a blast. I'll take you out on the jet-skis, we'll do some snorkeling, they even have parasailing and sailing. Oh! And the clubbing will be so fucking awesome--"

"And you have to go snorkeling in the reefs," Natalie added with excitement, ignoring the look of rage Nick sent her as she hopped to her feet.

"Hell yes!" AJ insisted as he looked to Alana. "And I'll take you out shopping for everything you need on the trip."

"I've never been to a beach in my life," Alana admitted, smiling at the enthusiasm exuding from AJ's electrifying personality.

"Then we should go shopping now!" AJ insisted. "What we can't get around here, we can order online and have it all waiting for us when we get there--"

"Oh! Let's go!" Natalie chirped with excitement, turning to give Brian a hopeful look. "You don't mind, do you, Bumpkin?"

"Not at all," Brian chuckled, reaching into his wallet. "Which credit card do you want?"

Alana frowned as AJ pulled her up from Nick's arms. "Wait, I don't have the money to do all this shopping--"

"Brian's treat," Natalie informed her with a smile, leaning to kiss Brian gently as she accepted his card.

"I've got it," AJ insisted with a grin.

"There is no way on God's green Earth that I'm letting Brian or AJ buy me things," Alana immediately declined as AJ tossed her sneakers onto the bed. Then, without warning, he threw her over his shoulder to tie the shoes onto her feet. "AJ!"

"Come on, the day's wasting away and we have tons of stuff to buy!" AJ informed her.

"Give Bay-Bee tons of kisses for me, okay?" Natalie requested softly, kissing Brian once more. "And I'll pick him up a little something for the trip--"

"Have fun," Brian agreed as he caught the back of her neck to hold her for a moment longer, savoring the taste of her lips. "And don't be gone too long. I need you."

"I need you more," she promised softly with a smile, smoothing her hand over his cheek.

"Oh gag me with a freaking spoon," AJ groaned, turning towards the door. "Let's go!"

"So… I really don't get a say in this?" Alana questioned in shock as she remained perched over AJ's shoulder, watching Natalie scoop up her purse before leaning to kiss Brian once more.

"Do you honestly think we'll listen?" AJ returned.

"Now wait a damn minute," Nick growled suddenly, sitting straight up in the bed to scowl at Natalie. "If anyone's going to pay for Alana's things, it'll be me--"

"Little late for that, Son," AJ chuckled as he affectionately patted Alana's backside, causing her to roll her eyes playfully. "Besides, why should you be paying for things you ain't going to see? You'll be too busy with Snot-Face."

"That's it--"

"See you later, B!" AJ hollered, sauntering into the hallway with Alana on his shoulder and Natalie chattering excitedly behind him.

"Goddamnit," Nick hissed, knocking his Legos to the floor with a snarl. Glaring at Brian, he launched out of bed. "Your girlfriend is so dead--"

Brian's eyes went wide in shock as he pulled his feet up to keep Legos from pelting his legs. "What did she do?!"

"She invited that jackass to the Bahamas, that's what she did!"

"You never minded AJ coming along on vacations before--"

"I never had someone as wonderful as Alana before--"

"Had? What do you have with Alana?" Brian interrupted with honest surprise. "You and AJ never minded passing girls between each other before… Hell, I thought your guys' black books were stapled together…"

"Because, damnit, I love her!"

"Holy Moley, Nick…"

"…I do, okay? She means everything to me--"

"Then why did you let her go shopping with AJ?"

"Did it look like I had a choice? Between Happy Hands and Man Whore I couldn't get a word in!"

"It's not like AJ's going to push the moves on her in the mall…" Brian trailed, though his expression looked quite unconvincing as he glanced up to Nick. "…You've never been so serious about a woman before, Nick…"

"Because I've never felt this way about a woman before--" Nick cut off with a whine when Brian's words sunk in. "Goddamnit! Later, B--"

"Where are you going?! It isn't like he's going to pull her into a changing room for a quick-Why are you running so damn fast?!"
Chapter Fifteen :: Buying Her the World by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
What? Update in the middle of the week? *gasp* :) Thanks so much to everyone who has reviewed, and to whomever got us on the Featured Stories list.
"God, I love taking you shopping," AJ decided as he held tight to Alana's hand, walking around the first swimwear shop they had found at the local mall. Natalie lingered on the other side of the swimwear, pulling out items that she liked as she watched AJ select for Alana. It was amusing to say the very least, AJ finding the most provocative swimwear and tossing it onto their linked arms as Alana's eyes just widened in shock. Natalie couldn't wait to tell Nick, loving to ruffle the man's feathers. Though, AJ's raspy voice caught her attention. "It's like having my own private Victoria's Secret model, Al. Only far more gorgeous with a talented voice to boot. You really should take D up on the offer for a contract-Damn, you'd look hot in this!"

"You mind talking a little louder, AJ?" Natalie questioned with a roll of her eyes, scooping up her selections.

"She's just jealous 'cause you're breathtaking," AJ decided loudly as he glanced to Alana, grinning when Natalie scowled darkly.

"I think Natalie's gorgeous," Alana answered honestly as she ran her fingers over a light lavender bikini bottom. "Dark, bohemian beauties are absolutely breathtaking. Not tall, gangly blondes who spend every waking moment fighting femininity."

"Thank you, Alana," Natalie cooed. Though, when she turned to go to the dressing room, she stopped, not quite sure if it had been a compliment or not. "…I think…"

"You're not gangly," AJ disagreed, squeezing Alana's hand gently. "And why do you fight femininity?"

"You're beautiful, Natalie," Alana corrected at her new friend's puzzled expression. When her lips curved into a beaming smile, Alana playfully rolled her eyes and motioned for Natalie to go inside the dressing room. When the older woman disappeared, Alana glanced back to AJ who was intently searching through the various styles. "No thongs or G-strings, how 'bout it? No need to see my bare white ass flopping out."

"But… Your ass isn't white," AJ snorted, reaching to pluck at the waistband of the jean shorts she wore as though he were going to look himself. Chuckling when she slapped his hand away, he pulled back, looking towards the rack. "Fine, fine… No one pieces, though--"

"What's wrong with a one piece?" Alana inquired incredulously, moving him toward the specific rack of one pieces.

"Because only old ladies and little kids wear one pieces," AJ whined.

"What about those cute little skirts?" she teased further, holding a large bathing suit out that was stripped with hot orange and a matching skirt. She held it to her small frame, waiting for his reaction.

"They hide the gorgeousness that is a beautiful woman's legs," AJ disagreed, shaking his head. "And, that color makes me want to barf--"

"You ain't kidding," Alana agreed with a smirk, pushing the suit back amongst its peers. "And I think my legs are already too damn long to begin with. Might be easier to hide them with some goofy skirt…"

"No, no, no," AJ insisted, grabbing her hand to drag her back to the bikinis. Plucking through the racks, he shook his head at each selection, grumbling under his breath. Just when he thought it was a lost cause, he finally jerked one rack out, holding it in front of her. Smiling when he saw her reaction, he backed towards the dressing room, holding out the bright purple bikini. "It'll show off your legs… And you should really show off those legs, babe--"

"And why do I need to show off these legs, Babe?" Alana countered as AJ dragged her toward the dressing rooms. Her eyebrows arched in question as he opened the door and pushed her inside. When she fell to the padded bench in the large dressing room, she had to squeal as the door closed, concealing both of them inside. "AJ!"

"Try it on?" he requested, handing it over.

From the next dressing room came a snort of laughter. "I am so telling Bumpkin about this…"

"I am not trying this on with you in the room," Alana insisted, banging a fist against the wall connecting her dressing room to Natalie's dressing room. At the short crash, curse, and squeal, Alana grinned with satisfaction, leaning down to untie her shoes, though AJ beat her to it.

"Not funny, Alana! I could've broke my neck!" Natalie whined.

"I would have held you together till the paramedics came, Nat," Alana promised as she felt AJ's hands moving to the low rise waist of her jean shorts. In a quick snap, he had them on the ground and was reaching for her tank top. "AJ! I can undress myself!"

"Well! You weren't doing anything but sitting there," AJ explained with a heavy sigh, leaning against the door once more. "Hurry up, Babycakes--"

"I was kind of waiting for you to get out of…" Alana trailed into a pointless argument as she shrugged her bare shoulders. Moving to stand, she switched AJ places within the dressing room. Natalie was still rambling in an argumentative whine and Alana simple pulled the low rise, string tied bottoms from the hanger. Sliding them onto her petite form over her boy-cut underwear, she allowed AJ to knot the strings at the swell of her hips. Then, turning her back to him, she slipped off her tank top and sports bra, reaching for the triangular cut, string bikini top. Feeling hands on her back, she rolled her eyes as AJ tied the strings around her neck and back, simply adjusting herself before turning to face him. Playing with the strings at her hips, she waited for his reaction. The triangular bottoms with the side ties lay several inches away from her pierced belly button and wore high on her hips, accentuating the long length of her silky legs. The triangular, purple tie-dye string top hugged her large breasts and flaunted her sleek style. Pulling her long locks away from her face, she arched her brows toward AJ.

"Nice," AJ approved with a slow nod.

"Which means you hate it," Alana guessed with a bemused smile, trying not to show her hurt as she suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable with her body. Shifting her long locks so they spilled over her shoulders, she knocked on the wall. "Find anything good, Nat?"

"Well, actually, I can't decide between--"

"I didn't say I hated it," AJ growled, tugging Alana around so she was facing him. Placing his hands on her waist, he let his eyes rove over her body, smirking. "I love it, Babe… It just makes me want to--"

"Alana, if he's groping, just tell him his dogs are better looking than him. It works every time," Natalie informed from the other dressing room.

"At least I don't get compared to my dogs' asses like some women, Naughty," AJ barked.

"So if I buy this, can we just consider this little shopping trip over?" Alana questioned hopefully.

"Hey, at least I don't act like your dogs' asses," Natalie shot back with a snort. "And, Alana, I could really use some help over here--"

"Whichever one hides your face," AJ decided, yelping when a shoe connected with his head.

Alana rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Alright, I'll be right over, just give me a chance to change--"

"No! I want to see the suit you're getting!"

"Always told B that she was a dyke," AJ grumbled under his breath, ducking to avoid the next shoe that flew over the partition.

"You two are horrible to one another," Alana observed as she assessed her reflection in the full length mirror. "And there's nothing like running out in a store in your underwear…" Reaching for the doorknob, she pushed the door open and stepped out with every intent of running right over to Natalie's area. But she found a pair of infuriated indigo eyes glaring at her and the waiting man in her dressing room. "Oh fuck me sideways!" Alana yelped, hurrying back inside the room and hopping onto the bench with every intention of vaulting over to the opposite room.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" Nick growled at AJ, snatching the man from the dressing room. Ignoring the older man's protests, he pushed him away before stepping inside and slamming the door shut behind him. Looping his arm around Alana's waist, he jerked her down so she was standing in front of him. "Are you insane?!"

After a full moment's silence, Natalie's soft sigh could be heard from the next room. "They're going to end up having sex right there and here I stand…"

"Shut up, Natalie!" Nick and AJ both echoed sharply.

"What did I do wrong this time?" Alana groaned as she pressed her back tightly against the wall, staring up into Nick's chillingly icy blue eyes. She couldn't understand what was so wrong. AJ was buying the swimsuit and he wanted to see what he was buying. Holding her breath, she waited for some kind of outburst, flinching slightly.

"The top is supposed to hang lower on your chest," Nick whispered softly, letting her see his smirk as his fingers trailed up to adjust the material. "Like… That… And you didn't do anything wrong, Beautiful… AJ just doesn't know how to keep his hands to himself, and I was worried that he'd put some move on you," he explained, cupping her face in his hands as he moved closer.

"Nickalicious…" Alana trailed in bewilderment as she smiled in sweet surprise.

"Besides… I was jealous as Hell that he got to see this on you before I did--"

"You didn't even know that I was trying this on…"

"I knew you were trying on swimsuits, that was torture enough--" Nick groaned when there was a soft knock on the door

"You almost done in there? I need to go get some shoes, and then we have to go by the toy store and get something for Bay-Bee--"

"Alright, Nat," Alana interrupted as she listened to AJ cursing softly just beside the woman. She leaned forward to seek Nick's lips out for a gentle kiss. She had honestly wished that he was the one to come shopping with her. She would have had far more fun trying on swimsuits for him. Perhaps a few outfits for clubbing in the Bahamas. But Natalie was running this trip. "Show's over. I guess I better get changed."

"AJ, damnit!" Natalie yelped. Then, a resigned sigh. "I've just been informed that AJ will be taking me to pick out a toy for Bay, and you two are on your own. Because, well, I think he's too much of a wimp to see Nick face to face right now, and--"

"Thanks, Nat," Nick crooned with a chuckle, before turning back to kiss Alana once again. "Where were we?"

"I'm not really sure," Alana admitted as she heard Natalie squeal again as she was yanked out of the store. Glancing into Nick's clearing indigo eyes, she tentatively licked her lips. "I think we were somewhere between knowing I was trying on bikinis was torture and--"

"Me taking it off you," Nick finished softly, moving to sit on the bench. Pulling her into his lap, he gave her a grin, his lips finding hers once more.

"Nickalicious," she purred softly with surprise, wrapping her arms around his neck to steady herself. Though, propping her elbows upon his shoulders, she easily ran her fingers through his messy blonde locks. She loved the haphazard spikes moving in different directions, allowing her to play with them as she pleased. Hardening her lips against his, she snuck her tongue into his mouth, gingerly lapping at his tongue. The taste of soda lingered and she had to grin.

Nick wasted no time in removing the lower half of her bikini, one hand moving to quickly untie the top as he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth. Nibbling softly, he shivered with anticipation, knowing they had to hurry before they were caught. "Alana, I--"

"Can someone toss me my shoes?" Natalie's voice interrupted. "I kind of need them--"

"Damnit," Alana groaned softly as she broke their kisses, glancing to find Natalie's heeled sandals on the floor. Pulling away from Nick's lap, she scooped up the shoes and pushed them out from underneath the door. Hearing Natalie's excitedly squeal, Alana crossed her arms over her breasts and glanced toward Nick. "This is a preview of the Bahamas. Of course, I guess I'm rooming with AJ, so--"

"There's no damn way you're rooming with AJ. If I have to chain the man to a boat, you're not rooming with him--"

"Then I'll just stay with Baylee and be the babysitter, alright?" Alana suggested as she stooped to grab her jean shorts, tank top, and sports bra. Pushing them all into Nick's lap, she then grasped her jean shorts to pull them on. "Nat and Brian are going to want some time to themselves…"

"Nat and Brian can do what normal couples with children do and wait till the child goes to bed," Nick suggested with a sigh. "You're not going to be a babysitter, Beautiful. Hell, I'll-I know! I'll call Aaron!"

Alana's teal eyes grew wide in surprise. "Aaron?"

"My kid brother. Baylee loves him, he's been whining about not having any fun lately, and I haven't hung around with him in a while… This is perfect! I'll call him--"

"I know who he is. He was at the concert. I met him for like two minutes--"

"Alright then. Perfect. That way that annoying Gnat can have Brian and I can have you--"

"You already have me," Alana promised as she pulled on her sports bra and then her tank top. Grasping her strawberry locks, she tossed them into a high ponytail and glanced down to Nick. Unable to help herself, she crawled into Nick's lap and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'd like to spend some time with Aaron, too, y'know. To know your little brother. You love him so much and… I'd just like to meet him…"

"You just said you met him at the concert…"

"Maybe for more than two minutes the next time, huh? All he's ever said to me was him asking if I was the wild woman that climbed mountains…" Alana trailed with a groan, leaning down to collect the bikini pieces from the floor. Sliding off his lap, she plucked her wallet from her back pocket and found her credit card. Holding that in her mouth, she walked out of the dressing room and toward the cashier.

"But… You are the wild woman that climbs mountains," Nick laughed as he followed her, sliding his credit card across the counter before she could set her things down. "Is that all you're getting?"

"Did you like it?" she questioned, reaching to grab his card before the woman could grasp it and handing hers over.

"I loved it," he answered, grabbing her hand and holding it away before pushing another card across to the woman. Smiling in victory when the cashier picked up his card to swipe it. "Why don't you get more just like it?"

"Why would someone get more than one bikini? There ain't no purpose to it…" Alana trailed as Nick wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back before she could fight the cashier to get her card as means of payment. Glancing up at him, she shook her head with a rueful smile, bringing her leg up between his to gently rub.

"Well… There's the swimming bikini… The laying-out-to-get-a-tan bikini… The just-lounging-by-the-pool-sipping-cocktails bikini--"

"What kind of girls have you been dating?" Alana laughed with bewilderment as Nick leaned them over to scrawl his name on the receipt. Then, he took his card and hers and pushed them into his wallet for the time being, and then grasped the bag.

"The wrong ones," Nick murmured softly, mostly to himself as he led her out of the store. Draping his arm around her shoulders, he held her close, glancing around.

"Why don't we go and check out a pair of trunks for you?" Alana suggested, not wanting his mind to brew with ideas for too long.

"I've got tons…" Nick trailed thoughtfully. Smiling suddenly, he turned her towards a nearby boutique that appeared to sell only sunglasses and hats.

"But you need swimming trunks, laying-out-to-get-a-tan trunks, just-lounging-by-the-pool-sipping-cocktails trunks, seducing trunks, surfing trunks--" Alana began to mimic.

"Seducing trunks? Trust me, when you've seen me in my trunks, the last thing on your mind will be seduction," Nick promised with a snort of laughter as he turned her into the store. "You need sunglasses. Several pair, in case they get lost on a jet-ski or while water skiing, or while I dangle you over the shark-infested waters…"

"I already have…" Alana found it useless to argue her point as Nick poured over the variety of woman's sunglasses. Glancing toward her face and then back to the rows of sunglasses, he plucked a pair and placed them upon the bridge of her nose. "Wait, dangle me over shark-infested waters? What the Hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Nick promised, feigning innocence with a grin as he assessed the sunglasses on her face. Unable to resist, he leaned close, softly kissing the tip of her nose. "What do you think about these?"

"They're nice…" she trailed, glancing at her reflection in the small mirror. The sunglasses had a silver frame to compliment the deep sea-green lenses to shield her eyes from the harmful UV rays. "But expensive… But, I don't have much a say when it comes to you, so what do you think?"

"I love them," he assured her.

"Nothing like color coordinating with the bikini," Alana squealed with a mocking flip of her long strawberry locks behind her shoulder.

"Please… Don't ever do that again," Nick laughed, kissing her cheek before turning to look at more sunglasses.

"Little too much like Paris Hilton?" Alana guessed, plucking a pair of glasses from the spinning rack. Turning Nick so he faced her, she tenderly slid them onto his face. Stepping back, she admired sleek lines of the silver frame contrasting the darkness of the dark blue lenses. Pulling the sunglasses from her face, she set them on the counter and reached to pull Nick down for a kiss. "I like them on you. You're way too handsome for your own good."

"I'm not handsome… I'm boyishly cute," Nick argued softly, wrapping his arm around her to hold her close as he reached for his wallet. "…Want anything else?"

"I didn't want anything to begin with…" Alana rolled her eyes as Nick handed over the credit card and both pairs of sunglasses. "…You do know that you don't have to buy me anything, right? That I don't spend my time with you because I hope to get things? I've done very well for myself and--"

"Has it occurred to you that maybe I like buying you things?"

"Why?"

"Because, I… Thanks a lot," Nick smiled as he scrawled his name. Taking the bag and receipt, he stuffed his card into his wallet and pulled Alana out of the store. "Well… I get the feeling that you've never really been spoiled, you know?"

"That has nothing to do with us, though…" Alana trailed, glancing up at him with surprise as he led her through the mall. He was sure to keep his head down as he held her tightly, not wanting to be spotted by the gaggles of teenage girls lurking around the corners. But what surprised her was the accuracy at which he read her. Spoiled had not been in her vocabulary. In fact, from the time she was allowed to work, she had been giving her money to her family. To support them and provide for them. It was the rare occurrence that she actually spent money on herself.

"But I like buying things for you," Nick explained, slowing his steps when he realized they were near the food court. Gently rubbing her shoulder, he smiled when her arm slid around his waist. It felt so right, holding her close to him. "I like seeing the way your eyes light up…"

"We can go get me some more bikinis if you want…" Alana suggested as she snuck her hand underneath his t-shirt, loving the feel of his warm skin against her fingertips. If he wanted to buy her things, then she could bite her tongue. "I'll try them on for you and everything…"

"Think we can avoid the Gnat long enough for me to--"

"There you are!"

"Goddamnit," Nick groaned, dropping his head on Alana's shoulder.

*~*~*

"Bumpkin, wake up," Natalie cooed softly in Brian's ear. Smiling when he shifted, pulling the blanket over his head, she reached to playfully tickle his side. "Bay's doctor is here to give you all the information about his discharge, and to tell you that we can go home…"

"Discharge…" Brian mumbled sleepily, almost thinking about rolling over and telling Natalie to take care of it. But, his memory hurriedly jog through a mental search of medical language. Discharge. Baylee could finally go home. Brian lurched from the spare hospital bed and stumbled out of the sheets. Baylee looked at his father with honest bewilderment, wrinkling his nose in distaste as Brian fought with the blankets. Shaking his head, he smoothed his light blue t-shirt over his stomach, moving toward his duffle bag to retrieve the small gift he had bought Alana just as Brian managed to gain his balance. "Shoot, Doc!"

"Well, he's not here yet," Natalie explained with a soft giggle as Baylee began to snicker over his duffle bag. Reaching to smooth Brian's hair, she smiled sweetly. "But, he's down the hall talking with a nurse, and I didn’t want you to act a fool in front of him, so I decided it'd be best to wake you up now…"

"Well, thank you so much for considering your social embarrassment because of me," Brian huffed, though he brought a kiss to Natalie's lips nonetheless. And, watching his son set the wrapped box on the bedside table, Brian grinned as he bent down to scoop Baylee into his arms. "Scooper! We're finally going home! No more hospitals! No more sickies! Just you, me, and Nat! Tons of playtime! What do you want to do first?!"

"Go see 'Lana!" Baylee squealed.

"Well, I figured as much," Brian chuckled, smothering a sloppy kiss to the side of his son's face. Relief could hardly contain the epitome of feelings that washed over his body as he looked at his son. The bright sapphire eyes brilliantly glowing with an impishness that had been lost within his sickness. The healthy glow of his peach skin. The devilish smile spreading across his adorable face. No more swelling. No more struggling to breathe. Baylee was in the perfect condition of health. And Brian couldn't help the tears that slipped down his face as he kissed Baylee again. "I mean after we get out of the hospital, Scooper."

"C'we go get Tyke an' go to th' park an' play ball till the sun goes down?" Baylee requested amid his squeals of laughter, wrapping his arms tightly around his father's neck. "Have a pick-nicky by th' lake?"

"Sounds like a fantastic plan to me. What about you, Nat?" Brian asked, glancing toward her with a kind smile. Pulling an arm from Baylee, he snaked it around her waist to bring her into the pile of hugs and kisses. He realized that without her, he never would have been strong enough to carry through his son's surgery. She had given him all that he needed. "We'll play with him, then lay on the blanket and watch the sunset together while he plays with Tyke."

"I'll write the list for pick-nicky supplies," Natalie agreed with a nod, sliding her arms around them both for a tight hug. The two most important men in her life. Sending up a prayer of thanks, she quickly brushed her tears away as Baylee began extolling the many wonders of playing with Tyke.

"I love you," Brian whispered against the side of her face, kissing away one tear that she had missed with her hand.

"I love you more," Natalie murmured, glancing up when she heard a throat clear.

Brian glanced up in surprise to find the doctor standing in the doorway, looking none too pleased with the situation. Blushing heavily, Brian shifted Baylee into Natalie's arms. Kissing the back of his son's head, he glanced at his lover. "Why don't you take him down to see Alana and give her his present? Nick should be on his way in, so you can meet him halfway. Then the others said they'd meet us at my house afterwards to welcome Scooper home. I'll meet you to say goodbye to Alana."

"Alright," Natalie murmured, holding Baylee close as she scooped up her purse. "C'mon, Bay-Bee, let's go find your 'Lana--"

"Hey, Doc!" Baylee shouted with a large grin, causing Natalie to pause as the man entered. When the doctor glanced at him, he widened his eyes in innocence. "Who pissed in your corn f'akes?!"

"Baylee Thomas Wylee Littrell!" Natalie exclaimed in shock as she cupped a hand over the boy's mouth, mumbling some sort of apology to the stricken doctor as she hurried from the room. Running down the hallway and toward the elevators, she sat him on the floor before taking large heaps of breaths. She stared down at the innocent boy who played idly with the purple bow on the small gift and couldn't help but laugh. "You are just like your father it's unbelievable!"

"But him's was mean lookin', Knot! Like he no like Daddy kissin' you," Baylee explained with a small grin. "We go find my 'Lana now?"

"That's my 'Lana, Squirt!" Nick growled as he came up from behind the two, reaching to grab the little boy before he could make sense of the situation. Tickling him mercilessly, he laughed as Baylee squealed loudly with protest. He had just spent the morning with Zachary as the nurses fawned over him being such a wonderful father. There was no news on the adoption process yet, but he expected as much. So, now he would spend the rest of the day with Baylee and Brian, celebrating the discharge.

"My 'Lana! I met her first!" Baylee insisted, shrieking with laughter as Natalie took the gift from him so it wouldn't fall.

"And he introduced you, too," Natalie reminded him with a laugh, tucking the gift into her purse for safekeeping. "And got you her phone number--"

"I make-matcher!" Baylee announced.

"Match-maker," Nick corrected as they stepped in the elevator to reach the Pediatric Cardiac Unit.

"You love 'Lana, Nicky?" Baylee questioned seriously as he was transferred to the man's shoulders. Ducking to keep his head from hitting the ceiling, he grinned at Nick's upside down face. "Her make you happy? Make you want'a shout from a mountain?"

"He shouts at her from underneath a mountain," Natalie answered, stepping aside to avoid Nick's leg that shot out to hit her backside.

"Why you do that for, Nicky?"

"I thought she was going to fall… But she didn't," Nick answered with a scowl at Natalie. "And yes, I love her. She makes me happier than I ever thought I could be. And I'd love to shout from a mountain--"

"She make you feel like a ner'us school boy?" Baylee interrupted.

"Huh? Yeah, I guess… Where are you getting this from, Bay?"

"From when Kevvy was askin' Daddy questions 'bout Knot on 'peakerphone th' other night," Baylee explained with a shrug.

"I make Bumpkin feel all those things?" Natalie cooed with excitement, jumping to pat Baylee's back.

"Oh gag me," Nick choked. "We all knew that from the very beginning. Y'know, when you were finally legal."

"And remind me to thank you for giving him a push in the other direction," Natalie grumbled. "Besides, you weren't legal when I met him, so you can't say anything--"

"I didn't want to date him--"

"Heather!" Baylee announced from atop Nick's shoulders, patting his head as if the beating would catch the arrogant nurse's attention. Though, the three were surprised when she turned at the sound of her voice being called. She barely glanced to Baylee, however, too intent on allowing her eyes to meander along Nick's body. "Hello! Heather! Up 'ere! Lil' boy on the big guy's head! Where my 'Lana?!"

"Hiding…" Heather trailed, motioning vaguely toward the nurses' station, though she made sure to keep eye contact with Nick. "She's on her break and running away from Dr. Lyons, though God knows why. He's been looking for a date for weeks and she keeps turning him down. He's gorgeous and rich… Though, I suppose if I was boinking a Backstreet Boy I might hold off on dating the doctor till that piece of rich steak went back to Florida…"

"Nicky? What boink--"

"Excuse me?" Natalie interrupted Baylee's question, narrowing her eyes as she looked over the nurse. "I know you… You're the little fuck nut that was stealing Brian's shirts--"

"Fuck's a bad word, Knot!" Baylee squealed.

"Not when you're using it to describe some money-grubbing slutpuppy, it's not," Natalie explained, glaring at Heather.

"Just for your information, Alana is known as the Ice Queen amongst the bachelors of this hospital. No one gets in her ice castle. And if they do, they just end up with frostbite. She's not worth a damn dime or whatever the Hell you pay to make her legs slide open," Heather stated very matter-of-factly, though she stepped back from Natalie.

"Is that right?" Natalie questioned carefully, her glare receding into a pleasant smile. Appearing to relax, she took a step forward, tucking her hand in the other woman's arm. "Well I had no idea about all that… But you know what? Nicky happens to be one of my best friends, and if anyone was trying to just get into bed with him for the Hell of it, I would know. And you know what else? Alana is my best friend, and if there's one thing I absolutely cannot abide, it's having someone badmouth my best friend in front of me. So, you have two options-wait, no, just the one." As she spoke she backed the nurse against the wall, her caramel eyes brightening with anger. "Stay the fuck out of things that don't concern you, or I'll make sure you never work in another hospital as long as you live."

"Holy Hell," Nick and Baylee whispered in awe.

Backing away, Natalie smiled sweetly once again. "Alright, let's go find 'Lana!"

Nick gave a satisfied smirk toward Heather as he puffed his chest out, allowing Natalie to lead him past the bitchy woman as he strutted a bit. He had himself a great group of friends and a beautiful lover, that much was certain. He was intent on telling Heather just that till he reached the nurses' station and Baylee lurched on his shoulders, practically falling forward. "My 'Lana on the floor!"

"Guess this ain't the best hiding spot, huh?" Alana laughed softly as she looked up at Baylee's bewildered expression. She had stolen one of the doctor's lab coats to make into a pillow for her half hour break. Usually, she was back visiting with her variety of patients, but the day had been long and tedious. A faint line of sweat had broken on her skin as a code was called. She had saved a little girl's life, but wouldn't admit to such as she now needed to be by herself. There was a cold vent of air at the back of the nurses' station, so she laid beside it for peace of mind. That is, until now.

"My 'Lana! I gots you a-Knot, where my 'resent?" Baylee questioned, twisting to find her. Grinning when she handed it over, he turned to look at Alana once again. "I gots you a 'resent!"

"God, please tell me you didn't hear any of what just happened," Natalie requested as she leaned over the counter.

"Please tell me you did! It was so totally wicked!" Nick exclaimed, transferring Baylee from his shoulders to the desk.

"I heard enough to know that I'm your best friend?" Alana answered with a questioning tone, pulling herself up from the floor. Exhaling a long, low breath of air, she eased herself onto the nurses' desk so Baylee could give her the present. She pressed a kiss to the side of the boy's face and placed the present in her lap. She had known that Heather was mean spirited. It didn't surprise her to hear her name slandered, though it still hurt nonetheless. She was well admired throughout the hospital. The best nurse that they could offer. The most preferred nurse they could offer. Everyone loved her… Well, the patients, doctors, and families. But some of the nurses loathed the sight of her and it hurt.

"Aren't you?" Natalie questioned softly. She had long thought that Leighanne fit that category, only to realize over the past years how wrong she had been. She had grown so close to Alana in the past weeks, closer than she had ever dreamed she would be with another woman.

"Don't argue wit' her, 'Lana," Baylee warned, wrapping his arms around her for a quick hug. "Her might say fuck--"

"Boogie, no cursing," Alana warned as she cupped her hand over his mouth while kissing the side of his face. "And I wouldn't know if you were my best friend or not, Nat… I've never had one…"

"You are my best friend," Natalie confirmed softly. "And, forgive me… I hope I didn't break any rules or anything, but God… That… Whore just irked me--"

"I don't think there's a rule for cursing at a nurse… Much less calling her a whore… 'Cause if there was, there'd be a lot of fines rung up on these families during their stays," Alana interrupted as Baylee crawled into her lap after taking the gift into his hands. He perched there quietly, playing with the charity bands on Alana's wrist.

"You get off soon, don't you? We're all going to the park to play and have a picnic… We'd love it if you'd come," Natalie invited, glancing at Nick to see he was staring at Alana. Smiling slightly, she leaned against the counter. "We're going to get Tyke and--"

"'Lana? Open your 'resent now?" Baylee questioned hopefully.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Boogie," Alana sighed as she dropped a kiss to the top of Baylee's head, taking the present into her hands. She looked apologetically toward Natalie for a moment before focusing on unwrapping the beautifully packaged gift. And, after wrapping the purple bow on Baylee's wrist, she popped the top open to the small jewelry box and gasped. Inside laid a beautiful silver bracelet with a beautiful rainbow of colorful, crystal beads - blue, pink, red, and yellow. Then tucked underneath the bracelet was a laminated note card. Plucking the card from it's bed, she read the poem aloud, her voice cracking as tears began to swell. "Let me tell you just how special you are through the colors one by one. A nurse is someone special because not every day is fun. The color blue reminds us of the compassion that you must show. The color pink for the love you bring to patients you may not know. The color red for brightening the room and making things so fine. The color yellow for being so warm just like a raw of sunshine. Thank you for all the work you do it's all so very clear. Nurses are very special and you're in our heart so dear…"

"You like it?" Baylee inquired, confused when Alana pulled him into a fierce hug. Returning the hug with all his might, he smacked kisses along her cheek in hopes of making her giggle. "'Lana… You cries! You no like it?!"

"Boogie, no! God, no! I love it!" Alana sniffled as she rubbed his back, burying her face into his soft platinum curls. Having Baylee in her life was like having Colton back and the sudden realization that Baylee was going home hit too hard. She would be lacking in his sweet smiles and giggles every day. Lost in the bleakness of her life again. Though she was so proud that Baylee was better, it still hurt to lose another child. "It's the most beautiful gift that I've gotten in awhile. Thank you so much."

"So you come pick-nicky wit' us? P'ay ball an' watch sunset wit' Daddy and Knot?"

"And Nicky," Natalie added, nudging the man in the side so he would say something. He seemed to be in a trance, and though she worried about him, she wanted him to speak before Baylee began to question whether or not he was okay.

"Did you know you were invited to the picnic, Nick?" Alana questioned with a soft sniffle, rubbing her eyes as Baylee immobilized her right hand, giving it to Natalie so she could hook the bracelet. It was unusual to see him so quiet and passive.

"I didn't even know about the picnic," Nick admitted, reaching to brush the tears from her cheeks as Baylee slid off her lap. Stepping closer, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "You okay?"

"Just a long day," Alana confessed quietly, cautiously wrapping her arms around his waist as she pressed her head against his chest. Just for a moment. She could be unprofessional for a moment.

"Something go wrong?" he questioned, kissing the top of her head as Baylee whispered for Natalie to take him to see Samantha for a moment. Wrapping his arms around Alana, he squeezed her gently, not used to seeing her so dejected and down.

"I've just been running from one end of this hallway to the other end of this hallway, picking up the slack for half-assed nurses who don't care much for their patients… And a code was called and I had to jump on this little girl's chest…" Alana shuddered at the memory, remembering how hard she had worked on Colton as her husband raced them to the hospital only to find out that he was dead. "…It's just too long of a day…"

"Why don't we skip the picnic, then? You can go home and get some rest… I'll come over and fix you dinner and give you a foot rub," Nick offered softly, rubbing her back.

"Nat and Boogie want me to go to the picnic--"

"They'll understand. Come on, you need to take a break, okay? We can have a picnic with them this weekend--"

"You know what sounds fantastic?" Alana murmured with an apologetic interruption as she let her eyes drift closed, listening to the soft beat of his heart. "…A hot bath in my jacuzzi tub and getting dressed in the most comfortable pair of pajamas I have… Fall into my bed with fresh sheets and an extra cheese pizza, falling asleep to a movie…"

"So I'll be waiting with pizza and a movie at your place when you get off," Nick murmured, kissing the top of her head once more. Then he realized that he had not fit into her 'fantastic' equation. "Unless you don't want me there--"

"If you promise to rub my back in the jacuzzi and then snuggle with me all night long; you can stay forever, Nick…"

Forever… Nick felt a glimmer of hope at first, but quickly doused it, rationalizing that her tired brain had used the word. That it hadn't come from her heart. Smiling, he squeezed her gently. "I'll stay as long as you want me, Beautiful…"

"Thanks, Nick," Alana murmured, leaning up to press a soft kiss of gratitude to his cheek. Then, tiredly glancing over his shoulder, she noticed Brian greeting Natalie and Baylee in the hallway. There was a fierce hug amongst them and several kisses passed. She had to smile softly at the perfect image of the beautiful family as they walked toward her. Sliding off the desk, she brushed her hands over her scrub top and offered a slightly nervous smile to Brian. "Thank you so much for letting Boogie buy me the bracelet. It was extremely sweet of you and you really didn't have to do it."

Brian smiled, pulling her into a gentle hug. "I had nothing to do with it--"

"Knot got Daddy's money!" Baylee interrupted with a giggle.

"Well, thanks for supplying the dough," Alana laughed softly, surprised by Brian's welcoming hug. She patted his back nonetheless as he squeezed her reassuringly. "Baylee's going to be just fine, Brian. You both did fantastically."

"I know… Thank you. So much," Brian murmured before pulling away. Glancing over at Baylee, who snuggled in Natalie's arms just so, he felt a grin pull at his lips. His son was going to be fine. "You ready to go get Tyke, Scooper?"

"You pick-nicky, 'Lana?" Baylee inquired hopefully, reaching for another hug.

"'Lana's tired, Bay… You don't mind if she goes home and gets some rest, do you?" Nick suggested, one hand gently rubbing Alana's back as he spoke. "I'll bring her to the house this weekend and we'll have a blast, okay?"

"You t'ant rest on the blanket wif Knot and Daddy?" Baylee pouted as he kept his arms linked around Alana's neck, pulling Natalie closer.

"What am I supposed to say?" Nick whispered to Brian with a worried look.

Brian grinned devilishly. "Now see who's looking to Papa Bear for advice…"

"Damnit, Brian--"

"I have to go home and get a shower, Boogie, but I'll come to the picnic," Alana decided before Brian and Nick even had a chance to start bickering. She ran her fingers through his platinum blonde curls as she leaned to kiss him affectionately. "But if I fall asleep, no jumping on me, alright?"

"P'omise," Baylee vowed solemnly, giving her an ebullient grin. "See you in a bit, 'Lana. I love you."

"I love you, too, Boogie," Alana promised, blowing him a kiss as Natalie and Brian hugged her one more time before disappearing down the hall. Exhaling a hard sigh, she leaned against the long desk and tangled her fingers within her locks. She had to get a grip on herself. Though, glancing up, she found Nick still lingering. "Aren't you leaving with them?"

"I thought I'd go play with Snot Sucker till you get off… Then we can ride to the park together after you go home," Nick explained softly.

"You driving me home too 'cause your afraid I'll fall asleep behind the wheel?" Alana guessed, reaching blindly to rub Nick's back.

"Mm hmm… You look exhausted, Beautiful…"

"I'll be alright. I've just got a little charting left to do before the next shift gets here then I can haul ass," she promised as she pulled herself into a straightened posture. Glancing to Nick, she reached up to brush her lips against his. "Promise me you'll stay the night tonight still."

"I promise," he murmured, pulling her to him to intensify their kiss for a moment. "I'll be upstairs…"

"I'll be waiting," she answered, knowing somewhere inside her, deep inside her, that she loved him.
Chapter Sixteen :: Pleased to Tease by shrinkingviolet
"I can't believe you were so unbelievably thrilled with my house when you and Brian are living in mansions like these…" Alana trailed with soft disbelief as she entered the guest bedroom from the private bathroom, finding Nick undressing for bed. They had spent the afternoon with Brian, Baylee, Natalie, AJ, and Howie at the local park. They had played with Baylee and Tyke for most of the day, despite Alana's fading energy. She seemed to have gathered some of her spark back at Baylee's excited surprise at seeing her for the picnic. It was endearing to say the very least and then Brian had insisted she stay the night at his home; Baylee not making it any easier for her to disagree. Though, when Nick showed her to his guest room, she couldn't help but grin with relief. She had longed to snuggle beside him in bed without any worries. And, watching the muscles pull and tighten within his back as he undid his jeans, she felt her own body shiver with excitement. But, she pushed that aside as she crawled onto the soft mattress which she sunk into, reaching for the remote.

"Your house looks lived in… My house looks like one of those beach rentals, unless I'm on a break or whatever," Nick explained with a shrug, tossing his jeans towards the chair that held his dirty clothes before peeling off his shirt. Rubbing the back of his neck with a groan, he glanced over to see Alana had settled into the center of the mattress. Smiling at the way the cream colored sheets set off her dark tan, he slid in to lay next to her, nuzzling her neck. "Though, I have to say… You look much better in my bed…"

"This isn't even your bed, Nickalicious," she giggled softly at the tickling sensation his nuzzling provided. She snuggled close to him nonetheless, running her fingers against his bare chest while idling through the tremendous amount of television stations.

"Uh huh… When Bri built the house he showed me the floor plan and told me to pick out a room that'd be mine whenever I visited. This is the room I picked out," Nick murmured, leaning back against the headboard. Pulling her close, he draped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head softly as she continued to go through the channels. "If there's nothing on, we can put in a DVD--"

"Gremlins!" Alana suddenly squealed with excitement, lurching slightly in Nick's arms as she selected the channel. Seeing the credits rolling for the begin, she smiled with triumph, settling back into Nick's arms with a satisfied grunt. She loved to watch horror movies, though she was terrified of them as a child. Gremlins had been one of those movies that scared her to death, but now she enjoyed watching Gizmo scrap against his nasty scaly enemies.

"Gremlins…" Nick trailed, reaching to smooth her hair away when a lock flopped across his cheek. Idly curling it around his finger, he sighed, knowing he was stupid for not wanting to watch such a ridiculously cheesy movie. But, at times, it was difficult for him to rid himself of the childish fears that continued to remain long into adulthood. "…Isn't there a Spongebob cartoon on or something? Or maybe a good soft-core porno--"

"I don't do pornos, hard or soft-Don't you like Gremlins? I thought you liked horror movies?" Alana questioned, her mind flipping from one thought to the next as she turned to look up at her lover. Her teal eyes glittered with her curious nature as she nibbled his neck affectionately.

"I love horror movies-Most of them. I just-It's-You know with you doing that it's really hard for me to think straight," Nick breathed.

"As opposed to when I'm just looking at you and your tongue ties into twenty different knots and you mention you were trying to imagine me naked? Er… Without my clothes on?" Alana teased, kissing his neck before finally pulling back with a small pout.

"I never said that," Nick murmured, pulling her close so he could kiss her lips gently. "Or… Maybe I did. I don't know. I just wanted to make a good impression on you and pretend that I was cool and suave and then you came sauntering out looking like my fantasy… Well, in my fantasy you were holding up a bloody sword, so--"

"So you won't mind if I watch Gremlins?" she finished with a purr, hardening his kiss with one of her own, her tongue teasing his soft lips.

"Not at all--"

"Thank you, Nickalicious," she cooed, nipping his bottom lip before sliding back to his chest to cuddle closely against him.

"What'd I just agree to?" Nick questioned softly, dazed from her kisses.

"To watch Gremlins with me," Alana explained, nestling her head against his chest as the movie rolled into its inevitable start. She grinned at the rapid fluttering of Nick's heart that soothed her as she concentrated on the movie; any hazards of her job melting away completely from her body. Idly, she traced her fingertips over his stomach as she became engrossed in the movie.

"I hate this movie," Nick whispered with a slight whine several moments later, leaning his head back to stare at the ceiling.

"Concentrate on me…" she murmured absentmindedly, slipping her hand lower to play with the waistband of his boxers. "…Why do you hate it?"

"The guys used to watch it all the time back when we first started and were over in Germany and stuff. It was one of the few that came on that we all knew, even though it was dubbed in German… And I always fell asleep first… And those fuckers would start tickling my feet or hissing in my ear and shit…"

"And I bet you wet the bed on several occasions…" Alana guessed with a small laugh, keeping her gaze fixed on the television though she kept the conversation with Nick. She slipped her fingers beneath the waistband of his boxers, lightly caressing the curve of his lower stomach and pelvis. "I hated horror movies when I was little. Scared me to death to watch Gremlins, but I did with my stepfather. And I even had the figurines though I hated it. I would play with them in the tub, Gizmo always killed the Gremlins. And, every night, before I went to sleep, the Gremlins would be thrown into the hallway with my door shut…"

"Well, I tried to throw those assholes into the hallway but they were all bigger than me," Nick murmured sleepily, absentmindedly tracing he curve of her ear with his finger. Letting his other fingers sweep her neck, he closed his eyes. "And then they got pissed when I pulled pranks on them…"

"Payback is most certainly a bitch," she agreed with a small nod, turning to lightly kiss his chest.

"…Are you trying to get something started?" Nick questioned softly, cracking one eye to look down at her.

"No, I was just trying to be nice and show you some affection… I didn't think you were awake enough to--"

"I'm already rising to the occasion, Beautiful--"

"But the movie's--"

"Going to come on again," Nick finished, shifting slightly so he could pull her over him.

"But so are you!" she fought with a whine of protest as she turned to look at the screen, though her beautiful teal eyes widened halfway when she felt his arousal burning against her boy-cut briefs. Turning back to search his eyes, she was met with his anxiously awaiting lips. The taste of him caused her stomach to knot with anticipation as she held onto his shoulders, leaning down to meet the fury of the kiss.

Tangling his fingers in her hair, Nick held her lips to his, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. Starting a mirror of the intimate dance he hoped would commence soon. Sliding his hands down her body, he quickly rid her of the clothes that only hindered their passion, and seconds later pushed her back onto the bed, smirking at her squeal. Lifting his head slightly, he traced the outline of the tattoo on her hip. "But hey, if you want to stop…"

"We've only been together once in bed… And we've never taken it slow… It's always been about who can make who burst first… And it has been a long while since we've made love-sex-ah--"

"Made love? You think of it as making love?" Nick questioned softly, letting his hand rest idly on her hip as he stared down at her.

"Well… You always… Whenever I said sex, you get this little puppy pout of a… I…" Alana shrugged helplessly, not able to explain her statement. Laying amongst the soft pillows of his bed, she could only find herself hoping that she was allowed to stay within his bed, curled to his side. Perhaps the passion had caught her unawares. The excitement that he provided her body was rising against the better part of her judgment and logic. Whatever it was, she cursed it.

"We can call it whatever you want, Beautiful," Nick promised, dipping his head to taste the curve of her shoulder. Anything, he pleaded silently, breathing in the scent that always made him shiver. Call it anything, as long as she stayed with him. As long as she would still be there come morning, her warm body so close to his. Just so he could feel complete for a little while longer.

"What do you want to call it?" Alana questioned before her sensibility could catch against her words, curving her arms underneath his and over his shoulders. She held him close as she felt his tongue glide against her shoulder before his teeth nibbled lovingly. A warm shiver enveloped her body as she tucked her face into the curve of his neck. We - he had referred to them as a single unit and she couldn't have been happier. What was happening to her?

"Whatever you want to call it," Nick murmured, suckling lightly at her skin. "Making love… Sex… Knocking boots… Getting it on… Fucking… Screwing… Whatever turns you on--"

"As long as I stay turned on and you get a piece," Alana concluded, letting one hand slip from his shoulder, following the outline of his body. Tracing her fingers over his tapered hip, she then slipped her fingers against the waistband of his boxers, following the light patch of hair till she held his erection. Lightly stroking his length, she grinned sweetly when he pressed closer to her body. "Like that?"

"A little," Nick whined softly, letting his teeth graze over her collarbone in soft bites before catching a hardened nipple in his mouth. Drawing a lazy line over her hip, he let his fingers dip down, lightly tracing the moist folds before dragging his fingers up. Grinning when he felt her shudder, he gently bit down on her nipple, tugging hard before releasing it, his fingers moving to trail over her again. "Like that?

"Somewhat," Alana decided, her voice husky with delight as she released him to tug at his boxers. Nuzzling at the warm skin of his neck, she nibbled before moving kisses to his throat and across his jaw line. Tilting ever so slightly, she sought his lips out once more. She loved the very taste of his lips. The way her tongue passed so easily into his mouth to meet his, undulating passionately against his as her body heated. She needed him. "Would you make love to me, please?"

"Thought you wanted to take things slow?" Nick murmured, gently pushing her legs apart with his thigh.

"I do…" Alana trailed as she hooked her leg over his hip, taking his boxers down his body. "But this I can make you scream before you make me scream is… Not what I want… I want you…"

"This isn't to make you scream before I scream… This is taking things slow," Nick disagreed. Gently dipping his fingers into her heat, he lifted his head to search her eyes. "This is just going to make it all better…"

"Okay," she complied with a soft whine, raking her nails lightly up his back as his flesh melted against hers. She rested back amongst the soft pillows, closing her eyes to delight in the rapture of ecstasy. She concentrated on the way his fingers moved within her, building a frenzy of heat within her body. He knew her body far better than her ex-husband had. He knew what she wanted, needed, and delighted in. And, sweetly, he gave it to her without expecting anything in return. Even when she wanted to return the pleasure.

"Let me in your heart," he whispered without realizing he had spoken his thoughts. Leaning to the side slightly as he continued to move his fingers within her. Returning his mouth to her nipple, he nibbled and sucked, could feel the pound of her heartbeat. When her body began to squirm slightly, he thrust his fingers deeply, his thumb seeking out the nub that always seemed to delight in his touch.

"You don't want in there," she whispered, arching her back slightly when the pad of his thumb pressed into her swelling nub before started to rotate in a tantalizingly slow motion. Biting down hard on her bottom lip, her nails dug into his back for some sort of leverage. She met his hand with a roll of her hips, causing the pleasure to sweep of her system in passionate waves. "God…"

"Let me be the judge of that," he whispered as he brought his lips to hers once more. Sliding his hand beneath her, he held her to him, swallowing her soft cries as he settled between her legs. Unable to wait any longer to join their bodies, he withdrew his fingers, quickly replacing them with his length. "God, Alana…"

"I don't want you to see inside me, then leave 'cause you don't like what you see," Alana explained softly as she arched up to meet his entry inside her. He filled her completely as she tightened her muscles, drawing him deeper inside her body. She shuddered at the sensation of enchantment, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him down. She brushed her lips lightly against his in the sweetness of soft butterfly kisses, loving how he always became still when they first entwined their bodies, just waiting inside her.

"Alana…" Nick trailed, closing his eyes as pleasure swept over him. Holding himself still, he nibbled softly at her bottom lip, his fingers tracing the length of her leg from hip to knee. "I just want you to let me love you…"

"Till you get tired…" Alana decided with a soft murmur, blindly tracing her fingers against the tattoo on his spine, knowing its exact location and outline. She didn't want to think about the pain that would accompany his leaving. When he traveled back to Florida and fell back into his regular routine. AJ said most women wouldn't put up with his type of lifestyle, but Alana feared that Nick didn't want her interfering. Right now, she just wanted to relish in his closeness, meeting his nibbles on her bottom lip with kisses.

"Let me try," Nick pleaded in a whisper, slowly pulling her legs around his waist.

"I thought you were already loving me?" she returned, locking her ankles from around his waist, pulling him deeper within her body. Hissing softly with delight, Alana slowly rocked her hips against him, hoping he would move with her. Turning her face into the curve of his neck, she nibbled at his skin before sucking to make her delicious mark.

"No fair," Nick breathed as he rolled his hips to meet hers. "You won't let me do that to you…"

"God…" Alana whimpered with delight against his neck, relishing with the sensation of his body melting into hers. Warmed by the feeling of him, she tensed her muscles to pull him deeper inside as he moved with her. Their hips rocked in a slow, tantalizing motion, comforting themselves with the sweet lull of their passion. Leaning back to admire the dark discoloration she had made upon his neck, she couldn't resist making another just beneath his jaw. "You already gave me hickies from our first time together… Why would you need to make more?"

"They're starting to fade," Nick explained with a low growl. Leaning back onto his knees to gaze down at her, he lightly traced the trail of beading sweat from her collarbone to her navel. Smirking when she shivered, her nails raking his chest, he thrust deeper, wanting to shout at the feeling of making love to her. Sweeping his hand down her leg, he caught her knee in his palm, pulling it up until her foot rested lightly on his shoulder. Licking his lips, he bent over to leave a mark on her inner thigh.

"Nicky," Alana squealed in shock as he sucked hard at the upper portion of her inner thigh, his tongue lapping against the sweet flesh. Reaching behind her head, Alana held tight to the luscious wooden bed frame in order to anchor herself. Her entire body shuddered with sheer delight at the tickling sensation prickling her thigh, practically sweeping her away in a daze of ecstasy. Her knuckles blanched at the force of her hold on the bed, wanting to prolong the sweet torture Nick was providing. "Oh, God…"

Trailing his lips up her body, Nick left a line of marks, pausing just above her navel to suck hard, his thrusts gaining momentum as he felt the passion rising within him. Holding her foot to his shoulder, he slid his hand between them, holding her still against the bed. "Easy, Beautiful…"

"How can you… I… You… I'm not a horse…" Alana objected as Nick nipped the skin above her navel, teasing the valley between her breasts before finding his way to her throat once more. She shuddered beneath him as she released the head of the bed, seeking to wrap her arms around him. She wanted to feel every morsel of his body against hers. Wanting to shift in attempts to rock her hips against his to accompany the hardening thrusts, she whined slightly when he prevented her from moving.

"I know you're not a horse," Nick whispered, yelping when Alana's feet pushed against his hips, sending him backwards. Landing on his back with a grunt, he stared up at her as she crawled over him, licking his lips in anticipation when he saw the gleam in her eyes. "I'm not a horse, either…"

"Not much of a cowboy, either," Alana decided with a honey coated drawl native to her roots. Sliding her hands up the taunt muscles of his arms, she playfully pinned them above his head. Dipping her head over his abdomen, her damp blonde curls spilled across his chest like a silky wave. Her lips sought out the very center of his pelvis, kissing sweetly as she had done so many other times before nipping and branding a mark upon him. Satisfied, she crawled over him to straddle his hips, sucking his lower lip into her mouth for a nibble. "But you've got my mark and that'll have to do…"

"I already had your mark," Nick informed, grasping handfuls of the blanket as he looked up at her. "God, Beautiful, don't tease--"

"You teased me from the very start," Alana contradicted as she held both of his wrists within one hand, gliding her hand down his body and between them. Stroking his hard length, she eased him slowly inside her, sighing with pleasure at the warmth it provided. Then reaching to claim his wrists in either hand once more, she rested her cheek against his, slowly beginning to rock her hips against his. "Are we talking external or internal marks?"

"Internal," Nick confirmed, tilting his head slightly to catch her lips with his. Shifting his hands, he twined their fingers together, biting down on her bottom lip as he shifted beneath her.

"I hope they weren't too painful," she mumbled slowly between their heating kisses, vaguely aware of his movements underneath her. Too caught at the romantic gesture of their hands clasped together, holding onto one another as the passion mounted.

"Best feeling ever," Nick promised with a guttural cry, pulling one hand free to clasp the back of her neck as their kisses intensified. Closing his eyes as his body shuddered, he squeezed her hand tightly. "Alana--"

"I know," Alana promised as her free hand reached for his face. Flattening her palm against his flushed cheek, she allowed her dark teal eyes to flutter open. Hurriedly, her eyes darted across the features of his handsome face, loving how his dark indigo eyes immediately sought hers. There was a shift in their bodies as Nick moved to reclaim the top position, but she continued to stroke the side of his face with her thumb. God, she wished she knew how to get past her fears. What Nick was offering her felt so pure. So blissful. So perfect.

"I love you," he whispered, his eyes never leaving hers as he set a fast rhythm.

"Oh, Nick…" Alana whispered softly as she reached to brush the sweaty platinum locks clinging to her lover's forehead. She felt a wash of emotional tears sweep over her as she shuddered beneath him. The power behind his soft confession was startling and some tears fell. She had never heard those words with such conviction before. Though as the pace quickened, she found her hand tangling within his locks as their intertwined hands rested over her throbbing heart.

"Alana--"

"I want you to keep my heart," she whimpered as she arched against him. Feeling the overwhelming passion of emotions rushing over her body as if the icy fortress had gave way around her heart, she slid her hand down the back of his neck to pull him closer. She sought out his lips in a hard kiss, hoping what was laying in her heart would transfer through their melting bodies.

"I'll take care of it," Nick promised, his voice breaking into a hard moan as he began to tremble. His body begged for release, knowing the euphoria that waited for him. Sweeping his fingers over her damp cheek, he shuddered slightly.

"Nick," Alana murmured softly, bringing him down for a sweet kiss as he offered a lasting thrust against her. "Stop holding onto it."

"I don't want it to end…"

"It'll only get better."

"Promise… Promise not to tell me to go to Hell if I ask for a repeat in a little while?" he whispered breathlessly, sliding his hand down her side to grasp her hip.

"I'd never tell you to go to Hell when I love this as much as you do..." she promised, helping to flatten his palm over her fluttering heart.

"Together?" he requested with a hard whimper.

"Together," she promised, craning her neck to nip affectionately at his bottom lip before pulling him into a sultry kiss.

Letting his eyes drift closed, Nick pressed his forehead against hers, drinking in the taste of her as their bodies moved in a fluid rhythm. Lifting his fingers to their joined lips, he moaned when her tongue darted out to flick over his fingertips, sending a hard shiver through his body. Smirking, he let his hand glide between them, tugging hard at the nub that brought forth a soft cry.

"I'm ready," Alana hurriedly promised with a meek whimper, curving her arms around his neck to hold him close. She inhaled the mingling of their breaths, fueled by the taste of cinnamon on his lips. She was breathing in the very essence of him as her body mounted in a fury of delight. The tug at her intimate area sent her body crashing against the rough rocks of her emotions, unbridling a passion that she had never experienced before. Her entire body grew taut from the explosion of fervor and she gasped sharply in surprise.

"Oh, God," Nick gasped, burying his face against her neck as the tremor swept through his body.

"You said together," Alana whispered, arching against him.

"I can't--"

"Can't what?"

Nick whined softly, pressing himself as deeply within her as possible. "Wait any longer--"

"God," Alana yelped in surprise as she sought out his lips, feeling her body rip with a pleasurable pain at his final thrust.

"What's wrong?" Nick gasped, alternately biting and sucking her bottom lip as he thrust again.

"You definitely hit bottom…" Alana murmured with a slight wince at his second drive, feeling the heat of another orgasm quickly building in the pit of fiery warmth. The pain may have been there, but God was it gratifying. A light film of sweat breaking against her already slick skin, holding tight to Nick's body as she fought his tongue.

Nick jerked to a stop, tearing his lips from her. "I what? Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I'm sorry--"

"Don't be," Alana dissuaded with a soft laugh, holding her breath to control her ardor of emotions. "It was fantastic."

"So it's alright if I do it again?" he questioned softly, reaching to brace his hands on either side of her head. His body trembled slightly, still begging for its release, but the fire in her eyes urged him to hold back.

"More than all alright," Alana promised, reaching up to curl her fingers around his wrists, anticipating the need for bracing against fervor of his release.

*~*~*

Wincing slightly at the ripping sensation of pulling her body from Nick's, Alana rolled to her back, gazing up at the lights flickering against the ceiling from the muted TV. Shifting against the plush mattress, she listened to his deep breathing for a long moment before her restlessness kicked in. Raking a hand through her disheveled hair, she slid from the bed, stooping for the remote to switch off the TV. A quick stroll outside in the fresh air was what she needed, she decided as she pulled on the t-shirt Nick had discarded.

Searching amongst the wrinkled clothing at the foot of the bed, she smiled in triumph as she retrieved her light purple, boy-cut boxers. Stepping her long, tan legs into the garment and pulling them up, she found her gaze traveling to Nick. He was still curled on his side as if she were lying with him. His arms outstretched to hold her, his face nuzzled against her pillow. The rumpled covers were resting high on his upper torso, but the inking of his tattoos on his upper arm emblazed with the lighting of the television. His growing platinum locks were disheveled from her fingers toying and his lips slightly kiss swollen. He was a gorgeous creature, though he thought otherwise. And she was starting to love him. That's why she had to get out and clear her mind, feeling the pressure of her past slowly creeping up her body to strangle her. God, it was insane to think she could pursue something with him.

Grunting with dismay, she turned for the doorway, but his bare feet caught her eye. They were peeking out from beneath the thick covers and she remembered his story. How much he hated the movie Gremlins. How the boys tormented him. And she simply couldn't resist reaching over and pinching the sole of his foot--

"GREMLINS!" Nick roared, jerking his foot away from the offending pincher so quickly he nearly fell from the bed, his breath coming in erratic gasps as his heart nearly beat from his chest. Gathering the covers around him as he struggled to sit up, he took a deep breath, eyes darting around, trying to gather his bearings.

Throwing a hand to her forehead in sheer amusement, Alana could hardly contain the snort of laughter. Especially as Nick scooted on his bottom all the way to the top of the bed, only succeeding in falling on the floor in a tangle of blankets. He looked like a frightened Chihuahua with beady eyes as he jumped onto the bed and squealed at the thought of being so close to the floor and practically under the bed. And Alana lost it, doubling over with howls of laughter. "Oh. My. God…"

"You think it's funny?" Nick yelped, staring at her in wonderment as she continued to laugh.

"You look like a girl leaping away from some pitiful mouse…" Alana wheezed, holding onto her abdomen to keep it from cramping with the hard rolls of laughter. "Only naked… And dwarfed…"

"You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"I know CPR! It was worth the risk!"

Growling with annoyance, Nick leaped from the bed, quickly tackling Alana against the wall. "That’s it!"

"Nick!" Alana yelped in surprise as she was crushed against the wall by his weight. The tittering laughter sobered completely at the dark fury burning in his indigo eyes. Suddenly, she realized she was in serious trouble. That perhaps her joke had been miscalculated. Squirming in his hold, she managed to duck beneath his arms and lurch forward. Stumbling slightly, she hurriedly caught herself against the door and pulled it open. Racing into the hallway, she felt her heart lurch as she became disoriented, not knowing which way to go as means of escape. Why hadn't she made a damn map? "I don't know this house. Shit, I don't know this house. Shit, I really don't know this--"

"Gotcha!" Slinging her over his shoulder, Nick ignored her squeal of protest, his heart still thudding dangerously in his chest as he glanced around for the perfect place to exact his revenge. Seeing a crack of light shining under Brian's master bedroom door, he grinned evilly.

"Nick! Wait! Nick!" Alana groaned at the rush of air exploding from her lungs as Nick's shoulder pressed into her diaphragm. She felt him tip her further and she yelped in shock as she reached to grab some kind of hold on his bare body. "…Wow, now I know why I don't grab onto your ass during sex… Have you thought about waxing--"

"You're dead," Nick warned, pausing in the hallway to kick open Brian's door. Ignoring the sight of his friend and Natalie in some sort of naked entanglement, he tossed Alana into the center of bed with a grunt. Yanking the sheet that dangled to the floor off the foot of the bed, he quickly wrapped it around himself, continuing to scowl.

"Nick!" Alana shrieked in shock as she sat up straight in the bed. The couple seemed far too caught within their romantic endeavor to care about the third party at their side. And when Alana felt Brian's hand sweep over her inner thigh, she jerked in horror and attempted to scramble away from the plush mattress filled with grunts and whines.

"What?" Nick returned, reaching to rub his back where her fingers had pinched barely a moment earlier. Biting back a smirk when Brian's legs flopped across Alana's, pinning her to the bed, he backed towards the door. "Sleep tight!"

"You bastard!" Alana hollered with disbelief as she clawed at the carpet, attempting to pull herself away from the entanglement as Brian's foot rubbed against her calf, fueling his passion for Natalie further. She felt the shudder of bodies and turned her head to gag.

"Brian--" Natalie cut off with a grunt before shoving the man off her. "What the Hell is going on?!"

"I'VE BEEN VIOLATED!" Alana groaned with a hard whimper of pain, slumping onto the carpet when Brian fell to the side. She playfully sobbed with relief as she curled into a fetal position on the thick carpet.

Dazed, Brian rolled to his back, jerking a blanket over him as he stared at Alana. Turning his eyes on Nick, who continued to back to the door, he ran a shaky hand through his hair. "What'd you do to her?!"

"He put me in bed with you two hornballs!" Alana growled as she scrambled to her feet, leaping at Nick to tackle him into the hallway, pummeling his abdomen with punches.

"Get off me!" Nick bellowed, rolling her off him quickly before pinning her to the plush carpet of the hallway. "Tell them what you did to me!"

"I didn't do anything!"

"Bullshit!"

Natalie sat up beside Brian in bewilderment as Alana fought to buck Nick off her. "They interrupted my third orgasm for this--"

Alana shrieked with disbelief. "I didn't throw you into a threesome, Nick! Though I guess you'd like some freaky shit like that! Who knew you were really afraid of Gremlins like some goofy--"

"Oh my God! You did a Gremlins on him?! Are you stupid?!" Natalie screeched.

"A-fucking-parently!" Alana growled as she pushed Nick off her with an amazing show of strength. When he fell flat onto his back, she reached down to yank away the sheet from his waist. Standing up and spinning the sheet around her, she shot him a dark glare and continued down the hallway.

"Alana!" Nick yelped, cupping his hands around his crotch as he scrambled to his feet. Whining as his bedroom door slammed shut, he turned to look at Brian, hoping the older man would offer him advice.

Brian eyed him warily. "You got back at her for doing a Gremlins… By dumping her in my bed and disturbing my--"

Natalie interrupted with a dark scowl, "Mind-blowing orgasm, you naked piece of--"

"She did a Gremlins after I told her how deathly afraid I was of that shit!" Nick explained with a whine. Shuddering inwardly at the thought of the couple having orgasms, he stepped into the room, looking for something to cover himself with.

Brian reached to draw the blankets over Natalie as he shook his head in disbelief. "And that justified you throwing her into my bed while--"

"Nicky… Why you nakie?" Baylee questioned as he stepped into the bedroom, gazing at the adults in honest curiosity. He had obviously been playing in his room quietly when the commotion had occurred. But the ring of the doorbell had caught his attention, then the opposite slamming of Nick's bedroom door. "Daddy, JJ here'd--"

"What's he doing here so early?" Nick interrupted with a growl of disgust, yanking the blankets from Natalie's body to cover himself. Securing them tightly with one hand, he averted his gaze from the bed to look at Baylee.

"KNOT! YOU NAKIE WID DADDY!" Baylee shrieked in surprise as Natalie went flying into the bathroom and Brian scrambled for his rumpled boxers on the floor.

"Like we haven't seen that before…" AJ murmured with a cackle, leaning in the doorway.

"Get out!" Brian yelped, jerking his boxers on backwards.

"What the fuck--"

"JJ! Knot nakie!"

"Everyone in this place is buck-naked!" AJ whistled as Baylee was shoved into his arms and he was sent backwards into the hall. He braced himself against the wall just in time for Nick's blanket covered body came tumbling after. He held Baylee above his head as their bodies crashed, Baylee giggling when they slumped to the floor and he crawled away. Pushing himself to his feet, he grinned when Nick's bedroom door opened and Alana appeared in her jean Capri's and Nick's t-shirt.

"'Lana! We get nakie, too?!" Baylee suggested, rushing into her arms.

"Actually, I should be heading home, Boogie," Alana declined, stooping to catch the boy in her arms.

Nick glared at AJ before turning to look at Alana. "But--"

"C'mon, Babe, we can all get naked--"

"'Lana nakie!" Baylee exclaimed, diving between her legs. Once behind her, he gripped the legs of her capri's, tugging them down hard.

"BAYLEE!"

"My life was so much simpler when I hadn't met you people…" Alana decided in a monotone murmur, glancing down to see her pants at her ankles.

"Me get nakie, too, Daddy!" Baylee insisted, though he was immediately scooped up by Nick.

From the bathroom came a snort of laughter. "If I could write this stuff on the website, we'd be swamped with visits--"

"Natalie, you're not one to talk right now," Brian groaned as he fidgeted with his backward boxers, reaching to take Baylee from Nick's arms. Baylee continued to chatter excitedly, demanding that Alana strip. And, when Brian glanced to Nick, he sighed hard. "Nick, blanket…"

"What about it?" Nick questioned in confusion.

"It's on the floor and your less than adequate goods are hanging out, Dumbass," AJ muttered, slipping around Nick to reach Alana. Stooping down, he grasped her capri's and slid them up her body. Grinning when he slid the zipper up and secured the buttons, he caught Alana's widened teal eyes.

"You going to give me a ride home, too?" Alana guessed, somewhat shocked.

AJ's grin widened, his fingers still resting on her capri's. "Oh, yeah. I'll give you a ride--"

"You should be so lucky," Alana decided as she rested her forehead against his, running her fingers lightly over his ripped biceps. AJ was like a deadly drink of hard liquor. So deadly and tempting, but burned on the way down. Though, she definitely loved to tease with him. It made things interesting, especially as she could feel the heat of Nick's burning jealousy. "But, judging by the chaos and nakedness today, I don't think today is your day."

"Babe," AJ murmured, sliding his hands to rest on her hips. Breathing in her scent, he smiled when he heard Nick's disgruntled growl. "Every day is my day…"

"Then you can come home and help me pack for the Bahamas," Alana laughed softly, turning her head to kiss his cheek affectionately. "And I guess one of us will have to cook breakfast."

"We can stop at IHOP on the way," AJ suggested, looping one arm around her waist.

Nick hissed out a stream of expletives. "But--"

"But, if you'd prefer, I make melt-in-your-mouth pancakes dripping in butter," AJ offered, ignoring Nick's whines of protest. Tilting his head, he pressed a soft kiss to the spot just below her earlobe, enjoying the way his body responded immensely. "We can decide on the way."

Nick's head banged against the wall as he sagged next to it. "But you--"

"So c'mon, Babe, let's get shaking."

"AJ makes fantastic pancakes, 'Lana!" Natalie announced as she popped up behind Brian, giving Baylee good morning kisses. "You'll die by means of a food orgasm."

"Guess that forces my hand, huh?" Alana decided with a small smirk.

"Now I want pancakes," Natalie sighed, smoothing Baylee's tousled curls as she wrapped one arm around Brian's waist for a squeeze.

"Well quit groping B and get your ass in the kitchen," Nick growled.

"Alana, AJ also gives great back massages. You should have him give you one after you're done packing," Natalie suggested suddenly, offering a smoldering glare to Nick as she plucked Baylee from Brian's arms.

Turning to look at Alana, Baylee grinned. "JJ kiss all your boo-boo's too!"

"And you won't throw me into a bed of an overly amorous couple, right?" Alana guessed as AJ laced his fingers with hers. "Just because I scared the Hell out of you with an awesome prank?"

"Babe, come on… Only a child would do something like that… I'd be laughing over the prank," AJ promised with a wink.

"BRIAN!" Nick whined, hoping someone would come to his defense as his hands rested inches away from AJ's throat.

"Like he's going to save your ass after what you just did," Natalie scoffed, kissing Baylee's cheeks as he giggled against her shoulder. "C'mon, let's go get started on our pancakes, Bay-Bee. And, Nick… The blanket…"
Chapter Seventeen :: Family Ties by shrinkingviolet
Alana stifled a yawn as she climbed out of the back of her taxi, glancing precariously at the dainty watch on her wrist. It was barely seven in the morning and she was catching a flight to the Bahamas with some of the richest men in the United States. It was surreal to say the very least, especially as the attendants of the private plane they were chartering rushed out to take her luggage. She shook her head in disbelief as she felt a small tug on her short, frayed jean shorts. Glancing down, she smiled as Elizabeth held her arms out. She had picked up the child from her mother's house, Baylee's guest for the trip. Smothering the side of Elizabeth's face with kisses, Alana decided that if all else failed, she would take care of Baylee and Elizabeth. After all, Nick was probably less than pleased with her after the Gremlin stunt and letting AJ take her home. "This is a big airport, huh, Lizzers?"

"Wow," Elizabeth breathed, staring at her surroundings as Alana followed the attendants. "Where Bay? He lost'd here'd?"

"Bay is hiding from all these people, 'cause they want to take his pictures like crazy," Alana explained as she held Elizabeth to her hip. The child had just finished her last round of chemotherapy. The cancer cells had officially died and she was free to celebrate. What better way then to spend her days in the sand with her best friend. Smiling, Alana leaned to kiss the top of Elizabeth's head.

"I get hair in 'Hamas?" Elizabeth questioned hopefully, reaching to rub her baldness. After having several bandannas as well as hats to conceal it, she had finally given them away, keeping only the bandannas that Alana and Baylee had given her. Only, she made that decision after Baylee informed her he liked her bald head.

"You'll start getting hair in no time, now that those medicines are done," Alana confirmed with a nod, thanking the attendants for showing them to the private waiting area. She then watched them take their luggage toward the awaiting plane, knowing they'd be leaving soon. Gently, she rapped on the door.

"LIZZIE!" Baylee's voice screeched from within, and seconds later the door burst open. "'LANA! YOU B'OUGHT LIZZIE!"

"She deserved a vacation, too," Alana laughed as she helped Elizabeth to the floor. The toddlers wasted no time with embracing one another, each delivering a flurry of kisses to the others cheeks. The adults inside all cooed in awe at the sweetness, but Baylee was quick to lead Elizabeth toward his bag of toys for the trip. Alana had to laugh as Baylee offered Elizabeth the best of toys. "…If only all relationships were like that…"

"Ain't that the truth," Natalie sighed, returning to her needlepoint.

"Like you ain't on the road to perfection," Alana objected as she stepped into the room and made sure to close the door behind her. Shifting to pull the messenger bag from her shoulder, she set it toward the side of an empty chair. She felt out of place with all the hustle and bustle, Brian sitting beside Natalie while speaking on the phone to his family.

"Tell Jackie I emailed her those pictures of Baylee and you this morning," Natalie reminded Brian softly before looking towards Alana. Sensing her discomfort with all the hubbub surrounding them, she smiled. "Trust me, you get used to it."

"I didn't think that I'd be in the position to get accustomed to it," Alana answered honestly, noticing AJ and Howie off to the side of the room speaking. "Everyone's going, I guess? …Where's Nick?"

"AJ invited Howie," Natalie confirmed, tucking her needlepoint away as she got to her feet for a stretch. "Nick's--"

"Hey, Beautiful!"

"--Right there…"

"And obviously up to something if he's using the name Beautiful instead of Bitch," Alana decided as she moved to stand, though she hadn't much of a choice when Nick grabbed her by the hands. She fully expected to be tossed over his shoulder and berated for her decisions the previous day. Flinching in anticipation, she held her breath.

"You look great," Nick murmured, pulling her to him for a quick kiss. Having decided it would be best to forget about the previous day's events, he focused on making the best of their vacation. "Ready for several weeks of fun and sun and surf and me?"

"I look like I do every other day…" Alana trailed with surprise, unable to even greet him with her own kiss. Instead, she glanced down toward her frayed jean shorts and complimenting olive green, ribbed tank top. She hadn't even bothered with her long curls, just tossing them into a high ponytail for the time being. Glancing up into Nick's dark indigo eyes, she remained puzzled. "Am I in trouble or something? Is that why you're acting so nice?"

"You're not in trouble," Nick promised, offering her another soft kiss. "Can't I act nice?"

Natalie snorted, moving to get a Pepsi from the machine. "Not hardly--"

"She's on my shit list, however," Nick growled, scowling toward Natalie till Alana's hands cupped his face. Slowly, she turned him back to face her and he smiled with question. "What?"

"I'm sorry about the Gremlin thing. I really couldn't resist," Alana apologized, sliding her hands from his face to around his neck, leaning up to kiss him affectionately. "You'll still teach me how to surf, right?"

"You bet," Nick murmured, nibbling gently at her bottom lip. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he held her close for a long moment, reveling in the taste and feel of her. "And don't worry about the Gremlin thing. I overreacted--"

"Ha!" Natalie laughed sarcastically. "Y'think?!"

"I think Allie's out for blood on you, Son," Alana concluded at Natalie's bitter swipes at Nick, fighting so hard to hide her bemused smile.

"Pfft. Like she wasn't faking it anyway--"

"You son-of-a--"

"Is my bro in here or scoping out girls at the luggage claim?" another voice announced.

Natalie glanced over to see Aaron coming into the private waiting room, dropping his backpack on the floor. Cooing, she headed over to greet him with a hug and kiss. "He's in here, about to get his measly little man chopped off--"

"Go greet your brother, you haven't seen him in awhile. I'll go see to Lizzie and Baylee," Alana told Nick as she pulled from his arms, drowning out Natalie's threats.

"Alana!" Aaron crooned, offering Natalie a quick peck on the cheek before rushing over to sweep the woman into his arms. "What's up?"

"Apparently me," Alana decided with a small laugh, stilling her movements as he lifted her from the ground. She wasn't sure whether to wrap her arms around him in a hug or not, so she kept her hands at her sides as he squeezed her affectionately. She glanced to Nick with a look of bewilderment, not knowing what to do. She had only met the young man for a few moments at Nick's concert for the girls. Why he acted as if she were family struck her peculiarly.

Grinning, Aaron placed a sloppy kiss on her cheek before releasing her, rolling his eyes when Nick pulled her back into his embrace. Glancing towards his older brother, he wagged his eyebrows, his lips turning into a Cheshire grin. "So, bro… Seen Gremlins lately?"

"You son-of-a--" Nick cut off when both Elizabeth and Baylee stopped their game to look up at him. "How'd you find out?"

"Nat-Nat told me--"

"You're dead," Nick threatened Natalie, throwing an accusatory finger in her direction.

"Like I haven't heard that before," Natalie sighed, curling her legs under her as she settled next to Brian with the sweetest of smiles. "You should have heard Kevin when I called to tell him all about it. Don't think I've ever heard him laugh so hard--"

"I think I need to go grab myself a soda before he starts cursing me for even starting that mess…" Alana groaned, unweaving herself from Nick's hold. She could feel his entire body tense at Natalie's egging, knowing she would be caught right in the aftermath of his explosion. And she had no desire to be threatened with bodily harm - again - especially after being thrown in Brian's bed of love.

"I'm not going to--"

"Nicky! P'ay 'ippos?" Elizabeth questioned hopefully, grasping his hand to tug him towards the table where she and Baylee had set up the game. Remembering her mother's words on behaving, she smiled. "P'etty p'ease?"

"Awe, Nicky, go play Hungry Hungry Hippos with Lizzie and Boogie," Alana cooed toward her lover, leaning up to kiss him sweetly. She absolutely adored how Elizabeth had fallen in love with Nick, especially how he reciprocated that affection. "You can't possibly resist that adorable face and I promise I won't be sneaking into any bathroom with AJ..."

"Well, damn," AJ sighed dramatically, ignoring Nick's censuring glare as he slumped into an empty seat. "Guess the loving I got on your big bed yesterday while we packed is going to have to hold me for a while…"

"And boy did you love rubbing on my underwear while you packed it," Alana purred with a seductive smile as she slipped onto his lap. Toying with the chain of his necklace, she saw Nick's dark indigo eyes flame with an annoyed jealousy. But she smirked nonetheless, reaching into AJ's front pocket to retrieve the dollar bills he kept loose. "Thanks for the soda."

AJ grinned, placing one hand on her hip as Elizabeth yanked hard on Nick's arm. "That, Babe, is not a soda…"

"I meant for the one that you're going to be buying me," Alana breathed against the side of his face before sliding slowly away from his lap. Snapping the dollar between her hands, she heard Howie's amused laugh as he took a seat beside AJ. Smiling appreciatively, she turned to leave, but came face to face with Aaron as Nick was stuffed underneath the children's table to play. "Need a soda, too?"

"No…" Aaron trailed, stepping aside so she could head to the soda machines. Keeping by her side, he glanced over at Nick. "Howie cornered you about signing on his label yet?"

"He's mentioned it a few times… Okay, more like pressured me a few times… Or maybe it was more of a begging…" Alana confirmed, turning slightly to catch Aaron's profile as she fed the machine her dollar. Chewing on her bottom lip, she hit the button for a twenty ounce bottle of Pepsi. He was most certainly an image of his older brother. Almost the same height, over six feet tall, and a great deal thinner. But they had that same identical smile. The one Alana adored so much. "Why?"

"Because… If he signs you I am so getting you for a duet--"

"A duet?" Alana laughed as she stooped to grasp her bottle, offering him the first sip. "Why's that?"

Aaron eyed her critically as he took a swig of Pepsi. "Um that's where two people sing a song together… Like--"

"God, you are a mirror image of your brother… I meant why would you want to do a duet with me?"

"Because you can blow--"

"Your brother is completely full of shit, I've never even stumbled onto my knees in front of--" Alana laughed softly when Aaron's dark chocolate eyes widened in horror. "I'm kidding. Well, not about…" She shook her head as she pressed a hand to her mouth to hide her laughter. "I don't sing that well."

"Bull-hockey," Aaron quickly corrected himself. "The way you sang at the concert? Awesome. Would have put Christina to shame," he insisted, draping an arm around her shoulder as he led her to an empty chair. "Seriously. You've got talent--"

"Is your brother paying you to say this?" Alana interrupted as she sat down and Aaron quickly joined her, keeping his arm fixed around her. Leaning back, she noted that Nick was furiously tapping at his hippo to get the white marbles into his mouth. She then turned to look at Aaron with suspicion.

"Hell no," Aaron insisted, reaching for the Pepsi. "…Howie is…"

"So… Let me get this straight…" Alana trailed as she slouched in her chair, handing over the bottle to the younger man. "Howie is paying you to stroke my ego so I'll get on his label. You have no belief in what you're saying as long as the check comes rolling in… And Nick would be paying Howie to sign me to his label for some sick and twisted reason… So, it's an entire conspiracy against me."

"No!" Aaron yelped, lurching slightly. "I was joking! Hell, if I had my way, I'd start my own label and sign you--"

"You really should talk to your physician about getting you a prescription of Xanax…" Alana suggested as she leaned to kiss his cheek. "But you're absolutely adorable."

"Thanks… Does that mean I can get AJ and Howie to write a really sexy song for us to sing together?" Aaron questioned hopefully.

"Un… Do… Fee.. Fo… Nicky! Cheat!" Elizabeth shrieked as Nick counted out his marbles. "No win!"

"I didn't cheat--"

"I ain't signing to no label. I'm a nurse, remember?" Alana contradicted Aaron, watching Baylee and Elizabeth tackle Nick to prove their point.

"So? Howie's in real estate, and he sings," Aaron attempted to dissuade. "C'mon, it'll be fun!"

"I can't believe they're putting you up to this…" Alana trailed as Elizabeth came hurrying over with the marbles Nick had attempted to play off. She held them out with an offending pout, gesturing toward Nick. Cooing, Alana reached down to take Elizabeth into her arms, cuddling her close. "I'll get Nick back for that, Lizzers. We'll play Gremlins later."

"I get him's toes?" Elizabeth questioned hopefully, thrusting the marbles into Aaron's open hand. "Sav'm. Nicky cheat!"

"Yes ma'am, you'll get him's toes," Alana promised against the side of Elizabeth's face before blowing a raspberry, causing the little girl to giggle. "Now, you tell Aaron what my job is."

Elizabeth released a soft sigh, glancing towards the ceiling as she thought for a moment. Smiling suddenly, she leaned against Alana. "'Lana nurse!"

"Exactly," Alana agreed, rubbing Elizabeth's stomach as she curved her arms around her. "No time for singing professionally. Should I happen to be injured and in no condition to nurse, then I'll sign the record label."

"'Lana! Sing! Wit' Nicky!" Elizabeth squealed with excitement. "He no cheat singin'!"

"I already sing with Nicky and I'll sing with him whenever you want," Alana answered, playfully nudging Aaron's leg when he grinned. "But, right now you clobbered him to the floor."

"Isn't it time to get on the plane yet?" Nick wheezed, gently pushing Baylee away when the boy moved to jump on his stomach yet again. "I learned my lesson, Bay! No more cheating!"

"We're just waiting for your goofy ass to learn your lesson," AJ decided, scowling slightly toward Aaron who had weaseled so close to Alana. Helping to gather bags around their private waiting room, he lightly kicked Nick's ribs. "And you might want to watch your hormone-driven brother around my soon-to-be new lover."

Nick scowled up at the older man, hating his tendency to make him feel like an idiot at all times. When AJ turned, he reached one hand out, quickly toppling the man to the floor. "Bullshit! She's nowhere near being your lover. She just flirts with you to incite my jealous passions--"

"At least we know he's using that dictionary Kevin bought him," Howie decided with a chuckle as AJ went spilling onto the floor, bags skidding across the floor. Attendants went racing to collect the on flight bags as AJ turned to maul Nick for the price of embarrassment. The two youngest bickered with an explosion of expletives and grunts, causing Elizabeth to duck her head against Alana's shoulder for protection. But neither seemed to care, too busy trying to show up the other.

"I thought it was holding up his coffee table…" Brian trailed as he stooped to collect Baylee's toys, knowing the flight was waiting.

"It is, he's probably read his sisters' trashy romance novels again - providing they actually read - 'cause he can't get any from 'Lana," Natalie decided, rolling her eyes as she plucked Baylee from the floor before he could jump into the fight.

"I'm not as--Ow!--I'm not as stupid as everyone makes me out to be!" Nick yelped before shoving AJ from his body, wanting to laugh with glee when the man's hat went flying across the floor only to be trampled on by Howie. Leaping to his feet, he dove for safety behind the older man, knowing AJ would not go through Howie to get to him. Dusting his pants off, he grabbed a bag from Howie's hand, glancing to see that Aaron was already leading Alana out of the waiting area. "So, D… Seen any good movies lately?" he questioned casually, draping an arm around Howie's shoulders as AJ scrambled to retrieve his hat.

Grunting with disgust as he flipped onto his stomach, AJ yanked his hat from beneath Howie's foot. The older man stumbled slightly, but AJ moaned with agony over the ruins of his favorite hat. Scrambling to his feet, he threw the hand clutching his trampled hat at Nick in an accusatory fashion. "Howie, he's fucking dead. So dead that maggots are drooling. So stand aside--"

"AJ, you're on your own when it comes to this one…" Howie trailed as he stepped toward the door, making no move to unweave himself from Nick's embrace. "I need Nick so I can get Alana to sign a record deal."

"On our fucking label," AJ reminded him, resisting the urge to strike his best friend's backside with his sneaker-clad foot. Grumbling as he followed Howie and Nick out, he turned his scowl on Natalie when she fell into step beside him. She was not even attempting to hide her amusement, damn her. "If you weren't holding Snot Face, I'd slug you--"

"Then I'd kick your scrawny ass so hard you'd be lying on the tile floor shitting out your mouth and talking out your ass," Brian instantly threatened as he threaded an arm around Natalie's waist. Pulling her close, he noticed the satisfied grin streaking across his lover's face. He couldn't help but blush faintly at the sight, though he kept a stern gaze to AJ. "What did she do, anyway?"

AJ rolled his eyes, pulling Baylee into his arms so he could get the child away from the disgusting public displays of affection. "She hooked Alana up with Nick from the start, when she knew that I'm the man for--"

"No, JJ! I 'ooked 'Lana to Nicky!" Baylee disagreed as he patted a hand on AJ's chest for emphasis. "Me! Me gots 'Lana for Nicky!"

Natalie beamed at Baylee, leaning over to kiss his cheek. Hearing AJ's irritated grunt, she hid a giggle behind her hand. "Go ahead, Aje. He's the culprit, slug him," she taunted, though her tone warned him that should he take her words to heart he would be the one getting slugged.

"Piss off," AJ growled, dashing ahead to catch Alana and Aaron as they boarded the plane. "Hey! Al! You're rooming in my suite, right?!"

"Back off," Aaron warned, sending AJ a glare as he ushered Alana ahead of him. "She's rooming with me and Bay--"

"An' Lizzie! No fo'get Lizzie!" Elizabeth demanded, looking over Alana's shoulder.

"How could I forget Lizzie? My favorite lil' girl," Aaron crooned, turning to grin at the girl. Returning his attention to AJ, his face turned deadly serious. "Someone has to chaperone the little ones to make sure they don't do anything… Ahem… Inappropriate…"

"Yeah and that's what your ass of a brother hired you for," AJ clarified, setting Baylee inside the luxurious plane. The toddler wasted no time in taking Elizabeth by the hand to show her around the plane as the others gathered inside, finding their carry on luggage and comfortable seats for the long flight. "You and the brats get one suite. Howie gets another and Nick can bunk with him. Then Brian and his new toy. Which leaves me and Al--"

"Wrong! Howie's alone in his suite. Brian and Natalie next to them, then Alana, the kids and myself. That leaves one suite we have booked. And it only has one bedroom. And there's two people left over. Which means that you and my wonderful brother will be sharing. Hope you don't mind spooning," Aaron egged with a grin before darting away to seat himself next to Howie. Alana, he noticed, had already been commandeered to sit between Baylee and Elizabeth, Nick behind them. Shooting a satisfied sneer at AJ, he turned to Howie. "So, Howie, my man… Seen any good movies lately?"


*~*~*

"'Lana? You wike Meg?" Elizabeth questioned as she dug into the bottom of her small Spongebob Squarepants backpack for one of the snacks her mother had packed her. Retrieving the bag of fruit snacks, she held it out towards Natalie, who was standing behind their seats. "P'ease?"

"Lizzie, Sweetums, Alana practically is Meg," Natalie informed, taking the bag to open it for her.

"Allie, what on God's green Earth are you rambling about now?" Alana murmured with confusion as she glanced up from the portable DVD player she had anchored on her tray table. Then, fixing the arms of the seats up, she had made a makeshift couch for herself and the children. Both Baylee and Elizabeth had climbed on top of her to snuggle as they watched Disney's Hercules. She had thought it was the best way to pass the time on their fifteen hour flight to the Bahamas. Especially when AJ was sniping at Aaron and Nick as Howie snoozed on the opposite side of the plane and Brian spent quality time with Natalie. That is, till he fell asleep as well. It was safer to stay with the children.

"Someone among us is denying that she has feelings for a certain someone else. Feelings as deep as the ocean," Natalie cooed, moving around to sit next to Alana. Smiling when Elizabeth slid into her lap for snuggles, she glanced towards the screen. "Ooh! My favorite song's about to start--"

"You're absolutely right, Natalie," Alana interrupted with a dramatic wave of her hand, oblivious to the fact that Nick and Aaron had slipped into the seats behind them. Instead, she curled her arms tighter around Baylee's waist, kissing the side of his face. "Baylee, I can't deny it. I love you so much."

"I know," Baylee murmured, his eyes never leaving the screen as he snuggled closer in her embrace. "I love you too, 'Lana--"

"That's not who I was talking about--"

"Do you know how much your 'Lana sing for me blues have gotten me into trouble?" Alana accused the little girl as her favorite song began in the movie. It was Megara's solo of forlorn romance. Exhaling a soft breath, she felt Baylee's hand curl against hers and the soft squeeze of hope. Glancing sideways to Elizabeth's hopeful eyes, Alana began to sing softly "…If there's a prize for rotten judgment / I guess I've already won that / No man is worth the aggravation / That's ancient history, been there, done that!"

Baylee's eyes shot towards Natalie as Alana sang, his brows raising hopefully. Natalie always sang this particular song.

Seeing his expression, Natalie nodded slightly, chiming in as the Muses began their verse. "Who'd'ya think you're kiddin' / He's the Earth and heaven to you / Try to keep it hidden / Honey, we can see right through you / Girl, ya can't conceal it / We know how ya feel and / Who you're thinking of…"

Alana smiled slightly at Natalie's inclusion into the song, glancing toward the DVD screen. "No chance, no way / I won't say it, no, no."

Natalie shifted slightly, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. She bit back a giggle when Elizabeth patted Alana's arm so she looked towards them again. "You swoon, you sigh / Why deny it, uh-oh…"

Following the vibratos and crescendos of the actress during Natalie's verse, Alana explored the depth, range, and power of her gorgeous voice. She kept in perfect harmony with the musical accompaniment, showing her talent for the craft. She was easily preferred over the DVD as Baylee turned to watch her instead of the cartoon. "It's too cliché / I won't say I'm in love / I thought my heart had learned its lesson / It feels so good when you start out / My head is screaming 'get a grip, Girl' / Unless you're dying to cry your heart out. Oh…"

As Alana sang, Natalie's voice softened, keeping with the Muses' backing vocals, smiling when Elizabeth began to clap her hands together in time to the music. Glancing up, she saw Nick leaning forward to listen, also that Howie had awakened, moving over to lean against their seats. "You keep on denying / Who you are and how you're feeling / Baby, we're not buying / Hon, we saw ya hit the ceiling / Face it like a grown-up / When ya gonna own up / That ya got, got, got it bad?"

"No chance, no way / I won't say it, no, no," Alana declared as she closed her eyes, resting her chin against the top of Baylee's head, falling into the harmonies of the music, unaware of anything else.

Natalie glanced towards Nick, noting the worry beginning to creep into his eyes. Looking back towards Alana, she shifted Elizabeth between them. "Give up, give in / Check the grin you're in love…"

"This scene won't play / I won't say I'm in love," Alana insisted as she felt Elizabeth's hand reach out for one of hers. Grasping the small hand, she lifted it to her lips for a soft kiss, giving the little girl a reassuring smile.

"You're doin' flips, read my lips / You're in love," Natalie emphasized, nudging the younger woman's leg with her foot as she stood. Realizing Howie pinned her in, she looked towards Alana again.

"You're way off base / I won't say it / Get off my case / I won't say it," Alana insisted, feeling her heart clench against the pain of her past as Elizabeth slid closer to her for a comforting embrace. Both children seemed to understand the raw ache of her heart, curling close with contented sighs at her beautiful voice.

Pushing past Howie, Natalie moved to the seat directly in front of Alana's, leaning over until she made eye contact. "Girl, don't be proud / It's okay you're in love…"

Alana was lost for a moment when Natalie's hands reached out to cup her face, pulling her away from the passion of the lyrics. And, for a brief moment, it seemed that she understood what Natalie was trying to convey. The fear in her eyes said as much as her breath caught. But when Baylee pushed on her leg, she pulled back, releasing a powerful crescendo of notes before finishing the song in the softest of altos. "Oh, at least out loud, I won't say I'm in love…"

Leaning back, Nick looked towards his hands in order to avoid Aaron's glance. He had confided in his younger brother, telling him all his hopes for a relationship with Alana. Sharing his worries that she was trying to push him away. Clearing his throat, he briefly shut his eyes to ward off tears, pushing himself from the seat before she noted his presence. Seeing AJ's somewhat satisfied grin as he moved to claim the seat next to Alana, Nick quickly moved to sit next to Brian. "Yo, Frick… Wake up," he insisted, shoving hard on his shoulder.

Brian snorted in surprise as the arm supporting his head crumpled beneath him, causing him to slump forward in his seat. Still dazed from sleep, Brian jerked away from the seat. His arms immediately reached out to brace himself before his face could meet the floor of the plane. Hurriedly pulling himself up, he avoided looking out the window as his stomach clenched with fear. He was frightened by heights. Though he didn't have time to contemplate that fear as his body was sent into the window again with a hard shove. "What?!"

"You awake now?" Nick questioned, pulling Brian back down into the seat.

"I think my Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather is awake! From six feet under!" Brian wheezed as he batted Nick's hands away from his body. "You know never to do that to me in the air!"

"I thought you were over your fear of flying--"

"What's going on over here?" Natalie demanded, eyes wide with concern as she took in Brian's startled expression. Cheeks flushed and wheezing, he looked too much like he had before having his surgery. "Bumpkin?"

"Can I at least get five minutes with my best friend before you come over here trying to crown him the king of the mile fucking high club?!" Nick groaned in sheer exasperation, glaring with disgust at Natalie as he slammed a hand against the backside of the seat in front of him.

"I’m okay, Nat," Brian promised before she could offer Nick a scathing retort. Settling into his seat, he reached for his bottled water, giving Natalie a reassuring smile before she turned and headed away. "What the Hell's your problem?" he questioned the moment she was out of earshot. "You know how much I hate flying. You know how much I hate being awakened when I'm having a good sleep. So why did you wake me up while flying?!"

"Because there wasn't a fucking instruction sheet pinned to the front of your shirt!"

"Nick--"

"I just want to talk, okay? Can you give me that much before you go falling into another relationship and completely forget I exist?"

"I'm not going to completely forget you exist…" Brian trailed softly, stung by Nick's accusation. "Natalie and I are taking it slow… But what's up? Why do you look like you did when AJ told you there was no Santa Claus?"

"That fucker…"

"What'd he do this time? Tell you that masturbating really does lead to hairy palms? 'Cause if so, he'd have hands like a werewolf--"

"Brian--" Nick's indigo eyes slightly widened in shock as if coming to the realization that masturbation did indeed cause excessive hair growth. AJ wasn't exactly clean shaven… And if he masturbated constantly-"Damnit! It ain't about him, Frick."

"Then what?" Brian questioned, furrowing his brows for a moment. Glancing at the other passengers on the plane, he caught sight of a pensive Alana snuggling with Elizabeth and Baylee. "Did something happen between you and Alana?"

"What hasn't happened between me and Alana?" Nick groaned as he slumped down into his seat, unable to keep himself from looking over at Alana as well. She was so beautiful, holding tight to the children as they started to drift into a comfortable nap. "Hell, the only thing that would complete us is me waiting for her to come at me with an IV pole, cursing that I got her pregnant."

"Nick, talking to you is like risking nuclear brain damage…"

"Brian… Look, let's say that the Gnat wasn't so damn open about her feelings for you. Like, maybe she kind of thought she was in love with you but was too stubborn to admit it, right? What would you do?"

Brian furrowed his dark blonde brows in confusion. "Have you been watching Hercules with Scooper again?"

"No… Alana was, and then her and your new toy sang that song about not saying you're in love--"

Brian looked bewildered. "And the problem is…?"

"Jesus," Nick hissed. "And they call me the… I think she loves me, okay? In fact, I'd pretty much bet my life on it. But she keeps pulling back and I know it has something to do with her kid and ex husband--"

"She was married before?" Brian interrupted incredulously, leaning back to catch sight of Alana. In the scheme of things, Brian quickly decided it was foolish of him to think that she hadn't been married at one time. She was a gorgeous woman with an infectious personality. A man would be dumb not to try to claim her as his own. "Of course she would be married because she did… She told you about her little boy?"

"Well, yeah-Wait. She told you? When?"

"After Scooper's surgery--She really told you what happened?"

"She told me that they left her… She didn't really go into any detail," Nick murmured, not liking the way Brian's eyes widened slightly. That usually meant his friend knew something. "I just figured that her husband took the kid… What'd she tell you?"

"There ain't any kind of parachutes hanging around this place, is there?" Brian stated wearily, glancing toward the window.

"If you don't tell me right now what she told you, I am so going to push you out of that window," Nick threatened.

"Nick, you really need to talk to her about it instead of me--"

"Now. Or I give you a detailed list of the things Nat and Howie did to each other at the bar that night--"

"Brian! This is fucking nuts! I need a damn list of who's rooming with who at this hotel! 'Cause if Aaron gets in my face one more time about rooming with Al, I'm going to give Nick another little sister," AJ demanded suddenly as he climbed onto the seats in front of Brian's, leaning over the back as Aaron fought for the floor of the conversation. "We've got suites with two rooms and suites with one room and, damnit, I want to room with Al!"

Brian looked bewildered, leaning back as AJ got closer and closer. "AJ, Natalie has the list of rooms, she arranged everything, so you have to talk to her--"

"Bullshit! She told me to fuck off, that she gave the list to you, and damnit, I want some answers!"

Rolling his eyes, Nick launched himself from the seat, pushing his brother into it before glancing at Brian. "Tell me later," he decided, knowing Brian would be spending the rest of the flight immersed in Aaron's argument with AJ. Raking a hand through his hair, he looked around.

"There's room over here for you…" a soft voice announced.

Smiling slightly, Nick moved to the seats Alana and the children occupied, stooping to scoop Elizabeth up before settling next to Alana. She offered him a warming smile as he snuggled close, her free arm curling around him, making him feel safe and secure. Stretching out so Elizabeth could lay comfortably on his chest, he released a soft sigh. Things would work out, he was certain. They had to. It looked as though his adoption of Zachary would be going through, and part of him counted on Alana to be there to help him and guide him along the way. "Having fun, Beautiful?"

"It ain't any different than being at home…" Alana trailed as she shifted to grasp the remote for the small DVD player. She had already put in a horror movie for herself now that the children were asleep. She knew this was nothing compared to being at home. There, she would be utterly alone as the date of her son's death quickly approached. She needed a chance to get away. This vacation had been such a blessing.

"You won't be saying that in a few hours," Nick promised, settling his head on her chest as Baylee shifted in his sleep. If Nick didn't know better, he would have sworn the child moved to offer him more room.

"True…" Alana agreed as she brought her free hand to Nick's messy locks. Since they were spending the majority of their day on a plane, he hadn't bothered to create a necessary style to his hair. Instead, he had combed it so his bangs were resting on his forehead instead of swept back. And Alana couldn't resist running her fingers through his soft locks. It gave her a sense of comfort to play with his hair. "Considering I'm either going to be rooming with Aaron or AJ… I think I should just pay Howie and trade him for the single suite…"

"We could always push AJ in with Aaron and room together," Nick suggested softly, glancing over to see the two he spoke of beginning to shove at each other. Brian, standing between them, looked lost as to what to do. "Maybe if we're lucky they'll kill each other before we even get there--"

"I like Aaron," Alana disagreed with a wrinkle of her nose, stilling her hands within his locks. "You should room with your brother in one of the bedrooms of a suite, then I could take the other bedroom with Elizabeth…"

"But what about Baylee?"

"He would room with his parents in a double bedroom suite… Of course…" Alana bit down on her bottom lip as she ruminated on the endless possibilities. "Elizabeth and Baylee could room with the parents… Then we give Aaron the single room in our suite and…" Her cheeks flushed pink at the thought of keeping Nick to herself. It was what she truly wanted. But everyone was so quick to make plans for her.

"You have the other room to yourself and I get to spoon with AJ?" Nick finished with a playful smirk, leaning his head back to look up at her.

"I knew you two had a thing brewing… This jealousy fighting thing over me is just a cover-up. You two are just trying to get rid of me so you two can have everything to yourselves," Alana breathed with sudden clarity, running her fingers down the length of his cheek and underneath his chin, feeling the roughness of facial hair beginning to sprout.

"Yep… He's my bitch," Nick sighed. "Seriously, though? Give Aaron the single room in our suite and the other room can be our little den of iniquity?"

"Den of iniquity?" Alana repeated, her bright teal eyes widening in surprise.

"The love shack… Room of romance… Boot-knocking bedroom--"

"I know what it means, I just didn't think you knew such a...novel word…"

"Why does everyone think that I'm some hulking blond surfer dude who only scratches himself and belches loudly?" Nick questioned with a snort. "I read. I watch old movies. I listen to people when they talk--well, most of them at least…"

"Your actions and character don't exactly exude Mr. SAT Prep."

"Well, Natalie's the biggest goober in the world but, according to Brian who I think might be a little biased, she's smart as Hell. She's working on her Master's in… What-the-fuck-ever it is…" Nick shrugged, not really caring. "Besides, maybe my actions and character are all a… Um…"

"Ruse," Natalie supplied as she climbed out of the seat in front of them. "And I'm not working on my Master's, I'm working on my second Bachelor's."

"What she said," Nick told Alana with a bright smile as Natalie headed to the back of the plane.

"You're way too cute," Alana decided with a laugh as she leaned down to kiss his upper lip. She had decided early on that it didn't matter whether Nick was intelligent or a complete baboon. Alana just enjoyed being with him. He made her laugh. And, for the first time in a long while, she felt needed and loved. And, perhaps, just a little bit less alone in the world.

"Does that mean I'm saved the torture of sleeping with AJ and get to share a room with you?" Nick questioned hopefully, drawing her upper lip between his for a quick nibble.

"I want to spend my entire vacation with you and only you," Alana confessed with a small nod, drawing back to lick her lips, savoring the taste of him. "I want to curl up in bed and know that you're the one nestled close to me, so I don't get too scared of being so far away from where I'm comfortable…"

"So I get to tell everybody--except for Lizzie and Bay--that they can fuck off?" Nick murmured with a pleased smile. "Just you and me?"

"If that's what you want…" Alana answered somewhat ambiguously, watching his indigo eyes for any since of disappointment.

Nick didn't bother hiding his pleasure at her affirmation, leaning up to catch her lips in a slow, smoldering kiss. "That," he breathed softly, savoring the sweetness of her lips, "is what I call a vacation."
Chapter Eighteen :: Bargaining by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Sorry I have been neglecting the updates lately. Have had problems with my internet connection. So, as an apology, here are the next five chapters. :-)
"Don't you think we should have stayed with the others for a while longer before telling them all to fuck off?" Alana inquired with a small squeal of surprise as Nick yanked on her hand to draw her closer. The long strides of his legs caused her to quicken her pace, even despite her own long legs. They had just arrived in the Bahamas and managed to settle all their bags in their appropriate rooms at the Atlantis Resort before Nick had demanded she put on a bikini with much haste. Everyone else had snuck into their bedrooms to ward off the jetlag, but Nick was raring to find adventure. And she had been lost as to his plans until she felt the warm sand of the private beach beneath her feet. "Nick!" Alana yelped in shock when he stopped suddenly, causing her to crash into his back and fall into the sand on her backside.

Turning, Nick grinned as he reached to pull her up. The excitement shining in her eyes made him want to laugh, knowing this would be a memorable moment for her. The first time she set foot on a beach. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he spun her around until she faced the ocean, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Welcome to the beach, Beautiful…"

"Nick…" Alana trailed softly, inhaling a sharp breath of air that turned to a soft gasp. Her teal eyes widened in overwhelming appreciation for Mother Nature's craft. The white sandy shoreline glistened underneath the high noon sun, causing a rippling effect of light to bounce from the rich rolling waves of blue-green salt water. The power of the waves crashing upon the shore sent a brilliant breeze against her. The soft spray of water misted her bronzed skin, exhilarating her as she turned slightly. Unable to contain herself, she threw her arms around his neck with a soft squeal. "It's beautiful, Nick…"

"It's not as beautiful as you are, Alana," Nick replied honestly, squeezing her gently as he kissed her cheek. He was surprised at the taste of tears on her skin, and leaned back slightly. "Tears, Beautiful? Why are you crying?"

"It's hard to explain," she admitted with a rueful smile, leaning back as well. Rubbing the backs of her hands across her face, she stifled an embarrassed sniffle. Dropping her hands to fuss with the hem of her baggy t-shirt, she turned back toward the rolling waves. "It's just really beautiful out here and… I'm just so thankful that you convinced me to come here… I needed this, Nick… You have no idea how much…"

Gently massaging her shoulders, Nick dropped a kiss to the top of her head before sliding one hand down to clasp hers. "Well, come on, we've got hours till dinnertime, and there's miles of shoreline just begging for us to walk down it."

"Okay," Alana agreed with a soft nod, curling her free hand around both of theirs intertwined. Pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles, she smiled appreciatively as she pulled him down to the shoreline. Already barefoot, she stepped tentatively into the shoreline. When the waves lapped at her feet, she squealed in surprise as the sand gave way beneath her.

"You have to keep your feet moving unless you want to be up to your knees in sand," Nick suggested, not bothering to hold back his pleasure at seeing her so excited. It occurred to him that, despite being a mature and responsible adult who climbed mountains and had a rebellious streak, in some ways she was innocent as a child. Experiencing for the first time the feel of sand beneath her feet, the rush of waves against the shore. Stopping, he caught the edge of a shell between his fingers before it was dragged into the surf. Shaking the water from the small peach-colored conch, he offered it to her with a smile.

"What's this for?" Alana questioned in confusion as she released his hands to hold the little shell between her palms. Shifting it to the center of her left palm, she gently traced the outside with her pinky finger. "Y'know… You get a couple more of these then we can make a bikini and see if it sounds like the ocean when you hold me on your shoulder…"

"Probably not… But I'm sure I'd be able to hear you scream," Nick teased, leaning close to kiss her forehead. "And it's for you. Your first souvenir from the beach--"

"Some women would think you're completely cheap, but I love it. Thank you," Alana graciously replied as she popped onto her tip-toes to kiss his cheek. "Keep it in your pocket for me?"

"Alright," he murmured, smirking when she dipped her hand into the pocket of his shorts. Linking their fingers again, he continued his stroll. For the first time in his life completely content. "Wait… I'm cheap?"

"As a redneck who uses secondhand whipped cream Tupperware," Alana teased, pressing close to his side as the waves continued to rush against her feet. She giggled softly at the cool tickling sensation, but blushed and turned her face into Nick's shoulder when she noticed him watching.

"You're adorable," Nick informed her, reaching up with his free hand to sweep the hair from her face.

"I am not," she contradicted with a harder blush. "…Why am I?"

"Because you are," Nick answered with a chuckle. "I can tell you're so excited about being on a beach for the first time, the way you squeal and giggle… And then you try to act like it's not that big a deal and start blushing… Just adorable."

"…Thanks…" Alana trailed slightly with a small smile, stopping their slow walk. Turning so she could step into his pathway, she brushed her hands up his bare arms. He had somehow wrestled himself into a light blue, sleeveless t-shirt to compliment his dark blue, board trunks. The colors, hues, and lighting of the beach definitely agreed with him. The golden sun setting a glowing background to his platinum locks, deepening the dark glimmering pools of brilliant sapphire irises the complimented the lazy grin forming with his soft lips. Unable to resist, she locked her arms around his neck to capture his lips against her own. Did he know how truly important he was in her life?

Smiling against her lips, Nick wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, holding her close to him. The ocean breeze whipped around them, and he reveled in the feel of her body fitting so perfectly against his, the way her hair danced across his cheeks. The smooth skin beneath his fingers, way her fingers ran through the hair at the back of his neck. If only he could prove to her how much he loved her. "God, Alana… I love you so--"

"Hey! There you are!" Aaron's voice bellowed from a ways up the beach.

"Damnit, didn't I lock him in the car?" Nick growled against Alana's lips, pulling away slightly to see his brother racing down the sand. The look of excitement crossed the youngest Carter's face as he waved excitedly toward the couple. His scrawny form tucked into a pair of long legged trunks, though the ripped affect of his muscular upper torso caused Nick to burn with a slight jealousy.

"He's so cute, Nick, I can't believe--" Alana's sentence abruptly ended as Aaron came swooping down without warning. Grabbing her by the waist, Aaron hefted her easily onto his shoulder as he raced into the waves. Diving beneath the largest wave, he sent both of them into the cold waters. Choking in surprise, Alana immediately wrenched herself to the surface to take a deep breath. Sputtering at the taste of salt, she noticed Aaron surface with every intent of tackling her again. "Wait a damn minute!" Alana growled as she grasped at her t-shirt, ripping it away from her body to reveal her bikini. Tossing the t-shirt toward the shoreline, Alana tackled Aaron beneath the waves.

"Goddamnit," Nick grumbled, scowling as the love of his life and his younger brother wrestled in the water. Glancing up when he heard the excited squeals of children, he saw Elizabeth and Baylee running down the beach, Natalie trailing behind them wearing what appeared to be only Brian's t-shirt. And, further behind, Howie and AJ, discussing something vehemently. "Double Goddamnit," Nick decided with a groan.

"Aaron! Aaron! Aaron! Damnit! That's not fair!" Alana yelped in shock, drawing Nick's attention away from the developing party just briefly to see Aaron dive at Alana's legs. There was no where for her to go but over his shoulder, inches from the rolling waves as he twirled her in a wild circle. "God, I hope I puke on you!"

"We're in the ocean! It'd wash right off!" Aaron hollered.

"Little Nicky! Put my 'Lana down!" Baylee insisted as he skidded to a stop beside Nick. Stomping one foot in the sand, he glared out at Aaron. "Now!"

Alana's eyes widened in realization as Aaron stopped his twirls, turning her backside toward the shore so he could look at the little boy. "Boogie! Don't say that! 'Cause he'll--" But it was too late as he pushed her from his shoulder, sending her crashing into the waves.

"Little Nicky!" Baylee admonished with a startled whine.

"And you brought him along to take care of the kids," Natalie sighed as she approached Nick and the children. Glancing out to watch Aaron quickly move away to avoid Alana, she shook her head. "He's really going to be a good influence--"

"Shouldn't you be off giving Bri a blowjob somewhere?" Nick interrupted, glaring at Aaron as he loped through the waves to the beach.

"What's your problem?" Natalie huffed with surprise, not really prepared for the hostility surfacing through Nick's tension. Usually his words were barbed against her in a teasing manner. But now they were laced with poison. Furrowing her light brown brows, she crossed her arms as she awaited an explanation, oblivious to Baylee hurrying for AJ, demanding he go in search of Alana, who had yet to surface.

"Problem? Why should I have any problem?" Nick questioned scornfully, peeling off his t-shirt as AJ assured Baylee that Alana would be alright. Shoving his t-shirt into Natalie's hands, he took two long strides into the surf before diving beneath a wave.

"Where's he swimming off to?" Howie questioned with confusion as he set Elizabeth on the sand, making sure she had her bucket and shovel for building sandcastles. He watched Aaron scramble back onto the shoreline, gulping air as he braced his hands on his knees, practically bowled over in exertion.

"He heard the ship left without him, apparently," Natalie shrugged, bending to adjust Elizabeth's cap. Smiling when the girl cooed her thanks, she looked up towards Howie. "He's PMS'ing today. Nearly bit my head off, talking about me giving Bumpkin blowjobs--"

"I really don't need that image in my head, thanks," Howie interrupted with a strained smile, ushering Baylee and Elizabeth to a perfect section to build sandcastles.

"Geez, all the men around here are snippy today," Natalie muttered under her breath, turning her attention to the ocean to see Alana and Nick surface. Smiling slightly at the way Nick's arms held Alana close, she turned to help Baylee and Elizabeth build their castles.

"Did you think I was drowning?" Alana inquired as she sucked in a deep breath of air, immediately dragging her hands through her locks to pull the long curls plastered to her face away. She smiled slightly when the curls were cleared away, finding Nick's dark ocean eyes watching her intently. Reaching, she then began to wipe the droplets of water away from is face before brushing away the locks plastered to his forehead.

"Well, he did just drop you in the ocean," Nick answered, dipping his head to lightly kiss her lips, allowing his tongue to flick away the beads of seawater from her lips. "Just wanted to--"

"You alright, Babe?!" AJ bellowed from the beach.

"--Get away from that jackass for five seconds," Nick grumbled, resting his forehead against Alana's.

"He's a nice guy," Alana chided as she held up a 'thumb's up' to signal to AJ that she was indeed fine. She couldn't force herself to pull away from Nick's embrace, especially as he protectively held her despite the threatening waves. He refused to let her slip away beneath the glassy surface once more and she adored that streak.

"He's an interfering fuck nut," Nick disagreed, turning his body so AJ would only see his back. Ignoring the older man's growl of disgust, he lifted Alana slightly, reaching to pull her legs around his waist. He didn't want to let her go. Ever. "Having fun?"

"Considering your little brother isn't drowning me anymore? Yeah, I'm having a lot of fun," Alana agreed as she helped to wrap her legs around the taper of his waist. Demurely crossing her ankles behind him, she then slid her arms over his shoulders and linked them behind his neck. Purring affectionately, she leaned in to give him a soft kiss. "Thanks for rescuing me."

"Anytime," he promised, moving them out further until just their heads and shoulders showed above the water. He had always felt complete when in the ocean, knowing that no matter what life was like he could count on the sea to calm his nerves. Now, having Alana with him, he realized just how lonely he had been. "What do you say I rent a boat while we're here, and we can spend the day out on the water? Just the two of us?"

"I'd like that a lot," Alana agreed with a wistful smile, knowing that Elizabeth would be in good hands for the day. Entertaining the very idea of having Nick to herself for the whole day caused several shivers to rip down her spine. Tightening her arms around his neck, she giggled slightly when he arched his brows in confusion at her reaction. "…We won't come back till way after nightfall, right?"

"We have to come back?"

Alana's lips curved into a brewing grin. "Spend the night out on the ocean?"

"And get a boat big enough we can sleep out on the deck," Nick suggested.

"In the moonlight and starlight…"

"With the water swaying the boat slightly… What do you say, Beautiful?"

"Please?" she whispered softly against his lips.

"I'll set everything up tomorrow," Nick promised.

"I'll owe you for this."

"Just promise me you won't bring any clothes but that bikini and we'll call it even…"

"You like this one?" Alana questioned hopefully, tilting back in his arms so he could get an adequate view of her new bikini. She had purchased it the day before they had left for the Bahamas, unbeknownst to the rest of the group. She had bought it just for Nick, hoping he would like it. It was a dark plum color with paint splatters of various shades of purple. The top was a halter style with slim strings tying around her neck and a plunging neckline to compliment the string ties of her low riding bikini bottom.

"I love it," Nick assured her with a grin, one hand sliding up to cup her breast as he pulled her back for a gentle kiss. "Just this. Nothing else. No towels or little skirts or baggy t-shirts or jeans--"

"I don't wear skirts," Alana reminded him, her body responding to his touch with a light shiver.

"Good. Now… What do you say we tell everyone to fuck off and go lock ourselves in our room for the rest of the day?"

"Our room… Do you think we can pull it off?" Alana questioned as she shifted to climb onto Nick's back. Threading her legs around his waist and her arms about his neck once more, she held on tightly as he started to walk toward shore.

Nick chuckled as he maneuvered through the surf to the shore. "I'm damn near certain we can. As long as we--" Cutting off when he saw AJ heading towards them, he gripped her thighs to his sides tightly. "Run!" he yelped, taking off towards the rooms.

*~*~*

"Lizzie and Bay-Bee have fallen asleep to The Lion King," Natalie announced softly as she stepped out onto the balcony. Pulling the thick terry cloth robe provided by the resort closer around her, she moved over to lightly kiss Brian's cheek. After spending the afternoon on the beach with the kids, she had returned to their suite to find Brian wide awake and full of energy from his long nap to ward off the jet lag. Baylee and Elizabeth had been exhausted by the time they returned from dinner and a long walk on the beach, though both had begged to watch their favorite movie. Pushing her damp hair away from her face, Natalie kissed Brian's cheek again before reaching to gently rub his shoulders. "I got them in the bed after my shower… Poor things are so tuckered out they'll probably sleep till noon…"

"Then that gives me plenty of time to spend with you," Brian decided as he gently looped his arms around Natalie's waist, pulling her into his lap. He fully expected her to protest at first, but with her soft sigh, he relaxed immensely. Keeping his arms around her waist, he helped her rest against his chest. His fingers diving softly into her damp locks, he inhaled the soft scent of her shampoo and soap. She always smelled so good to him.

"We haven't had five minutes alone since we got on the plane," Natalie murmured, snuggling close. Relaxing in his hold, she closed her eyes for a moment, listening to the waves crashing on the shore just beyond the dunes. "I love it here, Bumpkin…"

"All means of privacy escapes the clutches of parents, Nat," Brian reminded her gently as he rested his chin on the top of her head. He watched the waves rolling in from the miles of blue green waters which complimented the pastel streaks of color racing across the sunset sky. He had decided that this was perfection. His son safe and sound just a few rooms away, sleeping soundly and a beautiful woman curled on his lap that shared his love of life. A woman that shared his love. "And, figuring we took a private plane, I don't think anyone had much privacy… But, you're right, I love it here, too - with you."

"Don't forget that Thursday 'Lana and I are going to be in the spa all afternoon. Which means Nick'll be following you around like a sad little puppy looking for someone to play with," Natalie teased softly, shifting in his lap so her head rested on his shoulder. The fading sunlight delicately kissed his features, eyes that mirrored the blue of the sky glancing down at her with love. Reaching up, she slowly traced the contours of his face with her fingers, from the sweep of his forehead to the curve of his jaw. Trailing her thumb across his lips, she smiled with true happiness, part of her still unable to believe he was truly hers. "I--"

"Love you," Brian finished for her, kissing her thumb before leaning to find her mouth with his. Feeling the softness of her lips beneath his, he couldn't help but smile. Breathing in the very air that she released, mixing their essence, he felt Natalie's lips tremble with wanting. Delicately, he pressed his lips to hers as he whispered, "I'll love you till the end of time, Natalie."

"Bumpkin," Natalie breathed, her fingers curling in his hair. Tears already brimmed in her eyes at his words, threatening to fall without the slightest provocation. "You're going to make me--"

"Please tell me that you two are dressed completely and there are no exposed body parts that I have no interest in seeing," Howie's voice announced from the doorway. Immediately Natalie squeaked slightly, pulling away from Brian to see Howie had his eyes clenched shut.

"Howie, you know me a lot better than that. There is no way that I would strip Natalie of her innocence, much less her clothing, on a balcony where anyone could observe our doings. I'd rather have her in my bed, curled against me in a passionate--"

"What is it with Frick and Frack and their sudden blossoming of 100 point Scrabble wording?" Howie questioned with a small smile, seating himself beside Brian. Noticing the small cooler at the younger man's feet, he reached to pull a bottle of beer from the icy depths. He tipped the beer toward Brian as means of thanks before ripping the cap off, gesturing for Natalie to stay put on Brian's lap. He wasn't offended at the sweet romantics.

"I bought Bumpkin a word-a-day calendar," Natalie explained with a soft laugh, lightly ruffling Brian's hair before leaning to get a beer of her own. "What brings you by?"

"Natural curiosity, boredom, loneliness, perhaps even a business proposition?" Howie answered honestly, leaning back in his seat as he propped his bare feet upon the railing. "Aaron and AJ went down for a late night swim in the pool. The kids are sleeping. Nick has locked Alana away in their master bedroom. And I knew you two would just love my company."

"Always," Natalie promised, taking a sip of her beer. "…What kind of business proposition?"

"It has to do with-Brian, you glare at me like that again I'm going to superglue your face like that at night," Howie immediately threatened when he noted Brian's sour expression. "I'm not going to proposition Natalie for anything sexual. At least not while you're here. I'm not foolish."

"Not now, at least… Get a few more beers in you and you'll be offering me a few million to have her for a night," Brian grumbled, though he offered the older man a grin. "It has to do with what?"

"Propositioning Bumpkin for sex?" Natalie suggested.

"I'm not as desperate as AJ is for sex," Howie warned.

Natalie rolled her eyes. "…I could always hook you up with one of my friends in LA--"

"God, don't. The last thing Howie wants or needs is some giggling fool with more boobs than brains," Brian sighed. "Not that I don't love them all, of course," he quickly added when he saw Natalie's scowl. "They're all wonderful people, but trust me when I say they're not for D--"

"Keep digging, Brian," Howie chuckled.

"I'm not talking about those friends. I'm talking about the girls I met when I did--"

"What business proposition did you have in mind, Howie? Please, share. I'm on pins and needles over here," Brian pleaded.

"I don't think I can recall it…" Howie trailed with a wicked smile, loving to see Brian stew.

"Damnit, Howie--"

"You know, the girls I became friends with after you let Leighanne move you to Georgia and informed me I should stay in LA 'just in case'? Back when you were so enamored with her you still called me several times a day just to make sure I was doing alright? The girls--"

"Natalie, Sweetheart, please," Brian interrupted softly, his eyes full of pleading as he looked at her. "I understand. I'm sorry. I'm an ass."

Natalie looked as if she were about to continue on her tirade of smoldering animosity for Brian's failed marriage, but Howie cleared his throat. He glanced apologetically toward Brian for starting the entire incident, shifting uncomfortably as he took a long swallow of his beer. "My proposition is about Alana, your guys' new best friend."

"…You going to offer her a few million for sex?" Natalie guessed after a moment.

"As tempting as that sounds, taking a woman away from Nick for once… I'd rather have her on my record label. I mean, Brian, be honest with me, she has the talent to make it as a performer. Doesn't she? Her personality is infectious. She's got a beautiful smile. A gorgeous body. And her voice is just…"

"Amazing," Natalie finished for him softly.

"Yeah… Even when she's just singing to herself it's breathtaking," Brian agreed with a nod, remembering all the times he had been half-asleep and heard her singing softly as she checked on Baylee. "And what do we have to do with your record label?"

"Nothing," Howie stated honestly, causing Natalie to roll her eyes. "My problem is that she doesn't take my offer seriously. She keeps turning down the opportunity when I know she could do more than just succeed in the business. But after I called her Nick's flavor of the week, I think my credibility declined---"

"You called her a flavor?!" Natalie interrupted with a soft cry, jerking to sit upright in Brian's lap. "What is she, a scoop of ice cream or something?"

"I'm sorry, okay? I just know Nick's history with women and the type of women that he dates. None of them are there for the long-haul. Instead, they're like a scoop of ice cream, per say. The flavor of the week that really excites you but gives you one too many brain freezes so you have to move to the next--"

"Like you're one to talk about Nicky's history, Mr. One-Night Stand," Natalie snorted, draining the rest of her beer.

"What One-Night-Stand?" Brian immediately questioned with a scowl of cynicism, which he turned on Natalie. He had never been so accustomed with the emotion of jealousy before, but found it evoking his very soul whenever Natalie mentioned another relationship with a man. It made him feel inadequate, though he never dared to admit so. "Were you Ms. One-Night-Stand?"

"Would you calm down? Haven't I told you that nothing happened the one time he and I went out?" Natalie questioned with a soft sigh.

"Geez, Bri… She wouldn't even let me kiss her goodnight--"

"Damn straight," Natalie huffed.

"Which means he tried," Brian grumbled to himself, reaching for a beer. "Anyway, continue with the proposition. Before I find myself sleeping on the couch tonight…"

"It's not a proposition I suppose, but more of a plea… I need her on my label. She's the one that's going to make my label launch with this huge explosion of greatness. She just won't take my proposal seriously. She says she's a nurse. She even turned Aaron down and you know that boy is weaseling his way into her heart. I'm half tempted to slip it in Baylee and Elizabeth's coloring books for when Alana signs her name after coloring a page. It'd be in crayon, but iron-clad, damnit…"

"No it wouldn't," Natalie disagreed as she slid from Brian's lap to settle herself in the other chair. "It would be fraud, and she would get out of that quicker than Lizzie gets out of her Pull-Ups--"

"I need her to sign that paper," Howie grunted like a stubborn child. "And I really don't want to stoop to asking Nick…"

"Like he'll be so eager to help, considering you called the woman he loves a flavor," Natalie reminded him with a scowl. "But… What do you want us to do? Get her drunk and ask for her autograph?"

"You guys are her best friends, aren't you?" Howie groaned. "Right?"

Brian glanced towards Natalie. "I--"

"Who'd be her manager?" Natalie questioned. "Would she be able to choose her own material? Choose her band? Her style? And when did you get a record label? The last I heard you talk about it, it was just some pipedream you and AJ kept tossing around--"

Howie craned his neck to catch Brian's gaze. "Is she serious?"

"To quote Nick and Alana… A-fucking-parently," Brian chuckled, not knowing how else he could possibly define the situation as Natalie continued to make demands.
Chapter Nineteen :: Capturing Her Essence by shrinkingviolet
Nick felt his chest heave with ragged breaths as he dashed across what seemed like the entire length of the very large resort Brian had selected for their vacation. He felt his muscles pull with exhaustion, but managed to just increase his speed as he ducked between a young honeymooning couple who were just about to kiss. He ignored any thought of possibly finding the man's lips against his cheek as he focused on his task. He had to get to the resort's private beach as fast as humanly possible. Alana had left a note early that morning saying that AJ had offered to take her jet-skiing for the day. She obviously hadn't had the heart to rouse Nick from his deep sleep after their night of thorough love making, just scratching a note down for him to find later. Much later. It had been hard enough attempting to wrangle his excited body into a pair of trunks and muscle tank much less run the obstacle course of the resort. And, even now, as his bare feet hit the hot sand, he kept his gaze trained to the ocean's horizon, threatening to murder AJ for being so damn conniving so early in the morning.

"Nicky! I built sand castle! And--" Baylee cut off when Nick rushed past him. Narrowing his eyes, he turned to pout at his father. "Nicky no talk to me!"

"Nicky's… Preoccupied," Brian supplied with a gentle shrug, leaning over to hand Elizabeth a shell to place atop the elaborate castle they had spent the morning creating. Glancing up to see Nick running down the beach, he raised one eyebrow when the younger man skidded to a stop. Following his friend's glare, he smiled slightly when he saw the jet-ski zipping across the ocean surface.

"Nick got Alana's note this morning," Aaron sung with a bemused grin as he returned with another bucket filled with wet sand. Flopping beside Baylee in the warm sand, he craned his neck to see Alana revving the engine of the jet-ski, practically rearing it within the water as AJ held tight to her waist.

"And apparently it wasn't a love sonnet," Natalie added with a soft chuckle, glancing up from the turrets she was creating. Shaking her head, she watched Nick for a moment before continuing her work.

"Why Nicky 'pied, Daddy?" Baylee inquired with confusion as he turned slightly to watch Nick waving wildly toward the couple on the jet-ski. And when Nick began to jump, dance, and curse in an elaborate fashion, Baylee wrinkled his nose. "He gots crabs on him's weenie?"

Aaron exploded with laughter, dumping the sand from his bucket in front of Elizabeth. Adjusting the cap over her head, he wondered if it was time to make her take a break and go cool off in the water. He didn't want her to get overheated… "With his history? I wouldn't doubt it--"

Natalie snorted as means of an interruption, watching Aaron scoop Elizabeth into his arms. The little girl squealed in surprise, but clung to him otherwise. The sweetness of the two deterred her for a moment, but she instantly remembered why she had snorted. "Why do you guys always make Nick out to be some sort of man whore?"

"Because he is a man whore?" Howie murmured from his own beach blanket, flipping the page of his novel.

"He's a good looking millionaire in his twenties… Women naturally flock to him," Natalie offered as an explanation, peering at Howie over her sunglasses. "Just as women naturally flock to the rest of you--"

"That doesn't mean the rest of us… Flock back," Brian interrupted.

"But you all are a great deal older. He just loves life and…" Natalie fixed a glare of consternation at her lover. What was his problem? Nick had a troubled childhood to say the very least. No direction or guidance whatsoever from parents who were supposed to love him unconditionally. And he was like any hot-blooded American boy growing up. He wanted to test his limits and explore his options. There was no harm in that. "He's your best friend and you're supposed to be sticking up for him. Not to mention he is getting so serious with Alana--"

"Which won't last long," Howie decided to interrupt, gesturing for Aaron to slather sunblock on Elizabeth's fair skin. "Nick has gotten serious before… But it never lasts long."

"And I'm sure that had nothing to do with the amazing support he gets from all of you," Natalie snorted with derision, growing tired of everyone constantly downing Nick. It wasn't as though they were perfect. And, though she would rather throw herself into oncoming traffic than admit it, she viewed Nick as one of her closest friend, an annoying big brother in some ways. Brushing the sand from her hands as Baylee grabbed a bucket for more wet sand, she got to her feet. "And, since you all seem to care so much, I'll go and talk him into calming down before he gives himself a stroke."

"Thanks, Nat," Howie and Brian mumbled, returning to their leisurely activities.

"Assholes," Natalie muttered under her breath as she pulled Brian's t-shirt over her head. Resisting the urge to dump the bucket of water beside her over Brian's head, she got to her feet, heading down the beach to Nick.

"How long has she been jet-skiing with him?" Nick inquired loudly, though he didn't expect Natalie to be standing at his side. It had been more of a private, rhetorical question as he watched Alana slice through the wild waves with AJ hugging her tightly to his chest. Both were grinning and laughing at the excursion, Alana leaning back to yell something into AJ's ear as she revved the engine to jump another wave. And Nick felt his heart start to flatten at the mere sight of her gorgeous smile. God how he wished he was the only one that made her smile like that.

"Off and on for a couple of hours… AJ took Bay and Lizzie out for a few slow rides while Alana rubbed oil on Howie's back," Natalie informed him, offering him the bottled water she'd snatched from the cooler. "Then me and her went out for a bit… But they've been out for about an hour now--"

"Rubbed oil on Howie's back?" Nick exploded as he turned toward Natalie with a look of disgust. "Him, too?! What the fuck is it with my older brothers? Are they constantly trying to cock-block me for the sheer fun of it or what?!"

"Well I offered, but Bumpkin looked like he'd just swallowed a jalapeńo, so… And it's not like that, Nicky. Besides, Lizzie helped her--"

"But she probably sat on his back and-Where do they park the jet-ski when they're done?"

"Down at the pier…" Natalie trailed, rolling her eyes when Nick began stalking in that direction. Running to catch up, she thrust the bottle of water into his hands. "And, no, she didn't sit on his back. At least, Alana didn't. Lizzie did. And she loudly informed one and all that she was passing gas in honor of her Nicky--"

"It's like everyone and their brother and God above are against me starting a serious relationship with Alana. They think I'm some kind of cosmic joke. Like I ain't capable of loving someone with my entire heart. Like just because my parents fucked up means that I'm supposed to be some kind of failure at romance, too. AJ always up her ass just trying to get a piece. Aaron wanting to be her little puppy. Howie calling her a fucking flavor of the week--"

"Nicky, no one thinks you're a joke. You're an awesome guy. Any woman would be lucky to have you," Natalie attempted to soothe, silently praying he would shorten his strides just a bit so she didn't have to jog to keep up. Glancing up at him, she bit her lip at the pained expression on his face, wishing she knew the words to say that would make him realize what a great person he truly was. Though she knew a lifetime of belittlements and over the top jibes had scarred him. "And I know you don't want just any woman. You want Alana… She wants you too, Nick--"

"Has she told you that?" Nick inquired, his feet slapping against the wooden planks of the long pier. He was fully intent on racing to the end as he noticed Alana turning the jet-ski, but heard Natalie panting slightly. Turning, he stopped completely for her to catch up, waiting diligently on the answer.

Snatching the water from his hands, Natalie took a long gulp before answering. "She doesn't have to tell me. Anybody with two eyes and half a brain could figure it out--"

"I want her to say it."

"Say what? Don't you realize how hard this is for her? What do you expect her to do, Nick? Jump off that jet-ski, leap into your arms and scream 'I love you'--"

"NICKY!" AJ screamed over the roar of the jet-ski as Alana pulled it up to the end of the pier.

"You sound like a bullfrog whenever you talk, but you scream and suddenly I feel like I have an immature adolescent girl behind me squealing over a lifeguard…" Alana murmured with disbelief as she turned off the engine of the jet-ski. Shifting slightly, she waited as AJ clamored onto the peer before handing him the rope to secure the expensive machine to the pier. Once she was assured it was tied, she reached out for his hand to be helped onto the pier.

"Hey!" AJ yelped painfully as he was instantly pushed aside, catching himself before he fell into the water. Glaring at Nick as the younger man assisted Alana onto the pier, he caught his breath before reaching to remove his lifejacket. "Huh. 'Bout fucking time you got up, Nicky Dicky--"

"Did you sleep well?" Alana questioned as Natalie reached to clamp a hand down on AJ's wrist, yanking him away to return the lifejacket before the man could start any more trouble. Alana had to smile at the loud whine that erupted from AJ's scrawny chest as he was tugged away, but her attention was pulled back to Nick when she felt his fingers slide against the zipper of her lifejacket. Freed from the buoyant prison, she offered a smile of gratitude toward Nick, shrugging it off before reaching up to secure her wet curls into a high ponytail.

"Until I rolled over and landed in a cold spot," Nick replied, tossing the lifejacket to the pier. Brushing his lips over hers, he glanced back at AJ. "Did you have… Fun?"

"Must have been better than landing on me," Alana teased as she wrapped her arms around his waist, drawing him closer to her. She had second thoughts about leaving him that morning when AJ had tapped so impatiently on their master bedroom door. She had longed to just cuddle against his side and watch the television till he stirred, but AJ was so persistent. So, giving him a sweet kiss goodbye, she had caved into AJ's demands. The morning had been fun, there was no doubt, but she had missed Nick. "…Of course I had fun. Jet-skis are just crazy. And I even hit this wave to make AJ going flying into the ocean. It was hysterical."

"How come he's not still in the ocean--"

"Because I unfortunately have an overwhelming since of compassion," Alana laughed, reaching up to kiss him once more. Finding his hands at his sides, Alana released his waist and let her fingers travel over his wrists and to his hands. Slowly, she guided his hands over her body to her bare midriff, wanting him to touch her. "And he's a lot of fun to play with."

"Play? …Like, as in kidding around play? Or play as in he's hot and you want to--"

"Play as in he's going to have to suffice when you're not around," Alana quickly corrected, not even wanting Nick to suggest anything remotely sexual happening between her and AJ. He was a nice guy and completely insane; someone who matched her need for bursts of adrenaline, but nothing that she couldn't get elsewhere. He was a great friend and nothing more. Though, by the look in Nick's darkening ocean eyes, Alana realized that there was no way she could pitch that concept today. Exhaling a soft breath, she pulled away from his taut form, bending down to scoop up her lifejacket to return.

"Why didn't you… That is… I would have… Um…" Nick trailed, floundering to think of the right words to say. "Want to go for a ride with me?"

"I didn't want to wake you up because you looked extremely comfortable," Alana explained as she handed over her lifejacket to the rental serviceman. Leaning on the counter, she eyed the selection behind the bleach blonde man, assuring to avoid all contact with him. Suddenly, catching sight of the surfboards, she turned to find Nick directly behind her. "When are you going to teach me to surf? You already showed me basics. I want to get on the water…"

Nick's brow wrinkled in confusion. "But… You were just on the water--"

"And your point is? I can't be in the water more than once a day? This coming from the man who has been permanently pruned by the ocean? Shouldn't you be squealing over the fact that I want to stay in the ocean? With you?" Alana inquired as she mustered a smile toward the serviceman, grabbing Nick's upper arm to lead him away from the pier. She could just help Elizabeth and Baylee with their boogie boards for the afternoon.

"Well, I--"

"Probably need to go back to bed, huh?" Alana suggested as they reached the lounge site of his friends. Noting Brian and Natalie curled together under a large beach umbrella, each reading their own magazines and Howie had fallen asleep with his nose pressed in the center of his novel; Alana stepped over them to reach AJ in the middle. Digging into her bag for a sun-block lotion, she seated herself beside AJ.

"Get up on the wrong side of the bed, Dicky?" AJ questioned idly, taking the lotion from Alana.

Nick scowled, hating the man more and more with each passing moment. "No, I got up on the normal side of the bed, and then… And she… And you… Give me that fucking lotion," he growled, walking across Brian and Natalie to reach them. Shoving the older man aside, he snatched the bottle away before settling next to Alana.

"Al, he's getting violent with me," AJ suddenly whined as Brian and Natalie growled at the feeling of Nick's sandy feet sinking into their bodies. Not that Nick seemed to mind as he shoved AJ far away from Alana's opposite side. It only seemed to make AJ whine louder with distress.

"I kind of like it," Alana purred with a devilish smile, shifting so she could settle between Nick's legs. Resting her arms on his bent knees, she pulled her wet curls away from her neck, hoping Nick would take the hint.

"And if you don't shut the fuck up, I'm going to get more violent," Nick warned with a sharp glare before turning his attention to Alana. Smirking at the sight of her back, he slid one hand over her skin, quickly untying the bottom string of her bikini top. Hearing AJ's grumbles, he held back a snicker, leaning over to lightly kiss Alana's neck as he squeezed a dollop of lotion into his hand.

"You came just in time," Alana decided as she pulled her arms from his knees to fold over her almost bared breasts, watching AJ move to lie in front of them. She rolled her eyes playfully at his obvious attempt at peeking. "I think you're the best at this sunscreen thing, Nickalicious. You can be my official cabana boy."

"And just what do my duties include?" Nick questioned as he began to gently rub in the lotion. Catching the tie at her neck between his teeth, he tugged, smiling in satisfaction when the ties fell forward. Glancing up when he heard her squeal, he saw AJ practically breaking his neck as he craned to get a peek. "Get the fuck out of here," he growled.

AJ snorted. "No fucking way--"

"JJ!" Baylee screamed from down the beach, where he, Elizabeth and Aaron were hunting shells. "Lizzie need you! NOW!"

"Probably needs someone to take her to the potty, AJ," Natalie snickered, leaning forward slightly as she closed her magazine, glancing toward Alana who had pulled the untied top from her lap and set it at the side of her beach blanket.

AJ whined as he got to his feet reluctantly. "But I don't want to take her to the potty…" his voice trailed as he headed down the beach.

Nick grinned in triumph, sitting back slightly so he could properly apply the lotion to Alana's back. "I am so buying that kid a Barbie Dreamhouse-Jesus, Nat, stop gawking! Don't you have tits of your own to look at?!"

"I'm just looking! Jesus, Nick…" Natalie huffed.

"Is there a reason that you're looking at Alana's… Her… Well…" Brian shrugged helplessly as he glanced over to Nick and Alana. His eyes moved from her bare back as Nick slowly rubbed the lotion into her bronzed skin. Following the slow circular movements of his friend's hands, he trialed the curve of Alana's shoulder to her upper torso. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her bared breasts, but the soft peaks and valley remained, causing Brian to clear his throat. He immediately turned his attention back to his magazine, holding his breath.

"Ain't nothing to look at," Alana mumbled, her cheeks a fiery red as she pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms about them for further protection.

Natalie pulled her gaze away to glance at Brian, biting back a giggle when she saw his flushed cheeks. "Bumpkin, breathe… You’ve seen breasts before--"

"But not Alana's," Nick interrupted, sliding his hands down to rest on Alana's waist. "Want me to do your front too?"

"Are you going to keep exposing my body like I'm your little blow-up doll?" Alana questioned as Nick laid her out on the large beach blanket. She immediately squealed with protest, though Nick was quick to cover her body with his. Holding her breath, her bare breasts rose to meet his bare chest. An electric shock of smoldering passion ripped down her spine, though she became aware of the fact that Howie was lying next to her sleeping and Brian and Natalie were watching curiously on the other side.

"It's covered," Nick murmured just before catching her lips in a fired kiss, ignoring his best friend's whine of disapproval.

"If you're going to have sex on the beach, can you not do it right next to me?" Howie mumbled sleepily as he rolled over, one arm flopping across his face to shield his eyes.

"Shut up, Howie," Natalie muttered.

"If you get that Adult charge on the bill at the end of this vacation, odds are that Allie was the culprit, huh?" Alana guessed against Nick's lips, nipping at his tongue when it entered her mouth. Purring with a soft delight at the sensations he was causing, Alana couldn't resist reaching her hand out to run up Howie's bare side.

"HEY!" Howie shrieked, leaping away. His mind still foggy from sleep, he assumed Nick had been the one touching him and immediately plotted revenge. Spying a bucket of water within reach, left over from the kids' sandcastle, he snatched it up, quickly dumping it over Nick's head.

"See if I ever touch you again," Alana choked in shock as the salty seawater rained down on her face. Sputtering to rid the awful taste from her mouth, she pushed Nick off her body and scrambled for her bikini top. Stumbling into a standing position, she stalked down the beach as she secured tight knots in her bikini strings. Rubbing her face repeatedly, she coughed and hacked.

"I thought it was Nick!" Howie yelped.

"That's what I get for trying to be part of the group," Alana coughed as she reached Aaron and Baylee on the shoreline, attempting to catch a small crab. Stopping in front of Aaron, she used the back of his t-shirt to pat her face dry, making another face at the taste of salt. "And even if it was Nick, he still would have hit me with the-Oh, I ain't ever signing onto his label. Hell no."

"What happened?" Aaron questioned, standing to peel off his t-shirt so she could dry her face off properly. Glancing over at the others, he saw Nick shoving his finger in Howie's face. Seeing the bucket in the older man's hand, as well as his brother's soaked head, he got the idea. "Howie put a damper on your loving?"

"JJ gone t'take Lizzie poop," Baylee announced as he leaned closer to the crab. Pursing his lips in concentration, he dropped the empty bucket over it, quickly turning it over to see the crab inside. "I DID IT!"

"A damper on my loving doesn't even begin to describe what Banana Nut Crunch did to me…" Alana breathed, smiling thankfully toward Aaron as she offered him his t-shirt back. When he tucked it into the pocket of his shorts, she stooped to wrap her arms around Baylee's pot belly from behind. Peering over his shoulder, she cooed at the small crab he had collected. "Look, it's Sebastian!"

"Where Ariel?" Baylee questioned, looking out towards the ocean as though the mermaid would appear. "Her under th' sea wit' Flounder?"

"Probably waiting for Eric to come rescue her," Alana agreed with a nod, blowing a raspberry to the side of the little boy's face.

"Sebastian want'a go back to her?" Baylee sighed, staring down at the crab.

Aaron leaned over, grinning from ear to ear. "Hold on, Bay, I know exactly what Sebastian wants to do… He wants to go see Uncle Howie…"

"I ain't getting involved in this plan," Alana immediately declined as she stood and brushed the sea swept curls away from her face. She could tell by the dark glimmer in Aaron's chocolate eyes that he was up to no good. "…But I want to watch."

"Alright… Listen closely, Bay," Aaron directed, leaning close to whisper in the boy's ear. Pointing towards Howie, he continued to grin as Baylee nodded with understanding. After giving him step by step instructions, he leaned back. "Got it?"

"Uh-huh…" Baylee trailed, gripping the bucket tightly as he slowly headed down the beach.

"Now watch this," Aaron told Alana, his grin widening as he stood next to her. Draping an arm around her shoulder as Nick stormed away from Howie, he waved his older brother older, keeping his eyes on Baylee's progress. Down the beach, kicking up clumps of wet sand as Howie settled back down to continue his nap. Up towards the blanket, moving slowly so as not to be detected, kneeling down at Howie's feet as the man picked up his book.

"What's Bay doing?" Nick questioned with a knowing look as he approached them, glancing back to watch.

"Shh…" Aaron bit back a loud laugh as Baylee leaned up, tilting the bucket. Watching the crab skitter out, he worried that his plan might fail, but was instantly rewarded with Baylee gently batting the crab in the opposite direction. Seconds later Howie was on his feet, howling with pain as he furiously shook the leg of his shorts. "YES!"

"TO ARIEL, SEBASTIAN! RUN TO ARIEL!" Baylee screeched as Howie jerked wildly around in a painful dance. Natalie and Brian stared at Howie with a bizarre sense of fascination, watching when Howie grabbed his crotch and crumpled to the blanket in a howl of relief. Somehow, the crab seemed to know that his duty of service had terminated as he dropped from Howie's trunks and scurried down the beach.

"Shit, we got to go," Alana breathed with tight peals of laughter, tugging at the brothers' arms. "C'mon, hurry!"

"AARON! I DID IT!" Baylee screamed with triumph, waving the empty bucket in the air wildly.

"Now we really got to go!" Alana yelped, yanking harder on the boys' arms to get them running.

*~*~*

Humming softly to himself as he stepped out of the bathroom, Brian loosened his grip on the towel around his waist, moving to the dresser to retrieve clean clothes. Natalie had gone with Aaron, Elizabeth and Baylee to get the kids some new sandcastle building supplies, and he knew they would be back soon and ready for dinner. Muffling a yawn as he tossed the towel to the bed, he pulled on his boxers, wondering if he had time for a quick snooze before getting dressed.

"You might consider getting a little sun there, Brian," Alana announced from the open doorway, grinning when the man lurched forward, stumbling slightly before landing on his backside next to the dresser.

"How long have you been here?!" Brian yelped as he got to his feet, quickly yanking on a t-shirt.

"Not long enough to see Allie's Promised Land," Alana assured him with a wicked smile.

"What-You-Me-I'm-I can't believe--"

"I honestly didn't see anything," Alana interrupted softly as she held her hands up as means of innocence. Suddenly the minx in her was drowned at the sight of Brian's stricken face. She smiled apologetically as she leaned against the door, releasing the softest of sighs. She had just been perplexed when entering her master bedroom after Nick had smacked a kiss to her lips and hurried out the door without so much as an explanation. That hadn't bothered her, but the present waiting on her bed had. "I was just walking by and your door was open and someone left your new CD on my bed. It was addressed to me, so I figured before I started listing it on Ebay, I better figure out who it was from. Unless you want me to leave, which is fine--"

"No, no, you can stay," Brian interrupted. Grateful his heart had returned to its normal pace. "I think Nat left you the CD… She grabbed a few copies to give out… Want to go sit on the balcony?"

"Gotcha…" Alana trailed, tucking her hands into the back pockets of her frayed and torn, hipster jeans. She stared down at her bare feet like a bashful child, shifting her weight from foot to foot. "I really didn't mean to bother you. I just wanted to thank you for the CD, I guess. I really wasn't sure what my thought process was to tell you the truth--"

"Have you listened to it yet?" Brian questioned softly, somewhat hopeful that she had and would give him good feedback. He had worked so hard on it, considered each song he had recorded something akin to a child. And, knowing that there were plenty of people who may not agree with his faith, didn't care what anyone thought, really. He had done the album for himself.

"Yeah, I popped it into my CD player for a listen," Alana agreed with a nod, slowly following Brian to the balcony after he stepped into a pair of shorts.

"Is it the worst crap you've ever heard?"

"It ain't crap," Alana disagreed with a shake of her head, slowly sliding into the chair beside Brian. Propping her feet on the railing, she glanced out at the turmoil of the rolling blue-green waves. "Your voice is beautiful. There is no doubt about that, Brian. You have a talent and you have every right to be proud of that. But, I'm not the one to get feedback on your songs from."

"Thanks… And why not? You have ears, don't you?"

"Well, of course, but the message that you're trying to spread. What your entire CD conveys… I'm not sure that I'm one to understand it. I mean, I'm Christian… Methodist if you want to break down the Protestant chain… But I've been angry at God for too long to feel the passion of your message..." Alana admitted truthfully as she kept her gaze trained on the horizon. Working as a nurse, she had been greeted with God's miracles every day. There was no way that she could deny her faith. That is, till her son died. Then, every fiber of God's love that had pulsated inside her shriveled and decayed. In many ways, she died along with her son that day.

Brian nodded with understanding, looking out towards the ocean. "I understand that, Alana, I really do… How did Colton die? If you don't want to tell me, I--"

"He had an undiagnosed heart defect," Alana interrupted before Brian could dismiss the conversation. Her voice was hoarse with the building of emotion, haphazardly playing with the holey and frayed material over her bare knee. She had never discussed the death of her child with anyone. Her ex-husband had been cold and distant after the funeral and her family dismissed her as a failure. It was kept bottled inside like a festering sore, but Brian's soft understanding voice coaxed her to release some of the pain. "Colt actually had a ventricular septal defecte like you and Baylee. The pediatrician missed it during his physicals, I guess… He never had any symptoms of the defect. He was just this bundle of energy… Then he turns two and I think it's a good idea to start getting him introduced to the dentist. Because I didn't know about the defect, I didn't even think of starting him on an antibiotic before the appointment. When the dentist cleans anyone's teeth with a heart defect, they run the risk of the plaque getting into their heart and developing an infection. But you already know that… Well… He went to the dentist, we came home, and by that morning Jeremy was rushing him to the Emergency Room while I performed CPR. He died of endocarditis…"

"I'm so sorry," Brian whispered, impulsively reaching for her hand. Though he knew the last thing she wanted was comfort, he had a feeling it was what she needed. He couldn't imagine having to go through the loss of a child, though he had come terribly close to losing Baylee.

"I should have known something was wrong with him. I should have listened to his heart when he was a baby. Not just taken the pediatrician's word that everything was okay. I'm a nurse for God's sake…" Alana continued with a hard shudder, never pulling her hand away from Brian's as she concentrated on the ocean. She was oblivious to the tears pouring from her eyes, void of her painful emotions. "Jeremy blamed me from the start… My family thought I was a failure… Hell, I just wanted my baby back…"

"You still have him, Alana… He'll always be in your heart--"

"Do you want to see a picture?" Alana inquired, not really up for the meaningless expressions that had been offered from her past co-workers when they had seen her racing into the Emergency Room with her little boy clutched in her arms. Sniffling heavily, she shifted to her side, reaching to withdraw her slim wallet from her back pocket. She always kept her son's photograph close by. It gave her comfort to know she would never forget his face.

"Of course," Brian agreed with an easy smile, sitting up straighter as she flipped open the wallet.

"I think this is a phenomena between parents and their collage of mini photo albums in their wallets," Alana decided with a soft sniffle, blinking rapidly to clear away the tears. Handing over her wallet, she shifted to lean on the arm of Brian's chair, gesturing toward the first photograph. It was her favorite and most recent of Colton. He had insisted on bathing in the master bathroom with his Mr. Bubbles, actually proceeding to dump the whole box into Alana's jacuzzi. Needless to say, bubbles reached the high ceilings and Colton sat right in the middle, grinning wildly with Alana tucked behind him. He looked almost identical to his mother with strawberry blonde curls and a light layer of freckles crossing his petite nose. The only attribute that he seemed to have from his father was his rusty brown eyes. His grin was impish as he held onto his mother's neck, flashing the photographer a 'thumb's up' sign.

"He's beautiful," Brian murmured, lightly tracing Colton's grin with the tip of his finger. The light shining in the boy's eyes, making his grin seem even bigger, caused Brian's throat to close with emotion. An amazing life, filled with laughter and love, cut too short. "He looks just like you…"

"His father always complained that he had my personality, too…" Alana murmured, clearing her throat to ward off the sob hiding deeper in her chest. Reaching, she turned the page to show another photograph of Colton perched on a small black and white colt. He had a cowboy hat in his hand, thrusting it toward the camera with what looked like a squeal of laughter. "That was his horse. We bought one that was born on the same day as him. He named it Cowboy…"

"This what you got your tattoo modeled after?" Brian questioned softly.

"Yeah," Alana confirmed with a small nod. "Colt always told me that he was going to be a cowboy and, when I was pregnant, he always kicked me right there when he wanted my attention… He was so aware of the outside world, even when he was inside… He used to tell me he was special, 'cause he knew what my heart felt like from the inside…"

"You were lucky to have such a great son, Alana… He looks like he was very happy--"

"You're the lucky one," Alana disagreed as she leaned back in her seat once more, unable to look at the pictures any longer. "Baylee is such a beautiful little boy. He's so sharp and so attentive. Like a little firecracker."

"God's blessed me--"

"No doubt…" Alana trailed, accepting the wallet when Brian finished looking over her photographs. Folding it back up, she leaned to replace it in her back pocket. "You've got a beautiful son and Natalie is something special, too."

"I know… I was just too stupid to realize how special she was until it was almost too late," Brian murmured, mostly to himself as he lifted his gaze out to the ocean once more. "Speaking of--"

"There's no use in thinking about the 'almost' in life. Truth is, you realized how much you loved her and crossed the finish line to win," Alana vaguely referenced, stretching her long legs onto the balcony railing. She then absentmindedly played with the frayed edges of the knee hole in her jeans.

"What about you?" Brian inquired softly.

"What about me?" Alana questioned in confusion. "I already hit the finish line and pretty much retired. Married right out of college and had a child. Life goals met."

"But you and Nick--"

"Are enjoying each other's company," Alana finished simply, not really wanting to delve into her relationship with Nick. Not that she could call it much of a relationship to begin with. If anything, their endeavors traveled the path of passion and physical rewards. There was no need for emotional ties. Or at least, that's what she had been telling herself as Baylee healed in the hospital. And this Bahamas vacation - that was means to an end.

"He's fallen in love with you, Alana. I'd call that more than enjoying each other's company," Brian pointed out, raising a brow.

"He's not in love with me…" Alana trialed, shifting uncomfortably so she could completely avoid Brian's gaze.

"Yes he is," Brian persisted.

"He's just territorial of his…flings…flavors… Whatever y'all label them to be at this point…"

"Alana, come on… I know Nick. He's never been this way about a woman--"

"What does it matter, Brian? Why are you so insistent on pushing this? Because, when it all comes to an end, I'm still going to be in Kentucky and he'll be going back to Florida. And, I carry so many ghosts in my life. It ain't fair to him and it never will be…"

"Distance has nothing to do with it, Alana. Have you even talked to Nick at all about Colton? Does he know anything about him?"

"He knows I had a son and I had a husband," Alana answered softly, though those facts had been revealed in error. And she hadn't lied to him during that moment, either. She had stated both of them were gone and were never coming back. She just hadn't spoken the entire truth. That her son was dead and her ex-husband had blamed her. She didn't see the need to inform him of such tragedies.

"…Don't you think you need to talk to him about--"

"DADDY!"

"Your private oasis has been officially crashed," Alana decided as she heard Baylee scream for his father in rapid repetition. She silently thanked God for the means of escape, crawling out of her chair. Wiping her hands on her jeans, she shifted precariously from foot to foot. "It was nice chatting with you, Brian. I think I'll go take a walk on the beach or something…"

"This talk isn't over," Brian informed her gently as he got to his feet. "Why don't you stay? Join us for dinner - Where the Hell is Nick at, anyway?"

"I'm not really sure where he is," Alana answered truthfully as Elizabeth and Baylee began wildly tapping at the balcony's glass doors. Baylee, watching to catch the adults' attention, pressed the large leather book he had been holding into his arms against his stomach, wedging it between the glass and himself. "I was taking a shower and he yelled something through the door and--"

"DADDY!" Baylee screamed as the doors flung open from Elizabeth's wriggling of the handle, falling against his father in a rush. "Look'it! Nicky left his 'ketches here'd!"

"Two little'n's got some sugar while they were out shopping," Alana breathed in surprise as Elizabeth launched into her arms. Countering the toddler's weight so she didn't fall over, she easily settled Elizabeth on her hip. Leaning to kiss her forehead, she saw Aaron and Natalie in the kitchenette unloading the take-out they had bought for the group.

"Cott'n candy an' a sucker bigger'n Aaron's head," Elizabeth confided with a squeal, blowing a loud raspberry against Alana's cheek. "An' ice cream an' cookies--"

"You won't be sleeping for the rest of the vacation," Alana laughed, tickled by the little girl's raspberry. Glancing toward Aaron and his devilish smirk, she realized that he had snuck all the treats in while Natalie was elsewhere. "Thank God you ain't sleeping in my bedroom."

"Aaron says we s'eep'n wit' JJ!" Baylee exclaimed, shoving the leather book into his father's hands. "Daddy! Open it! Got's nakie 'Lana!"

"Scooper, you know you're not supposed to be snooping around in your Uncle Nicky's things," Brian chided as Aaron scooped up the child to place him in his booster seat. Moving to sit at the head of the table, Brian made sure to place a warm kiss on Natalie's neck. Hearing her sigh with appreciation, he rubbed the small of her back before placing the leather book on the table. It was the sketchbook that Brian had purchased Nick for one of his birthdays years ago. One could easily see its age by the tears and faded corners, but Nick continued to add pages to it, unwilling to part with such a treasure. And, though he had just scorned his son, Brian couldn't help but peek.

"Apparently your Daddy can, though," Aaron muttered to Baylee, causing the boy to snort with laughter as Natalie began serving the Mexican food.

"Did the artist catch the true essence of the subject?" Natalie asked Brian with a smirk, pressing a soft kiss on his cheek before motioning for him to sit.

"I don't think anyone could ever pin-point the true essence of Alana," Brian answered honestly, flipping through the early pages till he found sketch after sketch of Alana. To say the man was infatuated would be an understatement. Exhaling a soft breath, Brian glanced to Alana as she tucked Elizabeth into her booster seat. "You need to see them."

"I think I already know what I look like naked…" Alana trailed, glancing to the sketchbook in Brian's hands. Nick spent all his private hours with his nose pressed close to that book. Mostly when she overslept, she would find him by the glass doors leading to their balcony, watching her as he sketched.

Leaning over Brian's shoulder to take a peek, Natalie's eyes widened slightly. "…Maybe… But do you know what you look like naked with a wave crashing behind you?"

"'Lana a mermaid?!" Baylee questioned excitedly.

"I WANNA SEE!" Elizabeth squealed.

"Nude artistry is not something these squirts need to be looking at," Alana declined, chewing thoughtfully on her bottom lip as Aaron swooped in for the book. "Do I look horrible? Like represented truly in art form as I am in reality?"

"You're gorgeous," Aaron breathed, reaching to run his finger along the outline of the sketched breast before the book was yanked away by Natalie. "Hey!"

"Do you guys mind not passing his sketches of my naked body around for your amusements?" Alana questioned, unable to hide the dark blush creeping to her cheeks. She didn't see the sketches yet, but the excitement glimmering in the adults' eyes warned her otherwise. "And you don't even know that it's me! It could be some other woman that he's infatuated with--"

"He's not infatuated with any woman but you," Aaron stated with a shrug as Natalie flipped through the book. "And trust me, it's you--"

"Here," Natalie murmured, pushing the book into Alana's hands. "See for yourself--"

Alana wanted to just snap the book closed and call it a means to an end, but she couldn't help herself when she caught the first glide of a graphite pencil. Exhaling a soft breath, Alana opened the book wider as she eased herself onto the nearby loveseat. To say Nick was talented would be an understatement. He seemed to catch the wildness of the ocean waves rising up behind a woman walking toward the artist. Her arms were outstretched to welcome the waves around her, proud of her nudity. Long curls spilt wildly over her shoulders as she held a small smirk on her gorgeous face. Turning the page, she was met with picture after picture of the same woman in different surroundings. It was as if he couldn't seem to forget the woman, especially as she found the last picture. The woman lying amongst a tangle of sheets, sleeping soundly with her hands tucked underneath her pillow, small portions of her bare body peeking from beneath the sheets.

"So?" Natalie asked after a moment, jerking Alana from her concentration. "Isn't it--"

"Hey, Frick! You seen Alana? I went out to do some things and when I came back she wasn't - Do I smell burritos?" Nick questioned loudly as he burst into the suite.

"Oh, Holy Hell!" Alana yelped in shock as she threw the leather book into the air and toward Natalie, hurriedly scrambling from the loveseat to get as far away from the evidence as possible.

Laughing, Nick turned to catch her in his arms, pulling her up close for a gentle kiss. "That excited to see me, Beautiful?"

"Ecstatic," Alana promised softly against his lips, holding her hands up in defense. For a moment as he softened his kisses against her lips, she fought for where to place her hands. She wanted to wrap them around his neck or run them down his shoulders, but finally dropped her arms to her sides. "Does that mean I get off scot-free?"

"Scot-free for what?" Nick questioned in confusion, reaching to lace his fingers with hers. "Been telling everyone how bad I am in bed or something?"

"Nicky is so oblivious," Natalie sighed as she seated herself at the table.

"Score for me," Alana breathed with sheer relief, bringing their hands to her lips for a soft kiss. "Where were you anyway?"

"Making plans and picking up some things," Nick answered evasively. "And our very private dinner should be waiting for us in our room…"

"Our very private dinner should be waiting for us in our room," Alana repeated to the other adults as Nick started to pull her from Brian and Natalie's suite. When Nick wasn't looking, she gestured wildly to Aaron for him to somehow replace Nick's sketchbook in their suite without his knowing. And when he turned to look at her, she mustered a cool smile, leaning up to kiss him once more. "Why are we having a very private dinner?"

"Because, we--"

"Nicky! Don't forget your 'ketchbook!" Elizabeth exclaimed, scrambling from Aaron's lap to retrieve the book that had been placed on the counter. Fumbling slightly with the clasp, she rushed over, grinning brightly.

"Elizabeth," Alana groaned in disbelief, finding Nick turn his gaze upon her. "Brian looked in it first!"

"No big deal. Not like he hadn't seen 'em already," Nick shrugged, stooping to offer Elizabeth a kiss. "Thanks, Sweetcheeks. Better go eat your food before Aaron gets it all, though--"

"That's it?" Alana interrupted in disbelief, watching Nick pat Elizabeth's backside to hurry her back to the table. "No hysterical blow up for looking at your private property? No outrage? No hate? No yelling?"

"They're all drawings of you, Beautiful… I mean, hey, you know what you look like naked, right?" Nick questioned with a grin, looping his arm around her waist. "Now c'mon, before our dinner gets cold…"

"Well, yeah, I've looked in a mirror when I was- They're really drawings of me?"

"Well, yeah--"

"Nick…" Alana trailed, not knowing what else to really say as he opened the door to their suite, turning back to her. "…Why me?"

Leaning in the doorway, Nick reached to gently caress her cheek, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Because you're beautiful--"

"Nick," Alana groaned softly as she pulled her face from his hand. Her entire body shivered from the soft touch of his hand, causing tears to gather in her teal eyes. No one had ever murmured those words to her with such conviction. Like he couldn't live a day without her. "You're going to make me cry."

"Does the truth hurt?" he questioned softly, pulling her to him so he could place a soft kiss on her forehead. Seeing her tear up made his heart wrench. He vowed to himself to never make her cry again. "'Cause if it does… Well, you're ugly. You're the most hideous creature to ever walk the face of the earth--"

"God, that's awful," Alana grunted, pushing on his chest meekly before just throwing her arms around his neck for a fierce hug. "You're a great guy, Nick."

"You're greater," he promised, hugging her tightly as he pulled her into the suite. "Can we eat now?"
Chapter Twenty :: Past Regrets by shrinkingviolet
"My entire life has been spent trying to find the next adrenaline rush and you decide to treat me to a spa retreat for our vacation… Are you trying to kill me, Allie?" Alana inquired seriously as she walked through the Mandara Spa, conveniently located at their resort, with Natalie at her side. She fussed with the ties of her lush, white robe as her feet made a sharp clicking noise from the white flip-flops on her feet. She had been fully content with the idea of spending the day in bed as Brian and Nick rushed out in the early morning to enjoy some time together. But Natalie had rushed her as soon as the men had parted, insisting she get up and dressed in her favorite bikini. Aaron, AJ, and Howie were watching the children in the expensive pool area made specifically for children while Natalie took Alana to the spa. At this point, watching all the women circling with their absurd chatter, Alana decided that maybe she'd be better off with the kids.

"Everyone deserves one day of total relaxation," Natalie pointed out with a shrug, smiling at the attendant as she slipped into the chair for a pedicure. Leaning back with a pleased sigh, she glanced over at Alana. "Alright, alright… Next time we can go diving in shark-infested waters or dive off cliffs…"

"Can I go now and meet you later? Or does Nick have some goofy rule set up that I'm not allowed to be alone for this entire trip?" Alana inquired, watching as a woman hurried to Natalie's feet. Gently removing the flip-flops, Natalie helped ease her feet in a warm porcelain basin of floral water. Alana immediately wrinkled her nose at the sight, shifting precariously on her feet, knowing she was extremely ticklish.

"And run the risk of having him blow into a jealous rage because AJ corners you somewhere? Do I look stupid to you?" Natalie questioned abruptly, wriggling her toes in the water as another woman approached with sample polish shades. Waving to the chair next to her, she gave Alana a bright smile. "Sit, please?"

"Him being so jealous is so ridiculous," Alana sighed as she moved to take the plush chair beside her friend, making sure to tuck her feet beneath her so no one would be tempted to give her a pedicure.

"Why do you say that? I think it's adorable," Natalie mused with a thoughtful smile, biting back a giggle when an attendant rushed forward to offer Alana a manicure. Reaching for a magazine, she settled back in her chair. "If only Bumpkin got that jealous over me…"

"No thank you, I don't-No, really, I can't-No--" Alana was at a loss as the woman continued to reach for her hands. She flailed them uselessly till the woman sunk her bright pink talons into her hands, pushing them into the lemon scented water. Alana scowled when she heard Natalie giggle. "--You better not put colored nail polish on my nails or I swear to God…" Alana exhaled in attempts to calm herself, glancing over toward Natalie. "Brian does get jealous over you… Howie won't even come in a ten foot radius of you when Brian ain't around…"

"Get a French manicure," Natalie suggested, barely glancing up from her magazine. "Brian doesn't get anywhere near as jealous as Nick does. You should have seen him the other day on the beach… I thought he was going to have a heart attack when he saw you and AJ jet-skiing--"

"That's because Brian has Howie whipped to obey," Alana objected, nodding in confirmation at the French manicure when the woman held up a white polish that would line her tips. "…Nick was having a heart attack over me jet-skiing with AJ?"

"Maybe a little clear coat on those toes?" Natalie added hopefully as Alana began to relax in the chair, one foot dangling over the edge. "Yes, he was… Apparently he thinks everyone is trying to - How did he put it? - Cock-block him?"

"Well that's hysterical considering that I give it to him whenever he wants," Alana mused, yelping slightly when her other foot was pulled from beneath her to be set in a matching porcelain basin as Natalie's. Wrinkling her nose in distaste, Alana still complied as she glanced over to Natalie, suddenly blushing. "Guess you don't want to hear that though, huh?"

"…Just don't go into graphic details about his anatomy and I'll be fine," Natalie assured her with a smirk, tossing the magazine aside.

"Well, Hell, that's the best part…"

"You've got to be kidding me… He can't be packing that much…"

"Nah…" Alana trailed with an unconvincing shake of her head, her lips curving into an impish smile. Why should she tell Natalie the delights of her sex life? Nick's length and thickness should be her personal secret. The way he loved on her something to be kept in the bedroom. So, no other woman could tempt to steal him away.

"Tease," Natalie muttered under her breath. "Ain't like I never saw it before--"

"You've seen him naked?"

"Once--"

"Why?"

"Jealous?"

"No!"

"'Lana…"

"Maybe?"

"I was drunk--"

"And needed the money?" Alana guessed with a soft laugh, turning to catch Natalie's gaze, though she sobered slightly at the seriousness of her friend's facial features. "…What?"

"'Lana… Promise you won't tell Brian? …And that you won't be mad at me?" Natalie questioned seriously, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.

"…Because that's a good way to start off a sentence…" Alana trailed, leaning back in her seat as the woman finished the first clear coat on her nails, which she kept in perfect shape anyway. But she was more concerned about the look crossing Natalie's paling face. "What's wrong?"

"Well… First of all, you have to realize that this was years ago… He'd just broken up with that toothpick with no tits and meanwhile I was deciding, 'cause Bay was on his way, that Brian was truly gone from me. And… Well…" Groaning, Natalie covered her face with her hands, unable to even look her friend in the eye. Taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself, she told herself that everything would be okay. It was always good to let things out in the open. "I ran into Nick at the Playboy Mansion… He was plastered, I was alone, and… We… We…"

"We?" Alana encouraged, pulling her hands away from the woman trying to finish the French manicure.

Heaving a deep sigh, Natalie let her hands fall to her lap. "…We had… That is, we… Ugh… He was my first…"

"Your first--" Suddenly Alana's deep teal eyes widened in realization at what Natalie was referring to and she felt her heart sink into the pit of her ribcage. Just the very idea that Nick had been intimate with Natalie made her stomach churn. Not that she was mad, but more or less hurt. Why hadn't someone confided to her the ins and outs of these interwoven relationships? She never would have thought to become involved with Nick if Natalie had some kind of claim on him… God, why did it hurt so much? "But Brian said you were-You never told him 'cause Nick's his best friend... Oh…" Alana fought to muster some kind of smile. "Guess my joke about Nick's lower anatomy was pretty lame…"

"I'm sorry," Natalie whispered faintly, covering her face again. "It only happened once, it's not like he and I had this wild affair…" Peeking through her fingers at Alana, she groaned, regretting her decision to tell her. "I'm so sorry, 'Lana."

"Why should you be sorry?" Alana laughed, voiding all emotion from her facial expressions as she watched the woman at her feet begin to paint her toenails. "I've only known the man for a few weeks and it's not like it's anything serious. Why should I care who he's been with? Much less that you two were involved? No big deal, honestly…"

"It is a big deal, though… You're falling in love with him, and I know Nicky, he's already fallen in love with you, and… Damnit, I shouldn't have told you--"

"I ain't falling in love with him," Alana immediately disapproved, sending the beginning of her whatever adoration was beginning to build for Nick deep into the cold depths of her heart. "And I won't tell Brian if that's what you're worried about--"

"I'll tell him," Natalie murmured, pursing her lips with worry at the thought. "And don't even try that, Alana Marie. You are so falling in love."

"Hardly…"

"Well, Hell, I guess the bomb I just dropped kicked the love thing in the ass…"

"Drama Queen, how 'bout you take that crown off and get it polished some more before you start raving? I told Brian the same damn thing the other day. I ain't falling in love with Nick, nor will I ever. He's a great guy. He's really nice and a complete goofball, but not for me. I told myself when Colt died and Jeremy left that I was done. I don't want anymore hassles. I like being by myself. Besides, as soon as the Bahamas' trip is over, Nick will be going back to Florida and I'll be going back to work. It was just something to get my mind off the stress. Now stop worrying that you're the fall of human civilization as we know it," Alana chided in a superior bluffing method, knowing inside every word she said was somehow twisted and misspoken. How she worried if Nick really enjoyed being with Natalie, but gave her up because of her inevitable tie to Brian. If he thought of her often. If he measured her against Natalie. Because she certainly wasn't prettier...

"Just something to get your mind off the stress," Natalie murmured softly, appropriately chastened by Alana's words. "So… He's just a different flavor?"

"More like a stolen treat in a strict diet plan…"

"And if his heart gets broken as you sample the goods?"

'You'll be there to glue the pieces back together,' Alana thought as she sat quietly in her chair, her nails pulled back into the woman's hands to finish the strips of white in her French manicure. "He'll be the one to let things go, Allie."

"Alana…"

"What?"

"If you don't want to be my friend anymore, I'll understand. I mean--"

"Where the Hell did you get that from?" Alana exclaimed as she turned away from the woman who had just finished her nails. Not caring out potentially harming the recent work, she brushed a hand down Natalie's shoulder. "I'm not just your friend, Allie. I'm your best friend, right?"

"Yes, of course you are, but… If someone I was growing close to suddenly confided that she'd whored herself out to Brian one night, I don't think I could--"

"You ain't a whore and we're completely different people. Don't worry about it, Natalie. It isn't a big deal. Nick's good at getting his freak on, why should I be surprised?"

Natalie snorted back a giggle, mortified that she was having this conversation. "Well… I… Damnit, you've got me there."

"Hell, maybe he should have been doing shots off of you instead of me."

"Alana… God, no… And please God, don't mention this to him, he'll kill me--"

"It'll stay between us."

"And, don't get all wishy-washy on him?"

"Good God, I've always been wishy-washy with him."

"You can sleep with Bumpkin if you want?"

"Hell no… AJ on the other hand… Please tell me you haven't dipped into that pot?"

"Are you kidding me? I've no desire to contract something from that cesspool of… Disgusting stuff…"

"Figured," Alana laughed, stretching out in her chair.

"Are you seriously interested in him?" Natalie questioned as her feet were propped on a stool to dry. Glancing over at Alana curiously, she wriggled her toes.

"No," Alana answered easily, closing her eyes as she undid the sash of her robe, feeling the heat of the terry start to consume her. Resting her drying hands on her bare abdomen, she released the softest of sighs. "He's just a great guy to hang out with. He's hilarious and tends to follow through with my outrageous stunts. I haven't had that in forever. Even Nick skitzed when he found out I rock-climb, not that it matters--"

"Admit it, 'Lana… Seeing Nick's jealous fits when you're with AJ give you a kick, don't they?"

"Bullshit…"

"Right… And I play-flirt with Howie because he rocks my socks--"

"Like everyone in the group didn't already know that."

"Didn't already know what?"

"That Howie rocks your socks--"

"Bullshit!" Natalie yelped in shock, jerking so hard that she knocked over the stool.

"Because, yeah, Ms. Smooth, like that ain't obvious denial--"

"Bumpkin is all the man I need," Natalie ground out with a deep frown.

"But Howie will be the man you fantasize about," Alana recounted dramatically before bursting into a round of giggles.

*~*~*

"Y'know, Brian… Remember when you said last night that you wanted us to go hang out for the day and have some fun?" Nick questioned, squinting under the bright sun as he mopped his forehead. Leaning against the nearby fence, he watched as his friend meticulously lined up for his putt.

"Uh-huh…" Brian trailed, glancing up from his concentration. "What about it?"

Nick sighed, taking a long swig from his soda as he glanced at their surroundings. "Somehow the image in my mind wasn't of a putt-putt course by the beach," he explained, frowning slightly at the vivid pink golf ball in his hand.

"And what exactly is so wrong with putt-putt?" Brian inquired, scowling when Nick sneezed from the glaring rays of sun and disturbed his concentrated swing. When his ball went bouncing over the green turf and into a deep bit of sand, it was all Brian could do to keep from releasing a loud string of curses. Only Nick could interfere with such an easy putt. Turning with every intention at swatting at Nick, Brian raised his putter as means of a threat. "I'll have you know that Scooper loves playing putt-putt with me-What the Hell is on your hip?" Pointing his putter toward the bared portion of Nick's lower torso where his shirt had rose from his stretch and his pants lowered, Brian detected a purple heart inked in pen on the inside of Nick's pubic bone near the right cresting of his hip.

"Nothing's wrong with putt-putt - Huh?" Looking down, Nick grinned when he saw the heart Alana had so meticulously created in the wee hours of the morning. "What the Hell does it look like? It's a heart! …My shot?"

"Well, yeah it's your shot, but how did you get a heart there of all places--"

"Come on, B. I know you snuck in my room in the middle of the night to prove how much you love me," Nick interrupted with a wicked grin, stepping forward to line up his shot. Whistling under his breath, he swung the putter, sending his pink ball sailing perfectly towards the hole.

"You can be such a jackass-It's in the Bible!" Brian hurriedly defended when Nick shot a curious smirk toward the older man. Grunting with displeasure at being behind in the game, he waited for Nick to stoop over to retrieve his ball, sending a foot into his cushioned backside.

"Jackass is in the Bible huh?" Nick questioned with a loud yelp, leaping away when Brian's foot lifted again. Grinning, he pulled out the card to record his score. "So, you handcuffing the Gnat to your hotel bed is in the Bible too? 'Cause don't think we didn't hear all that noise last night, and I totally saw the cuffs this morning - And dude, I'm three strokes ahead of you--"

"Jackass is in the Bible," Brian defended as he snatched his ball from the sand dune, scowling at the jubilant adult male standing beside him, ticking off the appropriate amount of strokes. "And I didn't handcuff Natalie to anything last night and-Where the Hell did you get that?!" Brian groaned in disbelief as he gestured to the opposite side of his pubic bone where a unbeknownst red flaming heart peeked. "What is it with all these hearts? Isn't your sketchbook enough?!"

"Would you calm down before I have to do CPR?!" Nick cried, jerking up his pants after glancing down. Knowing his face was as red as the heart that Alana must have drawn as he slept, he shoved the scorecard into his pocket.

"If it came down to you giving me CPR and going to Heaven, Buddy, just let me go," Brian insisted with a shudder, watching Nick hurry along the path to the next obstacle. "What is wrong with you? Who drew the heart? You?"

"Do I honestly look like the type of person to sit around doodling red and purple hearts all around my cock region?" Nick questioned with a snort of laughter, pausing to allow his friend to catch up.

"If you get that bored in the middle of the night, then--"

"Alana did it."

"…Why?"

"Because the Devil made her do it? Jesus, I don't know," Nick shrugged, rolling his eyes. "I think it's sweet…"

"Sweet?" Brian chuckled as he allowed Nick to putt first on the next hole. "Nick Carter actually thinks something that the opposite sex does is sweet? Instead of sexy or other improper words?"

"It's sweet, Brian," Nick answered with a smile, leaning against his putter as he glanced out at the ocean. "Like, the way she gets into bed and has this whole routine of brushing her hair and putting it up in a ponytail and putting lotion on her hands and legs while we talk about our day and puts on some chapstick… Totally sweet, 'cause when I'm watching her do that I know that she'll be curling up next to me all night long, and that… Well, that's the greatest feeling in the world."

"…Then she draws on you and it's like having a personal message decoder… What do you think it means?" Brian questioned curiously as he lifted Nick's shirt once more for a peek, perhaps learning far too many mannerisms from his toddler.

"I think it means that you are way too damn intimate with me," Nick grumbled, slapping Brian's hands away. Heaving a sigh, he looked down at his ball, idly moving it forward with his putter as he pretended to line up his shot once more. "I'm hoping it means that she loves me--"

"You're really serious about her, aren't you?" Brian interrupted softly, returning to a serious state of affairs. Leaning on the nearby fence, he studied his friend's back, chewing haphazardly at his thumbnail. When he had spoken to Alana earlier, he had tried to impress upon her the seriousness of Nick's feelings, but he hadn't a clue. The depth of Nick's clear ocean blue eyes warned him that it was more than just a fancying.

"Yeah…" Nick trailed, paying no attention as he swung the putter. "You know, when we get back from this trip, I'm really going to need her more than ever. Snot Sucker's going to need a Mommy--"

"Never thought you'd be the next one walking down the aisle-Wait, Snot Sucker? Mommy? What?" Brian blanked at the trails of incoherent information Nick was bringing to their conversation. They were just simple strings of complex issues. He needed help in tying the knots.

"Huh?" Nick turned after watching his ball land in the small sand trap halfway to the hole. Seeing Brian's confused expression, he raised one brow. "What are you talking about, man? It's your shot."

"Who is Snot Sucker?"

"Oh. Snot Sucker is Zachary."

"And Zachary is?"

"Hopefully, if all works out, going to be my son when we get back."

Brian tripped as he moved to swing his putter, causing him to twirl as if an ungraceful ballerina interrupting the ugly swan in Swan Lake. Landing on his backside as he stared up at Nick in bewilderment, he narrowed his eyes in an accusatory squint. "Son? Your son? Without a mother? Your son?!"

Nick grinned as he reached to pull the older man up. "Well, yeah. I’m adopting him--"

"Why?!"

"Because… I… Um… Damnit, Brian stop looking at me like that! When Bay was in the hospital I kept going up to the nursery to see all the babies and I fell in love with this little guy who'd been abandoned. He just, I don't know… Touched something in me, I guess. I knew I couldn't leave Kentucky without at least trying to adopt him--"

"Most people would just get a damn snowglobe!"

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!"

"Nick, you aren't ready to have kids--"

"Well thank you for your insight! Glad to know that everyone else thinks they know what I am and ain't ready for!"

"Well you aren't even married and if you think Alana is going to step up and be that baby's mother you are just sadly mistaken--"

"Tell me what the fuck being married has to do with Zach! And you don’t even know Alana, how can you say that?!"

"I know her better than you think--"

"If she left me tomorrow, Brian, it wouldn't change anything. I'm adopting Zachary," Nick informed his friend seriously.

"You can hardly handle your siblings let alone a small human being that is going to need you for everything. To guide him and nurture him and love him and-God, Nick, you're not ready! How could you possibly be so careless?!"

"Because, damnit, I've learned that if you love someone you hold onto them and don't let them slip away!"

"And how did you possibly learn that, Nick? When? Amongst the hordes of women? Or are you adopting this kid because you're scared that Alana is going to slip away? To force her to stay?"

"I'd never do something like that," Nick seethed, jabbing at the turf with his putter angrily. "I'm not you--"

Brian's jaw jutted out at the poisonous sting of Nick's words. At first, he wasn't sure what to say. The angry flames licking at his soul caused every muscle to tense within his body. He felt sick to his stomach as his hands clenched into fists. "You son of a bitch--"

"What? You so conveniently gave your little toy a job at your Charity, knowing you'd be working with her all the time, and yet you call me a son of a bitch for adopting a kid? Fuck you--"

"Natalie has been my best friend--- Why am I explaining anything to you to begin with?! I don't care, Nick! Screw up your life! Make Alana run away when you expect her to be a mother to a kid you don't even know she wants! God, I've tried to be a brother to you! But you just don't seem to understand--"

"When are you going to get it through your stubborn redneck head that I don't expect a fucking thing from her?! And some damn brother you've been, leaving me to fend for myself for six years while you played the happy husband!"

"I did not leave you--"

"Do you know how I found out that you were going to be a father?" Nick questioned abruptly, flinging his putter to the ground before he was tempted to use it.

Brian was at a loss to remember how Nick had discovered his step into parenthood. "I had to have called you--"

"Bullshit, Brian. A fan asked me what I thought about it when I was in London for my solo gig. In London, Brian! You hadn't told me shit about Leigh being pregnant for six months. Not that you even bothered to call me at all--"

"Nick, I didn't…" Brian's voice trailed into an inevitable loss as Nick shoved the scoring cards into his chest, knocking him back a few steps. He wanted to reach out and grasp Nick's t-shirt, but he was hurrying too fast to be caught. And, in a few moments, Brian was surrounded in an empty loneliness, wondering if Nick had done that intentionally to make him feel the pain. And he did.
Chapter Twenty-One :: What He Knew All Along by shrinkingviolet
Leaning over the railing of the boat, Alana had to squeal softly when she saw several dolphins break the surface of the crystal waters. The yacht Nick had rented for the entire day was cruising along the open waters as the crew bustled about the deck and cabins. There was a private dining room, lounge area, master bedroom, guest bedroom, and two full bathrooms. Then, on the very top of the yacht was a bubbling jacuzzi waiting for a romantic rendezvous. It was rich and far too expensive for Alana's tastes, but Nick had carried her aboard when she protested that it was too much. Now, he had disappeared somewhere with the crewmen, not that Alana truly minded. Not when he commented that she had been acting suspicious since her day with Natalie. She had shrugged off the comment, though she knew she had been distant and cold. Exhaling a soft breath of melancholy, Alana tried to focus on the dolphins playing so happily beside the yacht, using the recreated waves as surf. Something good had to come out of this mini-vacation with Nick, even if it would be just her stowed away in the guest bedroom.

"There you are," Nick called as he trotted down the steps from the bridge. Grinning at the excited look in her eyes when she glanced back at him, he reached into his pocket, feeling of the slim jewelry box he had retrieved from their cabin. Hoping that she was in a better mood today than she had been the night before, he rushed over, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist as he kissed the top of her head. "Our lunch will be ready in about five minutes…"

"Why you insisted on having a gourmet chef when we could have easily bought frozen dinners or stocked up on pizza is beyond me…" Alana trailed, squeaking slightly when Nick actually lifted her away from the railing. Lurching slightly, she grabbed at the railing to pull herself back down to the cushioned seats lining the back of the deck for lounging. Holding her breath, she tried to deny that his hands didn't feel like velvet against her skin nor the mere kiss to her head sent shivers down her spine. Instead, she tugged subconsciously at her baggy t-shirt, craning her neck to view the dolphins once more. Every time he touched her, no matter how good it felt, she couldn't help but compare herself to Natalie. And, her character didn't have the strength nor the conviction to stand up to her critical analysis.

"I got a chef so I could spend more time with you," Nick explained softly, releasing his hold when he realized she wanted him not to touch her. Letting his hands fall to his sides, he sighed gently, wondering for possibly the millionth time what had happened to cause her to be so distant from him. She had spent the day before with Natalie, and he was sure nothing could have occurred during their leisurely spa visit… "Did I do something wrong?"

Alana glanced sideways when Nick questioned his actions, finding him kneeling on the benches beside her. Fighting a frown, she looked back out at the blue-green ocean. It was so breathtaking. Crystal clear and sparkling radiantly without any signs of imperfections. She had asked God so many times to wash away her imperfections, but he just seemed to add onto them with every request. And, feeling Nick's presence, she realized that he was no where near perfection either. It had been a moment of weakness on his and Natalie's part. At least, that's what Natalie had confessed to. Who was to know they didn't have something stronger brewing amongst the playful barbs and banter. Everything was just so confusing, especially when Nick became involved. She never should have accepted his advances at the mountainside. Fighting back a wave of tears, she reached to play with the mother's ring threaded through her necklace. "Nah… What could you have done wrong?"

"I don't know… Why are you acting like you don't want me around? Did Natalie tell you about all the women I've slept with? 'Cause if so, she exaggerates--"

"God, Nick," Alana groaned in hopes to end his train of thought, cupping her face in her hands to shield herself away. Did he always know the wrong thing to say?

"What?!"

"You are so tactless that it borders on fascinating..."

"I'm just trying to figure out what changed between the time I left you yesterday morning and when I got back," Nick explained with a heavy sigh, turning so he could sit properly on the bench. "I mean, Jesus, you all but told me to jack off last night--"

"You had just gotten done talking to Natalie in private and--" Alana abruptly terminated the lingering end of her statement, slowly turning to sit on the bench beside him. Clasping her hands primly in her lap, completely uncharacteristic, she straightened her posture. She had promised Natalie not to breathe a word about her confession and Alana would stay true to that. It wasn't as if she wanted Nick knowing that she was jealous about what he had with Natalie. Or, more importantly, she was insecure of losing him to another, knowing she could never compete. Because then she would have to start sorting through a tangled web of emotions that she buried so very deep. "I'm sorry, Nick..."

"Were you worried that I'd be thinking of the Gnat while we made love or something?" Nick questioned in confusion, trying hard to wrap his mind around her reasoning. Unable to understand, he shook his head in hopes of clearing his mind. "God, Alana…"

"I don't know what I was thinking," Alana mumbled, not knowing how to read the man. Instead, she avoided all eye contact as she stooped to rest her elbows on her knees after drawing them to her chest. She tried to tell herself that it didn't matter who he pictured when they were engaged in a passionate fling. As long as she reached the pinnacle of ecstasy, who was she to judge? They were both satisfied and that should be enough- But it wasn't.

"I got you something yesterday," Nick blurted, hoping to push away the suddenly depressing haze that had settled over them. "I was going to give it to you last night, but…" Being pushed from the bed had made him almost forget the gift he had bought. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the box.

"Huh?" Alana murmured in a soft haze of confusion as Nick pulled her thoughts away from such a miserable remembrance. Glancing sideways to see the long, red velvet, rectangular box cupped so delicately in his hands, Alana's legs slowly slid to dangle off the bench. She furrowed her strawberry blonde brows in bewilderment, then her large teal eyes widened in realization. "No, Nick, I don't deserve anything--"

"Alana, you deserve so much more than what I give you," Nick disagreed with a quick shake of his head, placing the box in her hands.

Alana quickly shifted to hand him back the box, her heart fluttering wildly within her chest. She hadn't a clue what lay inside, but she couldn't tempt fate. She was already far too attached to the man. "There is no way that I can possibly accept this after how I treated you last night--"

"Beautiful, I insist," Nick interrupted, pulling his hands away so she couldn't force him to take the gift back.

Alana was convinced in her convictions as to why she should decline the gift, reaching for Nick's hands once more. Only, when he drew them tightly behind his back and stood, she knew it was futile. Glancing to the crisp breaking waves, she considered tossing it overboard, but knew that would be a waste on both their parts. Staring down helplessly at the red velvet box for a moment, she then looked back up in hopes to plead with Nick. But the anticipation shimmering in his indigo orbs convinced her otherwise. Should she decline again, there was a chance that she could devastate him and quite possibly lose him. Holding her breath, Alana slowly pried open the jewelry box only to feel the wind of air rush past her lungs as the rays of sun caught the glory of the timeless piece. Nick had bought her a dainty, white gold anklet from the prosperous Tiffany's jewelry store. The anklet was two rows of white gold links, broken into small sections by crystal clear, round diamonds set in white gold. Then, between the linked chains were diamond incrusted hearts glittering amongst the beams of light. "Nick…"

"I looked for something with dolphins, but…" Nick trailed hopelessly, shrugging when he could think of nothing to say. All he could do was hope that his gift would speak the words for him. The words he truly wanted to say but knew she hated to hear.

"It's gorgeous…" Alana whispered, afraid to even touch the delicate piece of jewelry for fear that she would break it with clumsy fingers. Allowing her chin to drop, she felt the beginning race of tears outline the familiar path down her beautiful face. "I just honestly don't think I can take this knowing how awful I've been…"

"Beautiful, no… You haven't been awful," Nick disagreed, turning to kneel before her. Cupping his hands against her cheeks, he brushed her tears away, leaning up to softly kiss her lips. "I'm sorry, Alana. For whatever it is I've done or said that caused you to pull away… Here, let me put it on for you--"

"You didn't do anything wrong, I just…" Alana was honestly at a loss for words as Nick reached to take the fragile anklet from its bed of creamy velvet. She had been near cruel when she shoved him from the bed the previous evening, insisting that she wanted no part of his body for the night. All because her jealousy and hatred for herself had gotten the best of her. Now, Nick was on his knees apologizing for certainly nothing he had done wrong. It made her stomach coil into tight, nervous knots as she squeezed her eyes shut.

"I love you," Nick murmured, reaching to pluck the anklet from its velvet bed. Leaning back, he brought her foot into his lap, gently circling the jewelry around her ankle. Once he got it clasped, he slid his hand up to rest lightly on her knee, lifting his head to look up at her. "Alana, please…"

"Say it again, please," she whispered, tangling her hands within her strawberry golden curls. She kept her eyes closed as she held the minuscule breath in the pit of her lungs. She needed to hear him say it again. Just to be sure.

"Alana, please?" Nick repeated in confusion.

"Damnit, Nick…" Alana breathed in a slight whine, releasing the air she had pent. "The other… I mean… What you always tell me that I'm too stupid to believe--"

"I love you," Nick whispered, leaning up to kiss her. "I love you, Alana. I love you, I love you, I love you--"

"Thank you," Alana interrupted heatedly against his lips, curving her arms around his neck as she slid into his lap. Never had his confession touched her so deeply, leaving a permanent mark upon the icy fortress surrounding her heart. She felt her entire body tremble as she gained entrance to his mouth, stroking his tongue with hers as she purred affectionately. Tears continued to race down her cheeks, but she was clueless as to their appearance. She was far more concerned with keeping Nick close.

"You're welcome," he answered breathlessly as he fell back onto the deck from the force of her acceptance. "…Ready to go eat?"

"As long as you forgive me?" Alana inquired softly, straddling his lap as she leaned down to lead a trail of kisses along the curve of his jaw. The very notion that he loved her seemed to awaken a bright, fiery passion deep within her.

"There's nothing to forgive you for--"

"I was cruel last night--"

"It's alright, Beautiful… Besides, I locked myself in the bathroom with a damn good fantasy of you," Nick divulged with a grin, sliding his hands up her back to hold her close to him.

"Glad to know I can be replaced so easily with a five finger salute…"

"Nothing can replace you," Nick promised.

"Do you know how much you mean to me?" Alana inquired as she rested her forehead against his, propping her elbows at either side of his neck so she could run her fingers against the sides of his face. She had never spoken her feelings aloud to him. Mostly just insisting that the sex was phenomenal. But he had to know something.

"Tell me," he requested in a whisper, seeing the seriousness in her dark teal eyes.

"I love you," she confessed softly, making sure that their corresponding gazes stayed true to one another. Nick had been pushing her to the limits for weeks. Challenging her heart in a way that she was convinced died so very long ago. But somehow, he had managed to persevere through all the traps her heart had set for the unsuspecting victim. He had all by died to prove his love to her, demonstrating that he was no passing fancy. And Natalie's confession had scared her into realization. If she wasn't careful, she was liable to hurt Nick much worse than she had ever been hurt in life. And, more importantly, she might lose him. "…I love you so much, Nick…"

*~*~*

"Say it again?" Nick requested with a smile as he placed several soft kisses along Alana's bare stomach. After a leisurely lunch, they had relaxed in the Jacuzzi, deciding to lay out and soak up some of the gorgeous sun before going for a swim in the ocean. Now they were stretched out on the deck, staring up at the stars. Still floating from her earlier declaration, Nick rested his head lightly on her stomach, gazing up at her with a grin.

"You're tickling me?" Alana complied playfully, knowing that was not what he wanted to hear. Especially when his hands glided to her bare sides for light tickles, which sent her squealing as she arched her back as means to get away. However light the caress, her body was still extremely sensitive to the tickles and he knew. Reaching for his wrists, she heaved with bursts of giggles, promising to behave as he settled against her once more. His chin resting in the concave of her thin abdomen, she smiled sweetly. "I love you…"

"I love you," Nick murmured, lacing his fingers with hers. Rolling to his back, he pulled her over him, pulling her down for a heated kiss as he reached to toy with the strings of her bikini. "And thank you again for tossing that t-shirt out into the ocean…"

"Why are you thanking me when you're the one that ripped it off me and dangled it over the railing till I reached for it, then you suddenly let go of it?" Alana inquired, resting their hands on his chest as she straddled his hips. She enjoyed the way his dark ocean eyes twinkled in merriment at the recalling of the events, tickled slightly by the strings of her bottoms as he brushed them over her hip.

"Well, I did tell you not to bring any clothes but that bikini, and yet you totally ignored my rule--"

"Well you're wearing a shirt!"

"You never told me not to!"

"I figured if I wasn't wearing a shirt then you weren't supposed to either!" Alana exclaimed as she pulled her hands from his, leaning back on his hips. She considered just stalking into the master bedroom for the evening as means of punishment, but craved him far too much to follow through. So, instead, she leaned over him and bared just a portion of his lower torso, kissing the center of his exposed pubic bone. "Can I take it off you, please?"

"You planning on drawing on me some more?" Nick questioned, sucking in a breath at the touch of her lips. As her hands began to inch his shirt up, he whined softly, reaching to catch her hands. "But, Beautiful… I'm tummy shy…"

"You take your shirt off at night in bed…" Alana trailed in confusion, sitting back on his hips once more. Threading their fingers together, she chewed softly on her bottom lip, suddenly remembering his forethought. "You liked your drawings?"

"I loved them," Nick confirmed, pulling his hands from hers. Sitting up slightly, he propped himself on his elbows, his fingers toying with the anklet he had given her. "Take it off, Beautiful…"

"The anklet?" Alana questioned in confusion, reaching for the dainty clasp at the back of her heel. "Do I get jewelry taken away when I'm in trouble?"

"No! Not the anklet, my shirt--"

"But you're tummy shy…" Alana interrupted, pulling her hands away from her anklet at his horrified stare. Almost as if she were taking off her knight's colors as he jousted against the fiercest of villains. She had to smile at the innocence radiating from his indigo orbs, melting the fears in her heart. Leaning down to his stomach once more, she inched the t-shirt upward. "I don't know why you're so tummy shy to begin with, Nickalicious. I love this little pot belly…" Kissing and nibbling each inch of flesh that she revealed, she purred softly against him, "Besides, you have a great upper torso. Your chest is so broad and your arms muscularly defined. You're gorgeous…"

"God, Beautiful," Nick whined, shivering. "I love you--"

"I love you so much more," Alana promised, nipping at his collar bone as she pulled the t-shirt from his body. Casting it to the bench above them, she then concentrated on her kisses moving up the side of his neck. "You're my everything," she confessed in a whisper against his ear.

"Make love to me," he whispered, tilting slightly so he could kiss just below her ear. "Please…"

"You've never asked me that before…" Alana drifted in wonderment, smiling against the side of his face as she brushed her hands down the sides of his body, dipping inside his swimming trunks. She gently cupped his brewing erection within her hands, stroking faintly to help him harden further as her other hand pulled to remove his trunks. All the while, she kept kissing every inch of his face, wanting to prove that he indeed was special to her.

"Alana…" Nick trailed, sliding his hands down to her bikini bottom. Leaning back slightly, he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue before delving into her mouth, wanting her to know just how much he needed her. "Make love to me? Now? I'm about to--"

"I thought we were supposed to take it slow and relish in the sensations?" Alana objected, nipping at the tip of his tongue as she managed to remove his swimming trunks, provided he lifted his hips when her nails raked against the very tip of his erection. Purring with satisfaction at how she caused him to react, she hardened her kisses as she moved to roll them so he could be on top.

"No, no… I want you on top," Nick disagreed, catching her hips to still her movement. "Please? …Then you can take it as slow as you--"

"You always want me on top…" Alana thought aloud, though she complied with his decision. Feeling the heat of his erection pressing just underneath her, the smoldering flames pooling warmth in the pit of her stomach. Biting down on her bottom lip, she realized she probably couldn't wait long either. She loved him too much. Reaching behind her neck, she slowly undid the ties of her halter bikini. Allowing them to fall as her breasts loosened from their tight reign, she then reached behind her back to loosen the final straps.

"Are you complaining?" Nick questioned softly, one hand idly untying the side of her bikini bottom. His other hand slid upwards, fingertips lightly brushing the very tips of her nipples as he undid the other side. Hearing her soft sigh, he smiled up at her, tugging impatiently to move the fabric that kept them from one another.

"No, it was just a thought…" Alana assured, surely not wanting him to end the start of a beautiful passion. Shifting slightly, she lifted her hips so he could remove the bottoms of her bikini. When he tossed it aside and pulled her back onto his hips, she whimpered at the feeling of his erection pressing just inside the damp heat of her very core. Leaning down, she suckled the side of his neck, urging him to enter her.

"What… What are you waiting for?" he whispered, his entire body tense with wanting. Tangling his fingers gently in her hair, he lifted her head, leaning up to catch her lips in a slow kiss.

"You to tremble with desire," she mumbled against his lips, beckoning for her tongue to gain entrance into his mouth. When his lips parted slightly, she dipped her tongue inside. Tasting the sweet cinnamon of his mouthwash mixed with his own spice caused her to shudder as she slowly eased him inside her.

"Fuck," Nick wheezed, his body already starting to tremble as she lowered her body over his. Dragging his hands down her back, he sucked in a breath at the tingles of passion that erupted everywhere she touched him. "God, Beautiful… I love you so much…"

"I love you, Nick. I love you so much. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner," she confessed softly, slowly rocking her hips against his to stimulate a slow, warm, pleasurable sensation. She whimpered at the ecstasy already flowing through her body like a hypnotic drug as a cool sweat broke out lightly against her bronzed skin. Dragging her hands through her damp curls to sweep away the ones that had fallen, she sighed with delight. Knowing she loved him made the passion so superior to what she had before.

"I'm… Glad you waited," Nick whispered.

"Why?" she asked with streak of curiosity, intensifying the depth Nick had entered by contracting her muscles to pull him in.

"I wouldn't have wanted you to say it until you know you meant it," Nick explained, placing his hands gently on her hips as he began to move beneath her.

"I mean it," she promised with a soft cry of delight, bracing her hands against his chest to steady herself. Stilling her movements, she allowed him to set a faster rhythm of his hips. Finding the rhythm, Alana shuddered as she moved against him, melting their bodies together as if they were one single flesh melted together as their hearts drummed in syncopated time. "I love you so much."

"Alana, I--"

"Can't really concentrate on forming sentences?" Alana guessed softly, her nails lightly digging into his chest as he arched deeper into her body.

"That," Nick confirmed with a slight nod, closing his eyes briefly as the tidal wave of ecstasy threatened to overwhelm him.

"Switch me spots," Alana whispered hopefully. "I want you over me. I want to feel all of you."

Biting his bottom lip gently, Nick barely nodded before he quickly rolled her to her back, never breaking contact with her body as he continued to thrust deeper. "God, Alana…" he moaned softly, bracing one hand on the deck so he could look into her eyes in the moonlight. "Do you have any idea how good you feel?"

"No…" she trailed with the utmost honesty, never having been told such things as she wrapped one arm around his neck and clutched the soft, velvet blankets beneath them as means of leverage. She closed her eyes to enhance the tactile sensation of Nick's body against hers, but felt his hand brush against the side of her face. Allowing her large teal eyes to flutter open, they glimmered in the pale moonlight as the emerald coloring overshadowed the deep sapphire tones.

"I wish I could put it into words… It's the greatest feeling," Nick promised, dipping his head to offer her a deep kiss that made his body shake. "God, Alana… I--"

"We have all night to continue," she promised, assuming he was reaching the threshold of his passion.

"But you - I want you to - Together," Nick whispered.

"I'm there," she promised, reaching to wrap her arms around him from underneath his arms. Digging her nails lightly into his skin, she shuddered as she clenched her muscles to bring him deeper.

"You sure?" Nick questioned with a hard groan, increasing his pace as she squealed softly.

"As long as we can snuggle afterwards," Alana teased, arching her back against him as she sought out his mouth for a hard kiss, beckoning his tongue into her mouth with a hungry need.

"I love you," Nick promised, thrusting as deeply as possible. Holding himself tight within her, he growled low in his throat, feeling wave after wave sweep over him.

"I love you more," Alana declared, burying her face into the crook of his neck as the waves of his passion washed over her in a fiery bath of steam. The transfer of emotions was so powerful that her body shuddered with sheer relief as the pinnacle of her passion exploded deep within the core of her heart. And, unbeknownst to her, she wept against his shoulder. So overcome with the love and adoration that she felt for him that she had to gasp for a ragged breath. She had never felt so utterly complete after the death of her son. Never felt so loved as the holes in her heart were beginning to mend from Nick's quaint attentiveness.

"Stay with me forever?" Nick requested breathlessly as he moved to lay beside her. Making sure to pull one of the blankets over them, he rolled to his side, keeping his arm around her waist to hold her near.

"Till the end of time," she swore with a soft sniffle, wrapping her arms around his waist to keep close to his body. Tucking her face close to his warm, sweaty chest, she kept her eyes closed to ward off another batch of tears. Why had she been so scared of these feelings before? When Nick was so attentive to her needs? So dedicated to her passions? He loved her as if she were the most precious and valuable gem in the universe. She should have ran toward him with open arms. If only she wasn't so terribly insecure.

Smiling, Nick kissed the top of her head, smoothing her hair back gently as she curled closer to him. Her hand resting over his heart, he drew in a deep breath, knowing he could never have such feelings for anyone else. He had her love now, and knew he was complete. Brian, he decided as he began to drift to sleep, had been wrong.

*~*~*

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Nick and Alana are on their way in here!" Aaron announced with a squeal of excitement as he jumped through the doorway of Brian and Natalie's hotel suite. Everyone was spread amongst the couches and chairs as Elizabeth and Baylee played comfortably on the floor, waiting the return of the couple. Well, almost everyone as Brian kissed the back of Natalie's head, shifting beneath her so he could excuse himself to the bathroom, though he had just returned from there. Unfazed, the youngest adult wasted no time in launching himself on a couch beside AJ, tearing the remote from his hand. Somehow, he knew he needed to share the news with this shady man, wanting it understood completely. "Nick has this stupid ass grin on his face, so something big happened! Think I'm getting a sister-in-law? Because that would be fantastic! My sisters are a bunch of bitches--"

"Nick always has a stupid ass grin on his face," AJ growled, yanking the remote back so he could return to the movie he had been watching. Ignoring Aaron's huff of indignation, he shrugged, glancing down to see if he needed to get Natalie to touch up the polish on his nails. "And your sisters--"

"Have always been a bunch of bitches, and it's impossible for a leopard to change its spots," Natalie chimed in from the sofa, glancing back to see Brian shutting their bedroom door. Sighing, she got to her feet, tossing the book she had been trying to read into AJ's lap.

"Do I look like a fucking bookstand?" AJ grunted in shock as a surprising amount of pressure was applied to his crotch. Grasping the book in his hands, he wanted to chuck it toward Natalie with a growl of satisfaction. But the title caught his eye. "One Hundred Twenty Days of Sodom by Marquis de Sade? Like the guy we get the name sadist from? Girl, if you ain't letting your freak flag fly!"

"I'm reading it for my Advanced Lit course," Natalie defended as Aaron began to snicker. Seeing AJ's unbelieving expression, she felt a heated blush start to color her cheeks. "I'm serious!"

"What Advanced Lit Class would make you read smut and where can I sign up? And, since when were you taking classes again?" AJ inquired continuously as he leafed through the pages, his eyes widened in surprise. "Prick hammer? Was this on the best seller list?"

Rolling her eyes, Natalie reached for the book, knowing the man would start quoting from the pages. "I started taking some online courses for my second degree about two months ago…"

"What piece of paper are you obtaining this time?" AJ groaned, slouching back in his couch to sulk.

"My Bachelor's in kicking AJ McLean's ass if he doesn't give me my book," Natalie grumbled, snatching the book from his hands. "And it's not just a piece of paper--"

"Oh, very creative, Miss Hayes!" AJ roared with laughter, tackling Natalie in attempts to wrestle the book away from her grip. "Glad to see the paper is coming of use!"

"Get your bony ass off me!" Natalie shouted as they fell to the floor. Attempting to keep the book from his grasp, she jerked her knee against his ribcage, glancing up when she felt someone else tugging the book. "Aaron, you little--"

"I need some extracurricular reading to enhance my life before I think about heading to college!" Aaron exclaimed as he fell onto the floor, the book clutched in his hands. He roared gleefully at his accomplishment as Natalie screeched with annoyance. But Aaron was unfazed as he found the perfect passage. "…He had her kneel between his legs and bade her suck his prick, which the poor little thing did all atremble. As always partisan to thigh-fuckery, the Duc, obliged as he was to abstain from the capital practice, impaled Zelmire in this style, meanwhile having the little girl shit in his cupped hand and gobbling it up as quickly as it was received, and all that while Durcet was inducing Céladon to discharge into his mouth- Hey, Al!"

"You're reading the Marquis de Sade?" Alana inquired curiously with a small smirk, hesitating at the doorway.

AJ struggled to keep Natalie from either kneeing him or kicking him in any painful areas. Leaning back to stare at her, he shook his head slowly. "You're reading about shit-eating?! Natalie Rose Hayes! Does Rok know you have such a nasty side?!"

Natalie growled as she repeatedly swatted at AJ in a blind fury, wanting to get him away from her. "I told you, I'm reading it for my Literature course--"

"You should read Philosophy of the Bedroom," Alana suggested as she bent down to scoop the book out of Aaron's hands before he could read anymore passages. Waiting for AJ to jump away from Natalie in a squeal of protest, she handed the book over. "My one Lit Professor decided that we needed to have half a semester of erotic literature--"

"I'm reading this for a paper, be damned if I want to read anymore of this… Perverted, sick, twisted--"

"You've been reading that same book for ages," Howie interrupted, causing Natalie to blush deep crimson. Ignoring her glare, he leaned back in the armchair with a smirk. "I believe your first excuse was that it was for a book club--"

"You can kiss my ass, Latin Lump," Natalie threatened, holding the book in an accusatory manner toward Howie.

"And run the risk of having his lips ripped off his face by Brian?" Aaron questioned with a snort as he returned to the couch. "Please… If Brian kept her on a tighter rein she'd be riding him piggyback all the time--"

"Where is Brian?" Alana interrupted in confusion as Baylee and Elizabeth fiercely hugged her legs, begging to be scooped up. Complying with the children, she settled them on either hip, kissing their faces repeatedly. Then turning slightly, she realized that Nick was no where to be found also. Frowning, she ducked back into the hallway to see Nick pacing a small length of carpet. "Handsome?"

"Huh?" Nick jerked his head up, walking straight into the opposite wall. Groaning at the pain as his nose banged against the expensive papered wall, he turned to look at Alana. "Hey, Beautiful. What's shaking?"

"You didn't--" Alana winced as she heard the loud whelp from Howie, knowing the thick book had connected with his forehead. Shaking off the thought, she gently leaned the kids forward to give Nick welcoming kisses. When they were satisfied with their greetings, they kissed Alana several more times before asking if they could go play. Letting them down, Alana awkwardly folded her arms underneath her breasts, still dressed in her bikini and flip-flops. "Why aren't you coming inside?"

Nick groaned, banging the back of his head against the wall in a slow rhythm. There was no way he wanted to go into the suite and have to face Brian. Not after the way they had spoken two days before. "Because my so-called best friend is a self-righteous holier-than-thou dickhead--"

"Well, just because he's a self-righteous holier-than-thou dickhead don't mean you have kill what few brain cells you got left," Alana chided, reaching out to cup her hands behind his head.

"I don't want to see him--"

"Al! Go get your sexy dancing clothes on!" AJ demanded as he burst from the suite. "We're going clubbing!"

"Clubbing?" Alana exclaimed with a soft laugh as she was yanked away from Nick and tangled within AJ's arms. "Since when did we decide that we're going clubbing? And who's going? And who's watching the kids? And, I don't think I've got sexy clothes…"

"You've got that black and silver number that you were showing me," Natalie called from inside the suite.

"And Nicky Junior's keeping the kids. Too young to go clubbing," AJ explained, toting Alana down the hallway towards her suite. "So hurry up!"

"I only brought that because I thought maybe…" Alana's sentence drifted off with no clear direction as she merely glanced over her shoulder to locate Nick.

"Who's going?" Nick questioned as he followed them.

"Brian, Nattie, D, Al, me… And you, I guess," AJ answered, lightly tickling Alana's thigh as he set her down in front of the door.

"You guess he's going?" Alana asked with a bemused grin, giggling softly at the ticklishness of AJ's fingers. She shied away from him for a moment, but he naturally stepped up to her to hug her close. She accepted the hug, not really knowing the reason. "Guess you're trying to get in here and dress me, too, huh?" Glancing over his shoulder, she noticed Nick waiting impatiently. "…You're not going, are you?"

"I don't think so--"

"He can't. It'll mean facing Brian, and Nick fucking sucks at facing his problems--"

"Who the Hell asked you? And, Goddamnit, get your hands off her!"

Alana yelped in shock as Nick reached to grasp the collar of AJ's shirt, yanking him away from the doorway. She stumbled slightly from the ripping of AJ's nails crossing her skin to hold on. "Nick! He was just giving me a hug!"

"His fucking paws were two inches from your breasts," Nick corrected, pushing AJ away with a growl. Yanking out his keycard, he unlocked the door, opening it for Alana to enter before him. "Beautiful, I’m sorry--"

"You're really not coming tonight?" Alana guessed as Nick slammed the door to their suite before AJ could scramble to his feet. She thought about opening the door to make sure the man was okay, but the discontent darkening Nick's indigo eyes warned her otherwise. Holding her breath, she slipped around him and moved toward their bedroom to find the dress she had shown Natalie several days ago.

"I…" Nick sighed, following her. Flopping onto the bed, he watched her. "I won't be much fun… Not till me and Brian talk things over, at least--"

"Spending the night with your little brother and the kids will be fun," Alana encouraged, opening the doors to the large walk in closet. Stepping inside, she gently thumbed through their mixture of clothing. She couldn't fault Nick for not wanting to spend the evening at a dance club, especially if Brian were coming. Not that she understood what the fight had truly been about. "It's been awhile since you've spent quality time with the guy…"

"Yeah… But…" Nick sighed again, glaring up at the ceiling with consternation. If he went, there was a very good chance that he would end up alone with Brian at some point, and, with alcohol in his system, he knew there would be even more cross words. However, if he stayed at the hotel with Aaron and the kids, he would no doubt work himself into a jealous frenzy, knowing all too well what AJ would be attempting to do with Alana. "Damnit…"

"What?" Alana inquired in confusion as she stepped away from the walk in closet with the dress in hand. Draping it over the nearby chair, she then crawled onto the king-sized bed and straddled Nick's hips. Leaning over him, she forced him to meet her gaze. "Are you mad that I'm not pitching a fit that you ain't going? 'Cause, I would love for you to come, but I know you'll hate it--"

"I'll go if you want me to, Beautiful. But can you try to keep me away from Brian? Especially if I have a drink or two? I'd hate to kick his ass in front of his little toy--"

"I don't want you going if you ain't going to enjoy yourself," Alana drawled, jerking slightly when AJ pounded furiously on the door. Pulling away from Nick's body, she slid off the bed and moved toward their private bathroom, peeling off her bikini in the process.

"Go away!" Nick barked as he sat up. Groaning, he kicked off his shoes before going into the bathroom. Dropping a kiss on Alana's bare shoulder, he moved to strip off his clothes. "I'll take a shower and get dressed, okay?"

"Are you kicking me out of the shower?" Alana questioned in confusion as she reached inside the large glass shower to turn on the steaming water. "And get dressed for what?"

"You can shower with me? And aren't we going clubbing?"

"I was getting in the shower first, so you can shower with me, and I thought you didn't want to go?" Alana arched her honey brows with a soft curiosity as she slipped into the shower before Nick could. Standing underneath the large waterfall of warm water, she sighed with delight, immediately reaching to brush her wet locks back from her face.

"I'd rather spend the night with you having a blast than sitting in front of the TV discussing whether or not we should let Bay and Lizzie run around naked so we don't have to deal with pull-ups--"

"Then get in this shower," Alana teased with a soft laugh, reaching for his wrists to tug him into the waterfall. Feeling the warmth of his body melt against hers, she sighed softly as she reached up to press a soft kiss to his wet lips. "I love you, Handsome."

"I love you, too, Beautiful," Nick promised, wrapping his arms around her so he could intensify the kiss. "And… I think we need to christen this shower…"

"Everyone else is getting ready to leave, we don't have time--"

"Okay… I can always pull you into a dark, dingy bathroom--"

"Do you know what kind of bacteria grows in those bathrooms 'cause drunks don't have enough sense to wash their hands?" Alana exclaimed with a squeal of protest, her teal eyes widening in horror at his suggestion. "That's disgusting!"

"Then how about in the limo?"

"With everyone else around us?"

"In the corner booth, then?" Nick suggested with a soft whine.

"I think you might be a nymphomaniac…"

"And there's a problem with that?"

"Well, it's kind of hard to tell whether you're just after the sex or me…" Alana stated honestly as she nibbled at the flesh of his throat, flicking the water droplets away with her tongue, enjoying the quenching taste of his skin.

"It's always you," Nick promised, lifting her slightly so he could lean her against the marble wall.

"Thank you," she murmured, wrapping a long leg around his hip to stabilize herself. Keeping her arms fixed about his neck, she leaned forward to offer him a stirring kiss beneath the cascade of warm water. Her heart leapt to her throat with a flutter of excitement, pushing her forward as she kissed away the water from his lips, sucking on his bottom lip. "If they can't wait, we can meet them there…"
Chapter Twenty-Two :: Against His Will by shrinkingviolet
Swirling the contents of her melting daiquiri in her glass, Natalie sighed as Brian turned once again to look towards the entrance. It seemed that every two minutes he was checking to see if Nick had arrived yet. Their one dance had been cut short due to the arrival of a group of people, Brian having been so tense that he had to go around the club twice to see if Nick had slipped in with them. Glancing to Howie, who was gingerly rubbing the small bruise on his forehead, she smiled slightly. "This night rates right up there…"

Howie glanced toward Natalie with a small scowl, brushing some of his curls down in hopes to conceal his injury. Why she had pitched the book at him when Aaron and AJ had been the source of her issues was mystifying. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that, I think I have brain damage--" His thought abruptly ended when a pair of hands slid over his hips and he jerked away in horror. "Damnit, AJ! Are you that desperate--"

"Where the fuck is Al? I thought the dumbass was staying with the rugrats so I could play with Al?" AJ demanded sharply, jerking his head upward to glance toward the entrance. "I invited her, not the semen spiller."

"AJ…" Natalie groaned as Brian whipped around to once again view the entrance. "You know how Nick and Alana are… They're probably twisted together like pretzels in the car or something. Besides, I don't see why you're so antsy to see her. It's not like you'll ever get further than fondling her panties while you help her pack--"

"Hey, I got to her thighs this afternoon before that bastard of a tub of putty threw me against the opposite wall," AJ snorted with disgust, gesturing toward the bartender for an iced tea. Leaning against the bar, he glanced sideways toward Natalie for a moment. She had dressed elegantly for the night in a cherry halter dress. It hugged her curves like a second skin, the lattice hem flaring slightly above her knees. A wood 'o' ring set between her collar bones and wrapped around her neck to leave her back bare. Her light brown locks fell in waves along her shoulders and enhanced the sweet tones of browns that she used for her makeup. "Why isn't Brian dragging you toward a bathroom, Nat? You look alright tonight…"

"Brian's preoccupied," Natalie shrugged, pushing her drink away. Furrowing her brows at his backhanded compliment, she glanced towards AJ. "Thanks… I think I'll go call Aaron and check on Bay and Lizzie…"

"Nattie, why don't you come dance this song with me?" Howie suddenly offered, reaching to catch her wrist before she could pull away. She was stubborn to say the very least, but he knew when she was perturbed. Brian had been acting strange all night, refusing to pay any mind to her. That was a cardinal rule for women and having three sisters, Howie completely understood. "You're looking beautiful tonight and it shouldn't go to waste."

"Make sure she doesn’t have a book in her purse," AJ commented with a snort as Natalie gave Howie a soft smile. Rolling his eyes, he glanced towards Brian, expecting his friend to leap into his jealous mode as he always did when Howie and Natalie showed any sort of affection for one another. He was rather surprised to see Brian pensively staring at the entrance, nursing a beer.

"Thank you, Howie," Natalie murmured, letting him pull her towards the dance floor.

"B? Howie just carted your woman off to the bathroom to get a blowjob," AJ announced loudly.

"Hope he gets more response than- A what?!" Brian jerked on his barstool to turn toward the elaborate dance floor on the way to the bathrooms. Hurriedly scanning the room for Howie so he could throw a fist into his face, Brian felt his heart rate fall slightly when he noticed Howie pulling Natalie close to dance. Throwing a punch into AJ's shoulder, Brian scowled. "You are such a fucking troublemaker it's unbelievable!"

"I'm not the one ignoring Natalie, am I? Jesus," AJ muttered, sipping his iced tea. "…Gets more response than what? Why are you so fucking jumpy anyway?"

"I'm not ignoring…" Brian groaned inwardly as he drained the rest of the beer from his bottle. "…I am ignoring Natalie, but only because Nick is a major jackass and screwing up his life once again."

"How so?" AJ questioned, turning to face Brian completely. Rattling the ice in his glass, he glanced towards the bar, wondering if he could get some more sugar… "What'd he do? Get Nat drunk and sleep with her? …Again," he muttered under his breath.

"What'd you say?" Brian blanked in confusion, unable to hear AJ's raspy voice above the loud music.

"I asked what he did," AJ answered with complete seriousness, spying some packs of sugar behind Brian.

"Fucked his life up and you know I just can't be there to pick it up like always--"

"Since when did you pick him up?"

"Excuse me?"

"The top two people on Nick's speed dial are Howie and Kevin."

"And you know this how?" Brian questioned carefully, holding up his empty bottle towards the bartender. Once he had a fresh beer in his hand, he looked at AJ. "AJ… What did I do? How did I get pushed down the chain like I'm useless?"

AJ was quiet for a moment, slowly stirring more sugar into his tea. Tapping the spoon against the edge of his glass in time to the beat of the song playing, he slowly turned to face Brian again. "Shit, Rok… Didn't you notice that you pretty much left him behind when you and Leigh got serious? You were off being the model boyfriend, then you got married, and Nick… You know how fucking clingy he gets, right? He had to find somebody to talk to him and guide him--"

"I was always a phone call away--"

"For a five minute conversation," AJ quickly corrected, rounding his shoulders forward as he slumped onto a barstool. He hadn't exactly planned his night around mending the broken roads between Nick and Brian, yet, there he was. "A five minute conversation that centered around Leigh or at least Leigh bitching in the background. She was this constant force in your life that was dead-set on killing your friendship with Nick. He at least he thought he had a chance when Snot Face was born. He could be a great godfather and get back into your life that way. But, then you became a husband and a father with no time for anything else... So, cheers, 'cause all of this anti-Nick shit worked."

"I never meant to… I didn't realize…" Brian sighed, glancing towards the entrance once more. Seeing Nick and Alana enter, he felt once more the loneliness that had struck him when his friend had stormed away from their game. "And now he's got Alana…"

"Oh, Brian," AJ sighed glancing sideways to see Alana enter with Nick holding her upper arm in a protective manner. Though, somehow, Nick seemed to blur away from Alana as his jaw dropped open in sheer amazement. To say Alana was a knockout that evening was a vast understatement. She had selected a small black halter dress for the occasion that evening. The snug halter dress plunged deep into the valley between her breasts and wrapped up around her graceful neck and secured in the back with two thin spaghetti straps that angled down her bare back and secured where the material began at the small of her back with an elegant silver trimming of a butterfly. The hemming of the skirt ended in the middle of her thighs with a long slit up the left side of the dress, seeming to cause an endless flow of her long, bronzed legs that ended in a pair of black, strap stiletto heels. Pulling her long, strawberry curls into an elegant bun with several curls framing her gorgeous face and touching some lip-gloss to her lips, AJ felt his entire body start to burn with desire. So, hurriedly choking down the rest of his iced tea, AJ slammed the glass to the table and jumped up to fix his attire. "Because you are one of my closest and best friends, I'd be glad to free up Nick for you by taking Alana in my hands."

"Taking one for the team AJ?" Brian questioned with slight amusement, watching Alana turn to murmur something in Nick's ear. She then pointed towards AJ and him before moving her hand in the general direction of the dance floor. Turning his head, he saw with a pang of jealousy that Howie was in the process of dipping Natalie. "Of all the low down, dirty tricks--"

"Don't hate the player, Son, hate the game," AJ rasped as he fluidly moved through the masses of people bopping, rolling, and sliding to the beat of the remix. Blessing God for the acquirement of a skinny frame, AJ produced a wickedly pompous smile as he stepped directly into the path of Alana and Nick. "If you aren't the most gorgeous creature in the entire world, I am most definitely going to have to poke my eyes out with scissors and curse God for being so flawed, Al."

"…Thanks, AJ…" Alana mused with a small smile, furrowing her brows in skepticism, not knowing whether or not to take his compliment to heart. "You like the dress then?"

"The dress is nothing without the perfect body it encases," AJ stated seriously, reaching for her hand as the song playing began to fade into a slower beat. "Brian wants to have a few words with Nick and apologize for being a self-righteous holier-than-though jackass, so would you care to dance with me?"

"You haven't had anything to drink yet and he wants to apologize, so, do you mind, Handsome?" Alana inquired as she allowed AJ to thread his fingers with hers, gently pulling her away from Nick, though she turned to glance back at him. She smiled hopefully toward him, knowing it would be best if Nick spoke to Brian so the evening would go smoothly. Not to mention Ja Rule's song Mesmerized featuring Ashanti was one of her favorites.

"I…" Nick trailed, glancing across to see Brian sitting at the edge of the bar. The forlorn look on the older man's face caused a pang of remorse to spark in his chest, and he suddenly regretted losing his temper. "I don't mind, Beautiful," he promised, pulling her back to him for a soft kiss before relinquishing her to AJ's company. He gave AJ a warning look. "Thanks… I think--"

"I did it all for you," AJ promised with a gentlemanly bow before spinning Alana into his arms. At her surprised squeal and feeling her arms slide around his neck for safety, his grin widened. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he gave some sort of hand signal to Nick. "Go love on Brian and we'll tour the dance floor!"

Nick smiled slightly, watching them disappear into the crowd of dancers before moving towards the bar. Easing onto the stool next to Brian, he glanced over his shoulder to check if he could see AJ and Alana. "…You do know that Howie's grinding against Natalie, right?"

"Yes…" Brian breathed, hearing the vibration of his teeth grinding. "But I've been such an ass with you that I couldn't even stand to have a good time. So, now not only do I have Nat pissed off at me, I have Howie all up on her, and you plaguing my mind…"

"Don't worry about me, Brian," Nick suggested, waving at the bartender. Hearing Brian's snort, he sighed. "Look, it's not my fault she's pissed at you--"

"In some round about way- I'm sorry, Nick, alright?" Brian signed, motioning for another beer as well when the bartender took Nick's order. "I wasn't there for you in the past--"

"You had a wife to look out for. I understand--"

"Obviously not if Howie and Kevin were the first two on your speed dials--"

"I didn't want to be a burden--"

"For God's sake, Nick--"

"Do you think I'll be a good Dad? I mean honestly. In your heart of hearts to you feel that I'd be a good father?"

"Nick, I really don't think it's a good idea that you adopt some kid that you know nothing about. I mean, adoption is such a huge thing and there's so much trouble down the road when the kid figures out he's not yours. Then you're not married. It's just a huge responsibility--"

"Why do you keep bringing up the marriage thing?"

"It's so hard to raise a kid without a mother. I wish you would realize that. When Leigh left… Baylee had all these questions to begin with and if I didn't have Nat--"

"I don't see you marrying her. Besides, Zach'll have a mother, don't you get it? Alana's going to be with me--"

"And with all the unsafe sex you two are having, give her nine months and you'll have a natural child--"

"She's on the pill--"

"Which is hardly a hundred percent effective."

"What about you and Nat? I remember her saying at some time or another that she couldn't take the pill, and if I recall you have a sensitivity to latex, so… You pulling a porno finish every time?"

"There are latex free condoms and she has an IUD, you son of a bitch--"

"Like they're a hundred percent effective," Nick snorted, watching Brian angrily down his beer. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? If I'm going to be a horrible father and that Zach's better off staying in a hospital surrounded by people who just take care of him but don't love him, I'll cancel the adoption--"

"It's not that you're going to be a bad father," Brian groaned, pushing his beer aside as he turned on the barstool to face the dance floor. He clenched his fists in attempts to relieve some of the tension within him, but it was useless. "You're fantastic with Scooper. I don't know what I was thinking not making you a godfather or not even calling you to let you know Leigh was pregnant… I mean, Scooper loves you with all his heart. There isn't a thing he wouldn't pull so that he could probably stay with you forever. But what happens when you get tired of this kid?"

"That'll never happen, Brian. You've got to believe me… When I'm holding him everything feels right. Like I was meant to hold him, you know? It's like… As long as he's around the world is as it should be. Nothing else matters but him and Alana. And I understand when you say she might not be around forever, but she will. She loves me, Frick…"

Brian glanced to his friend skeptically. "She told you that she loves you?"

"Yeah…"

"Nick, are you sure she…" Brian shrugged his shoulders helplessly, knowing it was useless to even plead his case to Nick. He was stubborn and quite impulsive when it came to decisions in his life. Glancing out to the dance floor, he noticed Howie hugging Natalie and kissing her cheek. He immediately jerked to his feet, preparing to intervene. That is, until he saw Natalie sauntering his way. He relaxed slightly, turning toward Nick. "Look, I'm sorry for what I did. Can we call it even? Because AJ is damn near close to yanking down Alana's underwear with his hand up that slit in her skirt--"

"Nothing near to what Howie was doing to Natalie when you weren't looking," Nick smirked. "Besides, I trust Alana. She's assured me there's no way in Hell that she'd ever--"

"Lean close to murmur something in his ear and let him nibble on her neck while tugging on those chandelier earrings of hers?" Brian guessed, tilting his head slightly to take in the full picture of the heated moment between Alana and AJ, especially as he spun her in another tight circle to dip her, ensuring an overly adequate view of her assets as he kept her leg wrapped around his hip.

"Goddamnit," Nick whined, launching to his feet. Pushing Natalie aside when she walked in front of him, he headed for the dance floor.

"Want to dance?" Brian questioned hopefully as he met Natalie halfway, wrapping his arms around her waist. Drawing her close, he sought her lips for a fiery, apologetic kiss. "I'm sorry I was such an ass and I want to make it up to you."

"Awe, Bumpkin… You're nearly three sheets to the wind, though…" Natalie trailed softly, curling her arms around his neck. "And you can barely dance when you're sober," she teased against his lips as, over the music, she heard AJ's painful yelp. "You work things out with Nicky?"

"Yeah, and I got AJ back for being a team player," Brian approved, pulling her toward the dance floor as he continued his slow kisses. "I'll embarrass the Hell out of myself to dance with you. So, c'mon, we'll talk Nick into charming the DJ for a few slow songs."

"I don't think we'll be able to get him away from 'Lana long enough…" Natalie mused with a smile, glancing over to see Nick had easily replaced himself in Alana's arms. The perfect couple, she decided as they began to move to the music. "I love you, Bumpkin…"

"I love you more," Brian promised as he settled them close to Nick and Alana, wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her close. Though the beats of the song were fast, Brian moved in a slow rhythm, with the beat of her heart.
Twenty-Three :: Contrary to Popular Belief by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Whoops, sorry for the delay. Was busy with NaNo during November, and now that's out of the way I'll be updating more regularly. Thanks so much for all of the wonderful reviews, we really appreciate it! :)
"So, did you actually have fun tonight, Handsome?" Alana inquired hopefully as she stepped into the elevator of Atlantis, reaching to loop her arms around his waist and tucked her chin against his shoulder. Exhaling softly, she lifted her leg as Howie and AJ came tumbling into the elevator, arguing halfway through the hallway about what they would do that evening. Natalie and Brian had left earlier to take a stroll on the beach before returning to their suite for the evening, wanting as much time alone as possible. Not that Alana blamed them; especially with the way they were dancing so romantically at the club, their bodies pressed close as if their skin had melted into one being. It was adorable to watch. Smiling, she glanced up toward Nick to find him watching her with a bemused smile. "What'd I say?"

"Nothing… You're just so beautiful," Nick murmured, wrapping his arms around her as AJ fought Howie to push the button for their floor. "And yeah, I did have fun," he added softly, pulling her into the corner so he could hold her without fear of AJ interrupting them. "Did you?"

"I loved dancing with you," Alana conferred as she squeezed him affectionately for clarification, though one hand drifted to the flesh just beneath her earlobe. "…Though I think AJ left a mark on me…"

Nick's eyes narrowed as he looked at AJ, who stood directly in front of them. "Is that so…"

"What the fuck?! What'd you kick me for?!" AJ hollered as he fell against the doors. Staggering back, he reached to rub his tender backside. Turning to glare at Nick, his expression softened when he saw Alana eying him with amusement. "So, Al, what're we going to do tonight, huh? We could order up tons of room service and watch a good gory movie marathon--"

"We could even take a picture of the hickey you put on my neck and post it to Kaci's little Myspace site," Alana teased, turning around in Nick's arms so she could hold AJ's gaze. Though, her attention was elsewhere as Nick's one hand dropped from her waist and moved up the large slit in her dress, causing her to shiver with a rush of excitement.

AJ grinned. "Even better, we could take a picture of me giving you another hickey--"

"Would you fucking stop already? She's not going to your hotel room for crying out loud!" Nick growled, his fingers pausing on their trek up Alana's thighs. When AJ grumbled under his breath and turned to Howie, Nick continued, nibbling softly at Alana's neck as his fingers found the edge of her panties.

"Then where am I going tonight? To get Boogie and Lizzer's to snuggle in our bed? Or I could bunk with Aaron…" Alana trailed thoughtfully, biting hard on her bottom lip when Nick's fingers slipped underneath the sheer material of her string bikini panties. Unthreading one of her hands that Nick was holding across the pit of her belly, she tucked her arm behind her back and slipped her fingers underneath his over shirt and wife-beater tank. Rubbing the front of his public bone, she slowly slipped her hand lower, feeling him shudder.

"Don't tease," Nick hissed against her ear, his fingers lightly tracing her folds. "We've only got four more floors to go up…"

"And if we run into Aaron on the way? He'll want to spend time with you," Alana murmured, fighting to control a whimper as she squirmed against him. Hearing the muffled noises, she noticed Howie and AJ turn backward. Pulling her hand from Nick, she obliged his request as to not tease, demurely crossing her legs at the ankle when the Latin men arched their brows. "He's threatening to make me sleep with Aaron tonight if I win at xBox…"

"Right… And his hand up her skirt is just a warning," Howie told AJ with a snort of laughter.

"My hand would feel better," AJ commented loudly as he turned to face the doors once more. It looked as though he would be spending yet another night alone.

"More like a preview of coming attractions," Nick suggested with a brewing grin as he noticed AJ flinch. Withdrawing his hand slowly from her skirt, he heard her petulant whine of dissatisfaction and watched AJ turn ever so slightly with hope. That is, till Nick turned Alana around to catch her lips in a smoldering kiss. Tangling his hands in elegant bun, he held her face close to his, sucking her tongue into his mouth, feeling her purr with appreciation. He wanted it to be quite clear who she belonged to. "Beautiful…"

"I love you, Handsome," she murmured as he knew she would.

"I love you more," Nick whispered.

"Halle-fucking-lujah," AJ groaned as the elevator stopped on their floor. "Well, you two have fun doing whatever…" his voice trailed as he bolted down the hall.

"Hey! Wait the Hell up! I ain't getting locked outside again! We're sharing a suite!" Howie exclaimed as he stumbled out of the elevator, jogging down the hallway toward their suite. Reaching to catch the door before AJ could open the door, he turned sideways to see Nick sauntering out of the elevator with Alana wrapped within his arms. Her long legs tangled around his waist as she layered his face with the sweetest of kisses. Slightly mesmerized, Howie's jaw dropped ajar. "Y'think Nick can talk her into signing onto our label, J?"

"Well, let's see. If she gets a record deal and is busy in the studio all sorts of hours, he won't be able to spend as much time with her. Then she goes on tours, and he'll be busy doing his thing, so he won't be able to spend much time with her…" AJ trailed, grinning wickedly at the door as he pushed it open. "I'm pretty fucking sure he'll be all for it!"

"We'd give him a cut…" Howie mused, not really noting the deviousness in his friend's voice as he followed him inside their suite. "Remind me to talk to him tomorrow. We really need to get her signed as soon as possible. I just don't think I'm the one to talk to her after I called her a flavor… Well at least not alone…"

"We'll talk to her together," AJ decided as he shrugged out of his jacket. Slinging it onto the couch, he headed for the mini bar for a soda. "She's a sweet girl, D… She won't let you calling her Nick's flavor of the week get in the way of business--"

"That's just the problem; she doesn't want any part of the business. She doesn't think she's good enough--"

"You just don't know how to talk to a woman, D. Give me twenty minutes with her and I'll have a signed contract," AJ stated decisively, tossing a soda to Howie. "Anything else you want to talk over before I go give myself a handjob?"

"Don't wipe the remains on that t-shirt you borrowed from me… Again…" Howie mumbled, catching the soda before walking into his room.

"Whatever," AJ muttered, heading into his room as he popped the can open. Leaving his clothes in a pile as he removed them, he flopped across the large bed with a groan, knowing he would be unable to sleep.

How did Nick get such a breathtaking woman as Alana anyway? It just didn't seem right. Every charming move he could think to be played had been attempted, but she brushed him off as if he were an annoying child and weave her arms around Nick for protection. Every other woman who had shown an initial interest in Nick had come to their senses and met AJ in bed at some point. So why was the Aphrodite of women finding it so hard to come to the light? Growling with disgust, AJ rolled onto his side to retrieve the lightweight laptop on his nightstand. Flopping it onto his bed, he clicked on the link for the internet, entering the Playboy website and clicking on the classic women of the days. He suddenly reminded himself to take his camera phone into Nick's room one day while Alana was changing for an accidental picture that he could use later. Playboy could only get so entertaining after the first few discharges.

"Seen her, seen her, seen her…" AJ sighed as he clicked through the website, hoping against hope that he would come across a woman he had yet missed. Muffling a sigh, he paused when he saw a familiar name. Glancing at the picture accompanying her name, he felt his jaw go slack. "Natalie… Holy fucking shit!"

Pushing himself up to the widescreen of his laptop, AJ assessed every pixilated image of the woman that was just a few doors down the hall. At first he wanted to say that it was just a recreation in some fancy photo program, especially because her long wavy locks had been dyed a dark strawberry blonde. Natalie had been seen all over on Brian's arm. She was known throughout the world of the Backstreet Fans. But the telltale Playboy bunny tattoo angling to the lower right of her belly button told AJ that this was indeed a real photograph. There Natalie was in all the glory of her naked form, draped only in a turquoise necklace and belt, splayed against a stone wall in the throes of ecstasy. Her large breasts heaved with emotion as her other hand laid strategically toward her right thigh, guiding the lusty man's eyes toward the tuft of dark hair leading to what she jokingly coined the 'promised land.' Choking in surprise, AJ hurriedly yanked the power cord from his laptop, freezing the picture on the screen. "Howie! Natalie's a fucking old Playboy Bunny!"

Hearing no response, AJ leaped from the bed, racing from his room to see Howie's door was ajar. Kicking it open, he jumped onto the bed, ignoring his friend's irritated expression. "Look at this shit!"

"I seriously think that you need to get on Ritalin--" Howie grunted with displeasure as AJ crawled across the bed to thump the laptop onto his chest. He had a side thought about calling security on his own roommate, but hesitated when he saw the picture. "Holy fucking Hell! That's Natalie! She's really-Where are you going?!"

"To tell Brian! He needs to know this shit--"

"Wait! What? He's got to--" Howie was at a loss for words when AJ went running out of the room. When he heard the loud bang of the next suite door, he launched himself out of bed, stumbling into a pair of jeans as he hurried after him. "AJ! Don't be so fucking stupid! You're going to--"

"Rok! Rok! Where the fuck - Aaron, where's Brian at?!" AJ questioned loudly, eyes wide with excitement as he turned to see Howie rushing into the room after him.

Howie gasped for air as he stumbled in attempts to grab AJ by the waist to pin him to the ground. "Aaron, don't tell him--"

"What the Hell is all this yelling about?!" Brian exclaimed in bewilderment as he appeared from the children's bedroom, having kissed both of them goodnight. He arched his brows in shock as AJ shoved his laptop directly into his chest. "If you wake those kids up, I'm going to just-What's this?"

"Where's Natalie?" AJ questioned, looking towards the children's bedroom. "She should see this--"

"She's gone to shower," Aaron answered from his place on the couch.

"She apparently likes to take those… Especially with cameras in the room," AJ snorted with delight, watching anxiously as Brian's facial features suddenly changed from a look of confusion to a look of horror. "That's fucking right, Bible Boy! Your little sacrificial virgin is hardly sweet and innocent! And before you start bitching, I got that straight from the Playboy Website. Y'see that logo on the bottom? Real! All real! Well, probably except for those knockers--"

"Natalie's breasts are real," Howie ground out angrily, unable to believe that AJ would stoop so low. "She--"

"Like you would know," AJ scoffed, leaning over Brian's shoulder. "Look, she's even got a shag carpet brewing. Someone should teach her about decorating though. Much sexier when the carpet matches the curtains--"

"Get out," Brian warned in an even tone.

Howie glanced at AJ worriedly. "AJ, we should go--"

"Get out!" Brian demanded darkly as pushed all the air from his lungs, sending Aaron running from the room, Howie and AJ not too far behind. Every muscle in his body tight with tension, Brian walked into the bathroom, never bothering to knock. He couldn't even begin to describe the overwhelming emotions rushing through his body and changing like a cheap mood ring. First betrayal, then anger, then depression, then overwhelming hurt. Tears rushed to his light cerulean eyes as he set the laptop on the toilet. "…Why didn't you tell me, Nat?"

"Tell you what?" Natalie questioned as she stepped out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around her, she looked at Brian with confusion, her heart fluttering with worry when she saw his tears. "Bumpkin? What's wrong--"

"AJ…" Brian's sentence choked on the words as he rubbed his arm across his face to rid the tears. It wasn't so much that she had posed nude for millions of perverted men, but that she hadn't told him. That she had kept it such a secret when they were supposed to be the best of friends. If she lied about this, what else was lurking in her heart? "...Playboy… How many times did you pose for Playboy?"

"Playboy…" Natalie trailed, realizing suddenly why he was so upset. "Bumpkin, I--"

"How many?"

"Twice--"

"Why?" Brian whispered, unable to project his voice any louder, fighting the lump in his throat that would bring about a pained sob. He felt as if he were staring into Leighanne's vicious brown eyes once more.

Natalie faltered for a moment, pulling her robe on over the towel. "I… God, Brian, it was so long ago--"

"I'm going to take a walk down the beach… Listen for the kids," Brian murmured, not sure if he could listen to anymore lies. Forgetting about the laptop perched on top of the toilet, he moved to exit the bathroom, though he turned slightly. The tears started to streak down his pale cheeks as he took in the beauty of what he thought was his precious gem. "If you needed the money for college, I would have paid for everything. If you needed to know you were beautiful, I would have told you every day… And if you kept this a secret so long… What else are you hiding from me?"

Natalie stared at him for a moment, lower lip trembling as she reached to shut the laptop. Not wanting to be reminded of mistakes in the past. Closing her eyes briefly, she lifted her head to meet his eyes once more. Unable to take the hurt and anguish in the cerulean depths, she looked down at the floor. "Bumpkin, I never meant to hurt you by doing this… I--"

But when Natalie stalled in attempts to look up and reach out for her lover, she was shocked to find just an open door leading to the hallway of their suite. He was gone. No goodbye nor parting words. But, what could he possibly have to say to the second woman who had broken his heart?

*~*~*

"'Lana! Watch me! I c'n s'im!" Elizabeth shouted over Baylee's giggles. Splashing the water loudly with her hands as Nick held her in the water, she squealed with excitement, wanting to draw the woman's attention from Nick. "'LANA! WATCH ME!"

"I'm watching!" Alana exclaimed, showing the utmost enthusiasm as she turned her attention away from Nick to the little girl in his arms. Moving to seat herself in the shallow water, she squealed in surprise as Baylee bowled directly into her lap after running from a squirting seahorse statute. Catching the boy so he didn't go underwater, she blew a raspberry on the side of his face, gesturing for him to watch Elizabeth. It was early in the afternoon when Nick, Alana, and Aaron decided to take the children to the large water playgrounds in the Atlantis Resort. The elaborate Mayan-themed playground featured several tube slides, side-by-side slides, cargo nets, rope bridges, water cannons, fountains, and water wheels for endless playtime. There were plenty of places for adults to lounge while the children played, but Alana and Nick were far more content playing with Elizabeth and Baylee in the water.

"O'tay!" Elizabeth squealed, grinning from ear to ear as Aaron reached for her hands. With the utmost concentration, she kicked her feet wildly, paying no mind to the fact she splashed water in Nick's face. When his hands slid away, she grasped Aaron's hands, managing to keep her head above the water as she splashed over to him. "I DID IT!" she shrieked, immediately letting go of his hands to clap wildly.

"You're such a big girl, Elizabeth!" Alana cheered with an overwhelming amount of pride, taking Baylee's hands into her own to clap wildly. She couldn't have pictured a cuter sight as Elizabeth leapt up from the water and splashed to get toward Alana. Her little body dressed in a light blue tankini with white daisies print, the bottom enhanced with the sweetest of ruffled skirts. "I'm so proud of you, Sweetness."

Shaking the water from her head, Elizabeth giggled as she leaned close for kisses before heading back to Aaron and Nick. Baylee, grateful to have Alana alone, snuggled close, one hand reaching to toy with the small bead on the string at the front of Alana's green Hawaiian-print string bikini. Grinning as he rested his head on her chest, he looked over towards Nick and Aaron, who were playfully but gently passing Elizabeth back and forth, making big splashes.

"Don't you want to go play, Jungle Boogie Boy?" Alana inquired softly, resting her chin on the top of Baylee's damp, platinum curls. Wrapping her arms around him, she playfully patted his protruding potbelly. Keeping her gaze toward the slightly deeper water, she muffled a soft laugh when Elizabeth tripped Nick into the waters, leaping onto his back to wrestle. Watching him surface with a hard gasp, she smirked when Aaron jumped on top to help Elizabeth control Nick's thrashing. Nick was so beautiful with children. She knew, someday, he'd make a wonderful father. "…Why don't we go play on that gym, Boogie?"

"I want'a 'nuggle!" Baylee exclaimed, wrapping his arms around her neck. Glancing towards the others, his grin widened and he suddenly leapt from her arms, wading through the water. "Let's go!"

"Where are we going?" Alana questioned in confusion as she was pulled up from her seated position in the cool water. Stumbling slightly before she gained her balance, she allowed Baylee to grasp her hand to lead her deeper. She thought a better snuggling place would have been on the lounge chairs, but she complied with the boy's wishes.

"To 'nuggle Nicky in the water," Baylee explained, his expression telling Alana that he thought she was an idiot. Giggling when she rolled her eyes, he released her hand, diving forward into Aaron's arms. Turning to check Alana's progress, he noticed two men at the edge of the pool watching her slow walk. "Who d'at watchin' you, 'Lana?"

"Huh?" Alana drawled in surprise as she turned to see who Baylee was referring to. Sure enough, two men were eagerly watching the slow, unconscious sway of her hips and perked up immediately when she glanced toward them. They looked to be a few years older with contrasting looks, two boys racing around them in a fury of excitement. Confused, Alana offered them a small wave to be polite. "…I'm not really sure who there are, Boogie…"

"They cute!" Elizabeth chimed in as Nick turned to eye the two men. "Oh, Nicky, look! He gots a tattoo like you!" she shrieked, pointing.

"They're nothing special," Alana answered with a small shrug, bending over to catch Elizabeth as she ran into her legs. Scooping up the child, she fastened Elizabeth to her hip, oblivious to the fact that the men were wading across the water to speak to her. Instead, she obliged Elizabeth's request to play on the playground, helping her onto the cargo nets to climb up to a nearby slide.

"They're staring at her tits," Nick hissed in Aaron's direction as Baylee clamored to follow Alana and Elizabeth. Glaring across the pool, he felt a slight pang of relief when the men suddenly turned their attention to the boys with them. "Fucking assholes, can't they tell she's with someone?"

"And how exactly would they know her status in a relationship, Nick?" Aaron questioned with an irritated roll of his eyes, stooping into the water to retrieve Baylee's water gun. He tried not to smirk when he noticed the rugged men gesturing toward the boys to go romping on the playground, specifically slide down the slide next to the one Alana was occupying with Baylee and Elizabeth. "Is it that tattoo you carved into her back - Nick Carter's territory?"

"Damnit, Aaron… She's in a pool with a man, a teenager and two little kids. What would your first thought be?" Nick questioned with a scowl.

"One big happy family of siblings?" Aaron guessed sarcastically.

"Go to Hell--"

"After you," Aaron promised with a wicked grin. "…Besides, it ain't like you're planning on marrying her, right? …Got an engagement ring?" He arched his dark blonde brows in a curious hope, prodding into his older brother's life. To have Alana as a sister-in-law would be fantastic. He just needed to know how far along it was. How serious it could get. That is, how serious Aaron could get it to be.

Nick glanced over at Alana, smiling wistfully as he watched her play with Baylee and Elizabeth. "No… Not yet…"

"Why?" Aaron whined, kicking at the water.

"Look, she just told me that she loves me a few days ago… I don't want to rush her into--"

"YOU MEANIE!" Baylee screamed suddenly, diverting Nick's attentions from the matter of his relationship with Alana. Looking over, he saw Alana pulling Elizabeth from the cargo netting, attempting to soothe the child from her cries as Baylee launched himself at one of the boys.

"Holy Hell! It's a brawl!" Aaron yelped, rushing forward to the netting to catch Baylee's fist before it connected with the older boy's noise. Again.

"Lizzers, it's okay, Sugar Pie, Honeybunch," Alana hurriedly soothed as she set herself on the stairs leading to the slides, cuddling Elizabeth close to her when she was assured that Aaron was wrestling Baylee from the fight. The little girl was squealing with hysterical sobs as she clutched at the strings of Alana's bikini top. She wrapped her arms protectively around Elizabeth, pressing several kisses to the top of the child's head, oblivious to the man moving to sit next to her in attempts to apologize for his son's behavior. "Where's it hurt, Lizzie? Tell me and I'll kiss it better."

"He-Pushed-Me!" Elizabeth wailed as she fought to breathe.

The man reached to gently touch Elizabeth's back in a soothing manner. "I'm so--"

"What the fuck is wrong with you?! Can't you keep an eye on your little brat?!" Nick exploded, slapping the man's hand away from Elizabeth. "She could have fallen in the pool and been knocked out! Maybe if you kept your eyes off my girlfriend's ass for more than two seconds you could stop your kid from attacking someone else!"

"Nick! What the Hell are you doing?!" Alana yelped in shock as she felt the wind rush past her body from Nick's hard slap to the man's hand, actually stilling Elizabeth into silent wonder. Her large teal eyes widened in shock as she moved to step up to the play area to retrieve Aaron and Baylee, accidentally brushing against the man's friend. "I'm sorry--"

"Hey, it's okay," the man assured with a smile. "You can--"

"You can get your hands off my sister-in-law," Aaron growled as he pulled Baylee up into his arms. Settling the boy on his hip, he offered the man a dangerous glare.

"HE PUSHED ME, DAMNIT!" Elizabeth screeched, pointing to the small red welt on her knee. "I 'URTIN'!"

"I know you're hurting, Lizzers, I'm going to go get you some ice," Alana insisted as she attempted to weave around the solid man, frowning slightly when he stepped into her path once more. "Excuse me…"

"I just wanted to apologize. Danny's a bit rough--"

"The only apology she wants is for you to get the Hell away from her," Nick interrupted, shoving the man aside none too gently. "C'mon, Beautiful, let's get the kids upstairs…"

"And who the Hell are you to judge what the fuck she wants to do, fat ass?" the man growled with annoyance at the hard shove to his chest, especially when he stumbled back slightly. He reached out to grasp Alana's upper arm, dragging her back toward the playground as he towered above Nick. Elizabeth attempted to swing at him with a grunt of annoyance, but Alana wrenched her arm from his grasp to block the attack. "She's been shaking her ass at us from the fucking get go, so you better just back the fuck up before--"

Nick silenced him with another hard shove, this time knocking him backwards into the pool. Aaron's foot shot out automatically to trip him, causing Nick to flinch when he heard the man's ankle bones crack. "Whoops… Didn't mean to make you fall!"

Alana's eyes widened in shock as the man sunk underneath the water, only to quickly resurface and claw at his wounded ankle like a wounded animal. The boys that had been milling around him immediately stooped to see what was wrong. And that's when Alana nudged Nick and Aaron forward, knowing they needed to leave before any means of media stirred. Nick and Aaron seemed to comply with the notion, Elizabeth and Baylee sobered by the Carter brothers' blitz attack. But Alana thought that was best as they moved through the waters, only to have a fist shoot out and connect with the back of Nick's head. He fell forward into the water with a heavy crash and Alana immediately went to the defense, hurriedly pushing Elizabeth into Aaron's arms as the man jumped on Nick's back, throwing further blows. Alana reached to grab the second man's arm, wanting to pull him off, but he backhanded her quickly. She stumbled slightly with the unbearable pain, but recovered to slam her own fist into his jaw, feeling the giving of muscle and bone as he fell backward.

Baylee gasped sharply, gripping Aaron's shoulder with one hand as the other flew to cover his mouth. Looking from the man in the pool to the man clutching his face on the ground, his shock quickly gave way to excitement. "ALANA! YOU HIT HIM! YOU KICKED HIS--"

"Well he shouldn't have split my damn lip," Alana muttered, stooping into the water as she held a hand to her bleeding bottom lip, helping Nick from the water. "Are you okay? Handsome? Please, answer me…"

"I'm okay," Nick assured her, tenderly rubbing the back of his head as she helped him out of the pool. "Let's get out of here - What the fuck happened to your lip?! Did that cocksucker hit you?" Immediately he turned to the man who was slowly climbing to his feet, more than ready to kill the man for harming Alana. "You--"

"Nicky! 'Curity!" Elizabeth interrupted in hushed voice, nodding towards two uniformed men at the opposite end of the pool. "Le's go!"

"Let's go," Alana decided, watching Aaron run ahead with the children in his arms. Like the cutest of decoys, Baylee and Elizabeth giggled as they passed security in Aaron's arms, waving toward them with appreciative coos. Seeing security halt to wave at the children, Alana looped her arms around Nick's waist to help him walk. To others that hadn't seen the scuffle, Nick and Alana looked like an overly amorous couple as they crossed the playground in the opposite way, meeting Aaron and the children at the elevators. Once they had some privacy in the elevator, Alana turned to tenderly rub the back of her lover's head. "You're sure you're okay, Handsome?"

"I'm fine, Beautiful… Probably just need some Tylenol," Nick decided as Elizabeth pointed out her injury to Aaron so he could coo with appropriate sympathy. Looping his arms around Alana's waist, he drew her even closer, eyeing the abrasion to her lip. "I'm going back to kill that fucker--"

"You're not going back down there," Alana objected, reaching to conceal her lip once more with the back of her hand as blood continued to ooze. "And my lip is fine. I had to get him off you…"

"I appreciate it," Nick murmured, pulling her hand away so he could kiss her softly. "I love you so much, Beautiful, and it's just seeing him touch you like he freaking owned you set me off--"

"I still 'urtin'!" Elizabeth announced.

"She's my little drama queen," Alana teased with a soft sigh, gently prying herself from Nick's arms to tend to Elizabeth. She brushed her fingers down the small red welt that Elizabeth howled about, nuzzling the side of her face with an appropriate coo. "I'm sorry you're still hurting, Lizzers. But I think we need to ask the Little Nicky what he was spouting off about me being his sister-in-law… Huh?"

"I know, I know!" Elizabeth grinned suddenly, her injury forgotten. "Nicky's d'unna ask you t'marry him!"

"Did you see the ring, Lizzers?" Alana encouraged, lifting Baylee into her arms when he reached for her. Tentatively, he reached out his tiny hand to press onto her lip to keep the blood at bay. She offered a small smile of thanks to him, but not wide enough to pull at the torn skin. She knew Nick proposing to her was far beyond the scope of their relationship at that point, but the excitement in Elizabeth's bright blue eyes made her laugh.

"It's hidden," Elizabeth pouted. "Airy tol' me it's hidden wit' his porn--"

"His porn or Nicky's porn?" Alana inquired, glancing toward Aaron as she was drawn back into Nick's arms for a protective hold.

"Nicky's!"

"Guess I'll have to find his porn stash, huh, Lizzers?" Alana mused as Baylee went back to fiddling with the bead at the front of her bikini top.

"I don't have any porn--"

"He keeps it in the inside pocket of his black duffel bag," Aaron informed Alana with a smirk.

"Glad to know I'm not enough to satisfy you, Handsome," Alana sighed, shifting her long leg between his to stroke the back of his powerful calf. "Good thing you have that stash, 'cause I ain't doing much with a broken lip…"

"You're more than enough to satisfy me. The stash Aaron's talking about is his shit--"

"We go see Knot now?" Baylee questioned suddenly. "Her wasn't in the hotel room d'is mornin'…"

"…Why wasn't Natalie in your room this morning, Boogie?" Alana questioned in confusion as the doors opened to their floor of rooms. Preparing to step out, Alana was surprised to find Natalie standing before her. There were dark rings circling beneath her usually light caramel eyes. Her posture was slumped as she fidgeted with the hem of her peasant top. "What's wrong--"

"I'm just going down for a bite to eat," Natalie murmured, avoiding Aaron's gaze as she sidled onto the elevator.

"She and Brian had it out last night," Aaron announced as Elizabeth slid from his arms to run ahead to the suite. "AJ and Howie came in with some--"

"Shut the fuck up, Aaron," Natalie muttered, sharply punching the button for the ground floor. When Nick went to step out with Alana, Natalie jerked out to grasp Alana's upper arm. Jerking slightly with surprise, Alana arched her brows in confusion as she gave Baylee to Nick. "Can you please come with me?"

"Me?" Alana questioned.

"Please?" Natalie requested softly, glancing down at Alana's bikini. "I'll wait for you to change…"

"Sure… Just give me five minutes," Alana agreed, stepping out of the elevator with Natalie. Glancing around, she noticed that Aaron had just finished mumbling an explanation of events to Nick before walking down the hall to let Baylee and Elizabeth into the suite. Reaching to brush her hand down Nick's bare arm, she looked back to Natalie for a moment. "I'm going to go have some lunch with Natalie, okay? I'll go in and get changed and check the back of your head… You'll lay in bed with some Tylenol and rest, right? Just in case--"

"Don't you think you need to lay down too? I mean, you got a pretty bad slam against your face--"

"I'm fine," Alana promised, glancing back to Natalie who paced worriedly by the elevator. Reaching for Nick's hand, she slowly walked with him toward their suite. "Natalie needs me."

"Okay… You'll fill me in on what her problem is, right?" Nick questioned softly as he opened the door to their suite. "She looks like shit…"

"If she doesn't mind me talking about it," Alana agreed with a nod, reaching behind his neck to feel the growing knot. When she felt him wince with pain, she fought to frown, walking into the bathroom to get a cool cloth for her split and swelling lip. "…Get ice on that, please?"

"Alright, Ma. Don't be gone too long, please? I need you too…" Nick trailed softly as he peeled off his wet trunks. Snatching a pair of discarded boxers from the foot of the bed, he pulled them on before flopping onto the bed.

"You'll miss me too much, huh?" Alana mused from the bathroom as she pulled off her wet bikini, hanging it over the shower. Unfazed by her nakedness, she sauntered out into the room to pull out underwear, a pair of frayed jean shorts, and a shelf bra tank. Hurriedly pulling on the garments and pulling Nick's baseball cap over her wild curls, she reached for her wet washcloth to apply to her lip.

"You have no idea… Hey, when you get back, we can raid the porn stash and see if we can find the ring Lizzie insists I have," Nick commented with a wicked grin, leaning up to softly kiss her cheeks. "Have… Well, I doubt it'll be fun, so…"

"Somehow, I really can't see you settling down and sliding a ring onto my finger," Alana teased, brushing her hand down the side of his face. "But, behave till I get back. No women…"

"Not even Lizzie?" Nick pouted, pulling her down into his lap for a quick hug before releasing her.

"Only if you take her shopping for my engagement ring," Alana decided, nuzzling the side of his face before retrieving her wallet from the nightstand. Slipping it into her back pocket, she slipped on her flip-flops and moved toward the hallway.

"Hey, Beautiful?" Nick called, smiling when she turned to gaze at him. "…I love you."

"I love you so much more, Handsome," she promised, blowing a gentle kiss his way before slipping out the door to tend to Natalie's wounds.
Twenty-Four :: Righting Wrongs by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Boo-ya! Two chapters in an update! And more coming! :)
Alana drummed her fingers rapidly against her bare thighs as she assessed the look of the large dining room table in Brian and Natalie's hotel suite. Having gone out to purchase a white linen table cloth, long, red candlesticks, and a dozen white roses for a centerpiece; she had created a beautiful masterpiece of a table. Ordering Beef Wellington with a side of roasted herb potatoes, julienne zucchini, a large loaf of Italian bread. To drink she had purchased a deep red wine - a cabernet. And dessert was chocolate cheese cake. Nothing could possibly go wrong with this dinner. Especially since she had spent most of yesterday consoling Natalie for AJ's egregious offense against her and her history. What he had done was below disgusting and Alana felt a personal need to help Natalie right this wrong in her relationship. She loved Natalie with all her heart, already suppressing the devastation of knowing that Natalie and Nick had been intimate together. She had understood that the past was the past, especially when she had such dark stains on her record. So, now, she just hoped to help Brian and Natalie.

"Beautiful? You still in here?" Nick called as he stepped into the suite. Stopping just inside the doorway, he took in the romantic setting before him, grinning when he saw the handful of loose petals scattered on the floor. Raising a brow when he heard the soft classical music floating from the stereo, he walked over, pulling Alana into his arms. "Brian's on his way, he should be here in a minute… It looks great…"

"You're sure it looks alright?" Alana inquired hopefully as she was pulled away from the table. Feeling Nick's arms snake around her from behind, she leaned against him to admire her work for just a moment. Though, instead of admiring, she took more of a critical approach. "Not too cheesy? Not too hard worked? Not too--"

"Beautiful, it's perfect--"

"What the Hell?" Brian questioned in shock as he stepped into the suite. At first he was certain he had entered the wrong suite, thinking perhaps he had interrupted what would be a private dinner between Nick and Alana. Glancing at the number on the door, however, he furrowed his brows in confusion. "What's going on in here?"

"I got dinner ordered for you so you wouldn't have to worry about it," Alana hurriedly explained as she ducked away from Nick's arms, holding two fingers to her bottom lip to keep the tender, swollen skin from pulling painfully as she spoke. "I know what happened between you and Natalie was ugly. And you shouldn't have been lied to for all those years. And that you were shocked to hear the news at first… But, I really think it would benefit the both of you to sit down and talk about it. And, if not, then at least you got a great dinner out of the deal?"

"There's nothing for us to talk about, Alana… She did it and then lied to me. For all I know she's been lying to me all these years about other stuff--"

"Technically she didn't lie… She just didn't mention it…" Alana objected, wincing slightly at Brian's stern glare. "Look… I honestly can't tell you what to do. Everyone has something dark in their past. Something they regret. Something they wish they can change. But, in the end, the person that they are now would never be the same without that stain… And you love her so much… She's waited for so many years to be with you and she was scared that she'd never get the opportunity. You can't blame her for going off and living her own life. Nor can she blame you for getting so upset. In the end, it's both of your choices, but I wanted to give you the opportunity to make things right…"

"I doubt she'll even want to talk to me, after I just walked out," Brian sighed, looking towards the perfectly set table. "But--"

"Alana? Why'd you call me in here?" Natalie questioned, coming through the door as she rummaged in her purse. "I told you that Brian doesn't want me to be around--"

"I'd like to call it an intervention, but that'd be retarded," Alana hurriedly explained as she reached to grasp Natalie's hand, pulling her into the room before she could scamper in the other direction. Leaning within the doorway, held her hands up in slight innocence as Natalie glared at her. "You both tend to run away when you're scared, so I'm meeting you halfway. I got a beautiful dinner set up for you and Brian does want to talk to you. You guys just need to have some private time without everyone interfering. So, Howie has the kids tonight and Aaron is babysitting AJ."

"So we'll leave now," Nick decided, ducking past Brian.

"Give each other a chance and at least listen to what the other has to say? Please?" Alana inquired as Nick's hands brushed over her abdomen in hopes to draw her back with him.

"Okay," Natalie whispered, turning her gaze to the table as Nick gently tugged Alana into the hall.

"And no fighting, okay? Remember, we've got the next suite over and if one glass breaks, Alana'll be over here to kick both your asses--"

"Since when am I the official ass kicker?" Alana laughed in surprise as she reached to shut the door for the couple. She gave up a silent prayer to God that all would be well for the couple, though her thoughts drew elsewhere when she felt Nick's lips soften against hers. She was surprised at first to feel the soft silk of his lips, especially since her lip was still quite tender. He hadn't wanted to hurt her. But, sliding her hands up to cup the back of his neck, she sighed softly.

"Did I hurt you?" Nick whispered against her lips, pulling her down the hall to their own suite. He was looking forward to a long evening alone with her, knowing that AJ would keep Aaron out until all hours doing whatever. Baylee and Elizabeth had promised to keep Howie occupied with movies and snacks until at least midnight, which meant Nick had plenty of time to spend with her.

"No, it felt nice," she promised, leaning up to kiss him once more as he continued his backward trek down the hallway. She had gone to extra lengths to prepare a nice evening for Brian and Natalie, but, not forgetting her own lover, she had also planned a special treat for him. Knowing they would be alone for what she considered almost the entire evening, she had decorated their bathroom in dozens of vanilla scented candles. Just a hint of rose petals sprinkled around the outside of their large jacuzzi tub. A plate of various exotic desserts would be waiting for them with a bucket of chilled sodas. Not to mention a movie to be watched on the TV built into the tile wall while they cuddled together. "I missed you kissing me…"

"I missed kissing you," Nick murmured, pushing her into their suite. Kicking the door shut, he continued their kiss, his only thought getting her into the bedroom.

"I have a surprise for you," she mentioned as he ran his hands down her back, cupping her behind with both hands to lift her against him. She squealed within his mouth in slight surprise, but never broke away as her arms folding around his neck.

"Hmm? What is it, Beautiful?" Nick murmured, pausing to fumble with the bedroom door.

"Take me into our master bathroom?" she inquired hopefully, leaning to nibble on his earlobe.

"Okay… But I've already told you, I'm not getting the private property landscaped, so if you've got a can of shaving cream and a razor--"

"Don't worry, I'm just going to Nair you one night…"

"And no doubt burn Charge off at the root…"

"Nick, just go into the bathroom…"

Smirking, Nick carried her into the bathroom, stopping just inside the door when he saw the candles everywhere. "Whoa… Smells like cookies in here, Beautiful--"

"Is that your way of saying you don't like it?" Alana immediately questioned with a soft frown, sliding from his arms. She reached to tug down her bunched tank top, glancing awkwardly around the dimly lit bathroom. She then looked to him for confirmation, feeling like a failure. Though he hadn't said much to that affect, she was still extremely vulnerable within their relationship. After so much time of loneliness, this relationship was all new territory. She just wanted him to love her. "I just wanted to do something special for you, too. I mean, you did the boat thing and I worked all day for Brian and Natalie and I wanted you to know that I could do something for you, too--"

"It's perfect," Nick interrupted with a grin, taking in the tray of desserts and the rose petals. Seeing her troubled expression, he stepped closer, cupping his hands around her face. Dipping his head for a soft kiss, he threaded his fingers in her hair, hoping to assuage any insecurities she had. "Just knowing you care enough to do something for my best friends is wonderful itself, Beautiful. But this on top of all that means so much…"

"You're sure?" she whispered hopefully, resting her hands on his forearms as she leaned in to kiss him once more, relief flooding her system.

"Very sure. I love you so much, Beautiful… Now, let's get naked and eat--"

"All this hard work and you come in like a whirlwind and desecrate it in about three seconds tops," Alana groaned playfully, though it hurriedly changed into a squeal when Nick tangled her in his arms, disrobing her. "All right! All right! Let's get naked and eat! What are you wasting time for?!"

"You want me to just throw you in the tub fully dressed?" Nick questioned seriously, dropping his hands to his sides as she leaned against the counter. Grinning at the way her shorts dangled dangerously low on her hips, he reached to lightly trace her tattoo. "If that's what you want…" he trailed with a sigh, scooping her into his arms. "Take a deep breath--"

"No! Nick! Don't! Please!" Alana screeched in horror as she reached to grab some kind of hold on his t-shirt, feeling her long curls dip into the warm, churning waters. "Nick!"

Stopping, Nick raised one brow in question. "Hmm?" Setting her on the very edge, he peeled off his t-shirt, gasping when she grasped his upper arms. "Hey! Your nails are digging into my--" Cutting off with a yelp as she jerked him towards her, he flailed for a moment when they both fell into the water, his body pressing hers to the bottom for a few seconds until he managed to get his head above water. Gasping for breath as she surfaced with giggles, he splashed her playfully.

"I think I've got to get over the fact that you're not romantic," Alana heaved as she jerked in attempts to avoid his splash, but it seemed inevitable since they were both soaked. Coughing slightly from the water she inhaled after being pinned beneath the turmoil of the jacuzzi waters, she ran her fingers through her locks to get the plastered curls away from her face.

"I'm not romantic?" Nick questioned, pausing as he struggled to shed his shorts. "You don't think I'm romantic?"

"You just threw me into a big ass tub, fully dressed, flooding the floor, and making half the candles go out…" Alana observed, glancing around the room as she propped her long legs over the lip of the tub, pulling away her jean shorts and bikini briefs before kicking them off into a sopping mess.

"I was being spontaneous…" Nick trailed.

"Spontaneous ain't no equivalent to romance," Alana drawled, exposing her southern roots with the sweet twang to her melodious voice.

"What do you want? Flowers and candy and empty promises?" Nick questioned, dropping his shorts over the side. Leaning back, he toyed with a rose petal that had fallen into the tub. He had never been one for romance. When he tried, he always failed. Miserably. So, after time, he had given up on it, deciding it was nowhere near worth the trouble.

"No…" Alana trailed, watching him cup the water beneath the petal so he could catch it within his hands. Only, when he pulled them from the water, the white petal slipped back amongst the currents. Sensing his heart, Alana slowly wet her bottom lip, hating that she had upset him. Wanting to apologize, she leaned over him, turning slightly so she could rest behind him. Stretching her long legs out on either side of him, she gently reached to massage his shoulders. "I was just teasing, Nick…"

"I'm not like that, Alana… I never have been… I'm not like Howie or AJ," Nick informed her with a sigh, attempting to catch the petal once again. "When I try to be, I just fuck everything up. I either sit on the candy or get flowers the girl's allergic to or say something that totally ruins everything… I'm sorry--"

"Hey," Alana chided softly as she nestled her chin against his shoulder, peering down at his attempts to capture the petal. Smiling softly, she threaded her arms beneath his, cupping her hands just so till the petal was caught between their hands. "I love you just the way you are, Handsome... We have something no one else could ever have…"

Turning his hand so the petal was pressed between their palms, Nick twined his fingers with hers before lifting his hand to kiss the very tips of her fingers. "I just don't want you to want something I can't give… All I can give is my love and my heart… And a few million dollars," he added in a teasing tone.

"Guess I can survive your many annoyances for a few million dollars…" Alana returned, her free hand lifting to rest over his heart.

"Just like I survive yours for the amazing sex?"

"That'll get old pretty fast…"

"Then I'll keep you around for your love."

"…Is that an empty promise?"

"I don't make empty promises, Beautiful."

"Then I think I might be able to give you some amazing sex for a few more years…" Alana trailed with an impish grin, blowing a wild raspberry into the crook of his neck, unnerved by the seriousness in his voice.

Nick chuckled, pulling her around and into his lap so he could kiss her. "Then you'll be hitting your sexual peak, right? Which means you'll put me in an early grave--"

"Why? 'Cause I'll need a new boy to play with?" Alana questioned in confusion against his lips, draping her arms over his shoulders. "Don't you got a patch-kit?"

"I ain't a damn blow-up doll--"

"Ain't that the truth, 'cause at least a blow-up doll is ready when I'm frisky without complaints…" Alana trailed with a growl of displeasure, almost as if they had shifted genders within the relationship.

"Since when have I never been ready?" Nick questioned with a scowl, sliding his hands down to grip her hips.

Alana's eyes large teal eyes widened in surprise at his displeased scowl. "Aren't we supposed to be having a romantic evening? None of this I'm your bitch, he's my bitch drama? I'm always ready and you're always sleeping. You drive me crazy when you flirt with--"

"I don't flirt with anybody, and if you want some all you have to do is wake me up--"

"Which is like waking up a Grizzly Bear--"

"Poking me in the side and muttering something about an itch that needs scratching isn't going to put me in a great mood--"

"Hey! You said that to me!"

"Whoops?"

"That's called bootstrapping or some kind of fancy legal term that I'm not going to use right now because…" Alana shrugged her creamy shoulders uselessly as she forgot the completion of her sentence. Instead, she leaned forward to nip at his throat, feeling him tense. Knowing she had caught his attention, she gently lapped away the water droplets on his throat, kissing her way toward the spot just beneath his jaw. Sucking tenderly, she brushed her hands down the length of his warm body. "…Is this how I get some?"

"It's a damn good start," Nick breathed.

"Hmm… How to make it better…" Alana purred against his neck, affectionately nuzzling the side of his throat. She then trailed her lips toward the center of his throat, pressing the lightest of kisses toward the center of his chest.

"I can think of a few ways," Nick murmured, biting down on his bottom lip as he leaned back to gaze down at her.

"Give me a hint," Alana requested as she outlined one of the bare feet on his chest with the very tip of her tongue.

"I don't do hints very well, Beautiful," Nick whispered, sucking in a deep breath. When she glanced up at him with an impish grin, he squeezed her hand, slowly guiding it to his burgeoning erection.

"Nah, you are more of a blunt man," Alana decided with a smaller smile, grasping his erection when he released her hand. Using the currents of the stirring water, Alana moved her hand along his long length in the same direction. A slight twist to her wrist and the added rake of her nails caused him to shudder as he sunk deeper into the water. Leaning forward, she sought his lips for a soft kiss, continuing to pleasure him with the sweetest strokes of her hand.

"Beautiful," Nick whined softly, gently digging his fingers into her hips so he could pull her closer to him. "…I'm wide awake right now--"

"Then make love to me," Alana suggested softly, running the tip of her tongue along his bottom lip.

"Afterwards, can I feed you some of that fancy cheesecake over there?" Nick requested against her lips as he guided her down onto his length.

"God…" Alana breathed within his mouth, shuddering with delight at the warm pleasure soaking into her body every time they connected as one. Taking several deep breaths to control her racing heart, she slowly rocked her hips against his in a powerful, undulating motion. "Shouldn't I be the one feeding you?"

"This trip is all about spoiling you, Beautiful," Nick explained, wrapping his arms around her to hold her close. The water jetting around their bodies only added to the sensations caused by their joining, and it was all he could do to keep from crying out loud.

"I don't need spoiled--"

"Yes you do--"

"I don't want spoiled--"

"I want to do it anyway--"

"Right now I just want to do you," she grunted, though he tickled her sides to release a soft giggle. "Handsome!"

"Then do me," he growled, jerking her down on him. "Then I'll do some spoiling."

*~*~*

Fiddling with the edge of her napkin as she sipped the last bit of her wine, Natalie eyed Brian across the table, quickly dropping her gaze to the cheesecake waiting between them. He had barely spoken a word to her throughout dinner, as though the soft classical music playing would drown out any conversation. Taking a deep breath, she decided to take a stab at killing the silence between them. "Do you want a piece?"

"You know me… Can never pass up a piece of chocolate cheesecake…" Brian mumbled, abandoning his childish antics of pushing his leftover potatoes around on the fine china. Glancing up slightly, he exhaled a soft sigh when he noticed Natalie take great pains in cutting the cheesecake perfectly. Even with the pale tone to her skin and the heavy bags underneath her caramel eyes; she was beautiful to him. But, every time he looked to her, he couldn't help but remember the images AJ had been dancing around with like some kind of barbarian sacrificing a virgin. Well, in essence, that's what AJ had done. He had thrown a punch into AJ's face after his first long walk down the beach, but neither man would admit to the crime. The fat lip just appearing from no where. Not that Brian had cared. He had to protect Natalie, even if he hurt her the most. "…You've got a great friend to go all out for this…"

"Alana's the greatest," Natalie agreed softly, standing to take his plate. Nervously chewing her lip as she moved to place their dinner plates aside, she stilled when his hand brushed her arm. Feeling her heart break when he abruptly pulled away. Dropping back into her seat, she quickly served him the cheesecake, meeting his eyes once more. "Bumpkin… Say something…"

"I can't believe you posed for Playboy," Brian muttered, dropping his gaze to find his dessert fork. There was nothing else he could possibly think to say. He had known Natalie since she was a teenager. He thought that nothing had been kept secret between him. She knew all his frustrations, fears, and had shared in the most pleasurable experiences in his life. He had given all of himself to her only to be burned by lies. What else was she hiding?

"I was going to tell you, but Leigh got pregnant and you invited me out to stay for a while, and there was never a right time… I'm sorry," Natalie sighed.

"Why'd you do it?" he inquired softly, drawing lines through the delicious treat with his fork.

"I…" Natalie faltered for a moment, pushing away her dessert untouched. Suddenly she was no longer in the mood for her favorite treat. "By then you and Leigh were engaged, and I knew that I'd never have what I truly wanted… I was stupid and childish and one of my model friends did a test shoot and asked me to go along with her, and then everyone was telling me how perfect I'd be, and… It kind of dulled the pain, knowing that someone thought I was pretty enough to do that--"

"You're not pretty enough to do that," Brian chided suddenly, reaching across the table to catch her hand within hers. When his fingers brushed over her soft skin, she must have felt the electrical charge because she immediately glanced up to find his light blue eyes. "You're too beautiful to even waste your time doing that."

"Brian…" Natalie whispered, reaching to brush away her sudden tears. "…There's something else you should know…"

"You slept with Nick?" Brian murmured, trying to bring humor to the situation, hating to see the tears in her beautiful caramel eyes.

"Brian," Natalie groaned, clapping her hand over her face.

"Okay, it sounded funnier in my head…"

Taking a deep breath to calm her suddenly racing heart, Natalie peeked at him through her fingers. So close to telling him that he had guessed right, she instead decided to tell him the other news. "…I did a video… Or four…"

Brian paled. "What kind of video?"

"Not porn," Natalie quickly assured him, knowing that regardless of what she said he would probably search it anyway. And if he didn't, she was certain that AJ would. AJ… Groaning at the thought of the man searching for her pictures, she suddenly turned her gaze to the centerpiece. "Just… Well… Kind of stripping I guess? A little kissing and things with another girl--"

"You really aren't my pure little snowflake…" Brian murmured in shock, leaning back in his chair in shock. Only, he miscalculated the lean and toppled hard to the floor. But, he remained stationed on his chair, legs poking precariously above the table.

"Are you okay?" Natalie yelped, leaping to her feet. Moving to kneel beside him, she gazed down at him with worry. "Bumpkin--"

"I'm going to have to get those tapes from AJ and burn them…" Brian mumbled, still staring at the ceiling in bewilderment.

"Considering the fat lip you gave him last night, I seriously doubt he'll look at them," Natalie offered softly, reaching for his hand.

"I love you so much, Nat… I just can't stand him looking at you like you're some piece of meat… You're just so precious--"

"I honestly don't care if anyone looks at me like that… You're the only one whose opinion matters, Bumpkin--"

"I care that they look at you like that," Brian grunted, realizing it was quite ridiculous for him to argue such a point while continuing to stare at the ceiling. So, shifting precariously, he rolled from the chair like some animated cartoon, landing on his backside just to furiously shake his head in attempts to clear his thoughts. But that seemed useless as Natalie fell into his lap, wanting to be lavished with affection. "Nat…"

"I love you, Bumpkin. And I'm so sorry that I never told you. How can I make it up to you?"

"Don't do it ever again," Brian murmured, pressing his face into the crook of her neck to smell the light floral fragrance of her shampoo and perfume. Sighing with sheer delight at the comfort of the aroma, he carefully draped his arms around her. "And, please don't keep things from me. I want us to be best friends as well as lovers…"

"And what if I have some enormous skeleton in my closet that could, theoretically, ruin our entire relationship?" Natalie questioned softly, wrapping her arms around him. "Would you want to know that as well?"

"I would want to hear it from you before hearing it from someone else… We could work through it, Nat."

"If I think of anything, I'll let you know, okay?" Natalie murmured, tucking her chin against his shoulder. "Just… Don't ever push me away again--"

"I was just shocked," Brian murmured in an apologetic interruption, tightening his arms around her. Turning his head, he lightly kissed the side of her face before sighing softly. "I love you so much, Nat. Nothing is ever going to change that. You were the one that I was looking for all my life."

"Will you apologize to AJ?" she requested, shivering from the touch of his lips. Leaning back slightly to look into his eyes, she smiled gently at the flash of irritation she saw cross his face. Brian would always be the defender of her virtue. Carefully smoothing his hair, she pressed her forehead against his. "And you've got me forever. I promise…"

"I refuse to apologize to AJ, just like Nick refuses to apologize to AJ. That man has made his grave and he can just lay in it… And hopefully I can go by and cover him with dirt…" Brian mumbled as he shifted to bring her closer in his arms so he could stand.

"Bumpkin… Please?"

"No."

"…What are you doing? Our favorite dessert--"

"You're my favorite dessert," Brian corrected as he laid her on their bed. He couldn't think of anything else but lying in bed with her. Even if they weren't making love, he just relished in the feeling of her curled next to her. Reaching behind her to fluff the pillows to ensure she was comfortable, he smiled as he leaned to kiss Natalie's forehead. Then, without warning, he dashed out to the dining room to retrieve their pieces of chocolate cheesecake. Grinning when he reappeared, he wiggled his brows. "Dessert in bed?"

"Bumpkin," Natalie giggled softly, patting the mattress invitingly. Once he was seated next to her, she turned to face him, reaching for her plate. "…Does this mean that you'll clean up any spills?"

Brian's light blue eyes widened in horror. "You'd waste good chocolate cheesecake in spills?!"

"Is it wasting if I accidentally spill some here?" Natalie questioned with a coy smile, leaning close to lightly kiss the base of his throat.

"M-Maybe," he stammered, holding his breath as the good china trembled lightly within his hands.

"And… If I cleaned it up?" Natalie murmured against his skin, letting just the tip of her tongue trace his skin. "Would it still be wasting?"

"Let's just forget the cheesecake," Brian mumbled as he pushed the plates onto the nightstand. Ignorant when one went clattering to the floor, Brian shuddered as he wrapped his arms around Natalie, nuzzling the side of her face till her lips sought his with a whine.

"And what are we going to do for dessert?" Natalie whispered against his lips, shuddering as his hands moved in gentle circles over her back. The air rushed from her lungs when he pushed her back against the pillows, sending a thrill through her as her hand shot out to for stability. Wincing at the cheesecake that her fingers dipped into, she quickly drew her hand back, wrinkling her nose as Brian dipped his head to place soft kisses along her neck. "Bumpkin--"

"I love you," he murmured into the crook of her neck, unaware of her messy deliberation. Instead, he was drinking in the carnal pleasures of his body as his hands slipped underneath her t-shirt. He caressed the softness of her skin, grinning when he felt the skin contract with a shiver of pleasure. He wanted his fingertips to know every inch of her smooth skin, making a vivid memory of the trails his kisses could take.

"I love you too," Natalie breathed, holding her hand aloft as she mulled over what to do. Gasping sharply when his fingers gently closed around her breasts, she arched against him, lightly clapping her hand against his cheek to pull him up for another kiss. Feeling him tense, she screwed her eyes shut. "Oh, shit…"

Brian made a face as he pulled back, eyeing the messy chocolate covered hand that Natalie held out as the offending culprit. Groaning softly as he felt the cheesecake sliding down his cheek, he shuddered. "…What did I tell you about sharing everything with each other…"

"You didn't mention a thing about sharing cheesecake," Natalie reminded him with a small smile, impulsively leaning forward to lick the mess from his cheek.

"It should have been in the footnotes…"

"Well… I'm sharing?"

"I think that's the problem…"

"Well… We could go to the bathroom so I can clean up my mess properly?" Natalie breathed, nibbling gently at his jaw.

"Why go to the bathroom when you're doing such a good job here?" Brian murmured, reaching to catch her wrist before her soiled fingers could tangle in his hair. Pressing a kiss to the center of her palm, he smirked at the sweet taste of chocolate mixed with her skin and he couldn't resist licking a small section clean.

"Oh," Natalie whined softly, her entire body trembling from the soft flicks of his tongue. Lightly smoothing her other hand down his chest, she caught the hem between her fingers, slowly bunching it up. "God, Brian, please…"

"I missed having you next to me," he confessed, finishing the remaining traces of chocolate before kissing the side of her wrist. When she yanked up his shirt with an insistent jerk, he had to chuckle as he leaned back to pull it away. Tossing it aside, he caught her wrist once more, nibbling up her forearm to the crook of her elbow. Feeling her shudder with excitement, he reached to nip at her shoulder.

"I missed you, period," Natalie squealed, raking her fingers slowly down his spine. Tilting her head slightly, she licked the last streak of chocolate from his jaw, trembling from head to toe when she realized how much she needed him. How much she wanted only him for the rest of her life.

"Stay with us in Lexington," Brian offered softly as he worked to pull the clothing from her body. She offered minimal help to his effort, but that seemed only to fuel his passion further. Especially as she laid back amongst the soft pillows, allowing the tips of his fingers from the outer aspect of her right shoulder inward, tracing down her ribcage toward her hip. Then, leaning over her, he sought her lips with his, easily falling between her parting legs as he pushed his boxers away from his ankle with a shake of his leg.

"You… You want me to do something on the website?" Natalie questioned in a haze of confusion, nibbling gently on his lower lip as the hard length of him slid against her. Whining when he backed away slightly, she reached to grasp him, wanting him to stay near her.

"I want you to live with me," Brian mumbled with a hard yelp of surprise as he was pulled back to her by his erection.

"Brian," Natalie breathed in surprise, feeling a pang that he only wanted her to live with him. Part of her longed to ask what would happen in the future, but, instead, she pulled him closer, wrapping one leg loosely around his waist. "You really want that?"

"Of course," Brian promised with a soft whine as he reached down to part her moist folds, gently entering the pulsating heat. Actually growling with satisfaction as waves of pleasure lapped over his body, he leaned down to nibble the crook of her neck. "I want to wake up every day with you by my side, knowing you're mine."

"I am yours," Natalie breathed, her soft breath turning into a squeal as Brian filled her to completion. "Oh, God, Bumpkin… Please…" Wrapping her arms tightly around him, she buried her face against his neck.

"Then you will?" he whispered hopefully, softly thrusting against her in hopes to find a perfect rhythm. Her heart was fluttering rapidly through her chest, coaxing his heart into a faster pace. He grinned softly with delight at the anticipation of her heartbeat, thrusting harder till she squealed with delight

"Yes," Natalie cried, tangling her fingers in his hair as her lips sought his. "I'll do anything for you--"

"God bless you, Natalie Rose," Brian murmured happily within her mouth, his hands brushing up her body and over her breasts. A gentle stroking motion was elicited as her nipples hardened into tortured peaks, pressing against his chest as he leaned down to kiss them tenderly before finding her lips. Coaxing her tongue into his mouth, he pushed himself harder into her body, feeling the passion rapidly mount.

"Brian," Natalie whimpered into his mouth, arching off the bed as her body began to shudder with delight. "Harder," she requested wantonly, biting down gently on his lower lip as she pulled back to look into his eyes.

"You're my vixen," Brian decided with a soft lopsided grin, working to do as she pleaded, feeling his body shudder with passion. "I'm so…"

"Good to me," Natalie finished breathlessly, gripping his shoulders tightly as he held her hips off the bed. Biting down hard on her bottom lip, she held back a shriek.

Brian felt as if he were in a haze of ecstasy, concentrating on powering his thrusts as he started to reach his pinnacle. "I don't think that's what I meant--"

"I know. I just--" Natalie cut off into a high-pitched squeal as the pleasure threatened to consume her. "Brian, I--"

"I'm there, Natalie," Brian heaved breathlessly.

"Almost," Natalie whispered, meeting his eyes with hers for a moment. Her eyes widened in shock as he rolled to his back, dragging her atop him. "Brian! What are you--"

"I want you on top," Brian explained softly with a ragged breath, sliding his hands to her hips to steady her over him. Sliding against the pillows, he shuddered as he gently massaged her hips in order to help guide her movement. "I want you to feel everything."

"God, Brian…" Natalie trailed in disbelief, placing her hands on his chest for leverage as she rocked against him. Her body trembled from head to toe at the sensations he was giving her, and it was all she could do to stay upright.

"I love you," he whispered softly, biting down hard on his bottom lip with a soft growl of appreciation, watching the beads of sweat trickle down her beautiful form. "I love you so much, Natalie."

"I love you, too, Bumpkin," Natalie promised, leaning over to catch his lips in a fiery kiss. The gentle roll of her hips quickly moved into a faster rhythm, her breath catching in her throat as she nipped his tongue. "Brian, now--"

"Now," he promised with a heavy shudder, clamping his hands against her hips as he arched deep within her, his body quaking in sheer delight.

"I love you," Natalie cried softly, her body tightening as it consumed with passion before slowly relaxing atop him. Panting heavily, she dropped several soft kisses over his chest before resting her head against it, listening to the rapid beat of his heart.

"You're my everything," Brian promised as he shifted slightly to draw the blankets over their sweaty bodies. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, he thought about telling her how much she meant to him. How he wanted to spend every passing moment with her. That he wanted to marry her at some point, once the divorce started to go through with Leighanne's attorney… But the soft, gentle snore against his chest told him that he'd have to save those thoughts for another day.
Twenty-Five :: Family Ties by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Last update for tonight. Will be back in a few days with more. :)
Leaning back on the large beach blanket, Alana had to muffle a soft laugh as she watched Nick and Aaron wildly toss a football down a long stretch of beach. Each toss and catch seemed longer and harder than before as if each were doing their best to impress Alana with their strength and talent, trying to make the other run harder and farther. Perhaps even trying to make the other tumble into the ocean. Finding it adorable as they each glanced to her after catching the ball, ensuring that she indeed was watching. It was a strange feeling to be the center of attention, especially between the two brothers. Most of her life she had just melted into the background. She had circled around her family as if she were a distant stranger, never offering her permission to join. Now, as she relished in the last days of her vacation, she found herself falling in love with the thought of being part of Nick and Aaron's family. Though, that thought seemed to splash into her face as she found a football falling into her lap and Aaron's arms encircling her waist to throw her over his shoulder. "Aaron!"

"What?" Aaron questioned with complete innocence as he trotted down the beach towards his older brother. It had been too long, in his mind, since he and Nick had been able to truly relax and enjoy each other's company. And now, with Alana's love, it was as though he had the big brother he had been missing for so long. Ignoring her squeals of protest as he jogged gracelessly across the sand, he grinned from ear to ear as he deposited her into Nick's waiting arms. "Nick wanted to see you!"

"Is he your golden retriever?" Alana yelped in shock as the football fell from her hands so she could wrap her arms around his neck. Though Aaron never let it hit the ground as he stooped to catch it, trotting back a ways to get ready for the next catch. She brushed her thoughts of the younger brother away, however, glancing up to Nick with confusion. "What are you two doing? You could see me right up there and I wanted you to do that brotherly bonding thing--"

"You're the love of my life and I felt you should do some bonding with him too," Nick interrupted, dipping his head for a gentle kiss, though he began to laugh as Aaron made loud gagging noises from a few yards away. Nibbling gently on her lower lip before letting her slide gently to her feet, he motioned for Aaron to go ahead and throw the football. "Besides, I want you by my side…"

"What guy is looking at me now?" Alana sighed as she ducked toward Nick's side, glancing around the long stretch of beautiful beach. Slipping her fingers just a breath beneath the band of his tropical, blue Hawaiian board shorts, she proved that she indeed didn't care who was looking, wanting him to know how much she loved him.

"Nobody's looking…" Nick trailed with a grunt, though he took a cursory look around to be sure. Once certain that the other men on the beach were occupied with their own mates, he turned his attention back to Alana, looping one arm around her waist to draw her closer to him. "Besides--"

"Are you going to make out or catch the damn ball?" Aaron bellowed.

Nick jerked his head up to see the football spiraling perfectly through the air towards them. Keeping his arm around Alana, he reached up to catch it with his free hand before leaning back in for the kiss he had been after. "As I was saying--"

"Throw the fucking ball!"

"Your brother is getting jealous, that's why I was just watching y'all on the blanket," Alana murmured against Nick's lips as she reached to take the football from Nick's powerful grip. Kissing him softly once more, Alana pulled away to toss the ball toward Aaron. Surprisingly, it cut cleanly through the air in a perfectly tight spiral, sending Aaron running backwards in order to catch it.

"He's not jealous," Nick promised, glancing up to see Aaron stumble over the remnants of a sandcastle. Chuckling as his brother did a backwards somersault, he laughed out loud when Aaron hopped to his feet, holding up the football triumphantly. He had not realized until very recently how much he had missed his younger brother's antics. "He's like a Cocker Spaniel or something… Likes to be underfoot, you know?"

"Does he get his belly rubbed when he shows off with a trick like that?" Alana inquired as Aaron pitched the ball as hard as he possibly could. Nick jerked as if he was going to be the one to give chase, but Alana patted his chest and went jogging away. When she noticed the ball shooting farther than anticipated, she picked up her pace to a fast sprint reaching to bring the ball close to her chest. Grinning triumphantly when it was nestled into her arms, she yelped softly as a burly man invaded her path as he stooped for a sandal. Without much thought, she leapt over him as if he were an obstacle course, huffing when she turned around to see his surprised face. "…Guess I should give you my number now that I jumped you, huh?"

"Sorry," Nick quickly told the man as he caught up. Leaning close as Alana trotted backwards to throw the ball to Aaron once more, he cleared his throat. "Once we get back to the States, she's turning herself in for a string of murders along the West Coast. Terrible thing, really, how she snuck in during the wee hours and bludgeoned them all to death. I wouldn't get within ten feet of her, but I have five FBI snipers keeping an eye on me and her at all times. But buck up, maybe she'll get out in twenty years on good behavior and look you up -- Well you don't have to run away!" Grinning as the man quickly strode away, he turned to see if Alana had thrown the ball yet.

"Next time you're going to embarrass the Hell out of me, how 'bout you go for something a little bit more realistic?" Alana snorted with a roll of her eyes, snapping the ball at Nick. "If I'm wanted for a string of murders along the West Coast, I sure as Hell ain't going to be strolling the Bahamas in a tiny little bikini."

"Yeah? Then what'll you be doing?" Nick returned with an easy grin, sending the ball towards Aaron.

"Sitting on Death Row bitching that I need a stronger friend with a better shovel," Alana teased playfully, leaning forward to brush her fingers against his ticklish sides as she sought out his lips for a sweet kiss. "Or maybe a better boyfriend…"

"Nat's pretty strong when she's fired up--"

"Then I'll just settle for a better boyfriend," Alana decided as she caught the ball being hurdled toward her, only to throw it back just as fast, causing Aaron to dive into the large waves.

"You got something against her for the Playboy thing?" Nick questioned in confusion, not understanding the subtle change in Alana's demeanor each time he mentioned Natalie.

"I don't care that she did Playboy. Hell, more power to her for getting naked and getting some good money out of the deal," Alana disagreed with a causal shrug of her bare shoulders, waiting for Aaron to surface with the ball. Sighing, she rubbed her hands against her hips, making sure to avoid any direct eye contact with her lover. Any mere mention of Natalie from Nick seemed to send her jealousy into a flared state. Just knowing they had been intimate with one another caused her heart to sink deep into the pit of her chest, knowing she was insignificant compared to the beauty on Brian's arm. Even though she didn't blame Nick or treat him differently because of Natalie's confession, it still hurt every time she thought of them together.

"Then what? You did a search and found a sex tape of me and her or something?" Nick teased, hoping to elicit at least a groan at his attempt at humor.

Alana cringed as she turned to watch him catch the ball, unaware that her dark teal eyes glimmered with an overwhelming hurt. "You guys have a sex tape?"

"What?! No! Are you on drugs or something? We never--"

"Never what?" Alana questioned, arching her strawberry blonde brows in question.

Nick blanked, dropping the football to the sand when he saw the hurt lurking in her eyes. In a rush, he realized just how close Natalie and Alana had grown over the past weeks. Had Natalie told… "What did she tell you?"

"Nothing," Alana mumbled, swooping down to grasp the football as Aaron wildly motioned for someone to pass him the ball. Brushing her face across her bare shoulder, she held her breath and threw the ball toward Aaron. She had promised Natalie that she wouldn't say anything, no matter how much it hurt inside. It was in the past. That's where it had to stay. She wanted one of the last days in the Bahamas to be enjoyable.

"Alana… Talk to me. What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, now would you start interacting with your brother before he thinks--"

"She told you about me and her, didn't she?" Nick interrupted with a glance over his shoulder. Seeing Aaron slowly heading over, he sighed. "Look, it--"

"Was one time, you were drunk, she was drunk, you were hurting, she was all alone, it'll never happen again," Alana finished quickly, taking a deep breath to hold in the recess of her lungs to keep the sob from forming in her throat. She had suppressed the confession for the entire vacation, not realizing how much it had hurt.

"Alana… Beautiful--"

"What's going on?" Aaron questioned suspiciously as he glanced from Alana to Nick. Seeing the strained look on her face, he immediately cast a look towards his older brother. "What'd you do?"

Nick looked offended. "I didn't do--"

"Nothing's going on," Alana interrupted softly, stepping towards the youth to brush the sand from his back. Hiding the soft sniffle as she swallowed the lump in her throat, she allowed several curls to fall over her face as if it were a shield. "We were just goofing around and he mentioned I was some kind of axe murderer to that brute that I hauled ass over and… Why don't I go get us some food on the boardwalk?"

"Aaron will go," Nick offered suddenly, ignoring his brother's scowl. Giving him a pleading look, he jerked his head towards the boardwalk. "He's got a major hard-on for the girl that works the sunglass place…"

Aaron made a face. "I do not--" He yelped in shock when his brother's fist connected with his back in order to get him moving. Immediately arching his back with a hiss of pain, he danced in a circle as he snatched the money from Nick's opposite hand. "Apparently I have a major hard-on for this girl that I don't even know, but I'll go anyway and get you ketchup and vinegar fries to make up for whatever the fuck my lousy brother did--"

"He's just acting cocky 'cause he's afraid of being shot down," Nick finished, jerking Aaron close so he could speak low. "Stay gone for about twenty minutes, okay?"

"What the fuck did you do?" Aaron hissed as he reached to rub his lower back, watching Alana return to their beach blanket for a soda.

"She found out about Natalie," Nick grumbled.

"You told her?!"

"No! The Gnat told her--"

"Boy are you fucked," Aaron grumbled, kicking at the sand as he wrenched away from his brother's grasp. "Why did you have to fuck up shit with Alana? I really like her--"

"What was I supposed to do?! Introduce her to Natalie and say, 'By the way, I had sex with her once a few years ago'?! Jesus Christ--"

"I better stay away for a fucking hour and go buy you every flower known to man, 'cause if you're trying to fix it with this attitude, you're just going to make it worse," Aaron growled, trudging up the beach while muttering profanities about his older brother.

"Thanks for nothing!" Nick hollered after him with a scowl, kicking hard at the sand before he headed back to the blanket. Groaning when Alana rolled to her stomach, suddenly immersed in the novel she had pulled from her beach bag, he moved to sit next to her. "Beautiful, I--"

"Can you put some sunscreen on my back?" Alana inquired, turning her head slightly to offer him a plastic smile. Shifting slightly, she rested her novel on the blanket and pulled the long curls from her ponytail over her shoulder to display her creamy, bronzed back. She really didn't wan to talk about the unpleasantness and ruin Aaron's day.

"Will you listen to what I have to say?" Nick requested, reaching for the bottle of sunscreen. He didn't want her to get the wrong idea about his relationship with Natalie. That was in the past, and he felt nothing remotely resembling an attraction to that woman. Alana was his present, the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. The woman he wanted to mother and help raise his children.

"I'm listening," she promised softly, fighting to hide a scowl when he reached in front of her to yank the novel away. She thought twice about turning to snatch it, but decided to merely comply with his wishes. Hearing him toss it to the far side of the blanket, she folded her arms to nestle her head comfortably so he could apply the lotion.

"What happened between me and Natalie was years ago, okay? Like you said, we were both drunk and lonely and… It just happened…" Nick trailed softly as he began applying the lotion. "I don't think either of us realized what had happened until the next morning, but… I don't know. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I really didn't think that you'd get so upset--"

"I'm not upset," Alana interrupted softly, closing her eyes to ward off any tears that threatened to build. She suddenly felt foolish for her reaction to the whole ordeal, but the insecurities still lingered. She was so fearful of the reflection Nick would find as he continued to peer through the teal windows leading to her soul. She wasn't beautiful on the inside. Nor was she on the outside. Every day that she woke, she feared that he'd realize that she was just a mere shell of life. "I know it happened a long time ago--"

"And it's never going to happen again."

"That's fine--" Alana yelped softly as Nick grasped her waist, turning her onto her back. When she found herself staring up into his dark indigo eyes, she tensed as he straddled her hips. "Nick--"

"Stop being so blasé about this, please?" he murmured, leaning over so he could press his lips to her cheek. "You've got to understand, Beautiful. Before that night I never harbored any secret desire for her, and I'm far from that now--"

Alana had wanted to comment about the structured vocabulary Nick was building as he spoke against her cheek, but she willed those thoughts away. She knew that if she laughed, then he would only be hurt by her negative criticism. And, somehow, faced with her insecurities, she could barely muster a grin. "But the way you two act with one another--"

"We're just friends, Beautiful. That's it. Friends who love to torture one another--"

"She's absolutely gorgeous."

"She doesn't hold a candle to you, Beautiful."

"You had to have felt something--"

"It was just sex. Nothing more--"

"There's no such thing as sex and nothing more--"

"Yes there is. You tried to convince yourself of that when we first made love--"

"That's just it, Nick. I tried to convince myself but it was a lie."

"Alana," Nick sighed, pulling away. "What am I supposed to say? How can I make you truly believe me when I say that there's nothing going on between me and Nat? She belongs to Brian--"

"I know she belongs to Brian," Alana corrected as she moved to pull her knees to her chest when her lower half was freed from his weight. Threading one arm around her legs, she then reached for her mother's ring. Drawing it over her knees, she rubbed it subconsciously as she allowed her eyes to drift closed. "And I know you'd never sleep with someone else when you're with me. Or at least I'd hope that you wouldn't… But, it's not even about you being with Natalie… I know it was a long time ago… But I can't help but think I'm not up to par. That I'm not the kind of lover you want to keep around. That you'll get tired of me. That if you keep staring into my eyes you're just going to see this vacant…person…"

"God, Beautiful… I could never get tired of you," Nick breathed in shock, reaching to brush her curls from her face. Stroking his fingers over her cheek, he drew in a deep breath. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you…"

"It's just been so damn long and all these emotions are just so new… Then Natalie blurts out of no where that she had sex with you… It felt like my whole world just crashed and I couldn't help but wonder if you thought of her when you were with me. Or if you thought I could do something better. Or that I could never do what she did--"

"The only thing I think about when we're together is you. You're the only thing I've been able to think about for more than two seconds since the moment I first looked into your eyes."

"And when we're apart?" she murmured softly, reaching to rub away the tears that were slipping.

"You. Just you," Nick promised.

"I'm sorry," she whispered faintly.

"Beautiful… You never did anything wrong."

"It wasn't a big deal and I just made it into some huge drama--"

"I'm kind of glad you did…"

"You're glad I turned into a Drama Queen?"

"Uh-huh--"

"Is it safe for me to come back yet?!"

"Why are you glad I turned into a Drama Queen?" Alana questioned in confusion as Nick shot a glare toward Aaron, telling him to circle the beach once more. When she heard Aaron's whine of protest, she moved to retrieve him, but Nick caught her arm. When she was pulled back to the blanket, she eyed him curiously as she rubbed her reddened cheeks, waiting for an answer.

"Because… Damn, it seems so fucking shallow…" Nick sighed, pulling her closer to him until their foreheads pressed together. "It was like a confirmation that you love me, you know?"

"You needed confirmation?" she returned as she cupped his face within her hands. Brushing her thumbs down his cheeks, she shivered softly at the feeling of his hot breath on her lips as if she were breathing his very essence. "…Then I can't be loving you enough…"

"You do, you really do," Nick promised, lightly brushing his lips across hers. "But… I did get a kick out of seeing this little jealous streak… You believe me, don't you?"

"Kiss me first," she requested.

Smiling, Nick slid his hands up to cup her cheeks gently, his thumbs resting just at the corners of her eyes before he leaned closer. Tilting his head to the side, he caught her lips in a soft kiss, gently coaxing her mouth open with the tip of his tongue. "I love you," he breathed before delving between her lips, drinking in her flavor slowly, lightly tangling his fingers in her hair.

Moaning softly with delight as his tongue slowly rolled against hers, stirring the fiery passion deep within the pit of her stomach. Curling her arms around his neck, she nibbled at his tongue before meeting him once more in a passionate dance of tongues. Every thought of him becoming intimate with Natalie drained away, knowing that inside, he only thought about her. That she was the one that held his heart as she released the softest of whimpers. "I love you so much, Handsome--"

"More. I love you more," Nick moaned softly, wrapping his arms around her to hold her tight against him. "I don't think I can ever tell you truly how much I--"

"I've got vinegar fries with tons of ketchup!"

"--Hate my brother right now," Nick whined, dropping his head to her shoulder.

"He went all the way up to the boardwalk to get me vinegar fries with tons of ketchup. There's no way that I can deny him when he treats me like I'm some kind of goddess," Alana explained with a sorrowful smile toward her lover, rubbing his back tenderly until Aaron flopped behind her and yanked her onto his lap. She yelped in surprise at the sudden switch, but perked immediately as the container of messy fries was offered as Aaron's arms snaked around her waist. Cooing, she leaned back to kiss his cheek. "Thank you so much, Aaron. I can't believe you remember what I like to eat…"

"Wait, wait, wait," Aaron grumbled, holding the fries out of her reach. Looking from one to the other, he gauged their expressions. "You two worked things out?"

"Yes," Nick answered.

"No more fuck-up?"

"Fuck-up resolved…"

"I get 'Lana to myself and you go buy me a milkshake?"

"Okay… Wait, what happened to all the cash I gave you?"

"I stopped at the sunglass place and saw this awesome pair of Oakleys…"

"Damnit, Aaron--"

"Can I at least have my fries while I'm sitting in your lap?" Alana interrupted with a slight whine.

"As long as you promise me that you've worked things out with Nick and won't be flirting with AJ anymore," Aaron answered, settling the fries in her lap as Nick got to his feet. "And as long as you promise me that you'll make Nick take a picture of us like this for me to keep by my bed. And as long as you promise me--"

"You keep telling her to make promises and her fries will be too cold to eat," Nick interrupted with a chuckle, stooping to kiss Alana softly before loping off.

"Promise to everything, 'cause these fries are fan-fucking-tastic," Alana promised as she licked the ketchup from her thumb after popping a fry into her mouth. Leaning back against Aaron, she offered him a few as he continued to hold her, grinning at the excitement brewing in his dark chestnut eyes. "…Why do you want a picture of us for the side of your bed?"

"Because I love you?" Aaron suggested around a mouthful of fries. Grinning at her startled expression, he quickly shook his head. "Not like that. I love you like a sister--"

"Don't you have enough of them populating this planet?" she inquired, feeding him a few more fries before reaching for her soda.

"None like you."

"I would think that's a good thing…"

"Believe me, it is."

"Is that a bust on me or on your sisters?"

"Them…"

At Aaron's meek trail of one word, Alana knew she had stumbled into an awkward territory. For the most part, neither Nick nor Aaron spoke much about their sisters. Nor would they mention their father or mother. Instead, they would reminisce about their relationship as brothers. Nothing more. Not wanting the youth to feel bad, Alana reached to pat his knee affectionately before offering him her soda. "Anytime you're in Kentucky, you just stop by my place, alright? I'll always have a bed for you to sleep in and trouble for you to get into. I can take you rock climbing and I have these awesome ATVs--"

Aaron choked slightly at her words, spitting out a mist of the soda. Wiping his mouth, he was grateful the wind had carried it away from them. "Are you going to seduce me in the rain on the hood of your Jeep?!"

"What?" Alana laughed in shock. "Seduce you?! You're barely legal!"

"Okay… So it wouldn't be much of a seduction--" Aaron cut off with a yelp when she playfully slapped his leg. "I'm kidding! Can we go ATV'ing in some mud?"

"That's the best place to work an ATV," Alana agreed with a nod, turning slightly in Aaron's arms as they finished the fries, setting the empty carton aside. "And, just for your clarification, I did not seduce your brother on the hood of my jeep in the rain. He dropped me off the side of a mountain by scaring the Hell out of me and he's lucky I didn't kill him."

"Well… From what he told me, you weren't too upset about it--"

"I am not talking about my sex life with you."

"Fine… Want to talk about mine?"

"Or lack thereof?"

"I'll have you know that I hooked up once on this trip--"

"Congratulations," Alana cooed as she stole the bottle of soda to finish off the remaining layer. Turning slightly in Aaron's arms, she eyed him with a small smirk, finding him adorable as he puffed out his chest in pride. Leaning forward, she kissed his cheek softly. "I'd love having you as a little brother."

"Really? Even though I'm annoying and never bring back change and burp loud enough to rattle eardrums and--"

"Would you drink this and stop scaring her away?" Nick groaned as he stumbled onto the latest portion of the conversation, shoving the thick malted milkshake into his brother's hands.

Aaron rolled his eyes, accepting the milkshake as Nick flopped down and quickly pulled Alana back into his lap. "Has Nick let loose with one of those farts that brings tears to your eyes yet? You might want to keep your distance after he's had anything Mexican--"

"I'm partial to when he lets one rip, then grabs the blankets and yanks them over my head so I suffocate," Alana shared as she felt Nick cringe behind her. Smirking toward Aaron, she reached to drape Nick's arms around her bare waist, making sure to lean down and kiss his fingertips.

"God, I remember when I was touring with the Boys in Germany and was always stuck in a hotel room with him… He'd pull his knees up to his chest, do a silent one, then shove his feet down really fast so the aroma went straight to me," Aaron added with a knowing nod.

Alana snorted softly. "That is so--"

"Something we shouldn't be discussing!" Nick yelped, shooting Aaron a disgusted glare that told him to stop before he risked bodily injury. Did he really need to be mortally embarrassed in front of his lover?

"But, Nicky, it's so much fun," Aaron whined.

"Then you just wait till we're back in closed quarters on the plane, Son," Nick growled.

*~*~*

"Nick's fallen asleep with Liz, now's your chance," AJ hissed under his breath as he snatched the headphones from Howie's head. Ignoring the man's groan of protest, he tossed them aside, motioning for Howie to go talk to Alana, who was sitting alone in the row of seats across the aisle. With Baylee occupied playing Go Fish with Brian and Natalie, and Nick and Elizabeth stretched out in a seat, both snoring, now was the prime time to discuss their record label. Meaning it was the prime time to try their best to persuade Alana to be the first signed artist. "Quit pussyfooting and c'mon, D…"

"I don't know, J…" Howie hesitated as he glanced over his friend's shoulder to get an adequate view of the woman he knew would be perfect to launch his label. She was gorgeous, energetic, humorous, passionate, compassionate, and her voice was far above even the most talented artists in the business. But, unfortunately, she already had a career she was passionate about. That was most evident as she slouched in her seat with her MP3 player blaring in her ears, flipping through the most recent Nursing 2006 magazine. "We haven't even talked to Nick about this and she told me that first and foremost she's a nurse--"

"Who the fuck cares what Nick says? It's not like he's her damn owner or anything," AJ interrupted with a scowl. He never understood how his friend could bee so meek when it came to speaking to another man's girlfriend. Not, AJ assured himself with a quick glance at the snoring Nick, that Alana had even alluded to being Nick's girlfriend. "Besides, we can assure her that her nursing can come first, D… Come on, before Brian ropes her into going with him on his solo gig--"

"How can we possibly assure her that her nursing can come first when both jobs are--" Howie yelped in shock as he was suddenly thrown from his seat into the aisle. Then AJ's hard shove to his chest had him toppling into the seat beside Alana. Crashing her into the window, Howie felt his heart leap to his throat as Alana yelped underneath his weight. "Oh God, I am so sorry--"

"Damn, D… Watch where you're going," AJ chided, clicking his tongue as he jerked Howie back so Alana could straighten. Grinning as he slid over them to take the seat next to the window, he flopped down with a sigh, glancing up to see Aaron rush down the aisle towards the bathroom. "So, Al, did you enjoy the Bahamas?"

"…Who gave the kid a laxative brownie?" Alana wondered aloud as she leaned over Howie to see Aaron collide into the door of the bathroom, fumbling furiously for the handle. Finally yanking it open, he then fell inside, slamming the door behind him. Bemused, Alana leaned back to see AJ watching her intently. "…What did you ask me?"

"Oh, just wanted to know if you were ready to join the Mile-High Club like you promised you would," AJ explained with a wicked smirk, ignoring Howie's disbelieving groan.

"The bathroom's kind of occupied…" Alana trailed as she smirked mischievously toward AJ, allowing him to snatch her magazine away as well as her MP3 player, stuffing them into her messenger bag. "But I suppose we could make-do with the last row of seats, right?"

"Damn straight," AJ agreed in a low rasp, quickly lowering the armrest between their seats. Seeing Howie's glare, however, he leaned back with a heavy sigh. "You might want to talk D out of the doldrums first, though…"

"I figure once he touches my body, he might actually grin…" Alana egged, reaching to pat Howie's leg. When he tensed immediately, she frowned slightly. "What's wrong?"

"If the Man Whore would kindly keep to the topic he and I decided on before we sat down…" Howie trailed with a sigh. "AJ wanted to come talk to you about--"

"Bullshit," AJ immediately defended. "You're the one that wanted her so bad in the first place! Begging me to talk some sense into her so she could sign to the label. Don't even make me out to be the soul dealer in this black jack or whatever the Hell that means… Though, if I am, I'm the one that's taking all the studio time with her--"

"Don't you think she should actually agree to sign before you start claiming shotgun on studio time?" Howie questioned with a roll of his eyes. Turning to Alana, he patted the back of her hand gently. "First of all, you have to know how sorry I am for the way I treated you when I first met you. I never meant to insult you, honestly."

"You didn't insult me…" Alana trailed, studying the way his hand gently tapped the back of hers. Almost as if he was a fatherly figure. "…Hell, the first time you met me, I was sucking a body shot off Nick's chest… I am a flavor… Probably some Whisky Sour or something…"

"Alana…"

"It ain't a big deal," Alana promised as she suddenly pulled her hand away from his patting. "You're like Daddy Dearest or something and you're scaring the Hell outta me."

"Quit scaring her," AJ growled protectively.

"I'm sorry! I just want her to know that--"

"What's it going to take to get you to sign to our label, Al? You can trust us, you know. We won't try to screw you over so you only make a penny per album sold or anything. And if you really want to do the nursing thing too, we can work something out so--"

"You're bringing up the label thing again?" Alana groaned as she shifted in her seat, fully intent on climbing out. That is, until AJ grabbed her arm and pulled her into his lap so she couldn't leave. "You guys are absolutely crazy, y'know that? I'm no where near capable of making an album. Nor do I have the talent. I'm just a nurse who goofs off to make her patients feel better. And there's no way that I could dedicate a hundred percent to both jobs. Nursing is a full time effort and so is your music--"

"At least give us the benefit of the doubt?" AJ requested softly, threading his fingers with hers. "Just say the word, and we can bring some recording stuff to Kentucky and you can play around with it, okay?"

"Then you'll be able to see what you really sound like," Howie added with a hopeful note in his voice.

"I'm nothing like what the media has today as their star singers. I'm just an average singer who does it for fun. There is no future in my singing and there's no way that I could do your label justice. You need a singer who's going to defy the meaning of what it is to be a performer," Alana objected with a shake of her head, not understanding why they were so intent on changing her career path. She had never thought of herself as a phenomenal singer, much less an adequate singer. She just did it because her patients pleaded with her to do so. To soothe them was her number one priority. "I sound like a bullfrog in a grater…"

"Fine… I'll bring in the big guns," AJ decided with a sigh, knowing Alana would continue to deny her talent. "Yo, Nat!"

"Don't you dare disturb her from her Go Fish game!" Alana blurted as she pushed on AJ's chest, stumbling away from the row of seats. Only, she tripped on Howie's foot, crashing to the floor with a sharp curse. "I'll play with your stupid recording shit if you stop beating me up!"

"Is that a promise?" AJ and Howie questioned in unison as Aaron burst from the bathroom.

"Whooo!" Aaron shouted, waving a hand in front of his nose. "I wouldn't go in there for a while if I was y'all!"

"Well at least shut the door!" Alana commanded with a soft gag, turning to her side to rub her now aching backside. "Or light a match!"

"Kidding!" Aaron laughed, hopping across her body to return to his seat.

"So… Was that a promise?" AJ pressed.

"To goof off with your recording equipment?" Alana returned as AJ reached out to help her up. Grasping his hands, she allowed him to heft her up as if she were made of an insignificantly light material. Tensing slightly when he brushed his hands down her backside as if to take the sting away, she heard Howie groan with disapproval. Reaching to catch the man's hands, she offered a small nod toward AJ. "It's not like I'm signing away my life. I can goof off after work with you or something…"

"You're serious? You'll do it? You do know that you'll still have to sign a contract, even though you do consider it goofing off--"

Alana's dark teal eyes widened with skepticism. "To record on some little microphone to a little tape?"

"Well, yeah," AJ answered, looking to Howie for help. "Howie can explain the legal jargon, but that protects you if someone finds a tape and decides to ship it overseas for mass publication. Some geeky kid who can't carry a tune makes tons off your voice, and you're at home scrubbing mildew out the toilet--"

"Why are y'all so interested in signing me?" Alana sighed as she glanced toward Howie with the utmost confusion. "You can find plenty of singers in your guys' circles that would leap at the opportunity to be signed. People who are dying to sing--"

"People who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with directions on the handle," AJ finished quickly. "You've got it, Alana. Can't you trust us?"

Alana bit down on her bottom lip as AJ pushed her into the opposite row of seats, forcing her to sit down beside him. He turned so they were facing, his deep russet eyes smoldering with a passion for music she always felt when she was singing. She loved music and felt her problems fade away as she sank into the sweet melodies of her favorite songs. Feeling as if she were about to draw blood, she glanced sideways to Howie, only to be drawn back to AJ. "Of course I trust you--"

"If it will make you feel better about this, when we get our… Recording shit in Kentucky you can do a demo for us before we get you to sign anything." When AJ's jaw fell open in shock, Howie rushed forward with what he had to say. "That way we'll all know for certain whether or not we want to do it."

"You guys ain't going to back off till I say yes, huh?" Alana questioned with sudden clarity, glancing up at Howie.

"I--We just want you to give it a chance before you say no," Howie explained softly.

"I can sing any demo I want? From any artist? That's what a demo is, right?"

"Absolutely. Whatever you want. It can be just you singing, or we can get some backup music or get someone in to play guitar or piano or whatever--"

"I play both," AJ volunteered.

"Natalie plays piano better," Howie argued. Looking at Alana, he raised his eyebrows hopefully. "What do you say?"

Alana hesitated for a moment before offering a small nod. "I think I can give you guys a few hours of my time."

"Thank you so much, Sweetie," Howie murmured, leaning close to offer a soft kiss on her cheek. "You won't regret this, I promise."

"Just let me know when you need me and I'll be there," Alana laughed at the tickling sensation he caused to her cheek. "Now, can I go back to reading or is one of you going to entertain me?"

"I'll entertain you," AJ rasped low in her ear.

"You can go back to reading. We have phone calls to make," Howie explained with a quick glance at AJ.

"Nice talking to you boys," Alana purred, sliding out of the row of seats before Howie yanked AJ toward the back where their bags were located. Smirking when she saw the forlorn look cross AJ's face at being pulled away, she then glanced around to find some source of entertainment. Though, when she found Nick and Elizabeth snoozing so sweetly together, she sighed. Reaching into Elizabeth's bag, she retrieved her favorite blanket and draped it over them.

"You're going to do it, then?" Aaron questioned suddenly from behind her, though his voice was so soft she barely heard him.

"Huh?" Alana murmured in surprise, glancing up after tucking the blanket gently beneath Elizabeth's chin. She saw the curiosity burning in his chestnut eyes as she moved to sit at the top Nick and Elizabeth. Only, they seemed to realize she was near because Nick shifted to nestle his head in her lap. Smiling, she ran her fingers through his platinum locks, leaning back to glance at Aaron. "You were listening?"

"Kind of hard not to, but yeah…" Aaron trailed, leaning against the seat. "I think it's awesome."

"It's not like the deal's official or anything. I'm just recording a demo for them so they'll stop breathing down my neck," Alana explained with a casual shrug of her shoulders, twirling one of Nick's locks around her index finger. She loved how he was growing his hair longer, just a few centimeters above his brow line. "…Why do you think it's awesome?"

"Because it is," Aaron answered simply, raising a brow when Nick shifted his head in Alana's lap. Biting back a laugh when his older brother began to snore loudly, he shook his head. "You're going to kick some ass."

"Apparently he doesn't like me playing with his hair…" Alana murmured, deciding on resting her one arm on the armrest and drape the other over Nick's shoulder.

"Apparently… Do you think he'll like you doing a demo?"

"Um… You know him better than I do…"

"Um… Not really… But I think he'll be all for it, as long as AJ doesn't end up keeping you in the studio twenty-four hours a day…"

"It's just a demo."

"Yeah… For now," Aaron murmured. Leaning over, he kissed the top of her head. "I'm going to see if I can get Bay to play a little poker. See you later, Sis."
Twenty-Six :: Painful Confessions by shrinkingviolet
Tapping her hands to the heavy beat of her music, Alana found herself reviving with a second wind. The first day back to work after a beautiful vacation in the Bahamas proved to be tough. Some of the patients she had been so close with had been discharged and new ones admitted to the floor. The doctors had been relieved to see her back to work. The nurses on other floors squealing for details about her vacation. And the families tearful with sheer delight at seeing her once more. But the nurses on her floor had treated her differently to say the very least. They gossiped about her as she walked by, but she refused to let that bother her. Not when the children needed her full concentration. Now, leaning against her seat as she turned onto the familiar gravel road, she sang along with her music, wanting to forget about her long day. "There's a difference in spending time with me and killing time while I'm there / Too many people and too many things / And it makes me feel like Hell / Your half gone as I can see / And all of this she says to me…"

Her voice trailed into a soft gasp of surprise when she saw the front door of her home wide open. For an instant she felt a prickle of panic, which quickly gave way to excitement as Nick stepped into the doorway, leaning inside it with a welcoming smile. Squeaking, she pulled into her usual spot, flinging the Jeep door open the instant her key was out of the ignition. "Nickalicious, what are you--"

"I've got a surprise for you," Nick greeted with a secretive grin as he trotted down the steps to scoop her into a hug.

"A surprise for me?" Alana squealed as she squeezed him lovingly as she smacked a kiss to his cheek. "You cleaned my house for me? Bought me groceries? Got a warm bubble bath brewing for me?"

"Um… Not exactly…" Nick trailed, leaning back slightly after giving her several soft kisses. "I brought you something--"

"Oh… Well, that's alright, I can do the rest of that myself," Alana promised with a faint blush creeping to her cheeks, sliding away from Nick's grasp. Smoothing her scrub top, she climbed up the porch of her home, stepping inside her doorway. Reaching down to pull off her shoes, she then began her trek down the hallway, discarding her scrubs as she went.

Shutting the door behind him, Nick glanced over to the portable playpen he had set up in the center of her living room, wondering how she hadn't noticed it. Heading down the hall after her, he leaned in her bedroom doorway, biting his bottom lip when he saw she was standing in the center of the room, staring at the baby lying in the center of her bed. He had been careful to construct a barrier of pillows around Zachary as he slept, not wanting him to roll over and off the bed. "Surprise…"

"Zach…" Alana whispered in confusion as she tangled her fingers within her loose curls, unable to understand what the infant was doing in her room. Last she had heard from the nurses in the nursery, Zachary had been adopted and was in the best of hands. Hesitantly stepping up to the foot of her bed, oblivious to the fact that she was in a bra and bikini underwear, she leaned to stare down at the baby. "Did you steal him?"

"No… I adopted him," Nick murmured, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. Reaching to adjust the blanket covering his son, he couldn't help but smile at the overwhelming love he felt for the child. His son… Looking up at Alana, his smile faded when he saw her incredulous expression. Holding his breath, he gently lifted Zachary into his arms, shifting him until he was resting against his shoulder. "Meet Zachary Allen Carter--"

"You really adopted him?" Alana interrupted as she meekly shook her head in disbelief as if trying to clear her thoughts. Tentatively seating herself on the very foot of her bed, she just studied Nick and Zachary. How he gently rubbed the infant's back as Zachary lightly began to stir, rooting at Nick's neck with a soft grunt. The realization seemed to catch her like a fist to the stomach. "God, Nick, you adopted him…"

"I had to… I couldn't stand the idea of someone else adopting him," Nick explained softly as he stood. "I picked him up this morning--"

"Why didn't you tell me you were going through the process?" Alana murmured, furrowing her brows with a pained expression as Nick passed her, watching Zachary's cobalt eyes widen as if he recognized her. "It takes weeks if not months to…"

"I started the adoption the day after I told you I wanted to do it," Nick murmured, tossing the blanket to the bed before he moved to the door. "I did what you said, you know? I thought about it. And I realized that I couldn't let him go…"

"Well… Congratulations…" Alana offered, not knowing what else to say as she moved toward her bureau. Sliding open the first drawer, she retrieved a pair of boxers and a fresh t-shirt. Pulling on the t-shirt and stepping into boxers, she assumed that Nick was leaving. He had showed her his surprise now he was off to do whatever. Tossing her curls into a high ponytail, she rubbed her neck in attempts to loosen the muscles, trundling to the kitchen for something to eat.

Turning from the stove as he waited for Zachary's bottle to warm, Nick smiled as she entered, and motioned to the table. "I stopped at the deli and got some dinner for us… Can you hand me that cloth diaper there on the counter? Zach's drooling a little--"

"Cloth diaper to wipe up drool, how appropriate, Nick," Alana mumbled, reaching to hand him the spit-rag before moving to her fridge. Popping it open, she frowned at the bared contents, reaching for one of her last Pepsis. "I've got to go grocery shopping…"

"We can go after dinner, can't we? I mean… I've got to be in town for at least two more months until the adoption is completely final, and I thought that…" Nick trailed as Zachary whined softly, wanting his bottle. Discarding his thoughts, he quickly scooped the bottle out of the warm water, popping the cap on before moving to sit at the table. "Here we go, Son…"

"Don't put that into his mouth without testing it on your wrist first," Alana blurted suddenly, closing the fridge on her knee as she became entranced by Nick's paternal skills. Cursing softly at the stab of pain, she pulled away to slam the door shut, rubbing her aching knee.

"I won't," Nick promised, wide-eyed at her exclamation. Giving the bottle a few shakes, he tested the formula on the inside of his wrist as the nurses had shown him to. Satisfied that Zachary's tongue wouldn't be scalded, he shifted the baby until he rested in the crook of his arm before offering him the bottle. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she mumbled, limping slightly toward her kitchen table. Slumping into the awaiting chair, she pulled her knee up to place the frozen can upon it. Satisfied at the soothing coolness that spread, she reached to rub her neck once more with her free hand. She couldn't understand what had possessed the man to adopt a child. It seemed impulsive and reckless, but he looked so satisfied with his decision. Alana couldn't seem to rationalize the consequences either way. "…You never really told me you wanted to be a father…"

"Oh… I thought… I mean, I guess I kind of assumed you'd know from the way I was acting with him that day," Nick murmured, getting to his feet. Securing Zachary in his left arm, he reached to hold the bottle with his left hand, moving to get the dinner he had bought them from the oven. Humming softly as he set her plate in front of her. "And I made dessert while Zach was taking his nap--"

"Dessert? You made dessert? You who only cooks from a can made dessert?" Alana questioned incredulously as she glanced down at her warm plate of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, buttered biscuits, and green beans with a sprinkle of lemon pepper. Looking up to Nick, who was retrieving the potato salad from the fridge, she found her jaw dropped slightly ajar. "Did it come out of a box?"

"No! I called Momma D for some help on her recipe for cherry cheesecake from scratch… The first one didn't want to do right, so I baked another--"

"You called Howie's mother to find out how to make cherry cheesecake from scratch?" Alana squeaked, leaning back in her chair with sheer bewilderment, tangling her hands in her curls. "That's my favorite dessert…"

"Is it?" Nick questioned, setting the potato salad in the center of the table before moving to sit down once again. "Well I hope you like it… I couldn't find any fresh cherries to make the sauce with, so I had to use canned…"

"I'm sure it's delicious…" Alana promised, reaching for her fork to spear some green beans.

"Is it alright if we stay here?" Nick questioned suddenly, easing the bottle from Zachary. Laying him across his lap, he lightly rubbed his back, having learned in the hospital it was the easiest way to burp him. "I mean, I guess I can get a hotel or--"

"Stay here? The two of you?" Alana blurted as her hand jerked, causing the fork to clatter against the delicate china she had received as a wedding present. Cringing when Zachary fussed from the jarring sound, she leaned forward in her chair as she rubbed her face. "I mean… I thought you were staying with Brian?"

"He kind of… Kicked me out this morning," Nick muttered, quickly pulling Zachary back into his embrace.

"Kicked you out? Why the Hell did he kick you out?"

"Because…" Nick sighed, getting to his feet once more as Zachary continued to fuss. Pacing the kitchen, he attempted all the soothing sounds he could think of until, finally, Zachary released a soft hiccup and thrust his fingers into his mouth. "He doesn't think I should be adopting Zach."

"What a self righteous prick…" Alana mumbled without thought.

"Who? Me?" Nick blurted, whirling around to face her.

"What? You? Lord, no!"

"Then who…"

"Brian - he's a single father. I mean, yes, he was married at one point, but him not thinking you should adopt Zach when you're obviously capable is just petty and--"

"He doesn't think I'm ready to be a father," Nick interrupted gently.

"Well…" Alana trailed, watching the way Zachary snuggling into the crook of Nick's neck. "…I think Zachary would tell him otherwise…"

"Beautiful? Can you hold him while I go to the bathroom?" he requested. "I'd put him in the playpen, but he hasn't finished his bottle--"

"I can't, I mean I'm trying to--" Alana's sentence halted as Zachary was hurriedly shifted into the crook of her arm and her hand was snatched to hold the bottle. Holding her breath to keep from cursing, she watched Nick race back the hallway as her entire body tensed. Looking down, she winced slightly at the curious cobalt eyes staring up at her as a little hand splayed across her cheek. Suddenly, all the memories of Colton came flooding back and she choked back a lump in her throat. "I'm…I'm glad you got a good home, Zachie… Nick's a great dad…"

Zachary wrinkled his nose, snuggling closer to her chest as he release a soft sigh. Curling his fingers in her hair, he tugged hard as he continued drinking his bottle, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Okay, okay, so he might have gagged when he was changing your diapers or stalled on changing you because he dreaded the smell… But he's a good guy," Alana promised as she unwound her curls from his grasp, brushing them over her shoulder. When he reached out in attempts to hold something that belonged to her, she helplessly offered her index finger. "Better?"

Zachary's lips moved around the nipple of his bottle, offering a tentative smile as he gripped her finger. Pulling it close to his cheek as he playfully kicked his bare feet against her leg.

"You're definitely a spirited tyke," Alana decided as she shifted him closer to her body, tickling his diapered behind with the hand supporting him in the crook of her arm. He was at least six weeks of age and extremely curious about his surroundings. Most infants would drift sleepily through feeding, but Zachary was wholly intent on watching her. His large cobalt eyes dark and mysterious, enhancing the soft creaminess of his peach complexion and darkness of his wispy raven locks. He was a gorgeous child.

"He rolled over when I turned to get the powder earlier," Nick announced from the doorway.

"Rolled over, huh?" Alana murmured as she jumped to her feet, eager to transfer the infant back to Nick's arms. "He's ahead of his milestones…"

"I was changing him and was looking at a little wiener, then I turned around for two seconds… When I turned back I had a naked butt to look at," Nick explained with a smile. "Hang on, I've got to wash my hands…"

"You don't wash your hands in the bathroom?"

"I didn't see any soap so I figured I'd use the antibacterial stuff in here…"

"I always have soap in the bathroom…" Alana mumbled as she watched Nick move to her sink. Hearing the dry sucks of an empty bottle, Alana sighed as she pulled the bottle from Zachary's mouth and grabbed the spit-rag. Leaning him over her shoulder, she slowly rubbed his back as she studied Nick carefully. "…How long were you standing there watching?"

"Only since you called him a spirited tyke," Nick promised, dropping a kiss on the top of her head before doing the same to Zachary. "What do you think, Zach? Should we keep her around for the next forty or fifty years or so?"

"I think you should take him back now," Alana suggested, not bothering to allow Zachary to answer, though the infant grinned after releasing a hearty belch. Exhaling a relieved breath when the was transferred back into Nick's arms, she leaned up to kiss his cheek. "…You're warm…"

"Well, you're hot," Nick returned with a grin, pulling her into a quick hug before he ushered her back to the table. "Go on and eat, I'll go lay him down--"

"I didn't mean that in a--" Alana groaned as Nick patted her backside to send her over toward the kitchen table before disappearing back the hallway once more. Fighting not to scream, she sank back into her seat and retrieved her fork. She wasn't going to be around for forty or fifty years. She didn't want children.

"He's watching the ceiling fan in your living room," Nick informed her a few moments later as he came back. Returning to his seat, he reached for his soda. Lifting his gaze to look at her, he saw the tense look on her face and quickly dropped his fork. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong…" she mumbled, reaching to break pieces of the fluffy biscuit off. "…You said you're leaving in two months? To go back to Florida or California or… Where ever you're living?"

"Actually, I'm thinking of staying in Kentucky for a while--"

"Why's that?"

"To be with you."

"Handsome…" Alana sighed, pushing away her dinner plate as a heavy lead coating seemed to pour over her stomach, making her nauseous. "…I would be happy to help you and Zachary for two months since Brian kicked you out. I have no problem doing that. But… I can't be a mother to him…"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Nick questioned softly.

"I don't want to have anymore children…"

"You mean other than Zach?"

"I mean Zach," she whispered with a hard wave of guilt that caused her chin to drop.

"Oh…" Nick breathed as his stomach seemed to twist into a large knot. "…I see…"

"He's a beautiful child and you're going to make a wonderful father--"

"Don't try to lighten the blow, Alana."

"You never even discussed this with me, Nick. I told you to think about adopting and that's as far as it went. You kept the rest of it a secret. This was your decision to make. Never did you even tell me that you wanted me to be a mother--"

"Well you never told me that you didn't want anymore children."

"You never asked me."

"You could have told me at so many points in the past month--"

"And you could have asked me at so many points in the past month. Damnit, Nick, this is not my fault! Why would you think I even wanted children after Colt? What did I ever do that let you know that I wanted to be married again and raising children? Because, I assure you, it was all a mistake. I can't go through that heartache again. I refuse. I love you so much, but--"

"You don't love me enough to share a child," Nick finished slowly. "Fine. I get it."

"It's not even like that--"

"Don't bother," Nick muttered, pushing away from the table and lurching to his feet. Feeling his head swim from the fast movement, he blinked rapidly for a moment, groaning softly. "I've got to go get some things for Zach--"

"Nick, just wait," Alana interrupted in dismay as she followed Nick to her bedroom. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her at the sight of Nick's tense body, knowing he was furious with her. As angry as she was that he was brushing her off and assuming she didn't love him enough to start a family, she was sick at the thought of him being so mad. Especially as he pushed past her to the living room to settle Zachary into his car seat. "Damnit, Nick, you're really pale--"

"I'm fine. We'll be back in a little while, alright? Don't worry about the dishes I'll take care of them when we get back--"

"You're not even going to listen to me--"

"What more can you have to say? You don't want kids. End of story." Draping a blanket over Zachary, Nick snatched his wallet and keys off the end table. He had to leave before he completely lost his anger. The last thing he wanted to do was have a fight with Alana. "If you think of something you need, call me on my cell, okay?"

Alana opened her mouth to verify that there was indeed a whole avenue of words that needed spoken between them, but was lost as how to explain it without mentioning the death of her son. Immediately chewing on her bottom lip, she clenched her fists with dismay, allowing them to drop to her sides. Somehow, she knew this was the beginning of the end to her relationship with Nick. "I'll fix up the guest bedroom as Zachary's room..."

"Alright… I love you, Beautiful," Nick murmured, leaning close to softly kiss her cheek.

"I'm sure you do," Alana mumbled, trying not to flinch when Nick pulled away from the kiss, reaching to wipe away the tears that had slipped when he turned.

*~*~*


Stepping over the basket of toys that had been overturned earlier, Natalie yelped when her bare foot landed on a Lego block. Hopping on one foot across the entryway, she glanced out the window to see who was knocking so incessantly. Groaning when she saw Nick on the stoop, she opened the door. "Nicky, what are you… Oh my God, you really did it?" she breathed, reaching for the car seat he was holding. Taking a peek beneath the blanket, her eyes widened when the baby inside began to coo. Looking back at Nick, she stepped aside for him to enter.

"Zachary Allen Carter," Nick introduced as he closed the front door behind him, immediately sagging against it. Covering his face with his hands, he shuddered with a mounting sob. He had spent the afternoon purchasing everything Zachary would need for their two month stay in Kentucky, realizing by then he'd have to plan to have a nursery built in his home. He had hoped to be finding a new home somewhere with Alana, but she had abruptly ended that dream just a few hours early. Now, as his body ached, he had sought out a place of solitude. But had found himself pulling up to Brian's home where negativity threatened to consume him. If it wasn't Brian, then it would be Howie or AJ.

"Hello there," Natalie cooed softly, setting the car seat on the floor. Stooping, she quickly unbuckled Zachary, lifting him into her arms. "I can't believe you… It's official? You're a Daddy now?" she questioned, turning to look at Nick. "Nicky? What's wrong?"

"Everything," Nick mumbled, slouching onto the floor as he braced his tender back against the door. Holding his head within his hands, he shuddered again as a damp cold rushed over his system. Feeling his body tremble, he stifled a sob as he thrust the heels of his hands into his eyes to stop the tears. "I hurt all over and my relationship with Alana is gone…"

"You… The… You want me to get Brian?" Natalie questioned, having no idea how to even begin helping the man. Chewing on her bottom lip, she gently rubbed Zachary's back. "Nicky…"

"Brian kicked me out and that's why I went to Alana's house and she doesn't want kids and--" Nick strangled a sharp sob as his stomach churned with nausea.

"God, Nicky…" Natalie sighed. Lightly kissing the baby's head, she stooped to place him in the car seat once more, making sure to buckle him inside. Sitting in front of Nick, she reached to touch his face, drawing back quickly when she felt the heat of a growing fever. "You're burning up. Can you go to the living room while I get you some Tylenol?"

"Scooper's down for a--What the Hell is he doing here?" Brian suddenly blurted in shock as he entered the foyer to see Natalie squatted in front of Nick and a baby carrier off to the side. All the tension in his body immediately rose as he walked over to intervene in the situation. "Is he coming back to admit that he can't do it? That he's not ready to be a father? That he's sorry for being a jackass?"

"Brian!" Natalie chided as Nick released another sharp sob. Sending Brian a glare over her shoulder, she leaned close to lightly kiss Nick's forehead, not liking the cold sweat she felt there. "Don't worry, Nicky. Everything's going to be okay," she promised in a whisper before getting to her feet. Picking up the carrier, she turned to face Brian. "Get him into the living room while I go get some Tylenol for him, okay?"

"Why are you getting him Tylenol and why am I bringing him into the living room? I already told him he wasn't bringing that kid into this house and expecting to live off me. He was so sure that Alana would be willing to be the mother of the child that he better just skedaddle right over there--"

"Damnit, Brian if you don't get him on that couch so he can rest--" Natalie broke off into a frustrated sigh. "Just do it, can't you see he's sick? And for your information, I technically brought the child into this house, and you are more than welcome to kick me out--"

"Then let Alana take care of him--"

"Now, Brian," Natalie interrupted with a warning glare.

Brian looked as if he might refuse, but he stooped to grab Nick by the arms. Hearing Natalie's snort of annoyance, he hefted Nick's weight with a mighty groan. Feeling the slick heat pouring off Nick's body caused him to wrinkle his nose in distaste as Nick just crumpled against him. Pushing himself toward the living room underneath Nick's weight, he groaned as the man wilted onto the couch. "What's wrong with you, Nick?"

"I'm freezing," Nick whispered, hugging himself tightly. Jerking slightly, he looked around the room. "Where's Zach?"

"With Natalie right now," Brian murmured, brushing his hand down his arm to rub away the dampness of Nick's sweat. "…Why aren't you with Alana right now?"

"We had a… Few words," Nick explained with a hard shiver.

"She doesn't want to be a mother to Zach, does she?" Brian guessed as he reached over Nick to draw the couch blanket over his trembling body. He then moved to sit on the coffee table, staring at Nick intently. "I told you, Nick--"

"I didn't come here to hear the I-told-you-so speech, Brian," Nick groaned, draping an arm over his face to block out the light. "I just needed--"

"I'm not telling you I told you so," Brian interrupted with an irritated frown. "I'm just saying that I knew she wasn't going to be excited about being a mother. God, Nick, her son died--"

"And I popped the Gnat's cherry, whoop-de-fucking-do," Nick muttered as his body trembled with another hard shiver. "I--"

"Here's the Tylenol," Natalie interrupted as she entered the living room, balancing Zachary, a medicine bottle and large glass of juice. Passing Zachary into Brian's arms, she ignored his sputtered protest, moving to sit next to Nick. "Nicky, can you sit up for me? This'll help your fever…"

"You really are pissy when you're sick," Brian muttered as he watched Nick whine with protest as Natalie's hand cupped underneath his neck. When she hefted his weight without much help, the feverish color washed away into an ashen white. And, suddenly, Nick went stumbling for the bathroom. "Shit, if he pukes on the rugs, Nat, take the kid--"

"Why, so you can continue to bitch at him like he's a wayward son that's come for a handout?" Natalie questioned with a scowl. Setting the juice down with a grunt, she launched to her feet to follow Nick.

"Natalie, you get sick at the sight of--" Brian groaned as he watched Natalie come flying back from the hallway with her hand cupped over her mouth. Shifting the infant into her arms without much complaint, he moved back the hallway to hear Nick's wretches growing louder. Stepping inside the bathroom, Brian found his own stomach churning as Nick heaved against the toilet, everything in his system seeming to flood from his mouth. "God, Nick…"

"I think I'm dying," Nick gasped.

"You're not dying--" Brian gagged when he noticed the pink tinge to the remnants of Nick's stomach contents. "You're throwing up blood!"

"Call Alana," Natalie called from the safety of the hallway.

"She doesn't want to see me," Nick protested feebly.

"But you're dying!" Brian exclaimed as he shuddered at Nick's continuous heaving.

"I'm not dying, you just said so…"

"You're vomiting blood, I'm calling Alana," Brian insisted, leaving the bathroom in search of a phone. He watched Natalie inch closer to the threshold of the bathroom, but refusing to peer in as she rubbed Zachary's back. Shaking his head in disbelief, Brian fumbled for the phone, hurriedly dialing Alana's cell phone number. It seemed to ring persistently, causing Brian's anxiety to rise. "Pick up. Pick up. Pick up--"

"Hello?" came a breathless reply.

"NICK'S DEAD!"

"Excuse me?"

Brian took a deep breath as Nick groaned loudly from the bathroom. "He's throwing up blood and he's got a fever and--Okay, so he's not really dead, but--"

"You son of a bitch--"

"Alana, please--"

"If she doesn't come, it's all your fault," Natalie hissed as she brushed past to retrieve Zachary's diaper bag from Nick's car.

"Thank you for that, Captain Obvious," Brian growled.

"Brian?" Alana called in his ear, sounding slightly perturbed, though it mixed with worry. "Hello?"

"Please, Alana, come over? Or do you think I should call an ambulance? He's throwing up blood--"

"He's probably heaving so hard that he popped a blood vessel," Alana mumbled with a hard grunt, obvious exerting herself in some capacity. "…Does he want me over there? Is he okay?"

"No, he's not okay, and--"

"Is that Alana?" Nick questioned weakly. "Tell her I'm sorry and I love her and I really, really want to work things out--"

"Yeah, he wants you over here," Brian murmured. "Please?"

"Just let me detangle from this mountain and I'll be over, alright?"

"Oh good God… Just don't fall off--"

"Fall off?" Nick yelped as he crawled into the hallway. "Where the Hell is she?!"

"Would you please get back into the bathroom?" Brian requested with a scowl. "Be careful, hurry up, bye," he rushed into the phone before hanging up. "She was on a mountain--"

"And you let her hang up without knowing that she got down okay?!" Nick howled in a rasp. "Get her back on the fucking phone--"

"Get back in the fucking bathroom! Now!" Brian growled. "Before I roll you outside to wait for her in the driveway!"

"Damnit, Brian, she's going to get hurt," Nick wailed as frustrated tears sprung to his murky eyes.

"No, she's not… I'll give her ten minutes, then I'll call and make sure she got down okay, alright?" Brian suggested, raking a hand through his hair. Hearing the front door shut, he turned to see Natalie heading upstairs with Zachary and a diaper bag. "What are you doing?"

"Someone has to take care of the baby and since you're a prick and Nick's ill; it'll be me," Natalie huffed, hurrying up the stairs with a defiant strut.

"Thank you, Natalie," Nick called softly as he pulled himself up into a sitting position.

Brian heaved a weary sigh, moving to stand at the bottom of the stairs. "Don't you have your hands full with Scooper--"

"That's your kid, you can take care of him," Natalie growled, slamming the master bedroom door, causing Brian to cringe.

"…Can you call my Beautiful now?"

"Where did I go wrong?" Brian questioned himself aloud, sinking onto the bottom step. "I try and try to do the right thing, but stuff just comes back and bites me right in the ass--"

"Brian!" Nick whined loudly from the bathroom as more retching could be heard. "Call Alana!"
Twenty-Seven :: Stirring the Ruckus by shrinkingviolet
“Knot! ‘Lana here’d to fix Nicky’s boo-boo’s. Her’s got him in PJs an’ her d’unna cuddle him. Her’s said I can’t go in ‘cause him’s real sick an’— Knot! Who’s baby?!” Baylee’s sapphire eyes widened in surprise as he finally managed to pry the master bedroom door open, finding Natalie cuddling a swaddled infant in her arms. He had just awoken from a nap to find Alana entering his home. He had gotten a few hugs and kisses before she rushed back to take care of Nick, much to his dismay as well as AJ’s. So, Baylee searched for other forms of entertainment. Specifically, his Natalie. So, hurrying over to her, he tugged at the blankets to crawl onto the bed, breathing out a soft sigh of awe. “Him’s so li’ddle.”

“His name is Zachary,” Natalie murmured, shifting the bundle so Baylee could settle into her lap. She had spent the past hour in the master bedroom with Zachary, as much to keep him away from Nick’s illness as to get away from Brian’s attitude. She found herself enamored with the infant, more than happy to spend her time holding him and cooing softly. “Nicky brought him over to meet us… This is his new baby--”

“Nicky ‘regnant?” Baylee murmured in surprise, leaning back to look into Natalie’s eyes. “Him’s chubby?”

“Oh, Bay,” Natalie laughed softly, shaking her head. “No, Nicky wasn’t pregnant. He adopted Zachary. See, Zachary was all alone and needed someone to take care of him, so Nicky’s going to do that.”

“…Oh…” Baylee trailed as he studied the infant slumbering in Natalie’s arms. Reaching for an edge of the blanket to peel it down so he could get an adequate view of the newest family member. “…’Lana baby, too? Her’s no need Boogie now?”

“’Lana will always need her Boogie,” Natalie promised, kissing the top of his head before leaning to place Zachary in the middle of the bed. Pulling the blanket away gently, she smoothed the front of the bright blue shirt, smiling as Baylee immediately moved to lay next to him. “You don’t have to worry about that at all, Bay.”

“But him’s her baby?” Baylee inquired, leaning over the infant to give him a critical gaze. The infant had started to arouse by the sounds of voices around him. Writhing uncomfortably at the warm cocoon being pulled from him, he fussed slightly, though his fingers seemed to pacify him as he started to suck greedily. Baylee sighed heavily as he brushed a few raven locks away from Zachary’s forehead. “You too t’oot…”

“You’ll have to ask her that when Nicky’s feeling better,” Natalie suggested, glancing up as the door opened once again. Seeing the look of complete irritation on Brian’s face as he entered, she quickly scooped Zachary back into her arms, almost afraid he would cast the child out. “I need you to get Alana’s key so I can go over and get some of Zach’s things--”

“I want to talk to you first,” Brian interrupted as he stepped toward the bed, groaning when Natalie shifted the child away from him. He had been relieved when Alana rapped on his front door, hurrying back to be with Nick. He hadn’t the strength to take care of a sick Nick, especially fearing for his son’s health. So, assuring that Alana had everything she would need in Nick’s suite of rooms, he then came upstairs as means of peace. He certainly wasn’t sleeping on the couch tonight. “For goodness sakes, Natalie, I’m not going to hurt the kid… I just want to see Nick’s son.”

Natalie sighed, turning Zachary in her arms so he faced Brain. “Well, you’ve seen him--”

“Don’t be so childish,” Brian grunted, reaching to take the infant into his arms.

“You’re the one who kicked Nick out over Zachary, and you’re calling me childish?” Natalie questioned with a heavy sigh, reluctantly relinquishing Zachary. “Watch out, he likes kicking stomachs…”

"An hour with the kid and you think you know everything about him," Brian mumbled, easily tucking Zachary into the crook of his arm. Watching Baylee stare at him with a piqued curiosity, he sank to the edge of the bed so Baylee could still admire the baby. So, as Baylee stood behind him with his chin resting in the crook of Brian's shoulder, Brian watched the infant. He was an adorable child to say the very least. Alert to his surroundings as he sucked happily upon his fingers, playfully kicking at Brian's chest with his socked feet. Brushing the wisps of raven locks from his forehead, Brian was surprised to hear him coo. "…What's his name?"

"Zachary Allen Carter," Natalie murmured, longing to sit next to him so they could snuggle the baby together. Zachary's presence reminded her that she longed to have children of her own one day. "He has to stay here while Nick's sick, Bumpkin… You don't want him to get whatever Nicky has, do you?"

"No, we can't let him get whatever Nick has," Brian agreed with a small nod, clicking his tongue toward the child who thrust his arms and legs out in a startled manner. He released a soft chuckle as he brought Zachary closer, kissing his forehead. "Where did Nick ever get a middle name like Allen?"

"He said that he chose Allen because it's so close to Alana…" Natalie trailed softly, smiling as Baylee began to tickle Zachary's feet. "We were talking about it in the Bahamas a few days ago, and--"

"You encouraged him to adopt?" Brian guessed with a dry sigh, trying not to smile at the squeal of giggles Zachary was releasing as he tucked his legs close to his body, away from Baylee.

"He's wanted to be a Daddy for ages… Since before you had Baylee--"

"He never told me that…"

"He… Well… Told me," Natalie whispered, reaching to take Zachary when he began to fuss. Moving to the foot of the bed, she grabbed a clean diaper off the dresser and cooed softly as she laid him down to change him. "This is really important to him, Bumpkin… And whatever Alana's reaction was, it wasn't what he expected, and… He needs someone's support right now."

"She said she didn't want kids," Brian answered expertly as he seized Baylee into his arms, falling back onto the bed. "Her son died for God's sakes. I told Nick from the beginning that adopting this kid wasn't going to make Alana stay. If anything, it was going to make her run. But he never listens--"

"Please stop referring to him as 'this kid'… And Nicky didn't adopt Zach to make Alana stay. For crying out loud, can't you understand that?"

"That's Nicky's baby! Him's a Daddy, Daddy! 'Lana's baby, too!" Baylee announced as he was propped up on Brian's feet and made to clutch his father's hands to fly high into the air.

"You tell him, Bay," Natalie cooed, scooping Zachary into her arms just as Baylee leaped into the center of the bed. Depositing the baby into Brian's arms, she glanced around for her purse. "I'm going to go get--"

"Stuff for Zachary," Brian finished. "You need Alana's keys--"

"Which I'm going to get first," Natalie interrupted. "Just… Support Nicky on this, okay? Please?"

"Natalie, for you--"

"For Nicky. Not anyone but him, Bumpkin--"

"Natalie--"

"Support him like he's always supported you."

Sighing, Brian shifted Zachary so he laid across his chest, idly rubbing the child's back as Natalie leaned to kiss Baylee. "Okay…"

"Stop being such a horrible Bible thumper," Natalie teased as she pressed a soft kiss to Brian's cheek. She moved to stand, but Brian grasped her shirt and pulled her over him once more. Her eyes widened in surprise as his lips softened against hers, easily coaxing her lips apart for a soft flick of his tongue. "Bumpkin--"

"I'm sorry," he murmured as Baylee cuddled into his side.

"Tell that to Nicky," she whispered against his lips. "He needs to hear that more than I do."

"When he's conscious," Brian promised vaguely, rubbing her back gently as he delivered another kiss. "Now go get Zachary's stuff. We'll do some male bonding up here while you're gone. Maybe talk Baylee into talking you into giving him a little sister…"

"Only if you're planning on marrying me before he starts talking me into that," Natalie whispered. "Change the sheets for me? Zach needs a clean bed to sleep in--"

"He's sleeping with us?" Brian questioned in surprise.

"Do you feel like going to the attic and digging out Bay's old crib? And you can't make him sleep in a playpen, it's too uncomfortable. Besides, he needs snuggling--"

"I can 'nuggle him!" Baylee offered with a small yawn, reaching up to pat Zachary's back.

"You want to 'nuggle with Daddy and Zach tonight?" Natalie offered with a smile, grateful Baylee had taken to Zachary so quickly. "Why don't you talk Daddy into getting some movies and we can all snuggle--"

"Let me just get you some money," Brian groaned as he wrapped an arm around Zachary, leaning to the side to pluck his wallet from his back pocket. Hearing Baylee make an obnoxious squeal, he had to laugh, realizing he was crushing the youngster. Leaning further into Baylee, Brian fussed to pluck some bills from his wallet, grinning toward Natalie as Baylee writhed beneath him. "What's that sound, Rosie?"

Natalie's eyes widened with innocence. "I have no idea… Do you think it could be termites?" she questioned worriedly, reaching to tickle one bare foot that stuck out from underneath Brian. Hearing Baylee's squeal, she bit back a giggle. "We may have to call an exterminator!"

"Here I thought it was another elephant in the wall…" Brian murmured in a incredulous tone, bouncing on Baylee lightly.

"Nope, sounds like a termite to me…" Natalie trailed with a regretful sigh, listening to Baylee's playful squeals. "You know what might work, though?"

"Finding a boot to squish'em good?"

"No… We got to tickle'em really hard--"

"OH JUS' SQUISH ME AND GET IT OVER WITH!" Baylee groaned.

"Well, what do you know, Bumpkin? It's Baylee!" Natalie squealed.

"My God!" Brian exclaimed as he rolled over, causing Baylee to twitch with relief before sagging into a death-like position, rolling his tongue out of his mouth for added effect. "Oh! No! Mouth to mouth needs started--"

Suddenly, Baylee jumped to life and tumbled off the bed. Hurrying toward the hallway, he turned slightly to offer his father a look of disbelief. "Are you nuts, Daddy?! I need 'Lana for that!"

*~*~*


"Beautiful… I'm okay… I just need to get up and take care of Zach," Nick attempted to explain as Alana gently mopped the cold sweat from his brow. Heaving a groan, he fought the shiver that followed before giving in and allowing the sudden chill to wash over him. "Zach needs--"

"To stay the Hell away from you when you have the flu," Alana interrupted with a sigh when he weakly batted away the damp cloth from his forehead. Exhaling a frustrated breath, she slid off the large bed to toss the washcloth into the basin at the nightstand. She had been trying for hours to take care of Nick, but he was resistant to her care. He didn't want to change into comfortable clothing. He didn't want a bath to soothe the aches of his muscles. He didn't want to lie down. He didn't want her touching him. Why she had climbed off a mountain and raced to get a shower just to be pushed away was a mystery to her. "If he gets sick with the flu, he'll never survive, Nick. He's too young."

"But Nat's completely fucking useless," Nick whined. "What if she puts him on the couch and lets him fall--"

"Allie is fully competent in taking care of a child. Not to mention Brian is helping as well as AJ and Howie. He's not in danger. In fact, he's probably in the best hands he could possibly be at this moment," Alana contradicted once more, squeezing an ample dollop of no-rinse antimicrobial soap on her hands, furiously rubbing it against her skin. She called off of work for several days for him and now she was regretting the decision.

"Okay… Can you…" Nick sighed, tugging the heavy comforter up to his chin. Each time he attempted to voice his apology for earlier it seemed something else that needed telling came to mind. "…Snuggle me?"

"Great, now you turn cute," Alana groaned as she reached to throw her curls in a high ponytail, hurriedly catching the tips to twist them into a messy bun. Satisfied that her hair was away from her face, she pulled off her shoes and socks, knowing she couldn't resist the pucker of his bottom lip. "…How do you want me to snuggle with you? Lay down next to you? Your head in my lap? Both of us sitting--"

"Lay down with me?"

"I wish you would think about getting in more comfortable clothing," Alana sighed as she watched him uncomfortably shift in the bed so he could move over. Waiting till he settled amongst the pillows, she moved to lay on top of the covers.

"…Wait a sec…" Nick sighed, struggling to sit up. With her assistance, he managed to wriggle out his jeans before sagging back with a shudder. "Is that better?"

"You tell me. I was just looking out for your well being," Alana murmured as she cast the jeans to the floor, watching him tug on the blankets to lift them. She arched her brows in confusion. "You want me under the blankets when you're roasting like a pig?"

"I'm freezing to death and you're the only thing that gets me warm, Beautiful--"

"You mean horny," she attempted to tease as she lifted the blankets to slip underneath. Once she was curled beneath the softness of the blankets, she reached for Nick. Though, he met her halfway as he nestled his head against her chest. Carefully curling her arms around him, she tried not to frown at the sweaty heat radiating from his flushed skin, leaning to press a delicate kiss to his forehead. She wished he'd admit how sick he was. It killed her inside to see him so miserable

"I hate to break it to you, but the last thing on my mind right now is sex," Nick admitted groggily, wrapping his arm around her waist to hold her close to him.

"Good, maybe I can catch up on my sleep then," Alana decided with a sigh of relief, gently rubbing his back to alleviate the painful pressure of aching from his muscles.

"I love you," Nick whispered.

"I love you, too, Handsome," Alana promised softly, kissing his forehead once more as she tucked the blankets tighter around his body, feeling him tremble significantly. "If you need me to do anything, just tell me."

"Just hold me… And tell me you forgive me for the way I acted…"

"Nickalicious, there's nothing to forgive--"

"I just showed up with Zach and expected you to… Do the whole Mommy thing--"

"Well, yeah…" Alana sighed with accidental interruption, running her fingers through his damp, sweaty locks in a soothing motion. She really didn't know how she was supposed to react when Zachary was brought into her home. She just knew that there was no way she could fall in love with another child only to risk the chance of losing him. She couldn't take the heartache of longing to hear the child call out for 'Mommy' only to an ominous tombstone in her wake. "But, you've adopted him, Nick, and there's nothing I can do about that."

"But I've pushed you away and I didn't want to do that," Nick whined softly, burying his face against her chest.

"…I don't know what to say, Nick…" Alana murmured after a painfully long hesitation. "Zachary is going to be a large part of your life and I don't want children… I'm not sure how it could be fair to him… He needs a mother…"

"But I need you," Nick argued softly.

"This really ain't the thing to talk about when you're so sick, Handsome," Alana chided, not wanting him to muster his energy for a fight when he was supposed to be resting. She shifted slightly to retrieve a washcloth for his sweaty brow, but felt his arm immediately tense around her. "Nick, I'm just getting a washcloth..."

"Okay… What can we talk about when I'm sick?" he questioned softly, toying with the drawstring of her pants.

"I think you should be sleeping," Alana answered, carefully dabbing at his brow with the washcloth. "Actually, I think a warm bath would do you some good, but everything I suggest sounds like medieval torture--"

"Sleep with me?"

"I thought you said you weren't thinking about sex--"

"I mean sleep," Nick interrupted with a mirthless chuckle.

"Oh…" Alana trailed as she tossed the washcloth back into its basin. She did her best to hide the flush of her cheeks as she entangled her fingers in his locks once more. "I'm not really tired, but I'll lay with you. I'll watch you sleep."

"Okay… Wait… Did you want to make love? 'Cause--"

"Nick, you don't even have the strength to stand up by yourself!"

"But all I have to do is lay here--"

"And transfer disease to me."

"I'm not diseased… Can you put a movie in, then?"

"Yeah, I can put a movie on," Alana quickly agreed, sliding from beneath him as she freed herself from the sweltering warmth of the blankets. Fanning herself lightly as she tugged at her form fitted tank top, she crossed the large room to Nick's DVD cabinet. Pulling it open, she leaned slightly toward the side as she started to play with the band of her light blue track pants absentmindedly. "What do you want to watch?"

"Anything with zombies and sex--"

"Because that narrows it down significantly," Alana replied with a teasing note of sarcasm, moving toward the opposite door of the cabinet where Nick stored all of his zombie movies. Leaning over to get an adequate view of the DVD titles, Alana became oblivious to the way her track pants tightened against her firm backside, slipping every so delicately to reveal the hollow of the small of her back as she tugged on her tank top to raise it.

"Why are you stripping?" Nick whined, weakly tossing a pillow towards her.

"I'm not stripping," Alana yelped as she felt the pillow connect lightly with the backs of her legs. Turning to glance at him, she raised her brows with confusion. "What is your malfunction?"

"Your pants are falling down and you're peeling your shirt off--"

"My pants are loose and I'm not taking my shirt off… Wait, that's your malfunction? I thought you weren't even thinking about sex, Nicky?"

"I'm not thinking about sex… I'm thinking about you getting naked… Which is a wonderful thought--"

"Which leads to sex," Alana concluded as she plucked Dawn of the Dead from his selection. Moving to pop it in the DVD Player, she then tossed the remote toward Nick, waiting for it to load. "Glad to know you're not knocking on death's door like Brian said. If it wasn't for the fever, I'd think you were faking."

"You can take your pants off if they're loose," Nick suggested with a tired smile.

"You're definitely not as sick as you first claimed to be," Alana decided with a rueful smile, turning on the TV and hurriedly adjusting the volume. Once she was satisfied, she moved back toward the bed, though the introduction of music caught her attention. Glancing at her lover, she immediately bit on the side of her bottom lip. Stopping halfway to the bed, she brought her hands to the drawstrings of her pants, slowly undoing them with the beat of the music as she rolled her hips. Allowing the material to go slack, she played with the waistband, allowing it to fall slowly to reveal several inches of bare flesh before rolling her hips in a circle as she turned her back toward him, popping her hip from side to side when she ran her index finger under the string of her string bikini briefs extending over her hip.

"That is so fucking unfair it's unbelievable," Nick groaned, yanking a pillow over his face as his body trembled.

"So… You want me to stop?" she guessed, her pants falling far below her hips to reveal the purple and blue striped string bikini briefs.

Nick whined softly, fighting a wave of nausea. "Not unless you want to have sex with a sick man--"

"You fucking faking fucker!" AJ bellowed as he burst into the room.

"AJ!" Alana yelped in shock as she reached to yank up her track pants, only to find herself being thrown over AJ's bony shoulder. She groaned as a rush of air was pushed from her lungs by the sharpness of his shoulder, feeling her pants being shucked from her long legs. "What the Hell do you think you're doing?!"

"Nick's so sick, you really shouldn't be in here with him. I mean, what if you catch it, and then when you go back to work you give it to one of the kids? I could never forgive myself!" AJ exclaimed, lightly tickling the back of her legs. "So… We're going to play Grand Theft Auto--"

"In my underwear?" Alana questioned in confusion.

"Why not? We're not going to be moving from the couch," AJ enticed with a wicked grin as he turned to head out the door.

Alana groaned as she reached for the frame of the door, causing her body to stretch slightly when AJ attempted to continue forward. "AJ, Nick needs me to take care of him--"

"He's got a cell phone… If he needs you, he can call--"

"He wants me to snuggle with him," Alana argued with a soft yelp as AJ leaned back to pry her fingers from the door. "Nick? Right? Or are you okay by yourself?"

"I'm fine," Nick promised sleepily, unable to garner the strength needed to fight off AJ.

"Okay…" Alana trailed as she released her grip on the frame of the door, watching his eyes droop with exhaustion. "Call me if you need me, Handsome, alright?"

"He will," AJ answered. "Sleep tight, Nicky," he called over his shoulder as he headed into the hallway.

"The poor guy is absolutely miserable, y'know? Can't even keep any water down without getting nauseous and heaving it back up," Alana explained as she was carried into AJ's guest room, thinking nothing of it as she was tossed onto his bed. "Hey! Every race I beat you, you've got to lose a piece of clothing!"

"Ha! Every race I beat you, you lose a piece of clothing, and I choose the piece," AJ decided, dropping a controller in front of her before sprawling next to her.

"Then we'll do one race," Alana suggested with a glorified smile, straddling AJ's backside as means of a seat.

"Sounds good," AJ agreed with a wicked smirk.

"And… You'll decide that I need to remove my tank top," Alana decided as slammed her thumb down on the button to accelerate her vehicle, hurriedly speeding off on the city track.

"Not fucking likely," AJ muttered under his breath as he quickly caught up with her.

"You know, letting me win would be a grand gesture," Alana attempted to persuade as she concentrated on the flat-screen TV mounted to the wall. Poking the tip of her tongue out from the corner of the mouth, she hurriedly eased her car next to AJ's, taking a sharp turn that caused him to careen into a wall. "Score!"

"I'm not into grand gestures," AJ informed her absentmindedly, quickly recovering from the spin. Humming softly to himself as he eased the front end of his bumper against Alana's rear bumper, he followed her closely through the next series of turns, chuckling when she attempted to shake him off. Raising the volume of his humming, he accelerated abruptly through the next turn, smirking when her car went into a tailspin, making sure to keep out of the way as she slid haphazardly into the barrier. "Double score!"

"You bastard…" Alana mumbled in disbelief as she watched her car go up in a blaze of messy flames as AJ's car hurdled ahead past the first checkpoint. Growling with disgust, she tapped on every key as if it would hurry the process of her car returning to a normal state. But AJ was gaining too much of a lead for her to even catch up. The brutality of her wreck was going to cost her a vital piece of clothing. Whining softly with disgust, she leaned over him to see the wicked smirk cross his face. Deciding she had to keep her clothing on, she started to rock her hips against his in a tantalizingly sweet motion. Softly at first to catch his attention as she concentrated on catching up.

"That's not going to work," AJ informed her in a singsong voice.

"Well what is going to work?" Alana whined.

"Let's see… I have the choice of stripping some of your clothes off and having the thrill of victory, or…" AJ trailed thoughtfully, reaching back to trail his fingers down the length of her thigh. "What do you suggest?"

"Are we talking erotic? Kinky? Sensual?" Alana murmured softly as she caught her foot against his calf, slowly stroking in a loving fashion as she kept full concentration on the game, her heart rate accelerating as AJ's car began to slow and veer.

AJ shook his head slightly as his car slid past the second checkpoint. Jerking his hand back to the controller when he realized what was happened, he growled in annoyance. "I think I'll go with being able to slowly peel those panties off you… And I may even do some caresses while I do it…"

"Al," Alana sighed softly as she shifted on his back, watching his car speed up just as she neared. Frustrated, she tapped the pause button as she lifted up her tank top and lay down upon his back, melting patches of their skin together. Circling her arms around his neck with her controller below him, she nuzzled the crook of his neck as she returned their game. "Why can't you concentrate on me?"

"Because it is damn obvious that you want me to concentrate on you so you can take advantage of me and win the race," AJ explained dispassionately as possible, grateful he had selected only one lap of the race. Seeing the final checkpoint on the screen, he whined softly in relief.

"You're just perturbed because I thought of it first," Alana purred against the left side of his face, pressing the barest of kisses to his jaw line. Then, before she could weigh the consequences of her actions, she brought his earlobe into her mouth for a seductive nibble, trailing the small gold hoop with her tongue.

"Fuck," AJ whined, hurriedly pressing the button to pause the game. "…Al, Babe? What're you doing?"

"Trying to win the game?" she mumbled hopefully against his ear, nipping once more before releasing his ear.

"I could just quit the game and let you continue…" AJ trailed with a rasp, tugging her controller away to toss it to the floor.

"Continue nibbling on your ear?" she questioned as she shifted to grasp the controller from the floor, attempting to finish the game. "Does that mean I win?"

Smirking as he easily flipped her to her back, AJ caught her hands in his. "You forfeited, Babe," he murmured as she whined softly in protest. "And you cheated, so I win by default."

"I did not forfeit!" Alana protested as he raised her arms above her head to pin them. "I was still racing when you threw the controller away! And you cheated me, too, so there's no way you win by default--"

"There's no damn way I cheated you! I didn't start grinding on your ass and nibbling your ear--"

"You were humming!"

"I always hum when I'm playing a game!" With a wicked smirk, AJ leaned over, lightly tracing the hollow place beneath her collar bone with his lips.

"…What are you doing?"

"Seeing if your skin tastes as good as it smells," AJ answered softly, letting the tip of his tongue trail across her skin.

"Why don't you ask Nick?" Alana suggested as she arched against him in surprise, writhing slightly in attempts to slip away, knowing the situation was gaining a dangerous momentum.

"He's too sick for me to bother him now…"

"Then take a lick and let me know… Then all your questions about me will be answered… Like a miracle!"

"You're wiggling too damn much," he growled softly, lightly nipping at her skin. Smirking when he heard her soft squeal, he lifted his head, allowing his body to settle between her legs. "Besides, it takes more than a lick…"

"Then you're going to have to take notes from Nick when he's feeling better," Alana suggested, tensing at the burning sensation of his growing bulge pressing through his jeans to the thin material of her panties. "I love him--"

"I love him too, but that's not stopping me from having fun."

"I ain't hurting him like that--"

"Just one kiss, that's all I ask--"

Alana leaned up to peck a playful kiss to his cheek. "Wish granted!"

AJ sighed, shaking his head as he leaned down. "You know what I--"

"'LANA! NICKY TRYIN' TO GET OUT OF THE BED!" Baylee screamed from the hallway. "SAYS HE'S GOTS T'SHIT--"

"Oh, God, that means a serious mess," Alana groaned in dismay as she bucked AJ off her hips. When he fell backward on the bed, she hurriedly rolled off, scrambling toward Nick's master bathroom.

"Might want to pull down your shirt, Babe," AJ called after her, flopping back against the pillows with a grin. Shrugging when she shot him a glare over her shoulder, he reached for his cigarettes as the door slammed behind her. It was definitely fun to get her worked up.
Twenty-Eight :: Nursing the Wounded by shrinkingviolet
Exhaling a heavy breath, Alana leaned over the large kitchen sink as she rinsed out Nick's half eaten bowl of soup before placing it in the dishwasher. Then, leaning back over the sink, she drew some cold water to splash upon her face. She had been taking care of Nick for three days and there had been no improvement in his condition. If anything, it seemed as if he were worse. He demanded her attention for the majority of the day, only giving her a few breaks during the day where she could collect her thoughts. Feeling slightly ill herself, she reached for a clean towel to pat the excess water from her face. She had already received a flu shot to prevent the occurrence of the disease in her, but feared she might be getting a weak strain of the virus. Though it passed as easily as it came about.

"Baylee Thomas Wylee, if you don't stop whining right now," Natalie warned with a harried sigh as she entered the kitchen, attempting to calm a fussy Zachary as Baylee continued to tug on her jeans. Wincing as his whines continued to grow in an effort to drown out Zachary, she opened the refrigerator to locate a bottle. "You hungry, Zach? Baylee, please--"

'That's my cue to haul ass,' Alana thought with a cringe as she wrapped the slightly damp towel around her neck, moving behind the island in attempts to escape. Perhaps she could take a quick nap with Nick before he awoke again. Whatever the case, she wanted to get away from the shrill screams and petulant whines.

"Alana! Please, can you help me? Baylee needs to go down for his nap, I can't get Zach to calm down long enough for me to get two arms to put Baylee down and--" Natalie cut off as Baylee jerked the basket of juice boxes out of the refrigerator, actually banging her head against the door in defeat. "Baylee…"

"I can take care of Boogie--" Alana's sentence halted to its ultimate conclusion when Zachary was dumped into her arms so Natalie could seize up Baylee. Her entire body tensed with an uncomfortable strain as the screaming infant writhed in her arms, reminding her why her relationship with Nick was ending. How she hated the painful worries of parenthood, wanting to shift him back into Natalie's arms. But the pitiful cries seemed to cause her heart to ache as she hurriedly shifted him against her shoulder, murmuring softly into his ear. "Zachie… What's with all these cries, Good-Looking? Tell me what's wrong?"

"Him's a 'melly baby," Baylee informed her with a dark scowl as Natalie stooped to pick up the juice boxes. "An' he puked on my favorite blanket--"

"Bay, please go sit with Daddy in the living room while I get this mess clean?" Natalie implored, a hint of desperation in her voice. "'Lana will get Zach to calm down and take a nap if God loves me, and while she does that, you are going to take your nap--"

"I don't want'a nap," Baylee whined loudly, stomping one foot in annoyance. It seemed every time during the past three days that he had sought out Natalie for snuggling, Zachary was in her arms. Always needing a diaper, a bottle, a burping. Furrowing his flaxen brows as he grunted in frustration, he stomped his foot again, this time smashing a juice box.

"BAYLEE!"

"I think you better clean that up," Alana suggested toward the tyrannical toddler when Natalie stooped with a wet rag. Feeling Zachary calm significantly on her shoulder as he slobbered and gummed her bare shoulder, she caught Natalie's hand to take the rag from her. Then, stooping down to Baylee's level, she offered him the rag. "And you really need to apologize to Natalie for being so mean to her. Your Daddy ain't going to like that much. Nobody wants to see you be a little monster."

"NO!" Baylee shouted. "I NOT A MO'NT'ER!" he declared, storming from the kitchen.

Natalie offered Alana a tense smile as she took the rag once again. "And Bumpkin's expecting me to give him another one of those," she sighed as she knelt down to clean the mess. "Sometimes I wish I could just… Well, you know."

Shaking her head, Alana watched as Baylee stomped off into the living room to complain to his father, completely ignoring her chastising. Moving to sit at the island once more as Natalie furiously scrubbed at the floor, she heard the soft grunt Zachary gave against her shoulder. Gently supporting his head and backside, she pulled him from her shoulder and held him out in front of her so they could see one another. Seeing him sniffle pathetically, Alana cooed softly as she brought him into the crook of her arm, tenderly brushing away his tears. "You just needed Baylee to stop squawking in your ear, huh?"

"That makes two of us," Natalie muttered as she threw the sopping rag into the sink. Smiling when she heard Zachary's soft coo, she turned to see him snuggled so securely in Alana's arms. Alana looked perfect holding the child as she murmured pleasant things to him, rocking him gently to and fro as he continued to sniffle. "Bay's just jealous of Zach… I can understand that… I just wish that Brian would--"

"Get off his ass and give you a hand?" Alana finished with a knowing glance.

"You can be just so eloquent…" Natalie murmured dryly, though her lips turned upward into a small smile

"Why sugarcoat?" Alana questioned with a shrug of her shoulders, patting Zachary's diapered backside as she slid from her seat. Moving to the fridge, she easily tucked him into her opposite arm as she retrieved a previously concocted bottle of formula. Popping its cap, she slid it into the microwave for a few moments before lifting Zachary to her face to smother his cheeks with kisses till he squealed. She acted as if he were any other patient in her hospital, though the natural instinct of motherhood radiated from her.

"…Can I ask you something?" Natalie inquired softly, retrieving the bottle and checking the temperature before recapping it. Handing it to Alana, she pulled herself up to sit on the countertop, fiddling with the hem of the t-shirt she wore as Alana busied herself settling down to feed Zachary.

"When have you ever needed permission?" Alana returned in bewilderment, glancing up toward Natalie till Zachary grunted at her. Smiling softly, she offered the plastic nipple to the boy, chuckling softly when he sucked greedily. Gently patting his behind in a soothing manner with the hand beneath him, she moved her free hand to sweep the curls from her face. That is, till Zachary caught her index finger and pulled it toward his cheek. Fighting the swell of pride in her heart, she looked to the seriousness of Natalie's face. Suddenly, she had a sinking feeling to her heart as she thought back to when Natalie confessed being intimate with Nick. "...What?"

"Are you really going to leave Nicky 'cause he adopted Zach?" Natalie questioned softly.

"…Who told you that?" Alana murmured after an uncomfortable pause, immediately biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep her emotions at bay. It seemed even the mere mention of the finality of her relationship with Nick brought a stir of painful tears to her eyes, especially as the infant in her arms cooed happily between sucks. She wanted so badly to continue her relationship with Nick, but she wasn't sure how it could be possible. She didn't want the heartache of children. The risk of getting so close to another human being and having him wilt away. It was better to end it now, before Nick did anything drastic.

"Brian did… How can you do that, Alana? He loves you so much, and--"

"He has a child that needs a good mother, attentive mother that's going to love and adore him," Alana interjected softly, avoiding all eye contact with Natalie as she dropped her gaze to the beautiful child nestled so comfortably in her arms. "A mother that's not afraid to love him with everything she has in her…"

"You can't let your past heartache get in the way of your happiness now," Natalie noted in a gentle tone.

"I don't want children."

"So you're just going to walk away from Nick because he adopted Zach?" Natalie questioned incredulously as she slid off the counter. "Of all the--"

"It's not fair to either of them for us to continue in a relationship--"

"Have you told him about Colton yet?"

"There's never been a right time in our relationship for me to just blurt out that I was the sole cause of my child's death."

"How in the Hell--" Natalie cut off with a deep sigh, attempting to calm herself down. "How were you the sole cause?"

"Half of my genes produced that child and I was entrusted to care for him for nine months. Somehow, in those nine months, I did something to cause that heart defect. Maybe I didn't get enough prenatal vitamins or I ate something or…" Alana shrugged helplessly as she blinked back a rapid flood of painful tears. "Then when he was born, I listened to his heart and he was perfect. I thought he was perfect. I should have heard the murmur. Should have known that something was wrong--"

"My God, would you listen to yourself? You're blaming yourself for something you had no control over. Has it ever occurred to you that your husband may have passed that on? That maybe, just maybe, heart troubles ran in his family?" Natalie implored, jerking a can of soda from the refrigerator.

Alana flinched with an overwhelming tide of isolating depression. Moving to stand, she held her breath to keep the sob from breaking in her throat. "I don't need your criticism nor your lack of compassion--"

"I'm not criticizing, I'm just trying to understand--"

"You're jumping down my throat and I don't think it's possible for you to ever understand what it's like to have your child die in your arms..."

"I'm not jumping down your throat, I'm just trying to get you to understand that just because it happened before doesn't mean the one that's in your arms isn't going to," Natalie sighed, raking a hand through her hair as she heard Baylee's distinctive shriek from the living room.

"Well, excuse me if I don't take to your abrasive attitude and suddenly and miraculously change my ways like I'm in some storybook romance," Alana mumbled, shifting Zachary back into Natalie's arms. "I've got to go take care of Nick and check up on him."

"Fine," Natalie muttered, turning Zachary onto her shoulder so she could rub his back gently. As Alana yanked a bottle of juice from the refrigerator, she groaned, leaning against the island. "I'm--"

Alana never bothered to hear the end of Natalie's statement as she walked toward Nick's bedroom on the first floor, vaguely recognizing the sharp screams from Zachary as Brian hollered for Baylee to get upstairs in the bathroom immediately. The craziness just didn't seem to be worth the suffering in her heart. At least, not now. Perhaps not ever.

*~*~*


Glaring down at the bowl of chicken noodle soup Alana had placed on the tray on his lap, Nick shook his head. "Can't I get some real food?" he questioned with a slight whine, pushing his spoon through the broth and noodles. Every few hours Alana forced him to chug down fluids, regardless of the fact that all he wanted was a good, cheesy pizza. "I mean, this is good, but… It's…"

"Not a gooey, messy, cheesy pizza?" Alana guessed accurately as she sank into the large, plush recliner Nick had bought for the corner of his room. Folding her arms around her own queasy stomach, she watched Nick wrinkle his nose with distaste at her selection of food. He had just woken up from a significantly long nap and his fever had finally broken into a mild temperature. She hoped that this was the stage of the game where he would start recovering. Well, at least his body if not his attitude. Because then perhaps she could go back to her own house. Chaos was running rampant in the Littrell household. "…Just hold down that broth and stuff for a few hours then I'll try to get you something better…"

"A gooey, messy, cheesy pizza?" Nick requested hopefully, reaching for the stack of saltines next to the bowl. "And maybe a nice, ice cold… Delicious… Bubbly soda?"

"If you don't go running to the bathroom spewing at both ends again… Yeah…" Alana agreed, drawing her knees up to her chest to brace her stomach. She was thankful that Nick seemed in better spirits today. Healthier even.

"…Maybe later, I can see Zach?" Nick questioned tentatively before dipping his head to begin eating. He missed the baby, though he received updates on him every few hours from Baylee, who was only allowed to stand in the doorway.

"Yeah, that should be alright," Alana agreed, mixed feelings stirring about the infant laying somewhere within the household. It was a bewildering sensation to adore a child yet fear him so much, especially when Brian had tapped on the door earlier in the morning to say he couldn't keep the child from fussing. She had fed him his twilight bottle and soothed him back into a peaceful sleep, almost wanting to tell Brian that she would keep him with her for the rest of the day. But, Colton's laughter sprung from somewhere deep inside her and she quickly relinquished hold. "He misses his Daddy like crazy. That's for sure…"

"Not as much as I miss him," Nick decided with a sigh. Part of him longed to spend the rest of the day snuggled with Alana and Zachary in the bed. Wishing that, somehow, Alana would decide that she did want another child. Or, at the very least, open up and give Zachary a chance before pushing him away. "Come sit with me?"

Alana glanced away from the portrait of Nick and his siblings on the wall at his request, somewhat stunned at first. She thought about opening her mouth to decline the invitation, but decided that she'd rather relish in what little time she had left with him. Pulling herself from the recliner, she moved toward the bed as Nick abandoned his lunch tray, having already gobbled down the soup. He then reached for her hand before she could move around to the opposite side of the bed, helping her crawl over top of him so she would be closer. "What do you need?"

"You," Nick whispered, wrapping his arms around her before tucking his face against her neck. Breathing in deeply, he smiled at the aroma of her, a mixture of baby powder, formula, and the light floral fragrance of her shampoo. Realizing that she had been spending more time with Zachary than she had let on, he bit back a grin, lightly kissing her neck. "I just need you, Beautiful."

"I'm glad you're feeling better," she confessed, trying her best to control the shiver that overtook her body at his light kiss. Rubbing his shoulder with an affectionate squeeze to his bicep, she rejoiced in the coolness of his skin. For a fleeting moment, she thought she actually was going to have to take him to the Emergency Room for treatment. "You were so miserable, Handsome…"

"You're an excellent nurse," Nick informed her with a sigh, shifting her over him until she snuggled closer, her head resting on his chest. "…Even though, I was probably the bitchiest patient ever…"

"You ain't kidding," Alana confided as she slipped a hand underneath his t-shirt till her fingertips brushed the bare skin of his chest. "You didn't want nothing from me and you didn't want anything to do with me."

"Really? I must have been really sick," Nick sighed, his fingers trailing through her hair as he stared up at the ceiling. He was still amazed that she had come to take care of him, after the way things had been when he had taken Zachary to her house. He had felt she wanted nothing to do with him, which had hurt much more than the flu that had wrecked his body.

"Like a dog," she confirmed in her usual southern twang, nestling her cheek closer to his chest so she could feel the gentle pulsations of his heart. "Y'know it's bad when AJ comes busting down the door while I'm stripping for you, yanks me out of the room, and you just fell right asleep."

Nick raised one eyebrow, attempting to remember what she was referring to. "…He what? I did? I didn't… No way--"

"I asked you if it was alright and you said, and I quote, 'fine,'" Alana interrupted with a soft laugh.

"Well I'll be goddamned… See? Told you I was really sick. Must have been at death's door," Nick sighed dramatically, reaching to pull the comforter over them so they could snuggle properly. "But I guess it's okay… Ain't like AJ's stupid enough to put the moves on you with Brian and Nat around…"

"Exactly," Alana confirmed simply as she shifted to drape one of her legs over his, sneaking her bare foot underneath the cuff of his pajama bottom to lightly stroke his calf. What Nick didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

"I love you, Beautiful," Nick murmured, kissing the top of her head as he reached to thread his fingers with hers. "I--"

"I love you, too," she promised, leaning up to brush a soft kiss against his lips, the first she had given him in several agonizing days.

"Promise?" Nick whispered before allowing the tip of his tongue to trace her lips. Tightening his arm around her waist to bring her even closer, he groaned upon hearing the sharp wail of his son from the living room. Breaking the kiss, he sighed.

"'LANA! THAT THING WANTS YOU!" Baylee bellowed.

"Y'know, I never really thought that children had a nasty side to them. I mean, yeah, attitude, which was fine and I could deal with it, but… Baylee is the holiest of terrors ever since you adopted Zachary. Like this evil Gremlin jumped into Baylee's body to impersonate him," Alana explained with a groan as her body tensed at Zachary's agonized cries. She hated hearing him sound so desperate, especially when she knew she could calm him. Reaching up, she pressed a light kiss to Nick's lips as she moved to climb off the bed.

"He's adjusting?" Nick suggested with a sigh, sitting up to watch her throw her hair into a messy ponytail. He found it amazing that she so easily slid into the nurturing role for Zachary. "Thanks, Beautiful… For taking care of both of us--"

"No need to thank me," Alana promised as she fussed with her form fitting tank top for a moment before leaning over to kiss him once more. "It's called the compassionate side of being a nurse."

"If you insist," he whispered as she slid out of the room. Leaning against the headboard, he reached for the remote, more than ready to find a good, gory movie to occupy him until her return.

"Up to some company?" Natalie questioned suddenly from the doorway.

"The Daddy Defender?" Nick announced with a lopsided smile, resting the remote on his chest as he watched Natalie linger in the doorway. Knowing he'd have to wait for Alana to return to start the movie, he nodded and motioned for her to enter. "I suppose I could spare some consciousness for you."

"Daddy Defender?" Natalie repeated with a roll of her eyes, entering the room. Pushing the door shut behind her, she moved across the room, glancing to the stack of clothes on the chair before looking towards the bed. Sighing, she flopped onto the bed next to him, making herself comfortable after placing the empty bowl on the nightstand. "How you feeling, Nicky?"

"Better than when I first came here," Nick admitted as he glanced down at Natalie curled amongst the pillows he was saving for Alana. Though, on second thought, he decided, Alana fit far too perfectly on his chest to waste her to pillows. Grinning suddenly when he heard the abrupt stop of Zachary's shrill cries, he reached to shake Natalie's shoulder lightly as if he didn't have her attention. "How long has she been taking care of him?"

"Since he was abandoned at the hospital…" Natalie trailed in confusion, fluffing the pillows up slightly. Chuckling when he groaned in irritation, she propped herself on her elbows. Impulsively, she reached to brush the stray locks of hair from his forehead, knowing that part of her would always want to take care of him in some way. "Since three days after you got here, Nicky. Zach's fine when she's holding him or in the room with him, but it's like he senses when she leaves. Your son's got quite a set of lungs--"

"He loves her," Nick murmured with a soft smile of recognition. "…How does she act around him? How's she look?"

"Huh? She looks like Alana--"

"I knew this smartness wouldn't last," Nick groaned as he pushed playfully on Natalie's forehead. "I mean how does she act around Zachary when she's holding him? What's her facial expression when she's holding him? Y'know, the stuff she refuses to tell me because her bastard of an ex-husband stole her kid…"

Natalie bit back the urge to tell Nick the truth about Alana's ex-husband and child, instead busying herself with smoothing the comforter. "She's wonderful with him, Nicky… I can't really describe it. When she's got him in her arms she gets this glow… She loves him, I'm pretty sure. They look so natural together…"

"Then… I don't have to worry about her leaving me in the next couple days?"

"I…" Natalie faltered slightly, glancing over to see the hopefulness in Nick's eyes. Glancing towards the TV, she took a deep breath. "I don't think she could leave Zach…"

"So, I'm not even part of the equation anymore?" Nick chuckled nervously.

"She loves you, Nicky. I think you are the equation."

"You know… When you're not busting my balls… I kind of like you…"

"Gee, thanks… And when you're not blurting to Brian that you, quote, 'popped my cherry', I kind of like you too," Natalie muttered.

Nick immediately frowned. "Excuse me, Miss Thing, but you're the one that fucked that up first, bonding with Alana over some stupid pedicure shit. She wouldn't look at me straight for days and just got all distant anytime I mentioned you--"

"She's my best friend, I wanted things to be open between us," Natalie interjected, twisting the edge of the sheet between her fingers.

"By getting her to almost dump me, thanks, Nat--"

"Why would she dump you over me?"

"Because apparently sleeping with my lover's best friend isn't exactly kosher."

"It's not like it happened two weeks ago--"

"Thank God!"

"Oh, bite me," Natalie grumbled, shoving his shoulder when he began to chuckle.

"Why Brian reveled over the fact that you were a virgin, I'll never know. You were clumsy, ill-prepared, and--"

"Gave you several toe-curling orgasms," Natalie finished, rolling her eyes playfully. "Don't think my left ear's ever gained back all its hearing."

"You do think that maybe, just maybe, you shouldn't be having this discussion in Brian's house when he could walk in at any moment and catch the tail end of a very disturbing conversation?" Alana announced as she stood in the threshold of the doorway, Zachary babbling excitedly against her bare shoulder as he nibbled at her sweet skin. She had just thought momentarily that Nick might enjoy having Zachary. He had been free of symptoms for a long while. His infective period had ended. Though, seeing Natalie curled so happily on the bed that she and Nick had made love on seemed to cause the nausea to return even if she forced herself to remember that they were merely friends.

"Oh," Natalie breathed, leaping off the bed with a hard blush. Glancing towards Nick, she gave him a slight wave. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Nicky…"

Nick offered a small smile. "Thanks, Nat."

"I was just going to drop off Zachary. You can stay in here with them," Alana offered, feeling uncomfortable that she had interrupted something. If anything, she could now go home and get a nice, hot shower and have some space.

"No, it's okay, really--"

"You haven't gotten to spend time with him since he's been sick. If anything, I can go home now and you can stay with them," Alana insisted as she walked toward the bed, easing Zachary away from her shoulder to place in Nick's awaiting arms.

"But don't you want to…" Natalie trailed as Alana leaned close to offer Nick a soft kiss.

"Can't hardly try to top you in the sex department when he has his son in his arms," Alana explained as she smoothed Nick's wild, platinum locks, deciding it was far better to joke about the situation. If anything, she was still on the outs with Natalie after their previous conversation about her past life.

"Be careful, Beautiful," Nick murmured, leaning up to kiss her again. Grateful to be holding his son in his arms once again, he offered her a smile. "You're coming back, aren't you?"

"In awhile, maybe," Alana answered offhandedly, just needing some space from the entire household. "I'll call you later before I decide anything."

"Okay… I love you, Beautiful," Nick whispered, sighing when she pulled away. Glancing up to watch her, he noticed the tense look between the women. Confused, he began to question what was wrong, but the coo of his son drew away his attention. "Hey there, Son…"

"Ahh," Zachary seemed to explain as he thrust his hands up toward his father, attempting to crane his neck in search of Alana. He offered a small grin when he caught a glimpse of her fading into the hallway, then puckered a bottom lip as his body tensed. "Ma…"

"Did he just say Ma?" Natalie squealed, leaping back onto the bed. Leaning close to Nick, she gently smoothed Zachary's wispy raven locks. "He's so beautiful, Nicky…"

"Ma…" Zachary attempted to call again, erratically flinging his hands toward his head as if to brush Natalie's hands away. His cobalt eyes heavily implored his father as his face contorted to a look of distress. "Ma…"

"She'll be right back," Nick promised softly, turning Zachary onto his chest. Gently rubbing his back, he smiled as he felt him begin to relax. "She loves you, Son… I know she probably hasn't told you, but she really does, I can tell."

Pulling away, Natalie glanced towards the door, feeling as though she were intruding on a private moment. "…I'll just go--"

"You can stay if you want," Nick offered. "Unless you want to go cuddle up to Brian and Baylee?"

"Baylee's received an old-fashioned talking to and was sent to his room, and Bumpkin's gone outside to play basketball," Natalie explained softly. "But you and Zachary need some--"

"Hey, Natalie! I need your help on something downstairs!" Howie suddenly bellowed, popping into Nick's bedroom to observe the trio. Smiling slightly, he nodded toward Nick. "Glad to see you feel better, Nicky."

Nick tensed when he felt Zachary startle, immediately cooing softly to soothe him. Waving distractedly at Howie, he looked over to Nat, a playful smirk pulling the corners of his mouth. "Go ahead, Nat. He probably just wants a body shot or two…"

"You're not funny," Natalie muttered with a scowl, pushing on Nick's forehead just as he had done previously. And when he smiled toward her, she did the same, hurrying to follow Howie's footsteps.
Twenty-Nine :: Mending Hearts by shrinkingviolet
"Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit!" Alana heaved in a slightly squealing mantra as she raced along her spacious, green acres of land toward her personal lake nestled underneath a shady patch of beautiful trees. Usually, she would relish in the beauty of her surroundings, but knew that AJ was hot on her heels. When she had been leaving Brian's home, AJ had cornered her before she could climb into her car, inviting himself back to her home. She had hoped just to have a quiet evening alone, but AJ's Cheshire smile had been contagious. She enjoyed his company and the way he made her laugh. So she had complied. Though, she now contemplated her decision as she hurried toward her lake, eying the long swing rope she had attached to a sturdy tree branch some years ago. She had invited him swimming so they had changed into their bathing suits. But he couldn't resist turning on some music in attempts to lure her close. She pretended to fall into his web of sensual temptation, dancing close as she rolled her hips against him. Then, without warning, she shucked his trunks to the floor and playfully tripped him. Now she was racing for her life. So, without hesitation, she leaped onto the rope, swinging her out into the very center of the lake before release, plunging into the cool waters.

"Cannonball!" AJ shrieked as he ran to the very edge of the high bank. Immediately leaping into the air, he released a loud cry, sailing through the air before plummeting into the center of the lake. The cold water made him startle, and as he rolled gently to push his body back to the surface his foot brushed against Alana. They surfaced at the same time, both panting with exertion. "Don't ever do that again!" he growled, splashing her playfully.

"Do what?" Alana laughed as she turned away from the heavy splashes, waiting for him to cease fire. When his arms seemed to tire, Alana sprang out of the water and onto his shoulders, pushing him down into the water.

Holding his breath, AJ wriggled his body, placing one foot against her hip to push her away. When she fell backwards with a splash, he brought his head out of the water, grinning. Diving towards her, he grabbed the side tie of her bikini bottoms, laughing out loud when she squirmed away. "Don't do that," he explained as her bikini bottom slid off her legs, drifting in the water.

"Alex-fucking-ander!" Alana gasped in horror as she glanced toward him and her bikini bottoms floating in the soft undercurrent of their movements. She immediately recognized the devilish streak darkening his sepia eyes, knowing it was a race to her bottoms as she dove.

Jerking on the string that was still wrapped around his finger, AJ shouted in triumph when he had the bottoms in his hand. Quickly stuffing them into the waistband of his trunks, he idly swam away as Alana released a thick stream of curses. "Hey! If you want 'em, come and get 'em!"

"And put my hand in crab-fest?!" Alana growled, slapping her hands against the top of the water to elicit a splash. "I'm at least going to need butter and a shell cracker before that stunt!"

"I'm clean, Babe! Checked it all out after I had a shave--"

"You mean jerked it all out after you had a shave--"

"Don't sound so depressed, I thought about you," AJ promised with a wicked grin.

"No wonder I was itchy…" Alana teased, swimming toward the deepest portion of the lake.

"I'll give you a nice long scratch," AJ offered, staying where he was. Tilting his head to one side, he watched her body glide through the water, smirking. "Oh, Al? …Nice ass…"

"You think so?" Alana paused, turning around to tread lightly within the water, knowing her cheeks were already aflame with embarrassment. "…'Cause I don't think I have much of one. My pants are always sliding down--"

"What's the point of having more than a handful?"

"I don't even have a handful…"

"Bet you do…"

Alana offered a small smirk. "Bet you'll never find out."

"Oh, I will," AJ promised, retrieving her bikini bottoms. Twirling them around his finger, he slung them at her.

"Thanks!" Alana breathed as she caught the bottoms with ease, hurriedly submersing them in the water. Biting her bottom lip, she closed her eyes in complete concentration as she pulled them back onto her body and making sure to secure them in tight knots. Satisfied with her job, she opened her eyes only to find AJ waiting in front of her. "Maybe I should nibble on your ear more often."

"What song are you going to do for your demo?" he questioned abruptly, reaching to push the wet locks of hair from her face.

"I told Howie that I wanted to goof around with Unfaithful by Rihanna," Alana answered with a soft smile of thanks at his caring nature. Reaching to loop her arms around his neck as she moved to hang on his back, she allowed him to swim for the both of them. "He said he'd get Natalie to lay down the piano today so I can record tomorrow…"

"Awesome," AJ approved, pausing to tread water for a moment. "He mentioned getting her down in B's studio today, but he didn't say what song… I think he's going to get her to lay down the backing vocals too. Not that she's a good singer, but she passes for that sort of thing, you know?"

"I guess?" Alana agreed, though there was lingering of a questioning tone. She supposed she was just grateful that Howie was getting Natalie's input early in the chance that she wouldn't be loitering when Alana was recording. Their last conversation had gone quite sour and Alana was still hurt by Natalie's coarse nature in handling the death of her child. Not to mention she was slightly unnerved to stumble upon Natalie suggesting that she had given Nick a "toe-curling orgasm," joking aside.

"What? What'd I say?" AJ questioned, craning his head back to look at her. "You and Nat have a catfight over the Nick shit?"

"Hardly a catfight," Alana snorted as she slid from his back, reaching for the rope that dangled over the lake. "It just kind of unnerves me when she mentions giving him a toe-curling orgasm… Even if she's joking… Kind of like Nick has an aneurysm whenever I even mention your name--"

"He does?" AJ inquired with a gleeful laugh. Seeing the seriousness of her expression, however, his laugh quickly died into a soft groan. "You don't have anything to worry about, Al… That drunken sex was a one time thing, trust me--"

"You know about it?" Alana exclaimed, pulling herself out of the water and onto the rope with ease. "Oh, who the Hell am I kidding? You probably got the video tape and photographs."

"God, no… And the only reason I know about it is 'cause Nick called me the next morning telling me that he had completely fucked up - no pun intended - and half of what he told me I didn't get, 'cause he was tossing his cookies at the same time…"

Alana glanced at AJ skeptically as she wrapped her legs tightly around the rope, allowing AJ to reach up and swing her slightly. "Because of all the alcohol in his system or because he woke up next to Natalie? 'Cause, she is a gorgeous creature and--"

"Oh my god, you're jealous," AJ breathed in surprise. "You're jealous of Natalie? That scrawny toothpick with the annoying giggles and a head full of air? Why?!"

"I really don't want to talk about it," Alana mumbled, knowing then she'd have to admit to her insecurities. Though, she was swayed when AJ jerked the rope from beneath her. "She ain't no scrawny toothpick, AJ. God, she posed for Playboy. Someone sought her out and begged for her to pose nude, because she's beautiful. Then she can play the piano like nobody's business. And Baylee adores her. Brian and Howie worship the ground she walks on. And… She's been with Nick… It's like having some big sister breathing down your throat, doing everything you want to do first… I don't know--"

"Is she a bitch about it?" AJ questioned, idly swinging the rope again. "I mean… Hell, if she rubbed it in your face that she'd done all that, I'd be upset too. But Nat's… She's… Not like that, Al. You know? Even the Playboy jig she did, I heard her talking to B the other day about it. It's just something she did to help pay for college--"

"I'm not upset with her about that," Alana disagreed as she turned to hang upside down on the rope, meeting AJ's gaze. "I ain't holding those things against her, either. I'm happy that she's confident enough to pose for Playboy. And I'm grateful that she's playing the piano for the demo. She's a wonderful person. Nice. Exuberant. A bit ditzy, but in an adorable manner. I'm glad to call her my friend. The only thing I really hate is knowing about her and Nick, but I recognize that it was a mistake between both of them. But, knowing they're best friends and seeing them interact kind of gives me this unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. Like I ain't good enough. And what happened between us the other day is something completely different that has to do with my past. Something that she's never going to understand and that much is apparent."

"She can be a bitch when she doesn't understand," AJ commented, tugging playfully on her hair. "But seriously? Even though sometimes I hate his guts and just know that I could make you a million times happier than he does, Nick really… Loves you…"

Alana's features softened into a look of awe as she stilled on the swaying rope. "How do you know?"

"Do you know how many times I tried to veer his attention from you with women in bikinis when we were in the Bahamas? He didn't even bat a fucking eye at them. Looked me right in the eye and said that no one could ever compare to you. That you make him feel things he's never felt before--"

"Thanks, AJ," Alana murmured, halting his defense of Nick as her heart warmed at the truthfulness to AJ's raspy voice. Untwining her legs from the rope, she dove into the water and hurriedly kicked toward the surface to find AJ waiting impatiently. Grinning, she leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Though I probably should pop you for trying to get Nick's attention away from me."

"You can't blame a guy for trying, Al," AJ whined softly in defense, draping an arm over her shoulder.

"So that's why you were pointing out girls to Nick…" Alana sang with a sudden realization, tucking her face close against the side of his face, her soft breath tickling his ear.

"Maybe… Tell the truth, if you'd met me before you met him, would you have gone out with me?"

"Would you have asked me out?" she inquired as she wrapped both arms around his neck.

"Once I made sure you didn't have some hulking wrestler of an ex, sure," AJ teased, kissing her cheek. "Seriously, yeah, I would have…"

"There's no doubt in my mind that I would have said yes," she promised, pulling back so she could express the sincerity of her statement. Her deep teal eyes lightened significantly into a light, glistening green as she smiled at him. "You're hysterical and so soulful and let's face it… Your voice is just utterly alluring…"

"It's not much," AJ shrugged, unconsciously toying with her hair. "I'm nothing compared to Nick, really. He's tall and blonde and a heartthrob and has everything going for him… And I'm the scrawny, balding, tattooed recovering alcoholic. I'm the one who has to sometimes pretend that I'm okay, that things are going great, 'cause if I don't, and admit that I some nights I cry myself to sleep over things I can't change that people will get upset with me…"

"AJ…" Alana sighed softly, not knowing how she could accurately assuage his insecurities with mere words. To tell him that he was a handsome man with an infectious personality and that Nick also had the same insecurities. But to say so would demean his words and belittle his feelings. Lost for a moment, Alana cupped her hands against the back of his neck, pulling him toward her. Before she could rationalize her actions, she brushed her lips against his. It was a soft kiss to start, just a mere taste of his lips, but her tongue probed further, caressing his lips for means of entrance. And when they parted, she pressed harder as her tongue coaxed his into a sensuous dance.

"Good God," AJ gasped into her mouth, his fingers tightening gently in her hair. Drawing her tongue into his mouth, he traced it with the very tip of his before suckling gently. It had been too long, he decided as her leg curled around his waist, since a woman had kissed him so thoroughly.

"You're a great guy, AJ," Alana mumbled softly as she nibbled at his tongue before pulling away. When he whined with disappointment, she leaned to catch his bottom lip into her mouth. Drawing him closer, she suckled his bottom lip and nibbled affectionately.

"You're greater," AJ decided, pulling her closer. A mistake, he realized when her body tensed slightly. The passion she had awakened in him had quickly flooded his body, the most telltale evidence of it pressing against her. "Shit, I’m sorry--"

"No, me," Alana fumbled as she pulled away from his body, wrapping her arms around her chest to conceal the torturous nipple peaks AJ's smoldering kiss had triggered. She blushed furiously as she dropped her gaze to the water, fighting a shudder of delight, knowing she was in the wrong. "I'm sorry, AJ--"

"No, no, it's me," AJ argued softly, biting back a moan when he felt her tremble. Nick would kill him, he was certain, if he dared to touch her. But what a way to go… No, he couldn't do that. Drawing in a deep breath, he offered her a grin. "Hell, if I'd known pouring my heart out would get that kind of reaction, I would have done it the first day I met you…"

Alana seemed to blush harder at his statement, reaching with one hand to tuck the fallen curls behind her ears, still trying to conceal her sensitive breasts from his view. "AJ--"

"Can I see what you're trying to hide from me? Just a quick peek to tide me while I handle my business later on?"

"Are you sure you don't want me to…help? Kind of like you raise it, you jerk it?" Alana offered meekly, feeling guilty for causing him a potentially painful erection.

"Good God, Al," AJ whined softly, cursing the imaginary angel on his shoulder that urged him to do the right thing. Which meant not taking her up on her offer. Not potentially causing a rift in her relationship with one of his best friends. "I really want to tell you to go for it--"

"But you're a gentleman and can't do that to Nick," Alana finished easily, offering him a sad smile as he shifted uncomfortably within the cool water. Glancing toward the many acres leading back to her home, she was satisfied that they were truly alone. Stepping toward him, she offered a light kiss to his lips before undoing the strings of her bikini top, allowing it to slide away from her delectable form. Taking one of his hands into her own, she folded them on her heart for a moment before allowing his fingers to gently outline the soft curve of her breast. "I can at least give you a peep show to tide you over?"

"Sweet fuck," AJ whispered, cupping his palms beneath her breasts. Lifting his gaze to her eyes, he slowly traced the hardened peak of her nipples with the tips of his thumbs. Feeling her shudder again, he smiled slowly before leaning close to offer a gentle kiss.

"If you ever tell Nick, I'll kill you," she promised underneath his lips, nipping affectionately before she pulled from his hold. Tossing her top onto the damp bank, she dove beneath the glassy surface for a final swim, surfacing just beside the bank to climb out and grasp her top, sauntering toward her home.

"It'll be our little secret," AJ murmured, watching the sway of her hips as she strolled away. Taking several deep breaths to calm his racing heartbeat, he quickly dove beneath the water. Hoping the cold would relieve the heat that pooled his system.

*~*~*


Howie wrinkled his nose in disgust, nudging the sippy cup he had discovered under the desk with the toe of his shoe. There was no telling how long it had been there, really. For all he knew, it had been there for ages. Shuddering at the thought of what vile liquid could be fermenting inside, he swiveled slowly in his chair, finally succeeding in moving the cup from under the desk. Brian's studio was a mess. The day before, he had discovered a half-eaten apple on the small couch, which had sent him running for disinfectant as Natalie tinkered with the piano. Ordinarily, he wouldn't mind, would be too absorbed in the music and work to really notice. Today, however, he was waiting for Alana to show. And he wanted everything to be perfect for her. "…No offense, Brian, but… Your studio needs some work," he muttered to his friend, kicking the cup towards the younger man. "…And some Mr. Clean…"

"I'm a father first, D. I had to have stuff down here to entertain Scooper while I worked, 'cause Lord knows Leighanne couldn't be bothered with motherhood," Brian defended as he jumped at the cup hurdling toward his ankles. Stopping it with a firm stomp, he reached down to pluck the offending evidence with a pinch of his index finger and thumb. Holding it up to eye level, he tilted the cup slightly to see heavy chunks of brown liquid slide in the direction of gravity, leaving a filmy trail of sludge in its wake. "Hey! It's my famous chocolate milk with chocolate bar chunks!"

"You worry me, Brian," Howie admitted with another shudder. Glancing at his watch, he realized Alana would be there shortly. "Would you please get rid of any bacteria-infested materials before she gets here? If the disgusting mess of your studio screws this up, your ass is grass--"

"I bet this could be some wicked fertilizer for the compost heap Nat made me fence off--"

"Good God, just get rid of it!" Howie pleaded. "Now! Before it grows legs!"

Brian glanced to Howie with an offended glare. "It's not like I'm cultivating radioactive waste--"

"Hey, D! Al here yet?" AJ bellowed as he burst onto the scene, racing down the steps to beat Natalie and Baylee. Jumping off the last three steps, he grinned excitedly as he stepped beside Brian, glancing sideways for a moment. "Chocolate cottage cheese, great… Hey, is she here? 'Cause Nick is zonked out in his bed and I'm figuring that I could get some seriously sweet beats laid down before he comes alive and wrecks everything."

"Nick took NyQuil, Aje, I doubt he comes alive anytime soon," Howie sighed, spying an odd stain on the carpet. "Brian, would it be too much to ask you get a cleaning service in here? Preferably first thing in the morning?"

Setting Baylee on the couch, Natalie handed George and Simba to him before placing his coloring book and crayons on the coffee table before him. "Don't worry, Howie. I'll take care of it tonight--"

"I needs a pillow, Knot! My heinie hurts!" Baylee suddenly interjected with whine of pain, shifting to his side so the full weight of his body wouldn't rest on his recently spanked backside. But when he saw his father's firm glare, he immediately pouted. "Please?"

"What'd you spank him for?" Howie inquired as Natalie reached to get a pillow for Baylee's backside.

"What'd you spank him with, that it's hurting so bad?" AJ added with a suspicious scowl. "I thought you were joking when you said you were going to get a paddle--"

"He's over exaggerating so he can get some sympathy from Nat," Brian explained, slightly offended by the dark scowl he was receiving from AJ. "And, I used my hand, like any other father would do. And, he's been spanked because he's been--"

"An unholy terror," Baylee announced.

"And now he's reaping what he's sown," Brian finished. "And he knows that if he acts up again--"

"Daddy'll make it really hurt," Baylee informed AJ with a pout.

AJ's frowned deepened. "You know, you're on the verge of child abuse, Rok--"

"It's only child abuse if he starts beating him for no reason," Howie interjected. "God, Aje, it's not like he's beating him senseless. He's just using discipline…"

"Here you go, Sweetie," Natalie murmured as she settled Baylee on the pillow. "You want some juice or--"

"No food in here!" Howie cried, turning to glare at the cup in Brian's hand.

"Hey, y'all? The front door was open and..." Alana's voice trailed off as she slowly walked down the stairs, Zachary poised against her shoulder as he babbled happily against the side of her face. She turned slightly to offer a kiss to his opened mouth, causing him to squeal with excitement. She had made sure to check on the infant as soon as she arrived at Brian's home, finding him cuddled against Nick's side. And, when she leaned to kiss Nick, Zachary had started to squeal for her. She couldn't resist retrieving the infant to coddle him. But when she noticed the others watching her oddly, she shrugged helplessly. "He was fussing beside Nick in bed and Nick was exhausted so… Are y'all going to be here while I goof off on this demo?"

"I just checked on him two minutes ago…" Natalie trailed in confusion, remembering how Zachary had been peacefully gnawing on his fingers. "But, no, I'm not staying… I have to go upstairs and vacuum up a box of Cheerios that was spilled on the floor--"

"Nicky did it!' Baylee immediately screeched when he saw his father's censuring glare.

"Nicky did it," Natalie echoed softly, glancing to her lover. "Baylee was with you when it happened…" Turning to Alana, she offered a slight smile. "Have fun, good luck, break a leg, and all that jazz…"

"Thanks," Alana murmured as Zachary's hand found her mouth. She blew a soft raspberry against his fingers, eliciting a peal of laughter from the infant. Though, when she glanced to Natalie, her entire body naturally stiffened with apprehension. Nothing had been settled between them. "…I mean, thanks for doing the piano and the back vocals, too… You really didn't have to…"

"I wanted to," Natalie assured her, reaching to smooth Zachary's hair. "I want to help you in anyway I can… But Cheerios await. I'll bring some sodas down soon, alright? And honey-lemon tea for you, Howie."

"Allie…" Alana whispered softly as Zachary nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck.

"I'm sorry," Natalie murmured, hugging them both gently. "I'm so sorry, 'Lana…"

"Me too," Alana mumbled as she looped her free arm around Natalie for an affectionate squeeze. She had never had such a close relationship with a woman before. Best friends were too far a rarity in her life to just dismiss as if she were nothing. Natalie seemed to mean everything to Alana. "I'm sorry I was horrible about Nick. I mean, he's one of your best friends and I can't get uptight about what happened, y'know? And… I don't know… I'm just sorry…"

"What the Hell are they talking about?" AJ asked Brian as the women continued to hug. "What's Al not going to get uptight over--"

"Stuff," Brian answered simply, knowing all too well the harshness of Natalie's words to Alana when she was merely trying to help. That evening Natalie had crawled into bed beside him, crying softly in dismay. She had been distraught that she caused her best friend such unbearable pain. Brian had tried to explain as best as he could the details surrounding Colton's death and why Alana felt solely responsible. And when she understood, it only seemed to cause more tears. "Y'know, Tyke eats Cheerios, so technically you don't need to vacuum up a thing if you want to stick around, Nat."

"You really want him to eat that many? I'll go get most up, and get everyone a drink," Natalie decided, pecking Zachary and Alana on their respective cheeks before heading to the stairs.

"If she ain't Miss Suzie Homemaker stitched into June Cleaver," AJ whistled.

"Go to Hell, McLean," Natalie tossed over her shoulder as she headed upstairs.

"With a high flying kink flag!" AJ cackled.

"I'm always so glad to see all the sweet bonding y'all do on a regular basis," Alana suggested as she shifted Zachary in her arms so he was cradled within the crook, tenderly patting his diapered backside to lull him into a sweet peacefulness. Shifting her weight slightly to one leg, she brought the other up to rub her jean-clad calf. Glancing around the studio, she took in all the expensive equipment that Brian had purchased to fuel his career, especially the sound-proof booth with attached microphones and other paraphernalia. To say she was nervous would be a vast understatement.

"She amuses me," AJ explained with a shrug, watching Natalie return to pluck the offending cup from Brian's hand. "Shall we get started?"

"She needs to warm up first," Howie intervened as AJ moved to take Zachary from the safety of Alana's arms. "You can't just throw her in the booth and expect her to belt it out, Aje."

"Thanks," Alana murmured as she watched Zachary writhe uncomfortably within AJ's arms. Noticing the wrinkle in his brow, she immediately reached to claim the child into her arms once more, before his crying could even start. Pressing several kisses to the side of his face, she blushed furiously when Brian arched a curious brow. "You want me to warm up, right? I mean… Just let me sing Zach to sleep so he won't be fussy and I'll be warmed up…"

"Take your time," Howie offered with a smile. "Aje, go make sure the booth's clean--"

"Why me?"

"'Cause Alana's warming up, Brian's going to get Zach's bouncy seat, and I'm going to make sure the music's ready to go," Howie explained as he pulled on a set of headphones. "And, because you'll only make her nervous by standing there looking at her…"

"Thanks, Howie," Alana murmured softly as he gestured toward the empty leather seat beside him. Watching as AJ seemed to obey, grumbling a list of colorful expletives as he stomped into the sound booth, Alana moved to sit beside Howie. He seemed to be an outstanding father figure, though she wasn't used to having one of those in her life. Watching him get to work on the music, Alana shifted Zachary in her arms. She smiled as he cooed with happiness. "So… What song does Zach want to hear before naptime?"

"Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" Baylee suggested softly, glancing up from his coloring book. "From Lion King?"

"I think I can manage to sing that," Alana agreed with a sweet smile, reaching an arm out toward Baylee. "I have a free cuddling arm if you want sang to, too?"

"I workin' on a pi'ture for someone special," Baylee whispered with a secretive smile. "But I help you sing it?"

"Sounds good to me," Alana agreed as she glanced down toward Zachary who was reaching up for her. Sighing, she kissed each of his palms, lifting him higher so he could feel closer. Humming softly to find her perfect pitch, she nodded toward Zachary and softly began. "Can you feel the love tonight / The peace the evening brings / The world for once in perfect harmony / With all its living things / So many things to tell her / But how to make her see / The truth about my past, impossible / She'd turn away from me…"

Baylee grinned as he joined in, scribbling furiously on his coloring page. "He's holding back, he's hiding / But what, I can't decide / Why won't he be the king I know he is / The king I see inside?"

"Can you feel the love tonight? / The peace the evening brings / The world, for once, in perfect harmony / With all its living things," Alana sang powerfully, reaching notes that most singers thought were impossible. Howie even had to stop cuing up the music to glance over his shoulder, assuring himself that he had heard correctly. But Alana was too absorbed with lulling Zachary into a sweet sleep, brushing her fingers down the side of his face as she finished softly. "Can you feel the love tonight? / You needn't look too far / Stealing through the night's uncertainties / Love is where they are / And if he feels the love tonight / In the way I do / It's enough for this restless wanderer / Just to be with you…"

"And if he falls in love tonight / It can be 'sumed / His caref'ee days with us are hist'ry / In short our pal is doomed!" Baylee finished with a giggle.

"You're more than warmed up," Howie choked in disbelief.

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Alana questioned as Brian returned with Zachary's colorful bouncy seat. Mouthing a soft thank you, Alana stood and carefully settled Zachary into the soft fabric before securing him and draping a blanket over his slumbering body. Brushing away a few raven locks from his forehead, she leaned to kiss him once more before standing and stretching.

"Good thing…" Howie trailed as Brian stared at Alana incredulously. "Brian, close your mouth, please… Alana, just go into the booth, and we'll do a couple of run-throughs before - Brian, your mouth?"

"Huh?" Brian breathed thoughtlessly.

"What's wrong with you?" Alana questioned uncomfortably.

"N… Nothing," Brian stammered. "I just thought that--"

"'Lana! I made a pi'ture for you!" Baylee interrupted, leaping off the couch after ripping the paper from his book. Holding it up to her, he grinned. "It's for luck!"

"A picture? For me?" Alana exclaimed in surprise as she ducked back down to Baylee's height so she could retrieve the coloring page. Admiring the diligence of his attempts to stay in the lines, she was awed at the beautiful coloring of Simba and Nala cuddled next to one another in a romantic embrace. "Awe, Boogie, this is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much. Am I allowed to fold it and put it in my pocket? That way I have it no matter where I go?"

"Uh-huh," Baylee agreed with a nod. "But you c'n tape it on the window to look at while you sing?"

"JJ and Howie set up a music stand to hold the lyrics to the song I'm going to sing. I'll put it on that so I don't have to ruin the beautiful picture with tape," Alana explained as she leaned to smack a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you so much, Boogie. You have no idea what this means to me."

"You welcome, 'Lana," Baylee cooed. Glancing down at Zachary, he grinned. "That can't color yet--"

"When he gets old enough, you should be the one to teach him," Alana suggested as Brian tapped Baylee's backside to shoo him away. Smiling momentarily at the triumphant gleam in Baylee's dark sapphire eyes, she shook her head as Howie motioned for her to enter the sound booth. Nodding, she did as he suggested, finding AJ finishing up last touches as she closed the door behind her. Staring at the large microphone and headset, she hesitated at the threshold, immediately reaching to remove her socks and faded converses. At AJ's bewildered glance, she blushed slightly. "If I'm going to be a nervous wreck singing, I might as well be comfortable… I always sing barefoot…"

"Do you always sing naked in the shower, too? 'Cause I really don't mind if you strip--"

"AJ!" Howie cried in disbelief. "The freaking mic is on, you idiot--"

"Are you recording?" AJ inquired as he grinned wickedly.

"Sure am," Howie replied with a grin of his own. "And I'm sure Nick would just love to hear this--"

"He's drugged up on Nyquil without a care in the world. I could lock this booth door, throw Al down on the carpet, have wild passionate sex with her, and he'd still be twiddling his insignificant member praying for a wet dream."

Howie chuckled nervously when he saw a reflection in the glass. "Actually, I don't think--"

"What the fuck are you doing?!" Nick demanded groggily.

"Shit on a stick!" AJ cursed as he lunged toward the booth's door, hurriedly locking it before Nick could gain entrance. "You're stuck with me, Al. And I'm sorry, but it looks like we might have to stay in here for the rest of our days. It'll mean sacrifices, like living on hot, passionate, unbridled, sweaty-Stop recording you Puerto Rican Porker!"

"You're forgetting something," Howie explained with a casual shrug as Nick snatched the key to the door off the wall. "If I were you, I'd be praying that my will was up to date…"

"Oh Jesus-Fucking-Christ," AJ whined as he held tight to the doorknob, bracing his skinny frame against the door as if that would stop Nick's passionate jealous streak.

Nick jerked the door open, shaking his head as AJ fell to the floor. Stepping over him to Alana, he lightly kissed her cheeks, ignoring the man's pleas for sanctuary. "I didn't know you were recording today…"

"For heaven's sake, get off the floor, dumbass," Howie muttered to AJ, punching the button to end recording as Zachary began to fuss from his bouncy seat.

"You are fucking dead, Dorough," AJ croaked as he crawled from the sound booth.

"…They've been pestering me to record this demo for weeks… I decided that it was now or never. I guess I didn't realize that you knew," Alana explained softly as Brian popped into the studio to offer the swaddled Zachary to Alana. She easily took the infant into her arms, shifting him to her shoulder so he could pacify himself by chewing on her neck, like he enjoyed. Gently patting his back, he quickly calmed. Almost as quickly as he had began to fuss. "And you were sleeping when I got here, so I figured I just wanted to come down here, do it, and leave. And, guys, 'cause I know you're listening, I'm just going through this once."

"You going to hold him while you do it?" Nick questioned softly, dropping soft kisses on his son's head.

"Why? Are you going to take him?" Alana returned, preparing to shift Zachary despite his grunt of protest and possessive hands splaying across her bare shoulder.

"He's happy where he is… Keep quiet for her, Son," Nick ordered in a soft tone, lifting his head to kiss Alana gently.

"I figured," Alana breathed against his lips, reaching her free hand up to brush down the side of her lover's face. Since gallivanting off with AJ for the day, she had yet to see Nick. The queasiness remained in the pit of her stomach, but she attributed it to either a touch of Nick's flu or what she had done with AJ. Savoring the taste of Nick's lips, she leaned closer to intensify the kiss, hoping it was okay with him. "How are you feeling, Handsome?"

Nick moaned softly in appreciation of her kiss, looping his arms around her waist. "Better--"

"I'm glad," she murmured, feeling Zachary coo against the side of her neck as Nick's tongue slipped inside her mouth for a gentle stroke. Feeling the fire of passion start to burn in the pit of her belly, she shivered with appreciation, cupping her hand around the back of Nick's neck to intensify the wanting of her kiss. "You better get out of here so I can record this stupid song…"

"I love you," Nick breathed, holding her to him as he rained kisses along her cheek. Smiling as Zachary cooed again, he squeezed them both gently. "Hurry along… And if you can get him down for a nap, I'll be upstairs…"

"Sleeping off Nyquil, so I ain't going to disturb you," she warned, brushing her hand lightly down his chest as she tilted her head to capture his lips for a quick kiss.

"Fine… Then bring Zach up an we'll all snuggle," Nick compromised softly.

"Daddy, they kiss'n again," Baylee groaned.

"She kissed me a helluva lot better than that," AJ huffed as he leaned back in his thick leather chair, concentrating on the conversation between Nick and Alana. Though, he almost toppled the chair when he heard Alana suggest softly to Nick about the need to have him completely. "…That lucky son-of-a--"

"JJ! No cussin'! Baylee admonished.

In the booth, Nick grinned against Alana's lips. "Come upstairs when you're done, okay? I love you…"

"Give me a surprise underneath your blankets and have nothing on," Alana suggested as she kissed him once more, feeling the soft breath of Zachary's pleased sigh when she released Nick. "I love you more, Handsome…"

"Why Nicky need nakie, Daddy?" Baylee questioned as Nick strolled from the studio with a lazy grin on his face. "'Lana give'im a 'ponge bath?"

"Something like that, Scooper…" Brian mumbled, his cheeks tinged pink as he carried Baylee over to the couch where Natalie waited with drinks. Explaining Nick and Alana's lust for making love was harder than explaining the very act of sex to his young son. Slumping onto the soft cushions, he immediately pulled his love close, burying his face into her wavy chestnut locks.

"Alright, I admit it! I scooped the Cheerios back in the box and put it in the cabinet 'cause the floor was spotless!" Natalie squeaked in surprise.

AJ glanced over in confusion at Natalie's confusing outburst as Brian muffled a small laugh. "…You are such an idiot…"

"Howie, can I get started?" Alana suddenly inquired through the two-way speaker.

"Whenever you're ready," Howie confirmed, reaching to push a button. "Oh, gross… Is that freaking jelly?!"

"Lick your fingers and tell me if it's strawberry or grape!" Brian requested.

Alana hurriedly pressed for communication once more. "Y'know, we can just do this later, much later--"

"No, no, it's fine," Howie assured her, making a face as he pressed the button. "Just put the headphones on and let me know when you're ready…"

Reaching for the headphones with her free hand, she fumbled slightly to push them onto her ears. Adjusting them slightly, she returned her hand to Zachary's back to give him the comfort of safety. Holding her breath, she glanced down at the colored picture that Baylee had made for her before looking out to those around the soundboard. They all looked so hopeful and anxious to hear her sing, causing the pressure to mount over her. Closing her eyes, she shifted slightly so she wouldn't have to look at them while she sang. Then, she raised her hand to gesture she was ready.

"Would you all quit staring at her like she's some freak at the circus?" Howie hissed under his breath as he pressed a series of buttons. Pulling on a set of headphones, he was grateful that Brian's equipment allowed him to listen through those or through the speakers. Hearing the piano intro to the song, he gave her a nod, closing his eyes in order to give her some privacy as the others slinked away to sit on the couch.

"You know, I'm half of this label so I should at least be able to hear--" AJ's voice turned to a hard whimper when Howie's hand shot out with a CD case, jabbing him in the pit of his stomach, dangerously close to his nether regions. "…And we've both made some good points, so I'm just going to go over here and color now," AJ finished with a high-pitched wheeze, scurrying away.

"I knew I should have asked Kevin to be my partner," Howie grumbled under his breath, though those thoughts were ceased when Alana's rich voice began to sing. Reaching to adjust the levels slightly, he smiled to himself as he glanced through the window. She stood at the microphone with her back to him, swaying gently from side to side in time to the music. Zachary's head rested on her shoulder, eyes drooping sleepily as she rubbed his back. Leaning back in his chair, Howie released a pleased sigh. She was perfect.

"And I know that he knows I'm unfaithful / And it kills him inside / To know that I am happy with some other guy / I can see him dying…" Alana sang softly into the rounded microphone, allowing her eyes to drift closed to take her into the melody of the song. She pictured herself in the center of her home, simply cleaning with the music filtering through her surround sound. The passionate music that brought her heart ease as she kept her voice in perfect melody with the singer. The passion hidden deep inside her opening like a gorgeous flower, the power of her voice actually causing Howie to practically topple from his chair. "I don't wanna do this anymore / I don't wanna be the reason why / Every time I walk out the door / I see him die a little more inside / I don't wanna hurt him anymore / I don't wanna take away his life / I don't wanna be… A murderer…"

"Perfect," Howie breathed once the song was finished. Seeing her blush as she replaced the headphones, he turned to press the sequence of buttons that would burn the song onto a CD. "Abso-freaking-lutely perfect--"

"Did you just blow a monster load?" AJ questioned bluntly as he watched the satisfied grin cross his friend's face.

"Naw, his face ain't flushed enough to have done that," Brian drawled as Alana came out of the booth. "And he ain't out of breath--"

"Shut up," Howie muttered, tossing his headphones down. "Why does everything have to be about sex with you two?!"

"Daddy? What's sex?"

"Nothing you're allowed to do till you're at least fifty," Brian murmured, lifting Baylee off the couch and patting his behind to scoot him up the stairs.

"Is everything done?" Alana questioned as she shifted Zachary into the crook of her arm, satisfied that he was sleeping soundly.

"Done," Howie confirmed, popping out the CD. Placing it in a jewel case, he handed it over to her before turning to make more copies for himself. "You can have a listen when you want…"

"Well, I was needing a new coaster--"

"Alana!" Howie cried in disbelief. "If you use that as a coaster--"

"What he means, Babe, is you're free to do with it whatever you want," AJ finished with a quick scowl in Howie's direction. "Use it as a coaster, for target practice, or sling it at Nick when he's being a prick…"

"Glad to see he's so free with my equipment," Brian muttered. "Can I listen to--"

"We need to go fix dinner," Natalie informed him, ushering him towards the stairs. "When she's ready for someone to listen to it, she'll let you know, I'm sure."

"That'll be next to never," Brian grumbled with displeasure as he was pushed up the stairs. "And the only thing I'm making for dinner is macaroni and cheese from the damn box--"

"If y'all'll excuse me, I have a present waiting upstairs for me for being complacent with his best friends," Alana drawled excitedly as she tucked the jewel case into the back of her slim jeans. Her entire body shivered with an anticipated delight at the mere thought, reaching to kiss AJ and Howie's cheeks. "Enjoy that CD for whatever y'all need it for."

"If I ever get to listen to the damn thing," AJ muttered, watching her head up the stairs. Turning to Howie, he reached for the CD his friend held. "As the best looking partner, I demand I get a listen!"

"Best looking?!" Howie snorted, ripping the CD away when AJ's fingers briefly brushed across the plastic. "You can kiss my ass, McLean."
Thirty :: Shattered by shrinkingviolet
Hearing the excited coos and squeals filtering from Nick's bedroom had deterred Alana from joining the rest of the group in Brian's backyard for a buffet of barbequed wonder. It had been a long day at work before she had been invited for dinner, but she quickly agreed at Nick's hopeful tones. Grateful in the knowledge of being able to walk into Nick's arms for a comforting embrace, she still couldn't resist stopping in Nick's empty bedroom in order to see Zachary. Even though she knew Nick was trying to lay down the infant for a nap. But, when she crawled onto the bed and caught Zachary's cobalt eyes, she knew that he wouldn't be sleeping. He seemed to light up as he squealed with sheer excitement, throwing his arms and legs out with a sigh of sweet delight. His babble seemed to ramble as she reached to pluck him from the security of the pillows. "How's my favorite little man doing today? I missed you, Zachie."

"Your favorite little man?" Nick repeated slowly as he leaned in the doorway, watching her. Smiling at the way she snuggled Zachary close, he saw a glow in her eyes that always lit up when the baby was near. "…He's supposed to be taking a nap… We've had a busy day of zombie movies and kicking Brian's butt in video games, ain't we, Son?"

"It was a long day and work and he was--" At Nick's skeptical glance, she shrugged her shoulders helplessly, unable to hide her smile when Zachary reached for her fingers to chew upon. Moving to sit at the edge of the bed, she watched Zachary's curious nature glow as he nibbled on her fingers with several coos. As hard as she had tried, she couldn't keep the barriers of her heart fortified against Zachary's charms. Just like she had been unable to keep Nick away. "…He takes after his father, what can I say?"

"He was all you could think about?" Nick questioned hopefully, wincing when the back door slammed shut. From the open window came the gleeful squeals of Baylee as he begged AJ and Howie to play a game with him. Turning his attention to Alana and Zachary, he grinned.

"Something like that," Alana murmured softly as she nuzzled her face against Zachary's face, eliciting a sweet coo. When she glanced up to Nick, she realized that not only had she been thinking about Zachary for most of the day, but him as well. With soft gasp, she realized that these two men were the most important people in her life.

"Beautiful?" Nick murmured hesitantly, fiddling with the hem of his t-shirt as he moved to sit on the edge of the bed. The question had been plaguing him for several days, and he suddenly realized he had to have an answer. "…Are we still… Together?"

"What?" Alana questioned in surprise, glancing sideways as she curled Zachary close to her chest, allowing Zachary to nestle his head gently against her breasts with a pleased sigh. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't we have some amazing love making a couple days ago?"

"Well, yeah, but… You said when Snot Sucker came home that you didn't want to be a mother, and… Are you going to leave me?" Nick whispered, biting his lip to ward off the tears that threatened to build. Just the thought of not having her in his life caused his entire body to clench in fear.

"Handsome…" Alana trailed softly with astonishment, reaching with her free hand to cup the side of Nick's face. Gently pulling his face so he'd look at her, she leaned over to offer him a small kiss. "I love you, Nickalicious."

"I know," he whispered against her lips. "But is that enough for you to stay?"

"I sure hope so… But you're the one who's leaving to go back to Florida or California…"

"I'll stay with you."

"You're going to uproot your entire life--"

"You and Zach are my entire life, Beautiful…"

"I'm not leaving you, Nick. I can't imagine not having you in my life. I've already lost so much…"

"And… You'll be Zach's Mommy?" Nick breathed, not know what he would do if she said no.

Alana hesitated, "Nick--"

"He already thinks of you as his mother, Alana," Nick interrupted, getting to his feet so she wouldn't see his tears. "You cuddle him, you sing to him, you feed him… You do everything that a mother does…"

"I'm not a good mother--"

"Bullshit."

"Colton died, Nick."

"Zachary won't, Alana…"

"You don't know that," Alana whispered, dropping her gaze to the happy baby curled so contently within her arms. She felt the hot tears slide down her face as she sniffled. The pain of Colton's death that she had hid so deep bubbling to the surface faster than she had anticipated. She couldn't lose another child nor another lover. She hadn't the strength.

"…He died? …You told me that he and your ex left you…" Nick breathed in confusion.

"I said they both weren't coming back… Colt died when he was two years old. He had a heart defect like Baylee did and I didn't know about it. So, I took him to the dentist for the first time and the plaque from his teeth got into his blood stream and went to his heart. He died in my arms. My ex-husband, Jeremy, blamed me for Colt's death… People change after something like that… And he left…"

"We can make sure that Zach doesn't have anything like that," Nick murmured, resting his forehead against the wall. "We can get every test known to man run on him, can't we? Would that help?"

"I wouldn't want to put him through something like that…"

"Then you're just going to leave, then?"

"I didn't say that I was going to leave--"

"Then what?" Nick persisted, blinking rapidly to get rid of the tears. "I can't choose between you and Zach--"

"Damnit, Nick, I'm not asking you to choose between us," Alana stressed as she moved to stand with Zachary in her arms. "I love him so much. He's a perfect little boy and just deserves the world--"

"He doesn't want the world, Alana. All he wants is people who love him and care for him--"

"And I'm scared," Alana confessed, muffling a hard sob as she pressed her face into Nick's back. "I want to be part of your lives… I want to be your everything… I just don't want to hurt either of you…"

"Alana… Just… God," Nick sighed, closing his eyes tightly. "You could never hurt us… Can you at least give it a try?"

"Don't be mad at me," Alana pleaded quietly as she pulled herself away from Nick's back when he didn't reciprocate. She could feel the tenseness of his body and knew he was upset. Shifting the slumbering Zachary in her arms, she carefully laid him amongst the pillows and stepped away, bracing her arms around herself. Never did she think that she would be putting herself in this situation again. This pull of the heart strings that always seemed to end in an overwhelming ache. "I'm sorry, Nick… I can try--"

"Please," Nick murmured, turning to pull her into his arms. Holding her tightly against him for fear she would slip away, he pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. "We'll make it, Beautiful. I promise."

"Handsome," Alana sighed with relief as she buried her face into his chest with a shudder. "I love you so much. I love you and Zachary so much."

"We love you too," Nick promised, holding her closer than ever before. "And we need you--"

"I won't leave," she interjected softly. "If you want me to stay."

"I want you to stay. Forever--"

"NICKY! WE NEED YOU!" Baylee screamed from outside. "WE P'AY FEETBALLS!"

"You better go play," Alana sighed as AJ and Howie's voices followed, demanding for Nick to hurry the Hell up. Gently untangling herself from Nick's grasp, she reached to turn on the baby monitor on his nightstand before retrieving the smaller unit to tuck into her back pocket. Though, somewhere, she knew that she'd be back in for the infant even before he cried out. Brushing away the stray fallen tears, she stifled a soft sniffle as she moved to exit the bedroom.

"…Why don't we bring him down with us?" Nick suggested softly, turning to scoop Zachary into his arms. Settling him against his shoulder, he offered Alana a gentle smile. Now that he knew she would stay, he wanted to keep his family together at all times. "It's warm out, and we can spread a few blankets…"

"That sounds good," Alana agreed with an affirmative nod, tossing the baby monitor onto the bed before taking the blankets that Nick had gestured to. Smiling, she followed her boys through the hallway and out to the spacious backyard. Seeing Zachary resting so comfortably against Nick's shoulder, his little lips fluttering with each noisy breath, and Alana had to smile as she hopped off the stairs of the porch to spread the blankets on the grass. Concentrating on her men, she was oblivious to Baylee racing excitedly around the yard to keep AJ and Howie away from the ball as Natalie and Brian fussed over the barbequing items.

Kneeling down next to the blankets, Nick gently laid Zachary down, grateful his son remained asleep during the transition. Draping a light blanket over him, he pressed several soft kisses along Zachary's cheek before getting to his feet. "He's so beautiful--"

"Gorgeous," Alana agreed as she kicked off her shoes and stepped onto the blankets to sit beside Zachary. The little boy even seemed to shift closer to her in his sleep, though her thoughts were elsewhere as she glanced up at Nick. "When's his Uncle Aaron coming to see him?"

"I have to call him…" Nick trailed. The last time he had spoken to his brother, everything with Alana had been in limbo. He hadn't known their future, and therefore hadn't known where he would be when Aaron had time for a visit.

"Tonight," Alana suggested as Natalie strolled in their direction with two drinks. "Call him later tonight, please?"

"I will," Nick promised.

"Good, now go play."

"Yes, Mommy," Nick cooed with a playful grin before rushing away, scooping Baylee into his arms.

"Remind me to kick his ass later," Alana growled as she attempted to get up, but Natalie blocked her path as she handed over an icy drink of Pepsi. Sprawling back on the blanket once more, she held a fixed scowl as she brought several ice chips into her mouth for chewing. "I'm freaking younger than him."

"But he's so happy," Natalie persuaded with a smile, watching as Nick passed Baylee to Brian, as though the child was a football. AJ and Howie were arguing over the boundaries. Turning her attention to Alana, she saw her friend's hand reach to gently rub Zachary's back as he slept. "And besides… He thinks of you as Zach's Mommy…"

"And Brian thinks of you as Boogie's Mommy…" Alana suggested with a small smile, listening to Baylee's excited shrieks as he was tossed back into Nick's arms and he pretended to body-slam him for a touchdown into the ground. "Guess we need to form a Backstreet Mommy's Club. Perhaps, sip on Martinis and suggest where we shall devote our worthy time to a variety of charities while we lament on how hard it is to be a mother in such trying circumstances such as mansions and yachts…"

"…Bumpkin doesn't have a yacht," Natalie muttered, giggling when the man she spoke of tripped over Tyke and ended up somersaulting across the lawn. "And he hasn't filed for divorce yet, either…"

"Have you asked him why?"

"…He's going to wait 'till his album comes out--"

"And the problem with that is?"

"Nothing… I was just making conversation?"

"I think I know you better than that…"

"Better than what?" Natalie questioned in confusion.

"Well, I certainly don't like you for your smarts," Alana teased as she set her drink aside, preparing to stretch out on the blanket to cuddle next to Zachary. Though her plans were halted when AJ stooped to throw her over his shoulder, hurrying toward the porch before Nick could make wise of the situation. "AJ--"

"We need a referee!" AJ insisted as he hurried across the lawn.

"I'll stay with Zach," Natalie called behind them before stretching out next to Zachary.

"That's my baby!" Alana groaned as she attempted to flip off his shoulder, immediately regretting the decision when she landed hard on her back, AJ toppling over her.

"I'll be your baby," AJ crooned.

"I think you just broke my baby maker," Alana groaned with discomfort.

"Want me to kiss it better?" he questioned with a suggestive grin, rolling to her side.

"With or without clothes on?" Alana purred with every intention of kneeing him in the groin till she was yanked off the grass with a string of expletives spewing in her ear.

"Get your bony fucking ass off my star singer," Howie growled as he pulled Alana into an upright position.

"Yeah! You break it, you bought-Star singer?" Alana questioned in surprise as Howie helped to brush the clips of grass away from her jeans and tank top. She arched her light brows in shock as Howie led her toward the porch, mumbling threats in Spanish to his partner.

"Star singer," Howie confirmed, offering her his sweetest smile.

"Sorry if I sound like Natalie, but, I ain't really sure what you're talking about…" Alana trailed as she stopped halfway when they neared the blankets, plucking Zachary up when he cooed for her. Knowing he was hungry, she followed Howie to the porch where Nick already had bottles waiting. Though, Nick was being attacked heartily by Baylee and Brian, so Alana was left to tend to the infant as Natalie raced to retrieve the food.

"I'm talking about you being the first artist signed to our label… Our third partner is very insistent--"

"And who exactly is your third partner?" Alana inquired curiously as she popped the top to Zachary's bottle, offering him the plastic nipple which he sucked into his mouth quite greedily. Releasing a pleased sigh, he splayed a tiny hand over Alana's breast as if means of protecting the investment as he cuddled against her. She could only think of the term - like father, like son - as she glanced to Howie in waiting.

"He didn't tell you?" Howie questioned incredulously, looking across the lawn to Nick. "Well…"

"Well, what? Who's he? Why are you being so vague?"

"Nick--"

"Wait! Don't tell her yet!" Nick burst from a few feet away, tripping over Baylee as he struggled to get to his lover. Groaning when he got a face full of dirt, he reached to pluck Baylee from the ground, tossing him toward Brian and causing both to topple to the ground. Satisfied that he was safe from their attacks, he hurried toward the porch.

"Nick is your third partner?" Alana murmured in surprise, glancing toward AJ as he slid into the empty seat next to her.

"Don't look at me, it wasn't my idea," AJ muttered, reaching for an iced Pepsi from the cooler. "I was perfectly happy with things being fifty-fifty--"

"And Nick refused to let us sign her if it was just you and me guiding her, though I think he's more worried about late night studio time where you insist on being the only producer with her," Howie reminded with a scowl.

"I promised him that you'd be there the whole time," AJ grumbled. "Not my fault he knows you fall asleep at the drop of a hat--"

"You're their third partner?" Alana questioned above the bickering, glancing toward her lover with suspiciousness.

"It wasn't official until this morning," Nick explained, stooping to kiss the top of her head. "I just have a small interest…"

"A small interest in what?" she continued to ask, standing up so Nick could take a seat before climbing into his lap.

"The talent they sign, mostly…" Nick trailed, wrapping his arms around her gently. Tucking his chin on her shoulder, he smiled down at Zachary, one hand sliding up to smooth his hair.

"So you're going to go to the karaoke bars and whatnot with them to find this talent?"

"Not for a long while… For now all the work is going to be put into signing you," Nick explained.

Alana sighed, "Why me?"

"Because Howie let us listen to the CD," Natalie explained with a squeal as she set the chicken on the picnic table before taking a seat with everyone else, enlisting Brian and Baylee to collect the food from the fridge. "Do you have any idea how fantastic you sound? I mean, your voice is just so overpowering. You bring chills down my spine!"

"That's why," Nick answered with a chuckle.

"Nat's your biggest fan," Howie added with a smile. "Already telling me that she wants to be your manager--"

"I already have photo shoots lined up for you!" Natalie squealed with excitement.

"Jesus, B, give her one of Bay's Xanax," AJ sighed, rubbing his forehead as though to ward off an oncoming headache.

"As long as you wear a rusty chastity belt, you diseased piece of--"

"I haven't even signed onto a contract. So, photo shoots are pretty useless at this point, Natalie," Alana declined delicately, shifting Zachary into a sitting position to lightly pat his back for a burp. "I mean, all this attention is nice and I enjoyed using the recording equipment. But, I'm a nurse. Not a performer nor a singer."

"The photo shoots are for your demo," Natalie informed, hopping up to take the paper napkins from Baylee. "Thank you, Precious," she cooed, kissing his cheeks several times before moving to the picnic table. "Besides, it'll be fun!"

"The demo is someone else's song. There's no way you can produce it--"

"That's why Howie's written you a song," Brian announced. "…Can we eat now?"

"You wrote me a song?" Alana asked Howie with amazement as Zachary released a large belch of relief. Leaning to layer his sweet faces with soft kisses, she lifted him into her arms and moved to sit at the picnic table, comfortable with eating one handed while holding the sleepy infant.

"Three," Howie answered with a smile, sitting across from her. "I couldn't decide which style to go with, so-Ow!" he yelped, jerking his hand from the platter of chicken when Natalie slapped it. "What was that for?!"

"Guests first," Natalie insisted, pushing the platter closer to Alana. "And, besides, Bumpkin has to pray--"

"Daddy! I say g'ace?" Baylee requested as he clamored to sit between Nick and Alana.

"I think we all would really enjoy it if you said grace, Scooper," Brian approved with a proud nod.

Grinning, Baylee lowered his head, peeking to make sure all the adults had done the same. Clasping his hands together under his chin, he cleared his throat before stating loudly, "Good food, clean feets! Good God, you let us eat!"

"AMEN!" AJ whooped, digging into the macaroni salad for a heaping helping.

"Cute," Alana laughed as she leaned down to kiss the top of Baylee's head, taking a piece of chicken for her plate before placing the drumstick on Baylee's plate. She then passed the plate toward Nick, smiling softly toward him before glancing back to Howie. "Y'know, your third partner might be able to entice me into signing to the label provided that he can wine and dine me… A long evening alone to talk about business… Hiring a babysitter, such as yourself, for Zachary?"

"…You want me to baby-sit?" Howie questioned after a moment, accepting a biscuit from Natalie. Tossing it quickly to his plate when the heat threatened to scald his fingers, he glanced at her to see she was breaking one apart. "I--"

"He'd love to," Natalie finished with a grin, smearing butter on the biscuit before reaching to spoon mashed potatoes onto Brian's plate. "In fact, he agreed to take Baylee for the night as well--"

"I do?" Howie squeaked in surprise, glancing to AJ for help, who was already eating furiously as he scooped more food onto his plate.

"What do you say, Handsome? Care to…influence…my opinion of signing to the label?" Alana inquired hopefully.

"Absolutely," Nick replied with a grin, leaning across Baylee to kiss her softly. "We just have to be sure to dot all the i's and cross all the t's…"

"Here you go, Buddy," Brian cooed, offering Zachary half his biscuit. "Gnaw on that for a while--"

"Brian, the boy is barely two months, tell me you did not just attempt to stick a piece of hot biscuit in his mouth," Alana groaned as she shifted Zachary quickly into a protective embrace, glaring incredulously toward other father of the group.

"Aaah…" Zachary cooed happily as he clutched the piece of biscuit in his hands, quickly lifting it to his mouth.

"It's cool," Brian promised. "I made sure. I'm a parent, for crying out loud-See?! He likes it!"

"I know you're a parent, but if he chokes--" Alana held her breath as Zachary coughed against the fluffy biscuit. Her entire body tensed with fright as she heard him struggle, fully prepared to deliver back blows till Nick reached to pat his back, helping him clear his airway without much complaint. When Zachary smacked his lips and cooed with appreciation, Alana had to think twice about reaching over to throw a punch into Brian's jaw. Instead, she buried her face against the side of Zachary's, sighing with relief as she found Nick's hand for a gentle squeeze.

"I told you that we'd make it," Nick murmured softly with a grin, bringing her hand to his lips for a sweet kiss of reassurance.

*~*~*


"Beautiful… I love you, more than I could ever say," Nick panted as he pulled his legs onto the ledge. Wiping the back of his hand across his sweaty brow, he grabbed his bottled water from his belt, drinking heavily before looking at Alana. "And I was excited that you wanted to spend the afternoon with me and all… But… Why the Hell are we scrambling up jagged rocks?"

"Because you told me before that you would love to go rock climbing with me and then make love at the top of the mountain. I had suggested to you that you just drive my Jeep up the backside, but you refused to take the easy way out. Don't you remember?" Alana questioned as she reached up to secure another piece of equipment into the side of the rough rocks before threading her durable rope through. Grinning with satisfaction, she pulled herself up and found her footing within the grooves of the rock. Glancing down slightly, she noticed Nick still waiting on the large lip of the ledge. "Besides, if you're going to talk to me about going into the music business and making me extremely uncomfortable; I want you to be uncomfortable, too, so we're on even plains, y'know?"

"Somehow, I get the feeling that dangling on the side of a mountain makes me more uncomfortable," Nick grumbled before taking another heavy swig of his water. "And I never thought you'd take me serious…"

"You just don't like the way that the harness confines your usual commando style," Alana teased as she helped to secure his line so he could climb toward her.

"Well… I'm worried that one of the twins'll get pinched," Nick jibbed as he replaced his water bottle before slowly climbing up.

"I made sure that the twins were well secured," Alana promised with a roll of her eyes as she continued to hold onto the side of the mountain, noting they were making fairly good process for Nick being a first timer. "Just think how beautiful it'll be on the top of the mountain, laying out on the blanket, all by ourselves with a fantastic view."

"I'll be so exhausted," Nick whined with a playful grin as he stopped to look up at her. "You'll give me massages, right?"

"All the massages you want," Alana promised as she shifted slightly to glance down at him with an encouraging smile. "Maybe even some you haven't even thought of before."

"Will you take your hair down while you do it?" Nick requested, feeling with his foot for another crevice as he pulled up beside her. Stopping once more, he pulled one hand away in order to shake his fingers. "…At the next ledge can we call and check on Snot Sucker?"

"Why do you want my hair down in order to give you a massage?" Alana inquired as she leaned close to kiss him as means of encouragement before taking his hand into her own to rub his fingers. She knew they'd be quite painful by the end of the climb. It took time to get used to the harshness, even with the significant protection provided by the gloves.

"Because I love when you have your hair down," Nick murmured, lifting her hand to his lips for a soft kiss along the backs of her fingers.

"So you can yank me down to you whenever I do something you don't like," Alana suggested, a light blush accentuating her beautiful features.

"As long as you're touching me, Beautiful, I like it," Nick promised.

"You're just a really smooth talker," Alana decided as she leaned close for a longer kiss, nipping at his bottom lip with appreciation for the sweetness of his words. Never had a man spoken to her in such an endearing fashion. It was as if she could do nothing wrong in his eyes. That he would love her no matter what. It was something that helped soothe her severe insecurities.

"Keep that up, and I'll be trying to figure out how to make love to you on the side of a mountain," Nick warned with a hard moan, sweeping his fingers down the smoothness of her cheek.

"I think I'm just trying to fuel your desire to get to the top," Alana objected as she slipped her tongue inside his mouth for a soft caress.

Nick released a soft whimper, tangling his fingers gently in her curls. "And tightening this contraption around Charge--"

"It's not my fault that all I do is kiss you and that beast comes to life."

"He's a beast now? Funny… This morning you were screaming his name…"

At Nick's prideful statement, Alana rolled her eyes and pulled away from his embrace. Glancing up at the intimidating rock, she noticed a crevice and reached for it. Pulling herself up with a grunt, she continued to secure the line with a series of bolts, belays, and carabiners. "Let's go, Pride."

Grunting, Nick followed her, idly humming a song he had overheard Natalie playing in the kitchen the night before. At the time he had found it annoying, unable to get away from it fast enough. However, now he found himself struggling to remember the words. "…You're nobody till somebody loves you… Shit…"

"You've only got a little bit to go before you reach the next ledge, then you can call about Zachary," Alana suggested as she reached into her back to make the next line of protection in case one should slip. Only, halfway through the securing, she felt a hand slide up her tight shorts for a sharp pinch, causing her to lurch against the wall. At first she thought it was a bug, but when Nick actually giggled, she pulled her bottle of water out to empty the contents on his head. "What's wrong with you?"

Sputtering, Nick shook the water from his hair, looking up at her with a wide grin. "I'm just so freakin' happy--"

"Why?" Alana questioned with skepticism.

"I'm with you… We've got a perfect, healthy baby boy waiting at home for us… Just… I'm happy."

"So pinching my ass was like one of those good luck wishes?" Alana inquired with a snort as she pulled herself onto the ledge, leaning over to watch his ascent.

"Well yeah. I mean, if you had kicked me in the face, that would have been bad luck… Instead, you dumped nice cold water on my head, which was great, 'cause I'm hot--"

"Do you think that my ass belongs to you? That you can just pinch it whenever you like, because I've got news for--" Alana's rant stopped halfway when Nick managed to pull himself onto the ledge, thrusting his lips against hers with a powerful means of a kiss. She crumpled toward the back of the ledge as his tongue playfully flicked against her lips to gain entrance, offering swift strokes against his once he was allowed. She felt a whimper turn into a guttural whine as she tangled her fingers in his wet locks. "You are so lucky…"

"Told you," Nick murmured against her lips, nipping hard at her bottom lip. Shifting, he pulled her into his lap, gasping when her hand thrust into the pocket of his shorts, her fingers grazing the side of his growing arousal as she groped. "What are you--"

"Giving you some loving on the side of a mountain," Alana stated, gently tickling the underside of his arousal till he hardened significantly. Purring against his lips, she gently stroked him with the lightest of touches, seeking out his lips for a hard kiss.

"Fuck… Beautiful," Nick hissed against her tongue, blindly tugging her closer. "Keep that up and we won't be making it to the top…"

"So… You want me to stop?" she queried as she pulled her hand from his pocket.

"I didn't say that…"

"But you want to make it to the top--"

"I can make it… Just not as soon as we thought," Nick explained, gently tugging the top of her sports bra down.

"Handsome…"

"What?"

"I thought you wanted to call about Zachie," Alana whispered, fighting back a moan when Nick began to kiss the very tops of her breasts, nuzzling his nose against her collar bone. She fought a shudder of delight as his kisses moved lower, his tongue flicking over each of her nipples till they hardened to tortured peaks. He then moved his tongue to the underside of her right breast, nibbling hungrily till she whined and her fingers tightened in his damp locks.

"After," Nick promised, hands sliding down to fumble with the belt that kept them apart. Sucking one peaked nipple between his teeth, he gave it a hard tug until her fingers dug into his scalp. "Want me to stop?"

"God, please don't," Alana whined with a hard shudder, burying her face into the top of his head to stabilize herself as her emotions grew fiery with a hot passion only Nick could entice.

"Help get this damn belt off before I try to maneuver past it," Nick requested, reaching to peel the sports bra off her body. Leaning back, he sucked in a breath before yanking his t-shirt over his head.

"Don't get so antsy," Alana laughed softly as she reached down to his waist to unbuckle the harness from his body till it went slack around his legs. At this time she felt the breeze of the upper climate wrap around her suddenly chilled, bare upper torso. Holding her breath, she then reached for her own, finding Nick's impatient hands yanking away at her belts and straps to cast it aside just as quickly. "Nickalicious," she squealed in surprise as he seized her upper arms, laying her back amongst the pile of their clothing on the large ledge.

"I need you… Now," Nick requested as he eased her shorts down. Catching her lips in a scorching kiss, he growled when her hands impatiently jerked his own shorts over his hips. "We'll take it slow tonight--"

"Several times," Alana agreed with a feverish nod, biting down hard on her bottom lips when she felt the slight quiver of his hardened member at the entrance of her moist heat of desire.

"Stay with me forever," Nick whispered against her cheek as he entered her swiftly.

"I'll go where ever you go," Alana complied with a whimper as she arched her back sharply at his incoming passion, never fully anticipating the quake of his emotions that caused her entire body to tremble with yearning.

"Marry me," he hissed urgently before covering her lips in a fevered kiss. His hips set a fast pace as he pulled her legs around his waist. Drinking in her soft cries as the dam holding in his passion already threatened to give.

"Handsome," she gasped in shock as his lips broke from hers, his hips roughly grinding against her in the rage of passion as he buried his face into the crook of her neck. She wanted to tell him to stop as a cold bucket of water seemed to be thrown over her body with his proposal. She wanted to know if he had been serious as her heart actually seemed to stop. But with biting, sucking, and licking at her sensitive neck; she felt her body heighten with shudders of passion as she seemed to sink beneath the overpowering sea of his love making.

"Please," Nick panted, lifting his head slowly to look into her eyes. "I need you… Forever…"

"God, Nickalicious," Alana whimpered, reaching beneath her to clutch at his sweaty shirt as if that would give her leverage. Her passion was quickly building and threatening to rupture in the same manner. Her heart furiously beat within her chest as her skin grew clammy and her breathing labored. "Please, Nick…"

"Alana," Nick cried, gripping her hips tightly as he plunged deeper into her. "Now--"

"Yes," Alana agreed as she arched up to meet his final, heavy thrust, feeling the startling release of his passion crash against her throes of ecstasy. It was as if a steaming volcano had erupted between them when Alana buried her face into the crook of his neck to muffle her soft scream of pleasure. The heat of their bodies kindling the fire they held for one another as Nick collapsed against Alana, breathing in the scent of her musky sex.

"God," Nick rasped, his lips seeking hers for a tender kiss. "I love you, Beautiful… So much…"

"I love you more," Alana promised against his lips, gulping several breaths as if that would calm the race of adrenaline. Curling against Nick, she wrapped one leg around his, lightly stroking his calf with appreciation. "Thank you for coming with me today… Even though we haven't made it to the top yet."

"…I think what we just did beats the top of any mountain."

"True…" she agreed with a tired laugh, nuzzling the side of his face.

"So… We can go back down?"

"Don't you want to finish?"

"Sure--"

"Then we can't go back down," Alana interjected, kissing him repeatedly as she helped him into a seated position. Glancing around the ledge, she collected her clothing and his, separating it and depositing his into his lap. "Finish with me and I'll give you a nice, relaxing massage at the top…"

"…We're still going to make love at the top, right?" Nick inquired as he pulled on his clothes slowly.

"If you'd like," Alana concurred as she pulled on her sports bra and adjusted her tender breasts within the material. Then, moving to stand, she gathered her briefs and spandex shorts, pulling them onto her body before locating her harness. Stepping into it, she watched Nick as she strapped herself in, wondering if he remembered his question or if it had merely been a cry of ecstasy.

Dragging himself to his feet, Nick reached to grab his water, taking several gulps before offering it to Alana. Leaning his back against the side of the mountain, he slowly pulled on his harness, fumbling to latch the hooks properly with shaky fingers. "Beautiful... I can't get this piece of crumbling dog shit to work…"

"Why are your hands trembling?" Alana questioned in confusion as she took a hearty gulp of his water before securing it to one of her carabiners. She then moved toward her lover, easily correcting the mistakes he had made with the loops, hooks, and straps. Tugging at the harness and satisfied with her work, she then captured his hands to bring them to her lips for soft kisses. "Are you okay?"

"I just had an earth-shattering, mind-blowing, toe-curling orgasm," Nick explained with a shiver, sliding his hand to cup the back of her neck. Pulling her close for a gentle kiss, he pressed his forehead against hers. "I've never been better…"

"I'm glad," Alana assured him softly as she accepted his sweet kiss. "But… With your hands… Why don't you call Howie now and see how Zachie is doing? By the time you get off the phone, I'll have a pretty good headway and your hands shouldn't be trembling as much."

"I'm fine… I'll call at the next ledge," Nick promised, holding his hands up. "See? No more trembling."

"Just call now," Alana suggested. "It'd make me feel better…"

"Okay…" Nick trailed as he fumbled to retrieve his cell phone. Powering up, he turned slightly to receive a better signal before pressing the speed dial number for Howie's phone. "…Worried that Howie's put him out back with Tyke as a babysitter?"

"No, Howie's a fantastic babysitter," Alana disagreed as she leaned to kiss the side of Nick's face, turning to access the next stretch of the mountain. Reaching into her back for the series of belays that would secure her route, she noted the crook at least an arm's stretch away. Nodding with confidence at her decision, she stretched slightly. "I'm worried about you climbing when your hands are so shaky."

"I'll be alright…" Nick trailed, cradling the phone against his ear as he leaned against the mountain once more. Hearing Howie's answer, he grinned, turning slightly to watch Alana's ascent. "Yo, D… Just calling to check up on Snot Sucker--"

"I wish you'd come up with a better nickname for him," Alana groaned as she secured next line a few feet above Nick. Tugging on the piece of equipment, she glanced around for her next target to hoist her body upward. Grinning when she saw another crevice, she braced her weight and reached up. Only, the rock she was grasping at loosened its hold in the earth, causing her to fall back. Expecting to jerk with a taut rope bringing her back to her original place, she braced herself. But, the carabiner she had dug into the earth crumpled underneath the exertion, causing her rope to go slack. There was a brief moment of clarity before her body smashed hard against the rocky side of the mountain, sending a jolt of fear down her spine as she tumbled. Cracks of bones could be heard as her body rolled along the gritty, sharp, rocks, tearing the tender flesh of her exposed body. The roll of her body seemed to continue as if she were falling through a black hole. Time stood still even as she crumpled against the next ledge closest to the ground. Pain exploded from the depths of her neurons as she realized on some level that she might possibly die today.

"ALANA!" Nick screamed, lurching away from his leaning place. Stopping abruptly at the edge he was standing on, he felt fear grip his heart when he saw her motionless body far below him. "No, no, no," he chanted, unaware of Howie's questions in his ear as he grasped his line. Dropping the cell phone, he quickly turned to lower himself down to Alana. "Please be okay, God…"

Remembering the technique of rappelling down the side of the mountain that Alana had so patiently taught him seemed to be second nature as he gave himself plenty of slack with rope. He crashed against the sharp sides several times in his haste, but could care less as his feet hit the solid ground of the ledge. Stumbling slightly from the weight of gravity, he hurriedly pulled himself away from the rope. Fighting the rush of tears, he collapsed next to Alana's body, his hands trembling as he fought himself on how to possibly touch her. Her outfit lay in tatters from the sharp rock, tainted with spills of blood from the beefy red flesh that had been torn. A gush of blood raced down the side of her face from a deep cut to her head. Her left lower leg was bent to an odd angle with a large bump pushing out of the side as her right leg rolled out to the side and shortened significantly, swelling tissues enlarging both of the legs to unbelievable proportions. She had to be dead--

"Handsome…" she whispered faintly.

"God," Nick breathed, lightly touching the fingers of her left hand. Taking a deep breath, he remembered he had left his phone above. He had to call for help. There was no way he could leave her here. Just as he decided there was no other course of action other than climbing back up to retrieve his phone, he spied the cell phone she had strapped to one of her carabiners. Nervously wetting his lips, he carefully unhooked it, wiping the blood from the display on his shirt before nervously punching the numbers for Howie. "Answer… Come on… Answer the fucking phone--"

"Nick?" came Howie's panicked voice followed by a rush of incomprehensible Spanish. "Where's Alana? What the Hell happened? Is she okay? I called 9-1-1--"

"She… Fell down the mountain," Nick breathed in a rush of pain. "Her legs are all fucked up-She's bleeding-Howie, please--"

"Ay Díos," Howie muttered in horror. "Nick, is she breathing? Is she awake? You might have to feel for a pulse and do CPR--"

"She's breathing… I can't… I can't touch her-I might hurt her--"

"Nick, you've got to touch her," Howie sternly objected. "Check for a pulse."

Biting down hard on his bottom lip, Nick gently lifted Alana's hand in his, slipping his fingers to the inside of her wrist. "She's got a pulse," he whispered, feeling the faint beat of her heart. "Howie… Call an ambulance--"

"AJ said they're on their way," Howie promised. "Is she awake, Nick? Are her eyes open?"

"No…"

"I don't want you to move her at all, do you hear me? Her neck might be…" Howie's voice trailed off as there was a shuffle of what sounded like paper. "Just don't move her… Are you guys on the ground? Did she fall all the way down?"

"No… We're on the bottom ledge about… Fifty feet up I guess? We were maybe halfway up when her… Hook thingy I guess messed up--"

"Alright, Nick, they're going to dispatch life flight," Howie concluded after a brief period of murmuring. "You're gong to hear helicopters really soon. How's she doing?"

"She's… Laying here like she's dead," Nick murmured. "I mean… She's breathing a little…"

"Why don't you talk to her? She can probably hear you--"

"Where the Hell are they?" Nick whined, starting to panic as blood continued to seep from his love's many wounds. "She can't die, Howie… She's my everything… She's the reason I'm so fucking happy--"

"She's not going to die, Nicky--"

"Stay with me, alright?" Nick whispered to Alana as he moved to lay next to her. Scared to touch more than her hand, he clenched it gently. "Don't leave me, Beautiful… Zach loves you so much, he needs you… I need you--"

"Keep talking to her, Nicky. You're doing great. The paramedics should be there at any time," Howie continued to encourage softly in Nick's ear.

"I love--" Nick cut off when he heard sirens in the distance. Shifting slightly, he looked out towards the trail leading to the mountain. Never before had he been so relieved to see a police car. "There's a Smokey coming…"

"We're going to meet you at the hospital, okay, Nicky? I'll drop Zachary and Baylee off at Brian's Mom's. We'll call Brian and Natalie, too. Do you need me to do anything else?" Howie questioned, relief resounding deeply in his voice.

"Beautiful… She has this purple bear… She sleeps with it when she's had a bad day or doesn't feel good… Can you go get it?" Nick requested.

"We'll stop there first," Howie agreed. "Anything else?"

"That picture of her and Zach that I keep by my bed…"

"AJ's going to get it now."

"Tell Zach that she loves him? 'Cause I know she does… And… God, I can't think of anything else," Nick admitted with a trembling sigh as the sound of a helicopter grew louder with each passing second. He realized suddenly that several emergency vehicles were swerving to stops near Alana's Jeep. "I've got to go, they're here… Howie? Thanks…"

"Just keep protecting her, Nicky, and we'll see you soon."
Thirty-One :: Wishing Wellness by shrinkingviolet
Nick was beside himself as he paced the small length of the private waiting room that had been opened for him as Alana was rushed back the hallways of the Emergency Department only to be whisked away to surgery in a cloud of harsh medical terminology. Even in the confines of Kentucky, it was easy for the media to catch wind of the disaster. Some paparazzi could be seen in the parking lot starting to gather in attempts to collect information, causing an uneasiness to settle in Nick's already bereaved state. Weighing his choices, Nick hadn't even been confident in allowing the paramedics to rush her to this particular hospital. But the blood loss had been so significant and he worried that she would die en route to another hospital. And since she worked here, the entire hospital was alive with the news of her injuries and compromised state. Many nurses had already stopped in to see Nick, upset at the news and looking for comfort, which Nick could hardly provide. He just wanted to know that she would be okay. That she would be safe--

"Nick! Where's Sis? Is she okay? God, Howie just called me while I was in the air and… God, tell me she's okay--" Stalking into the private waiting room, Aaron was hardly a picture of comfort for his older brother. His color was ashen and his face streaked with tears at the mere echo of Howie's voice telling him of the disaster. Thankfully Nick had called him the night before, inviting him out to meet his nephew, so he had already been on his way to Lexington.

"She's…" Nick trailed, shaking his head as he turned his gaze down to his feet. Unable to bear looking at his brother's heartbroken expression. "They've got her in surgery…"

"So, they're fixing her?" Aaron suggested with a hopeful glance, seemingly growing younger as each minute passed. He had never been one to doubt medicine. In fact, he seemed to think that miracles happened within the halls. That one moment in a doctor's hands was a cure-all. His sepia eyes said just as much as he stepped close to Nick, searching for his brother's gaze. "She's gonna be alright, 'cause she's in surgery. If she wasn't in there, then there'd be no hope…"

"…I know…" Nick sighed, raking a hand through his hair as tears threatened once more to spill. Since arriving at the hospital, his strong façade had quickly crumbled, leaving him shaking and scared as he shivered in the waiting room.

Aaron's bottom lip quivered when his older brother refused to reach out to him and surround him in a powerful embrace of support. "Nick… You're scaring me--"

"Nick?" Brian suddenly called as he stumbled through the door of the waiting room, barely hesitating on catching his balance as he reached out for Nick's broad shoulders. His cerulean eyes seemed to darken with despair as he caught the crestfallen expression on his best friend's face. Cursing softly, he threw his arms around Nick. "God, what happened? All I got was this phone call from Howie saying that I had to meet you at the hospital--"

"Alana… She fell," Nick whispered, pressing his face against the older man's shoulder as the familiar sensation of comfort wrapped around him. Strangling on a sob, he gripped Brian's shirt, letting the anguish sweep through his system. "I can't lose her, Rok--"

"You're not going to lose her," Brian promised fervently, trying to absorb the heavy significance of Nick's simple statement. He could only imagine what Alana falling from a cliff would entail. He refused to even conjure the image of her mangled body laying below as he gripped Nick tightly, supporting all of the younger man's weight. Shifting slightly, he noted with relief that Natalie was consoling Aaron, though she seemed beside herself as well.

"One minute she was teasing me about calling Howie 'D' and the next she was--" Nick's sentence abruptly ended in a sharp sob, his body collapsing into the chair behind him. "She can't-I love her too much to-We're supposed to grow old together--"

"What the Hell happened, Frack? I mean, I thought she did rock climbing all the time? Wasn't she an expert? How could she just fall like that?" Brian murmured as he seated himself beside Nick, reaching to rub his back. He couldn't stop himself from asking the vital question. No matter how much he wanted to help console Nick.

"I-I don't know… The cop guy said something about a broken carabiner--"

"Why the Hell would she use a broken…"

"I don't know!" Nick cried, shoving Brian away. "What the fuck's taking so long--"

"Surgery isn't like super-gluing Legos together, Nick," Brian yelped as his chair went sliding several feet from the power of Nick's shove. "These things take time!"

"Bumpkin," Natalie chided softly, placing a hand on Nick's shoulder. "She's going to be alright, Nicky… As soon as they can tell you anything they will."

"That's not good enough," Nick snarled as he fought to choke back a large sob in his throat, wrapping his arms around Aaron who practically crashed into his embrace. Heavy streaks of tears fell from his dark ocean eyes as he clutched at his brother's t-shirt, just glaring at Brian and Natalie. Why couldn't they understand? Alana was lying somewhere in this hospital, dying, and Nick had been barred entrance. He should be holding her hand and arguing with a doctor that no price was too steep to save her life. Anything should be done to spare her.

Natalie bit down on her lip, turning to Brian when Nick roughly shook her hand away. "I… I'll go call and check on the kids," she offered softly. "And let Jackie know--"

"I want Zach here," Nick demanded suddenly. "He's my son, and I want him here with me…"

Brian hesitated as Natalie stepped into his embrace, pressing her face to his chest for a moment of comfort. Gently rubbing her back, he exhaled a tense breath, not knowing how it had gotten to the point where he and Nick butted heads more than they spoke. "Nick… Having an infant in a waiting room is just…too much… You're stressed out and Zach is going to sense that and he won't be comfortable in his car seat for the whole duration--"

"Where's the fucknut that pushed Al off the damn cliff, 'cause I'm gonna kick the shit outta him!" AJ's raspy voice suddenly boomed.

"Nobody pushed her," Nick sighed, wincing at AJ's accusatory words. "Her carabiner broke - Brian, don't start. If I have to go get him myself, I'm going to get Zach. I need him--"

"And what happens when the doctor comes out and you're not here? You're just going to leave her?" Aaron accused with a firm scowl.

"Goddamnit, Aaron--"

"I'll go," Natalie offered softly. Before Brian could argue, she shook her head, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "I'll make sure Bay's down for his nap, then bring Zach here. It'll be okay, Bumpkin."

"Has anyone heard anything about Alana?" Howie suddenly questioned, the last of the group to make it through the door as Natalie was moving to leave. He reached out to catch her shoulders to steady her before she stumbled, thoroughly searching her eyes. AJ had hurried ahead as if he were on fire, leaving Howie in a wake of fearful intuition.

"Nothing," Natalie whispered with a slight shake of her head.

"Because we're in the middle of Bumfuck, where apparently nobody knows how to notify anyone," Nick muttered as he slammed his body onto the couch.

"You alright, Nattie?" Howie murmured as AJ swooped on Nick to pry information about the accident from the youngest man's core.

"I'll be okay," Natalie answered softly, grateful as always for Howie's concern. "I have to run out for a few, do you need anything?"

"I don't need anything, but I have that stuff for Nick in the car… Do you want me to come with you?" Howie offered as he glanced toward Brian to make sure it was appropriate. At his friend's complacent nod, Howie smiled softly toward Natalie. "I'll drive. We all know she's your best friend, so you're hardly okay."

"Alright…" Natalie trailed.

"We'll be back," Howie offered as he placed a hand against the small of Natalie's back, leading her out the door. Stopping halfway, he glanced toward Nick. "Do you need anything else, Nicky?"

Nick shook his head, sending AJ a look that told the older man to cease his questions. "Just my son. Thanks, D…"

"No problem, Nicky," Howie murmured with an encouraging smile, glancing toward Brian before leaving. "Take care of him, B."

AJ angrily tossed his small frame into a chair as Aaron moved to join Nick on the sofa. "What the fuck--"

"AJ, that's enough," Brian interrupted. "It doesn't matter how or why, okay? All that matters is that Alana is okay--"

"Nick Carter?" an unfamiliar voice announced as there was a soft tap on the waiting room door. Immediately, everyone lurched to their feet as a tall man dressed in sea green scrubs entered the room. Reaching for the surgical skull cap, he pulled it off his head to reveal a silky raven black locks as his slate gray eyes critically assessed the group of men. He hardly looked like a skill surgeon, but an underwear model.

"Yeah?" Nick questioned as he critically eyed the man before him.

"I'm Dr. Michael Allman, I was the surgeon working on Ally…" the surgeon hurriedly cleared his throat as he ran a hand through his raven locks. "I mean Alana. And I know she doesn't have any family around these parts, but my nurses were saying that you came in with her--"

"How is she?" Nick demanded.

"Alive," Dr. Allman muttered, seemingly put off by Nick's abrasive attitude. "A fall like that with no helmet could have killed her. She's damn lucky that only her legs were broken instead of her neck or back--"

"Can I see her? She'll be okay, won't she? Is she awake?" Nick questioned in a barrage, moving to push past the doctor as he spoke. Only Dr. Allman caught him by the hand and forced him to take a step back. "I need to see her--"

"You need to calm the Hell down," Dr. Allman drawled as he crossed his arms defensively against his chest. "Ally just got out of extensive surgery and is being wheeled to her room. She broke both of her legs, Mr. Carter. She snapped the two bones in her lower left leg which had to be set and cast. She also managed to snap the thigh bone of her right leg, which needed to be opened and stabilized with metal bars and bolts. She's got extensive bumps and bruises all over her entire body. Several deep scrapes needed cleaned and irrigated. She got a nasty cut to her forehead which needed stitched. She's a damn mess and I can't help but feel you're responsible--"

"The hook broke! There was nothing she could do! I was on a ledge twenty feet below her when she fell--"

"Look you bastard of a prick, Nick is Alana's damn fiancé and you have no right to keep him from seeing her. He is her next of kin and her Emergency Contact. So, unless you want a bunch of high priced lawyers swarming down your throat, I suggest you tell him what room she's in," Brian threatened with a growl of irritation.

"Thanks, B," Nick whispered.

"You need to see her," Brian murmured softly, his eyes widening slightly when he realized this surgeon was the same man that had been hugging Alana in the parking lot before Nick had called her.

"She's in room 506B, private suite, and extremely groggy. She lost a lot of blood, so she's getting several units of packed cells," Dr. Allman grumbled as he glanced toward the others in the room. "Not all of you can be in there at the same time. She needs to rest. She ain't exactly out of harm's way."

Nick nodded, taking a deep breath to fortify his nerves as the man turned to leave the room. He was about to follow him when Brian grabbed his arm. "What--"

"That surgeon was the guy that chased after Alana when you first met her. The one that you thought she was--"

"That fucking asshole!" Nick yelped. "I ought to--"

"Carter, are you coming or not?" Dr. Allman growled with an insufferable irritation.

"Can't you give a guy two damn minutes?" Nick muttered under his breath as he stalked across the waiting room.

"Nick! Can I come?" Aaron suddenly blurted as he fought free of AJ's hold, which seemed to cause the other men to rise and follow. Even if they weren't allowed to all be in the room together, surely there wasn't a policy barring them from waiting in the hallway or a waiting room closer to her room. "That's my sister!"

Nick blanked when Dr. Allman stopped. Walking straight into the man's back, he released a grunt. "What? Aaron are you--"

"I want to come along," Aaron stressed as he galloped up to his brother's side with a hopeful smile. "Please? I miss her… I want to make sure she's okay--"

"I wasn't aware that Ally had a brother…" Dr. Allman trailed in slight confusion as he quickly shrugged Nick's cumbersome form away from him. "She--"

"Half brother," Aaron hurriedly corrected, knowing by the look of bewilderment passing the surgeon's face that Alana had never divulged her personal family history with the man. "She hasn't talked about me before? Going to the boarding school in California…"

Nick's eyes widened in disbelief as Aaron moved past him to step into the hallway. "Aaron--"

"Well… I suppose you can go in," Dr. Allman conceded with a curt nod. Glancing from Aaron to Nick, he wondered what Alana could possibly see in the man. Messy hair, distant expression… And apparently no fashion sense, he decided. "Follow me."

"I am eighteen, so it's not like I'm breaking any of the no kids under whatever age rule," Aaron explained with a proud smile toward Nick, falling into step with the surgeon. "Y'know, Sis never really mentioned you before, but you call her Ally. Did you have something going with her? …Is it possible that since she's in a private suite that I could get an extra bed in there to spend the night with her?"

"Conniving little fucker," Nick breathed in disgust as he followed the two down the hall. Hearing the doctor answer in a positive tone, he glanced over his shoulder at Brian, hoping his old friend would help. "Aaron--"

"Is going to be in there all night to protect Alana? Which is good considering Dr. Feel Good might want to spend the evening in her hospital room while she's sleeping off that anesthesia?" Brian offered hopefully as AJ walked beside him, not daring to step ahead for fear of Brian's heavy reprimands.

"…Is it against the law to knock the Hell out of an asshole doctor?" Nick questioned suddenly, though is question was forgotten as Dr. Allman paused outside of the door at the end of the hall. Staring as the nurse slid a card with Alana's name into the pocket on the wall, he felt his breath leave his lungs in a breath. She was alive. She would be alright. She--

"I'll go in and check on her first," Aaron announced softly.

"Aaron, let your brother--" Brian hesitated at first when Dr. Allman raised his brows in question, but hurriedly finished with an awkward pause between. "-In-law… Let your future brother-in-law go in first."

"Smooth, Rok," AJ muttered.

"Yeah… Okay," Aaron sighed after a moment with a nod in Nick's direction. "She loves you, after all. I'm just her annoying little brother--"

"You are so dead later," Nick threatened quietly toward his brother as he followed a nurse inside the private room. Instantly, his sense of smell was overpowered by the aseptic aroma of powerful bleach amongst other cleaning products. The overwhelming smell of cleanliness caused him to pause within the threshold of the doorway, not wanting to touch anything for fear of contaminating Alana. So, craning his neck, he watched the nurse lean over the bedside and fuss with various tubes as well as bandages, causing Alana to release a muffled whimper. The echo of her soft voice amongst the noisy rhythms of whirling medical equipment caused Nick to lurch. The agony wrenching her voice causing him to reach out to the offending nurse. "You're hurting--"

"If he asked again, I'd say yes," Alana mumbled incoherently as she attempted to dismiss the nurse causing her pain.

"Huh?" Nick blanked in complete confusion, glancing towards the nurse for translation. "Beautiful…"

The nurse shrugged helplessly, though her dark eyes widened in excitement at the appearance of a renown celebrity such as Nick Carter. "She's been saying that since we brought her out of surgery… She's higher than a kite--"

"She just fell off a fucking mountain, how would you be?" Nick interrupted with a sigh, moving to the edge of Alana's bed. Kneeling down next to the bed, he lightly touched her hand with his, lowering his head to brush a kiss across her fingers. "Hey, Beautiful…"

"Handsome," Alana murmured, her voice cracking because of the tube that had been inserted into her throat during the surgery, causing her voice to barely register above of a whisper. Keeping her heavy eyes closed, she shifted her right arm with much discomfort to meet Nick's messy, platinum locks. Tangling her aching fingers within the soft strands, she released a soft whimper of pain when the nurse fussed with her legs. Hardly able to recognize her whereabouts and still disoriented from the pain medication and anesthesia, she just seemed to understand Nick's soft voice and the agony ripping through her tender body. "And I was worried about you falling…"

"You fell… I couldn't - You were - I love you so much, Beautiful," he whispered, reaching to pull her hand between his. Cradling it as gently as he could, he pressed several soft kisses against her fingers, so grateful she was alive he felt hot tears of relief fill his eyes.

"Not too beautiful now," Alana attempted to joke as she rotated her wrist, resting the pads of her fingers against Nick's lips. She was vaguely aware of the thorough report Dr. Allman had given her when she was jarred awake from the anesthesia. She had fallen from the cliff and caused some serious damage to her legs. She had lost a lot of blood. Some skin tears needed stitched. They were taking blood to test for any illegal drugs and alcohol content - standard precaution. She hadn't been in a position to argue. Not even now as she fought to open her eyes, though her body couldn't seem to comply.

"You're always beautiful to me," Nick promised.

"You're crying," Alana announced when she felt hot tears slide over her fingers. Attempting to shift closer to Nick, she bit down hard on her bottom lip to keep from crying out, struggling harder to open her eyes.

"No I'm not," Nick lied, turning his head to brush the tears away. "Lay still, Beautiful--"

"I love you, Nickalicious," Alana confessed softly as her heavy eyes finally fluttered open, causing her to squint immediately at the brightness of the room. On top of all the injuries, she didn't want to add a severe headache to the list. A mild concussion's ache was bad enough. Turning her gaze on Nick as her eyes became accommodated to her surroundings, she reached out to clear away his tears. "And… I hate when you lie to me…"

"They're happy tears, promise," Nick murmured. "And I love you too…"

Releasing the smallest breath as to not flare the pain in her chest, she noted the scrapes and abrasions littering Nick's arms and hands. "Suppose it's a bad time to mention that I think our next date should be bungee jumping, huh?"

Nick paled slightly, unable to tell if she was joking or not. "Only if you want me to chain you to a bed--"

"Did you get looked at by one of the Emergency Doc's?"

"Yeah… I'm fine, just a little bruised--"

"A little bruised?" Alana immediately contended, arching her brows in skepticism, the anesthesia's haze seeming to melt away.

"Just a bruised rib--"

"Nick…"

"I'm fine, Beautiful. You're okay, and that's all that matters," Nick assured her.

"I think I should be discharged today," Alana suggested as she leaned back against her pillows at Nick's encouragement. Studying him carefully, she decided that when he left she'd make a call down to the Emergency Department. She could find out easily what the details of his injuries were.

"Right after my sex-change, sure," Nick muttered. "You're not going anywhere until Dr. Feel Good--"

"Dr. Feel Good?" Alana interrupted in confusion as she fought to lay as still as physically possible. Even a small breath caused pain to rip down the middle of her neck all the way to her toes, which was unsettling considering the severe and permanent aches and pains throbbing within the entire length of her leg. To say she was miserable would have been an understatement, but she refused to say as much to Nick, not wanting him to worry. "Mike?"

Nick suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Mike and Ally. How cute… "Yeah, him. You're not going anywhere until he says that--"

"You don't like him?"

"Well… Not really?"

"…Why?"

"…'Cause I don't?"

"Okay…" Alana trailed softly, not having the energy nor the strength to facilitate a potential argument, especially as there was a hesitant tap to the door. Glancing away from Nick as he moved to bring a chair close to her bedside, she watched an overtly shy Aaron lingering in her doorway. Smiling, though it laced with pain, she gestured for him to enter. "What's the little brother doing here? Come to see the damage?"

"I…" Aaron trailed into a grateful sigh as he rushed over to her bedside. "Are you okay? How do you feel? Can I see your legs? I'm staying tonight, I told them I'm your half-brother--"

"I'm fine," Alana promised with a small smile as Aaron leaned over to smack several gentle kisses across her face. He then made sure to allow their foreheads to connect for a few moments so he could search her dark teal eyes, tentatively touching the square bandage on her forehead hiding a row of stitches. With a significant portion of sisterly affection, she brushed her fingers down the side of the young adult's face as he pulled back. "I don't mind if you take a look at my legs. Actually, I'd be grateful to know they're still there…"

Nick sighed as Aaron moved to pull the blankets up over Alana's legs, averting his eyes quickly. "You're not staying here, Aaron. For God's sake, you can't hold up that charade you pulled on the doctor for the whole night--"

"The Hell I can't-God, Sis," Aaron heaved with disbelief as he held up the blankets so he could access the seriousness of Alana's injuries. Her left leg was encased in a plain white cast from the end of her foot to just below her knee, the toes peeking out from the plaster mottled and purple from the severity of the break and dislocation of the bones. Then, her right leg seemed to have far more damage considering that from her ankle to her upper thigh was wrapped tightly in gauze and ace bandages. Then over the thick dressings was a large metal contraption known as an immobilizer that would keep her from moving her leg at all. "I bet you have some wicked stitches under those… God, are you in pain, Sis?"

"I'm fine," Alana lied.

"I really hate it when you lie to me," Aaron sighed as he carefully lowered the blankets. "…Want anything? Pepsi? Ice? Magazine to hit Nick over the head with? Candy? Food? Anything--"

"I don't need a thing," Alana declined softly, trying not to wince even at the miniscule amount of pressure the blankets provided that caused a brush burn of pain.

"You want me to bring Zach in here so you can see him?" Nick offered softly, moving to cradle her hand between his again. "Nat and D went to get him--"

"Handsome, you shouldn't have asked them to bring him to the hospital. It's no place for an infant. There are so many sick people," Alana started to chide as Aaron slipped away from the room, planning to go downstairs to the gift shop and buy her a variety of items despite her refusal. But, Alana barely noticed as she watched Nick wince with hurt at her reprimand, causing her to soften significantly. "You'll let me hold him without fussing at me?"

"As long as you promise to do whatever the doctors and nurses tell you without fussing at them or grumbling under your breath at me about how incompetent they all are," Nick agreed with a slight smile.

"Even the male nurses that come in here to give me a bed bath?" Alana questioned with a sweet air of innocence to her method of torture. "'Cause I was going to decline, but to hold my Zachie, I need to agree--"

"I'll give you a damn bed bath," Nick grumbled.

"Don't sound so disgruntled like it's a horrible chore. That hurts--"

"I'm not disgruntled. I just don't want other men being able to touch you--"

"Do you honestly think that I'm going to allow a man to come into my hospital room with a cold tub of water and a gritty washcloth and touch my bare body?"

"Why are we bitching back and forth now of all times?"

"Cause you started it."

"Then… I'm sorry?"

Alana fully expected Nick to run into a full length explanation as to why he wasn't at fault for their bickering, in turn, creating a whole new subject to argue about. But the sincerity in his dark ocean eyes caught her by surprise, actually causing her teal eyes to prickle with tears. The last image she remembered after falling from the cliff was almost like a faded photograph of her lover. Something that seemed to freeze in the recesses of her mind as medical personnel rushed to save her life. Understanding how close to death she really had been, she curled her fingers tightly around his hand, just wanting to kiss him. "I'm sorry, Nick…"

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Beautiful," Nick murmured. Leaning close, he lightly brushed his lips across hers, reaching to gently smooth her hair back.

"I have never had a carabiner break on me before," Alana assured him as she rested her forehead against his, allowing her eyes to fall closed with the exhaustion in her system. "The grease bucket at the outdoor store… The one that you put the fear of God Almighty into… He insisted that I take this carabiner and--"

"I'm going to kill him," Nick vowed. "I am so going to march down to that store and drag his scrawny body into the parking lot and run him over--"

"He couldn't have possibly known--"

"I don't care. He's a worthless piece of dog shit smeared on the bottom of a bum's shoe--"

"Nicky?" Natalie suddenly called from the doorway, not sure if she wanted to enter after catching the end of Nick's tirade. The rest of the group was patiently waiting in a nearby private room for when they could stop in to visit. But Howie had sent Natalie ahead to Alana's room. She had been nothing but a nervous wreck traveling to Jackie's house. "I have a little visitor…"

"Snot Sucker!" Nick breathed in surprise, brushing his lips across Alana's before pulling away. Grinning as he motioned for Natalie to enter the room, he moved to stand, meeting her halfway. Cooing down at his son, he offered Natalie a grateful smile when she gently transferred Zachary into his arms. "Thanks, Nat…"

"No problem," she whispered, turning to leave.

"Are you mad at me?" Alana questioned in confusion.

Natalie turned, handing Zachary's blanket to Nick before the man moved to sit next to Alana again. "I don't want to disturb you… Dr. Hottie said you needed rest--"

"Mike is a stuffy, pushy-- He is kind of hot, huh?" Alana mused thoughtfully.

"Absolutely… I just ran into him in the hall, and… Well… He has nothing on Bumpkin though," Natalie quickly added, her cheeks coloring with embarrassment slightly.

"Of course he has nothing on Bumpkin," Alana agreed with a small smirk, cooing when Zachary reached out to grasp her finger.

"I'll go so you three can be alone," Natalie murmured. "If you need anything, just call, okay?"

"I'm not going to break, Natalie," Alana suggested softly, not understanding why Natalie was remaining so aloof. She seemed to understand from a nursing standpoint that Natalie was frightened of her, but it didn't stop the sting of hurt feelings. She wanted to prove that she was okay by perhaps sitting up, but knew the severity of pain prevented her from doing as she liked. So, she slowly gestured toward Nick as she untangled her right hand from her IV, wanting to cuddle her youngster.

Smiling slightly, Natalie hesitated at the doorway for a moment before darting over to take the empty seat as Nick stood to transfer Zachary into Alana's arms. "God, 'Lana, I was so scared," she admitted in a whisper, though she giggled when Zachary began to squeal for Alana's attention. "Jackie said he was crying from the time Howie dropped him off till we got there to pick him up…"

"You were scared because Zachie was crying?" Alana questioned in confusion as she gestured for Nick to lay the infant on her chest. She was fearful that her aching arms might not be able to support the full weight of her son, so allowing him to nestle against her chest gave her comfort. When she heard him coo with delight, reaching to find the pulsation of her heart with his tiny hand, the pain in her body seemed to lessen. Tilting her head, she gingerly nuzzled the top of his. "I love you, Zachary."

"I told you that she loved you, Zach," Nick prided as he turned to see Natalie occupying his seat beside Alana's bed. So, after much contemplation, he carefully lowered himself on the side of Alana's bed so he could be close to his lover and son. Reaching, he threaded his fingers through hers, helping her to rub Zachary's back as he cooed softly.

"You're taking him home tonight?" Alana questioned as she lightly rested her eyes as she held Zachary close.

"I'm not going anywhere," Nick murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

"But Zachie can't stay here all night--"

"We'll take him when we go," Natalie interrupted softly.

"They'll take him when they go," Nick confirmed.

"Thank you, Allie," Alana mumbled with a weary sigh, reaching for Natalie's hand to squeeze affectionately. The pain medication was starting to seep into her body, exhausting the smallest bits of strength she had managed to save. "I owe you."

"Just get better," Natalie whispered, squeezing Alana's hand back.

*~*~*


"…Daddy? My 'Lana d'unna be otay?" Baylee questioned sleepily as Brian lifted him from his car seat. Rubbing his eyes, he muffled a yawn against his father's shoulder as Natalie walked around to get Zachary. "Her legs work again soon? Her's got's'ta play wit' me - Knot! We go see 'Lana? Now?!"

"It is way past your bedtime, Bay-Bee, and 'Lana has plenty of people spending the night with her. Little Nicky and Nicky are with her. Maybe tomorrow we can take you to see her when we take Zachary to her," Natalie suggested softly as she brought Zachary into her arms, hoping that the infant wouldn't stir. Alana had made sure to rock the infant to sleep before Brian and Natalie said goodbye. Natalie just hoped that somehow he would remain sleep for most of the night, knowing he would be extremely fussy without his mother or father around. But, Alana had needed her rest. She looked so miserable laying in the stiff hospital bed. The pain seemed unbearable.

"Right after breakfas'?" Baylee requested hopefully, allowing his chin to rest on Brian's shoulder as he was carried into the house. He had spent the entire afternoon and evening at his grandmother's, plaguing her with questions about his favorite nurse. He had been allowed to talk to her at one point, for only a moment before Aaron had taken the phone and informed him that Alana had fallen asleep. "Daddy, we eat cereal in the mornin' so we can see her quick?"

"We'll give Nicky a call in the morning and see if Alana feels up to having visitors," Brian suggested somewhat gently as he walked up the grand staircase of his home, leading Natalie toward Baylee's bedroom where they had set up a crib for Zachary as well. "She's got some pretty big boo-boos, Scooper."

"I kiss'em better," Baylee decided as he was set on the floor. Already dressed in his pajamas, he shuffled across to his bed, pausing to look at the photo of Alana he had placed lovingly on his bedside table. Pulling George and Simba off the bed, he hugged them close as Natalie carefully laid Zachary down in the crib. "Daddy? We pray for 'Lana? Ask God to make her all better?"

"I couldn't think of a better idea, Scooper," Brian agreed with a proud smile, moving to sit on the edge of Baylee's bed. Pulling his toddler onto his lap, he lightly ruffled his son's platinum locks. "Maybe Nat can take us shopping for get well gifts for your 'Lana tomorrow. She'll know exactly what 'Lana will love."

"We'll get her some nice things," Natalie concurred as she moved to sit next to Brian after making sure Zachary was settled. Kissing the top of Baylee's head, she smiled when he yawned again, reaching behind them to pull back his covers. "Maybe in the morning while Daddy cooks breakfast you and me can draw some pictures to decorate her room with, how's that sound?"

"I draw her a George and Simba?" Baylee suggested, turning in Brian's lap so he could face them both. "An' her loves doffins, I draw her some doffins too! An' get that - Zachie to help?"

"I'm sure Zach would love to drool on your pictures," Brian chuckled as he rubbed his son's stomach. "But it's very nice for you to let him help, Scooper. He's your 'Lana's baby boy."

"G'amma was askin' when she gets another baby boy to spoil," Baylee announced. "Her was 'nugglin' Zachie an' sayin' she needs another g'an'baby--"

"Well, you tell your Knot that she needs to give you a baby sister," Brian encouraged, glancing toward Natalie to see the firm blush accentuating her cheeks. God, she never looked more beautiful.

"And what if Knot wants to give him a baby brother instead?" Natalie questioned softly.

"Girl's are gross," Baylee muttered as he yawned once more. "'Cept for G'amma an' 'Lana and Knot--"

"Baby boy or girl, what does it matter? It's just as fun putting the order into the stork either way," Brian suggested with an uncharacteristically wicked grin.

"Bumpkin!" Natalie breathed in shock, her cheeks turning a deep crimson. Though she gave him a playful smile as she whispered, "We can call the stork later…"

"Tell the d'ork I want a baby brother," Baylee requested as he shifted into Natalie's arms for hugs and kisses.

"You heard the boy," Natalie jibbed at Brian before hugging Baylee close. Pressing several kisses over his face, she leaned back to offer the same to George and Simba.

"Prayers now? For 'Lana?" Baylee inquired as he hopped toward the top of his large bed.

"…Did you just call me a dork?" Brian murmured.

"Of course not," Natalie assured him with a smile, leaning close to give him a soft kiss. "I'm just saying it's the man who's technically in charge of--"

"Prayers, Daddy," Baylee insisted as he snuggled down under the covers.

"Right…" Brian murmured as he leaned over his son to press a soft kiss to his forehead. When he saw that Baylee's hands were folded in prayer against his chest, Brian bowed his head as well, murmuring the prayer his mother always said with him before he drifted to sleep. "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. See me safely through the night and wake me with the morning light… Now you tell God about your 'Lana."

"Her's so nice," Baylee murmured, staring up at his ceiling. "Her makes me laugh an' always kisses my boo-boos away. An' her makes Nicky so happy - Nicky's the blonde one, God - I love her so much, an' when her fell today I was so scared. You got's to make her boo-boos go away. Please? Make her all better so Zachie has him's Mommy back? An'… I sowwy I called him 'that' for so long. He not so bad, he just a 'tinky baby…"

"Amen," Brian finished, fighting off a small smile as he kissed the side of Baylee's face once more. "Very beautiful, Scooper."

"'Lana come here'd when her let go from the hospital? I take care of her?" Baylee suggested as he reached for George and Simba that were still perched in Natalie's arms.

"We'll insist," Natalie promised as Brian tucked Baylee in. "And we'll set up the monitor so you can hear her if she needs you."

"Like the one for babies?" Baylee requested, turning on his side to reach for Alana's picture. Hearing his father's murmured yes, he lightly traced Alana's face with his finger. "Ni-night, 'Lana. I love you," he murmured, kissing the picture before replacing it on the table again.

"Somehow I think that Nicky's going to be in serious trouble if he asks 'Lana to marry him, especially when Bay-Bee's out to get her hand first," Natalie murmured softly as she watched Baylee drift into a comfortable sleep as she and Brian snuck from the room. Muffling a yawn against her hand, she followed Brian to the master bedroom, her body suddenly aching for sleep.

"You think it's that serious between them?" Brian inquired curiously.

"Well…" Natalie trailed thoughtfully as she kicked her shoes towards the closet. "She's staying with him, calls Zach her son… And Nicky was asking me about engagement rings the other day--"

"He asked you about engagement rings?" Brian blurted in shock, stumbling from his jeans as he fell backward onto his bed. "Why didn't he ask me?!"

"Maybe 'cause he knew you'd have a conniption?" Natalie suggested, stepping over to pick up his jeans. Tossing them into the hamper, she crawled onto the bed, cupping his face in her hands. "He said he was going to talk to you about it once he'd bought the ring, which I guess will be delayed with everything that's going on--"

"Do you think I jinxed her when I told her not to fall off the cliff? Y'know, when Nick was deathly ill?" Brian inquired quite seriously as he framed her hands with his.

"Bumpkin, you don't believe in jinxes," Natalie reminded him. "It was a freak accident, okay? And I know it sounds really morbid, but accidents happen. All we can do now is focus on her getting better. She's going to need our help, you know. What with the healing, and then we have to strap her down to make her rest… And when her physical therapy comes around--"

"Staying with us is really going to be in her best interest. She'd never be able to survive alone in her own home. Nick said it's two stories and she won't even be able to maneuver a pair of crutches till that cast comes off first… God, what's she going to do about her job?"

"We don't need to worry about that now, Bumpkin. She's got some sick and vacation time saved up, and even if she had to take a leave without pay, we'll take care of everything. She's our friend, and it's times like these when friends help each other," Natalie assured him, leaning down to softly kiss his forehead.

"AJ and Howie are going to be panting like dogs in heat," Brian murmured thoughtfully with a chuckle. "Nursing ain't holding her back from singing anymore…"

"Which means that during her convalescence she can be carried downstairs to record," Natalie added with a soft laugh.

"Where in God's name did you learn a word like convalescence?"

"Why does everyone around me think that I'm some airhead?"

"I don't think you're an airhead," Brian promised with a coo, leaning up to kiss her forehead.

"Yet you're always discombobulated when I say big words," Natalie sighed ruefully, nipping playfully at his neck before pulling away to finish undressing.

"Well Hell, it's like you're talking dirty to me!"

"…Do you want me to talk dirty to you?" Natalie questioned after a moment, glancing at him over her shoulder as she stepped out of her jeans.

"Nah, that's what those nine hundred numbers on AJ's cell phone are for," Brian murmured, turning onto his side to watch Natalie undress. He smiled at the way her neck gracefully curved to look to him, her wavy brunette locks spilling over her shoulder to accentuate the creaminess of her skin. The sweet curves of her body enticing him. "I love you, Natalie…"

"I love you - You call those nine hundred numbers?!" Natalie questioned in surprise, whirling around to face him.

"I said on AJ's phone!"

"Then how do you know about them?" she inquired, tossing her bra and shirt towards the hamper.

"He told me?"

"Recently?" she persisted, climbing back into the bed.

"Can I just make love with you?" he meekly inquired.

"What do they say? I mean, is it just a bunch of dirty talk like in a porn movie? Or do they ask about you so they know what you like?" Natalie questioned instead, pulling the covers over her as she rolled to face him.

Brian made a face of distaste. "How about I just give you the number and you can find out yourself?"

Giggling, Natalie slid closer, casually draping her legs over his. Catching his lips in a gentle kiss, she trailed her fingers down his chest. "How about you just whisper it in my ear while I show you how much better a real live person is?"
Thirty-Two :: We'll Make It by shrinkingviolet
A hot throbbing pain awoke Alana with a firm start, causing her to involuntarily jerk, which only seemed to send a harder flood of hurt through her system. She attempted to shift to relieve the pain, but that flared the agony worse. The haziness of her pain medication seemed to create a film of tiredness over her body, doing nothing to alleviate the hardship of her situation. Muffling a yelp of pain, she reached out for the control of her patient controlled medication pump that would diffuse pain medication into her system, but brushed against a soft head of hair. Jerking her hand back, Alana glanced down to see Nick still sitting in the chair beside her bed. His head rested on the mattress as he slept soundly, his chin tucked neatly against her opposite hand, snoring softly. Smiling softly at the sight of him, she brushed her fingers through his light locks, noting that Aaron was sound asleep on the extra bed that had been wheeled in. To think she had all this support was astounding.

Moaning in his sleep, Aaron rolled over, gracelessly landing on the floor with a thud. Jerking the blanket over his body, however, he merely shifted slightly before his soft snores continued. Nick, jostled by the noise, slowly lifted his head, blinking sleepily as his bleary eyes focused on Alana. "…What was that?"

"Your brother hitting the floor," Alana murmured softly as she brushed the back of her fingers soothingly down Nick's cheek, grateful he had slept on the side opposite of her IV lines. "He's better than an alarm clock."

"Not as good as a baby barfing, though," Nick decided with a yawn, tilting his head to lightly kiss her palm. "How you feel?"

"I'm fine," she promised, reaching with her other hand for the pain medication control, attempting to sneakily depress the button. "You're going to have an awful crick in your neck… Not to mention your back…"

"I'll get Aaron to walk on it later…" Nick trailed, glancing over his shoulder to see his brother snoozing happily on the floor. "What do you want for breakfast? I'll get Aaron to go anywhere you want--"

"I'm nauseous, I don't want anything to eat, so let the poor boy sleep."

"Okay," Nick murmured, letting his head resting on the mattress once more. Threading his fingers through hers, he smiled slightly when he heard the soft beeping of her medicine pump. Knowing she was in pain, and wanting only to help her in any way possible, he found it adorable that she tried to put up a strong front.

"You can go get something to eat though," Alana suggested as she pushed the control away for her medicine, wrapping it around the side rail. Easing her body back against the pillows, she muffled a soft groan of pain. She hated being a patient in the hospital, but worse, she knew that she was out of a job. "…Handsome, you're going to go back to Brian's to get cleaned up and rest, right?"

"Later…"

"You're exhausted," Alana decided as she brought their hands to rest gingerly on her chest.

"I'm fine," Nick lied, reaching with his free hand to rub his neck. "I'll catch a nap in the other bed later--"

"Go back to Brian's house," Alana suggested as she brushed her thumb over his hand that had intertwined with hers. "Get a long, hot shower to loosen your muscles. Take a nap with Zachie. Take some Tylenol. Call Allie for a massage. Take care of that cracked rib."

Nick eyed her warily. "…Like you want her giving me a massage--"

"If it makes you feel better, I don't care--"

"I don't need a massage. Or a hot shower. I'm fine right here. I feel better, being with you," Nick argued softly, shaking his head. "You come first, Beautiful."

"Handsome…" Alana sighed softly, bringing his hand to her lips for a soft kiss. "You're way too damn sweet. I want you to take care of yourself, too. I have nurses and doctors here that'll take care of me… If I need it…"

"You do need it… And I'm going to stay here to make sure you let them take care of you. And even though Aaron's insisting that he's taking care of you--"

"I am taking care of her!" Aaron snorted from his curled position on the floor. "And you're disrupting her sleeping process!"

"Go back to sleep," Nick grumbled. "Beautiful, I'm gonna go take a--"

"Stinky, smelly shit," Aaron supposed as he climbed up from the floor, yanking the blankets away from his body before throwing them to the extra bed. Stretching his lithe body for a moment, he then moved to push Nick out of the way, only to climb onto the bed with Alana. "I'll keep her company, so get lost."

"You know what, I'm really starting to regret introducing you two," Nick whined as Aaron shoved him away with his feet. "Don't get in the bed with her! You might--"

"Too late," Alana murmured as she muffled a groan of a laugh, feeling the shift in her mattress. Glancing over, she was surprised to find that Aaron was moving to shove his legs underneath her blankets, allowing the sheet to be a barrier between them. His arms then snaked around her upper torso, moving to allow her to rest against his shoulder. He was gentle about the whole procedure, barely causing an unnecessary flush of pain through her body.

"See? I'm skinny, I can fit," Aaron informed Nick with a smug smile, smacking a loud kiss on Alana's cheek.

"Yeah, you're skinny, which means I can chunk your scrawny ass out the window," Nick warned with a scowl, heading to the bathroom. "Beautiful, if he hurts you, just pinch his nipple, that'll send him screaming."

"I think he might like that a little too much," Alana decided as she nestled close to his shoulder with a soft sigh, listening to the closing of the bathroom door.

"He's talking about incest," Aaron shuddered, making a face at the mere thought. "Maybe we should--"

"Good morning, Ally," a voice announced from the doorway.

"Oh, fuck me raw," Aaron grumbled when he recognized Dr. Allman.

"Be nice," Alana warned.

"It's really hard to be nice to some asshole who's undressing my Sis with his eyes," Aaron returned, tightening his arms around Alana gently as Dr. Allman entered the room with a nurse.

"He's just a friend and coworker," Alana murmured softly as Dr. Allman made a face at Aaron being in her bed. She offered a meek shrug, but it seemed to hurt worse than she anticipated.

"How are you going to heal properly if you're giving up your bed already, Ally?" Dr. Allman questioned with the utmost seriousness, though the nurse seemed to laugh as if it were a joke. Alana looked as if she might speak out against him, but he glanced around the room once more. "Where's that brute of a man you call your significant other?"

"Nick is in the bathroom," Aaron informed him defiantly. "What do you want with Sis now? Didn't you poke and prod her enough yesterday?"

"There is never enough poking and prodding in medicine, Aaron," Alana answered with a soft smile, glancing up toward Dr. Allman to search his eyes. Something about the darkness of his slate gray eyes told her that he wasn't there for a visit. "…Is there something wrong?"

Dr. Allman smiled slightly. "No, nothing's wrong. We just need to check a few things. The blood tests came back, and, well--"

"Why don't you go get something to eat, Aaron," Alana suggested softly as the nurse excused herself to get some sort of equipment.

"I think that would be best," Dr. Allman hurriedly agreed.

"Why? If something's wrong with Sis, I want to know," Aaron insisted. "She needs someone here--"

"Because I have to examine her and ask her some personal questions I doubt she wants her little brother listening to," Dr. Allman hurriedly interjected. "Why don't you do as she asked? I won't be that long."

"Fine," Aaron groaned, kissing Alana's cheek before sliding out of the bed.

"Take Nick, too," Alana suggested as the bathroom door opened and her lover stepped out adjusting his jeans.

"Take me where?" Nick questioned, his hand pausing its scratching when he saw Dr. Allman. "What's going on?"

"Something's wrong with Sis and she won't let me stay in here to find out what," Aaron grumbled, gesturing vaguely toward Alana as Dr. Allman folded down the blankets and reached to pull up her hospital gown.

"Whoa, whoa, what the fuck--" Nick yelped, moving forward quickly to jerk the blankets back over Alana. "I don't fucking think so, Doc!"

"Nick," Alana gasped in shock. "He's just doing his--"

"Would you wash your hands before pubic hair gets on me," Dr. Allman growled with disgust as he stumbled backward several steps from Nick's hearty push. "I have to assess Ally immediately and I can only do that by touching her!"

"Then you can fucking wait till a nurse gets here," Nick hissed, tenderly tucking the blankets around Alana's figure.

"Touchy much, Carter?" Dr. Allman growled. "Afraid she might find someone better?"

Alana frowned. "Mike--"

"You're getting a new doctor," Nick announced.

Alana's frown deepened. "Nick--"

"Well, don't we all look happy this morning?" the nurse intervened as she entered the room once more, pushing an ultrasound machine.

Nick glanced at the machine, hardly recognizing it for what it was. "What's that for? Is something wrong? Beautiful--"

"If you would have let me assessed her in the damn beginning, Carter, I might have been able to tell you what was wrong," Dr. Allman scoffed, gesturing for the nurse to bring the machine to Alana's bedside. Ducking down to plug it in, he then moved to jerk her covers down once more.

"C'mon, Nick," Aaron murmured, tugging gently on his older brother's arm. "We'll run down and get a bite to eat. There's a nurse here, Dr. Asshole won't try anything--"

"What the Hell is that machine doing in here? Is she bleeding? Does she have a tumor? Is she dying? I ain't fucking leaving till I know what's going on," Nick immediately disagreed, yanking his arm away from Aaron's hold before pushing him out the door. Reaching to close the door before Aaron could weasel his way back in, Nick moved toward the opposite side of Alana, watching the doctor smooth transducer jelly over her lower abdomen. "What's wrong with your stomach, Beautiful? Why didn't you tell me it was hurting?"

"I just told you, Nick, I'm nauseous…" Alana trailed.

"Well of course you are," the nurse smiled as she moved to place a sheet over Alana's legs. "That's to be expected in your condition--"

"Her condition?! What kind of condition?" Nick demanded.

"She's pregnant, you asshole," Dr. Allman muttered as he turned on the machine and applied the Doppler to Alana's lower stomach. The squelch of sounds startled Alana at first, causing her to jerk. "Her blood work showed an active pregnancy and I want to be assured that the fetus is unharmed from the fall… And I'm guessing you're the Sperm Wonder that did it…"

"…Pregnant?" Nick repeated in a whisper, dropping into the chair at Alana's bedside. "You're pregnant?"

"I was on birth control…" Alana mumbled as she glanced toward the screen of ultrasound, hurriedly searching for signs of life within her womb. Tears of disbelief slowly fell from her dark teal eyes as she tried to remember what had gone wrong. How she possibly could have conceived with birth control being… "Not a hundred percent effective…"

"Oh my God," Nick breathed, reaching for her hand when he heard the echo of a heartbeat coming from the machine. "We're pregnant!"

"Good, you can carry him or her four and a half months," Alana breathed as the nurse gestured toward the small mass toward the center of her uterus. She didn't know what to think as she focused on the image, noting the overly enlarged head of the growing infant inside her womb. When Colton died, she had told herself there would be no need to have another child. She couldn't stand the heartache of going through pregnancy only to lose another. Zachary had been a fluke in her original design, so she risked her heart for him. But now… Alana glanced down as the nurse measured her abdomen and slowly calculated the date of her last period. "I'm about six weeks pregnant…"

Overwhelmed with the idea of becoming a father - again, Nick stared at the screen, smiling slightly when the nurse pointed out the heartbeat. Still staring at the screen, he abruptly dropped her hand, counting backwards on his hand. "Six weeks? Did we--"

Alana's body tensed as she glanced over at Nick with disgust. "If you are about to suggest that I slept with someone else--"

"No! I was just remembering," Nick promised with a smile, taking her hands in his again. "That was a really great day--"

"You remember the exact day you impregnated her?" Dr. Allman scoffed with disbelief.

"I remember all the times I've made love to Beautiful," Nick defended, offering the doctor a scowl before turning to face Alana. "It was that rainy night, remember? When I showed up on your doorstep? And we made love by candlelight with the storm raging…"

Alana's eyes widened. "When you almost broke--"

"The bed," Nick hurriedly finished.

"Right…" Alana murmured with a small smile. "When you almost broke the bed…"

"Charge," Nick crooned, leaning up to offer her a gentle kiss. "We're having a baby, Beautiful…"

"You are absolutely horrible," Alana groaned against his lips, though she kissed him nonetheless. She decided to relish in the excitement that Nick was exuding. She'd worry about the troubles of having a child later. About the need to confront of fears all over again. "Mike, the baby… Is he okay? From the fall and everything?"

"Looks perfectly healthy," Dr. Allman grunted. "Even his roommate."

"Roommate?" Nick repeated, whirling around to stare at the screen once more. "We're having twins?!"

"That's one way of putting it," the nurse chuckled.

"Twins…" Alana murmured softly. "I'm having--"

"Okay! I can't hear anything y'all are saying from against that damn door! So, what's wrong?!" Aaron finally burst, throwing the door open.

Nick looked to his brother, grinning from ear to ear. "We're pregnant! With twins!"

"So that's why you've been putting on weight?" Aaron laughed, gesturing toward his brother's middle.

"You know what, screw you--"

"Hey, Sis! Did you know that I'm a twin?! So you can thank me for that little surprise!" Aaron whooped as he bypassed his older brother to reach Alana's side, wasting no time in swooping down for a congratulatory hug.

"Thanks so much, Aaron," Alana laughed softly as she accepted the cool washrag from the nurse when Dr. Allman was done with the ultrasound, freezing an image of the twins to be printed. Reaching to clean away the mess, she glanced up toward her surgeon. "I'd like a change of pain medication…"

"But the stuff you're on is working so good," Nick argued. "Why--"

"Because it might not be healthy for the pregnancy," Alana murmured softly. "I'm not getting rid of pain medication entirely. I just need something different that won't harm them."

"I'll get in touch with your OB/GYN," Dr. Allman promised with a nod. "I'll have her stop up and see you as well as help me select an effective pain medication."

"Thanks, Mike."

"Yeah, thanks, Mike," Aaron echoed, staring at the printout the nurse had handed over. Squinting at the barely discernable images, he suddenly grinned. "I'm going to be an uncle! Woo-hoo!"

"I'll leave you to celebrate," Dr. Allman concluded, reaching down to affectionately kiss Alana's forehead. "Congratulations, Ally, you'll be a wonderful mother."

"She already is," Nick murmured as the doctor strolled from the room.

"Did you not hear me, Nick? I'm going to be an uncle!" Aaron burst as he hopped onto his brother's back, furiously shaking his shoulders.

"I heard, I heard!" Nick cried, wincing at the pain that radiated from his ribcage from his brother's rough handling. "I'm going to be a Daddy! Now get off me," he wheezed, backing up to shake his brother off. "My rib, Aaron, my rib!"

"I thought it was just a bruise?" Alana inquired with a skeptical glance as she finished cleaning away the mess, setting the cloth on her bedside table before working to gather the blankets and pull them over her exposed form once more.

"It still hurts," Nick replied, elbowing Aaron hard in the stomach in order to get him off. Leaning over to get the ultrasound printout off the floor, he pressed a hand against his aching ribs, deciding it was time to get something to eat so he could take the painkillers the Emergency Room doctor had prescribed.

"Poor Baby," Aaron cooed as he moved to lie on the bed once more.

"Wait," Nick decided, grabbing Aaron's arm before he could claim the spot beside Alana. Digging into his pocket, he withdrew his wallet, handing over a handful of bills. "Go get us all some breakfast, okay? Something good… And… You can keep the change?" he offered.

"Like I'm going to fall for that bull--" Aaron's sepia eyes widened in disbelief as he added the money. "-Shit, there's more than a hundred here! Thanks, Daddy-To-Be! I'll get you some awesome breakfast, Sis!"

"Like he ain't already swimming in his own money," Nick muttered, rolling his eyes as Aaron bounded from the room. Moving once more to Alana's bedside, he eyed the space beside her. Wanting only to be able to hold her, but too afraid he would hurt her. "Is it alright if I…"

"Handsome, it's different when he's spending his big brother's money," Alana explained with a small smile as she touched the remote to raise the head of her bed, biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep from crying out at the shift. "I'd be grateful if you laid with me. If that'll help your ribs?"

"My ribs are fine," Nick informed her softly as he eased next to her in the bed. Turning on his side to face her, he carefully placed his hand on her abdomen. "You're okay about the babies, aren't you?"

"Kind of late to be asking that question, ain't it?" Alana suggested as she glanced down to see Nick moving the blankets and her gown so he could feel the smoothness of her skin. The heat of his hand sending a shiver through her body, never realizing how much strength her lover could give her when she felt so very insecure. Never realizing his excitement thrilled her further about the pregnancy.

"We're going to make it, Beautiful," Nick promised as he lightly caressed her skin. "Snot Sucker's going to make a wonderful big brother, you know… I'll train him in all the correct ways of treating the kids--"

"Train him? Like, give him a biscuit when he does something right?" Alana questioned with a raise of her eyebrows, trying not to shiver in delight at the soft caress of his fingertips. "…So you're happy? That we're having twins? That we're having kids at all?"

"Ecstatic," Nick assured her, tracing a fine line from her navel to where the sheet covered her pubic bone. "I can't wait to see you grow with them…"

"At least you know now that we'll never be able to part… We'll always be intertwined in each others' lives because of them," Alana suggested as she tucked her head underneath his chin, shifting as close as possible within his embrace without another wash of pain. The very thought that she had twins growing in her womb was terrifying, knowing at that very moment their hearts were developing. If something happened to them because of her…

"That's a good thing, though," Nick murmured, reaching to twine his fingers with hers. He could not imagine spending the rest of his life without Alana.

"We could always pull a Parent Trap--"

"What's that supposed to mean? You don't think I'll want to be with you?"

"It's always a possibility--"

"Beautiful, I hate to break it to you, but you're stuck with me forever…"

'For the kids,' Alana thought as she nestled herself close to him, burying her face against the crook of his neck, realizing he had taken a shower earlier in her private bathroom. "Well, you won't have to worry about state separation. I'm going to be terminated from my job."

"Then I can take you home with me once you're able to walk?" Nick questioned hopefully. He felt a thrill of excitement at the possibility of taking her to his new home in California. To spend his days with her and their children wrapped in their arms… It sounded like Heaven. "I love you so much, Alana…"

"You can take me to your home even when I can't walk," Alana promised, deciding not to lament over the issue. Maybe it was time that she moved away from Kentucky and started anew. She could always fly out to visit Colton's grave on the necessary occasions, though her child would always be in her heart. She had to think about the children inside her now. They needed their father.

"We can talk about it when you get out of the hospital," Nick decided softly, content just for the moment to hold her.

"I'm really springing for an early discharge," Alana sighed, kissing his neck.

"No. You're going to stay here as long as Dr. Jerkoff says you need to--"

"Nickalicious--"

"I mean it, Beautiful."

"There ain't a way to sway you otherwise?" Alana whined softly, nipping at the crook of his neck.

"No."

"This is going to be a miserable existence for the next…too many months…"

"Well…" Nick trailed, kissing the top of her head. Smiling slightly to himself, he squeezed her hand gently. "You'll have me by your side the whole time, isn't that going to make it a little bit better?"

Alana groaned softly as she buried her face against his neck for protection at the mere thought of his jealous, irate, over-protective state. "I think that's going to be the problem."

*~*~*


Natalie bit down on her lower lip as she watched Baylee lift the large vase into his arms, swaying precariously under its weight as they stepped off the elevator. "Bay-Bee, let me carry that--"

"No!"

Seeing Natalie's concerned expression, Brian transferred Zachary into her arms, making sure she had a hold of the blanket before rushing after his son. "Scooper, you're going to drop--"

"I carry it m'self!" Baylee insisted, waddling down the hall with an air of defiance. Not caring that he was drawing the attention of all the nurses, he paused to look into each room as he passed, wanting only to find Alana. "My 'Lana's flowers from her Boogie, her Boogie carry'em!"

"Is he swinging back into his terrible two's?" Natalie questioned with the utmost seriousness as Zachary fussed at the loss of his pacifier. She stopped halfway down the hallway to fix the situation, not able to handle another shrieking cry from the demanding infant. He had gratefully slept most of the night. But that morning had been a terror without Alana near, especially when he wasn't feeding. It was amazing to see how attached the infant was to-"Baylee Thomas Wylee Littrell!"

"It was an assy-dent!" Baylee screeched in defense as he crashed face-first into Aaron's legs. Aaron, coming from Alana's room to get a soda, had just enough time to react, stooping to retrieve the vase before it crashed to the floor. "Assy-dent! Little Nicky won't watch where he's goin'!"

"I swear, he's turning more and more into his father every day," Natalie muttered under her breath, grateful that Zachary's cries had been halted by the pacifier. Groaning when water sloshed from the vase onto Baylee, soaking his clothes, she glanced to Brian for help.

"There's an extra set of clothes in the diaper bag," Brian sighed as he shifted the bag of presents in his hand to Aaron's fingers before reaching to grasp his son that was attempting to wriggle away.

"Not an ass dent! A leg dent!" Aaron exclaimed with disbelief as he glanced down to the puddle of a little boy, then to the now damp legs of his jeans.

Baylee glared at him through his dripping wet bangs. "Watch where you goin'! I could'a broke my 'Lana's 'resent!"

"Oh boy, I sense an early bedtime for someone," Natalie breathed as she slipped past the męlée between father and son. Hearing Aaron's muttered curses about ruined shoes and no change of clothes, she heaved a weary groan as she entered Alana's room. Seeing Alana sitting up in the bed, she smiled brightly, noticing her friend was weaving intricate braids in Nick's hair as he slept, his head slouched against her chest. "…Isn't that precious?"

"Are you making fun of me? 'Cause I doubt he'll be happy when he wakes up," Alana guessed with a small smile as she reached for another lock of hair to weave, needing something to occupy her time. Nick had hardly slept her first night in the hospital, so it didn't surprise Alana that he soon drifted to sleep after he absorbed the news of the twins. She truly didn't mind him sleeping against her either, comforted by the tickle of his warm breath against her skin as the hospital gown slouched slightly.

"Just let me take some pictures before he realizes it?" Natalie requested with a soft giggle, shifting Zachary slightly as she settled into the chair next to the bed. Feeling the infant squirm with impatience, she rolled her eyes playfully. "…You could always braid Zach's peach fuzz?"

"Is that your way of telling me that someone needs me?" Alana guessed as she finished with the last braid, watching Zachary reach his arms out in the direction of her voice, kicking his tiny feet toward Natalie's chest. "…Was he bad for y'all last night? 'Cause Nick could have came back to the house--"

"No, no, he was a little angel," Natalie promised, wincing when one of Zachary's feet sharply jabbed her breast. "And he was fine this morning until I got him downstairs and he realized his Mommy wasn't waiting for him - Ow, Zach, that was Nattie's - Hold on, I'm getting her, I promise--"

"I'll take him," Alana offered as she gently shifted Nick closer to her left side so she could keep Zachary to her right and away from her IV sight, though she hoped Nick wouldn't pull it out when he awoke.

Leaning over, Natalie gently placed Zachary in the crook of Alana's arm, smiling when he began to settle down immediately. "He wouldn't drink his bottle this morning, so - Good God, Bumpkin still has the diaper bag. Be right back--"

"He'll be alright till Brian gets back," Alana attempted to persuade as she reached to play with Zachary's silky locks. Tipping her chin, she layered his sweet face with several soft kisses till the little boy began to coo with appreciation. Nuzzling the side of his face, she listened to him babble 'Ma.' "Hey, Good Looking, I missed you."

"Damnit, Nat, you're buying me new shoes just like these," Aaron whined as he entered the room. Dropping the heavy diaper bag into her lap, he wrinkled his nose in disgust, kicking his shoes off. "They're ruined! Look at them! Covered in smelly, stinky flower - Well hey there Bud!" he cooed suddenly, seeing Zachary nestled against Alana's side. Leaning close, he pressed soft kisses to the baby's cheeks, grinning. "If you ain't the cutest--"

"He ain't that cute!" Baylee hollered from the threshold of the doorway as he attempted to reach for the vase once more, only to have his father lift it far above his head to prevent another disaster.

"Ma!" Zachary insisted with a squeal of delight, reaching to tug at Aaron's platinum locks.

"You want to hold him?" Alana offered to Aaron.

"Well, looks like at the moment he's holding me…" Aaron trailed, gasping when Zachary tugged harder on his hair. "Dude! Your Dad's the one with the dreads going on today not me--"

"You just have to know how to entice him away from your hair," Natalie giggled, watching Zachary squeal louder as he pulled Aaron closer. "Give him 'Lana's boobies to snuggle on and he'll leave you alone forever--"

"Sis's boobies are only allowed to be snuggled on by me," Aaron grumbled. "Can't you give him to suck on? A bottle? A finger? Nat, pop out one of the girls and let him give that a spin--"

"Daddy already asked her to do that," Baylee announced loudly. "This morning' he was screamin' and he told her to try to… Daddy? Was it boobie feed or boobie pats'i'fy--"

"It was, Scooper, be quiet before you're grounded till you're fifty," Brian muttered as he set the vase of colorful roses on Alana's nightstand. He then reached to pluck Baylee from the floor, sitting him on the chair with a stern glare, though the blush seemed to pacify it.

Baylee sighed miserably, looking towards Natalie as though she would help him in his plight. "But, Daddy, Knot told you that only you could see her boobies--"

"Here's that bottle," Natalie announced suddenly, all but shoving it into Aaron's hands once he had freed his hair from Zachary's grips. "It's still warm, we had it in the insulated pouch. And he's probably due for a change, I'll go wet a cloth for his butt, since his skin doesn't like the diaper wipes…"

"He's breaking out?" Alana guessed with a frown as Aaron plucked the infant from her arms, pressing the nipple into his mouth before he could cry out. Shifting, she watched Aaron take Natalie's seat as she stood to gather washcloths. "Is it bad?"

"No, not bad at all," Natalie promised. "I think it's because we had the scented ones. His rear was just a little pink last night. I put some ointment on it and gave it some air this morning. It's already starting to fade… Bay was the same way when he was a baby. Just the hint of a scented wipe and his tushie broke out--"

"Knot!"

"Don't you know better than to embarrass him in front of his woman?" Brian scorned with a bemused smile, noticing the dark pink flush gathering in his son's cheeks. Though, Baylee didn't find it adorable as his tiny hands balled into fists of fury as if he were about to throw a fit. Whistling, Brian scooped Baylee from his seat, carrying him toward Alana's bed. "You can't jump around, but are you going to kiss your 'Lana? You haven't quit talking about her since the other day."

"You think I'm bad now… Just wait till he brings home a girlfriend," Natalie warned with a coo before slipping into the bathroom.

"'Lana, I missed you so much," Baylee burst, leaning close to kiss her. "I prayed that God'd fix your boo-boos last night, and I slept with your pi'ture on my pillow, an' me an' Knot made you lots of 'resents to dec'rate with an - Why Nicky gots braids?!"

"I got bored 'cause no one's letting me move around," Alana explained with a small smirk, blowing a raspberry against the side of Baylee's face. "Maybe you can tell them to give me a break?"

"Uh-huh! An' when you gets to go home, you stay with me? S'eep in my room? Me an' George an' Simba'll wait on you hands and feets," Baylee promised.

"I don't think you want to share a bed with me, Boogie. I'm gonna take up too much room with my broken legs. And I wouldn't want to impose on your Daddy," Alana declined gently, reaching to play with his lengthening blonde locks, wondering when Natalie was going to take him for a trim.

"It was Daddy's idea," Baylee informed with a grin.

"And how much is Nicky paying him?" Alana challenged.

"Nicky don't know--"

"Like that ain't something new," Aaron muttered as Nick snorted in his sleep, turning to bury his face deeper against the swell of Alana's breasts.

"Nicky's dumb," Baylee sighed, whining when his father pulled him away from Alana to place him in the chair once more.

"Apparently not, 'cause he still knows how to get to the promised land," Brian breathed, though his light blue eyes widened in horror when he realized that Alana had overheard his comment. "Alana, I am so--"

"Busted?" Alana guessed with a small laugh as Natalie came out with several damp washcloths.

"What'd you do this time?" Natalie questioned with a knowing smile.

"Admiring my woman's breasts," Nick muttered with a heavy yawn.

"Well, who can blame him? They are lovely," Natalie decided with a grin as she reached to spread the changing pad at the foot of Alana's bed.

"Thanks, Natalie…" Alana murmured, reallocating Nick from her chest so she could draw the blankets upward.

Groaning, Nick slowly sat up, hearing Natalie, Baylee and Alana begin to giggle as he rubbed his eyes. "What?" he questioned sleepily, looking at everyone's faces in turn. Wincing at the sudden flash of light from Natalie's camera, he scowled, wondering what they all found so hilarious.

"Zach's dirty ass needs washed and he can't use those crappy scented wipes you bought because they make his butt turn redder than a pair of balls in Howie's hot lemon honey tea," Aaron explained as he stood to hand over the freshly burped infant to Natalie. "So, you've got to go out and get some washcloths from the nurses otherwise Sis is going to beat the living shit outta you for irritating her baby boy."

"Okay… Sheesh, why didn't you just say so?" Nick questioned with a grumble, sliding out of bed. Smoothing the wrinkles from his t-shirt, he stepped into his shoes, muffling another yawn as he stooped to tie them. "I'll run down to the drug store and get some unscented--"

"Well hustle! Bud's ass can't wait all day!" Aaron insisted.

"Handsome, can you grab me a magazine and some good candy and a Big Slam of Pepsi?" Alana inquired hopefully, knowing when he realized what she had done that she wouldn't be getting any further preferential treatment. "You can grab the money out of that bag in my closet that has my shredded clothes?"

"Sure… I've got it," Nick promised, checking for his wallet. "Bay, you want to go with me?"

"Not with you looking like white bread," Baylee declined, wrinkling his nose in distaste as he coined AJ's phrase, oblivious to the meaning.

"Baylee!" Natalie chided, though she continued to giggle as she handed the dirty diaper and cloths to Brian. Seeing Zachary's smile, she quickly snapped up his blue and green rugby-striped romper up before stepping over to hand him to Alana.

"Whatever…" Nick trailed, still wondering why everyone seemed to find him so amusing this particular day. Shrugging, he leaned close to kiss Alana softly. "Love you, Beautiful…"

"Hurry along," Aaron demanded.

"I love you more, Handsome," Alana promised as she shifted Zachary onto her chest, gently patting his back as he sighed with sheer satisfaction at his current situation. Though, he cooed happily when he found his mother's hand to suck and nibble upon. Making sure to avoid all eye contact with the disaster she had created of Nick's usually perfect hairdo. God, he was going to kill her.

Shoving his hands into his pockets as he strolled out of the room, Nick paused when he heard the sudden burst of laughter just after his exit. Looking down at his clothes, he assured himself that the jeans and red t-shirt were alright enough, considering that he was staying in the hospital and just running out to grab a few things. They were all just weird, he decided as he continued down the hall, groaning when he saw a bunch of balloons that would fill Alana's room to capacity. Recognizing the hand that clutched the ribbons, he groaned again when his gaze shifted to the large bouquet of violet roses in the man's opposite arm. A lady from the hospital Auxiliary was right behind the man, pushing a cart filled with various treats and wrapped presents. Damnit, did AJ always have to show him up?

"Hey, Nicky-Dicky, how's my Al doing- What the fuck did you do to your hair?! You look like the long lost black brother of Einstein who got his hand caught in a toaster while his weaver was playing with an electric eel!" AJ hissed in disbelief as he pulled away the ribbons of balloons that had blocked his view. His dark rustic brown eyes widened in disbelief as he noted the way the tightly weaved braids stood straight on a point, jutting in every direction. He looked like a horror story.

"My hair?" Nick questioned dumbly, reaching to rake his hands through it. When his fingers tangled in the braids, he gasped sharply, whirling to look in the nearest shiny surface he could find. Bending low to see his reflection in the fire extinguisher box, he whined at the rows of neat braids standing atop his head. "What the fuck--"

"S'up, my brother from another lover's mother!" AJ whooped with a ruckus laughter, slapping Nick heartily on the back before moving toward Alana's room. "If you'll excuse me, you're looking like a jackass and I'm having a gorgeous ass day, I need to love on Al while the getting's good!"

Growling low in his throat, Nick jerked to an upright position, shoving AJ aside. Storming into the hospital room, he took one look around the room before his eyes landed on Natalie's face. Under his scrutiny her cheeks turned a bright red, and he knew he had the culprit. "YOU!"

Squeaking, Natalie hopped from her seat, moving to hide behind Brian. "Nicky, don't get mad--"

"Don't even start on her, Nickalicious," Alana immediately intervened as Natalie ducked behind Brian's seat, covering her hands over her head as means of protection. Aaron was moving from his seat as well, heading for the door, knowing Alana would be sure to mention his squirting of maximum hold gel into his brother's hair. But, Alana merely continued to rub Zachary's back as he suckled her fingers. "I was hurting pretty bad and they haven't got my medicine change in yet, so I had to take my mind off the pain. You had fallen asleep and I was bored and--"

"Decided to make me look like a white imitation of Buckwheat?" Nick whined, throwing up his hands in disgust. "And were you all going to just let me walk out into public like this?"

"Like you won't be looking like a bigger fool stumbling into public in boxer shorts, a ratty t-shirt, wild hair, grit in your eyeballs, and a curse in your mouth because of Sis's midnight cravings," Aaron muttered. "We were just preparing you!"

"Midnight cravings?" Natalie inquired, popping back up from behind Brian's seat. Looking to Alana with surprise, she held her breath. "You're pregnant?"

"The pain medicine makes me hungry," Alana hurriedly attempted to explain, shooting a hard glare toward Aaron. She wasn't even sure how she felt about the pregnancy entirely, so she wasn't exactly thrilled about the news being shared so quickly and so early. She had to make sure she felt comfortable with the pregnancy before all of Nick's friends celebrated the news, almost definitely cornering her to the point of suffocation.

"Yeah," Nick confirmed, moving towards the bathroom in order to wash the stiff gel from his hair. "I had to run out at two this morning to get her a calzone…"

"I'm a miserable patient," Alana laughed nervously, burying her nose in Zachary's dusting of dark locks to inhale the soft scent of his baby shampoo.

"What's this button do?" Baylee questioned suddenly. He was kneeling on the floor at the foot of Alana's bed, staring with the glee only a child could conjure at the panel of buttons. "It has an arrow, Daddy! Does that mean it'll make my 'Lana float?"

"Boogie, don't do that!" Alana yelped in horror as she forced herself into a sitting position at the whirl of engines beneath her bed. Cradling Zachary tight to her chest, she reached out though she knew it was futile, especially as the lower bed began to raise her legs in the air. The pain was overwhelming as Brian tripped over Natalie's feet in order to grab the little boy, never making it as the bed continued to rise. Alana feared she might scream out till AJ came dashing into the room, shoving the balloons and flowers in Aaron's hands and yanking Baylee over his shoulder before lowering the bed. "Oh, God, AJ…"

"Are you okay?" AJ questioned breathlessly, throwing Baylee into Natalie's arms before moving to adjust the blankets over Alana. Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, he helped her lay back, reaching to smooth Zachary's hair as he began to fuss. Lifting the baby into his arms once Alana breathed a sigh, he carefully tucked him against his shoulder, cooing softly until Zachary calmed down. "Yeah, it's alright, lil man. It's okay, Mommy's alright…"

"Nothing like breaking my legs all over again," Alana breathed with a pained whimper, attempting to reach down to soothe her throbbing legs. But the other aches and pains from her fall prevented her from doing so. Reaching up, she tangled her hands into her damp blonde locks, tugging as if that pain would get rid of the others. Tears slipped down her pale cheeks as Natalie and Brian argued amongst themselves as they scolded Baylee. "God…"

"What can I do to help?" AJ asked softly, shifting Zachary into Aaron's arms before perching carefully on the edge of the bed. "You want me to go get you some pain medicine? Call a nurse? Rub something? Kill the kid--"

"I'm fine," Alana whispered, though she reached for his hand to squeeze in hopes it'd give her strength.

"You're breaking into a cold sweat, Babe, you are far from fine," AJ whispered back, his other hand reaching to smooth her brow.

"It hurts a little," she confessed, biting hard on her bottom lip.

"Where?"

"My legs, my whole upper torso, my legs worse…"

"Do they need shifting or anything? You sure you don't want me to go get a nurse?" AJ whispered.

"No, just stay here with me…"

"Okay…" AJ trailed, smoothing her hair slightly before leaning close to kiss her forehead.

"Thanks," Alana murmured as she eased her arms around his neck, burying her face into the crook as she took several deep breaths. Soothed by the sweet scent of his cologne, she blinked back several heavy tears as the pain slowly began to subside.

Bracing his hands on either side of her, AJ pressed the side of his face against her head, murmuring softly in a soothing manner. When her body shuddered with pain, he took a deep breath before beginning to sing softly. "I don't mind spending every day / Out on your corner in the pouring rain / Look for the girl with the broken smile / Ask her if she wants to stay awhile / And she will be loved / And she will be loved… Knock on my window / Tap on my door / I want to make you feel beautiful…"

"Alana, I am so sorry that I didn't--" Brian's apology reverted into a shocked silence as he set Baylee in the corner as means of punishment. He was dumbfounded at the sight of AJ embracing Alana, singing something softly within her ear as her arms tightened around his neck and she tucked her face deeper against him. He didn't know what was occurring, but he realized that Nick would be thoroughly infuriated. "Where the Hell is Nick?!"

"Washing his hair," AJ answered without a glance over his shoulder as he gently kissed Alana's cheek.

"So does that make you think that you're the stand-in boyfriend because he's busy?" Brian gasped in horror, glancing toward Natalie with disbelief as if he wanted her to do something.

"She's in pain," Natalie and AJ answered in unison. Smiling slightly, Natalie reached to pat Brian's arm, shaking her head slightly. "He's just helping her," she added softly.

"Nick ain't going to see it that way," Brian murmured as if he were the group's tattletale.

"And you ain't going to tell him a thing," Natalie informed him.

"The Hell I'm--" Brian caught Natalie's stern glare. "Aaron is!"

"And get my ass kicked? I don't think so, Preacher Boy," Aaron decided with a snort.

Brian choked in shock, "You sorry little piece of--"

"Daddy, if JJ is kissing on 'Lana, can I get up?" Baylee inquired.

"You okay?" AJ whispered against Alana's cheek as she began to relax, deciding to ignore Brian as he launched into the reasons Baylee was in the corner. "You want me to send the Kid downstairs to get you a nice cold milkshake?"

"Send him out for ketchup and vinegar fries? And I'll share them with you?" Alana suggested meekly, though she hated asking for help or accepting offers of hand-outs. It made her feel spoiled and she already felt undeserved of their adoration. "I mean, you don't have to, I'm fine--"

"Aaron, go get some ketchup and--"

"I'm on it," Aaron sighed, shifting the sleeping Zachary into Natalie's arms as he got out of his chair. Moving to listen at the closed bathroom door, he chuckled softly. "Nick'll be washing the gel out of his hair for weeks, man…"
Thirty-Three :: For The Rest of Time by shrinkingviolet
"Nick, you would think that on your long break away from the hospital that you'd want to go back to the house and grab a long shower, some fresh clothes, and a long nap in a comfy bed… So, why the Hell are you bringing me out to a jewelry store?" Brian inquired with a slight air of irritation to his voice, especially when Nick yanked harder on his upper arm. He had fully expected to take a quick ride home with Nick as Alana, Aaron, and Baylee napped in her hospital bed. AJ had promised to watch out for the trio as Natalie and Howie went to fetch dinner for everyone. But, instead, Brian was walking through the streets of the local town, watching Nick hold his son close in a carrier that strapped to the front of his chest. "What necklace, watch, ring, or bracelet could you possibly need for a hospital setting? I thought you weren't into scoping out other women anymore?"

"I'm not scoping out other women… I'm looking to buy Beautiful a ring," Nick explained with a sigh, as though he had told Brian all this before. Glancing to the jewelry store tucked between a bank and an antique store, he smiled suddenly, jerking his friend towards the door. "And not just any ring--"

"A ring to match that anklet you bought her that's pretty much sitting pretty for over half a year?" Brian guessed with a snort.

"No… An engagement ring," Nick explained casually as he stepped into the jewelry store.

"An engagement what?" Brian blurted in surprise as he attempted to walk through the opposite glass door, though his face collided hard into the door that he forgot to open. Pulling backward with a fresh sting of pain, his cheeks darkened a bright red as he noted the imprint of his face permanently marking the door till it was cleaned next. Hearing the distant sound of shoppers' chuckles, he yanked the door open to steal inside. "Shit! That hurt!"

"Why should me buying an engagement ring for Alana hurt you?" Nick questioned in confusion, glancing up from the display of rings he was gazing at. Seeing Brian rubbing his face, he furrowed his brows. "Look, B, that kiss back in Sweden was just 'cause I was drunk, it never meant that I--"

"Jesus Christ, Nick, we're in public!" Brian hissed in revulsion.

Nick clicked his tongue as he headed towards the back of the shop. "Such language, Brian. Have you forgotten that you've recorded a Christian album?"

"I just don't understand you and…" Brian groaned as he found himself looking to Nick's backside yet again as he walked away. "Would you stand still for a minute?"

"Sorry…" Nick trailed, turning to face Brian again. Leaning against the nearby case, he glanced down at the array of jewelry. For little girls, he realized, seeing tiny pearl necklaces. Wondering if he should get Elizabeth something, he scanned the selection. "What's on your mind, B?"

"You're going to marry Alana?" Brian questioned bluntly, just staring at his younger friend in bewilderment. Never in all his years had he thought that Nick would ever be ready for marriage. He seemed to be like AJ in that respect. Wild and confrontational to any means of authority. Settling down for marriage didn't seem to be in Nick's stars. Yet, Brian supposed it was possible as he glanced to the adopted infant snoozing against his father's chest.

"If she says yes," Nick confirmed with a slight nod, straightening to meet his friend's gaze. Seeing the utter confusion no the older man's face, he sighed, reaching to smooth Zachary's hair gently. Suddenly feeling the need to explain, he wet his lips. "I love her, Brian. She's the one I'm meant to be with, you know? The one I want to grow old with and raise a family with and… Everything… She makes the world seem right when she's with me…"

"You're serious about this?" Brian questioned softly, his facial features softening significantly from the frown he had been wearing. The sincerity radiating from his friend's deep cobalt eyes seemed to sober the skepticism significantly. For the first time, Brian realized he was looking at a man instead of the scrawny teenager he had first befriended. His life had been filled with turmoil and heartache. Now, finally, Nick found some stability in his life. Something that made his life worth living. Well, someone that made his life worth living.

"Dead serious, Brian," Nick answered, resting a protective hand against the carrier holding Zachary as a woman brushed past towards the exit. "She's the one. The only one."

"The love of your life," Brian murmured with a small smile.

Nick nodded, smiling slightly with relief. Hearing the unobtrusive cough from beside him, he glanced over to see an older man waiting to serve behind the counter. Lightly patting Zachary's back, he looked back at Brian before speaking. "What have you got that'll tell a woman she's the love of your life?"

"His nickname for her is Beautiful, too, so, whatever you show us has to be gorgeous in order to even barely compliment her," Brian continued, patting Nick's back with encouragement.

"And it has to be either white gold or platinum," Nick added with a grin, grateful he finally had Brian's understanding and support. At the jeweler's confused expression, he chuckled. "She doesn't care much for yellow gold…"

"Do you have a photograph of your lady?" a whisper of voice inquired from the small sprig of a man behind the counter, peering out at the men through a thick pair of glasses that seemed to magnify his light blue eyes. A fine layer of white hair was combed neatly over his scalp as a wrinkly hand reached out to Zachary to touch the infant's hand as he awoke.

"Yes I do!" Nick blurted, remembering he had tucked one into his wallet at the Bahamas. Reaching to pull it out, he gazed down at it for a few seconds, smiling slightly to himself as Zachary cooed softly at the man behind the counter. It was a casual shot of Alana, sitting on the balcony with the sunset behind her. She was looking towards the ocean, her hair whipping about the perfection of her face as she laughed at something he had been saying. He had snapped the photo without truly thinking, never imagining that it would capture her beauty with such perfection. Hearing Brian clear his throat, he blushed slightly before handing it over.

"Fantastic, I always like to have a picture of the love when I'm helping a fella pick out a suitable ring," the man explained with a kind smile as he took the photograph into his hands, holding it close to study Alana. "She is quite the beauty! You certainly aren't wrong in naming her 'Beautiful,' that's for sure. You're a very lucky man!"

"That I am," Nick agreed with a grin. "Think you can help me out? I don't want anything too flashy or extravagant, 'cause--"

"She doesn't like to be spoiled?" the seller guessed.

"Exactly."

"Let me see what sort of selection I can find for you," he whistled, ducking underneath the counter as he surveyed his layers of engagement rings. "Is that her young'n?"

"He's her baby boy," Nick answered with a soft smile, dipping his head to kiss Zachary's cheek.

"Ma," Zachary cooed, seeming to know exactly who his father was speaking of as he curled his tiny fingers Nick's t-shirt.

"You love your Ma, don't you, Son?" Nick murmured, tracing the back of his son's fist with his thumb.

"Ma!" Zachary agreed with a grunt of satisfaction. "Ma…"

"How old is he?" the old man laughed as he popped up with several different ring selections.

"Two months tomorrow," Nick informed with a proud smile, wrapping his arms around Zachary in a gentle embrace.

"And he's already saying 'Ma?' That's amazing!"

"He can't possibly know what he's saying…" Brian murmured, shaking his head in disbelief.

"He's been saying it for weeks now," Nick explained with a chuckle.

"When she's around?" Brian questioned.

"You should hear him when they're snuggling and she's talking to him… It's all he can do… Ma, Ma, Ma…"

"Scooper didn't start talking till he was…"

"Snot Sucker's gifted," Nick bragged with a beam of paternal pride as he looked towards the jeweler once more.

"I have a very beautiful selection of rings for you to sort through. I never pick out a ring for a fella, because that's his choice. This is the first gift you're giving your beautiful lady for the rest of your lives together. It needs to represent your love for her. But, I would hope that you'd allow me to take your son for a moment so he can help me pick out a very special gift for his very special mother. You said he's two months old… So he was born in February?"

"Yes, sir," Nick answered softly, letting Brian unbuckle the carrier. "The day after Valentine's…"

"Very appropriate," the man chuckled as he gently cradled Zachary in his arms when Nick handed him over. Cooing at the infant, the man grinned. "And when was your mother born, young'n?"

"May twenty-first," Nick provided, leaning over to gaze at the selection.

"We'll leave you to look at the rings while we go make a very special gift for your son's mother," the man explained as he moved toward the front of the store with Zachary babbling to him.

"What do you think of this one?" Nick asked Brian softly, plucking a white gold ring from the velvet tray. Turning it slightly in the light, he shook his head before even letting Brian see. Replacing it, he sighed, "It doesn't shine enough."

"You don't have to pick the first one you find in the batch," Brian murmured softly as he leaned against the glass, hoping he'd be able to give Nick all the support he truly needed. This was an extremely important moment in Nick's life and Brian thanked God that he had been the one Nick called out for. In fact, he found it curious to watch Nick select a ring that would represent his token of love to Alana. When Brian had picked out his ring for Leighanne, she had been breathing over his shoulder, demanding the best, brightest, and heaviest. Thank God he had finally gotten the divorce proceedings started. "You've got all the time in the world to find a perfect ring."

"I want to be married by Christmas," Nick blurted.

Brian's cerulean eyes widened in surprise as he staggered backward from the excitement laced in Nick's voice. "What? Why? Christmas?"

"I want us to be a real family on Christmas morning when we help Snot Sucker open his presents," Nick explained as he pored over the ring selection once more, hoping Brian would not notice that he was stretching the truth.

"You guys are a real family," Brian argued with confusion, leaning against the glass of the display case. "Her having a ring on her finger or not doesn't change the love you guys have for one another or for Zachary."

"I just want to do things right, Brian…" Nick trailed, near to giving up on the rings before him. "This is it," he breathed, plucking one into his hand. "Look--"

"Ain't like you got her pregnant," Brian chuckled as he took the ring from Nick to examine it. The white gold was polished flawlessly as it curved upward, each end wrapping around a large, flawless, round diamond to create a sleek angular look to the ring instead of a traditional circle. Then, leading down from the large diamond were five smaller, flawless round accent diamonds to each side. Eleven perfect diamonds. "…I thought you didn't want anything flashy… Or anything that's going to significantly burn your bank account…"

"That's not going to burn my bank account," Nick argued, taking the ring to glance at the price tag. "And it's not flashy, either… It's perfect, see? Ten little diamonds… This is the one--"

"And one big ass diamond in the center," Brian reminded.

"But it's the little things that count, Frick…"

"And how much is it?"

"Four thousand--"

"She's going to murder you."

"Do you honestly think I'm going to get down on one knee, pour my heart out and then announce how much the ring cost?" Nick scoffed with a shake of his head, glancing around for the jeweler.

"No, but I'm thinking about that first fight as an engaged couple where you scream out - Yeah, of course I'm not good enough for you when I just paid four thousand dollars for that hunk of diamond on your finger!"

"You talk like you've had that fight," Nick chuckled, hearing Zachary's excited coos from across the store.

"And it was ugly," Brian assured as he glanced over his shoulder to see the old jeweler returned to them with Zachary curled tightly in his arms, the infant nibbling on a slender black box.

"Have you found something for your lady?" the old man asked. "Because your son certainly has."

"You gnaw it, you bought it, Snot Sucker," Nick informed Zachary with a laugh. Holding out the ring he selected, he dug into his pocket to retrieve the ring he had sneaked from Alana's jewelry box when he had gone to her house to gather a few things for her. "If you can size it to this, I'll love you forever."

"No problem whatsoever," the man agreed as he shifted Zachary back into Nick's arms so he could take the rings. Admiring the one that Nick had selected, he smiled brightly. "This is a beautiful choice, Sir. And, what your son picked out for his mother, no cost whatsoever. As long as you both like it."

"Score," Nick murmured softly in his son's ear as he placed him in the carrier once again. Taking the box, he lifted the lid, his face breaking into a grin when he saw the necklace inside. Holding it so Brian could see as well, he lightly traced the silver heart pendant that was descending from a small heart shaped clasp. Alana's birthstone, emerald, hung in the center of the heart, with Zachary's dangling from the bottom. "You picked out a good present for Mommy, Son…"

"She's going to love that," Brian agreed as he reached to ruffle Zachary's dark locks, realizing that he'd have to take Baylee out shopping for Natalie soon. Mother's day would be dedicated to her. And, glancing toward the other engagement rings, Brian smiled, perhaps she'd get a ring of her own.

"You can also add more birthstones to the bottom of the heart as your family grows," the man concluded as he scratched Nick's information on an index card to place with the ring.

Nick bit back the urge to tell the man he would be returning in a few months to buy two more. Grinning instead, he placed the box on the counter as Zachary began to nibble on Brian's fingers. "How much to gift wrap it?"

"For that adorable little boy? Nothing," the man promised as he took the box. "Your engagement ring will be ready in about two days at the most. You can pay for it then if you like?"

"Thanks a lot," Nick agreed with a nod, taking another glance around the store. "I'll probably be picking up a few other things then, too…"

"I thought she didn't like to be spoiled," the man chuckled, bagging the perfectly wrapped box into a small gift bag.

"She doesn't, but I love spoiling her…" Nick turned to Brian. "And I was thinking of getting Lizzie something too… And Mother's Day is coming…"

"That's exactly what I was thinking," Brian agreed, glancing back to the older man for a moment. "Hey, Nick, there's that pizza place right across the road. Why don't you go get us a table? We'll bring Alana back whatever leftovers we have?"

"But… I let you stay when I was buying my stuff…" Nick trailed, affecting a pout that he had perfected over the years. "What are you getting?"

"None of your business because you'll tell Natalie and if you don't go get a table, I'll be telling Natalie what you bought Alana, which will surely get back to her."

"Damnit, you never play fair," Nick whined, accepting his bag from the jeweler. "Fine, I'll go get us a table and order you tons of garlic bread so the Gnat won't want to kiss you… Thanks again!"

"Brothers?" the man guessed with a laugh as Nick sauntered out of the store with his gift.

"Something like that…" Brian sighed, though he smiled just the same.

*~*~*

"Why is there a limo pulling up out front?" Nick questioned loudly as he gazed out the window of Alana's hospital room. Leaning closer to the glass, he ignored the roses crushing against his chest, wondering who would be crazy enough to get a limo to the hospital.

"Because how else could we possibly draw the attention of the local media without it? My discharge from the hospital needs to be world wide, especially since AJ and Howie are angling to plaster my face across the singing world anyway," Alana grunted softly as she pulled on her sports bra after discarding her hospital gown. Adjusting herself as needed, she tried not to make a face of pain as she applied deodorant and then grabbed for her racer-back tank top from the pile of clothing Natalie had gathered for her. Glancing toward the awaiting wheelchair at the side of her bed, she wondered how she would possibly be able to get into it with one leg fully immobilized and the other in a thick plaster cast. It seemed ridiculous. But after a week of supervision at the hospital, Dr. Allman had finally given Alana permission to go home. Of course, providing that she had others to care for her and she wasn't living alone. She had promised as much, though she didn't have any cause to follow through. She just wanted to leave.

"Please, AJ wouldn’t be so stupid as to…" Nick trailed into a groan of irritation when AJ hopped from the rear of the limo. Banging his head against the glass of the window, he wondered where he had gone wrong in everything. It seemed that, more than ever since meeting Alana, AJ constantly had to show him up. Do things bigger and better. "That fucknut--"

"Alex actually got a limo?" Alana interrupted with a soft laugh as she reached for one of the pairs of boxers AJ had bought. No jeans would be able to fit over the immobilizer. In fact, the baggiest of shorts were necessary to slide over the injuries. Though, as she stared at them and then her useless legs, she feared she wouldn't be getting them on herself. "He told me he was just going to tie me to the roof of the Jeep first…"

"I would have gotten you a limo," Nick informed with a scowl in the limousine's direction. That is, if he had realized before that moment that she would be unable to ride home in the Jeep. "But… You are staying with me and Snot Sucker at Brian's, right?"

"I didn't ask him or you to get me a limo," Alana murmured, completely avoiding his question as she studied the boxers, wondering if she could slingshot them around her feet.

"…Oh…" Sighing, Nick turned to look at her. Seeing the boxers in her hand, he reached for them, fully intent on helping her get them on. "Lay back--"

"I can do it myself," Alana argued in what she hoped was an authoritative tone, though she knew there was no way she could get the boxers on by herself. "If you put them around my ankles and help me stand, then I can pull them up and get into my wheelchair--"

"You are not putting any weight on your legs and I can get them on you," Nick interrupted.

"And I can get them on me, too--"

"Then do it."

"Fine," Alana grunted as she yanked the boxers away from his grip. Who did he think he was? Holding her breath, she bent completely over by the waist, usually able to touch her toes, but the pain ripped down every muscle fiber and the immobilizer prevented her from reaching her feet. Bruises and cuts had littered her body and finally the pain became unbearable. Gasping with a sharp breath of pain, she bunched the boxers into a fist and threw them at Nick.

"Will you let me help you now?" he questioned softly. "Without insisting that you can do it yourself?"

"Okay," she murmured, leaning back on the bed as he had first requested, holding her trembling hands to her face to stop the tears from falling.

"I'm so sorry, Beautiful," he whispered, tossing the boxers aside so he could sit next to her. Pulling her hands from her face, he dipped his head to softly kiss her cheek. Not expecting her to sharply slap him. "Ow! What--"

"Just put my boxers on like you were going to do in the first place," Alana suggested, rubbing her face where he had kissed. It was one thing to help her, but something completely different to treat her as if she were some invalid child.

"Why did you hit me, though?" Nick insisted, backing away as he reached for the boxers. "I didn't expect you to actually try to--"

"Because you deserved it."

"I'm sorry. I--"

"Well hello!" AJ exclaimed from the doorway. Grinning wickedly, he took in the scene as Alana tugged a blanket over her lower half. "You know I had a fantasy like this… Only Nick wasn't here--"

"Bet you were the patient," Alana mumbled as she struggled to sit up once more, convinced that she'd be going back to her home with a blanket wrapped around her bottom.

"Want me to step out so you can dress?" AJ inquired, glancing to the boxers in Nick's hands. "Or do you want me to help--"

"It really doesn't matter at this point as long as I can please get my boxers on without people trying to prove I'm a cripple," Alana suggested as she glanced down to her legs, continuing to rub her cheek.

"I wasn't trying to prove--"

"Why are you crying? Did he hit you?!" AJ nearly shrieked, turning to glare at Nick. "Why'd you hit her?! What'd she ever do to you?! You son-of-a--"

"Holy Hell, Alex, I hit him," Alana interrupted with a breath of surprise, which turned to a frustrated groan as she tugged at her knotted and tangled locks. What she wouldn't give for a nice, long, hot bath. "God, where's Allie? I know you said she was loading the car, but she can help me."

"I saw her in the hallway when I was coming in," AJ answered, ignoring Nick's glare of hatred towards him. "I think she stopped at the desk to make sure all the paperwork was in order and all…"

"Do you want to go check on her and make sure everything is fine? Please?" Alana inquired softly, gesturing toward the boxers in Nick's hands. AJ nodded and moved out to the hallway again, making sure to close the door behind him. When they were alone, Alana reached to brush her fingers against Nick's inner wrist, feeling awful that she had struck him. "Nick--"

"I'm sorry," Nick murmured, fiddling with the waistband of the boxers he was holding. Realizing that AJ had brought them for Alana, he inwardly gagged, dropping them onto the bed. Looking into her dark teal eyes, he sighed. "I wasn't trying to prove that you were crippled or anything. I didn't think you would actually… I just… I don't want you doing too much and hurting yourself even more."

"I shouldn't have hit you," Alana whispered, biting down on her bottom lip as she gently brushed her fingers across the tattoo that covered Paris Hilton's name. Briefly, she recalled the turmoil of Paris's family accusing Nick of physical abuse. Not once had Nick ever attempted to strike out at her. Yet she had. "God, I'm so sorry, Nick."

"You were frustrated, Alana. It was my fault, it's okay," Nick promised, glancing down to where her fingers brushed. "I'm not scared that you're going to hit me over the head with your crutches or anything," he added with a grin. "Besides… I can outrun you…"

"I'll let that slide," Alana mumbled, unable to help but wonder if Paris had inflicted the physical pain upon Nick or his mother, which she truly feared.

"You know you love me," Nick crooned, leaning close to offer her a soft kiss. "I'm the eraser on your pencil… The cream in your coffee… The--"

"Spoon in my throat that gags me," Natalie finished from the doorway.

"Good thing you make her gag that way I don't have to worry about you hunting for sex elsewhere while I'm closed for renovations," Alana murmured against Nick's lips, cupping her hands around his face to intensify the kiss to show her truest apologies. It had been a week since they had any type of intimacy. The hardened kiss was as close as she had got.

"I was sent in here because Nick's a prick and 'Lana needs help getting dressed, yet they're in here kissing and--" Natalie cut off at the sound of Nick's soft moan, shooting a glare at AJ over her shoulder. "Is this a joke?"

"She bitch slapped him, I swear!" AJ blurted, throwing an accusatory finger toward Nick. "But he must have pinched her clit--"

"Right, right," Natalie muttered, rolling her eyes. "All I see is a couple enjoying a sweet, quiet moment together, and yet you seem so intent on ruining it--"

"Yeah, you fucking bastard," Nick growled toward AJ as he broke away from Alana's kisses for a moment, reaching for the boxers on the side of the bed. Bunching them in his fist, he pitched them toward AJ's head. "Take those ratty, skid marked, beastly pieces of holy shit with you! My Beautiful isn't going home wearing your nasty drawers! You see what he does, Nat? Tries to break me up from Beautiful--"

"You're horrible," Natalie concluded with a dark scowl, reaching to smack the backside of AJ's head. "You should be ashamed of yourself! You think things like this are going to make her want to sign to your label?" she scoffed, turning back to look at Alana and Nick. "You need me to do anything?"

"Put him to work loading up Alana's stuff in the car while I help her get ready?" Nick questioned hopefully, puckering his bottom lip ever so slightly.

Natalie glanced at AJ. "You heard the man. And don't even try to argue, 'cause you know you're using Bumpkin's studio, and you're staying in his house, which can be changed if you decide to be a jackass--"

"Alright, I get the fucking picture," AJ growled, shoving his boxers into her purse when she turned to leave the room.

"You do realize that, one, I have nothing to wear home to cover my bottom and, two, Alex is so going to get you back one of these days, right?" Alana inquired as she nuzzled Nick's neck with her nose when the door to her hospital room slammed. She had to admit Nick was quite brilliant in playing Natalie against AJ. He had learned quite well over the years.

"I've got some boxers in my bag," Nick promised, letting his lips trail over her cheeks in a feather-soft caress. "And I'm not worried about AJ, I can take him--"

"Clean boxers?" Alana hoped, slipping her bandaged hand beneath his t-shirt for a quick caress of his chest.

"The Gnat said she washed them…" Nick trailed with a soft gasp, feeling his chest flutter at her touch.

"Your chest still hurts?" she guessed with a small frown, immediately pulling her hand back. "Sorry."

"No! I'm just…" Nick shifted slightly on the bed. "…You know…"

"No, I don't…" Alana trailed, wrinkling her nose in confusion.

"…Rising to the occasion?"

"Well if you'd wear some boxers or something when you ain't sleeping, maybe you'd have more layers of clothing to stop that…" Alana murmured, her cheeks flaring red with embarrassment as she forced herself into a seated position. Her legs were starting to ache at their dependant state, dangling off the bed. She just wanted to get home.

"Beautiful, I could be bundled up like an Eskimo and it wouldn't stop that," Nick chuckled, sliding away to retrieve a pair of boxers for her.

"I hope I'm the only one who can do that for you," Alana answered honestly as she watched him rummage around in his duffle bag, pulling out several pairs of boxers. She had to smile with soft amusement as he assessed the prints of each, trying to decide what she might like best. "I'm kind of hoping that those boxers won't be on long, Handsome… I really want to get a bath or something when I get home."

"A sponge bath?" Nick questioned hopefully, holding up a pair of white boxers with a pattern of chili peppers.

"I was kind of hoping I might be able to actually lie in some water. Mike said I can take the immobilizer off to get bathed as long as I don't bend my leg and my cast is water-proof so I don't have to worry about it getting damp," Alana corrected, nodding somewhat toward the boxers, knowing he'd make her wear them anyway.

"Okay… I'll get the tub ready for you when we get to Brian's," Nick assured her with a smile, moving to help her into the boxers. "Then it'll be time for your pain medicine and you, me and Snot Sucker can take a nap--"

"You wanted to give me a sponge bath, didn't you?" Alana suddenly guessed as Nick stooped to ease the boxers onto her legs. He made sure not to tender her pained legs as he helped them up to her hips. When she felt him lean over her, she held her breath and lifted her hips from the bed to help him pull them up to rest beneath her belly button.

"Maybe… But you'll let me wash your hair and your back, won't you?" Nick murmured as she eased back onto the mattress with a pained sigh.

"You can wash everything if you want," she promised as she rested her hands against the lowest portion of her abdomen, taking several calming breaths to ease the pain away from her body. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on Nick's breathing. "…Why do you want to do that?"

"Because I want to take care of you," Nick answered simply, catching her lips in a soft kiss.

"Then you can give me a sponge bath in the tub," she assured, flattening her hand gently against the side of his face as she nibbled his bottom lip, missing the taste of him.

"Have you asked Mike how long until I can--"

"The Jeep is loaded," Brian announced as he burst into the room, Howie right behind him.

"Great! Load me into the driver's side so I can get my ass home," Alana whooped as she brushed Nick away so she could sit up on the bed. But when she met Brian and Howie's horrified stares, she groaned softly. "I know I can't drive..."

"AJ rented a limousine to get you to Brian's," Howie informed her with a nervous chuckle, not sure she wouldn't try to drive herself home if the need arose. "He thought it would be a good idea so you could stretch out and not have to worry about cramping your legs up in a backseat…"

"Y'all are really sweet," Alana thanked with a small smile as Brian pushed the wheelchair close to her bed. She glanced down at the contraption, knowing she'd be stuck in it for several weeks till she was able to use crutches. But, getting into it would be the problem. Though, she didn't say anything as she noticed Natalie and AJ hurrying inside the room, arguing. "Brian, are you really sure you want me at your home? I'm perfectly fine going back to my house--"

"If I go home without you, I'll have a runaway child on my hands," Brian explained, setting the brakes on the wheelchair. "Not to mention, Natalie insists you stay with us--"

"I swear to God, Aje, I'm not above shoving your scrawny ass out the window," Natalie growled threateningly as she moved to retrieve the last flower arrangement in the window. Offering everyone a bright smile, she ignored AJ's stream of curses. "We all ready?"

"But you don't want me there, Brian," Alana sighed.

"You're my best friend's fi--girlfriend," Brian corrected immediately when Nick glared at him. "Not to mention my girlfriend's best friend. And I consider you like a sister. I won't take no for an answer. I want you there. Hell, if it'll make your recovery any easier, you can have the master bedroom."

"I don't want the master bedroom," Alana assured. "I really like the bedroom Nick designed--"

"Which means he better hustle his ass back and clean it," AJ whistled, eyeing the ceiling as he pursed his lips.

Nick eyed him carefully. "Clean it? …What'd you do to my room, you little--"

"How about I hop into my wheelchair before someone else is thrown back into the hospital?" Alana suggested as she reached to grab Nick's t-shirt, pulling him away from AJ.

Smiling innocently as Nick turned to lift Alana gently to place her in the chair, AJ turned to Howie. "…Hope Nicky likes feathers," he whispered conspiringly, rubbing his hands together with glee.

"What the Hell did you do?" Howie groaned.

"Anything to get Al into my bed instead of his pigpen!" AJ exclaimed.

Nick growled in annoyance after making sure Alana was settled in the wheelchair. "What the fuck did you do to my room?!"

"Handsome, don't--" Alana yelped in shock as her lover tripped over her left cast as he turned to yell at AJ, sending a rip of pain up her leg and him down on the floors.

"Nick, get up so I can kick your ass!" Natalie growled.

Nick slammed his hand against the floor in irritation. "Goddamnit--"

"Nick!"

"I'll risk going back to my house, 'cause staying with you people are going to kill me," Alana groaned.
Thirty-Four :: Plans and Promises by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
*sheepish* I've been horrible, haven't I? I've neglected this story for so long. So, in apology, I present you with the next 3 chapters. :)
Alana glanced questionably toward her lover as she sat upon the thick edge of the large jacuzzi tub that had already been prepared for her first bath since returning from the hospital. She could feel the warmth of the water radiating up from the sweet lavender smelling bath as a light mixture of bubbles rested on top. Nick had gone to extreme lengths to assure that she would enjoy her bath. Zachary was even joining in the festivities, chewing on a rattle as he sat perched in his ocean themed bouncer seat. But, as she prepared to help disrobe for the bath, she noticed Nick's hands hesitating over her large immobilizer. He was slow to undo the various straps that would free her injured leg from the confines so she may have some sort of relaxing bath. But the trepidation in his cool ocean eyes caused Alana to frown. "Handsome, are you okay?"

"Fine," Nick murmured, training his gaze on her hands as they worked to peel her tanktop off. Worrying his bottom lip between his teeth, he carefully removed the immobilizer, going slow so as to avoid causing her any pain. He released a slow breath as he placed it on the floor, grateful she wasn't wincing in agony. Lifting his eyes to look into hers, he smiled slightly. "Ready?"

"We've got to take the ace bandage off my leg, too," Alana murmured as she shifted carefully to unhook the fasteners of the ace bandage on her hip, holding the several ace bandages from the top of her hip to her foot to control the swelling. Holding her breath as she pressed the fasteners into her hip to remove them, then placed them in Nick's hand. Taking the edge of the material, she slowly began to unwind the ace bandages from her leg. The staples had fortunately already been removed from the outside of her leg, several inches from her mid thigh to above her knee.

Tearing his eyes from her leg, Nick drew in a heavy breath, wishing there were some way he could just whisper a few words and all her injuries would be gone. In truth, he felt as though it were his fault she fell in the first place. If he hadn't distracted her while she climbed, would the hook have broken? Probably not, he decided, feeling the fasteners dig into his palm as he clenched his fist in anger. He had been ragging on her the entire time they were climbing, no doubt pulling her attention away from the necessities of securing carabiners and lines. He had never truly learned to keep his mouth shut—

"Why are you staring at me like a scruffy dogs stares at a cat prowling on a fence?" Alana questioned in confusion as she finally managed to pull the sports bra away from her body and wiggle from her boxers till they sloped down her long legs. She had been so concentrated in her tasks that she barely noticed Nick's change in attitude until she glanced up to catch the end result of his souring thoughts. Observing her bare body, she immediately concluded that he was revolted by the scratches and coloring bruises. "This stuff is going to fade eventually, Handsome. You don't have to stay in here and look at me if that's what's--"

"It was all my fault. I shouldn't have gone with you. You knew what you were doing, and I distracted you with my whining and bitching--"

"My carabiner was faulty," Alana instantly corrected, frowning at the realization that Nick blamed himself. She reached out to brush her fingers tenderly down the side of his face, pulling his gaze from her significantly battered right leg. "That carabiner broke. It snapped in half. It didn't slip from the mountain or go slack. It crumbled. It's not your fault. Please, don't blame yourself. If you hadn't been there… Nick, I could have died…"

"But--" Nick began to argue, but she covered his lips with her fingers, shaking her head slightly. "I love you, Beautiful," he murmured against her palm.

"I love you more," she promised, moving her thumb over his bottom lip.

"Maa," Zachary cooed with a chortle, his furious kicks causing the rattles dangling over his bouncer seat to jangle merrily.

"He loves you too," Nick interpreted with a smile.

"Well, I love him, too," Alana laughed, wiggling her fingers toward Zachary as he squealed loudly. "I can't believe he says 'Ma' already. Do you know how significantly advanced he is? Rolling early… Speaking early…"

"He takes after his Mommy," Nick explained, grinning as he leaned over to playfully tug on his son's toes. "Daddy's going to help Mommy in the tub, okay? And maybe once she's settled in we'll let you take a dip too…"

"Ma!" Zachary agreed with a grunt, reaching his arms out to grab at the rattles on his bouncer.
"Use the diaper beforehand, Zachie," Alana suggested with a soft smile as she leaned to add hot water to bath, laughing when Zachary growled. "Sorry, Sweetness."

"He's a baby, Beautiful," Nick laughed, pulling himself to his feet , preparing himself mentally to lift her into the tub. "Tell her, Son, when you gotta go, you gotta go!"

"Yeah, just not on his mother!" Alana contradicted as she wrinkled her nose in distaste at the mere thought of bathing in urine or something far more heinous. But that thought was blotted when she felt Nick's arms slip about her. She could feel the small tremor in his hands, realizing he was nervous, so she held her breath. Not wanting to scare him, she said nothing about the pain that would have come whether he touched her or not. Trusting his judgment,, she smiled when she was lowered into the heated water, sighing as her muscles immediately relaxed. Nick made sure to keep her cast on the lip of the tub as her other leg rested easily beneath the water. No need to be bent as the doctor advised against. "Thanks, Handsome..."

"What do you want me to wash first?" he questioned softly, kneeling next to the tub.

"You don't have to get right to the task," Alana murmured as she sunk into the water with a refreshing sigh, allowing her eyes to drift closed. She drank in the sweet heat of the water that relaxed her aching muscles. It just felt so good. "You don't have to stay in here, either, Handsome--"

"What if your leg slips and you get pulled under the water and can't get up?" Nick interrupted, worry creeping into his voice with a whine. "Or you lean to get something and your leg pops out of joint and I'm on the other side of the house and can't hear you calling for help--"

"Okay, okay," Alana chided with interruption as she reached for his hand, drawing it over her heart to rest. "Stay with me then."

"This is where I belong," Nick explained softly, allowing his other hand to trail through the water slowly as he felt the beat of her heart. "Right by your side--"

"Ma!"

"Apparently he thinks I've disappeared?" Alana guessed with a rueful smile, idly running her fingertips over the back of his hand that rested over her heart. "Maybe he does need a tubby…"

"He just doesn't like it when you ignore him," Nick chuckled, shifting to one side so Zachary could still see Alana. Smiling when his furious grunts ceased, he lightly tapped Alana's chest. "See? She's still alright."

"I wasn't ignoring him; Daddy was hiding me," Alana corrected as she clicked her tongue toward Zachary, eliciting a small smile from the infant. "Ain't that right, Zachie? Mommy is never to blame. It's all Daddy…"

"That's the first time you called yourself Mommy," Nick breathed with sudden realization.

"What?" Alana questioned with confusion, shifting within the water to prop herself into a somewhat seated position. Without realization, all her muscles tensed to send a pulsation of pain, but she was far more focused on Zachary. "It can't be the first time… I mean, everyone else has been calling me his mother and… God, it was the first time… It's just that my name isn't on the adoption papers, so I didn't think I had the right to say without a doubt that I was his mother. But then…" Alana's spare hand drifted down to her lower abdomen.

"You are his mother, Beautiful. If you want, I can have your name put on the papers as his mother," Nick suggested hopefully, twining his fingers with hers for a gentle squeeze. "Then there can be no question at all about it. It'll be there in black and white – Mother, Alana Moore Carter--"

"Moore Carter?" Alana interrupted softly.

Nick bit his lip hard to keep from blurting the question that had been burning his mind since buying the ring. The ring, which was tucked securely in the safe in Brian's office. To keep him from jumping the gun and asking her at the wrong time. "It sounded good?"

"You don't have to put my name on the papers," Alana murmured softly, bringing their hands to her lips for soft kisses. "Just knowing you want me as his mother is enough. Knowing that you want to keep the brewing family together. The mother of the twins and Zachary--"

"I want you as more than the mother of my children," Nick interrupted.

"What's more?"

"Everything," he whispered.

"Because that's a clear definition," Alana sighed as she nipped at his knuckle, gesturing for him to lean over her so she could kiss him. "I love you and thank you for taking care of me through this... In advance…"

"I love you too," Nick promised, squeezing her hand gently as his tongue caressed her lips. "And I was thinking earlier…"

"Thinking…" Alana trailed softly as she parted her lips to allow him entrance, but he pulled back. She released a soft whine of disappointment, but glanced up curiously nonetheless. "Sex in this tub with Zachary watching is out of the question."

"…I could always holler for Nat or Brian to come get him?" Nick offered with a grin.

"And potentially cause serious disruption to my femur? I don't think so."

"I was kidding," Nick assured her, winking. "Seriously, though--"

"You were not," Alana laughed. "If you could get a piece of tail on your death bed with your last breath, you'd go for it."

"I would not!"

"Nick…"

"When you're all healed up and everything, would you consider moving to Cali with me?" Nick blurted, immediately wanting to bang his head against the tub for his impatience with the question."

"Move to California?" Alana questioned in surprise when she looked to his crystal ocean eyes, noting the sincerity radiating within them. He was quite serious about the proposal; the hopefulness darkening the depth of his beautiful cobalt eyes. In truth, Alana had just been waiting for him to ask. She had thought about it when she first found out about her pregnancy. The twins needed their father more than anything else in this world. And Zachary needed a stable home with his father, not simply living in one bedroom in his father's best friend's home. He needed his own nursery. In his own home. So, inevitably, Nick would be leaving the state. And if the twins had to have their father, then she would have to leave the ruins of her life there. Perhaps it could be a step forward in the grieving process. "Living with you, Handsome?"

"Not much of an offer, I know, living with me and all, but… Snot Sucker'll be there?"

"What do you mean - not much of an offer just living with you?"

"I'm not much of a housekeeper… I can't cook for shit… I think the last time I changed my sheets was when Leslie bought me some new ones--"

"You can hire a housekeeper, I'm a fantastic cook, and I'll make sure you buy new sheets every week."

"Then you'll do it? Live with me – I mean us?"

"If you wanted, we wouldn't even have to wait for me to heal up and everything," Alana quoted softly with a nod of confirmation, unable to hide the small grin creeping across her sweet lips.

"Give me a couple weeks to arrange for a housekeeper," Nick murmured with a pleased smile. "…And some new sheets… And fuck me, Snot Sucker needs a nursery--"

"We can design it ourselves?" Alana suggested hopefully as she handed him the washcloth with soap, leaning up in hopes he would know to wash her back. That had been her favorite project when she was pregnant with Colton - designing his nursery. All of her nesting phenomena had went into preparing for him, making sure the theme was coordinated and perfected for when he came home from the hospital. "…And the twins'?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," Nick agreed, taking the washcloth. Making sure to create a large amount of lather, he thought of the layout of his home in California, wondering which bedrooms would be best. "…There's a small room off the master bedroom, I think Howie told me when I bought it that it was supposed to be like a sitting room--"

"You bought your house from Howie?"

"No, I got him to fly out and check everything to make sure I was getting a good place," Nick explained, smiling at the memory. Howie had come on the first flight out after receiving his call, and they had spent an entire afternoon going over every detail of the house with the real estate agent. He had even stayed out throughout the buying process, giving Nick much needed guidance on everything from securing the deed to hiring a moving company. "Anyway, I think that'd be good for the twins. It's big enough for two cribs, and it's connected to the master bedroom so they'll be right there. And then through the master bath is another bedroom, with a great view of the ocean. It has a lot of windows and gets great light… It'd be perfect for Snot Sucker, he loves the sunshine…"

"Sounds like you have everything planned," Alana murmured as she leaned forward, resting on the side of the jacuzzi for stability as Nick rubbed her back. "Anything else I need to know?"

"Aaron lives two houses away?"

"Fantastic," Alana breathed with excitement, though it switched to a soft moan when Nick massaged the small of her back. "…How far away does Alex live?"

"…I have no clue," Nick lied, managing to keep his voice impassive.

"Oh…" Alana murmured, deciding she'd just ask AJ herself. "…Who lives between you and Aaron?"

"Some models share the house next to me, then the next is an internet investor—"

"Female models?" she guessed.

"Fredrick, Lyle and Ramon?" Nick returned with a stricken look. "If they're females, they're really lacking in some areas…"

"Do they walk around their backyard in bikini briefs with little exotic drinks with tiny umbrellas?" Alana questioned hopefully as she turned to gaze at her lover. And when he scowled darkly at her, she had to laugh, reaching to clasp his face within her hands. Pulling him close, she kissed him tenderly, sneaking her tongue inside his mouth for the softest of caresses. "I love you and only you. And, you're the reason that I want to move in together. Not just Zachary. I wanted you before I knew you were adopting him."

"I love you, Beautiful," Nick murmured, letting the washcloth drape across the side of the tub as he lightly splashed her back. "Now, lean back so I can wash your hair, and then--"

"Ma!"

"Get me my baby boy?" Alana inquired hopefully against his lips, nipping his bottom lip.

"Absolutely," Nick promised, sucking her tongue into his mouth gently.

"That means picking him up and putting him in the tubby?" she mumbled, her words half muffled by his mouth as she stifled a soft moan of appreciation.

"Mm-hmm…"

"God, I've missed you," she whispered as she gently rolled her tongue against him in an undulating wave of soft passion, her arms wrapping around his neck. In the hospital, Nick had been so tentative of her. He was so afraid that she was made of the most delicate glass. That she would shatter at one hardened kiss.

"I've missed you more," Nick promised, allowing his hands to course down her sides gently, leaning further over the edge of the tub. "I--"

"Ma!"

"Need to get me my little boy," Alana laughed as she kissed him once more before withdrawing, hearing Zachary's frustrated cry. "Hold on, Zachie, Daddy's gonna get you to me."

"Next time I give Mommy a bath, Son, you're staying with Nat and Brian," Nick threatened with a playful growl, reaching to pull the bouncer seat closer. Reaching beneath the strap, he quickly unsnapped the infant's onesie, making a face as he removed the diaper. Unbuckling the strap, he lifted his son into his arms, cooing softly as he carefully peeled the onesie off his small body. Turning, he saw Alana had shifted in the tub and was waiting for Zachary, having pulled a bath pillow into her lap to rest him on. "Here you go, Mommy," he murmured, gently transferring Zachary into her waiting arms.

"Thanks, Daddy," Alana cooed as she curled Zachary into the crook of her arm before propping it against the pillow. Her arms still ached from the fall as well as the bruises and scrapes, so she hadn't been able to hold the infant for long periods. But with the pillow helping to hold his weight, she could ensure a longer time with him as her free hand gently tickled his small pot belly. Laughing when the little boy giggled in delight, she moved her fingers down to the soles of his tiny feet. "Is that better, Zachie? You just wanted some attention, huh? To play in the water?"

Nick folded his arms on the edge of the tub, resting his chin atop them as he watched Zachary splash his feet lightly in the water. The child was enthralled with water, enjoying his baths immensely each day. Sometimes it seemed to Nick that Zachary purposely made messes with his bottles and occasional throw-ups just so he could take a bath. He knew if his son had a choice, most of the day would be dedicated to splashing in the warm, bubbly water. "Man, wish I could get--"

"'Lana! I come an' tubby wit' you?!" Baylee screeched from just outside the door. Nick glanced over to see a small hand wiggling beneath the door, waving wildly.

"I think he would be profoundly corrupted if he took a tubby with me while I'm naked," Alana murmured with an impish smile as she turned Zachary onto his back and rested him against her chest. Cupping her hands underneath his legs, she helped him kick in the water, causing splashes of water to sprinkle against Nick's shirt. Chewing on his fingers, Zachary squealed as he squirmed against Alana, snuggling closer to her as he continued to kick.

"Zachie's taking a tubby with Beautiful, Bay. Maybe next time," Nick called, deciding it best to pretend he didn't see the rude gesture Baylee gave him before jerking his hand back beneath the door. Turning his attention back to Alana, he shrugged. "I think I was just told to fuck off by a three year old…"

"You were, Asshole!" Baylee fumed from the other side of the door, throwing a hard kick toward the door, though it muffled into a small thump. "How come she loves Zachie mo'?!"

Nick's jaw dropped in shock, simply staring at the door as he tried to come up with a viable way of reasoning with the toddler. He wanted to assure Baylee that Alana didn't love Zachary more than she loved him, but wanted him to understand that Zachary was her son. "Bay, I--"

"BAYLEE!" Brian's voice roared from down the hall.

"Oh, shit," Baylee whined, kicking the door once more before his rapid footsteps faded in the direction of his father's voice.

"I'll talk to him when his backside ain't stinging so bad," Alana told Nick softly, noting his troubled gaze toward the door. "…Baylee should know better than to curse."

"…I think he's been around AJ and me too much…"

"Handsome…"

"Hmm?"

"I'm naked in a warm tub of water and you're more concerned about Baylee cursing up a storm 'cause he learned it from you and AJ… What is wrong with this picture?"

"…I'm trying to keep myself cool 'cause if I focus on you being naked in the tub I'll get worked up and can't do anything about that but wait till you're taking a nap and then come in here to--"

"Well I don't want to focus on you pulling your taffy," Alana hurriedly interrupted, wrinkling her nose in distaste as Zachary giggled. "…And, if anything, you could have asked me to give you a hand instead."

"That's just so unfair on so many levels, Beautiful…"

"How is it unfair?" she questioned in confusion as she reached for the fresh washcloth on the side of the tub, dipping it into the warm water and lathering soap upon it before bringing it against Zachary's belly.

"Because…" Nick trailed, offering his son a goofy grin when he heard the excited coo. "It's not like I can return the favor, you know?"

"I'm not asking for you to return the favor," Alana answered as she washed underneath her son's arms. When the wild giggles burst from her son, she had to laugh as she blew a raspberry to the side of his face.

"I know, I just… I never…" Nick sighed, letting his head bang against the side of the tub. "I never had anyone do that--"

"Alright," Alana interrupted gently, not wanting Nick to be wholly uncomfortable with the situation. It had just been an offer since she knew many long weeks of celibacy were about to commence. Though, Nick wasn't approving of the idea. So, gently, she dipped her son into the water to rinse away the suds from his body. His hands wriggled out to her as she finished his bath, so she brought him close for several tender kisses. Hearing Zachary's sigh of contentment, Alana reached to brush her damp fingers through Nick's locks. "Then how about you go dry this baby off, lay him down, and I'll finish up my bath?"

"Can't we just sit here a little bit longer? Alone and together?" Nick requested softly, leaning close to offer them both a kiss.

"Alone and together with Zachie?" Alana questioned with a bemused smile while Zachary pulled on his father's locks for kissing his mother.

"Unless you want me to roll him out into the hall where Bay'll probably be the first to find him--"

"I'll keep him," Alana insisted as she brought Zachary close to nuzzle against her chest once more, draping a warm washcloth over his bare body.

"Forever?"

"Sometimes forever don't seem like long enough."

*~*~*


Howie tilted the small velvet box in his hand, nodding in approval at the way the sunshine caused the diamond ring to sparkle beautifully. Sitting on the back deck of Brian's home, he had been sharing quiet moments with his friend, sipping idly at the frosty lemonade on the table before them. Baylee and Tyke ran in circles in the backyard, Brian having told his son to expend all his energy. Howie had been planning on heading inside to sit with Alana for a while when Brian had shoved the jewelry box in his hand, begging him to look at it and give him an honest opinion. Plucking the golden ring from the box, Howie nodded again, tilting it this way and that to see it from all angles. Trying to imagine it on Natalie's finger. The open heart with two diamonds in the center spoke to him of Brian's true love for the woman, and he gave the younger man a grin as he handed it back over. "It's a beautiful ring for a beautiful lady, Brian…

"Really?" Brian questioned with a lopsided smile, cupping the velvet box within his hands to admire the piece of jewelry that he had selected specially for Natalie. It was by no means an engagement ring like the one Nick had locked up in his safe like a loon, but a promise ring. It was the promise that at some point, he would wed Natalie. The mere thought of wedding Natalie caused Brian to grin with appreciation. Gazing out to Baylee, he had already begun to plan for the moment when he would ask. Baylee would have his own ring and would propose with his father. It would be a romantic moment when Brian asked Natalie not only to be his wife, but Baylee's mother. "You know it's not an engagement ring, right? Just a promise ring… Till my divorce stuff goes through…

"A promise ring?" Howie repeated softly, glancing over to see Brian staring at Baylee. "…Just what are you promising?"
"That I'm actually going to walk down the aisle with the right woman," Brian murmured, closing the velvet box to reach out to touch the band of tattooed words to his left arm.

"And get that removed, maybe?" Howie suggested, remembering how Kevin had berated Brian for getting the tattoo in the first place. "I mean, you did get it for Leigh--"

"Whoever said that I got it for Leighanne?" Brian interrupted with a frown, running his fingers along the statement that curved around his bicep. It was the fifteenth of June when she walked in my life, it was the first time someone said hello with her eyes. Sure, fans had assumed that it was for his wife, because that was when he met her at the set of As Long as You Love Me. But he had also met Natalie that day as well. And though she had been too young to consider for a romance, Brian realized that was the day he had fallen in love with her anyways.

Howie's brow wrinkled in confusion as he reached for his lemonade. "…Then who--"

"It was Natalie all along, D…"

"But you… And she… Even when she was a scrawny kid with braces and glitter lip gloss?!"

"It was completely illegal so I went for Leighanne instead? She was a safe choice and the babysitter of her mother's best friend's daughter…" Brian groaned at Howie's disgusted look of contempt. "So I'm a cradle robber, get over it! Ain't least I didn't commit statutory rape like your very best friend and business partner!"

"What's AJ got to do with you and Natalie?" Howie questioned. "I mean, Hell, we all knew you should have been with her from the beginning. But we thought…"

"Thought what?"
"That you were just friends… That something had hit you and you realized it was wrong…" Howie sighed, pausing to glance towards the heavens, a silent plea for help. Hearing Brian's irritated grumble, he glanced over at the younger man. "Why do you think everyone else was trying to get her to go out? You were with Leighanne, and Nattie was--"

"All yours?" Brian guessed with a jealous scowl.

"No!" Howie cried, nearly choking on his lemonade. "More like she was free to--"

"Date you?" he accused once more.

"One date, Brian," Howie reminded him. "That was it, remember? And even that you kept disrupting with phone calls to ask where she had put Tyke's rawhide bones--"

"But if I hadn't called--"

"She would have been calling you."

"You're damn skippy!"

"To think… That you'd believe that I would have used my practiced and perfect seducing methods on your fragile little Natalie," Howie sighed, shaking his head. "I'm offended, Brian."

"I am hardly fragile!" Natalie snorted with disgust as she walked out onto the back porch with a fresh glass pitcher of lemonade for the men. Though, halfway through the scorn of adjectives, she tripped over a piece of the patio furniture, stubbing her toe and sending the contents of the glass pitcher splashing into Howie's face. "Damnit!"
"Natalie!" Howie sputtered in disgust, launching himself up from his seat as he pinched at his sticky shirt to hold it away from his body. "This was a new shirt, damnit!"
"See? You're much more fragile then I am!" Natalie groaned as she rubbed her big toe, surprised when Howie went stomping into the house. "What? What'd I say?! Come back here!"

"Good luck, Brian!" Howie growled with complete irritation, letting the screen door slam loudly behind him.

"Good luck?" Natalie repeated, wrinkling her nose as she turned to look at Brian. Still rubbing her big toe, she leaned against the table, setting the pitcher down as she regarded the man she loved. "Good luck with what?"

'Living to a ripe old age with you as my wife,' Brian thought with a small smirk as he reached out to grasp her hands, pulling her toward him so she might sit on his lap. "I love you, Nat."

"I love you more," she promised with a smile, glancing out into the yard to see Baylee stretched out in the grass, concentrating on what she assumed was some sort of bug that would end up in the house later on. Smiling at the picture of childish absorption, she allowed Brian to pull her down into his lap, turning her attention to him as she straddled his thighs. "Why do you look like the cat who swallowed the canary?"

"Because I have something for you that's going to make you squeal with happiness," Brian murmured with a proud grin, circling his arms around her waist to retrieve the velvet box from the table. Clutching it in his right hand, he leaned up to kiss her softly. "But you've got to listen to everything I say when I give it to you."

"Have I ever not listened to you?" Natalie inquired softly, looping her arms around his neck so she could linger over his kiss.

"Let's not start that fight, okay?" Brian chuckled, flipping open the lid to the velvet box behind her back as he sucked her top lip into his mouth for a tender bite, pulling her into a harder kiss.

"Brian," Natalie breathed softly, shivering in his arms. Tangling her fingers in his hair, she returned his kiss with fervor, more than willing to lose herself in him. "God, Brian, I - What have you got in your hand?!" she demanded sharply, jerking her head back when she caught sight of Baylee shuffling across the deck towards the door.

"Nothin'!" Baylee insisted, pausing to look from Natalie to his father. Then, with a hearty grin, he bolted into the house.

Natalie groaned, preparing to pull away so she could investigate. "If I find a creepy crawly in the bed tonight--"

"He's mad at Nick right now, the creepy won't be in our bed," Brian hurriedly insisted, drawing her back into his arms as he produced the velvet box for her viewing.

"And that means Alana'll be the one to discover - What's this?" Natalie questioned softly, staring down at the diamond ring that shimmered in the late afternoon sunlight.

"A promise ring," Brian explained softly, pulling the golden ring from its bed of protective velvet to hold it up for Natalie's inspection. "I just wanted you to know that my divorce with Leighanne is official. That the process has started and her lawyer has already received the paperwork. She's in some island in the middle of no where, but when she gets back, she'll have it. So, right now, right here, I want to promise to you that someday we will get married. That I should have waited and made sure that you were the one to walk down the aisle to me. But I was foolish and I'm sorry. But, one day, I'm hoping that these two diamonds will be melted into one, like our hearts in wedded union."

"Bumpkin," Natalie gasped in surprise, tears filling her eyes at his earnest oath. Her lower lip trembled slightly as she reached to cover his hand with hers, lifting her gaze from the ring to his eyes. "Promise?" she whispered, swallowing hard in hopes of being rid of the lump in her throat.

"With everything in me," Brian answered with a small nod, easing the ring onto her left ring finger, grinning when it slipped on perfectly. "I remembered the right ring size…"

"You always did have a good memory," Natalie giggled softly, sliding her hands up his chest until they cupped his face. Lowering her head to offer him the gentlest of kisses, she felt her tears escape, knowing they were of happiness. "Thank you…"

"You like it?" he inquired hopefully against her lips, pulling her closer to him.

"I love it," Natalie promised, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "It's perfect, Bumpkin. Nothing could be better than this--"

"An engagement ring as soon as possible," Brian mumbled with a small laugh. "With a bigger diamond."

"Not too big," she requested softly, sucking gently at his lower lip. "Don't want some hulking diamond weighing down your fragile little Natalie--"

"FRAGILE MY ASS!" Howie bellowed from his guest room balcony above the patio, thinking nothing when he tipped the bucket of water onto the two unsuspecting victims.

"HOWIE!" Natalie screeched as the icy water doused her entire body, breaking all amorous thoughts that had been occurring. "DAMNIT, THIS WAS A NEW SHIRT!"

"Sorry!" Howie called with a jovial grin. "Had to clean up the lemonade!"
Thirty Five :: Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours by shrinkingviolet
"Someone is most definitely sexually repressed," Alana decided with a murmur of discontent as she thumbed through the pages of Nick's sketchbook, having been conveniently perched in the living room for the afternoon. After all, Nick had wanted to get a breath of fresh air while Zachary rested, so he was out romping in the pool with his brother. That much was obvious as she revealed sketch after sketch of sexual encounters, featuring the same woman from his previous drawings. But the last sketch was most intriguing, two zombies intertwined in a passionate embrace. It was gruesomely romantic with limbs and pieces of flesh missing from their bodies as what seemed to be an intact erection pushed against the female zombie with a fervor of passion. Groaning, Alana leaned her head back against the couch and tangled her fingers within her golden locks, smothering a frustrated growl. It had been two weeks since her fall and that was two very lonely weeks of pain and sexual frustration. Nothing seemed to cut the edge on the pain. In fact, her pain medication seemed to make her morning sickness twice as bad. So, she was stuck, staring at the ceiling, humming impatiently to herself before she softly began to sing Sympathy by the Goo Goo Dolls. "Stranger than your sympathy / This is my apology / I killed myself from the inside out / And all my fears have pushed you out / And I wish for things I don't need…"

"There you are!" AJ exclaimed from the doorway, rushing into the living room with an exasperated sigh. "I have been looking everywhere for you, and that asshole of a boyfriend of yours told me you were taking a nap, so I took that to mean you'd be in the bed, but no--"

Alana released another pitiful groan as she attempted to close Nick's sketchbook before AJ could snatch it away. "Why would you look everywhere, Alex? My movements are calculated by everyone in this house. Bed, couch, bath, bed, couch, bed, couch, bath, couch, bed, and then, when I'm behaving, I might actually get to see the patio!"

"And Ma bitches that I'm a terrible patient," AJ muttered, rolling his eyes as he plucked the sketchbook from her hands. Paying no attention to it as he tossed it to the coffee table, he reached for her hands. "C'mon, Babe, Howie's got a demo of a song he wants you to take a gander at--"

"Are you just planning on pulling me up to my feet?" Alana yelped in shock as AJ took hold of her hands and tugged.

"Nope," AJ explained, pulling her gently until she was sitting upright. Then, slipping one arm beneath her legs, the other around her waist, he lifted her off the couch as though she weighed no more than a feather. "See?"

"And you're just going to carry me down to the studio as if I weigh nothing?" she guessed as she wrapped her arms around his neck for stability, surprised at the way he cradled her so delicately against his chest. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she closed her eyes so she wouldn't be worried about the potential hazards to her aching legs. Instead, she curled her fingers around the collar of his t-shirt. "Thanks, Alex, I needed a rescue."

"Just call me Sir Lancelot," AJ murmured, paying careful attention to her legs as he carried her from the room. Turning sideways to go through the door to keep the frame from crashing against her injuries. "And wait till you see what your knight in shining armor got for you…" he trailed with a grin as he headed for the basement door by the kitchen.

"As long as you're happy being my knight in shining armor, I could care less about what you got me," Alana murmured with a soft sigh of contentment, feeling AJ descend the stairs to the basement. "Lord knows Nick can't be bothered… Do you know he groans every time he picks me up? I know the immobilizer and cast are heavy… But, how about not making me feel like I need to be anorexic?"

"Nick just doesn't know how to treat a gorgeous lady," AJ lamented with a click of his tongue, pausing on the stairs to enjoy the feel of her in his arms. Smiling against her hair for a moment before continuing the trek downstairs. Reaching the bottom, he softly kissed her cheek before carefully lowering her on the couch, making sure her legs were properly elevated on the extra pillows he had brought down earlier. "Close your eyes."

Feeling the plush couch beneath her, Alana allowed her body to relax as she did what AJ had asked. Her eyes closed tightly, she felt the ease of which he moved her tender legs onto the pillows and had to smile. "You're not going to be standing in front of me stark naked when I open them right? 'Cause I'm afraid I might laugh in surprise and then we'll have some kind of weird penis-testicular hiding game inside your body and I ain't getting'em out--"

"Howie's here, I don't do the exhibition shit, and trust me, Babe, you'd be far from laughing if you saw me naked," AJ promised as he walked across the room to get the tray waiting on the desk. Lifting the cover off the plate, he assured himself that the large serving of cherry cheesecake was perfect. Ignoring Howie's scowl when he thrust the cover into the older man's hands, he reached to adjust the single violet rose next to the plate before lifting the tray to carry it to Alana. He had made sure to get a tray that would fit across her lap without resting on her legs, not wanting to cause her any undue pain. "Here you go, Babe…"

"Well you already saw me naked so I guess…" Alana's voice trailed into a hazy conclusion as she allowed her eyes to slowly open, immediately glancing down to her lap. She was awed to see the tray fitting so perfectly over her lap with her favorite dessert waiting. Brushing her fingers down the violet rose, she glanced up to AJ in awe. "How'd you know that I was craving this?"

"I'm a knight in shining armor," AJ answered with a grin, reaching out with one foot to kick Howie when his friend snorted. "Alright, I'll be honest… I heard you scream it at Nick earlier… Something about wanting cherry cheesecake and all he brought you was fruit shit?"

"Apparently I weigh a ton and need healthy, low-fat, something-or-other," Alana drawled with a small scowl of disappointment. She had actually been ready to heave the bowl of fruit at Nick when he set it on her bed tray, insisting that he knew what was best for her. If she had any sense, she would have simply hired a private nurse and moved home by now. But, right now, she barely had means of income, which would terminate quite quickly.

"Like I said, Babe, he doesn't know how to treat a gorgeous lady," AJ sighed, leaning over to softly kiss her cheek once more. "There's five times this waiting upstairs in the fridge, so you can have as much as you want. And if he doesn't get it for you, just holler for me and I'll come running--"

"To your death," Howie hissed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Thanks, Alex," Alana murmured, unable to hear Howie's finishing of AJ's heartfelt sentiment. Instead, she reached to squeeze AJ's hand with appreciation. "Just stay around Nick and listen for the call on the baby monitor he so conveniently has positioned near me at all times."

"He put a baby monitor next to you?" Howie questioned, eyes wide with incredulity. "Like you’re a child?!"

"Don't look so surprised, Howie," Alana muttered with a rueful smile. "Besides, I turn it off the minute his back's turned--"

"But he actually puts a baby monitor next to you, Sweetie?" Howie repeated.

"In case I need my nose scratched or someone to help me fart," Alana answered with a smart tone of sarcasm. "He had one in the living room and I'm surprised he didn't hear Alex, but, then again, he's out having fun… So why should he bother?"

"He could have at least taken you outside and let you get some sun," AJ growled with annoyance, noticing that Howie was nodding in agreement. "But fuck him, you're with me--"

"Us," Howie corrected.

"Us," AJ emphasized, rolling his eyes. "And we're here to ensure that you have fun. How about a half-frozen Pepsi to wash that cheesecake down? Howie, go get her a Pepsi out of the freezer. I put some in there about an hour ago, they should be nice and--"

"How about you go get it since you know right where they are and since you were the caring one to put them in? I think Alana would appreciate receiving a Pepsi out of your hands, since you've taken the time to care for her so diligently," Howie decided as he moved to gently sit beside Alana on the couch, smiling toward AJ. "I'll keep her company."

"You sneaky bastard--"

"All those years of rooming with you," Howie assured with a triumphant smile. "Hurry up, Alexia."
"…And everyone pins you for the quiet, sweet, peacemaker?" Alana questioned with a small smirk as she watched AJ stomp up the stairs muttering a colorful array of new curses. Pressing her hands into her lap, she couldn't see fit to eat the cherry cheesecake. Pushing her hands against her stomach, she assured that she was still thin. No growth with the twins could be seen yet. So what was Nick's problem?

"I'm very sweet," Howie defended. "After all, I went on a two hour hunt for the perfect violet rose--"

"You went to find a violet rose?" Alana questioned in surprise as she glanced to the perfect specimen on her tray. "Now why would you do that for someone other than Natalie?"

"Nattie doesn't…" Howie trailed, wondering how he had become the poster boy for Natalie adoration. "She doesn't need me to buy roses for her… Not to mention, she's more of a gardenia girl--"

"And you would most definitely know," Alana mused, leaning her head back against the couch. Natalie seemed to have some kind of romantic affiliation with almost every man in this close circle of friendship. For Alana to get any attention from any of them seemed so trivial on so many levels. "I'll make sure to sneak her the rose."

"No, it's yours," Howie promised with a grin. "I feel like I haven't been able to even say Hello to you since your accident…"

"Why? Because of Overbearing Nick patrol?"

"Is he driving you crazy? If so, I'd be more than happy to talk to him on your behalf and tell him to lighten up--"

"I can handle him. I was just teasing about why you couldn't even say hello to me… Boy, you're really laying it on thick to make this contract pitch…"

Howie released a chuckle. "Contract pitch? Who said anything about--"

"You started asking her again without me?!" AJ demanded as he stumbled down the last steps into the basement studio. Glaring at Howie, he stopped to tap his finger hard against the tab of the Pepsi he held before popping it open.

"Conniving should be added to your list of attributes," Alana murmured toward Howie with a faint roll of her eyes.

"Of course not," Alana promised as she reached for the can, taking a small sip of her favorite beverage, knowing this would be her only one for the day. Perhaps the week. Since finding out she was pregnant, she was convinced that she would be doing things differently as to not create another mistake in the twins' hearts like she had with Colton-Perhaps that's why Nick was treating her similarly. Perhaps he blamed her…

"So, what do you want to do?" AJ inquired as he dropped onto Howie's lap, ignoring the man's growl of protest as he turned to face Alana fully. "We could either let Howie play his demo for your input, or we could just start begging and pleading for you to sign… Or, I could lock Howie out and we could do that naked thing--"

"Hmm," Alana trailed thoughtfully as she fussed with the hem of her tank top, bemused with the image of AJ nestled so sweetly in Howie's lap. It was almost as if they were recreating the beginnings of a horrible pornography. But, unable to resist her impish nature, she slowly began to ease her tank top upward, revealing several inches of her creamy flesh. "How about a little of that begging and naked thing combined?"

AJ grinned wickedly, kicking Howie hard in the shin when he felt a sharp pinch on his side. "Now that's what I'm talking--"

"If you start stripping while you're in my lap, I won't think twice about calling Kaci. And before you start to say you're not with her anymore, I know for a fact you called her this morning for phone sex, you sorry bastard," Howie growled.

"How about we go with that demo thing then?" Alana sighed dejectedly as she let her tank top fall, glancing toward Howie for confirmation. The very idea that AJ had called Kaci for phone sex was disturbing enough. "Though, I don't know why you need my approval for a song."

"Because you're going to sing it," Howie stated simply as he shoved AJ to the floor so he could stand.

"Your conviction when you say that is so endearing," Alana laughed, though there was a nervous twitter to her voice.

"It's a catchy song," AJ informed her as he pulled himself back onto the couch. "Howie's an awesome songwriter - He's an asshole at times, but an awesome songwriter. Whether you sign with us or not, you'll be singing it."

"But it would just be so much better if I were signed under your label singing it," Alana guessed as she felt AJ's arm slide around her shoulders. She tensed slightly at the feeling, but allowed the arm to stay as she watched Howie. Leaning over the expensive recording system, he pressed a few buttons to play a newly created CD. She was greeted with a soft piano mixed with an acoustic guitar, followed by Howie's melodic voice. Your toothbrush is still next to mine / Your clothes are hanging in the closet / And I'm still living here / You paid the deposit / Now the future is unknown / I'm sleeping with the memory / I'm sleeping with the regret / I'm sleeping with the fantasy / That I can't let go of yet / Half of me is you / Everything I own / I feel you beside me / Oh, I'm not sleeping alone…

"I did the piano," AJ whispered in Alana's ear, letting his chin rest on her shoulder as he wormed his way closer to her. "And D did the guitar…"

"It's gorgeous," Alana murmured thoughtfully as she leaned back, closing her eyes to listen to the melody of the song as Howie's vocals carried with AJ filtering background vocals. The piano and guitar were constant, though it seemed that the guitar changed to electric as the passion of the lyrics deepened. It was missing something to Alana's ear. Jerking slightly, she reached to grab her Pepsi to keep from knocking it over. "Howie, can I see the music sheet and then, as embarrassing as it is, can you sit me at the drum set?"

"Music sheet?" Howie repeated dumbly, lowering the volume on the playback as he turned to look at her.

"Y'know, the piece of paper that you put the lyrics and the music notes on? Combining them to make the song?" Alana defined.

"I know what you mean, I'm just trying to think of where I put it," Howie muttered, his face screwing up in concentration. "After we laid down the track last night I set it on the coffee table…"

"Nat was down here cleaning up this morning, maybe she moved it?" AJ suggested, looking around the room for a place where Natalie would have tucked the papers.

"When I came down, Bay was coloring--" Howie's voice faltered, and he met AJ's eyes.

AJ's eyes widened in disbelief. "That little fucker--"

"Guess we ain't having my singing debut… What a shame…" Alana sighed with an attempt at dramatics, glancing toward the door leading upstairs. "Can I go now?"

"I'll go find it," Howie groaned, motioning for Alana to stay where she was. "And if there's one streak of Purple Mountain's Majesty across my song, I'm going to kill that boy…"

"Then you should call Natalie and tell her to pick up some potent bleach when she comes home from her date," Alana called with a suggesting tone to her voice, watching as Howie dashed up the stairs. She couldn't even imagine Howie harming Baylee as he had described. He was too kind and nurturing to do such a terrible act. Smirking, she leaned back on the couch. Unsettled for a moment, she could feel AJ's wicked grin burning the air and she turned slightly. "He's leaving me alone with you…"

"He's a very trusting man," AJ intoned, his grin widening. Leaning to the side when h heard the basement door slam, he rubbed his hands together slowly. "We'll have time to do that get naked thing now--"

"Why do I think you're the one that hid the music sheet, knowing Howie would jump to the obvious conclusion?" Alana groaned as she leaned away from AJ, knowing there was no way that she could flee the situation, not to mention that the basement was soundproof.

"Would I do something like that?" AJ sighed, his grin drooping into a pout. "I'm not that stupid… I slipped Bay a twenty--"

"You're horrible," Alana laughed, pushing on his shoulder. "You know I can't do anything strenuous, might pop a hip outta joint."

"Hasn't Nick showed you all the lovely positions that keep you still and offer the most mind-numbing pleasure?"

Alana looked perplexed at the revelation. "A-fucking-parently not."

"…Want me to?"

"Wouldn't you be so lucky," Alana laughed.

"I can draw pictures?"

"On my cast for reference?"

"You sure you don't want me to give you a visual presentation first? Besides, it takes a little skill, I'm not sure Nick could handle it--"

"An affair just ain't on my agenda, Alex," Alana dissuaded with a sad smile, hearing the door leading to the basement open with a heavy series of footsteps running down.

"We could always--"

"You owe me fifty bucks," Howie informed AJ with a dark scowl as he handed the music sheet to Alana.

"Me? Why?"

"That's how much I had to pay that little demon seed to get my song back, and he so gleefully informed me that was the price you set, you sorry bastard--"

"Can I get a tote to the drum set?" Alana inquired as she studied the music sheet with a small smile, ideas for the drum portion flowing through her with an unbridled passion. Reaching for the pencil on her tray, she hurriedly began to scratch down music notes for the drums, unfazed by the bellowing between Howie and AJ. That is, till she glanced up with a groan, wanting to try out her newly created section. "Howie? Can I? Or do you not want to sign me to your label now?"

Howie and AJ abruptly ended their quarrel, both gazing at her with interest. Howie smiled suddenly. "You want to sign?"

"We'll tote you to the drum set if you sign," AJ offered.

"If you promise not to rake me over the coals…" Alana trailed, watching their eyebrows seemingly arch in unison. "Look, if I do this, I'm putting my full trust in the both of you. The way I look at it… I have no job… I'm going to be terminated because of my injuries. I have no income. I have no way of providing for myself. And Nick wants me to move to California--"

"You're moving to California?!" AJ interrupted. "When? Into the house he has now? 'Cause you know, I live less than a mile away, and I just finished getting my home studio just how I want it, so we could record there--"

"Would you take a breath?" Howie groaned, sitting on the coffee table so he could look at Alana seriously. "You can trust us, Sweetie. We'll make sure that you're taken care of, I promise. We'll take care of your medical bills and get you insurance as soon as we can, and I'll give you an advance anytime you need one to take care of the little things that crop up." Taking her hand between his, he offered her a warm smile.

"I'm going to need medical insurance with the twins…" Alana mumbled softly as she concentrated on Howie's hands holding hers so gently. He was like the father figure she never truly had. The warmth he provided actually caused tears gather in her dark teal eyes. "…Why do I think y'all are going to be losing a helluva lot of more money than you're going to make on me?"

"Because you're a pessimist," Howie answered honestly. Leaning close, he kissed her forehead, squeezing her hands gently. "And we're not going to make too much money off of you. Most of it's going to go into your pocket."

"Then why even sign me?"

"'Cause we don't want some fat, greasy bastard to get to you and make you regret the day you ever met him," AJ informed her, resting his head on her shoulder.

"You're sure that you want to sign me? That I'm good enough to even make it in the business?" Alana questioned honestly, glancing expectantly toward Howie. She wanted to know that she had a chance at this. That if she made this huge decision to change her career path, she would prove successful.

"We do," Howie promised. If she only had an idea of the talent she possessed, he mused as she squeezed his hands for reassurance. No, he decided as she continued to chew on her bottom lip. Her demure attitude was part of her charm. "You're going to blow everyone else away."

"Then can you please get me to that drum set so I can show you what's going to make that song absolutely unbeatable?" Alana inquired with a small grin, reaching to wrap her arms around Howie's neck for an affectionate squeeze.

*~*~*


Natalie giggled as Brian flopped into the booth beside her, having gone to put in an order for the largest, cheesiest pizza possible to be delivered to Alana and Nick. Leaning close, she offered him a soft kiss before reaching for another slice. When he had mentioned going on a date, she had first pictured a small table in a dim corner of a fancy restaurant with candles and violin music playing softly in the background. Upon coming out of the bathroom to find him waiting in jeans and a t-shirt, she had quickly realized that a fancy restaurant was not in his plans. After dropping Baylee off at his grandmother's for the night, they had gone for a round of putt-putt before coming to the pizzeria. She didn't need fancy restaurants with candlelit tables and stuffy waiters, she decided as she took a large bite of the delicious pizza. As long as she was with Brian, she was happy. Kicking her sandals off so she could pull her feet beneath her in the booth, she turned to face him. "What's next on your list of things to do tonight?"

"Anything you want as long as I can keep a putter away from your hands," Brian murmured as he leaned to steal a bite from her slice of pizza before reaching for his own slice. He grinned at the memory of her standing in the middle of the putt-putt course, concentrating on aiming the ball down the course, only to sideswipe a duck and an overly amorous teenage couple. She had hurriedly pushed the putter into his hands and danced away with a shriek. But she couldn't have looked cuter.

"Who makes out on a golf course? Honestly!" Natalie huffed, cheeks burning at the memory. Shaking her head as she reached for her soda, she rested her head against Brian's shoulder, remembering his steamy kiss on the last hole. Smiling suddenly, she took a hearty gulp of her Pepsi. "Why don't we go up to Lover's Leap? It's a Wednesday night, we should have it all to ourselves… And you haven't shown it to me after dark…"

"That's because Flavio would have fluffed my hair to death…" Brian murmured with a roll of his eyes, breaking into a grin when Natalie jabbed three fingers into his shoulder. "Alright, alright. I would love to show you Lover's Leap in the dark."

"Too bad we drove my car," Natalie muttered to herself.

"Why's that?" Brian questioned as he reached to retrieve a few bills from his wallet to pay the bill.

Natalie crammed the rest of her slice into her mouth. "'Cause the backseat's too small to--"

"Sully my reputation," Brian finished, his cheeks tingeing pink as he slid from the booth.

"Yes, I've already compromised you," Natalie sighed dramatically, wiping her mouth before sliding out as well. When he reached for her hand she smiled, suddenly remembering. "Whose ring is that in your safe?"

"What ring?" Brian fumbled in attempts to play dumb, already knowing Natalie's M.O. when it came to secrets. She would promise to keep the secret, even cross her heart and hope to die. But, she would inadvertently blurt out the question to the nearest member of the group, usually Alana or AJ. Nick would kill him.

"Did Nicky buy it for 'Lana?" Natalie questioned instead as they stepped up to the counter to pay. Reaching for a handful of mints, she offered him a brilliant smile as she tucked them into the pocket of her snug fitting faded hip huggers. "Is he going to propose?"

"Do you need to be asking about Nick proposing in front of all these people?" Brian murmured toward Natalie with a groan, hating the way that the teenage cashier's eyes widened in interest as he slid the bills across the counter.

"Nick's my cousin, visiting from Omaha," Natalie informed the cashier with a friendly smile as the girl thrust Brian's change into his hand. "And 'Lana is his pet name for his boyfriend--"

"That is not the thing to say in Lexington, Kentucky, Natalie," Brian groaned as he hurriedly scrawled his name on the back of his bill as means of an autograph for the teenager. "I'd rather them know that Nick Carter is planning on proposing to his girlfriend-Damnit!"

"I knew it!" Natalie squealed as she was pulled from the restaurant. "Oh my God! When?! Is he doing it now, you think?! Is that why you wanted to take me out--"

"Nick is going to kill me, Natalie!" Brian blurted in horror, pressing his hand into the small of her back to hurry her along the length of the parking lot. Glancing over his shoulder, he groaned harder when he watched the cashier jump over the counter to squeal at her girlfriends. "Good God, Nick is going to slaughter me!"

"Bumpkin, it's going to be okay," Natalie promised when he leaned her against the side of the car, groaning against her shoulder. "He bought the ring here, right? The jeweler could have let it slip--"

"That little old man didn't even have a clue about who we were! He even gave Nick and Zach this really expensive mother's necklace for free-Damnit again!"

"Bumpkin? Why don't you let me turn around so I can kiss you and you won't reveal anymore secrets?" Natalie suggested with a soft laugh, reaching behind her to grasp his hand.

"You better make this night count, because Nick is always on his damn Myspace and girls are going to be flooding it with comments," Brian groaned as he allowed Natalie to turn so he could seek out her lips. Tangling his hands in her wavy brown locks, he pulled her close for a soft kiss, though he groaned against her lips as he remembered they were out in public.

"What now?" Natalie whispered against his lips, grasping handfuls of his t-shirt gently when he began to pull away. "What'd I do?"

"You didn't do anything…" Brian promised as he reached into his pocket to withdraw her keys, gesturing toward the awaiting car. He made sure to keep his gaze fixed on the car as he opened the doors, for once not moving to open and close the door for Natalie, allowing her to get in by herself instead. Revving the engine, he moved to pull away from the pizzeria. "I'm sorry, Nat, but all the fans think I'm still married. And if they think you're the other woman… I couldn't stand for you to get a bad reputation because of my foolishness. You're too good for that."

"Guess next time we can lock everybody out of the house and have our date in the living room?" Natalie suggested, reaching for his hand. "Bumpkin, it's okay. I understand. And… The sooner you get to the Leap, the sooner I'll make tonight count, okay?"

"I've never made love in the car before," Brian confessed as he gently brushed his thumb over her hand as he turned toward the park near Lover's Leap. "I am definitely a missionary type of guy…"

"Never?" Natalie repeated softly, sucking a piece of cheese from between her teeth. He had jerked her out of the restaurant so fast she hadn't been able to get a toothpick. "…Can I ask how far you have gone in a car?"

"I'd rather not talk about my past sexual encounters with the woman I'm spending the rest of my life with," Brian murmured as he brought her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss, hoping she understood. "I just want to think about my life with you. My sexual encounters with you. Just you."

"That is such a sweet way of avoiding a question," Natalie whispered, looking out the window at the passing scenery. "You're sure you want to make love with me in the car?"

Brian glanced over as he turned up Lover's Leap. "…Do you not want to?"

"I suggested it, so yes… But you're a missionary type of guy," she repeated with a smile. "I don't want your virginal sensibilities ruined--"

"You're more of a virgin than I am, Sweetheart."

"True. But you're… Awe, look! Deer!"

"And unbelievably innocent," Brian chuckled as he parked at the very top of the mountain overlooking the small city. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he turned slightly to watch Natalie. She was intent on keeping track of the deer family, her nose pressed against the glass of the window in order to see them better. She couldn't have looked cuter with her long brown waves spilling down her back, catching the soft shimmer of the moonlight. Smiling, Brian leaned to brush the hair away from the back of her neck, layering soft kisses up to the base of her skull.

Turning to face him, Natalie shivered when his hands slid to her waist. Trailing her fingers down his chest, she moistened her lower lip as he shifted to get closer. "…Set the emergency brake?"

"As long as it doesn't penetrate my--" Brian muffled a strained cough as he reached to pull the emergency brake. "Okay…"

Natalie gasped when his hands landed on her waist again, already reaching to unbutton her jeans. Muffling a moan when his mouth covered hers, she reached for his belt, pulling him closer to her. Drawing his tongue into her mouth, she suckled it gently, lifting her hips off the seat. "God, Bumpkin--"

"I love you, Rosie," Brian murmured against her mouth as he coaxed her tongue into a scintillating dance. Holding tight to both her jeans and thong underwear, he helped her hold herself off the seat as he pulled them down her legs. Satisfied that her sweet center was bared, his hands then traveled up her hips and slowly unbuttoned her blouse. For each button freed, his lips moved along her face for feathery kisses, then greeting her mouth once more when his hands slipped into the cups of her bra for a tender stroke.

"I love you," she promised with a hard shiver, fumbling with his belt buckle. Part of her was tempted to lay back and lose herself in his touches, to let him take care of everything else. But mostly she wanted to see him, to touch him like no other could. Biting back a growl of frustration, she tugged hard at his belt buckle, purring with satisfaction when she finally slid it open. "Bumpkin, let me--"

"Take control?" Brian guessed with a hard gasp when Natalie's hand slipped inside his boxers to grasp his hardened length. Practically lifting himself off the seat, he whimpered when Natalie slid over his lap. "Rosie…"

"Hmm?" Natalie leaned back slightly to look into his eyes for a moment, her fingers trailing the length of his erection.

"Go right ahead," he breathed with a soft whimper.

"And do anything I want?" she questioned softly as he arched slightly to remove his jeans.

"Anything you want," he promised meekly.

Resting her other hand on his shoulder, she leaned close, her lips sliding across his softly. Gently stroking his length, she sucked his bottom lip into her mouth for a hard nip. "You'll let me taste you?"

"T-Taste me?" he stuttered in surprise, his cerulean eyes widening in shock when he realized what she meant. Stunned by the mere suggestion, it was all he could do to slowly nod his head in approval.

Catching his lips in a gentle kiss, Natalie reached down to fumble with the button that adjusted the seat. She slid in his lap, her body pressing tightly against him as she leaned the seat back. Breaking their kiss with a whimper, she quickly pulled off her blouse as she sat up before reaching to remove her bra.

"You really want to do this?" Brian questioned, his voice raising into a high pitched squeak of anticipation. Leighanne had always been one to seek pleasure, never return it. She worked hard to get her satisfaction, then quickly pushed Brian away to make him use his own methods of relief. Pushing the hateful thoughts from his mind, he released a hard whimper when he felt Natalie's warm breath against his quivering erection. "God, Rosie…"

"I really want to do this," Natalie assured him, pushing the hem of his t-shirt up so she could lightly kiss his skin. Feeling him shiver slightly, she wet her lips, breathing in his scent. She gently grasped his length once more, allowing her lips to brush over the tip before her tongue darted out for a tentative lick.

"Good God," Brian moaned in shock, reaching out to tangle his hands in her locks for leverage.

Fueled by his reaction, Natalie slowly dragged her tongue down his erection, her fingers lightly digging into his thigh as she lifted her head to take him into her mouth. Lifting her eyes to see his face, she felt a thrill of arousal course through her when she saw he was watching her.

"Rosie," Brian wheezed in shock as her tongue flicked against his throbbing erection, nearly causing him to leap off the seat when her nails dug into his thigh. His fingers tightened in her hair as he pulled her closer. It felt so good. Almost sinfully good.

Muffling a soft whimper, Natalie began to gently stroke him as she slowly brought her head up. Her eyes widened slightly when Brian thrust upwards off the seat, his hands gently guiding her.

"Sorry," he apologized faintly, forcing himself back into the seat in hopes to exert some kind of control. But the passion of his love for her was building faster than he anticipated. He knew a release was mere inches away, especially when her teeth nipped at the tip of him, causing him to whine.

"I liked it," she whispered, drawing in a quick breath before gently nipping him once more.

"Rosie, I'm going to--"

"Okay," Natalie whispered.

"Okay what? Like you're going to…" Brian blushed furiously as he arched his hips against her with a heavy shudder at the flicking of her tongue over his aching head.

"Swallow?" Natalie finished for him softly.

"Are you?" he whispered.

"Yes." Nipping the very tip of him hard, Natalie slowly drew him back into her mouth.

"Oh, God," Brian breathed as he arched against her to push himself deeper into her throat. The hard nip seemed to send him into the throes of ecstasy. Tightening his hands within her waved locks, he curled them tightly around his fingers to find means of stability. Whimpering, his body shuddered with a blazing release.

Digging her fingers sharply into his thigh, Natalie pressed tighter against him, compulsively swallowing as he sagged back into the seat. Raising her head, she held her fingers to her mouth, flushed with both desire and embarrassment over her brazen actions.

"I love you," Brian whispered weakly as he reached to curve an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Feeling her body melt against his, he sought out her mouth for a tender kiss, allowing his tongue to delve inside. The very taste of himself on her sweet lips caused a moan to burn from the pit of his throat. Deepening the kiss, he delighted in the taste of his saltiness against her sweetness, bringing his hands up to gently cup her breasts in a soft stroke. When she moaned in anticipation, he smiled. He would thank her for the wonderful experience, perhaps sooner than they both thought.
Thirty-Six :: Working Together by shrinkingviolet
Tapping out an idle rhythm against Brian's drum set, she leaned over slightly in the seat to study the music sheet propped on the music stand. She hadn't been able to sleep much the previous night after signing the deal with Howie and AJ. The song that Howie had provided her continued to replay within her mind as she idly allowed Nick to fuss over her as if she were an infant. Then the pain had been more severe than she was willing to bargain with and the morning sickness had been unbearable. Wanting to forget the pain, she had actually phoned AJ in his room in hopes that he'd get up with her. He had hurried over in a matter of minutes, quietly helping her from bed and taking her down to the studio for privacy. Working against her frustrations, she had manipulated him into helping her fix the song with the drum portion she had created. So, there she sat, pillows comforting her legs as she continued to drum through a particularly passionate verse, singing along. "When I put my head on the pillow / And I enter the world of my dreams / Everything is as it was before / Still loving me / You're still loving me."

"You think I'm here on my own / But I'm not sleeping alone," AJ sang along, nodding his head to the beat. When the song was finished, he stretched across the controls to switch off the recorder before flopping back in the chair with a pleased sigh. "That song is almost better than sex…"

"So does that mean it'd be the ultimate orgasmic experience if you were listening to the song during sex?" Alana inquired as she heard his voice filter through the speaker system. Watching AJ jerk up in surprise, she had to laugh as she leaned to carefully remove the pillows from underneath her legs before shifting her body back into the wheelchair. Pulling the brakes, she easily wheeled herself to the door to the sound booth, opening it and then continuing toward AJ's side.

"Considering the fact that I haven't had sex since before we left for the Bahamas…" AJ trailed, staring at the ceiling for a moment as he tried to remember the last time he had physically been with a woman. "Goddamn, I need to get laid."

"You could always call the toddler toy, Kaci, for a quick visit," Alana offered with a small smirk, but AJ's scowl proved otherwise. "Alright… How about you play that back for me so I can see what it sounds like with my voice and drumming and I'll give you a shoulder massage while it's playing?"

"How did we go from talking about my need for sex to a shoulder massage?" AJ questioned, sending his ink pen sailing across the studio. Grinning with triumph when it directly pressed the playback button, he reached to lower his chair so she could reach his shoulders. "Lay it on me, Babe."

"Because there's no way that I could possibly offer you sex, so I'll delay the need with a shoulder massage," Alana answered easily as AJ plucked the headphone cord away from the equipment so the music would filter through the powerful speakers. Satisfied when she heard the start of the piano and guitar that Howie had first made, she reached for his shoulders. Starting at the base of his neck, she worked the pads of her fingers in a slow, circular motion. Hearing his satisfied moan coinciding with her beautiful voice flowing from the speakers, she had to fight a smile, moving the tender massage across his shoulders.

"Isn't this cozy?" Howie announced as he muffled a yawn over his cup of tea.

"He's a slave driver," Alana concluded as she turned to glance toward Howie, her teal eyes lighting with excitement. She had been aching to show Howie what she had done to his song, seeking his approval. She had thought about waking him when she had awoken AJ, but didn't want to upset him. So, she set to work, hoping he wouldn't mind. "I didn't think you'd be up for a few more hours! Can you listen to what I did?"

"If it's AJ moaning and you singing to him…" Howie trailed as he crossed the room to flop into his chair, scowling at the pack of cigarettes, lighter, spare change and wallet that littered the desk. "Must you drop all your shit everywhere?" he groaned, shoving it all to the floor with a scowl. "What did you do, Sweetie?"

"Alex, show him," Alana insisted as she postponed her massage for a moment, gesturing toward the CD that had just finished recording. Though, when he placed it into playback, she naturally bit down hard on her bottom lip with a slight air of nervousness, jumping when her hands were guided back to AJ's shoulders for rubbing.

"Harder, please?" AJ requested softly as he moved his chair closer to hers.

"Shush," Howie admonished, sipping his tea as he leaned back. Closing his eyes as the music started, he focused only on the song, grateful when it grew in volume enough to drown out AJ's pleased moans. Hearing the drum start with the chorus, he sat up, his hot tea sloshing from his mug to land on AJ's bare arm. "I love that!"

"SON OF A BITCH!" AJ immediately howled with pain as he lurched up from his chair, furiously scratching at his arm as if he could claw away the hot liquid. Jumping up and down like a spoiled child, he whined with the pain as he offered his arm toward Alana.

"Do you like it, Howie? I know that it's your song and everything, but I've been playing drums since I was a baby. I was listening to the song last night and I just knew that's what the song needed. And, I can definitely sing the lyrics better if you need me too, but I wanted to concentrate on the drums first--" Alana explained to Howie as she used the towel surrounding one of her ice packets to clean away the tea from AJ's arm. She watched Howie intently for an answer as she applied the ice pack to AJ's arm, making him stand at her wheelchair to decrease the swelling of the flaming tissue.

"The lyrics are perfect," Howie promised, setting his now empty mug on the desk as AJ continued to whine. "And the drums… I love it. Aje, what do you think?"

"I think you marred my beautiful body art!" AJ hissed with annoyance, knowing he would strike at Howie if it wasn't for Alana's hold on his arm.

"It was an accident! Now stop bitching like the PMS Poster Girl and tell me what you think about the drums."

"She's sex on wheels when it comes to the drums, now excuse me while I call a fucking plastic surgeon--"

"Is that a crack to her being in a wheelchair?" Howie questioned with a dark scowl.

"It was a compliment--" AJ yelped in pain as Howie's hand found the back of his head. "Damnit, D! You're only supposed to do that to Nicky-Dicky!"

"I reserve the right to do it to you when you're acting like a dick," Howie informed him. When AJ lifted the ice pack to reveal a patch of reddened skin, he winced. "Nattie's upstairs, get her to put some aloe on it for you, okay? And get Alana some breakfast?"

"I really don't need anything to--" Alana realized that her refusal of breakfast was useless as AJ went stomping up the stairs with another fresh exploration into colorful curses. Exhaling softly and praying that eggs or butter were not brought down, knowing they immediately triggered her morning sickness, she glanced toward Howie. "You're really sure you like it?"

"I don’t like it," Howie murmured, shaking his head gently. Glancing up to see the crestfallen look marring Alana's beautiful features, he quickly grinned. "I love it!"

"You're not funny! I actually called Alex to make him get me out of bed with Nick to carry me downstairs to do this for you! 'Cause I thought you'd like it!" Alana groaned as she pushed on his shoulder, rubbing her face as if tears were starting to fall.

"But I love it! Isn't that better?"

Alana peeked out from her hands. "Perhaps worth getting out of bed with Nick…"

"And if I were to say that when this song debuts on the radio it will be an instant number one hit?"

"You might get a small smile and a kiss on the cheek, even though I think you're insane?"

"You've heard of Christina Aguilera, right?"

"I love her vocals."

"I do too. But believe me, when people hear you, they're going to forget all about her."

"Howie…" Alana trailed, shifting to hide the blush coloring her cheeks.

"Just wait and see, Sweetie."

"…When are we going to get it recorded?"

"Honestly? I don't know. If you and Nick are going to be going out to California soon…" Howie trailed, pursing his lip in thought. "I'll probably take AJ out there to get the studio set up within the next week, and leave you with some more demos to play around with, if that's okay? Then when you get out there we can get to work?"

"You're the boss," Alana agreed with a small nod, hearing the heavy fall of footsteps on the basements stairs, knowing AJ was far too skinny to make that commotion. "As long as you're willing to drive me and all that, y'know?"

"Absolutely," Howie promised.

"Nick would probably be more comfortable with you driving me instead of AJ. Not that he even knows I signed the record deal. Or that I helped you with this song. Or that I'm perfect capable of wheeling myself around the house…" Alana groaned as she rubbed her aching temples, glancing toward Howie. "Are the demos more songs that you wrote?"
Howie nodded thoughtfully. "Some, yes. There's a couple that AJ wrote, and one that Aaron--"

"Absolutely insists that he has to duet with you on!" Aaron's cherubic voice announced as he hopped off the last few stairs to hurry over. Grinning excitement, he leaned over Alana to layer her face with the sweetest of good morning kisses. "And you're not allowed to hate it. You've got to love it to death and it's going on your debut album. Right, D?"

"Alana has the last word on what goes on her album," Howie reminded Aaron gently.

"What? She does?" Aaron questioned, eyes widening. "What kind of--"

"Natalie made me swear that Alana would have final say on everything from what songs she sings to the color of the socks she wears onstage," Howie informed with a grin at Alana.

"Guess she's already one of my Managers, huh? Like… Personal Manager of Social Affairs?" Alana guessed with a small smile, knowing she would have to thank Natalie immensely. She knew the business far better than Alana ever would. She needed her best friend as part of the team.

"I believe the title she came up with was Personal Manager Extraordinaire," Howie chuckled. "She's already looking to get some photoshoots lined up--"

"She's got your back, Sis," Aaron crooned.

"If she's my Personal Manager, does that mean she can handle the bullshit with Nick for me, too?" Alana guessed with a small smile as Aaron flopped on AJ's seat, plugging in the headphones to see what Alana had come up with that morning.

"What bullshit?" Howie questioned, glancing up from the copy of the contract he was going to give Alana for her records.

"When we get into fights in the future?" Alana guessed with a means of half truth, accepting the thick stack of papers from him in order to glance over momentarily. Though, while she looked at it, it was only means of a diversion. She couldn't really identify a bullshit problem, at least, none she wanted to admit. Nick treating her like a child was just infuriating. And, if he wasn't suffocating her, then he was completely avoiding her, almost as if she could have no fun even while she was injured. "Have flowers on speed dial under his credit card?"

Howie's dark brows furrowed with worry. "Are you two having problems--"

"Holy shit! The drums sound so totally wicked!" Aaron shrieked, banging his hands against the desk for emphasis.

"How can I possibly have problems when I have a little brother as adorable as him?" Alana laughed as she leaned to ruffle Aaron's platinum locks. When she caught his attention, she pulled the one headphone back. "I did those drums, Aaron."

"Wicked!" Aaron beamed, giving her a thumbs-up when she let the headphone fall back into place.
Howie sighed as Alana turned her attention to her contract once more. "Alana--"

"French toast, bacon and ginger ale," AJ announced as he entered the studio, bearing a tray with enough food to feed them all at least twice. Natalie had been insistent that he take it all, informing him that she was taking Brian his breakfast in bed. "Apparently, Rok gave Nat some awesome sex, 'cause she's in a giving mood--"

"Head," Alana interrupted as she handed the contract back to Howie, deciding to take it up with her whenever Nick came down to complain that she wasn't resting. When AJ looked at her with horror, she shrugged helplessly. It wasn't as if she wanted the information. She had simply been enjoying a comfortable bath when Natalie burst in from her date, filling in every detail before Alana had a chance to object.

"Brian gave Nat-Nat head?" Aaron questioned suddenly, still thumping his hands against the desk in time to the song playing in the headphones. "Does that mean she's got a really big cl--"

"She gave him head and he gave her a tongue bath…" Alana informed, though she wrinkled her nose as she explained. "Can we please talk about something else? If you want the details, I'm sure Allie will be ecstatic to help you out."

Aaron nodded slightly, turning to look at her. "Did she--"

"Why don't we let Alana eat breakfast?" Howie suggested, nowhere near interested in hearing anymore details about Natalie and Brian's apparently healthy sex life. "And AJ, we need to make flight plans for early next week."

"Where the Hell are we going early next week?" AJ snorted in apparent distaste as he set the tray on the coffee table, yelping in shock when Howie grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. "Okay! Okay! Stop making me bitch at you and let's go upstairs and book the fucking flights!"

Taking the headphones off, Aaron leaned over and smacked a noisy kiss on Alana's cheek. "The song kicks ass, Sis!" he declared as Howie and AJ headed up the stairs. Hearing the door slam behind them, he watched Alana wheel herself over to the coffee table. "So, you given Nick head lately?"

"Not that I think we should be talking about this, but I've never given your brother head," Alana answered as she angled the wheelchair near the couch, parking the brakes. Then, using her monumental upper body strength, she eased her body onto the couch, making sure to tend to the immobilized leg with heavy pillows before concentrating on the cast. Satisfied that she was comfortable, she reached for the ginger ale to drink.

"Did he tell you that I walked in on him choking his chicken yesterday?" Aaron questioned, shuddering at the memory. He would have thought his older brother knew how to lock a bathroom door--

"He hasn't been telling me much of anything, Aar," Alana murmured as Aaron handed over a plate of French toast. Balancing it on her lap, she cut into one of the slices, pushing it around her plate for a moment. She knew whatever she said to Aaron would probably fall right back on Nick's ears. Though he seemed deaf when it concerned her.

"He's scared of hurting you, Sis," he informed her softly, helping himself to a handful of bacon. Munching thoughtfully, he reached for a can of ginger ale. "He wants to know that you're being taken care of, that you're healing like you should, and that the twins are doing okay. But, according to him, just looking at you makes him hard as a rock and all he can think about then is--"

"Because, yeah, I'm a picture of seduction these days," Alana scoffed, taking the small piece of French toast into her mouth for tentative chewing, hoping she wouldn't be ill. She wasn't exactly a believer in Aaron's sentiments. Not when her long curls were always thrust into ponytails or messy buns and she was carried about the house in baggy t-shirts, tank tops, and boxers.

"We're talking about Nick, remember?"

"Are you telling me that he'd get turned by a wet dog?" she inquired with a small frown. "Thanks, Aar…"

"Women," Aaron muttered into his can. "It's you, alright? Just you."

"Don't get perturbed with me."

"I'm just saying? Give the guy a handjob at least?"

"You can't pin this on me. I already offered the man a hand-job and he turned me down. Told me he's never been offered something like that, then he blushed and smacked his head on the edge of the tub. Then, after I had offered, he told me he wanted just to spend some time with me, Zachie, and him together. So, forgive me if that ain't a royal brush off."

"But that was over a week ago."

"He's pretty much ignored me since then. How am I supposed to offer again if he won't even look at me? Hell, I'd blow him if it meant that maybe he'd look in my direction."

"Can I quote you on that?"

"Don't even think about it," she warned, oblivious to the soft closing of the basement door.

Aaron whined, "But if it'd help--"

"Then you offer him a hand-job."

Aaron grimaced at the mere mention. "I'd rather give Brian one!"

"I don't think Brian'll be needing your hands for a good couple'a months now that Nat's mouth has found new territory," Nick yawned as he shuffled down to the basement after listening to AJ and Howie bicker about Alana's whereabouts. Shifting the fussing Zachary in his arms as he balanced the warm bottle in the opposite crook of his arm, he forced a glance toward Alana and avoided his brother's poignant grin. "Snot Sucker won't eat for me. Figured he wants Mommy's touch this morning."

"That's what I'm here for," Alana murmured as she handed her plate toward Aaron so she could take Zachary in her arms. Cooing softly at the sniffling infant, she lowered her head to place several kisses on his wrinkled brow as he considerably calmed. Reaching to press a tiny hand against her chest as he smacked his lips, Alana had to laugh as she took the bottle from Nick. "You trying to act like you ain't hungry is like your Uncle Aaron acting like he's a ladies' man."

"I am a ladies' man," Aaron grumbled under his breath. Hopping to his feet, he clapped Nick on the shoulder, leaning close. "Dude, take her up on the hand-job offer, okay? But, preferably without Bud in the room, though." Ignoring Nick's confused look, he clapped his shoulder once again. "Be back later!" he hollered, bounding up the stairs.

"The food that Allie made is still warm if you're hungry," Alana offered as she helped Zachary secure the bottle in his mouth. Watching him suck hungrily, she guessed that Nick hadn't been able to eat either. "Unless you're going upstairs to get something instead?"

"I'll stay here," Nick murmured, flopping into the chair vacated by his brother. Eyeing the French toast and bacon warily, he glanced at Alana. "Nat made this? …Is it edible?"

"The French toast is pretty good and Aaron was chewing on the bacon without much of a problem."

"You're sure she made it?" Nick questioned, reaching for a slice of bacon for a taste. "I mean, that chick burns everything--"

"Alex said she made it, but, who knows, maybe she got a diner to deliver…"

"How'd you get down here?" Nick asked softly, nibbling on the bacon. It wasn't as good as the bacon Alana had fixed him on occasion. But it would do.

"Alex came and got me and brought me down," Alana answered, deciding to leave out the starting portion of her calling him. Not to mention the leg pain that had been keeping her up. And the morning sickness. No need to send Nick into a frenzy.

"…And then Aaron brought up our sex life?" Nick guessed.
"You mean lack there of?" Alana returned, glancing up from Zachary though she took his hand into hers so he knew she hadn't forgotten about him. "Or do you mean your sex life? With your hand?"

Nick groaned, clapping his hand over his eyes before dragging it down the length of his face. "I'm sorry, I was just worked up after helping you in the bath--"

"You ain't got nothing to be sorry about," Alana interrupted gently. "And if it's that much of a problem, then I can just find some other way to do what I have to do in the bathroom. It'll be easier when the cast comes off next week. Then I'll be able to stand up for showers."

"I like helping you."

"I like you helping me, too, but if it's a problem then--"

"I'd just feel like the biggest prick in the world, asking you to jerk me off--"

"If you asked me like that, I think I might consider you to be a big prick, too," Alana attempted to joke as she heard the dry sucks of a finished bottle. Gently pulling it from Zachary's mouth, she smiled as he cooed with thanks. "Do you have a burp rag?"

Nick plucked the cloth diaper from off his shoulder, leaning over to hand it to Alana. "So… If I were to ask… How exactly would I need to phrase it?"

"You'd need to… Wait until your brother is out of the room…" Alana's sentence trailed as Aaron bounded down the steps, entering the room to pluck Zachary from Alana's arms as well as the cloth diaper. Saluting to his brother, Aaron then hurried back up the steps, making sure to hit the button that would flash a red light upstairs, warning no one to disrupt whatever was going on downstairs. Shaking her head in disbelief, Alana glanced down to the large couch she was seated upon. Suddenly, she offered Nick a grin as she laid upon the couch, stretching out her immobilized leg on the couch, leaving much room as she bent her knee to rest her cast upon the floor. "Handsome, c'mere."

"Here? Now?" Nick questioned dubiously. He hadn't had a shower yet--

"Just c'mere," Alana commanded once more. "I want to show you something."

"That drawing of a stick figure taking a piss that Bay drew?" Nick asked with a chuckle, moving to sit in the spot on the couch she pointed to.

"I'm keeping this cast when they saw it off and then I'm making Brian and Baylee sign it. Then, I'm going to sell the sucker on Ebay for a handsome chunk of change. Little angel son my ass," Alana grumbled as she gestured for Nick to come closer. Carefully, she helped to guide his knee to rest snugly between her spaced legs as his other knee rested on the floor to the inside of her cast. Then, she made him lean over her till their lips were a hairsbreadth apart. "See? You won't hurt me, Handsome."

"I can touch you?" Nick whispered hopefully, his hand trailing lightly over her stomach. "I mean really touch you…"

"Honest to God, Nickalicious, you can touch me without hurting me. You're no where near crushing my legs and they're both comfortable on pillows. No more putting those three body pillows between us during the night, okay?" she confided with a small smile, running the back of her hand down the side of his face.

Nick nodded, leaning down to kiss her softly. "It's just… If I move wrong and hurt you I'd never be able to forgive myself--"

"Then we'll duct tape your legs to the bed at night," Alana suggested, running her hands down the length of his back only to slip them underneath his t-shirt to trail up his skin. Leaning up, she relished in the taste of him against her lips, whimpering with true thanks as she nibbled his bottom lip.

"Help me?" Nick requested with a soft moan, his tongue sweeping into her mouth.

"Duct tape your legs tonight?" Alana inquired with a soft laugh, though it was quickly changed into a moan of pleasure as Nick's tongue flicked over her lips before diving into her mouth once more, catching her tongue in an arduous dance of passion. Wrapping her arms around him from underneath his arms, she pulled him closer as she nibbled on his tongue. "I missed you."

"I missed you more," Nick swore, leaning against her gently as his hand swept beneath her t-shirt. Lightly stroking her warm skin, he sucked her tongue into his mouth for a hard nip.

"Don't disappear on me like that again," she suggested, unable to resist breaking their kisses so she could pull his t-shirt over his head. The shirt fluttered down onto her, one arm braced beside her still hooked within, but she could lean up and kiss his bare chest now. "Are your ribs better?"

"One hundred percent," Nick assured with a shiver before dipping his head for another kiss.

"Fantastic," Alana purred within his mouth, allowing her hands to slowly follow the contours of his body, leading her hands down the tapering of his waist to the elastic band of his shorts. Tucking her fingers, just underneath the elastic band, she leaned back on the couch so Nick would have to follow her for hardened kisses.

"I love you," he whispered, his hand sliding further up her shirt. Lifting his head to look into her eyes, he smiled when her hand reached up to brush his cheek. It stayed on his face as he whispered her name, swallowing hard when he saw her dark teal eyes glazed over with pleasure. Eyes so full of respect and love and a hint of fear gazed up at him as he leaned his cheek against her palm, hoping she knew just how much he loved her.

"I love you, too," she promised, returning the sweet smile he was offering to her. "Probably too much."

"Never too much," Nick whispered, leaning down to kiss her once more. His fingers made slow circles just beneath the curve of her breast, realizing with a soft whimper that she had neglected to put on a bra. Feeling a surge of desire that was fueled as much by the warmth of her body as his love for her, he pressed his growing arousal gently against her. "Beautiful…"

"You've been feeling neglected?" she guessed, pulling back to offer him a small pout of appreciation. At his pitiful whimper of recognition, she leaned up to plant a kiss to the corner of his mouth. She then moved her lips up to draw in his top lip for a soft remembrance of her kisses before moving to his bottom lip for several hard nibbles of passion she craved. Then, slipping her hands fully into the waist of his shorts, she trailed the curved taper of his pubic bone till she was able to fondly caress his hard length.

"God," Nick whined softly, his hand sweeping across her stomach. Pulling back slightly, he glanced down at the boxers she wore, smirking against her lips as his fingers slid between her legs. She gasped into his mouth when his hand eased through the slit in the boxers, his fingers lightly brushing her sensitive skin.

"I think I forgot to stitch those closed," Alana whimpered in surprise as her body tightened beneath him, her nails lightly digging into the sides of his erection as she stroked him. Somehow, sprawled on Brian's couch in the open basement was thrilling to say the very least. If anything, she was actually waiting for Brian or Howie to come tumbling down the stairs like stern parents, kicking Nick out of the house for sullying her.

"Whatever you do, don't stitch them," Nick requested, arching against her hand. His fingers slid over her moist folds, parting them gently as his lips moved to kiss the warmth of her neck. "'Cause if you did that, I wouldn't be able to do… This," he whispered, nipping at her throat as his finger thrust into her.

"O-Okay," Alana complied with a hard shudder, raising her hips in order to meet the sharp thrust of his finger. Unable to hold back a low moan of pleasure, she withdrew her hands from him in order to grasp his hips. "God, Nick, you're too good to me."

"You're better," Nick promised, alternately nipping and sucking at her skin as his finger began a slow, tantalizing rhythm.

"This is supposed to be about pleasuring you," Alana whimpered, burying her face against his shoulder. Rocking her hips to the rhythm of his hand, she sighed with the ultimate pleasure, slowly allowing her hands to drop into his shorts once again. Allowing just the pads of her fingers to lightly trace the taper of his hips, down the center of his pubic bone, to the very tip of his erection, and gently circled the tip.

"I can stop if you want me to," Nick murmured, drawing his hand away.

"Only if you're planning on using something else," Alana whined with regret.

"…What do you suggest? My tongue--"

Alana held her breath. "You have got to be kidding me…"

"What, then?" Nick whispered, his fingers lightly stroking her. "We can't--"

"I think we could…"

"It's too soon…" Nick groaned, letting his forehead rest on her chest. "You know how I get, Beautiful…"

"Sorry," she whispered regretfully, lightly running her fingers through his now sweaty platinum locks. Leaning, she gently kissed the top of his head, wishing she hadn't been foolish enough to fall rock climbing.

"Beautiful?" Nick murmured, sitting up fully. Tossing his shirt aside, he reached for her hands with a hopeful grin.

"Handsome?" she returned, arching her brows with a curious nature.

"How about I take you upstairs where we can stretch out on the bed?" he suggested softly, twining his fingers with hers, wetting his lips when she raised her brows further. "And I can make love to you without worrying we'll fall off the couch?"

"Make love to me?" she questioned in surprise as he moved to stand from the couch. Leaning down, he wrapped her arms around his neck, taking hold just beneath her thighs to lift her against him. He supported the immobilized leg easily as he helped her weave her cast just around his hip for protection. "But I thought we just agreed that we wouldn't--"

"You suggested it, I thought about it," Nick interrupted, kissing her softly before turning to head for the stairs.

"But I don't want you to be worried or scared--"

"I'm not. Just tell me if I get too rough, okay?"

"Okay," she agreed with timid nod. "I love you, Handsome, so much."

"I love you more."

"Afterwards, I'll give you a full body massage?" Alana offered as Nick fumbled to open the door to the basement, easing them into the kitchen where Howie was dutifully preparing breakfast for Baylee.

Nick smiled against her cheek. "After that, we can snuggle up and take a nice—"

"'LANA!" Baylee squealed.

"And we're caught," Alana sighed as she rested her chin against Nick's shoulder, waving sweetly toward the toddler propped at the kitchen table.

Nick groaned. "Bay, I'm just taking Alana upstairs to--"

"Little Nicky said 'Lana had to screw you," Baylee announced, his flaxen brows furrowed. "You broken, Nicky? C'I see where you need screwin'?"

"Hasn't he stood next to you in the morning when you both need to take a piss?" Alana inquired against the side of Nick's face, laughing softly.

"Stop that," Nick muttered in her ear. "Bay, you'll have to ask your Daddy about that, okay?"

"Ask Daddy 'bout screwin'! Got it!" Baylee announced, pretending to scribe out his personal 'to do' list in the air. "You have fun fixing Nicky, 'tay, 'Lana? I 'nuggle with you later? Without Zachie?"

"Alright, Boogie," Alana agreed as Nick turned to hurry upstairs before anyone else could catch them. "And boy am I going to have fun fixing you, Handsome…"

Nick grinned as he carried her up the stairs, nibbling gently at her earlobe. "And I'm going to have fun getting fixed… Wait, that sounded bad--"

"Baby, just shut up and keep kissing me."

*~*~*


"Well, how does it feel to be vertical again?" Natalie asked Alana as they stepped out of Dr. Allman's office. Alana was still a bit unsteady on the crutches, so Natalie walked slowly at her side. Peering into the bag she held that contained the cast that had just been removed, she smirked. "He didn't cut through Baylee's masterpiece, did he?"

"Lord no, I made him promise not to cut through that masterpiece," Alana laughed, shaking her head at the mere remembrance of the stick figure urinating on what later turned into a small infant. Brian had called it artistic; Alana had called it barbaric and made sure to keep Zachary in her arms at all times. Though, as she stepped on the floor with her newly freed left foot, she grimaced at the sensation of her shrunken leg, feeling the old Converse shoe slip slightly even though she had knotted it quite tightly. "And I have got to shave this leg tonight…"

Natalie chuckled, reaching for the keys to unlock the doors. "I love you and all, and I know I'm your manager, assistant, or whatever, but I don't think shaving your legs is in my job description--"

"No, you'd probably be more suited for massaging my tender breasts, consider it a bonus," Alana cooed affectionately as she glanced up from her concentration on the right placement of the crutches as she swung her body through. Noting that the office to her OB/GYN was just a few feet ahead, she glanced sideways to Natalie. Originally, Nick was going to be the one to take her to the doctor's appointment today, because she was also stopping off at the obstetrician to get the barrage of prenatal tests as well as another ultrasound to assure that the twins were unharmed by the accident. Only, Nick had been caught up in getting his home ready in California as well as assuring that her necessary items were shipped to the home as well. She would keep her ranch house as means of a private paradise, since it was already paid off. But, most importantly, Nick was unable to take her. So, Natalie had so graciously volunteered. What a minor crisis.

"Bumpkin might enjoy that too much, especially if he got to watch," Natalie mused as she continued down the hallway. "But he--" she cut off abruptly when she realized that Alana was no longer walking beside her. Turning, she saw her friend staring at a door. "What's wrong?"

"I've got to stop in here at my other physician's office," Alana murmured softly, gesturing vaguely toward the door as she extended a finger out from the hand hold of the crutch. "Do you mind waiting?"

"I'll go in with you," Natalie offered, already walking over to open the door.

"Thanks, Allie," Alana answered, keeping her head low as she crutched in to the obstetrics office. Immediately, the receptionist poked her head out of the office and cooed excitedly toward Alana, waving her into the office. She mustered a smile as she was told the doctor would be with her shortly. Easing her body into the nearby seat, she carefully stretched her immobilized leg outward, praying that Natalie would be her ditzy self in the office, not realizing exactly where they were.

"So what doctor is this?" Natalie questioned, glancing around. Seeing all the pregnancy and parenting magazines lying on the table, she moved her gaze to the door she was still holding open. OB/GYN. "Oh! But didn't you just get your pill prescription renewed when we got back from the Bahamas? I remember, 'cause I went with you to the pharmacy--"

"Yeah, but with the antibiotics and everything and…" Alana groaned heavily as she glanced up to see Natalie's cheerful facial features seemingly causing the whole room to glow brightly, knowing that she couldn't possibly lie to her. It just wasn't fair to her. Not when they were best friends. "I kind of really don't need the birth control anymore..."

Natalie stepped into the office fully, allowing the door to swing shut behind her. "Don't need the…" Her eyes widened in realization, her mouth dropping into an 'o' of surprise. "You're pregnant?" she breathed.

"Y'know how birth control is pretty much 99.9% effective?" Alana murmured with a sheepish smile. "Meet Ms. .1%..."

"Oh my God!" Natalie squealed, so loudly the receptionist dropped the phone. "This is so perfect!"

"Perfect?" Alana questioned, fighting off a cringe as best she could as Natalie stooped to crush her in a tight hug.
"Zachie'll have a baby brother or sister! This is just--"

"Two," Alana interrupted with a whisper.

"Two?" Natalie repeated, stumbling back to land on the coffee table. "You're having twins?!"

"I'm pretty sure that's the definition of twins… Two babies at once," Alana answered with a small laugh as a nurse popped out from the back to usher Alana forward. Pushing herself up with the crutches, she hurriedly tucked them underneath her arms to carry herself back to the examination room. "You going to come see these two miracles, Allie? I'm getting an ultrasound."

Squealing again, Natalie leapt to her feet, right behind Alana. "Are you crazy? I want a picture to put in my wallet!"

"You want a picture for your wallet? Why? Does that mean that you won't have any qualms about being called Aunt Allie? 'Cause I have no sisters, well, I do, but they're on my real father's side of the family and I'm pretty much the black sheep," Alana explained as they traveled into the examination room. With careful precision, Alana hefted her body onto the examination table and made sure to cradle the still injured leg. "I'm pretty much the only person in my little family. My mother has my stepfather and my younger brother, they've never been ones to keep in touch with me. Then I had Jeremy and Colt, but, you know that history… I want the twins to have a big loving family. That's why I'm moving to California with Nick, because they need their Daddy… Providing I don't screw'em up in utero…"

"Aunt Allie…" Natalie murmured, smiling at the thought. Though, when the rest of Alana's statements sunk in, she frowned slightly, stepping over to wrap her arms around her friend tightly. "You won't screw them up, 'Lana. And don't worry about a big loving family. We all may be dysfunctional as Hell, but we're loving about it."

Alana merely nodded as there was a soft knock against the door, followed by the entrance of the obstetrician she had been under during her pregnancy with Colton. She felt far more confident in her hands once more, because Dr. Daniels already knew her history. Smiling softly as she introduced Natalie and Dr. Daniels, followed by a warm welcoming embrace and congratulations at her current pregnancy, Alana felt herself lulled into a false sense of security as she laid back upon the examining table as she bared her middle for the ultrasound. Staring up at the ceiling as the jelly was applied, she felt Natalie's hand brush over hers and she shivered slightly when the transducer was pressed into her abdomen. She was terrified of the twins having congenital defects. Sick at the thought that she might be underneath the death of two more children. A heartache she just couldn't bear. But, squeezing Natalie's hand, she stifled a sniffle against a laugh. "You think Boogie's going to want to squish the twins in my stomach once you slip that I'm pregnant?"

"Why does no one I know think I can keep a confidence?" Natalie huffed, her eyes on the screen of the ultrasound.

"Because you're extremely hyper and excited when you receive good news and naturally want to make everyone else happy by sharing the information," Alana answered simply as she heard the loud squelch of the machine followed by a mixture of the twins' heartbeats. Propping herself up on her elbows as she kept Natalie's hand close, she studied the black and white images on the screen, waiting to see the children.

"I do not get hyper," Natalie disagreed, remembering the way Brian had been upon her reaction at the pizzeria. Blushing at the memory as Dr. Daniels pointed one of the twins' spines, which looked to Natalie like a strand of pearls. Squealing as Alana squeezed her hand, she squeezed back. "AWE!"

"I rest my case," Alana confided with a small smile as the transducer was moved ever so slightly to reveal a second strand small pearls. "They're all snuggled up together when they have all that space to share--" Alana offered a sweet grin when Dr. Daniels rolled her eyes, making a comment about the concave shape of her fit abdomen. "Well, more room than they're going to have in a few months?

"You are going to be so gorgeous when the babies start growing," Natalie decided, grinning when Dr. Daniels began to print out the black and white images. "Nicky won't – Have you told him yet?"

"I really didn't have a choice in telling him when Mike came rushing in with the ultrasound machine, insisting that Nick get the Hell out so he could examine me. It was right after the surgery and Nick just went ballistic, insisting he stay to watch. Then Mike pointed out one of the twins, then the other, and-Nicky won't what?" Alana questioned as she wiped the jelly off her belly, allowing the obstetrician to measure her, announcing that she was a little over two months along.

"…Be able to keep his hands off you," Natalie murmured, reaching for one of the ultrasound pictures. "Not, of course, that that's any different than the way it is now…"

"I think he might be slightly turned off when my belly is bigger than his is," Alana murmured with a small smirk as she grasped the rest of the ultrasound images that Dr. Daniels had printed out for her. Growing quiet for a moment as the nurse came in with several vials for different blood samples, she concentrated on the obstetrician for further information. Continue with the prenatal vitamins. The twins couldn't look healthier. Keep resting like she should. Return in another month. She'd call with any adverse results.

"Lovemaking is still okay for her, isn't it?" Natalie questioned suddenly, glancing up to see the startled expression on Dr. Daniels' face. Blushing furiously, she cleared her throat, reaching for her wallet. "Not with me--"

Alana grinned impishly. "Don't let her kid you, Cassie, she just wants to know because she knows my breasts are going to get really tender and boy does she love rubbing on them--"

"Damn straight," Natalie agreed with a laugh. "Nothing in the world beats the pleasure of rubbing my 'Lana's breasts!"

"What's even better is when she lets her boyfriend watch," Alana mused as Dr. Daniels laughed and the needle was inserted into the crook of her right elbow. She glanced away from the needles and tubes as Dr. Daniels reached to hug her once more, wishing her the best of luck before exiting the examining room. "…I think Nick might need to come next time so she doesn't think that my ex-husband caused me to start batting for the other team."

"Do you want me to call Kris and see what OB she's seeing? Get some names lined up for you to check out when you make the move?" Natalie questioned suddenly, already reaching for her PDA to jot down some notes.

"I can find an OB on my own," Alana assured as a Band-Aid was slapped onto her elbow and the tubes of blood were collected by the nurse as she exited. Reaching for her crutches, she carefully slipped off the examining table and back onto her crutches. Swaying slightly, she made sure to keep upright so Natalie wouldn't have to do any extra work. "Allie, even if you are my assistant, manager, whatever; I don't need you trying to jump higher and higher each time I need something. I'm capable."

"But Howie said--"

"You're my friend first."

"Can I at least call Kris and ask her which doctor she sees?" Natalie sighed.

"If you're going to whine about it…" Alana agreed with a small nod, following Natalie after she paid for her bill. "…Allie, what did Howie say?"

"To take care of you. To make sure you get everything you need," Natalie murmured, holding the door open for Alana. "Of course, he said that after I told him he couldn't cop anymore feels unless he agreed to do some things my way--"
"I didn't hear that," Alana whistled, carefully easing herself into the passenger seat that was reclined significantly to fit her immobilizer.

"He hardly ever does it anymore," Natalie promised with a soft laugh, shutting the door before going around to get in. "Where to, Boss?"

"…Anywhere you want to go," Alana murmured, fighting to chide the older woman for calling her Boss. "Wait! Can we swing by the local drug store? I have some pictures to pick up of Zachie. Since I have all this time, I'm making a scrap book for when he gets older. Not to mention Nick wants to scan some of them into his laptop for whatever reason…"

"Pictures!" Natalie squeaked, diving for her PDA once more. "That reminds me, I have a photoshoot set up for you in two weeks--"

"Would you watch the road?" Alana yelped in shock as she reached for the wheel as Natalie stepped on the brakes for a stop light.

"I've got my finger on the wheel!" Natalie growled, tapping several buttons. "The photoshoot is for Maxim, for their August issue. Your single should be coming out around then. I sent some pictures AJ took of you in the Bahamas to the editor--"

"What pictures that Alex took of me in the Bahamas?" Alana questioned in confusion as she pulled away from the wheel. Staring at Natalie suspiciously, she tried to think of when AJ even had a camera on her, much less all the information Natalie had just revealed.

"Some of you on the beach. I've got the copies at home. One of you walking out of the water, I think the rest are standing and looking out at the ocean. They're really good. Ajie's great at photography, getting the subject and the surroundings--"

"Like my boobs in a full bounce--"

"Your boobs weren't bouncing," Natalie interrupted, wrinkling her nose.

"Then you didn't see all of the pictures Alex developed," Alana mused with a small laugh, turning her gaze out the window to the thick woods surrounding the small town. She would miss the niceties of living in the country, but understood it was for the best. For her children. "…Allie, why am I doing a photoshoot for Maxim? And how did you even manage to get them to want me in the first place? What'd you pay them?"

"Trust me, I saw all the pictures…" Natalie trailed as she slowed for the turn into the drug store parking lot. "And I didn't have to pay them a thing. All I did was send in the pictures…" Handing her PDA over to Alana, she waved towards the screen. "That's what they're paying you to do it."

"That much?" Alana breathed in disbelief, staring at the figure that certainly overwhelmed the humble figures of her nursing salary. Leaning back in her seat, she just shook her head. "My God… For pictures? My pictures? For some little section in their magazine?"

"Cover," Natalie corrected with a smile. "With an interview. They want the article to comprise at least eight pages--"

"Dear God in Heaven, Allie!"

"Bad?" Natalie fretted, chewing on a fingernail as she cut off the engine.

"Does Nick know?"

"Not yet. Only Howie and me--"

"What's Howie think?"

"He thinks it's great," Natalie promised with a smile. "He said that if things work out and the issue comes out a week or two before your single hits, everyone will be that more interested in getting it."

Alana nodded in appreciation, glancing toward Natalie. "…Thank you so much, Allie."

"And Andre's coming over next Friday," Natalie informed her.

"Who's Andre?"

"The Boys' official photographer," Natalie answered slowly. Then it occurred to her that Alana wouldn't know that information, and she smiled. "Howie wants to shoot your single cover before you go to Cali."

"So, you're going to be handling the shoot? Since Alex and Howie are flying out to California next Tuesday?" Alana murmured thoughtfully, running her fingers through her tussled curls at all the information flying at her. She couldn't even begin to imagine how she was going to handle all the stress, but then remembered she had Nick waiting back at Brian's home for her. They'd be officially moving to California that next Saturday.

"Damn skippy," Natalie nodded, holding back a sigh. Howie had made her swear that she would have him on speakerphone during the entire shoot, as well as emailing him all the photos as they were taken. She had argued that it truly didn't matter if he saw them or not, considering it was Alana who had the final say in which picture would be used. But he had insisted. Damn the Latin temper in the man. "Want me to run in and get the pictures for you?"

"It'd be faster?" Alana agreed with a small nod as she retrieved her wallet from the side pocket of her capris. "Can you grab me an ice cream Snickers, too?"

"I've got it," Natalie promised as she pushed open the door to get out. Scooping up her purse, she offered Alana a smile. "Anything else, Boss?"

"Get me a People magazine or something and don't ever call me Boss again."

"Okay. And by the way? I love you… Boss," Natalie crooned before shutting the door and trotting across the parking lot.
Thirty-Seven :: Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous by shrinkingviolet
"'Lana, this suit is 'tuffy!"

Glancing up at Baylee's sharp whine of annoyance, Alana watched as he pushed his tiny frame through the jumble of people in order to reach her. He looked miserable in the black pinstripe suit with fully lined jacket, pants, vest, and white dress shirt. Tugging at the black tie wrapped around his neck, he fussed loudly as he attempted to climb on the couch beside her. Smiling sympathetically, she reached her free arm out to help him into her lap, leaning to press a soft kiss to his forehead as Zachary snoozed lightly on her bare shoulder. She had tried to tell Natalie that if Nick and AJ whined about being dressed in suits that Baylee was going to have a tougher time than one could imagine. But, Natalie, wanting the picture of perfection, insisted that the toddler and infant both wear suits. It was amazing to say the least. Brian's solo album coming out in a day and Natalie throwing him a classy pre-release party because she would be unable to stand at his side through the release. Their love was hidden because of his secret divorce, which Alana knew was agony for Natalie. But, she most definitely put her time and energy into positive works instead of wallowing. Having rented a spacious reception hall, she had called for the most expensive caterer's in town to feed the large group of people - friends, family, and business associates - on the best china she could have possibly found. It was gorgeous to say the very least. Alana was absolutely amazed.

"Lizzie here an' I look like a 'tupid ee-jit," Baylee whined, wrinkling his nose in disgust when he remembered his father had placed a real tie on him. Not a clip-on. "It's hot an'--"

"'Lana? Have you seen Bumpkin?" Natalie questioned suddenly as she appeared in front of them. Nervously twisting the promise ring on her left ring finger, she scanned the crowd once more. Not wanting to appear selfish, she had insisted that Brian mingle with the guests, not realizing that doing so would mean she would barely get a glimpse of him all night. She just wanted a few moments alone with him. To feel his arms around her.

"He was talking to one of his producers off to the side and then I lost him," Alana admitted honestly as Elizabeth came dancing over in her maroon dress with a flaring skirt fluffed underneath with tulle. Feeling the added weight of the second child, Alana mustered a small smile toward Natalie. She had been deemed the official babysitter of the night. Or so it seemed since she was still somewhat handicapped with the crutches and immobilizer. Nick had easily shifted Zachary into her arms so he could mingle with the variety of guests. And she was perfectly content doing so, especially since every so often, Aaron brought her a friend drink. "Oh! He's over there with his cousin."

Natalie scanned the area, her lips curving into a soft smile when she saw Brian describing something in detail to Kevin. Turning her attention to Elizabeth for a moment, she stooped to admire the girl's brand new dress. Reaching to playfully tug on a soft curl that framed Elizabeth's face, she laughed when the girl giggled. "Are you having fun, Lizzie?"

"Uh-huh! Bwi tol' me I'm an angel," Elizabeth cooed, a soft flush touching her cheeks. Smoothing her hands over her skirt, she stepped away to do a twirl.

"A fab'wu'lous angel," Baylee sighed dreamily from Alana's lap, leaning back to press a kiss underneath her chin before sliding to the floor. Yanking at the tie one more time, Baylee then reached out for Elizabeth's hand. "Go play with the toys I got? No Zach with us?"

"We dance?" Elizabeth requested hopefully, looking out towards the center of the Hall. "P'ease?"

Natalie pressed her fingers to her lips as Baylee faltered for a moment. But there was no way he could resist Elizabeth's charms. Allowing himself to be dragged away, he shot one quick, fearful glance over his shoulder at Natalie and Alana before disappearing into the crowd. Looking towards Brian once more, she felt her heart skip a beat when her eyes met his. He gave her an almost imperceptible nod before heading her way. Sinking onto the couch next to Alana, she released a shaky breath. "I hate being in the same room with him and not being able to love on him like I want to…"

"I'm sure it's just as hard on him as it is on you," Alana promised softly as she languidly rubbed her hand over Zachary's back as he slept peacefully against her bare shoulder. Glancing sideways to her best friend, she offered a kind smile. Natalie couldn't have looked more beautiful in her simple, blueberry, cashmere sweater-dress that hung delicately off her shoulders and clung to her sweet form. Her long, camel locks pulled back in a delicate French braid for a sophisticated impression. "You look absolutely fantastic tonight and he loves you to death... You just have to remember he's getting into a Christian genre which is pretty frightening considering he's filing for divorce."

"I know…" Natalie trailed with a soft nod. Placing her hands in her lap as she watched Brian's slow progress across the suddenly expansive Hall, she fought to keep her feelings for him hidden. As she had done for so long. She would have thought it would be easier now. "I just--"

"Have to give the man some more time even though you've given him all the time in the world," Alana interjected with a note of sympathy to her soft voice. "Just think how much sweeter it'll be when you're finally together without having to hide anything? It'll make all this tension melt away. Besides, you two creeping around makes things hot and heavy for the sex life anyway, right? Why ruin that?"

"Alana," Natalie groaned, shaking her head. "I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut about what happens in the bedroom between me and Bumpkin, don't I?"

"I figure I'm going to keep bringing up your kinky habits till you remember not to tell me," Alana agreed with a thoughtful nod.

"Then I won't tell you what we did in the shower before we left the – Hi," Natalie greeted Brian with a warm smile.

"Thank God," Alana breathed against the side of her son's face.

"I definitely walked in on something that I didn't want to," Brian concluded with a soft laugh as he took Natalie's hand into his to press a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Thank you so much for this party, Natalie."

"You deserve it," Natalie promised. "And thank 'Lana too, she picked out all the flowers--"

"Sis! Sis!" Aaron cried, bursting into the corner with a wide grin. Dropping onto the couch, he blatantly pointed to a young woman talking with Kristin. "See her? What do you think?!"

"I think if she's managing to get a smile on Kristin's face after the wicked fight she had with Kevin before the party began…" Alana trailed as she observed the young woman Aaron continued to gesture towards. She was of average height, perhaps a few inches short, dressed appropriately in an elegant, backless, black dress, her short russet curls bobbing just beneath her chin. She spoke with an exuberant animation toward Kristin, instantly including Kevin in the conversation when he returned with drinks. "That she's probably a real sweetheart and worth your time."

"She's really funny," Aaron sighed, leaning against Alana so he could properly watch the young woman in question. Completely ignoring the pleasant glow from Kristin when she allowed the woman to touch her baby bump, he sighed again. "I should ask her out, huh? Brian! Who is she?!"

Pulling his gaze away from the vision of loveliness that was pressed into his side, her arm demurely slid through his as if they had the perfect friendship. Though, no one could see the way his fingers gently brushed over hers as he clasped his free hand protectively over hers. But when Aaron whined in aggravation, he glanced over to Kristin and Kevin. "Oh, that's Staci, my tour producer's daughter."

"She likes babies," Alana observed with a small smile as she nudged Aaron's side. Carefully, she shifted Zachary into his awaiting arms. "Go talk to her again with Zachie. Tell her you're watching your nephew and how much you love him. Gesture over to me to say you're giving me a break. Lord knows I look like I need it."

"That really works? The whole guys-with-babies thing?" Aaron questioned uncertainly, reaching to smooth the front of Zachary's suit.

"Just go," Natalie sighed, squeezing Brian's arm gently as Aaron got to his feet. Glancing to the man at her side, she smiled when his fingers brushed her skin. "Good thing Kevvy's there to keep Aaron from making a total fool of himself."

"If anything goes wrong, just give him a call on his cell phone as means of an escape," Brian chuckled.

"It's almost time to eat," Natalie murmured softly with a glance at her watch. Loath to leave Brian, she nearly whined with frustration. Keeping their relationship low-key was going to be the death of her, she was sure. "I should go check with the caterer--"

"The caterer's are the best in the business. I'm sure that they'll be able to handle it without you," Brian returned gently, refusing to let go of her arm as Howie and AJ weaved through the crowd in order to reach the small cluster of adults in the back. Grinning, Brian reached to place a chaste kiss on Natalie's cheek. "I've got to make a small speech before dinner and you're the hostess, so you've got to stay."

"Does the hostess get to steal the guest of honor for a few minutes outside?" Natalie questioned hopefully.

"God, this is pathetic," AJ announced as he flopped down next to Alana. Rolling his eyes at Brian and Natalie, he snorted with disgust. "I think I like it better when they're fucking like it's no tomorrow and don't care who hears them--"

"Yeah, because you're the one with a tape record microphone slipped under the bedroom door," Alana groaned as AJ draped his arm across her bare shoulders, pulling her into his embrace.

"Not their bedroom door," AJ returned in a sing-song voice.

Howie sighed, shaking his head. "I don't even want to know…"

"A few minutes outside in private would be fantastic," Brian murmured toward Natalie, fighting off a heavy blush.

"Have y'all seen Nick?" Alana suddenly inquired, pulling the attention away from Brian and Natalie's torrid love affair.

"He mentioned something about finding the restroom a few minutes ago when he nearly knocked me down," Howie informed her. "I'm sure he'll show up in a few minutes."

"Who's the babe Aar's talking to?" AJ questioned as Natalie moved towards the nearest exit.

"Staci, the tour producer's daughter, who is Aaron's age, so don't even think about it. One piece of jail bait is enough for the year," Alana purred toward AJ, admiring the way Aaron sweetly spoke with the young woman, eliciting several giggles from her as he helped her hold Zachary. He was about as charming as his brother was.

"But she's hot," AJ whined in protest. "It's not fair. The blondes always get the babes – Should I dye my hair?"

"You don't have any hair left to dye," Howie decided, glancing over his shoulder to see Brian tripping out the door.

"Dinner has officially been delayed," Alana announced with a smirk, looking to Howie. "And it couldn't have been for a sweeter reason."

"It's going to be hard on her, having to sneak around like this," Howie murmured thoughtfully. "Maybe I should--"

"When do we eat? I'm starved," Nick announced as he brushed past Howie to reach the couch.

"Dinner's slightly delayed," Alana murmured toward Nick, though she continued to hold Howie's gaze. "I know you want to protect, Natalie, but she knew the consequences when she made her choice. She loves him and she's willing to work on that while he does what he can to get free. It's her relationship. Not hers, yours, and his. Give them space. It'll work out."

"But I was just going to--"

"No."

"But maybe if--"

"No."

"Damnit," Howie hissed. "If we'd treated our label like this so soon after signing, we never would have made it."

"That's because we didn't have balls like Beautiful," Nick declared, pushing AJ to the side so he could take his rightful place beside Alana. Curling his arms around her protectively, he kissed her cheek softly.

"Oh, yeah, now you start coming around kissing on me," Alana groaned, though she comfortably shifted to rest against him. They fit so perfectly together, not to mention looked quite dazzling side by side. Nick had dressed himself in a plain black suit and accentuated the simplicity of the design with a dark sapphire tie. Not really knowing what Nick was wearing to the event, Alana had merely decided on a pair of elegant, wide legged, black pants that would easily hide her immobilizer as well as give the impression that the garment was a skirt. Then, to compliment the pants she chose a simple, backless, sapphire halter top. Aaron had teased the couple earlier that they looked like the full-sized version of Barbie and Ken, but Natalie had cooed over the pleasant surprise. "…Please don't be mad at me, Howie…"

"I'm not mad," Howie promised.

"He's just horny," AJ added, raising his eyebrows when Staci handed Zachary over to Kristin. Seeing Aaron lead her out to the dance floor, he groaned. "Damnit--"

"Staci, tour manager's daughter," Alana quickly informed Nick before he could get a chance to interrogate.

"Cool," Nick murmured, lacing his fingers with hers. Dipping his head to softly brush his lips over her shoulder, he smiled. "Have I told you how gorgeous you are tonight?"

"I don't think those specific words have passed your lips," Alana answered, shivering from the mere brush of his velvet lips against the bare skin of her shoulder. They had never really discussed what would be portrayed about their relationship in the eyes of the public, especially now that Howie and AJ were furiously promoting her wonderful singing talents, but she knew she didn't want to hide away like Natalie and Brian. Not if it could be helped. Especially when Nick kissed her like that.

"Do you know how hard it is for me to keep from taking you home and--"

"Hello, I'm sitting right here!" AJ yelped.

"Why don't you go get Zachie for me, then?" Alana suggested hopefully.

Nick pulled Alana closer as AJ grumbled under his breath. When he vaulted off the couch to go talk with Kevin and Kristin, Nick glanced towards Howie. The man continued to stand there, idly sipping his drink as though he had no worries in the world. "Don't you have anywhere else to be?"

"Why?" Howie questioned in confusion, lifting his brows.

"So I can seduce Beautiful? So by the time dinner's ready she'll be quivering, and wanting only for me to take her home and make love to her endlessly?"

"This is why we were so much better in the earlier years. None of this couples' need for privacy and--" Howie's voice faded to a natural conclusion in his mind as some of the tour producers waved for him to join. Nodding with a custom wave, Howie offered a glorified grin toward Alana and Nick before starting to move. "Don't forget you have a son to take care of, Nicky."

Nick glanced across to see Zachary still sleeping peacefully, nestled on Kevin's shoulder. Giving Howie a grin before turning his attention back to Alana, he once more placed a soft kiss along her collarbone. "…We could holler that there's a fire and have the place to ourselves…"

"As far as I'm concerned, there already is a fire brewing," Alana whispered softly as she tilted her head back to kiss the side of his neck, offering just the softest of nibbles to his skin. She had missed him while he was mingling with his friends and business associates, feeling isolated in the corner in the back of the room.

"As soon as you take your last bite of dessert, we're going home," Nick demanded gently, cupping his hand at the back of her neck to draw her in for a deep kiss. "Zach's sleeping in Brian and Natalie's room. I'm locking our door and we're not setting foot outside until tomorrow morning."

"And why's that?" Alana purred with appreciation as she caught the collar of his dress shirt, pulling him toward her to intensify the kiss, oblivious to the flash of light that surrounded them for a moment.

"Because I'm not letting you out of that bed until we've both screamed ourselves voiceless," Nick growled, forgetting everything around them as his fingers gently dipped beneath the top of her halter top for a soft stroke.

"Handsome," Alana whimpered in soft surprise as the pads of his fingers delicately caressed the curve of her tender breast. She shuddered with delight as she reached to tangle her fingers within his platinum locks, wondering if he knew just how sensitive her breasts were at the current stage of her pregnancy. The impending fullness of their growth had already caused him much surprise.

Nick allowed his hand to slip further beneath her top, until his fingers traced the outline of her nipple. Feeling it pucker in response, he moaned against her tongue, tangling the fingers of his other hand in her hair. "God, Beautiful, I need--"

"To save it for after dessert," she whispered softly inside his mouth, shifting so her long, strawberry blonde curls crashed in a silky curtain over her shoulder to hide the doings of his hand. She was far too aware that they were at a Christian function for Brian. She didn't want to ruin Nick's reputation, nor taint Brian's association. "Because if you could possibly understand how sensitive my breasts are right now… God, Handsome, I love you."

"I love you," Nick murmured, lifting his head to take a cursory glance at their surroundings. Then, grinning, he eased the material of her top down over her breast, dipping his head behind the curtain of her hair. Trailing his tongue in quick circles around her nipple, he drew it between his teeth for a slow, lazy tug.

"Nickalicious," Alana moaned in disbelief, hurriedly flattening a hand against her mouth to muffle whatever further sound were released from his sensual teasing. Her other fingers tightened significantly within his messy locks as if that would stabilize the passion that quickly mounted within her. Biting hard on her bottom lip to keep from crying out, she hoped God would forgive her.

Releasing her nipple, Nick blew cool air on it softly before lifting his head to kiss her again. He nudged her hand away from her mouth, easily sweeping his tongue across her lips to gain entry.

"Can we skip dessert?" Alana inquired hopefully against his mouth as she shifted to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him over her as their tongues dancing in a sinful motion that she hoped would mirror their bodies later that evening.

"Does that mean I get to eat you?" Nick returned, his hand closing around her bare breast gently.

"I'll get some whip cream and cherries slathered on my body and wish you the best of luck?" she offered, not knowing exactly what he was hoping to do.

"Don't slather your whole body," Nick requested, his knee sliding between her legs. "Just one particular spot…"

"O-Okay," Alana agreed with a docile nod, blushing at the squeak that accentuated her voice.

"God, Beautiful--"

"'Lana! Krissy dancin' with Zachie!" Baylee announced loudly as he suddenly hopped onto the couch next to Alana and Nick. "See?!"

Jerking in surprise at Baylee's invasion of a very private moment, she hurriedly reached to tuck her breast back inside her halter top and push her long locks behind her shoulders. Fighting to control the desire burning in her body, she brushed her fingers idly in Baylee's long locks as she glanced to the dance floor to see what he was speaking about. She couldn't have possibly looked guiltier at that point in time. "I definitely see, Boogie. Kristin's going to want to take Zachie home with her, huh?"

"If she does, I 'nuggle wit' you an' Nicky all night?" Baylee requested as Nick slid away from Alana. Taking the opportunity, Baylee snuggled closer until he was sitting in her lap.

"'Lana! Where Bwi?! He tol' me I have 'resent!" Elizabeth squealed as she climbed up to join Baylee in Alana's lap. "I get my 'resent 'fore we eat?"

"Brian is…" Alana was at a loss as how to explain Brian's sudden absence from his party as she turned to look toward the back door of the reception hall. With utter relief, she noticed Natalie and Brian slipping through the door, though they looked worse for the wear. Slapping her palm to her forehead with a groan as she watched Natalie clumsily try to fix her mussed braid, she reached out to catch Nick's jacket. "Can you please go rescue your best friend? His fly is afraid of heights."

"Huh?" Nick grunted, glancing towards his best friend, who was straightening his tie. Seeing what Alana referred to, he groaned loudly. "Frick! The snake's about to come out of the cage!"

"What snake?" Brian questioned in confusion as he reached to pull the tie from Natalie's hair, helping her unwind the crimped waves of her hair. He had never been pulled outside for a romantic endeavor, nor had he ever been so glad in all his existence that Natalie wasn't wearing underwear. That is, till Nick yanked him backward, seeming to jar him into reality. "There's a snake in here?!"

"For crying out loud," Nick growled, turning in front of Brian so the older man was shielded from view. At his friend's confused expression, he sighed impatiently, reaching to jerk the offending zipper up. "That snake, you dildo--"

Brian paled significantly. "Nick! You said all our experiences during the first tour were just--"

"If we weren’t surrounded by preachers I would so cuss you out right now," Nick muttered, smoothing Brian's shirt before reaching to adjust his tie correctly. "Just, damn… You really shouldn't go around teasing me like that, Frick. Toying with my delicate hormones is just so wrong--"

"Bwi! My 'resent now? P'ease?" Elizabeth chirped, appearing between the two men with a wide grin of hopefulness.

"Bumpkin would be more than happy to get you your 'resents now," Natalie groaned as she pushed Brian and Nick away from one another, having no desire to hear about Brian's confusing past. So, adjusting her dress once more, she carefully fussed with her long locks as she walked toward Alana, gesturing for Brian to hurry.

Elizabeth squealed with excitement, tugging on Brian's hand until he lifted her up into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she settled happily, though her nose wrinkled slightly. "You smell like Knotty!" she accused.

"Oh God," Natalie sighed as she settled on the couch next to Alana. When Baylee slid down to retrieve Elizabeth's presents, she turned to her friend. "Can you fix my hair really quick?"

"That'll teach you to get frisky at a public Christian event," Alana mused with a small smile as she had Natalie turn. Tilting her head back, Alana quickly went to work at dividing the pieces of hair and weaving them into a tight French braid. She had spent hours at the hospital doing the girls' hair to make them feel better. She would most certainly miss her job at the hospital.

"I'm not even going to ask," AJ declared as he surveyed the scene. Having been informed by Kristin that she could take care of Zachary until Alana wanted him back, he had been at a loss as to what to do, deciding to rejoin his friends in the corner. Brian was swaying Elizabeth to the music, Baylee was bringing a small gift bag to the couch, Nick was gulping down soda, and Alana was braiding Natalie's hair. "All the kinky shit happens when AJ turns his back, huh?"

"Most definitely," Alana promised with a small laugh as she finished Natalie's hair with grace and delicacy. Patting Natalie's back to assure her that it was done, she was surprised when her best friend threw her weight against her for a crushing squeeze. "You're welcome, Allie."

"Thanks," Natalie whispered before pulling away. "Not just for my hair, for… Everything."

"Awe, so sweet," AJ crooned.

"Lizzie! 'Resents!" Baylee cried, tugging on the hem of her skirt. "From me an' Daddy an' Knot!"

"Bwi!" Elizabeth squealed suddenly, wiggling from his arms to get set on the floor. When he complied with her wishes, she immediately launched herself at Baylee with a large hug and kiss. "Thank you, Bay," she crooned, reaching for the bag as Baylee fell to his backside in awe.

"What a woman," Baylee sighed.

"You've got it bad, Snot Face," AJ informed him with a chuckle as Elizabeth moved to Brian, asking him to help her open the presents. Reaching down, he helped the boy to his feet.

"I love her," Baylee announced with a breathy sigh, staring at Elizabeth.

"I think Boogie's going to be getting engaged before any of us," Alana murmured with a small smile as she reached for her crutches. Carefully, she boosted herself from the couch, making sure to keep all the weight off her right leg as Nick glanced toward her. She wouldn't even begin to tell him she had been trying to walk when she was alone. He'd kill her.

"Where you going?" Nick questioned softly as he appeared at her side, one hand moving to rest on the small of her back. Glancing towards Brian and Elizabeth when the girl squealed with excitement over the necklace with a cross pendant made of rubies, he pressed a kiss to Alana's cheek. "Ready to go sit down to eat?"

"Not yet! Brian has to make an announcement and give Elizabeth one more present!" Natalie blurted as she lurched from the couch, reaching for Alana's arm before she could move her crutches forward. Though she offered a hurried apologetic smile when Alana stumbled slightly from the halt in her movements. "Why don't you go to the front where that mini stage is? You're going to want to be there. Right where Kevin and Kris are."
"Okay…" Alana trailed, glancing toward Nick with confusion.

"Come on," Nick murmured, offering her a soft kiss. "The quicker we get dinner over with, the quicker we can go home for… Dessert…"

"Why are you going home for dessert?" Natalie inquired as she motioned for Brian to hurry up to the stage, though she made sure to keep up with Nick and Alana. "I made sure that the caterer's brought the most delicious desserts. Cherry cheesecake for Alana and Ajie. Chocolate cake for Baylee. Vanilla cake with chocolate icing for Elizabeth--"

"We're having a different kind of dessert," Nick interrupted.

"What kind? I can have the caterer's go and get--"

"For God's sake, Nat! We're going home to have sex," Nick hissed with impatience, aware of several pairs of eyes looking their way.

"And pray for our salvation afterwards," Alana groaned as her face turned crimson with embarrassment. Allowing her curls to hang over her face like a curtain of shame, she pulled away from Nick's hold on her and hurried through the small crowd, making sure to disappear behind Kevin as she fussed over Zachary.

Natalie shot Nick a scowl. "Why can't you just take her to the car for a few minutes?"

"'Cause I don't have to. Everyone in this room knows we're together," Nick explained with a shrug as he headed after Alana. "Not like we have to sneak around like she's my mistress."

"No, you just get her knocked up with twins and conveniently keep the engagement ring in the safe because you're a gigantic scaredy-cat!" Natalie burst with disgust, wanting to strike at Nick as hard as she possibly could.

"I'm waiting for the right moment. I'm not leading her along, Nat," Nick promised with sickening sweetness before slipping away to be by Alana's side.

"Are you and Nick getting at each other's throats again?" Brian inquired softly as he scooted Elizabeth and Baylee along to the front of the crowd, glancing up toward Natalie's infuriated facial features. He winced slightly as AJ and Howie passed to wait at the front with Kevin, Kristin, Alana, and Nick. "…What's wrong?"

"Other than the fact he just called me your mistress to my face as well as hinted that you were leading me along? Nothing," Natalie murmured, clasping her hands together behind her back to keep from scratching Nick's eyes out.

"I'll kick his ass later tonight," Brian breathed as he reached to rub his neck, leaning to press a soft kiss to her cheek. "You're not my mistress, Rosie. You're the love of my life. And I'm not leading you on. I just need to get this divorce finalized before I can do anything officially between us. I love you too much to hurt your reputation like that. Nick is just… Nick… Or maybe he's nervous about Alana getting into a singing career. I don't know. I'll talk to him."

"I know. I'm fine," Natalie promised, adjusting the handkerchief that peeked out from his breast pocket. "Now go up there and be the dazzling man I know you are okay?"

"I love you, Natalie," Brian murmured softly as he walked her to the front of the crowd before stepping onto the stage. Smiling toward the entertainment Natalie had booked, he waited for the song to finish before he reached for the nearby microphone. Pulling the cord along, he smiled cheekily and waited for the applause to die down. "I'd like to thank y'all for coming to this pre-release party. It was quite the surprise when I walked in here tonight and found out Natalie had done all of this for me. It's just… Absolutely beautiful… Thank you so much. Everyone."

Natalie fell into the applause with everyone else, glancing up when she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. Seeing Howie's understanding expression, she smiled slightly, giving him a gentle nod. "Have you told 'Lana about Brian's offer yet?"

"I haven't had a chance to," Howie murmured as Brian continued to speak to the crowd. "Besides, Brian wants to tell her himself. He's got the single that we recorded and--"

"Since this room is filled with a variety of people in the music business, I really wanted to be the first to help my friends launch a fresh face into the industry. I've been very privileged to get my hands on the first copy of her single and I'd like to share it all with you. And, afterwards, I'm hoping that she'll agree to go on tour with me and be my opening act--"

"What is he doing?" Alana yelped as she glanced toward Howie as the introduction to her single began to play.

"Howie, you know I love you to death," Natalie murmured, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "And I really would never wish you harm, but… You might want to run now."

"Why?" Howie blanked.

"Because even though she's on crutches, 'Lana can still outrun you?"

"Why would she--"

"Howie!" Alana groaned in disbelief as her voice began to filter through the speakers of the recreation hall, causing her stomach to churn with fear. She turned away from Kristin's shoulder with every intention of throwing a crutch toward Howie, but Nick's arms looped around her waist to pull her up, causing her crutches to clatter to the floor. "Nick! They can't--"

"Shh," Nick soothed in her ear, holding her to him. "Everyone's enjoying it, see? They love it."

"Howie said that the first recording wasn't going to be the final recording. That we'd work on it when we got to California. I hardly sound good enough in front of all these music producers and why is Brian inviting me on tour with him? Nick, I don't understand," Alana fought to explain as she kept off her bad leg as she was turned in his arms, vaguely aware of Elizabeth squealing excited toward Baylee about hearing Alana's beautiful voice. It just made her nauseous as she glanced around at all the suits. She was going to be laughed out of the hall.

"Beautiful, look," Nick murmured, smoothing her hair gently as he swayed with her to the beat of her song. Tucking her hair behind her ears so she could glance around at everyone, he hoped she noticed the looks of approval. He felt an overwhelming sense of pride suddenly as he kissed the top of her head. "They love you. Come on, give'em a smile so they won't think that Howie and AJ tied you down and forced you to sing?"

Alana mustered a nervous smile as their friends began to collect around them, each taking turns in bringing her to their arms for a comfortable squeeze. She had to stifle a few tears of surprise as each murmured how beautiful she sounded and a roar of applause exploded when the song finished. Turning, Alana found herself in Nick's arms once more as he carried her toward the stage. "Nick!"
"The future artist that you're all going to be paying Howie and AJ big bucks to sign, lease, and deal with - Alana Moore!" Brian announced loudly.

Squeezing Howie's hand to help alleviate the nervousness she felt over Alana's frightened expression, Natalie beamed as everyone in the continued to applaud her best friend's talent. "…She really needs to work on the deer-in-the-headlights look…"

"We'll just have to keep shoving her out in the spotlight till she gets used to it…" AJ rasped from Howie's side, whistling loudly for Alana.

"We can't shove her," Howie disagreed. "We have to get her used to it slowly. Little shows, get-togethers… Brian's tour…"

"Red carpet to some movie preview or something would be good," Natalie suggested.

"We need to get her on Leno…" AJ trailed.

"No, do daytime. More people will see her. Housewives, babysitters. We want to appeal to women, too, not just lonely men," Howie argued. "Regis and Kelly?"

"Too stupid," Natalie sighed. "If you want to get the housewife and babysitter factor, go for The View. And the Today Show has their summer concert series coming… I'll make calls in the morning."

"That’s what we pay you for, Nattie," Howie cooed, pulling her into a gentle hug.

"Among other things…" AJ muttered, only to receive a sharp elbow. "Like style, class, personality, and that warm effect you bring to the rest of the group!"

"I love you too, Ajie," Natalie crooned. Glancing towards the head caterer, she gave a gentle nod. "Let's eat--"

"Gotta pray first, Knot!" Baylee interrupted with a stern glare.

"Good God," AJ sighed, rubbing his stomach hungrily.

"Alana? Will you do the honors?" Brian requested, holding the microphone out to her.

"Pray?" Alana repeated in surprise as she took the microphone into her hands, stunned by Brian's gentle nod before he bowed his head. She had never been one for prayer since Colton had died. That moment that the doctor had announced what she feared most about her child's condition; she had turned her back on God. He had betrayed her love for Him. Had gave her pain instead of the love and hope that He promised. But, deciding to just follow through, she bowed her head. "Dear Lord…"

*~*~*

Andre was a consummate professional. Natalie had known him for years, having met him the day she met Brian. He was always polite, unassuming, was able to get everyone to relax and have fun, and most importantly, had never lost his temper when working with the Backstreet Boys. Though, as she laid out the possible wardrobe for Alana on the bed, that might change within the next few moments as Nick continually nixed each idea the photographer had.

"You want her to lay in a bed?!"

"Nicky," Natalie chided, pulling him away from Andre, hoping the whine in his voice would not carry to the bathroom, where Alana was having her hair and makeup finished. "Andre knows what he's doing. The name of the song is I'm Not Sleeping Alone. Do you expect her to be dressed up in a business suit and looking stiff and formal at a desk?"

"Yes! I want her dressed in a business suit with those big shoulder pads and absolutely no figure whatsoever!" Nick exclaimed as he stared at the selections on the fluffy, king-sized bed Alana would be sprawled across for the entire world. First Natalie had wanted her in a camisole and a pair of boxer shorts. Then it turned to a dainty nightgown. Then there was the boy-cut underwear. He couldn't believe that Natalie would actually compromise Alana's integrity with such a smutty shoot. It made his blood boil as he glanced to the nearby bathroom, suddenly wondering what the stylists were doing to his beautiful woman. "Hell, she could make a statement against Afghanistan and wear one of those black drab, pieces of shit--"

"Oh, grow up," Natalie muttered. "She's going to be covered, okay?"

"With what? A sheet?!" Nick screeched.

"I think that would have been a fantastic spread for her single," Andre announced as he finished speaking with his assistant who was continuing to fix the lighting around the creamy white bed. Turning to prepare his cameras, he glanced over at Nick, obviously bewildered at Nick's sudden streak of modesty.

"What's wrong with the sheet, Nicky?" Natalie questioned softly. "Is it because she's taking the pictures in your bed? The fact that she's going to look gorgeous? Or is it because you can't stand the idea of other men admiring her beauty from the cover of a CD single?"

"Kiss my ass, Natalie," Nick grumbled, pushing himself off the wall, not even wanting to take the breath to explain to Natalie what was wrong. He just wanted this stupid photoshoot over with. That way, he could concentrate on getting her and Zachary ready for the flight tomorrow. Then, after a few hours on a plane, he'd be able to whisk his family away to their private home. Away from all this publicity Howie and AJ were starting to stir for Alana. Not even bothering to mention that Nick was dating her.

"Nicky?" Natalie murmured, holding one of his dress shirts to her chest. When he turned to give her a glare, she smiled slightly. "You know this is good for her, don't you? This pampering, this spotlight… It's good for her." Holding up the shirt, she offered him a hopeful look. "How about this? With a bra. Minimal cleavage? It's yours. It even smells like you, which'll comfort her--"

"Brand my name on it and we'll talk--"

"Why don't we just get a tattoo on her forehead?" Natalie suggested with a scowl. "Seriously, Nick. Did any one of your many girlfriends whine when you had to do a provocative photoshoot?"

Nick's dark ocean eyes widened in shock. "I didn't have many girlfriends--"

"Did Kristin bitch when y'all posed in a room full of naked women? Did Sarah get overprotective and mouthy when AJ did half-naked shots on top of a car? Did I blow my top when Brian had to pose with those models last summer? And not once did I hear you bitch and moan over the fact that Paris flashed her twat to everyone--"

"Are you two fighting already?" Alana sighed as she appeared from the bathroom in Nick's soft oversized robe. She carefully crutched into the room as the stylists followed to get Andre's approval on her look. Her immobilizer had been removed for the shoot, so she became overly conscious of guarding the injured thigh. But, when she glanced up, she noticed Andre, Natalie, and Nick staring intently at her. Immediately, she flushed with embarrassment as she reached to gingerly touch the loose strawberry blonde curls that the stylist had played with to create a soft bed-head look. Her makeup was light and airy, her lips glossed into a shimmer to match the natural tones of the eye-shadow. She was gorgeous. "What?"

"You look like you just climbed out of the bed after hours of sex," Nick breathed.

"Perfect!" Andre and Natalie cried in unison.

"So… What am I wearing?" Alana questioned as she shifted uncomfortably against her crutches, peeking beneath the robe she wore for a moment. "'Cause if it's what's underneath here, y'all can kiss my ass."

"You're wearing this," Andre decided, plucking the shirt from Natalie's hands. "Slip this on and we'll see how it looks?"

"Tell her she's beautiful and you love her and support her," Natalie whispered to Nick as he continued to gape at Alana. Giving him a gentle shove, she went to answer the ringing phone.

Murmuring a soft thanks to Andre and hearing Howie's voice filter through the speaker phone, Alana shifted to enter the bathroom once more. Propping her crutches against the wall, she then leaned against the large sink counter to undo the sash of Nick's robe. Carefully peeling it away from her body, she adjusted her bikini briefs against her hips before taking the button down business shirt into her hands. Studying the white fabric with navy pinstripes, she held it to her face for a soft breath, comforted by the scent of Nick's cologne.

"Beautiful?" Nick murmured from the doorway, tapping the doorframe lightly as he peered inside. "Is it alright if I come in?"

"Yeah, c'mon in," Alana invited as she carefully draped the shirt around her shoulders to slip it on. Bringing both sides of the front to meet in the center of her body, she slowly began to button it.

Hearing Howie loudly demand photos, Nick stepped into the bathroom, pushing the door shut behind him. "You're gorgeous--"

"The stylists are miracle workers," Alana confided with a small smile as she buttoned all the way to the collar, only to have Nick turn her gently to start undoing them. "Handsome…"

"Can you give the men of the world just a hint of what I get access to daily?" Nick requested softly, dipping his head to softly kiss the skin he exposed.

"Handsome," Alana murmured with a soft shiver as the gentleness of his lips flattered her skin, especially as they dipped against the crevice of her breasts. He had been less than enthused with the prospect of her photoshoot that day. He had actually tried to call off the entire event, telling Andre that she was in far too much pain to become his muse. And, when the stylists had been working on her, she had overheard the conversation in the bedroom. He had fought against everything - location, wardrobe, makeup, poses, not to mention her lack of brace on her injured leg. She wasn't naďve about his disapproval, though she wasn't sure why he was so against it. "I thought you didn't want me showing off my body? I mean, I'm not even wearing a--"

"It's good for your career," Nick interrupted softly, popping one button free so he could enjoy the taste of her skin. "As long as I know I'm the only one who sees what's under that shirt--"

"But I thought it was about my voice, not my assets," easing herself onto the sink counter as she gently rubbed the back of his neck.

Nick moaned softly, pulling the shirt open slightly. Licking his lips as her nipples hardened under his gaze, he leaned closer, nipping at her skin gently. "Damn, I--"

"'Lana? Howie wants to talk to you," Natalie announced from outside the door.

"Time to work," Alana disrupted with a disheartened sigh, easing Nick away from her body. Hurriedly securing the buttons on the business shirt once more, she eased off the counter and reached for her crutches. Fumbling slightly with the door, she managed to break free and found Natalie grinning knowingly toward her. Unable to hide the blush, Alana reached to pull at the hem of Nick's shirt. "Where's the phone?"

"Just talk, he's on speaker," Natalie informed her, glancing at Nick as he leaned against the counter with a heavy groan. "Go get on the bed--"

"What's taking so long?" Howie's voice demanded in a gentle tone.

"I'm on crutches and can't speed?" Alana answered, her tone far too guilty as she moved toward Andre for his approval. She seemed to blush harder as he fussed with the shirt, fixing the collar so part was cuffed, then moving to unbutton several of the buttons. "And your photographer is unbuttoning me…"

"Andre knows what he's doing, Sweetie," Howie promised. "We just got off the plane, on our way to – Nat, the wireless is working, so send me pictures as you get them."

"Yes, sir," Natalie intoned, rolling her eyes toward Alana.

"What wardrobe did we go with?" Howie questioned.

"One of Nick's striped button down shirts--"

"What happened to the sheet?"

Natalie sighed, perching on the armchair to speak directly into the phone. "There were unforeseen problems with the sheet."

"Such as?"

"Nick."

Howie released a hard sigh of annoyance. "Didn't we already say that he shouldn't be at the shoot for today? I knew he wouldn't be handling this well at all. He's so… Spoiled…"

"He is also Alana's one and only love, Howie," Andre commented as Alana got onto the bed. Once she was leaning against the headboard, he fussed slightly with her hair, the sheets, until she was positioned just so. Moving to the camera, he took a rapid sequence of test shots, nodding to himself. "If he is not pleased, she will not be pleased. And she has been a gem so far on this shoot. I want it to remain that way."

Natalie thanked God for Andre's calming presence. "Did you catch all that, Howie?"

"I think I got the gist…" Howie murmured. "Does Nick approve of what we're doing now? Where is he?"

"Nick seems to approve," Natalie assured him. "…And I think he's in the bathroom, waiting for his raging hard-on to ease up--"

"Allie!" Alana groaned as she wrinkled her nose in distaste, reaching to bring the sheets up to hide her face for a moment. But Andre merely chuckled as he took several photographs of her adorable humiliation, seeming to be inspired by her reserved nature. "I'm just wearing what y'all told me to wear and I let the stylists fuss with me like you asked. Ain't my fault that it was like some kind of crazy plastic surgery."

"Did you have a good flight?" Natalie asked Howie as Nick came from the bathroom to lean against the wall. His eyes never left Alana's figure, smiling at her embarrassment.

"AJ in a confined place is never a good flight," Howie murmured, seemingly shuddering at the remembrance of the flight. "Now he's all anxious to get the recording studio up to…what did he call it… Seduction City… Before Alana comes to Cali."

"Seduction City?" Natalie repeated with a squeak. "Just what do you two plan on doing in that studio? Do I need to wear my chastity belt--"

"You've been declared off limits, Nattie, so I doubt you have to worry," Howie chuckled as AJ hollered something about Alana being the prime target.

"Hear that, 'Lana? We can wear bikinis to the studio every day," Natalie cooed with excitement as she sent the first batch of pictures to Howie's email.

Nick growled in annoyance, folding his arms across his chest. He was just going to hold his tongue. He didn't want to become a jealous boyfriend - Well, not more than he already was. He trusted Alana. He trusted Howie and Natalie to take care of her. He--

"Andre, can we unbutton two more buttons? Show some of that gorgeous cleavage she has off?" AJ questioned suddenly, having wrenched the phone from Howie's grasp.

"And if all else fails with this single, we can just shift my career to the pornography business?" Alana guessed, though she undid one more button when Andre nodded at her. She then followed his directions in bringing her good leg up to hold against her chest, draping the sheet across her lap, though the length of her good leg was left seductively bare - the caramel of her skin significantly contrasting with the white of the sheet. Tilting her head ever so slightly, she offered the smallest of smiles, causing Andre to whoop with pleasure as he hurriedly snapped the pose.

"That's it!" Natalie squealed suddenly when the photo showed up on the computer screen. Scrambling to send it to Howie, she squealed again. "Howie, tell me what you think of this one, I think this is it!"

"Do you keep shooting even though they think they have the one photograph?" Alana inquired as she reached for one of the pillows, laying it toward the end of the bed. She then sprawled across the bed with the pillowed tucked underneath her. Allowing her curls to fall over her shoulders, she continued to smile sweetly toward Andre as he seemed to gather profound inspiration, continuing to photograph her though Natalie insisted she had found the ultimate photograph. "…Do you get a lot of dirt when you do their photoshoots?"

"Yes and yes," Andre answered, pausing his shots for a moment. "That one," he declared, motioning towards Nick distractedly, "I learned he lost his virginity at fifteen--"

"Andre," Nick groaned, clapping a hand over his eyes.

"And Alex? He has all the grace of a half dead snake," Andre decided with a shrug, ignoring AJ's yelp of disgust from the speakerphone. "He wanted me to let him take some shots of the other men for his photo album. Wanted to stand on a ladder and take them from above. Managed to sprain his ankle, ruin my camera and set fire to the backdrop when the light exploded from his fall--"

"You make it sound like it was the end of the world! It was a minor sprain! I replaced the camera! And it was a tiny fire!" AJ immediately defended with a raspy screech of annoyance.

"Can I keep you forever?" Alana inquired of Andre with a small smile as she turned onto her back as he stepped onto the bed and over her. Holding her arms above her head, she continued to play up to his camera, deciding to keep the wide grin plastered on the man's face.

"Always," Andre promised. "Would you like to hear some dirt on the others?"

"Brian!" Natalie yelped suddenly. "Ask for dirt on Brian, 'Lana?"

"Apparently I want to hear dirt on Brian," Alana told Andre with an impish grin, threading her fingers sensually through her long curls as Andre had suggested.

"Something good," Natalie suggested with a giggle as AJ continued to defend himself over the phone. "Ajie, shush, or I'm hanging up."

"Let's see…" Andre trailed thoughtfully. "There was the time he was telling the others that he called out the wrong name during lovemaking… Or the time he was chatting with one of my assistants and--"

"What name did he call out?" Natalie interrupted, unaware of the man in question's presence in the doorway.

"Yours," Brian answered for Andre as the man hopped off the bed and requested for Alana to just start having some fun as his assistant put on some music. He had to chuckle as Natalie jerked and knocked the phone from the stand, disconnecting the call from Howie. She always seemed to get caught at the end of her schemes.

"Mine?" Natalie squeaked. "With who?"

"Leighanne," he confided as he leaned to kiss her softly. He had decided to stop in on the photoshoot to see how it was going, knowing Nick was having undesirable suspicions. Not to mention he knew that Natalie would be there to encourage Alana. He had dropped both of the children off at his mother's while doing some publicity for his newly released album in town. He had just enough time to get home, having to admit that the photoshoot was going quite well. Andre seemed entranced by Alana as she playfully danced on the bed, swaying her hips to the beat of the song, her smile infectious.

"And she didn't kill you?" Nick questioned with a snort, eyes widening when Alana bounced on the bed before falling to her backside with a peal of laughter. "Beautiful--"

"She is probably one of the most gorgeous yet adorable women that I have ever had the pleasure of photographing," Andre mused as he zoomed up close on Alana's face as she laughed, absolutely charmed by the expression. Though, he was vaguely aware of Nick's calling, glancing back for a moment before Alana moved to sit on the side of the bed, getting several shots of her thoughtful expression. "He calls you Beautiful? He never had nicknames for his other girlfriends--"

"Though everybody else did," Natalie finished with an innocent smile as she stooped to pick up the phone. Immediately wishing she hadn't when, as she placed it on the table, it began to ring.

"I wouldn't pick that up," Brian suggested with a shudder, already knowing what awaited her.

"Just tell Howie he has plenty of pictures to choose from and if Andre's lucky, we'll get some artistic nudes," Alana explained as she lay on the bed, rolling to her stomach. Holding her hand up lightly with her hands, elbows propped in the mattress, she crossed her legs and brought them up till they almost touched the top of her head, giving Andre a playful wink. "And that one's special for him!"

"Beautiful, do you really think you should be--"

"Howie? Alana said to get off her ass, she's taking pictures," Natalie recited through the receiver. "What? …Well really, there's no need to be rude…" Listening for a moment, she sent the next batch of photos through, smiling pleasantly when she received his ecstatic reactions. "And I'll call you later tonight so we can talk privately--"

"Talk privately about what?" Brian immediately accused.

"Do you want more dirt on Nick?" Andre suddenly invited as he cast Nick a chiding glance, telling him to relax.

"Is it going to help me win an argument?" Alana inquired as she moved to sit, shifting so she could rub her right thigh to ward off the pain and Nick's accusing eyes.

"Our plans for Alana when we get out to Cali," Natalie informed Brian with a raised brow. "Alright, Howie, I'll - What? …Jean cutoffs and a sports bra…"

"I can give you dirt on Brian at the same time," Andre decided with a smile. It was a rare occasion he had the chance to torment the men. "I caught them in a passionate embrace during their first tour in Germany--"

"For the last time! I had an eyelash in my eye!" Nick yelped.

"A passionate embrace?" Alana breathed with the remnants of an impish smile, just sitting in the center of the bed, not knowing how else to pose. So, she glanced over to Brian, watching him wrestle Natalie for the phone with threats of killing Howie, and then to her lover who was desperately trying to explain the events. "…I knew it… I bet he was talking about it for weeks. He's always had a really soft… Well hard… Spot for Brian…"

"Three weeks, okay?" Nick relented, cheeks flushed furiously with embarrassment as he flopped onto the foot of the bed, ignoring Andre's whine of displeasure. "We were young, halfway around the world, and we never did anything but a few sloppy kisses and maybe a few handjobs--"

"What?!" Natalie squeaked, dropping the phone to the floor.

"…Please tell me you're kidding…" Alana whispered, her breath catching in her throat as her jaw dropped ajar.

"Great!" Brian breathed as he hurriedly searched for the phone cord, yanking it from the wall so Howie couldn't call back. Holding it up like a prized catch, he glanced over to the others' looks of panic. "What?!"

"You… And… Nick?" Natalie breathed in shock.

"Me and Nick what?" Brian asked, wrinkling his brow in confusion.

"Germany, Brian?" Nick offered to jar his memory. Looking towards Alana, he opened his mouth to explain how young and stupid he had been.

"If you honest to God gave Nick a hand-job then I am so allowed to fondle 'Lana!" Natalie accused.

"NICK!"

"Andre blurted!" Nick squealed.

"I told nothing more than a passionate embrace," Andre defended, moving to the computer to review all the photos.

"'Lana? Want to go to the bathroom with me?" Natalie offered with an impish smirk.

"I was kind of hoping to sweet-talk Andre into taking some photos of me and Nick, but I think the shoot's over and I can definitely meet you in the bathroom," Alana agreed, moving to slide off the bed. Glancing around, she noticed that her crutches were on the far side of the room. Shrugging, she tugged on the hem of the shirt and started to profoundly limp in Natalie's direction.

"Alana!" Nick cried.

"What?" she groaned, holding a hand to her right leg as it stabbed with severe pain, glancing hopefully toward Natalie that she might retrieve the crutches.

"You want to take some pictures of us?" Nick questioned hopefully, sitting up and patting the mattress invitingly. It took all he had to keep from diving across the room and scooping her up. He knew that would only irritate her.

"Andre's done shooting," Alana explained, glancing sideways to see Natalie catch Brian by the ear and forcibly yank him from the bedroom.

"Oh…" Nick trailed with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Beautiful. I always fuck things up--"

"I think I can save you from this one, Nick," Andre interrupted as he finished uploading Alana's photographs to his powerful laptop, also making sure to make a CD copy for Alana to keep. Turning from the desk, he reached for his camera once more, gesturing toward Alana. "She looks so cute today, I'm sure you want to remember this. Not to mention if I do this for you, then I get the opportunity to be her personal photographer forever."

Nick smiled, silently thanking the photographer. "Please, Beautiful?"

"These aren't going to end up in Photobucket or Imageshack or anything are they? 'Cause I'm pretty much in my underwear and I'm pretty sure that I'll have voodoo dolls sculpted in my honor by your fans," Alana sighed, unable to resist Nick's encouraging smile. Turning, she carefully limped back over to the bed, knowing Nick was right about tending to her leg, but not wanting to admit such.

"These are going on a CD just for you two," Andre promised as Nick helped Alana into the bed. Smiling at the image they made, Alana resting between Nick's bent knees as he leaned against the headboard, arms wrapped protectively around her, he zoomed in to catch the pure love evident on their faces. "Though I must insist I get one to frame and keep at home."

"For Andre? We'd give you the world," Nick promised as he rested his chin on top of Alana's head for another photograph. "We'll even give you the first shoot with the twins."

"As long as AJ isn't around climbing on ladders," Andre agreed, smiling when Alana leaned back, nestling her head against Nick's shoulder. Two sets of hands rested on her lower abdomen, and when Nick looked down with adoration and awe, he snapped several photos to capture the moment. "Now that… That is love."
Thirty-Eight :: Saying it to Him by shrinkingviolet
"So what all did you and Howie discuss about me last night?" Alana inquired of Natalie as the men in their lives came into the living room carrying the dinner for the evening. Alana, not truly akin to Chinese food, had actually been craving some sweet and sour chicken. So, Nick and Brian had scoured the area for the best Chinese restaurant to appease her hunger. Even Baylee had tagged along, carrying a box filled with fortune cookies. So, waiting for the men to return, Alana had settled Zachary on her chest so he could snooze comfortably, stretching out her lithe body upon the available couch as she drenched her aching leg in ice. The photoshoot had proved to be a hazard on her healing, but she'd never admit that to Nick. So, she busied herself glancing over the glossy photographs that Andre had hurried over to them. Most importantly, the photographs he had taken of Alana and Nick.

"Not much, considering the fact Bumpkin was breathing down my neck during the whole conversation," Natalie mused from the floor as she shifted to face the coffee table, where Brian was placing the plates. "Each time I tried to leave the room so I could focus, he was right behind me--"

"Damn straight I was," Brian huffed as Nick handed Natalie the containers to spoon onto the plates. "First time that man started asking you what you were wearing when you weren't even part of the photoshoot is the first time I tell him to go to Hell and stay there."

"I told you, AJ asked me what I was wearing," Natalie sighed as Baylee knelt on the cushion next to her, asking for lots of chicken. Filling his plate, she offered him a soft kiss on the cheek before serving everyone else. "And he did it 'cause he knew that I'm enough of a ditz to answer, and that you'd get all jealous--"

"Well, he's dead," Brian answered simply as he sunk to the opposite couch, lining up the row of sodas.
"'Lana, why Zachie get to sleep on your tummy and 'nuggle your boobies all the time?" Baylee inquired quite loudly as he sat at the coffee table beside Natalie, eyeing the sleeping infant so comfortably nestled on Alana. Usually, he would make sure to get kisses from both Alana and Natalie before eating and after eating. It was a tradition for the boy. Whenever Natalie kissed him, Alana was sure to follow. But, he feared the infant that Alana was tenderly patting would be the death of his tradition.

"Zachie's a baby," Natalie murmured softly. "He needs to snuggle boobies all the time so he won't be afraid," she added when Baylee shot her a dark scowl. "You were the same way when you were a baby."

"But I didn't get to snuggle 'Lana's boobies," Baylee complained with a huff of irritation, spearing a piece of chicken from his plate to pop into his mouth, despite his father's stern glare. And, he made a point to belligerently chew the piece of chicken as well.

"You snuggled my boobies, though," Natalie reminded him gently. "And maybe, if you're a good boy, you can snuggle 'Lana's boobies after dinner."

"But… I always snuggle Beautiful's boobies after I eat," Nick whined softly.

"Did anyone ever think that maybe I want Allie to rub my tender boobies instead?" Alana groaned as she proceeded to tuck the photographs in the envelope, only to have Nick steal them from her hands. Holding her breath, she held onto Zachary as she leaned down to retrieve the ice bags applied to her leg. Dropping them off the side of the couch, she then gently sat up and settled Zachary just beside her. Murmuring a thank you when Brian gave her a heaping plate of sweet and sour chicken, she felt Zachary's hand rest on her thigh to comfort him.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Natalie cooed with a smirk as she handed Nick his plate. He barely grunted in response, fanning the photographs from Andre on the cushion next to him. "Are those the couple shots he did?"

"Yeah… This one's my favorite," Nick murmured to Alana, holding up the last one that Andre had taken. Andre had managed to capture them both when it seemed they were only aware of each other, and Nick felt a surge of emotion when he saw their fingers twined, resting protectively on her lower abdomen.

"You okay, Handsome?" Alana inquired softly as she glanced to the large photograph that Nick had retrieved from the stack. She smiled softly at the image, absolutely enchanted by the whole stack of photographs. She had loved the professional photoshoot that Andre had conducted with her and Nick. It gave her comfort to have him with her.

"I'm great," Nick promised with a grin, leaning close to kiss her gently. "Just… Looking at all these makes our whole relationship ring true--"

"Ring!" Natalie squealed suddenly with a secretive glance at Brian.

"Don't even start," Brian warned, immediately dropping his gaze to his plate of food, forgetting about saying a blessing, remember all too well the controversy that would begin to brew when Nick and Alana got to California.

"Start what?" Nick questioned, reaching to tuck the photographs away for the time being. He and Alana could cuddle in bed looking at them later.

"Nothing," Natalie murmured, ducking her head to avoid Nick's curious gaze. "More rice, anyone – Rice!"

"She got really giddy about you saying the word ring," Alana observed, reaching to kiss the side of Nick's face when he sat beside her on the couch. She arched her brows curiously when Natalie bowed her head to study her food intensely, Brian seemingly mirroring her actions. "…What'd you tell those two?"

"I didn't tell those two anything," Nick defended, reaching for his plate. "I told Brian how much I love you--"

Brian nodded furiously. "How he couldn't live without you--"
"And I didn't say a thing about the twins!" Natalie interrupted.

"Twins?" Brian repeated, his fork clattering to his plate. Staring at Natalie, he swallowed hard. "…You're pregnant?!"

"Me?" Natalie squeaked, her eyes widening in shock as Baylee seemed to grow pale. "Lord no! I'm not stupid enough to get pregnant! Alana is!"
"…Thanks, Allie…" Alana groaned, the craving for sweet and sour chicken immediately abandoned.

"I didn't mean that you were stupid, I just – And he said – And – Ugh!" Natalie growled, pushing her plate away. Glancing from face to face, she quickly lowered her head when she saw the look of shock on Nick's face, his fork paused midway from his plate to his mouth. "I'm sorry."

"So, let me get this straight, you're pregnant with twins?" Brian murmured as he jabbed his fork toward Alana, eliciting a small nod from her. "With Nick's twins?"

Natalie jerked her head up to stare at him. "No, she went to a freaking sperm bank. What do you think?!"

"Actually, they're AJ's, thanks for putting it out in the open, Brian," Alana murmured in the utmost seriousness, feeling Zachary start to squirm at her side as he awoke. Thrusting his feet off the edge of the couch, he released a squealing yawn, immediately murmuring for his mother. Cooing, Alana gently reached to pull him off the couch, bringing their noses together to nuzzle.

"…Beautiful? That was a joke, right?"

"Do you really think I'd sleep with Alex?"

"Of course not--"

"Then you better dig your butt out of that whole quickly," Natalie sighed, getting to her feet.

"They're your twins, Handsome," Alana promised, though as she shifted Zachary to one arm, she reached out to grasp the hem of Natalie's t-shirt. "Allie, I ain't mad at you. I know how you are. You mean to say one thing and then you say something completely different. I know I'm not stupid for having twins. I'm ecstatic. So ecstatic that you're going to insist on being godmother."

"Are you crazy? They'll probably come to me when they're teenagers and ask my advice on something and then I'll totally get their little butts in trouble 'cause I'll blab it to you…"

"Our kids are going to be smart, Nat. They'll figure out how you are by the time they're two," Nick assured her with a smirk.

"So, wait, you're happy she's pregnant?" Brian blurted, just staring at Nick with confusion. He couldn't believe that Nick would be the father of three children. Zachary was enough of a surprise. But twins? Had he honestly planned to have to have more children?

"Why wouldn't I be?" Nick questioned as Natalie skipped from the room, muttering something about needing salt.

"Well, I mean…" Brian shrugged helplessly.
"Do you need me to leave the room, too?" Alana interjected, not sure she could stomach the reaction Brian was about to give. Especially if she was going to tour with him in a few months.

"I already told you that I'm planning on spending the rest of my life with her, Brian. You saw the ring I picked out, you know I'm serious about it. Why do you – Oh shit," Nick groaned at his slip when he saw Alana's eyes widen.

"Ring?" Alana repeated as she pulled her gaze away from the babbling Zachary to stare at her lover. Her jaw fell slightly ajar, shaking her head to clear her clouded thoughts. "Like the ring that Allie was squealing about? Like what kind of ring? An engagement ring? …God, that People magazine was already spreading these rumors that you were engaged and I was just laughing… Handsome?"

"I… Think I'll go see what's keeping Nat," Brian decided, setting his plate aside. Scooping Baylee into his arms, he rushed from the room, only to return and grab Baylee's plate.

"DADDY?! IS NICKY TAKING MY 'LANA AWAY?!" Baylee screeched in horror.

"No, Scooper," Brian promised softly as he left the room once more. Peeking back, he cleared his throat uncomfortably. "I'm sorry--"

"Just get the Hell outta here, Brian," Nick butted with a scowl of disappointment and disgust. The very thought that the media had found out before he had even proposed suggested that Brian and Natalie had made some vast error. Especially when Nick read their guilty faces. What was worse, however, was that Alana now knew what he was planning. The element of romantic surprise had been officially ruined.
"Handsome…" Alana trailed in confusion as she held Zachary within the crook of her arm, allowing the infant to play with the mother's ring on the white gold chain around her neck. She studied her lover's profile, gingerly chewing on her bottom lip at the apprehension clouding his posture as well as facial features. He wasn't seriously proposing to her… Was he?

"Wait right here," Nick murmured, leaning close to give her a searing kiss before getting to his feet. Jerking one shaky hand through his hair, he sighed, turning to face her. "I love you, Beautiful. More than anything in the world. And before you even think it… I knew I was going to ask you before we found out about the twins. I just… Didn't plan on asking you because Nat and Brian can't keep their damn mouths shut--"

"You're not going to propose now, are you?" Alana interrupted with a frown as Zachary reached up to bat at the long curls that had fallen over her shoulder from the high ponytail. She wasn't sure that she really wanted Nick to propose at that very moment. Not really sure that she'd be saying yes for the right reasons. Perhaps more out of sympathy than her love for him. And what kind of story was that to carry through a marriage? 'Our friends couldn't keep a secret and Daddy had to propose out of sheer embarrassment.' How fair was that? Not to mention, Alana worried that he was lying about the whole idea of the proposal. Maybe he did feel obligated to wed her because of the twins. They may have vowed to stay together forever, but marriage was never suggested.

"…Do you not want me to?" Nick whispered.

"I'd rather you not feel forced into proposing because your friend is a royal baboon…"

"Oh…" Nick trailed. "But… I'm not feeling forced--"

"Maybe I am…" she murmured, gazing at Zachary when he reached to grab her index finger, poking it into his mouth for nibbles. "I want you to propose in your own creative way. In your own romantic way… Not in Brian's house while him and Natalie listen at the doorway before getting into an argument…"

"I told you they knew we were out here," Natalie's voice grumbled from just outside the doorway.

Sinking onto the couch as Brian hissed for Natalie to be quiet, Nick reached for Alana's hand, settling for squeezing her knee when he realized Zachary had both her hands occupied. "So it's alright if I wait?"

"I think we'd both be a helluva lot happier if you did," Alana agreed, just wanting to forget that Nick had an engagement ring anywhere within this very house. It gave her chills of worry to even think about the idea of a ring, let alone watching him propose.

"I love you, Beautiful."

"I love you, too," she promised, leaning to kiss him softly for assurance, already able to feel the insecurities Nick had gnawing at his heart. She knew all too well. "I just can't wait to get to California. In your house."

"Just the three of us," Nick murmured.

"FOUR!" Baylee chimed in from the doorway. "I GOIN' WIT' MY 'LANA TOO!"

"Baylee!" Brian grunted in shock as he attempted to reach for the little boy, but his need to assert that he would be traveling to California too caused him to become a slippery eel. Yanking his foot from his father's grasp, he tumbled to the floor only to hurriedly crawl toward the living room.

"Daddy said you ain't takin' 'Lana way from me, Nicky! So, I got's to go to Cal'forna with you! Live with you! Sleep in the big bed with you! Do everything wit' you!" Baylee insisted as he grabbed hold of Nick's knees to boost himself into a standing position. "Her's mine!"

Nick cleared his throat. "Bay--"

"Mine!"

"C'mon, we need to--"

"Mine!"

"Bay, please--"

"MINE!"

"Ain't no need for all that fussing, Boogie," Alana groaned with a slight cringe at the ear-piercing scream of defiance that Baylee had used to triumph over Nick. "I'm going to be with you for a whole entire month when I tour with your Daddy in June."

"Mine? All mine?" Baylee questioned hopefully. "No that or Nicky?"

"I…" Alana glanced to Nick with confusion at Baylee's question, actually never having thought about that before. Howie and AJ had been so anxious to get her tied to the tour as well as gather several radio and TV appearances in California, never giving her time to consider the consequences. "…I guess you and Zachary can't come, huh?"

"Why can't we?" Nick asked instead. "I mean, we probably can't go for the whole tour…"

"So, are they going or not?" Baylee huffed as Natalie and Brian timidly made their way back into the living room.

"We'll see," Nick decided with a smile.

"That means no in Nicky, Knot, Daddy talk, 'Lana," Baylee informed with a wide grin.

"But this time it may mean yes," Nick added with an even wider grin.

"You're lying," Baylee insisted with a firm scowl, turning to yank hard on his father's pants. "We go to Cali with Nicky and my 'Lana, Daddy?"

"We're going to Cali with 'Lana, Scooper," Brian promised, jerking his pants up before Baylee managed to yank them all the way down. "Are you going to finish your supper?"

"You are?" Nick inquired with a hard frown.

"She and I have things to work out for the tour--"

"And I have to help her with studio appearances, photoshoots, the single release, and Lord knows what else," Natalie interjected.

Nick's frown deepened. "So my plans of having a few days alone with Beautiful before everyone snatched her away from me are--"

"Fruitless," Natalie finished for him.

"Handsome…" Alana sighed softly, gently pulling her hand from Zachary's grasp to rub the back of his neck.

"We'll have the nights," Nick murmured, leaning close to offer her a gentle kiss.

"Y'all could fly out the day after tomorrow, give me at least one day with Handsome?" Alana inquired hopefully as she rested her chin on Nick's shoulder, peering pitifully toward Natalie and Brian. Just one day. Was that so much to ask?

"You've got it, Boss," Natalie agreed with a smile, turning to look at Brian when he took a breath to argue. "Which means I've got one more day with you…"

Brian swallowed hard. "That could work…"

*~*~*

"And this… Is our bedroom," Nick murmured against Alana's neck as he ushered her across the threshold into the master bedroom. Having laid Zachary into his crib for a nap, he had been more than anxious to show Alana the rest of their home. Aaron had done a wonderful job getting everything ready for the arrival of Alana and Zachary, including having the living room filled with flowers. Smiling when he saw a piece of paper laying on the pillow, he snatched it up, chuckling when he saw his brother's scrawled message that the sheets were new.

"Our bedroom?" Alana repeated with a meek inquiry as she stood at the foot of Nick's large king-sized bed, carefully admiring the prolific quality of her surroundings. The entire room seemed to plunge her into the deep seas, furnished in beautifully matching deep blues and sea greens. The gigantic bed was directly staged in the middle of the vast room, draped in large ocean blue comforter that highlighted the beach-wood headboard that complimented the gorgeous mural of the shoreline extending across the wall. In front of the bed, stationed against the opposite wall was a large entertainment system with a thin plasma TV, expensive stereo system, large DVD cabinet, several game systems, and complimentary surround sound wired to the entire room. Off to the right would be the master bathroom and off to the left was the grand balcony, which was hidden beneath gauzy tapestry drapes. But, the cutest touch was off to the side of his bedroom - a large fridge which she assumed was quite stocked with his favorite foods.

"What? Too small?" Nick questioned worriedly, moving to the fridge to retrieve them each a soda. Glancing around, he noticed that Aaron – or, more likely, the cleaning crew Aaron hired – had even dusted under the bed.

"God no," Alana breathed, turning to offer the soda back to Nick, deciding that she'd just ask him for a water. She didn't want any caffeine entering her body for fear of harming the twins. Even if she loved soda. "I'm afraid I'll get lost just trying to find Zachie…"

"Nah," Nick decided, tossing the soda back in the fridge before offering her a bottled water instead. About to pop the top to his own soda, he faltered, turning to get his own water. If she had to eat healthy and cut out the sodas, he would do it too. Besides, he told himself as he motioned for her to follow him to the balcony, it definitely wouldn't hurt him to lose a few pounds.

"You don't have to stop drinking soda just because I am," Alana told him as she glanced toward the fridge for a moment, turning to follow him with a frown. She didn't want him changing all his habits just because she was pregnant. It wasn't fair to him, though when she noted the furrowed brows as he opened French glass doors to the balcony she sighed. "And you don't need to lose any weight."

"But I'll feel bad, gorging myself on all the stuff I know you love when you won't touch it anymore…" Nick trailed, pushing the curtains back to reveal the balcony.

"I wouldn't mind--" Alana's sentence seemed to drop off the balcony as she stepped outside behind Nick, having to hold her breath in awe. Nick had most certainly bought himself a paradise right off the coastline. Because, looking off the balcony all Alana could see was miles of gorgeous ocean attached to Nick's private shoreline. But, what seemed far more ironic was the large jacuzzi set off to the side of the large balcony and a small patio set and expensive grill to the other side. "It's your own little hideaway…"

"Our little hideaway," Nick corrected, moving to stand behind her. "Yours and mine. And Snot Sucker's--"

"And the twins," Alana added, leaning against the railing with a small sigh. California was gorgeous, well, as soon as Nick drove away from the thickness of the city to the lush hills. She didn't think she'd miss much of Kentucky, especially not the loneliness. Nick had actually had a private room prepared for her next to his studio, filled with photographs of Colton. She had sobbed when she first saw it, thanking him profusely. Not to mention, he had given all her former patients her cell phone number and address. They would be sure to write and call her often. She'd go home to visit as well. It was a new start.

"The twins," Nick agreed with a small smile, leaning his back against the railing as he watched her. "You want to take a nap or something? Then after Snot Sucker wakes up we can go beachcombing?"

"You just want some loving," Alana decided with a mischievous smile as she looked to him, making sure to shift the weight away from her still healing right thigh. After the photoshoot, Alana had completely abandoned the crutches much to Nick's dismay. But she refused to pick them back up, afraid of falling with them and hurting the twins more than just walking with the aid of a walking stick. It was in her best interest and she had enrolled in physical therapy to help the progress. Besides, if Brian expected her to be onstage in a month, she most certainly wouldn't be on crutches.

"I was actually thinking about an actual nap, considering we both have a little jet lag, but if you want some loving--"

"Nah, you go right ahead and take your nap," Alana persuaded as she leaned to kiss his cheek goodnight. "I'll stay up and listen for Zachie. I ain't that tired…"

"Lay down with me?" Nick requested softly, pulling her into his arms for an embrace. "And you can tell me whether or not you want to keep the mirror on the ceiling…"

"Do you have a camera behind it for all those Playboy Bunnies you were dating?" Alana inquired with a groan as she nodded in compliance, allowing him to lead her back to the bedroom.

"Beautiful, do you know how much work that would take, to put a camera in the ceiling?" Nick questioned with a smirk, peeling his t-shirt off as he entered the bedroom. "The camera's in the wall--"

"I wouldn't put it past you," Alana snorted, noticing a piece of paper taped to the plasma screen TV. Wrinkling her nose in confusion, she limped over to carefully peel it away, noticing the floral writing. Glancing over the quite demanding note, she turned to see Nick pulling off his jeans and reaching for a pair of boxers in the chest of drawers that had already been divided between them. "Your sisters request your attention immediately…"

"What'd they do now?"

"Taped quite a demanding note to your TV?" Alana explained as she carefully moved over to hand him the note before opening the top drawer that Nick had designated for her undergarments. Smirking slightly, she retrieved a pair of her favorite boxers and a tank top that had been crammed tightly into the drawer. "Apparently the older brother isn't allowed to live with a woman."

Scowling as he read the note, Nick crumpled it in his fist, tossing it over his shoulder as he moved to climb into the bed. "Fuck them, they don't rule my life--"

"You should at least give them a call. You are back in town and you at least made sure to give Aar a call… Even if it was telling him to stay the Hell away," Alana suggested softly as she pulled away the halter top from her upper torso, tossing it over Nick's pile of clothing. Then reaching behind to undo the strapless bra as well as remove her capri pants and bikini briefs, she reached for her tank top and boxers to pull it over her nudeness.

"Can't we get settled in before they all descend on us like a bunch of starving locusts to suck all the fun out of our lives?" Nick whined.

"They're your sisters… You can do with them what you like… Are they really that bad?" Alana asked as she pulled up the comforter and sheets to carefully slip beneath them. Nick kept his room frigidly cold, giving her plenty of opportunity to use him as a source of warmth. Then she suddenly had to wonder how many women he did it with prior to her…

"BJ and Angel are… Well… Leslie and I are closest," Nick answered as he wrapped his arms around her. Pulling the comforter up over them, he nestled his face against her neck, more than ready to settle in for a quick nap before Zachary demanded her attention. Too soon, she would be doing work on her album and preparing to go on tour. He just wanted her to himself for a little while longer.

"Oh…" Alana trailed, gently running her fingers along his spine as he curled tightly against her. He seemed to be far more comforted now that she had abandoned the immobilizer, draping his leg over hers to bring her closer to his body. Nick was the ultimate snuggler, perfectly content as long as he was getting kissed and snuggled and loved. Though she adored it, she could sense his insecurities within it. Somehow, Alana feared it stemmed from the inadequacies of his parents, but they never spoke about them. Ever.

"I love you, Beautiful," Nick murmured against her skin, holding her tight for a moment before letting his embrace ease. "So much…"

"I love you, too, Nickalicious," Alana promised, pressing the softest, most assuring kiss to the center of his forehead. Allowing her fingers to drift back up, she played with his growing locks, simply resting against him.

"…Do you hear a dog barking?" Nick questioned softly after a moment, lifting his head slightly. In the pause of silence that followed his question he heard another bark, sounding as though it were from downstairs. "What the fuck…"

"Do you have dogs?" Alana returned in confusion as Nick untangled his body from hers. Watching him climb off the bed like a stealthy cat in search of prey, she propped her upper torso with her elbows. Tilting her head to the side in confusion, she watched Nick creep to grasp a short surf board from the rack at the side of his room. "Nick," she admonished with a groan, gesturing toward the baseball bat propped near the walk-in closet. "Y'might be able to swing better with that…"

"Right…" Nick dropped the surf board to the floor, wincing at the resounding clatter it made against the hardwood floor. He was inches away from grasping his bat when the bedroom door flew open, two large fur balls sliding across the floor in their haste to reach the bed. Wrinkling his brow in confusion, he gripped the bat in his hand, raising it to swing when someone stepped through the doorway.

Aaron ducked just in time to avoid a blow to his head, yelping in surprise. "What the fuck?!" he screeched, toppling to the floor in a submissive heap. "It's me! Aaron! Your one and only brother!"

"Why are you trying to break our little brother's head like a watermelon pińata?!" a second voice exclaimed from just before the threshold of the bedroom doorway. The young woman's ice blue eyes widened in horror as she ran her fingers through her layered frost blonde locks, shaking her head in disbelief at the eldest Carter. "And don't you know how to get dressed?! Not everyone likes seeing you in your ratty boxers, Nicky."

"Jesus Christ, you two scared the pure ever-loving shit out of me!" Nick wheezed, letting the bat clatter to the floor as he pulled Leslie into a hug. When she groaned, poking his bare stomach, he chuckled, releasing her as the dogs scrambled onto the bed. Turning to see Alana's wary expression, he offered her a grin. "It's just Les and Aar--"

"For crying out loud, your twig's poking out!" Aaron cried, clapping both hands over his eyes as he got to his feet. Stumbling backwards, he fell onto the bed, certain he was going blind from the sight. "My eyes – Hey Sis, welcome to Cali – I'm blind!"

"That's the first thing I said when I saw it, too," Alana confided with the smallest of smiles, leaning over to press the smallest of kisses to Aaron's forehead. Though, she made sure to keep the sheet drawn to her chest, not sure how to regard Leslie per say. The Carter sisters were a mystery to her and though she was clothed, she wasn't sure how the sister would react to her being in bed with Nick already. "Thanks for the welcome, though, now call the mutts off."

"Why are you here?" Nick questioned as Aaron pushed the dogs to the floor. "Couldn't you have at least called--"

"I live two doors away, the sisters were visiting, and I never had to call before," Aaron immediately defended with a firm scowl, climbing up the bed to duck underneath the covers with Alana. "The Carter Clan had to be reunited at some point, Asshole. And even faster because Les, Angel, and BJ all know you have a new--"

"You brought Angel and BJ?" Nick interrupted with a groan, jerking on his shorts. "…Where are they?"

"Downstairs waiting for you to serve dinner," Leslie snorted with a roll of her eyes as she shooed the dogs out of the room. "Aren't you going to introduce me to Alana?"

"How could I not bring Angel and BJ?" Aaron groaned as he leaned over the edge of the bed to snatch a shirt. Heaving it toward Nick as he lumbered from the room, Aaron rolled his eyes with irritation. "Those two would have neutered me faster than the dogs if I didn't invite them along."

"Apparently he isn't introducing me…" Alana breathed uncomfortably as she looked to Leslie with an apologetic smile. Shifting on the bed and making sure to keep the blankets close, she kindly extended her hand. "I'm Alana. Your big brother's--"

"Girlfriend," Leslie finished with a grin, reaching to shake her hand. "And, if you're naked under there, it's no big deal. Nick's told me all about you--"

"Neutered you? Ha! They'd be doing the world a favor!" Nick hollered from the hallway.

"I'd would say the same fucking thing goes for you, but you already spread your demon seed, and we're damn lucky that Alana is so drop dead gorgeous otherwise the world would be doomed!" Aaron spat with disgust as he jumped off the bed, hurriedly following Nick down the hallway to make sure the fight remained even.

"I'm hardly naked! …What exactly did he tell you?" Alana murmured with a hard wince at Aaron's comeback, slowly lowering the blankets to reveal her tank top as she carefully shifted to the edge of the bed.

"That you're the love of his life," Leslie answered simply, reaching to retrieve Alana's cane for her. Turning to offer her privacy as she slid out of the bed. "Where's my little nephew at?"

"In his bedroom taking a nap," Alana confided as she reached for the t-shirt she had been wearing, though she hesitated when she realized it was Nick's shirt. Gingerly moving toward the dresser drawers, she retrieved one of her form fitting t-shirts to slide over her tank top. Glancing down, she fretted over whether or not to change her boxers, seemingly deciding to pull a pair of capri jeans over her snug boxers. "With all the noise, he's probably up, want me to get him for you?"

"You get dressed, I'll go get him," Leslie offered. "And if you want to walk around in Nick's t-shirt and boxers, I really don't mind. You're a part of the family now. And you should be comfortable… The baby's in the room through the bathroom, right?"

"Yeah," Alana confirmed as she watched Leslie disappear into the bathroom and into Zachary's bedroom. Hearing her squeal that mixed with a resounding coo, Alana had to smile as she buttoned the fly of her jean capris. She was truly comforted by Leslie's kindness, but worried about Nick's reaction to the other sisters waiting downstairs. She didn't feel comfortable walking down in his clothing, not knowing how she would be judged. Exhaling a hard breath to calm her nerves, she pulled the ponytail holder from her long locks to fuss with them into something far more manageable.

"If you aren't the cutest little baby," Leslie cooed as she came back into the bedroom, Zachary snuggled close to her chest. Immediately his large eyes sought out his mother, causing Leslie to chuckle softly. "Mommy's getting – That's right, isn't it? You call yourself his Mommy?"

"That's what he calls me," Alana murmured, gesturing toward Zachary with her brush before sweeping her curls into a elegantly high ponytail.

"Ma!" Zachary confirmed with a demanding grunt.

"And when are his baby brother and sister making their debut?" Leslie inquired softly.

"We don't know what their sexes are yet," Alana reminded as she turned from the mirror, immediately blushing with embarrassment at her quick nature to confirm the pregnancy. "I'm about two months along… So, they should be along in December or January…"

"I'm not making you nervous, am I?"

"No… Maybe a little?" Alana confessed with a sigh, hating when Leslie lowered her eyes in disgrace. "No! Leslie, it's not you. Honest. It's me. Nick is just so close to Aaron and I know he is with you as well. I just want to make a good impression, because he means the world to me. I would do anything and everything for him. As well as Zachary. And the twins that are growing inside me. Nick just hasn't really told anyone about the pregnancy…"

"Aaron kind of blabbed," Leslie admitted softly. "And don't worry about making a good impression, girl. You're putting up with Nick and putting a smile on his face – You should be strutting right about now."

"It ain't easy," Alana assured her with a small smile. "…And I think Aaron's more excited about the pregnancy than Nick."

"Did he show you the nursery? Me and Aaron did all the grunt work, but Nick planned everything--"

"The tour was pretty rushed; Nick was fighting jet-lag."

"If you think he's not excited, ask him to show you the nursery," Leslie instructed with a grin.

"So, I'm not allowed to peek at it on my own? I have to ask him to show it to me?" Alana guessed as she followed Leslie into the hallway, using the cane to bear most of the weight against her right leg. It was aching fiercely, but she made sure to keep at Leslie's pace so Zachary wouldn't lose sight of her.

"If I showed you the room he'd kill me--"

"I'll ask him. Don't worry."

"Since you're going to be in town for a while, you have to come to my show this weekend. I--"

"Your fucking dog just shit on the goddamn carpet!"

"--Really hope that wasn't my dog," Leslie finished.

"And I stepped in it so we're fucking even, Ass-wipe!" Aaron hissed. "Unless you want me to rub it into the damn carpets--"

"Just take the damn shoe off and wash it! Outside!" Nick growled.

Leslie stopped at the top of the stairs, turning to glance warily at Alana. "…We could go hide in the bedroom and watch TV?"

Alana hesitated. "Is it really that bad?"

"Now will you fix dinner, Nick?" an unfamiliar voice whined.

"…I'll grill chicken?" Leslie offered. "We can sit on the balcony and I can tell you embarrassing stories about Nick--"

"I'm not your fucking slave, Angel--"

"Of course not, because slaves don't go to Kentucky and whore around for how many weeks on end?" another voice shrieked. "Just prove to everyone how much you're like Dad and Mom--"

"I can't leave Nick down there," Alana whispered apologetically, feeling her entire body tense at the cruelty.

"Some best friend," Angel snorted. "Left you hanging the second he put a ring on Leighanne's finger--"

"And how did you find out about the pregnancy again?" the other voice, who Alana determined was BJ, interjected. "Guess you needed a pamphlet now that you got your new toy knocked up. Or is she going to a clinic downtown?"

"I really do apologize for anything I do to your sisters," Alana mumbled toward Leslie as she allowed the expensive cane to clatter to the floor. Holding her breath, she raced down the stairs as the adrenaline of anger, ignoring the pain in her leg. Stepping into the living room, she resisted the urge to lay two heavy fists into either new face, merely stepping toward Nick. Whoring in Kentucky? Knocked up? Meaningless sex? Alana decided to show them otherwise as she slipped her arms around Nick's waist, pulling him close for a sweltering kiss that caused a collective gasp within the room. "I missed you upstairs, Handsome."

Angel snorted, shooting Leslie a glare when she appeared. "I'm going back to Aaron's--"

"Good fucking riddance--"

"Nick, be nice," Alana shushed, pressing her fingers gently to his lips as she turned to eye the two sisters. Angel was tall, thin, and arrogant to say the very least. BJ was shorter with obviously bleached hair and a scowl that would scare away a great white shark. "I'd be glad to make you something to eat. Nick loves my chicken alfredo. But, I think he absolutely adores the way my index finger pokes at numbers for the local pizza place."

"I'm not hungry," BJ announced with a defiant glance at Nick as Aaron came in from the kitchen, bare feet slapping against the floor.

Releasing a hearty belch, Aaron grinned jovially when he saw that Alana and Zachary had come down. Walking over to Leslie, he draped a protective arm around her shoulders, leaning close to coo at his nephew. "Why don’t I take the four of you to dinner?"

"Guess the toy has to stay home with the rug-rat?" Angel inquired with a smirk of egotism, moving to gather her purse from the coffee table.

Aaron tensed slightly at the malice in his twin's tone, his hand tightening on Leslie's arm. Hearing Zachary's frustrated grunt he released his grip, reaching to pull the child into his arms for a gentle hug. "Actually, Zachary and Sis – which means not you and BJ – are going as well. You two can go jump off a fucking bridge if you think I want you around me after how you've treated them."

"Sis?" BJ snorted in disgust as Leslie flung her purse at her chest. Catching it in shock, she set a critical gaze on Alana, rolling her eyes. "What makes you think that she's ever going to become a part of this family? Nick is hardly the one that's ever going to settle with one woman. Hell, it's a good week if we don't find him in bed with three different women throughout the week! She's going to last all of a few months, then he'll fuck up, and she'll leave. And you'll be back to having us. So don't even start this melodramatic shit, Aaron."

"Your brother and I are having twins. I think I might just have to stick around for awhile because of that, BJ," Alana murmured, feeling Nick wince hard at BJ's critical analysis. "And if you ever step into this house again with those kind of words for Nick, I will have no choice but to throw your ass out like a piece of garbage. Don't tempt me."

Angel scoffed, "Like you have any authority to do that shit--"

"She does," Nick intervened, his voice threateningly calm. "I've already started the papers to get Alana's name on the deed. She has just as much right to kick you out as I do. Now get out."

"Nick, come on--"

"Out. Now."

"Damnit, Nick--"

"Get your shit and get out," Alana clarified, stepping away from Nick to gather their things from the coffee table. Bundling the car keys, drinks, shoes, whatever else they could have possibly entered the house with, Alana shoved them all into the opposing arms. Not caring as the drinks sloshed against the girls' expensive clothes, she hurried them to the front door, booting them out the door and slamming it quickly behind them. "Leslie… I'd really like to come to your performance on Friday if you want me there."
Thirty-Nine :: Defying Odds by shrinkingviolet
Chapter Thirty-Nine :: Defying Odds

"I've got to say, I'm a lot calmer when we just charter private planes to take us where we need to go. No crowds. No fans. No Nick scaring the living daylights out of me. No chance in terrorists hijacking us," Brian murmured appreciatively as he sat on the long couch facing away from the windows, watching his son play in the center of the plane as Natalie snuggled against him. He was suddenly grateful that Alana had requested a day alone with Nick before her new career began, because that meant he had longer with Natalie. And the plane ride over to California with just the small family he loved and cared for was undoubtedly far more enjoyable. He wouldn't be able to spend as much time with Natalie once he reached California. He would have promotions for his new CD as well as helping Alana prepare for the tour. Then Natalie would be in charge of helping Alana prepare for the prestige of being famous. They would be separated for the most part while attempting to reach the same goal. "We're going to have to make a pact to at least have dinner together every night. No matter how late."

"Just the three of us?" Natalie requested softly, glancing up from the needlepoint she was working on. Pushing the reading glasses up onto her head so she could look over at Baylee, she smiled, knowing he was lost in his own world as he played with his Thomas the Tank Engine trains. Alana had bought him a complete set before she, Nick and Zachary left for California, knowing it would keep him occupied on the flight. "And I agree with you on the private plane thoughts… Chartering a plane is the bomb--"

Brian seemed to pale. "Don't say bomb on a plane…"

"Fine… I brought my old teddy bear with me. You remember him, don't you? Say 'Hi, Jack'--"

"You're not funny."

Natalie wrinkled her nose, turning her attention back to her needlepoint. "We could always slip into the back and join the Mile High Club? That should relieve your stress?"

Brian offered a small grin as he leaned over to kiss her softly. "I would really--"
"Knot! C'I see your teddy bear?" Baylee interjected suddenly as he pulled away from his fascinating world of Thomas the Tank Engine. Crawling over toward the couch, he reached for his father's jeans to help pull him up. His sapphire eyes burning brightly as he took Natalie's craft and set it to the floor, replacing it with himself in her lap. "I be careful with him. Love'em and kiss'em and say Hi Jack!"

Giggling, Natalie embraced Baylee tightly, showering his face with kisses before reaching for her backpack. "You have to be really careful, Bay, 'cause Jack's old. He's almost as old as your Daddy--"

"Wow," Baylee breathed in awe. "Jack's old!"

"Hey!" Brian exclaimed in hurt, reaching to tickle his only son. "What's that say about me, huh?!"

"That you're old, Daddy!" Baylee squealed.

"Daddy's in his prime," Natalie argued, pulling a worn brown teddy bear from her backpack. Smoothing the front of his now-flattened belly, she smiled wistfully, one finger reaching to gently rub the faded green ribbon around his neck. "Your Daddy gave me Jack a long time ago, Bay. We were in Sweden, and I was homesick something awful, and your Daddy gave Jack to me so I wouldn't be afraid anymore…"

"Daddy gave me Georgie when I got sick," Baylee breathed in awe as he reached to gently pat the bear's head in a soothing manner. He had a small grin form on his face as he leaned to kiss the teddy bear's nose. "Daddy is'a good Daddy, Knot. Him's love us b'ery much."

"Till the end of time," Brian promised as he kissed each of them.

"So… We family?" Baylee asked.

"We're family," Natalie assured him softly, sliding one arm around Brian to keep him close.

"Daddy? I call Knot Mommy now?" Baylee requested. "Her's always d'ere when I need a Mommy…"

"I…" Brian was at a loss for words as Baylee slid into his lap, imploringly gazing at him for an answer. When Baylee had been born, Brian had hoped that Leighanne would be a caring and loving mother to him. That all the arguments they had about children were simply foolish mistakes. That she would accept the role whole heartedly. But, his dream had merely been a façade. It had broken his heart to see Baylee motherless. Though, when Natalie had first met him, he realized, Baylee really hadn't been motherless. Natalie had been the mother he always needed. But it was Natalie's choice on what she wanted to be called. "…Scooper, I can't make that decision…"

"My Mommy no love me, Daddy. Knot love me. Please? Knot my Mommy?"

"You want me to be your Mommy, Bay?" Natalie whispered, fighting tears as she clutched Jack tightly. When Baylee nodded vigorously, she scooped him into her arms, pressing her face against his small shoulder as a sob escaped her. She had always longed to be called his mother, from the first moment she had held him in her arms. "I'll be your Mommy, Sweetheart. You just have to tell me once in a while that I'm doing a good job, okay?"

"Don't cry," Baylee soothed as he gently played with her cinnamon locks. "You's a good Mommy for me. You do a fab'u'wous job."

"I love you, Baylee," Natalie murmured, blowing a soft raspberry against his cheek. "Sometimes more than I love your Daddy," she added in a whisper, lightly tickling his sides as he giggled.

"I love you, too, Mommy," Baylee giggled.
"Oh, I see how it is… Date the Daddy to get to the son…" Brian huffed, pulling away from the sweetness of the moment.

"I would date you even if you didn't have a son," Natalie promised with a soft coo, pulling him back so they could kiss above Baylee's head. "Though, having a son did help you out--”

"Yeah, Daddy, I was the sweetest'ed icing on your stale cake!" Baylee giggled with triumph as he leaned back to watch his father tenderly kiss Natalie.

"Your Daddy's stale now?" Natalie questioned with a laugh as Baylee slid to the floor to return to his trains. When he glanced back and offered an innocent grin, she laughed harder, reaching to retrieve her needlepoint. "Maybe I should turn you in for a newer model, Bumpkin--"

"And how exactly are you going to do that?" Brian inquired, taking a pillow to toss lightly at his son. When Baylee grunted and tipped forward, Brian grinned with success, leaning back to continue to thumb through various documents and songs he was preparing for when Alana started to rehearse.

"Well, Ajie's younger than you…" Natalie trailed thoughtfully, tucking her feet in his lap when he snorted. Finding where she had left off on the canvas, she pushed her glasses down once more, suddenly absorbed in her work. "Maybe I can pull his affections away from 'Lana…"

"You want to trade me for AJ?!"

"Do you seriously think that I would, even for a moment, consider trading you at all? Least of all for a man like that--"

"If you trade me, then I'm taking 'Lana!"

"Nick already has her--"

"Nick can't go on the entire tour. There is opportunity and I am far less of a threat than AJ. Nick trusts me around her."

"So while you're shimmying up to 'Lana, I'll go give Ajie an offer he can't refuse?"

"Natalie," Brian whined as he leaned to bury her face within the crook of her neck, shuddering at the mere thought of her being that close to AJ, much less offering him such a taste. "I only want you. I have only ever wanted you. And I will continue to only want you."

"Awe, Bumpkin," Natalie whispered, tossing her needlepoint aside so she could wrap her arms around him. "I love you so much--"

"Daddy, you and Mommy join the High Mile C'ub?" Baylee questioned suddenly.

"Not with you in the plane," Brian groaned against Natalie's lips.

"Why?" Baylee persisted. "I 'tay quiet!"

"But she won't," Brian chuckled, gently sweeping his tongue against hers in soft, steady strokes.

"I can keep quiet," Natalie defended, drawing his tongue into her mouth for a gentle suck.

"Put a muzzle on'er? Like Tyke?"

"That's more like something your Uncle JJ would do, Scooper..." Brian mumbled, his words muffled by her sweet sucking. Reaching to draw his arms about her, he let them run upward to tangle in her loose locks, enabling him to hold control over the strength of their kisses. Allowing her to come closer, he breathed in her scent, sighing. "I'm much gentler. I'd rather help her be quiet with kisses… And tender touches… And words that make her shiver…"

"Good God," Natalie breathed softly against his lips, tingling from just his words. With trembling fingers she clutched the front of his shirt, drawing back slightly so she could look into his eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Making me sick," Baylee muttered to the teddy bear he had stolen from Natalie's lap.

"Actually, I was loving you," Brian answered, butting his foot into Baylee's backside to quiet him.

"I know that," Natalie whispered. "But--"

"No," Brian disagreed, leaning forward to kiss her softly. "There are no buts, I'm loving you in the purest most romantic way that I possibly can."

Natalie trembled in his arms, nodding slightly as she returned his kiss. "You know we're not going to be able to love like this so much when the tour starts, right?"

"That's why we have to cherish the present, isn't that what you always told me?"

"Mm-hmm… And now I'm telling you that I need to go to the bathroom--"

"You have such a knack for soiling the moment," Brian groaned playfully as he kissed her once more before helping her off the couch with two hands.

"And if I told you I need help in the bathroom?" Natalie murmured, squeezing his hands slightly as she offered him a coy smile.

"She ain't got nothing to help hold, Daddy!" Baylee exclaimed, turning around to watch the adults in confusion.

"Baylee," Natalie groaned, shaking her head ruefully. Leaning up to kiss Brian's cheek, she playfully tousled his hair before nudging him back onto the couch. "When we land and he's wrapped up in 'Lana loving, I'm taking you to the closest closet and raping you," she hissed in his ear before turning to go to the bathroom.

*~*~*

"I still can't believe you just dragged him into the bathroom of a crowded airport…"

Natalie whined softly as Howie continued to mutter over her actions at the airport, turning away from the man so she could focus on Alana. Smiling as the makeup artist applied a matte gloss to her friend's full lips, she managed to tune out Howie's diatribe, idly tapping the stylus to her PDA against her bare knee. Alana wore a robe, but Natalie knew that beneath it was a red string bikini, the top shirred tightly against her breasts. She was gorgeous, and Natalie knew that her nerves were still askew from the interview that morning. "You look great, 'Lana."

"I don't care what y'all say, I ain't never going to get used to have a hundred pounds of goo on my face and twice as much insect repellant in my hair," Alana mumbled with a nervous smile, sitting back to allow the makeup artist a still palate in which to create a masterpiece, even if the hair stylist was tugging and ripping at her long strawberry blonde locks as if she were an inanimate china doll. It seemed as if she had been sitting in the chair for several hours as the backgrounds and equipment were set up in the studio for the photoshoot. She had just come down from several grueling hours of questioning. She hadn't realized how personal the media insisted on getting, wanting every sordid detail of her life. Past, present, and future. And, reflecting back, she was positive that she had answered wrong.

"Trust me, after the second or third one, you won't even notice it," Natalie promised softly. "And it's not insect repellant, it's just a little gel to make your hair look like you just stepped out of the ocean. When the photographer gets here and starts setting up the shots, you'll be sprayed with some oil--"

"Sprayed with oil?" Alana interrupted in question, looking at Natalie's reflection in the large mirror to evaluate the seriousness of her facial expressions. "Like I'm some butterball turkey?"

"To make your skin look wet," Natalie explained, wincing when the door to the studio crashed open. "God, if I didn't know better, I'd swear that was Flavio… He always crashed into the shoot."

"Flavio? The ex-boyfriend? I thought he did photography for Playboy?" Alana murmured as she shut her eyes on the command of the makeup artist, wanting to add some dark eyeliner as well as coal colored eye-shadow to make the essence of her large turquoise eyes burst with expression. "…I wish Nick was here…"

Natalie nodded sympathetically, wishing Brian had been able to join them for the afternoon. "He used to… Now he does free-lance work for magazines and print ads--"

"And you've been keeping up with his career?" Howie questioned. "How sweet--"

"Don't tell Brian," Natalie threatened with a hiss as the hair stylist finished with the final preparations to Alana's locks, walking out from behind the concealed area where Alana would change so she could speak to the photographer for a moment.

"And get sucker punched for being the messenger? Hell no," Howie decided. "If Fabio--"

"Flavio."

"If Flavio walked in here right now and you greeted him with a tonsil tickling kiss, I wouldn't even think of mentioning it to my dearest and closest friend," Howie assured her with a smile.

"Still pining away for the lost lover, Natalie?" a husky Italian accent announced as a new face appeared amongst the fluttering curtains of the dressing room. A broad smile flooded an olive skinned face as thick ebony locks fell toward his sage eyes, hiding the full eyebrows and accentuating the sharp angular features of his face. Stepping inside, Alana's eyes widened to see the man dressed in a dressed down Armani style. He was tall and lithe, perhaps almost graceful, and far too gorgeous for the male species. "Where's this kiss?"

"Flavio!" Natalie squeaked in surprise, her PDA sliding from her hand to land atop her purse with a slight thump. Even though it had been nearly three years since she had seen him last, he looked the same. The smile that tugged at his lips was so familiar, and before she could think of a reason not to she was on her feet to embrace him.

"Good fucking God," Alana breathed, unaware of the curse that had left her mouth as she glanced to Howie, her eyes wide with an horrified shock at the revelations.

"How've you been?" Natalie was asking Flavio as she offered him a quick peck on the lips.

"If Brian asks? They barely looked at each other and she slapped him when he tried to shake her hand," Howie murmured to himself.

"How could have those two dated for so long and not once fallen into bed together? Or into a bathroom stall? Or a jacuzzi? Or on the floor next to the bed? Or in a chair?" Alana continued to tick off the various settings where sexual intercourse could occur, just shaking her head in awe as the makeup stylist finished and Flavio greeted Natalie with several warm kisses. "He's too pretty to be straight…"

"Do we need to be talking about this?" Howie questioned, watching in horror as Flavio kept an arm around Natalie's waist before turning to greet Alana. "Isn't it bad enough that I wondered that when they were dating?"

"We'll get him your number after the shoot, Daddy D," Alana cooed as she carefully moved to stand up from the artist's chair. She had completely abandoned her cane for today, though she had stuffed it in Howie's car when Nick had kissed her goodbye. She offered the most charming smile as she reached out her hand in greeting.

"Howie isn't Flav's type," Natalie murmured in confusion. Shaking her head slightly, she smiled. "Alana Moore, this is Flavio. Flavio, this is my best friend, Nick's girlfriend, and the next big thing to hit the music business," she introduced, silently wondering how she had ever found Flavio's clinginess so mesmerizing. Gently unwinding the arm from her waist, she moved to sit next to Howie once more, making a face when Flavio immediately swept Alana's hand between his, offering several kisses to her fingers as he murmured greetings in his native tongue. Turning to Howie, she sighed. "Kill me now."

"Why?" Howie grunted, narrowing his smoldering chocolate eyes toward the slick man that continued to pull Alana close to him. "Are you jealous?"

"No, because I didn't see him for the slimy pig that he truly is until after we had broken up," Natalie explained, reaching with one foot to push Flavio back a few steps. Ignoring his scowl, she kept her eyes on Howie. "He's going to be this suave, debonair and oh-so foreign, plying her with flowers and fancy chocolates, trying to get her to pose nude for him on his black satin sheets--"

"Sounds like someone played that game already…" Howie murmured as he watched Flavio pull Alana away from the dressing area and toward the background of the shoot. Immediately, he launched himself to his feet and pulled for his phone. He could only imagine what Nick would say about this fiasco, especially if he were to stop in during the middle of the shoot. He had said he would be busy all day, but Howie wouldn't put it past the younger man just to stop by and greet Alana. "…Should I cancel the shoot?"

"No!" Natalie nearly screeched, yanking the phone from Howie's hand before he could dial.

"You just said that he would--"

"Alana knows my history with him, she knows what kind of a womanizing cocksucker he truly is--"

"And she's kind of in an awkward position, because he's the photographer and she's the model…" Howie hesitated when he realized that Flavio and Alana were out of his sight. Cursing, he helped Natalie to her feet and stumbled away from the breezy curtains to find Flavio ripping at the sash that tied Alana's robe together. Howie choked and prepared to launch a heavy fist toward the greasy photographer, but Natalie caught his arm just as Alana turned in shock.

"You don't like the outfit?" she guessed, instantly covering her bared midsection with her hands in embarrassment. The bikini that the shoot had called for was risqué to say the least. The scarlet top was a strapless bandeau that hugged her breasts tightly, cinched just the valley between her breasts to attention was drawn there immediately. The scarlet bottoms were low riding on her hips, several long inches away from her belly button, and tied at her hips with red 'o' rings to display a touch more of tantalizing skin. Her long, curved torso glistened underneath the lighting of the studio, casting lustful shadows around her and adding to the depth of her full breasts as well as the lean, curved nature to her beautiful body, creating a sexual stirring in the male employees of the day. At first she had been conscious of the scar running along the outside of her right leg from her knee toward her mid thigh, but now she wasn't sure what to think as Howie stared at her.

"It's a great bikini," Howie promised, reaching to draw the robe across Alana's body once more. "But it's chilly in here, you know? And my star has to be comfortable…"

"You do realize that the shoot isn't going to be in the robe, correct, Mr. Dorough?" Flavio grumbled with an elaborate roll of his eyes as Howie butted between him and Alana to fix the robe. Stumbling back slightly, he moved toward the table of equipment, selecting what he wanted.

"Yes, I realize that," Howie returned with a scowl, cinching the sash. "But then all the lights will be on, and I know she won't be cold under the lights. And in case you didn't know, she's still recovering from several injuries, so we need to get this show on the road so she can get back home and get some rest… Asshole," he added under his breath. "Want some water, Sweetie?"

"Did Nick instruct you to be an asshole?" Alana questioned, her voice squeaking slightly as Howie yanked hard on the sash to tighten it around her waist, perhaps wanting to cut oxygen off to her brain in the process. She heard Flavio mutter several lines of Italian, which she assumed were ironically nasty, glancing back to the worrisome looks of Natalie.

"I'm just protecting my investment from greaseballs," Howie defended. "I'll go get you that water now."

Natalie watched Howie walk across the studio before offering Alana a nervous smile. "He just knows how Flav is, how… Utterly romantic and charming he can be--"

"I think he might be homosexual…" Alana answered easily as she watched Flavio bark orders to perfect the background as he took several test shots. "Bisexual to say the very least."

Natalie let her gaze move to Flavio, unabashedly staring at him. "Nope. One hundred percent heterosexual. A body built like a Roman God--"

"He's way too pretty," Alana murmured, watching Natalie with a smirk of amusement. "I like the guys that are rough around the edges. A little messy and unkempt. Wild and passionate. Torn jeans and a simple t-shirt. A hat for me to steal so we can tease and play. That is just so damn sexy…"

"Flav can be very passionate… You should see him first thing in the morning when his hair is rumpled and he hasn't shaved and he's just padding around his studio apartment in jeans and no--" Natalie cut off, abruptly turning her back to the man they spoke of. "God, Bumpkin's going to kill me!"

"So, this rumpled nature… Do you see it as you're ringing the doorbell to greet him with a morning coffee and bagel? Or is it more of a rousing from sleep, wrapping the blankets around your nude body, and waiting for fresh squeezed orange juice that he so humbly prepares?"

Natalie blushed hard. "I wasn't nude--"

"Just from the bottom down," Alana laughed as Howie returned with a cold bottle of water and a coffee for Natalie.

"More like the waist up," Natalie corrected. "And I don't even know why I'm talking about it like it was so wonderful, it's not like he--"

"Could we switch conversational topics for just a moment? I don't want any details about your relationship with the Asshole that I might be able to repeat to Brian in haste," Howie interrupted with a hard grumble, glaring toward Natalie as he handed over the coffee.
"Okay…" Alana trailed, fighting not to nibble on her bottom lip for fear of scolding. "…How was my interview?"

"It was perfect," Howie promised with a smile. "You said all the right things--"

"Even when they asked if I was seeing anyone?" Alana inquired as she glanced to both Natalie and Howie. They had been in the room while the reporter badgered her about all aspects of her personal life. What had scared her most was the ultimate question about her love life. She had been sweet and oblivious with the answer. Suggesting that yes, she was involved, but never bothering to divulge the name. As if the media world would never had heard of him anyway. The mere white lie had been painful enough to her heart and she ultimately worried what Nick thought. At Brian's release, Nick had made a point to tell Natalie that everyone knew they were dating. But, that was far from the truth. They never spoke about how their relationship would pan in light of the media. And that scared her.

"You told them you were involved seriously. That's all they need to know," Howie assured her softly. "You and Nick have to make the decision about when and how you let the media know you're together."

"Probably a month after the twins pop out. Oh, by the way, fans, media, and loved ones…" Alana trailed with a helpless shrug of her shoulders as Flavio called for her. Playing with the ends of her sash, she walked toward the man and the background they would be using. It was a lush jungle theme with crimson plants to compliment the dark scarlet color of her bikini. She was intrigued by the set-up, studying it even as the robe was pulled from her body. It wasn't until she smelled the sweet aroma of coconut oil and Flavio's hands moving over her body that she jerked. "Wasn't this junk supposed to be sprayed on me?"

"How is it supposed to be applied correctly if I am not the one applying it?" Flavio returned with a charming smile, even as Natalie yanked the bottle from his hands.

"Hands off, you disgusting ass," she hissed before pulling Alana away.

"Natalie's typical mantra," Flavio hummed, though he studied the gentle curvature of Alana's physique as he snapped his fingers for a hand towel. "Of course, I would also be quite jealous standing in front of this perfect creature…"

"Dear God, I hope he's talking about Howie," Alana breathed.

Turning to Howie, Natalie pushed the bottle of oil into his hands. "See that this is applied correctly while I have a few words with the photographer?" she questioned carefully. At his hesitant nod, she jerked a hand towel from the awed assistant.

Howie stared in shock as Natalie sank her fingers into Flavio's arms before tugging him from the studio, seemingly deaf to the sputtered Italian the photographer hissed at her. Wincing slightly when the door clicked shut behind them, he turned to Alana. "Well… Want me to oil you down?"

"Alex is so going to hate you when you tell him about this," Alana mused with a playful smirk as she nodded toward Howie, turning to face him so he could do her front first.

"I'll be sure and gloat appropriately," Howie promised with a grin as he stepped closer.

"Without Nick around," she suggested.

"Well that just sucked all the fun out of it…"

"I was just looking out for your state of health."

"I'll just change your name to protect the innocent," Howie offered as he smoothed oil across her abdomen.

"…What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Alana queried, though it turned to a soft giggle as Howie's eyebrows jutted up in surprise. "It tickles!"

"Well if Nick overhears that I was rubbing oil onto the flat stomach of a beautiful model, he wouldn't think twice…"

"True…" Alana agreed, glancing down to watch him pour more oil into his hands before running them down the length of her long legs.

"Thereby keeping me safe from his jealous tirade," Howie concluded.

"And under the threat of my hellish blackmail," Alana added with a small smile as Howie stood, offering her a surprised look as she gathered her long locks behind her shoulders so he could finish oiling her front. "It was a joke, Daddy D. He'd kill me first… Is this photoshoot going to take an extremely long time? Like, can I hope to get out before eight tonight?"

"Honestly? I have no idea," Howie answered softly. "It all depends on what kind of mood Fartio's in--"

"Leslie invited me to her show tonight," Alana interrupted as means of an explanation, looking to the scenery as Howie smoothed the oil along her chest, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. "Nick and Aaron were saying that she really wants me to come. That she's been talking about it all the time. I really want to make it. She's the only Carter sister who doesn't have a voodoo doll replica of me."

"We'll tell the slimy greaseball that you have a prior engagement at eight and have to have you out of here by seven," Howie decided, offering her the bottle so she could apply it to her arms. "That way you'll have time to go home and change and everything--"

"Hell, I'd go out in this bikini just to make it on time," Alana murmured as she dabbed some oil into her hands before offering it back and turning so he could get her back. Steadily working to rub the oil into her arms, she heard the door to the studio yank open.

"Of all the infuriating, self-centered, egotistical assholes that I have ever met in my entire life," Natalie grumbled under her breath as she stalked across the studio.

"Problems, Nattie?" Howie inquired halfheartedly, though one glance at her exasperated features had him gulping in worry.

"Why did I waste a year of my life with him?" Natalie continued, throwing her hands up in disgust. "I even promised the jackass my virginity on our first anniversary-thank God we never made it that long--"

"What happened?" Alana interrupted gently, not wanting Natalie to divulge her entire life story to the many employees buzzing around the studio. One slip of the tongue and the media would be at her like a brushfire.

"He's just a… A…" Natalie took a deep breath, expelling it slowly. "He always knows how to get me fired up is all."

"Do I even want to know what he said?"

"…I doubt it…"

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I released my pent-up anger," Natalie assured with a smile.

"…What'd you do?" Howie questioned worriedly, glancing towards the door. "…You didn't kick him, did you?"

"Is the shoot canceled?" Alana asked hopefully.

"No, Flavio just has to go put some ice on his crotch for a few minutes--"

"Did he insult your feminine nature?" Howie immediately accused.

"Howie, I took care of it, okay?" Natalie murmured. "Can you for once stop being a Daddy and just rub oil on Alana's legs?"

"What did he say?" Howie insisted.

Sighing, Natalie lowered her gaze to floor, Flavio's words still stinging. "…That I was a waste of his time, his money, and he should have never agreed to do the shoot when he saw my name on the contact form…"

"The fucking bastard…" Alana growled protectively as she turned slightly to see if anyone else was coming, but the door remained closed. Pulling away from Howie's hands, she reached to take Natalie's face into her hands, pressing a reassuring kiss to her best friend's forehead. "I'm sorry and I'll fix this..." Glancing around, Alana noticed Flavio's assistant fussing with the cameras, aiming one toward her to take several shots. Tilting her head, she excused herself from Howie and Natalie. "…Are you a photographer?"

"If kids portraits counts," the assistant answered carefully.

"Here's your chance to get into the big leagues," Alana offered with a beautiful grin of encouragement, reaching to take the young man's arm. Pulling him over to the scenery, she glanced up for a moment. "You run underneath Flavio all the time. You know how he operates. And, you've probably wanted to be a photographer all your life? He just hasn't given you a chance to shine? Right?"

The young man nodded slightly, casting one fearful glance over his shoulder, as though afraid Flavio would come bursting in. "R-right…"

"'Lana, what are you doing--"

"Flavio is screwing around with us right now. He thinks that because I'm the model that I have to bend under his rules. He wants to piss around because you stood up to him. Well, I can piss around with him, too. This guy here, I bet he's a wonderful photographer. Flavio keeps him underfoot, because he's afraid of getting upstaged. So, he takes the photographs and gets us out early. So, I can keep my promise to Leslie. And, if the photographs are fucked up, Maxim will be wholly pissed with Flavio and call me back for another shoot with another photographer. If not, his ass is safe, but he's the one that's going to fret about it. Not me," Alana explained as she looked back to the assistant. "Will you do it?"

"Damn straight I will," the assistant agreed with a grin.

Howie clapped him on the shoulder as Natalie impulsively hugged Alana tightly. "I'll just go make sure that Flavio doesn’t bother us," he announced.

"Allie, you're going to be oily enough to slip through a cat door!" Alana exclaimed as she accepted several kisses all over her face from Natalie. Playfully rolling her eyes, she pulled away as the assistant kindly helped her onto the scenery. "When Maxim says they love the photographs, I promise I'll tell them who deserves the real credit."

"No need to do that. Just knowing I've put one over on His Majesty is credit enough."

"Not to mention the fact that he gets to photograph you and pose you however he likes," Natalie suggested as she sat at the edge of the scenery, watching the young assistant direct Alana next to one of the crimson trees, pulling a leaf toward her shoulder. She was awed that Alana would take such a stand against a person who ultimately controlled her media portrayal. That she would risk everything just for Natalie.

"Why is there a whimpering Italian standing outside with Howie shouting at him in Spanish?" Nick questioned from the doorway as he entered the studio. Holding Zachary's carrier in one hand, a diaper bag over his shoulder and clutching an armful of teddy bears, he moved to dump the majority of the load in an empty chair before checking to make sure that Zachary was still asleep. Breathing a sigh of relief, he replaced the blanket over his son.

"Because Flavio was offered this shoot from Maxim and none of us realized it until he stepped into the room and started manhandling 'Lana. Then I tried to set him straight and he just went up one side of me and down the other. So, now 'Lana is giving him another kick in the nuts while Howie berates him for his unprofessional manner," Natalie explained in a hurried breath as she took the carrier from Nick so he could take a seat and then settled it gingerly to the floor. Looking toward the scenery and Alana performing beautifully underneath the critical gaze of the camera, she sighed, deciding Flavio needed a rash of Nick's jealous rage. "Where were you anyway? …You should have heard what he was saying about 'Lana…"

"I was at home getting kicked in the balls by an angry infant," Nick answered softly, propping one ankle on the opposite knee as he watched Alana pose, barely hearing the end of Natalie's statement as she flopped onto the floor to gaze at Zachary. "He might be little, but damn--"

"He missed his Mommy," Natalie crooned, carefully fixing the blanket along the infant, making sure to keep him in a dark, warm cocoon beneath the blanket. "Didn't he?"

"He sure as Hell didn't want anything to do with… What did that foreign fucker say about Beautiful?"

"I guess you'd want to know about the touching first. Smothering her hand with his lips and tongue. Then, we're walking out to the set and he just rips her robe off without any warning whatsoever. And then he thinks he should start oiling her down, slipping his hand underneath the bikini instead of where it needs to be! Then what he said… She's a sex-pot and he insists on taking a lick of every portion of her body. He's just ready to have this torrid affair with her. Wants to make up some phony lines about needing more film, then taking her roughly... Let's just say it wasn't pretty, Nicky… But I couldn't tell her that. Howie would never let him ra--"

"I'll be back," Nick interrupted, shoving the bottle he held into her lap as he stood.

"Where are you going?" Natalie demanded in confusion.

"To roast me an Italian sausage," Nick answered with a dark scowl as he flung the door open.

"He deserves it for the stuff he said about 'Lana," Natalie murmured to herself, settling back against her chair with satisfaction. The man had been ruthless in his pursuit of tearing her apart as well as insisting on his intentions with Alana. She wouldn't put it past the man to force himself upon Alana. The very idea made her sick with worry.
Forty :: Building Confidence by shrinkingviolet
Chapter Forty :: Building Confidence

Leaning back in her chair, Alana was truly mesmerized by the way Brian performed on the practice stage. They had spent several days in this large building, allowing Brian to run through his entire line up of songs. Brian wanted Alana to watch so she could see how a concert was performed. To build her confidence so to speak. Though, Alana was merely awed at the brilliance of his performance. The band had been wonderful behind him and Brian was so passionate about his music. He was doing what he loved and sharing his faith with the world. She wasn't sure much else could possibly compare to that as he finished his last song, asking her to come on stage and practice. It would be her first time on stage. And, at first, she wasn't sure she heard correctly as she leaned forward in her chair and Baylee tugged on her hands.

"You do fab'wu'lous," Baylee insisted, bouncing up and down with excitement. "Daddy no make you look t'upid. Mommy cheerin', make you feel good. P'womise!"

"Your Mommy ain't even here," Alana reminded the young boy as she allowed him to pull her to her feet. Slowly moving toward the now ominous stage, she noted that Brian was murmuring softly to the band. Probably telling them to take it easy on her. Not to cringe when her voice projected through the place.

"Her's cheerin' in 'pirit!" Baylee declared as he tromped up the steps leading to the stage. "Daddy film you so Mommy c'n watch later!"

"I don't think anyone needs to be filming this disaster," Alana groaned as Baylee pulled her toward Brian, immediately tugging on his father's pants so he would lean down for a whispered conversation.

"Otay!" Baylee squealed upon hearing his father's reply. Skipping across the stage, he found the knapsack that held the small digital video camera, grinning with glee when he pulled the expensive gadget out. Pressing the button to turn it on, he raced across the stage once more, leaping down into the pit so he could locate a chair.

"Do you have to encourage him?" Alana chided as she heard the distant opening of the back door, assuming the tour producers were coming to see how she sounded. After all, she was an expensive investment. Far too expensive to let her ruin the entire show.

"He's going to film it so Natalie can watch it when we get back to your place," Brian confirmed with a grin, setting his guitar down as he turned to see who was coming from backstage. "And, look, the cavalry's here!" he whooped, seeing Kevin and Kristin walk hand-in-hand towards them. "Didn't think you'd actually make it, cuz--"

"Kris insisted," Kevin interrupted in a neutral tone, obviously not wanting to spark any unwanted flames of anger as Kristin nursed a chocolate milkshake.

"I quote: 'We're going to see Brian and Alana rehearse whether you like it or not'," Kristin returned, rolling her eyes. "As I knelt over the toilet, no less--"

"Kevvy! Krissy!" Baylee screeched from the middle of the rows of seats, jumping up onto one so he could be seen. "Whoa, Krissy! YOU'S FAT!"

"Baylee!" Kevin actually screeched as he hurried through the isle to snatch Baylee up from the seats. Clamping a hand tightly over the boy's mouth, he paled as he searched for his wife, finding her climbing the stairs to greet Alana. "You don't ever say that about a pregnant lady! Especially my pregnant lady!"

"You look beautiful," Alana saved as she reached to shake Kristin's hand, not expecting to be pulled into a tight squeeze.

"Awe, Honey. No I don't, but thank you," Kristin murmured, embracing Alana tightly. "We didn't mean to interrupt anything, Kevin was just so all-fired anxious to come and show his ungrateful cousin some support--"

"You didn't interrupt," Brian promised with a grin as he came down the steps, a handful of music sheets clenched in grasp. "Alana was just about to go up and go over some songs with the band."

"That's what I really wanted to come and watch," Kevin admitted with an encouraging smile as he sunk to the seat that Baylee had occupied, leaning to help the toddler steady the small camcorder. "Everyone has been praising her voice so much. I only got to hear her on CD. I already know what your voice sounds like, Brian, so don't even start whining."

"Nothing like taking the pressure off a person," Alana mumbled.

"Just picture my husband in his baggy boxer shorts scratching his chest," Kristin murmured before stepping back. "If that doesn't make you relax, or at least start giggling--"

"It'll probably make her lunch come back up," Brian decided with a grimace, laughing when Kristin swatted his shoulder. "Come on, Alana, let's get this show on the road."

"Alright," Alana agreed with a nervous smile, stepping toward the microphone stand that had been lengthened to fit her height. Staring uneasily at it for a moment, she then turned to ask what song she would be doing. The lead guitarist suggested I Saw Heaven and she nodded, listening to the count in for the rest of the musicians. The music behind her was loud and abrasive at first and she wasn't sure how to hold the microphone. So, nervously, she stood in the center of the stage and watched Brian and Kristin take their seats with Kevin and Baylee. She had never been so sick to her stomach in her life. But she sang nonetheless. "I've felt the winds of change blow through my hair / I've heard the voice of reason when no one was really there / I've seen signs that change my life with a glance / I've even seen myself deny; it was anything but chance…"

"Oh," Kristin breathed in surprise, her milkshake forgotten. Pushing the cup into her husband's hand, she paid no attention to his protesting grunt as the gentleness of Alana's voice rang throughout the venue. It had a calming effect on her, easing away the tension and worry that came with being pregnant for the first time. Resting a hand on her protruding abdomen, she smiled slightly. "Her voice is gorgeous…"

"Her's sings to me all the time, Krissy!" Baylee squealed, clapping loudly.
"She's had no training whatsoever? She's just… A pure natural? God, Howie said they didn't have to work much on the single and I thought he was lying… How many times has she been on stage?" Kevin marveled as Baylee then thrust the camcorder into his hands, sliding off the man's lap to reach his small microphone already set on the stand beside Alana.

"This is the first time," Brian explained with a grin.

"My God…" Kevin breathed, shaking his head in a soft disbelief. "She is absolutely amazing…"

"I told you," Brian murmured. "Howie and Natalie are looking into some clubs and places for her to get some stage experience, so she won't look like a deer caught in the headlights when the tour starts…"

"Nick's been begging me to take Zachary for the night because he wants to go to this red carpet thing that Howie has set up for her. She's going to sing on the red carpet after her single is debuted..." Kevin trailed, suddenly grimacing when he felt Kristin smack his shoulder. "And I totally forgot that I didn't tell Kristin about it yet, knowing she'd automatically do anything Nick wants…"

"Well…" Kristin shrugged, her attention on Baylee and Alana. Alana had turned to face Baylee on the stage as she sang, grinning as he attempted to sing along with her. "…That's true, Baby…"

"…What's true?" Kevin hesitated, looking to the stage to see Alana loosen up considerably as she stooped to scoop Baylee into her arms. Using his microphone as he held it to her lips, she carefully swayed her hips to the beat of the beautiful song, her voice far more powerful and confident than before.

"…I don't know," Kristin admitted with a shrug. "Something about Nicky?"

"He asked Kevin if you two could watch Zachary for the night, because Howie planned a red carpet event for Alana. He wants to be there to support her," Brian answered, leaning back in his seat to watch Baylee laugh against the side of Alana's face as she serenaded him. He honestly felt bad for his friend. In the few weeks since he had brought Alana to California, he had barely spent any time with her. She had been caught in a whirlwind of musical politics. Every night she came home, she merely curled into bed and fell asleep beside him.

"Of course we'll watch Zachary," Kristin insisted. "Anything for Nicky--"

"Of course," Kevin mimicked, scowling toward Brian. "…Where is the blonde scouring pad?"

"He had to take Zach to the doctor for a checkup… He should be here soon, though--"

"Did Alana make an appointment with our obstetrician?" Kristin interrupted suddenly as she glanced sideways to Brian. "Natalie had been asking about what OB/GYN's were good in this area for Alana..."

"I have no idea," Brian answered honestly. "I think Natalie made a consultation appointment for her, but--"

"Why does she need to see an OB?" Kevin suddenly questioned of his wife.

"Why don't you ask her?"

"Because she's busy!" Kevin exclaimed, horrified that Kristin would even suggest he ask such a personal question.
"You could ask me," Nick suggested, overhearing the small snippet of conversation as he slipped into the building, diaper bag slung over his shoulder, carrier filled with teddy bears in one hand, and a whimpering Zachary braced against his chest. His son had been quite good during the check-up with the pediatrician. That is, until the battery of shots were lined upon the metal tray. Nick had never been so unnerved in his life.

"Awe, Sweetie," Kristin cooed as she stood to take Zachary from Nick. Snuggling him close against her chest, she kissed the top of his head, plucking the blanket from the diaper bag. "Did that mean old Daddy take you to the doctor and you got hurt? You poor little thing… C'mon, Aunt Krissy'll give you a taste of her milkshake…"

"It wasn't my fault!" Nick exclaimed with a fixed pout, taking a seat beside Kevin. "I had no idea what kind of line up of needles they do for these kids. Holy Hell, it's like he's a human dart board!"

"Baby, take the top off my drink?" Kristin requested as she took her seat again, her heart clenching when the baby tensed as her hand brushed his thigh. "It's alright, Sweetie…" she soothed, taking the bottled water Brian was about to open. Laying it gently against Zachary's thigh, she cooed softly as Kevin fumbled with her milkshake. "See? The cold makes it better, doesn't it? It's alright… Daddy won't take you to that awful place again…"

Nick made a face. "He has to go in another two months--"
"Ma," Zachary implored with a soft whimper of hurt, reaching up to touch Kristin's face. His dark cobalt eyes were teary with pain as he puckered his bottom lip into a heavy pout. "Ma…"

"Your Ma's singing right now, Sweetie. As soon as she finished-I don't care what the mean Brian has to say-I'll take you right to her, okay?" Kristin soothed. "Here, have a taste of some milkshake… It'll make Daddy stop being so mean, I promise."

Nick looked as if he might argue the point with Kristin, insisting that he wasn't the culprit to his son's pain. But, in reality, he did feel quite guilty about the whole ordeal. Sighing, he glanced to the stage to watch Alana perform the end of the song. "…How's she doing?"

"She's doing great," Brian told him with a grin as Zachary sucked a bit of the milkshake off Kristin's straw. "A little nervous, but that's to be expected… Remember the first time we were onstage together? And you barfed on Kevin's shoes--"

"You still owe me for them," Kevin interrupted with a heavy growl, obviously a tender spot in his memories.

Nick rolled his eyes. "Like you even know how much they cost anymore--"

"Seventy five dollars and twenty-nine cents."

"Did you count for inflation?" Brian asked his cousin with a chuckle as the song ended.

"Then its ninety five dollars and fifty-nine cents," Kevin recalculated as Kristin stood to whistle for Alana.
"How was that, Brian?" Alana inquired as she turned to thank the band, waiting for an answer. Though, when she looked out into the crowd, she noticed the added pair. Squealing with excitement, Alana carefully set Baylee on the stage and hopped down. Racing to embrace Nick with an affectionate squeeze.

"That was great," Brian promised as Nick swept Alana into his arms for a heated kiss. "…I think I'll call and check on Natalie, see if she needs anything--"

"I missed you!" Alana breathed against Nick's lips, tasting the sweet spice of his lips as she brushed off Brian's small break allotment. Curving her arms around his neck, she wrapped her legs around his hips to intensify the kiss. It seemed like centuries since she had last been allowed to kiss him. He felt like a stranger.

"I missed you more," Nick promised, tangling one hand in her tousled locks, his other arm tight around her waist to hold her closer. It was like they had been separated for years.

"Why don't you ever kiss me like that?" Kristin asked her husband in a whisper as she offered Zachary another taste of her milkshake.

"Because even if I manage to get a kiss on your cheek, you still slap me and blame me for getting you pregnant," Kevin grumbled, wincing when he received another sharp slap. "I'm going to go make a phone call to Howie, tell him how great Alana's doing…"

"I didn't think you'd be coming today," Alana admitted softly as she pressed her forehead to his with a soft sigh.

"Snot Sucker insisted," Nick whispered, ignoring the soft murmurs of Brian, the sharp grumbling of Kevin and the cooing of Kristin. He was vaguely aware of Baylee yammering into the microphone onstage about bodily functions, but paid no mind to it as he offered Alana a softer, gentler kiss. "He hates his Daddy right now…"

"Why?" Alana questioned in confusion, leaning back to search his sapphire eyes for the answer. Noting the glimmer of guilt, her turquoise eyes widened in realization. Shifting, she attempted to slide from Nick's arms, only wanting to comfort her son. "The doctor's appointment was today. He must be in so much pain!"

"He's fine," Kristin assured her. "He's starting to go to sleep…"

"Nick, I should have been there," Alana sighed as she unwrapped her legs from his waist in attempts to stand on her own.

"It's okay, Beautiful," Nick murmured, loosening his grip so she could stand. "He'll be alright, the doctor said he'll probably run a slight fever, and I gave him some of the Infant Tylenol right before we left there. His leg'll be sore for a day or two, but he'll be alright."

"I still…" Alana murmured, though her sentence never reached a final conclusion as she tucked her face against his chest. She inhaled the soft scent of his favorite cologne, relaxing as she winded her arms around his torso. Zachary may have done fine at the appointment, but she still should have been there. If Nick wanted her to be Zachary's mother, then she had to do better. "I'll cuddle him in the big bed tonight…"

"…Does that mean I have to sleep in the crib?"

"Why would you have to sleep in the crib?"

"Because he's taking my place in the bed?"

"Are you jealous of your own son?"

Nick's eyes widened. "Never--"

"Nicky? Alana? Kevin and I wanted to let you know that we'll be more than happy to take care of Zachary anytime you want us to… Is it alright if we steal him this weekend so you two can have time alone?"

Alana looked to Kristin in surprise. "Take him for the whole weekend? Kris, we can't--"

"—Stand to part with him for that long?" Kristin guessed.

"Kris and Kev really need to get used to that whole parenthood thing, Beautiful," Nick murmured. "It'd be great for Zach to spend the weekend with them…"
"You don't mind them taking him for the weekend?" Alana questioned.

"They live twenty minutes away and we can call them every five seconds," Nick encouraged softly. "I think it'll be good for him."

"You mean for us?" Alana guessed with a small smirk.

Nick grinned, leaning to offer her another soft kiss. "That too--"

"Alright, can we get back to it? I have to stop and pick Natalie up some… Items…" Brian grimaced slightly with realization as he tucked his cell phone away.

"At least we know she's not pregnant," Alana mused, leaning up to nibble affectionately on Nick's bottom lip.

"Yet…" Kristin trailed softly with a knowing smile.

"He's got to get his ass divorced first," Nick chuckled.

"I'm working on it," Brian informed them all with a slight scowl. "She's just being… A…"

"Oh, shit," Kristin breathed in surprise.

"I don't think you're allowed to put Bitch in the paperwork, Dear," a far too familiar voice echoed, causing Nick to cringe immediately. Leaning to glance over Nick's shoulder, Alana searched for the source of the voice. She was short with bleached blonde hair, a sharp, angular nose, and what most definitely looked like a large breast augmentation. It wasn't hard to identify her as the source of Brian's heartache. The wife.

"If I could, that's what would have been on the line for your name," Brian returned, dropping into a nearby seat as fear overtook him. He knew she wanted something. He had already agreed to part with nearly everything he had accrued during their married life. What more could she want? He was almost grateful that Natalie's migraine had set in that morning, not wanting her anywhere near Leighanne.

"You'd say that about the mother of your children?" Leighanne admonished, glancing around the concert hall. She noted Kristin holding an unfamiliar infant as she walked toward the back doors and Nick with a strange woman who coaxed Baylee into her arms. Narrowing her eyes, she extended her arms out to the toddler, but Baylee buried his face into Alana's shoulder as they walked away.

"Mother of my child," Brian corrected with emphasis, sliding down several seats to avoid the cloying nature of her perfume. Glancing towards Kevin and Nick in hopes that they could do something-anything, he nervously cleared his throat. "What do you want, Leigh?"

"To tell you that we can't end this marriage, because I'm pregnant."

*~*~*

Sitting next to Alana in the booth at the radio station, AJ offered her an encouraging grin as her debut single played over the airwaves. Leaning slightly to the side, he could see that already the phone lines were lighting up with callers, and he knew they would be raving over her talent. Leaning close as Ryan Seacrest spoke to an assistant about getting hot chocolate and a decadent danish for Alana, he pulled her headphones back so he could whisper in her ear. "You might want to relax that smile a bit, Babe. It's starting to look like you're in pain…"

"I am in pain… I think I just bit the inside of my cheek open…" Alana confessed with a grimace as she leaned back in her plush chair, furiously rubbing her face with both of her hands. The release of her single had been official over two minutes ago when Ryan Seacrest had debuted her. Howie and Natalie had sought for one of the most popular radio shows throughout the United States and Seacrest's show had been anxious to get hold of her. Waves of her popularity were circulating through the media, though most were about her joining Brian Littrell's tour as well as her beauty. Now they wanted to see if she could really sing. Though, she worried about that as she slouched in her seat. Just listening to her song, knowing it was broadcasting everywhere, made her absolutely sick. Especially when Ryan insisted on taking phone calls for opinions afterwards.

"Just relax and be yourself, alright? Ryan's a nice guy. If he didn't believe in you, he wouldn't be sending some gofer ten blocks away to get you a nice breakfast." AJ reached for his nearly empty cup from Starbucks, draining the remainder in one quick gulp as the song reached the second chorus. "Tomorrow we start shooting the video, and hopefully it'll premiere on TRL in a couple of weeks. Which means you'll be making a trip to New York. Me and Howie are trying to work it out so it'll be around the time Brian's tour stops there and--"

"We're shooting a video tomorrow?" Alana interrupted in bewilderment, turning slightly to catch AJ's dark sepia eyes. "Do we even have a concept for the video? Or did you get that picked out, too? How am I supposed to do that underneath all this… You guys are so damn lucky that I'm in my first trimester."

"Natalie's talking with Joseph about the concept right now," AJ promised. "She said that she's going to run everything by you today, alright? And don't worry. Once this tour is over and your album comes out you're going to have a nice break to rest and put your feet up until after the babies come," he whispered. "And I wouldn't mention trimester in front of Ryan, unless you want the whole world to know you're pregnant…"

"What's the nice break? Ten days?" Alana murmured with an air of sarcasm, though she smiled with amusement at AJ just the same. Nick and her had yet to talk about how they wanted to approach their relationship in the media, much less her pregnancy. She was still in her first trimester, so it was easy to hide the changes of her body. Well, more or less the fact that she was rounding ever so slightly in the middle. It was enough of a difference for her to notice, but she assumed not many others realized. Nick had yet to say anything. But when had he seen her? Even that seemed trivial now with Leighanne sniffing around Brian and Baylee once more, the man not even having the courage to tell Natalie yet.

"We're talking your tour won't start until after New Years," AJ promised, dropping a quick kiss on her cheek before leaning back. "Hey, Ryan, any chance I could get a coff--"

"Alana? What kind of danish do you want? Cream cheese? Strawberry?" Ryan questioned, ignoring AJ for the time being as his assistant hurriedly scribbled down an order.

Alana smiled sweetly. "Cream cheese would be absolutely fantastic, Ryan, but you don't have to send someone out--"

"It's really no trouble. Make it two, Jim, and get AJ a coffee. AJ? You want a danish?"

"Well, actually--"

"Just the coffee for AJ, then. And the usual for me," Ryan told the assistant, who nodded before darting from the studio. Pressing a button on the board before him, he spoke into the microphone. "That was I'm Not Sleeping Alone by Alana Moore. Be sure and call us and tell us what you really think about this fantastic new voice. We'll be taking calls right after this!"

Alana smirked at the crestfallen look appearing on AJ's face as Ryan hurriedly placed on a roll of commercials. Leaning close to her friend, she affectionately kissed the side of his face before murmuring into his ear. "It's a chick's world, Alex, better get used to it."

AJ scowled. "That doesn't mean my dick has to be chopped off by--"

"Be nice," Alana warned with a purr, squealing slightly when his hand dropped to tickle her side, acquiring Ryan's attention, though it wasn't as if she hadn't had it from the beginning.

"You two seem to be close," Ryan commented.

"Kind of hard not to be close when he yanks you into the studio, locks the door, and forces you to work all the time," Alana explained as she pushed AJ's chair far away from hers, only to have him wheel back even closer. Wrinkling her nose, she couldn't resist laughing when he cackled wildly against her face. "He's like a puppy."

"The kind that you see in a pet store and can't resist or the kind that follows you home and won't go away no matter how much you ignore it?" Ryan questioned with a chuckle.

"The follower. I think that was his first pick up line - I'm lost, take me home with you?" Alana crooned in a raspy impression of AJ, causing him to snort.

"Is that right?" Ryan asked with a wide grin at AJ.

"I don't sound like that--" AJ began, cutting off abruptly when the commercials ended, the light on the wall alerting them that they were once more on the air. Snorting with irritation, he leaned close to Alana, resting his head on her shoulder.

"And we're back; I'm sitting here with to faces-one familiar, one very new-and we're talking about Alana Moore. You've all just heard her debut single, I'm Not Sleeping Alone, and I want to hear what you think about it."

"If it's horrible, then you better just blame the old face now," Alana suggested as she helped to fix AJ's headphones back onto his ears.

"I didn't write the song," AJ huffed in defense. "Blame the old man that ain't here--"

"I meant about signing me to a label!" Alana exclaimed.

"Again, blame the old man that ain't here!"

"You two sound like an old married couple," Ryan decided with a laugh. "Let's take our first caller. Laurie? You're on the air!"

"Ryan? You are an awesome radio host! And I'm not just saying that 'cause I love American Idol! And the song? Absolutely, completely, amazing! Alana, you have one of the best voices that I've ever heard. You had me in tears!" Laurie exclaimed in a sharp squeal.

"Thank you so much, Laurie," Alana breathed in honest surprise.

"No comments about her gorgeous manager?" AJ questioned in disbelief.

"I love you too, AJ," Laurie promised belatedly. "I can't wait to see you on the road with Brian this summer, Alana. I just got my tickets!"

"Thanks so much for calling Laurie," Ryan said with a chuckle at AJ's offended expression. "I'm sure I'll talk to you tomorrow." Pressing a button, he mouthed, 'regular caller' to AJ and Alana before moving on to the next call. "Tim? You're on the air!"

"I love you AJ," Tim crooned dramatically, causing Alana and Ryan to laugh. "Alana, I just wanted to say that your voice is breathtaking, and I really look forward to hearing more from you."

"What man says breathtaking?" AJ screeched away from the microphone toward Alana.

"A man that loves you, Alex," Alana crooned, turning back to the microphone. "Thank you so much, Tim. Alex appreciates all your tender loving care. If you just hang on a minute, he'd be quite glad to get your number. He's been looking for someone to take down the red carpet on Friday--"

"I have a date for the red--"

"And who would that be, AJ?" Ryan asked with a peak of curiosity, though he continued to gaze at Alana from across the table filled with equipment. She had to blush at his long stares, immediately glancing down to clasp her hands in her lap. She had decided to wear a light olive tank top with matching army cargo hip huggers. Her long locks were piled underneath one of AJ's lucky hats and she couldn't have felt more comfortable, though to the male ego she looked utterly adorable.

"I asked Staci," AJ whispered to Alana before turning to grin at Ryan. "Just a lovely young lady I've met through Brian--"

"So, Alana is free?" Ryan guessed hopefully. "Because--"

"You ain't taking her," Alana immediately interrupted with a scowl.

"You talking about yourself in third-person now?" AJ questioned with complete innocence, scribbling a quick note on the paper in front of him. Pushing it towards her, he grinned.

Leaning to scrutinize the chicken scratch AJ had scrawled, she rolled her eyes as she read one simple word - Gotcha. Tugging hard on the hat, she flopped back in her chair. "Can we get back to answering phone calls, Ryan?"

"Do I sense some jealousy between you two?" Ryan questioned. "AJ playing the field on you, Alana?"

Shifting slightly, Alana noted the wicked grin crossing AJ's face as if he had triumphed in the game. They always seemed to be teasing one another. It was an amusing game to say the least as she offered a small, sad pout toward Ryan. "Like a fiddle, Ryan. He's always got to dangle some new toy in my face, y'know? Little jailbait here. Little Playboy here. Little producer's daughter over there. It's hurtful…"

"And you're always dangling some other guy around, Babe. It's horrible, Ryan. Like Nick, she practically lives with the man--"

"She's a beautiful young woman, AJ. Men are naturally going to want to be around her. You can't get all overprotective and Daddy-ish over it," Ryan informed him, shaking his head sadly. "So, Alana, you're free for the red carpet this weekend? I'll be doing some interviews, but I can always throw the mic away when you come by…"

"That's right, Alexi, when the last bit of your hair comes fluttering through your fingertips, you're going to be begging to put your lips on my hand again," Alana teased, actually giggling when AJ attacked her playfully with hard tickles. "Ryan! I'm sure I could pull away to have a mini-date with you!"

"Why don't we have another listen to Alana Moore's new single, I'm Not Sleeping Alone, and then after a commercial break we'll listen to a few more calls? Alana's breakfast is coming in now, so we'll be right back!"

Hearing the commercials start to run as she was thrown to the floor by AJ for merciless tickles, she gasped for breath and pulled the headphones from her ears. Reaching to grab a fistful of AJ's form fitting t-shirt, she yanked him close to throw a punch into his shoulder. "You can be such a prick! Now I'm going to be known as the whore of Backstreet! Howie is so going to kill you!"

"Cream cheese danish and hot… Chocolate…" Jim, the assistant, announced as he entered the booth, though he paused when he saw the scuffle on the floor. Glancing towards Ryan uncertainly, he cleared his throat.

"I didn't say shit! Beat Ryan-though he'd probably enjoy that, he's the asshole who brought up you and me as a couple!" AJ growled. "What was I supposed to do? Agree with him and announce that we're banging each other every night?!"

"Would have been a hell'uva lot easier!" Alana returned with a grunt, hurriedly shifting beneath him to slam him to the ground, easily straddling his hips. "At least then I could have admitted what an incredible lover you were instead of making you out to be a sleaze! I hope you get mugged in the parking lot!"

"If you don't get off me now, Ryan'll have all this on the fucking entertainment news tonight," AJ informed her in a whisper, gently pushing her off him. "And your breakfast is here--"

"Wouldn't you just love that," Alana breathed as she pulled herself up, hurriedly tugging on her cargo pants as well as her tank top before adjusting her cap. Taking a deep breath, she looked to Ryan with a small smile. "You really didn't have to get me breakfast, Ryan."

"It's my pleasure," Ryan promised as Jim moved to set the danish and chocolate in front of her.

Getting back into his chair, AJ glanced down at the lukewarm coffee Jim handed him. Taking a tentative sip, he screwed his face up in distaste. "Could I get some--"

"Would you like some marshmallows for that hot chocolate, Alana? We have some in the staff break room," Ryan interrupted as he accepted his own danish.

"You going to walk her down to the break room yourself, holding hands, and slip her some digits?" AJ muttered with an escalated perk of sarcasm.

"Why would I go to all that trouble when I can just do this?" Ryan returned, handing Alana a card.

"Why are you giving me your business card?" Alana murmured in surprise as AJ pulled her down in the chair beside him.

"That's my personal card--"

Alana wrinkled her nose. "You actually have a personal card?"

"That was a joke? My personal number's on the back, though. If you ever need anything, just give me a call," Ryan encouraged with a smile. "Jim, how about those marshmallows for Miss Moore?"

Jim nodded, already halfway out the door. "Absolutely--"

"--Unfuckingbelievable," AJ muttered in disgust.

"If you ever need to get hold of me, Ryan, you can call my cell," Alana offered as she tore a piece of paper away from a nearby tablet, scribbling her number down and offering it toward him.

"And why would he need to get hold of you?" AJ questioned with a dark scowl as Ryan carefully tucked the paper into his pocket.

"He's in the know, Alex. He might hear of a great new club that I can perform at to get my stage fright problem over with," Alana explained with wide-eyed innocence.

"You have stage fright?" Ryan interjected as he sat down with a sympathetic smile, reaching out to pat her hand as if he were some close friend. "Why would anyone as gorgeous as you with such a powerful voice have stage fright? You have got to know that you're fantastic and that the audience absolutely falls in love with you when you sing. It's just amazing. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like seeing you perform on the red carpet--"

"Would you muzzle your dick, Pearly?" AJ protested with a growl.

"Alex!" Alana exclaimed.

"What?!" AJ demanded.

"Howie said--"

"For me to take care of you."

"And--"

"I'm taking care of you! Pearly, hit the button, your manager says we're on air!"

"Welcome back! We're chatting with a…" Ryan cleared his throat. "We're chatting with Alana Moore-that great new voice-and one of her managers, Backstreet Boy AJ McLean. And we're taking calls to see what you thought about Alana's debut single, I'm Not Sleeping Alone… Joshua? You're on the air!"

"Alana, I just want you to know that you can take me to the red carpet party! My sister is some obsessed Backstreet Boy fan. She hacked into this site and found pictures from one of your recent photoshoots with you in the bed and damn! Anyway, she insisted on getting tickets to the one dude's concert, so I'm totally taking her just to see you!"

"Awesome!" Alana cooed with a firm blush. "I can't wait to see you there, Joshua. Bring a sign, and I'll be sure and meet you personally."

"Are you for real?" Joshua breathed with a high pitched squeak.

"Bring one of the photographs from the shoot. Your favorite. And I'll throw my dorky signature on it," Alana promised, still rubbing her flaming cheeks.

"You are too cool," Joshua announced with a pleased voice.

"And he's not even old enough to be looking at that photoshoot," AJ guessed.

"Harry, you're on!" Ryan called, wanting to get several calls in.

"I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed hearing Ms. Moore's pleasing voice during my morning commute," Harry declared in a crisp, business-like tone. "I almost didn't even turn on the radio, usually bogged down with the junk that people consider music these days. But Ms. Moore is very refreshing, and I am astounded that someone hadn't discovered her before."

"Dude, I like the way you talk," AJ told him with a grin. "Are you a lawyer?"

"Harry Baker, music reviewer for an online magazine," Harry informed with a chuckle.

"Is it a popular online magazine?" AJ asked further.

"Last month we had over three million hits."

"See, Babe, this is the kind of people we need to be talking to! Setting up interviews with! Getting--"

"My boss is sitting right here and he's very willing to get a photo spread of her for front page--"

"Score! Ryan, switch this guy to another line and I can get his info?" AJ requested hopefully.

"For Alana, sure thing," Ryan promised, doing as he was told before the assistant came hurrying in with marshmallows as well as to take AJ to the other room where the phone would be waiting.

"It's all about business," Alana explained with a shrug of her shoulders.

"So Alana, while it's just the two of us, tell me about yourself. It says here that just a few months ago you were a Pediatric Nurse in Kentucky? How did you go from that to the woman everyone's talking about in the music business?" Ryan inquired.

"Everyone knows that Baylee Littrell was in the hospital to get heart surgery. Well, he happened to come to my hospital and I was assigned to work with him. And, I know he's listening right now, so I've got to say that I love my Jungle Boogie Boy," Alana suddenly crooned into the microphone, blushing slightly when Ryan laughed. "…Anyway, Brian's entire family was really supportive of Baylee being in the hospital. Nick flew down almost immediately to be with him… And, he threw a concert for the kids at the hospital and asked me to sing with him on the insistence of Baylee. So, I did, and then Howie heard and started pestering me. Then, a few months ago I was rock climbing and took a nasty spill that put me out of commission in nursing, so I thought I'd give this a shot. Most of my money needs to be going to Baylee in the first place. Kid got me signed."

"So your first big paycheck will go to get him something he's always wanted? He's three, right?" Ryan questioned. When Alana nodded, he made a note. "What's a three year old want--" Cutting off when he saw the flashing message onscreen from one of the assistants, he chuckled. "Why don't we find out from the boy himself? Baylee? You're on the air!"

"My 'Lana!" Baylee cooed with a giggle. "I 'tole Daddy's phone t'call you!"

"Boogie!" Alana exclaimed with excitement, forgetting she was on the air as she crooned to the little boy. "Did you hear me say I loved you? Like I promised?"

"Yes I did! I loves you too, 'Lana! An' I wanted to tell Pearly that I no want a 'resent from you," Baylee announced with a sharp gasp. "Hold on! Howie chasin' me!" There was a series of the boy's squeals as he apparently ran through Nick's house, sharp pants until the sound of a door slamming. "'Lana? You an' Pearly still d'ere?"

"Yeah, I'm here," Alana promised with a bemused smile. "But you don't want a present from me, Boogie?"

"No! Jus' want my 'Lana! To myself! We go on date? Just the two of us? I get woses an' candy for you?"

"I'd love to go on a date with you, Boogie. When we go on tour. We'll find a fun place to run away to for the day. Okay?"

"P'w'omise?"

"I promise," Alana cooed, reaching to gently wipe tears away from her eyes as she laughed, hearing the very distinct pounding of Nick's fist on the door. "Nicky wants you, Boogie."

"He jus' wants the phone," Baylee grumbled. "Pearly? P'ay my 'Lana's song again? P'ease? Have-to-go-I-love-you-'Lana-bye!"

"Love you too, Boogie--" Though Alana's voice was cut by a resounding squeal from the other side that had Ryan laughing.

"Sounds like you have yourself quite the little boyfriend there, Alana," Ryan commented. "And, so I won't have to watch my back later on, here it is again, everybody. Alana Moore, and I'm Not Sleeping Alone."

"He's something else…" Alana murmured as she pulled the headphones from her head, watching AJ speak with one of the managers of the radio station, probably setting up a longer interview session. Smiling toward Ryan, she stood to shake his hand, though her back pocket started to vibrate. "Can you hold on for one moment, please?" she asked, already reaching to take the phone and head to the window. Flipping it open, she pressed it to her ear. "Hello?"

"Why did you let him cut me off before I could announce how much I love you and want to kill AJ for his stupid middle school stunt?!" Nick questioned immediately.

"Because I didn't realize you were getting on the phone and Ryan is the host of the show, so he gets to do whatever he wants," Alana answered calmly, glancing out the window to see a fan base already starting to build at the front doors.

"I love you," Nick murmured. "Snot Sucker's been in my lap the whole time, listening to the stereo and squealing--"

"Ma!"

"That's my baby boy," Alana approved, reaching to rub her already misty eyes. "If Alex don't got nothing else planned, I'm hoping to make it home to the both of you…"

"Okay… Do what you have to do, Beautiful, okay? You're doing a fantastic job. I’m really proud of you," Nick promised. "And we love you."

"I love you both, too," she promised. "…How did it sound? Really?"

"A little nervous at first, but you've really relaxed, Beautiful, I can tell. Natalie keeps squealing like a pig, saying how great you sound… And Howie almost creamed his shorts when he heard you talking to that reviewer dude. You sound awesome."

"…And the song?"

"Brought tears to my eyes…"

"Handsome…"

"I'm serious. It's a great song, you have that mind-blowing voice, and the two together is just… Overwhelming."

"You do realize that you're so getting some extra loving for saying that, right?"

"I am? …Does that mean I should call Kev and Kris to baby-sit?"

"If you like…"

"And we can lock ourselves in the master bedroom for the rest of the day and night?"

"I'd love that."

"Then I'll let you get back to doing your interview and I'll set everything up," Nick murmured. "Oh, and Beautiful? …I'll be in the bed with that red bow again."

"And it ain't even Christmas yet!"

"But you can unwrap me all night long…"

"I think that's enough of the kinky euphemisms."

"So I'll see you later then?"

"As fast as I can get home… After stopping at Frederick's of Hollywood--"

"Get something crotchless."

"Why's that?"

"I'll show you when you get here?"

"Too bashful to say it over the phone?"

"You want me tainting our son's virginal ears?"

"He won't even get his first memory for years…"

"Okay…" There a soft shuffling, Nick murmuring to Natalie to keep an eye on Zachary. A moment later, "I plan on making love to you against the door as soon as you walk in."

"Green?" Alana suddenly asked. "You love green on me, right?"

"Green," Nick confirmed.

"I love you, Handsome."

"I love you more. Now go be dazzling for some more drooling men."

"I'll be home soon," she promised in a southern drawl as she snapped her phone shut, waving toward the growing crowd before turning back to Ryan.
Forty-One :: The Right Way by shrinkingviolet
Chapter Forty-One :: The Right Way

Stifling a pleased yawn, Alana slipped her hands beneath the t-shirt that she wore, one from Nick's drawers, to idly scratch her bare abdomen. She had surprisingly been allowed the rest of the day off yesterday, so she was quick to get to the lingerie store and home. And Nick had not disappointed her. They had spent the entire night reconnecting with one another, forgetting how lost they had been from one another since Howie and AJ started pushing her career. She had even thought about making him breakfast in bed as she crossed into the living room, spying Natalie sprawled on the couch, flipping through television shows. "Hey, Allie, you hungry?"

Natalie glanced up, shifting on the couch with a weary groan, wincing when her laptop and several folders went crashing to the floor. Reaching to rub her sleep-numbed calf before gathering her things, she shrugged half-heartedly. "Is it morning already?" she questioned, shoving everything onto the coffee table. "…I'm starving…"

"C'mon, I'm cooking this morning," Alana offered with an encouraging smile, reaching to take Natalie's hands to help her from the couch. She had already seen Brian disappear earlier that morning with Baylee underfoot, though the boy had not been pleased. He seemed to know exactly what Brian was having them do for the day. He had even tried to sneak into Nick's bedroom to hide in the bed, but Brian had been lucky enough to grab him before he found the remnants of the couple's night. But, Alana knew better than to tell Natalie so. What Brian was doing was despicable when it concerned Natalie and Baylee. "What are you starving for?"

"Some attention?" Natalie muttered as she followed Alana into the kitchen. Shuffling towards the coffeemaker, she went through the motions of preparing coffee, every few moments pausing to fiddle with the promise ring on her finger. "Whatever you feel up to fixing is fine."

"I can give you attention, but it ain't the attention you're searching for and I certainly ain't going to defend Brian to you," Alana stated plainly as she opened the large refrigerator in Nick's kitchen, glancing down the bundles of food. "What are you hungry for, Allie?"

"Waffles?" she suggested softly. "With fruit topping?" she added with a slight smile, leaning against the counter as the coffee began to drip. The question that had been resting heavily on her for days caused her to swallow a hard lump in her throat. She had to ask it. "Do you think Brian's cheating on me?"

"Brian is far too pure to cheat on you," Alana answered hurriedly as she collected the items from the refrigerator to make waffles from scratch. Carrying them to the island, she carefully dumped them onto the counter before moving to retrieve the dry ingredients as well as the waffle maker, bowls, and measuring cups and spoons. As far as she knew and as much as Brian had told her before she rushed out the door to get away, she knew that Brian wasn't sleeping with Leighanne. He was trying to get back in touch with her for the sake of the new pregnancy, which Alana was already skeptical of to say the very least. Which was fine, but he was dangling Natalie along.

"Then… Is it just the tour that's got him so… Distant? He pushed me away last night, 'Lana. He's never done that, since we got together, you know? And Bay… He's always so upset and when he's around me he just clings to me like I'm going to leave him--"

'Well, in a way, you are leaving him,' Alana thought sadly as she hurriedly started mixing the ingredients together with the utmost precision. She couldn't even bear to look into Natalie's worried caramel eyes, knowing that the whole affair was none of her business. Everyone else acted as if it wasn't happening, but it gnawed at the very pit of Alana's heart. She wanted to confess everything she knew to Natalie, but hated to admit that it wasn't her place. Perhaps it was better to stay quiet.

Sighing, Natalie turned to pour herself a cup of coffee, taking Alana's silence as a sign that her friend felt it wrong to intrude on such a private matter. Twisting the promise ring on her finger as she idly stirred in sugar, she slowly flexed her calf muscle, wincing at the tingling sensation. "I was talking to Joseph about the video last night…"

"Allie, please don't be mad at me--"

"I'm not," Natalie promised quickly, glancing over her shoulder to offer Alana a smile. "I understand… So, what do you think about spending most of the video in bed?"

"Well if you were going to make a cheesy dance video out of I'm Not Sleeping Alone, I think I would have had to rip up my contract and run screaming," Alana answered frankly as she divided the large batter into three bowls. Leslie and Aaron always managed to come trundling in for breakfast, as if they had a sixth sense about Alana cooking. So, one batter remained plain and she added fresh blueberries to one and chocolate chips to the other. Stirring in the final ingredients, she turned to get the sausage and bacon from the fridge to place in a pan for sizzling.

"We were thinking that during the verses you could be walking through this big house-Joseph's already got the place picked out and permission to shoot there-and each thing you see sets off a little flashback type thing? Then the choruses you'll be in the bed. How's that sound?" Natalie questioned, moving to the island to help. Reaching for the basket of fresh fruit, she turned to the sink to wash the contents.

"I like that," Alana agreed with a small nod as she set a plate near the waffle maker, pouring in the batter to start the first batch. "…So, it's just me during the entire video? No hot beefcake to play with?"

"We're thinking Nick could be the hot beefcake?" Natalie suggested, reaching for a knife to begin slicing strawberries. "At first I was all for the whole hiring process of some gorgeous model, but… Nicky would kill me, kill the model and demand to be in the video anyway, so…"

"Well what kind of fun is that?" Alana questioned, hearing the shuffling of Nick's bare feet on the tile of the kitchen as she moved to turn the sausage and bacon after flipping the first batch of waffles onto the plate. "Having Nick play opposite of me in my music video. Ain't like I'm never in bed with him--"

"But you'll have to have a fight in the video… Can you pretend to be mad at Nicky over something and maybe slap him?"

"I'd rather have some smoldering hot man who towers over me with these big huge muscles that can throw me onto the bed and just have his wicked way with me and dominate me… Is Vin Diesel available?"

"…That's not what the video is about, you goon," Natalie laughed, tossing the stem of a strawberry across the kitchen.

"Why would you want Vin Diesel when you've got me?" Nick demanded with a heavy yawn.

"Better than some cheesy dance video," Alana mumbled, though she grinned nonetheless as she piled the bacon and sausages onto a plate. She then grabbed a stack of plates to carry to the island. Flipping two large plain waffles onto a plate, she then scooped bacon onto the plate and slid it over to Natalie. Pouring blueberry batter next, she felt Nick's arms wrap around her torso to pull her back. "We were talking about the music video."

"And you're letting Nat plan it?" Nick questioned in horror, plucking a piece of bacon from the plate. Nibbling gently on her neck as she squirmed against him, he stilled when he heard Natalie clear her throat. Rolling his eyes, he offered Alana a quick good morning kiss before popping the bacon into his mouth. "What's the idea so far?"

"Me in bed at a giant house," Alana answered simply as she watched Natalie sprinkle the portions of strawberries over her waffles before plunging into the food. "We could do it in black and white… But the flashbacks in like faded colors…"

"I love that… Maybe have some things colorized digitally, like whatever sets off the flashbacks… Nicky, can you hand me the syrup? And the butter? And the milk, too, please?"

"Handsome, she wants to do this video where during the verses I'm walking the halls of this mansion. And, I'm going to see little mementos of a relationship that trigger flashbacks into my relationship. Then, during the choruses, I'll be in the master bed singing," Alana explained as Nick retrieved the items that Natalie had requested. Pulling out the next set of waffles, she placed them onto the nearby plate and poured another set. "Only, the flashbacks have to have a lover in them, right? Otherwise, they're not good flashbacks… Would you be my lover?"

"Will there be any sex?" Nick questioned with a hopeful grin, ducking when Alana swung the spatula at him. Setting the items he'd gathered next to Natalie, he gave her arm a gentle, reassuring squeeze, not liking the vague depression that seemed to hang over her. "Seriously, yeah, I'll do it… I don't have to get naked, do I?"

"You'd save us all the embarrassment if you didn't," Natalie suggested as she wrapped an arm around Nick's waist to bring him close, wanting a hug.

"You're funny," Nick muttered, giving her a gentle hug. He was still confused over Brian's sudden actions, not really understanding how his friend could give up such a wonderful relationship for… Leighanne. Squeezing her tighter, he dropped a quick kiss on the top of her head. "…You okay?"

"No," Natalie admitted, looking up to Nick as Alana continued to busy herself with making the waffles, obviously not wanting to see whatever they were doing. "Brian's gone again."

"Do you want me to talk to him?" he questioned softly.

"It'd be nice," Natalie agreed with a sniffle as there was a pounding on the front door, sending Alana toward the living room and foyer.

"And beat the shit out of him for upsetting you?"

"Even better."

"Eat before it gets cold, okay? And later, we can talk if you want?" Nick suggested, though he had no idea what more could be said. Hearing Aaron and Leslie greeting Alana, he gave Natalie a harder squeeze before pulling away.

"We could go out for lunch somewhere?" Natalie suggested, ignoring the two feminine squeals as Alana was tackled in a around of hugs and kisses from the younger Carters. Both were celebrating about hearing Alana repeatedly on the airwaves and how successful she was becoming. Glancing up hopefully to Nick, she waited for him to say yes. He was probably hurting as much as she. Alana hadn't exactly been around much. She was about as much of a ghost as Brian was.

"Make a reservation someplace," Nick confirmed. "My treat."

"Anywhere I want?" Natalie asked with a grin.

"Just not someplace where I won't know what kind of animal I'm eating, okay?"

"Just take me to The Ivy?"

"You've got it, Nat."

Natalie smiled with appreciation as she brought Nick down to gently kiss his cheek, though she quickly released him when Alana, Aaron, and Leslie tumbled through the doorway. Both young adults were dressed in pajamas and slippers, their hair wild and unkempt. But neither seemed to mind their appearances as they pressed kisses to Alana's cheek and hurried over to the food that was prepared. This seemed to be tradition since Alana moved in. And, after breakfast, they would settle down on the couch, curled close, to watch a movie.

"Food," Leslie crooned with appreciation as she got her plate. Turning to get a fork, she grinned when Alana held one out to her. "I love my new Sister," she cooed, kissing her on the cheek once more before moving to sit at the breakfast table. When Alana set a pitcher of fresh juice and an empty glass before her, she grinned. "Als? Can I move in with you?"

"Not before me!" Aaron exclaimed with a scowl as he piled on several strips of bacon and a tower of sausage, thumping his plate down beside Leslie. Hopping into his chair, he reached for the syrup to slather on his waffles. "Right, Nick? I'll take the room across from Zach's room!"

"You live two houses down, isn't that close enough?" Nick questioned with a groan, pulling away from Natalie so he could get his own plate.

"No," Leslie answered simply, snatching the syrup from Aaron.

"I got to be closer to Sis!" Aaron complained with a whine, shoveling several forkfuls of waffle into his mouth. "And get to eat this kickass food every day!"

"She won't be able to fix this kickass food every day when she's on tour," Nick reminded him, pausing to give Alana a soft kiss of thanks as she handed him his plate. Picking up the coffee Natalie had made for him, he moved to sit at the table. "So you're going to have to fend for yourself all summer, Bro…"

"All summer? I thought she was just going on tour with Brian for a month? Sis, when the Hell did you decide to go on tour all summer?" Aaron complained as he glanced up to Alana who worked to fix the rest of the batter into waffles as Natalie sat at the table as well.
"I'm a little lost when it comes to my career, Aar," Alana murmured as she rubbed her bare foot along her opposite calf. "I'm still waiting to find out what I'm wearing to the red carpet… Unless I get to dress myself?"

"Oh!" Natalie squeaked, setting her milk down with a thump. "The stylist is sending some dresses for you to pick from this afternoon, I completely forgot--"

"I can help you pick out a dress, Als," Leslie interrupted with her offer, sitting up straight so she could peer over her brother's head. Her clear indigo eyes sparkling with hope that Alana would accept. Since she had moved to California, it seemed as if Leslie's entire focus in life had changed. She was just so thrilled to have a future sister-in-law who actually cared about her. Who actually loved her. Even her boyfriend had started to tease her about her obsession with Alana.
"You're really going to stick around till this afternoon to wait for dresses to be delivered just so I can try them on like some goofy fashion runway?" Alana guessed with a small smile of appreciation.

"Yes!"

Natalie glanced at Nick. "Our lunch date can wait till tomorrow, can't it? I should stay and help 'Lana--"

"You're taking Natalie out for lunch?" Alana interrupted as she carried over the plate of sausage and bacon as well as the remaining waffles. She set them in the middle of the table while she went to retrieve her own glass for some orange juice.

"Yeah… Just to talk about… What's going on," Nick answered, reaching for the butter. "We're just going to Ivy…"

"Well, y'all can go out to lunch," Alana stated simply as she took a seat beside Leslie and reached to pour herself some orange juice. She wasn't even sure what the Ivy restaurant was, but recognized that Natalie needed someone to confide in. Nick was probably more comfortable in talking about Brian's current disaster of relationships than she was. And, Alana currently reminded herself that they were close... "Leslie is perfectly capable of helping me pick out a dress."

"Are you sure?" Natalie fretted, not wanting to cause any animosity between herself and Alana.

Aaron looked up from his plate to glance curiously at Nick. "…You're taking Nat out to lunch? She's Brian's girlfriend, right? And the girl you--"

"It's fine," Alana butted in, taking a small plate to place some sausage and a dab of syrup for her breakfast. She really didn't want to remember what Natalie and Nick did together. Much less combined with how close they were. It just made her sick and anxious, which made her feel guilty. "Leslie and I need some bonding…"

"Afterwards we can go dog shopping," Leslie decided as she stole the last of Aaron's bacon.

"Dog shopping?" Nick murmured, glancing to Leslie with suspicion. "Better be another mutt for your house."

"Als needs a dog to keep her company on the road," Leslie informed him with a sweet smile. "It'll keep her from scoping out all the groupies, you know?"

"Why can't I just take Aaron and solve the whole problem?" Alana offered, giggling when Aaron shot over Leslie to tickle her.

"No smelly brothers!" Leslie insisted, poking Aaron's backside with her fork to get him to move. "Doggies!"

"Hell, she won't even know you're gone…" Natalie murmured towards Nick as Aaron shifted to sit on Leslie's lap in order to get closer to Alana.

"Get your bony, scrawny ass off me!" Leslie yelped, jabbing the fork into Aaron's side. Ignoring his squeal, she pushed him out of her lap and into the floor, smiling triumphantly. "When Nick and Nat go to the Ivy, you go with them so me and Als can bond--"

"Nick!" Natalie suddenly whined, reaching to jar his shoulder, telling him to put his foot down.

"Beautiful? You're cool with me going with Nat, right? Do you want me to drag Aaron along as a chaperone?"

"You don't have to drag Aaron along as a chaperone," Alana disagreed as she helped Aaron off the floor, scooting him toward the living room. She then gestured toward Leslie to do the same, just wanting to relax and watch a movie. If Natalie and Nick needed to talk and get around, then so be it. "Have fun with Natalie at lunch."

"Okay…" Nick trailed. Getting up, he leaned across Natalie to give Alana a slow, sweet kiss. "After breakfast I'll run to get Snot Sucker, okay? And take him with me and Nat?"

"That's okay," Alana declined, brushing her fingers gently down the side of his face. "I'll get him."

"You need to get ready for the stylist, though…"

"I am perfectly capable of running out to get my son."

"Okay…"

"You two have fun today," Alana murmured, retrieving a set of keys to one of Nick's car as Leslie and Aaron immediately fought for shotgun, following the shut of the front door.

"Alana… You're sure you're okay with this?" Natalie murmured, pushing her plate away as she got to her feet. "I don't need to go out to lunch, Nicky… I'll just order a pizza--"

"You guys made plans, so enjoy," Alana interrupted, not really wanting to carry on the argument as she slipped on a pair of flip-flops and walked to the garage.

Sighing, Natalie glanced after her, watching Nick move to walk her out. Biting back a fresh wave of tears, she turned to dart upstairs.

"I'll see you when you get back," Nick murmured, looping his arms around Alana's waist so he could stop her just at the door. "I love you, Beautiful."

"Would you please go check on Natalie?" Alana suggested with a hard wince as she heard the sharp slam of a door upstairs. She knew Natalie was aching terribly over Brian and she just wanted comfort. But, Alana wasn't in a place to give her that comfort, because if she did, she would be the first to tell Natalie what Brian should have told her from the very beginning. Unfortunately, that left Nick with the duty of tending to Natalie's emotional wounds, putting Alana in an uneasy state. If she saw Brian, she was convinced that her fist would land in the square of his jaw.

"But she's all teary and emotional and you know how I hate to see women cry," Nick whined softly.

'Probably how you two ended up in bed together in the first place,' Alana thought, fighting the scowl that was brooding on her face. "Damnit, Nick, what do you want me to do?"

"Just go get Zach. I'll take care of her," Nick decided with a sigh, leaning in to give her a quick kiss.

"If I see Brian, he's a dead man," Alana growled, halfheartedly pecking his lips with a kiss, not sure she could handle the pain if Natalie fell back into Nick's arms.

*~*~*

Running his finger along the heavy wooden mantle above the fireplace, Nick whistled in appreciation. At first he had been uncertain over the entire video shoot, figuring they would end up on a soundstage someplace with a made up house front to portray the sprawling mansion in Joseph and Natalie's minds. He had been pleasantly surprised, however, to arrive at the shoot location to find an old, large mansion tucked among dozens of large trees. Complete with gazebo, expansive flower gardens and a stiff, uppity tour guide. Apparently the mansion had once belonged to a Hollywood hotshot back when Hollywood was just starting out.

They had already filmed several scenes for the video, including one of Alana running through the formal garden towards the gazebo in a diaphanous nightgown. The premise had been that she had been running to meet him, but when she'd arrived the gazebo was empty. Nick had gotten chills when he watched the playback. Now they were setting up to film one of the bedroom scenes, and he was anticipating being able to lay in bed and hold her for a little bit. It seemed that each time he had attempted to get her alone for a kiss, a hug or just to whisper how much he loved her she was quickly dragged away for whatever reason. Sighing, he turned to see her sitting in the middle of the huge bed, several sheets draped around her figure as a stylist applied the final touches to her makeup. Grinning, he turned to Natalie, who was holding up a light meter to check the lights for Joseph. "Time for me to get in there with her now?"

"Anxious much, Nicky?" Natalie questioned with a small smirk, turning from her task to see Nick already pulling at his t-shirt to remove it. She couldn't blame Nick for the restlessness, however. This was probably one of the only days that he had been able to spend with Alana and even his time with her had been cut short. If anything, he had spent most of the day on the sidelines watching her. Though, Natalie figured it was better than not being able to see your lover at all.

"Do you realize that it's been… Over three days since she and I made love? I never get any time alone with her anymore. AJ and Howie are always dragging her to an interview, a photoshoot… By the time she gets home she's so worn out she just falls into bed and goes right to sleep…" Nick sighed, tossing his t-shirt at Natalie. "As soon as we're finished here, though, I'm taking her and Snot Sucker out to dinner, then we're going to the beach to watch the sunset, and then I'm locking her in the bedroom--"

"Go get in bed," Natalie groaned, draping his t-shirt over her shoulder as she recorded the light readings.

"Can I be naked?" Nick suddenly volunteered, wetting his lips anxiously as he watched a stylist lean over to lightly gloss Alana's full lips as the other tussled her hair every so slightly before drawing away.

Natalie wrinkled her nose. "…If you try to have sex in that bed--"

"I'm jumping in there to get a piece!" AJ hollered, glancing over to the director for a moment. "Is Al naked under all those sheets?"

"She's wearing boxer shorts and a strapless tank, you pervert," Natalie informed him as Nick rushed to climb into the bed next to Alana.

"Nothing like clothing that matches your skin tones…" Alana whistled, yelping slightly when Nick fell on top of her.

"What's the purpose of this scene, anyway? Do we really need anymore Nick Carter porn in the world?" AJ demanded as Natalie pushed him behind the camera.

"The song is called I'm Not Sleeping Alone, J. So, how can we possibly film a music video for I'm Not Sleeping Alone with Alana in bed - alone?" Howie questioned in a dry monotone as he lifted his cup of tea to his lips for a gentle sip, stretching out on a chair beside the director. To have AJ on this video shoot with Nick playing Alana's opposite was truly torture.

"Why wasn't I asked to be the guy she's not being alone with, then?" AJ persisted with a scowl as he dropped into an empty chair.

"Your fee was too high," Natalie quipped as she moved to stand behind Howie. "Nicky'll do it for free."

"I just would have requested an extra tape of the bedroom scene when I stripped Al naked and had my wicked way--"

"Maybe the next video we can throw you in somewhere," Joseph interrupted before telling Alana and Nick to get in their places. He chuckled when Nick immediately yanked the sheets over himself and Alana. "Not those places, Nick--"

"It's called creative freedom!" Alana suddenly laughed as she pulled the sheets away from her face, peeking toward Joseph with an impish grin. Nick was already nuzzling the side of her neck with his lips, causing a wave of giggles to explode from her. "What are we supposed to be doing anyway?"

"Sleeping."

"Sleeping?" Nick repeated with a whine. "What's the fun in--"

"Nick, you're sleeping. This is for the bridge, alright? 'When I put my head on the pillow', Alana'll lay down, close her eyes, and then the angle will change to her sliding into your arms," Joseph explained.

"Sleeping sounds absolutely fantastic to me, Joe!" Alana promised, flipping him a thumb's up sign.

"Alright, here we go," Joseph announced, causing everyone that continued to linger in the bedroom to scatter. Checking the screens in front of him, he gave the nod, listening for the playback. "And, action!"

Shifting slightly as the camera zoomed in on her, Alana watched Nick pretend to stir lightly in his sleep as he turned beneath the sheets. Gently, she reached out to brush away a blonde lock away from Nick's forehead as she sang along to the playback. Sliding down into the bed, she tucked her arm beneath the pillow, looking directly to the camera with a small smile. She then turned into Nick, pressing a kiss to his chest before falling asleep against him.

Nick pulled her closer to him, enjoying the feel of her body next to his as they pretended to sleep. When he heard Joseph yell for the cut, he lifted his head, expecting to see her smiling up at him. Instead he saw that she was sound asleep, her arm curling around his waist to keep him close. Smiling, he leaned close to softly kiss her cheek before snuggling close, reveling in her closeness.

"Hey! Cut means let's get to the next scene, Asshole!" AJ hollered with disgust, pushing past Howie as he turned to converse with Natalie about the next wardrobe.

"Would you shut up?! She's asleep!" Nick hissed, tugging the sheets protectively over Alana as he shot AJ a warning glare.

"She's actually asleep?" Howie interjected in surprise as he held a few selections up for Natalie, glancing sideways to the bed. He released a soft coo of adoration at the very thought. "Poor kid. We're probably running her ragged when she's supposed to be resting…"

"She can rest tonight," AJ grumbled, looking at the clothes Howie was holding up. "What are those for?"

"Proposal scene," Natalie answered distractedly. "We want the video to have a sort of ethereal theme, right? So that light green peasant top with… Think we can talk her into wearing the skirt?"

"Th'fuck does ethereal mean?" AJ snorted.

"Delicate," Natalie informed him. When he continued to look at her in confusion, she sighed. "Airy, light… Ghostlike--"

"Don't say much more or his head'll explode," Howie interrupted with a groan. "Nick, can you wake up your costar?"

"No."

"Then I'll get AJ to wake her up--"

"Alright, alright," Nick groaned, his hands sliding across Alana's thigh. "Beautiful…" he murmured, letting his fingers slip beneath her boxers for a light caress. Nipping softly at her bare shoulder, he slid his hand further up until gently cupped her backside. "Time to wake up…"

"Handsome," Alana yawned meekly as she shifted to bury her face against his neck for protection. "I'm tired, not horny--"

"It's time to go do the next scene," Nick murmured.

"Scene? …I told you that I didn't want to film when we--"

"For the video, Beautiful," Nick corrected with a blush, burying his face against her shoulder. "We're filming the video today, remember?"

"I'm Not Sleeping Alone," Alana yawned with a soft remembrance as she pulled away from his embrace. Sitting at the side of the bed, she gingerly rubbed the back of her neck before standing. Padding over to Natalie and Howie, she stretched delicately. "What are we filming now?"

"The proposal scene in the gazebo… Then we're breaking for lunch, so you can take a nap afterwards," Natalie promised, holding out the blouse and skirt she and Howie had chosen. "Go put this on?"

"I think I'm sleeping through lunch," Alana confessed as she took the garments without any complaint. Howie had yanked her out of bed at about five in the morning after finally letting her get to bed at one after an evening talk show. She was exhausted and the exhaustion of having twins growing in her body was starting to take effect. As long as she would get to take a nap soon, she'd do whatever they wanted. Complying with a nod, she followed the stylists to the dressing room.
"So, what's the gazebo-proposal thing for?" AJ asked when Howie grabbed his collar to stop him from going into the dressing room to help Alana.

"Remember earlier, when we filmed Alana looking at the diamond ring on the dresser?" Howie asked slowly, ushering AJ from the bedroom. When AJ nodded, he released the younger man's collar, making sure they were heading downstairs before doing so. "Well, the proposal is the flashback that coincides with that. He's going to go down on one knee and hold up the ring--"

"It's the last sequence for the music video. Alana's going to wait in the gazebo and Nick's going to come walking up. We're going to do the soft colors and when she takes the ring, we're going to cut back to the bedroom with the bright vivid colors, her holding onto the ring," Natalie explained with a renewed burst of excitement, directing the workers toward the gazebo with the soft colored roses.

AJ snorted as Howie continued to push him down the stairs and out the door, dragging him further and further away from Alana. "And have we seen this ring?"

"The one on the counter," Howie replied, rolling his eyes. "Remember? The one that Joseph said wasn't the prop one but decided it was better?"

"Because that makes a ton of fucking sense to me," AJ groaned as he prepared to turn to hurry right back up the stairs, only to be greeted with Nick's chest knocking him backward. It seems like the man had all but jumped into the clothing that the stylists had provided, rushing down the stairs in a rage of hurry. He was even half-dressed, jumping into shoes as he buttoned up the light blue dress shirt.

"In a hurry, Nicky?" Natalie questioned with a laugh as AJ remained sprawled on the crushed shell walkway. Stepping over him to check the layout of the gazebo, she nearly cooed with excitement. Every space was filled with roses, petals scattered across the floor to add to the romantic feel of the candles flickering in small votive holders beneath the benches. "This is the perfect place for a proposal!"

"Want to get married, Nattie?" Howie chuckled.

"As beautiful as that proposal was, Howie, I don't think it would work between us," Natalie declined as she leaned over to press a sweet kiss to his cheek. There would only be one man that she'd be willing to walk down the aisle to. But he had barely glanced at her for an entire week. Something was terribly wrong, but no one would admit it to her. Nick's kind and nurturing nature to her had been the hardest blow. "But thank you so much, Howie. You're a sweetheart."

"Guess you can get that fifty thousand back for the ring, huh?" AJ sneered as he got to his feet. "And the doves, the choir boys, the orchestra--"

"AJ, get off the fucking rag," Howie scorned.

"Do I look alright?" Nick inquired, fussing with the shirt as he tried to decide whether or not to tuck it into his jeans. Raking a hand through his hair, he groaned when Howie reached to button the top button of his shirt.

"Is this the outfit we decided on for this scene, Nattie?" Howie asked instead of answering Nick's question, reaching to tuck the tails of the dress shirt into Nick's faded jeans. He was expecting this to be a formal proposal, so he wasn't quite sure whether or not Nick was supposed to be wearing jeans. Natalie had handled the wardrobe.

"Where's the tie?" Natalie inquired immediately. "Nicky, there was a tie--"

"If I'm proposing to Beautiful, I have to be able to breathe and-Howie get your hands off my ass!"

"You've got to have your shirt tucked in!" Howie exclaimed when his hands were slapped away from Nick's backside. "And shouldn't we be getting him some black slacks? This is supposed to be a traditional proposal. Dress shirt, black slacks, a tie--" Howie made a face. "And not scribbled on Converses for footwear…"

"Beautiful did the artwork on these Converse, thank you very much. And if you try to get me out of the jeans she loves for me to wear and try to talk me out of these shoes, I'll personally wring your chicken neck," Nick threatened, unbuttoning the top button of his shirt before stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"What the fuck are you being so high maintenance about, Carter? It's a music video and a fake fucking proposal. Wear what the Hell they want you to wear and stop griping," AJ finally burst as Howie buttoned the top button of Nick's dress shirt one more time.

"Get off my fucking case," Nick growled, slapping Howie's hands away once more. Unbuttoning the button, he came close to ripping the offending plastic from the collar of the shirt. Instead, he untucked the shirt from his jeans, turning to Natalie for help. "Nat… They're annoying me. Tell me I'm sexy and gorgeous and tell them to shut the fuck up?"

"Nicky, your sexy and gorgeous and shut the fuck up," Natalie repeated in a monotone, crossing one arm over her chest and holding the other just beneath her chin as she tilted her head in contemplation. "Did you bring the ring down from upstairs?"

"It's in my pocket--"

"Probably makes him a nice cock-ring," AJ interrupted as he flopped down on the stairs of the gazebo. "Of course, Al's got what? A size 3 ring finger? So it's probably a little loose--"

"The next video shoot we have? His sorry ass can't be here," Natalie decided with a look at Howie as she glanced to her scene list for reference. "Nicky, you're supposed to be waiting in the gazebo when Alana runs to meet you, and then--"

"Why can't I be there?" AJ demanded.

"Because you're annoying and petty and a general hindrance to the entire operation. My main goal is keeping Alana happy, and having you around ain't doing it. Now, when Alana gets in the gazebo--"

"Why is your main goal to keep me happy? Because you knew I'd be cursing your name when I realized what my outfit would consist of for this scene?" Alana voiced as she stepped into the lush backyard of the mansion just before the cameramen came bustling through. She was a radiant picture of loveliness that caused the entire group of friends to pause for a moment of reflection. Her long strawberry honey curls had been swept upward with the most delicate of curls framing her sweet face. Small white gold hoops were inserted into the piercings of her ears. Her face was touched lightly with a lip gloss and shimmering green tones of make-up. The peasant top clung to her frame like a second skin, sweeping off her shoulders to display the grace and elegance that only Nick was allowed to kiss. Just a small peek of her tan abdomen could be seen from the gap between her peasant top and white, gauzy skirt that ended inches above her knees, elongating her powerful legs. "…What?"

"You're gorgeous," Nick and AJ panted in response.

"You don't like it?" Natalie questioned worriedly as she went to meet her friend, reaching to tug the skirt down slightly.

"It's fine," Alana promised, immediately reaching to catch the waist of the skirt before Natalie caused it to flutter to her ankles. "I just have to remember my lady-like qualities. I hardly ever remember to cross my legs when I sit down. I'm always slouched and splayed…"

"You're not going to be sitting down," Natalie assured her, stepping back to admire Alana's appearance. "You're just going to run down the walk to the gazebo, greet Nick with kiss, and then stand there while he proposes."

"The story of my fairytale life," Alana exclaimed with a thick southern drawl, pretending to fan herself delicately.

"If I'd thought you wouldn't kill me, I would have totally talked Joseph into setting this back in the old days--"

"The old days?" Alana asked as she walked down the path with Natalie toward the men, knowing she had a brief moment of time as the cameras were angled.

"A period piece? Like the fancy dresses of the Civil War or Regency era and lots more candles and--"

"To think, I could have been the bar wench!"

"More like the Lady of the Manor," Natalie sighed dramatically.

"Somebody's been reading too many paperback romances," Alana groaned.

"Well, where else am I going to get it from?" Natalie mumbled.

"Try a hardback next time," Alana suggested with a coo, reaching for Nick to undo another button that rested tightly against his adam's apple.

"Thanks," Nick murmured, pulling her into his arms so he could kiss her. "You ready for me to propose to you, Beautiful?"

"Just make sure the camera's still rolling when the playback ends, gotta show the tape to your sisters as proof," Alana teased as she fixed the collar of his shirt, leaning up to kiss him tenderly. "Maybe they'll burst into flames after seeing it."

"I can always dream," Nick sighed, groaning when Joseph came outside, already directing everyone to get in their places. Taking a deep breath, he kissed her softly again. "Be careful, don't want you tripping--"

"I'm far more graceful than you'll ever be, Handsome, don't worry," Alana interrupted as she silenced him with one more kiss, pulling away from his arms. Reaching to fix the hem of her skirt, she was hurriedly caught into Howie's arms as he spoke softly to her, walking some ways down the path away from the wooden gazebo.

"You've got the ring, right?" Natalie asked Nick as he turned to wait in the gazebo. Positioning him in the center, she reached to smooth his shirt, quickly pulling her hands away. "And you don't have to actually say anything, just mouth some words…"

"I know what to do, Nat," Nick assured as he reached into the pocket of his jeans to feel the soft velvet box of the ring, immediately chewing on the corner of his lip with worry. Unable to keep still, he bounced on his feet slightly as Natalie stepped out of the gazebo, allowing him to start pacing. "I've done the acting thing before in a music video."

"Then why are you acting all nervous like you're actually about to--" Natalie cut off, whirling around to stare at Nick. Emitting a sharp squeal when she saw him go pale, she grinned. "You're going to really propose?!"

"You picked a shitty day to go smart," Nick wheezed as he was attacked with Natalie's suffocating hug.

"This is so awesome! Quick, let me see the ring!" Natalie demanded. "I got a peek at it when it was in Brian's safe, but--"

"If Beautiful even begins to suspect that--" Nick's sapphire eyes went wide in horror when he felt Natalie's hand slip into his pocket to retrieve the black velvet box. "What are you doing?!"

"Don't get excited, I'm just getting the-Nicky!" Natalie squealed as she pried open the box to gaze at the ring. The morning sunlight that slanted into the gazebo reflected off the center diamond. "It's gorgeous," she breathed, smiling when she saw the row of diamonds on either side of the larger one.

"…Do you think she'll like it, though?"

"She'll love it, Nicky."

"You guys squealing fucked me up so bad. I had this whole thing planned and then she found out that I had the ring. I know she'll think I'm just marrying her because of the twins, but it's so much more than that. She wouldn't let me propose to her that night. Said that I was probably feeling forced into it… Told me to wait until it felt right… Well, it felt right even before I bought the ring and I figured this was romantic… Joseph'll be taping…" Nick fumbled to explain as he hurriedly snatched the ring back and tucked it deep into his pocket.

"You'll do fine," Natalie promised with a smile, wrapping her arms around his waist for a gentle hug. "Just tell her what's in your heart."

"But I'm such a fuck up…"

"She loves you, Nicky. And you're not a fuck up. You're a wonderful guy."

"Are we filming today or are you going to throw some dick into Nat while we're waiting around?!" AJ suddenly bellowed.

"Once was more than enough," Natalie muttered under her breath as she darted out of the gazebo.

"You ain't fucking kidding," Nick growled.

"You two keep groping each other in public, I'm going to start doing the same to Al," AJ decided as Joseph motioned for the cameras to start rolling.

Hearing the instrumental cue of music that flowed before the ending stanzas of her song, Alana held her breath and moved down the path in a slow stroll. Holding herself, she waited for Howie's cue to look up, recognizing that Nick was in the gazebo. Her turquoise eyes lighting like a brilliant gem, Alana raced toward the gazebo. She remembered all the days that she had spent away from Nick, only allowed to hear the dulcet tones of his voice on a voice message. Crawling into bed beside his sleeping form, unable to even whisper that she loved him. Hearing the pain in his voice when she said she'd have to work late once more. Her eyes prickled with tears at the pain she felt in her heart as she ran into his open arms.

'Don't fuck up,' Nick told himself as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. Lifting her gently off the floor of the gazebo, Nick swung her in a circle, his lips meeting hers in the most gentlest of kisses as he slowly lowered her to her feet. Gulping nervously as he stepped back to clasp her hand in his, he kept his gaze on her eyes as he knelt before her, his free hand reaching for the box in his pocket. Prying the lid open, he wet his lips. "Alana, Beautiful… I knew the moment I met you that you were my one chance at 'Happy Ever After'… That you were the one I had been searching for all my life. The person that would accept me for all that I am and all that I can be, who can see into my heart better than anyone else. Having you in my life is a dream come true, Beautiful. Will you marry me and make this a truly happy ending?"

"That was perfect," Alana cooed with appreciation as she leaned down to kiss the top of Nick's head, looking to Joseph for the finishing words of 'cut.' But as she pulled away from Nick and realized that Joseph wasn't ending the scene, she felt her heart flutter, practically flying out of her chest when Nick tugged her back, still remaining on his knee. "Handsome, what are you doing?"

"I'm trying to ask you to marry me…"

"This proposal was just for the video and the ring is a prop--"

"This proposal is for real, and this ring is the one I bought when we were still in Kentucky," Nick interrupted softly.

"But…" Alana immediately brought her free hand up to gently clasp the front of her throat as if she were having trouble swallowing. Nick gestured toward the ring in its soft bed of black velvet and heavy tears prickled her eyes. The ring was absolutely gorgeous. White gold in an elaborate weave that angled outward into two curves, accentuating the large gorgeous diamond that remained the centerpiece before flaring off into ten smaller diamonds, five on each side. She had never seen a ring like it, nor had she ever expected to wear something so elegant upon her finger. "Handsome…"

"Each of the smaller diamonds represent ten years that I want to spend with you," Nick murmured. "And the larger one represents the present day… Beautiful? Marry me…"

"A hundred years together?" she whispered.

"And after that, a hundred more," he promised.

"Handsome…" she sniffled.

"I love you, Beautiful. I want to spend the rest of my life with you--"

"Yes."

"Yes?" Nick repeated dumbly, a slow grin forming on his face. When she nodded, he leapt to his feet, the nervousness that caused his heart to pound in his chest washing away with an incredible sense of relief. He hadn't fucked it up. She had said yes. She wanted him. Forever. Pulling her into a tight embrace, his lips sought hers for a smoldering kiss.

Squealing in surprise when he lifted her from the ground, she reached to anchor her arms around his neck. But the squeals were silenced as Nick's lips brushed over hers, pulling her down into a whirlwind of passion. She felt her stomach knot as tingles raced through her body, moaning softly when he intensified the kiss. The gently sweep of his tongue into her mouth seemingly causing her to melt against him. "I love you so much, Nick…"

"I love you more," Nick promised, fumbling blindly with the ring. The box clattered to the floor at their feet but he paid it no mind, continuing to intensify the kiss as he slid the ring on her finger.

"I'm going to make you so happy, I promise," she whispered as she cupped a hand against the back of his neck, pulling him closer as she offered her tongue into his mouth. She felt her entire body shiver with delight when his tongue moved against hers in a slow, tantalizing roll.

"You already have," Nick assured her with a hard moan.

"For the millionth fucking time, cut already!"
Forty-Two :: Shining Stars by shrinkingviolet
Chapter Forty-Two :: Shining Stars

"So, what exactly happens when we get onto the red carpet?" Alana questioned with an air of nervousness as she leaned to peer out the tinted window of the stretch limousine. They were in a long line of black limousines leading to the red carpet of the show, where Alana would be performing for an audience for the first time. Her heart hammered against her ribcage as she reached to play with Colton's ring on her white gold chain. The stylist had wanted perfect in her outfit. So, Leslie had decided that seaside blue, lightweight, jersey babydoll dress. It had a sleek empire waist with a twist knot detail underneath the cleavage of her breasts. The hem ended well above her knees, displaying her long, gorgeous legs. Then the stylist had come early to curl her long locks into perfected strawberry golden ringlets. She was a vision of beauty, though now she had a new accessory to play with - her engagement ring.

"We're just going to walk along the carpet and smile and wave for the cameras," Howie informed her, not glancing up from his PDA as he spoke. Idly reaching for Natalie's hand as he scrolled through his emails. "If anyone from an entertainment show calls us over we stop and talk to them, answer their questions, that sort of thing. Everyone will no doubt notice the rock on your hand, so you two have to decide whether or not you're going to say anything about it or not. And when we get inside, you're going backstage to get changed into your performance clothes--"

"The black leather pants and off the shoulder green blouse," Natalie interjected, glancing down at the promise ring on her hand. Carefully twisting it so the diamond was facing her palm, she bit down on her bottom lip. "And then you change back into the dress you've got on now."

"If Nick doesn't want to be a man, then I will most certainly take the heat for that engagement ring, Al," AJ announced as he shifted in the limousine in order to sit next to Alana. Reaching he brought her hand to his lips for playful smack of a kiss. He batted his warm sepia eyes at her as he nestled his head over her bare shoulder. "Ryan already thinks were an item. Should have heard him on Entertainment. 'Course he bashed my name to the fucking ground because I bitched about cold coffee--"

"You're such a savior, Alex," Alana laughed, loving how comfortable he made her feel when it felt as if the world were turning upside down.

"You know it, Al," AJ crooned, lightly kissing the bare skin of her neck.

"Get your paws off my fiancé, how 'bout it?" Nick grumbled, pulling Alana's hands into his. "If anyone asks, we're going to tell them the truth--"

"That you're a dickwad?" AJ inquired.

"And you're a fucking dickhead," Nick fired back quite childishly.

"Tell me again why we brought them?" Natalie asked Howie as he tucked his PDA away. "Couldn't we have had more fun flirting with all the hotties without Tweedledum and Tweedledee around?"

"Nattie, for the hundredth time, I'm not a homosexual," Howie groaned as he pulled his hand from hers, shaking his head in dismay.

"Well, good, 'cause if Vin Diesel walks up to you by chance, send him to me, 'cause I am most definitely willing to be his sex slave forever," Alana offered with an impish grin, her southern drawl peeking from behind the western accent she fought to acquire.

"…Wait a minute," Nick murmured after a moment, scowling as the limousine pulled to a stop. "Vin Diesel?!"

Alana nodded enthusiastically. "Y'know, beefcake from Pitch Black, Fast and the Furious, Triple X, Chronicles of Riddick, The Pacifier--"

"The bald guy?!"

"And just what is wrong with being bald?" AJ questioned.

"I'd rub his cue ball head any day," Alana breathed with a dramatic flutter of her turquoise eyes, causing Natalie to snort with a giggle.

Nick rolled his eyes as the door opened. "…So if I shaved my head--"

"NO!"

"What?!" Nick exclaimed in shock as Natalie and Howie were helped out first.

"Don't shave your head, Handsome," Alana murmured. "I like having something to run my hands through…"

"But you said--"

"I love your hair," Alana interrupted as she pulled him back so AJ could move to get out next. Gently, she brushed her fingers through his spiked locks, helping to flare them out ever so slightly like she truly adored. "I love when your curled up next to me sleeping, your warm breath on my shoulder, and I can just play with your hair till you wake up. Or when you flop onto the couch with Zachie and I can play with your hair and make you both fall asleep. Not to mention I need something to help stabilize me when you throw me into bed…"

"So that means I can grow it longer," Nick decided, offering her a smoldering kiss. Hearing AJ holler for them to get the lead out, he groaned. "C'mon, Beautiful."

"Wait," Alana hesitated, feeling her stomach coil into tight knots as she held tight to Nick for a moment. "If they really ask about the ring, I'm supposed to say that we're engaged? Not the love of my life proposed to me? But Nick proposed to me? Nick Carter?"

"Nickolas Gene Carter," Nick confirmed. "Aren't Nick Carter and the love of your life the same person?"

"Of course, but I haven't exactly linked your name to mine--"

"Then they'll all be shocked as Hell that we pulled something over on them."

"Carter, would you care to get your fat ass out of the car so you can talk to the paparazzi about the House of Carters? Your lovely sisters and idiotic brother are already out there," AJ interrupted with a deep scowl as he popped back into the limousine, throwing a heavy gesture of his hand out to the red carpet.

"Give me a minute," Nick muttered, pushing AJ back outside. Turning to face Alana again, he swept a hand across her cheek. "Let's go dazzle them, Beautiful."

"Just make sure I don't fall," she requested, leaning to kiss him softly.

"You're graceful," Nick promised, nibbling gently at her bottom lip before pulling away. "And I love you," he added as he climbed out. Leaning over, he reached for her hand.

Grasping Nick's hand tightly, Alana held her breath as he helped to pull her out of the limousine in as graceful a manner as possible. His fingers swept over the brilliant engagement ring and it seemed to fuel her confidence. Though, she closed her eyes as she stepped out at the driver closed the door behind her. Instantly, she was greeted with a roar of screams, applause, and her name being called in every direction. Allowing her eyes to flutter open, she was flabbergasted at the overwhelming approval she received from the media, every rushing the velvet ropes in hope to take a glance at her.

"Smile and wave," Nick murmured in her ear, keeping a hold of her hand as they slowly followed the others along the red carpet. Flashbulbs went off in every direction, and when her heel caught on a wire he slid his arm around her waist, holding her close.

"I don't know how you do it," Alana whispered toward her fiancé's ear, pressing a delicate hand against his chest as they walked. She ignored the firm blush creeping to her cheeks from her near fall, hearing the distant scream of her name. Turning slightly, she noticed a little girl on crutches struggling to stand along the velvet rope. Compassionate, Alana gently unwound herself from Nick's arms, quickly reaching for his hand to pull him over to the little girl. "Were you yelling for me or Nick?"

"Both," the girl murmured, speaking so low that Nick had to lean close to hear what she said. "I saw your picture on the internet, you're pretty," she informed Alana with a nervous smile, lurching forward when several fans pressed against her back.

"Get back, you little vultures!" Nick growled in annoyance.

"Well, thank you so much," Alana cooed as she crouched slightly in order to meet the girl's height, reaching out to brush a stray red curl behind the girl's ear. A natural instinct from being a pediatric nurse for so many years. "I think you're pretty, too."

"Can I—" the girl cut off as another roar of screams sounded behind her, quickly turning her face to see who had arrived. "Vin Diesel!"

"Where?" Alana breathed in surprise.

"Nick! Over here!" Angel and BJ suddenly squawked, breaking Nick's attention from steering Alana away.

"What now?" Nick groaned, lightly kissing Alana's cheek before going to meet his sisters.

Alana was swept away in a sea of confusion as Nick's kiss touched her cheek and his arm left from around her waist, just as the crowd reared up and swallowed the little girl backwards. Noticing one man reach out as if he were going to grab at her, she fell backward, tripping against the height of her heels. Gasping, she fully expected to hit the floor and get the cover of People with her bikini briefs zoomed in a circular close-up. But, a firm grip caught her underneath the arms and hauled her upward before she had a chance to hit the carpet. Gasping, she was soothed by the faint scent of cologne as she glanced up into a pair of dark bronze eyes. She had to blink rapidly in order to assure that she indeed was in his arms.

"Y'know, my first carpet, I actually fell into the paparazzi pit," Vin Diesel confessed with a good natured smile. "But, this is how we save ourselves…" Carefully, Vin lifted her to her feet and enveloped her in a large, friendly hug, leaning to press kisses to both of her cheeks as he turned her toward the paparazzi. "Act like we're long time friends and give them the perfect photo opportunity."

"Thank you so much," Alana breathed in disbelief.

"So just put your arm around me and act like I just said the funniest thing ever," Vin encouraged, resting his cheek against hers as he grinned for the cameras.

"I think I could manage that as long as we hit up the paparazzi for doubles," Alana sighed as she leaned into the muscular man and threaded her arm around his tapered waist. Feeling the strength of his muscles beneath the light white button down shirt actually caused her to shiver slightly. The man had always been gorgeous in her mind. Tall, dark, handsome. His brilliant smile lighting up the media as they all seemed to shift in their direction. Grinning, Alana decided she could do him one better as she wrapped her arms around him and leaned up to press a sweet kiss to his cheek.

"Now that's what I'm talking about," Vin murmured, squeezing her tight against him as they proceeded down the carpet.

"Like you ain't got tons of women kissing your cheeks daily," Alana laughed as kept her arm around his waist. "My name's Alana by the way--"

"Oh, I know who you are," Vin promised. "I have your single in my iPod--"

"No way!" Alana exclaimed as she pulled away from him, shifting to stand in front of him as her teal eyes widened in surprise. A glow of pride seemed to light her face as she waited for his nod of confirmation. She actually squealed with delight, causing him to laugh at her sweetness. "You really do? 'Cause I have all your DVD's in my cabinet at home."

"Well maybe I should come over sometime and… Autograph them?" Vin suggested with a smirk.

"You could come over and autograph my forehead and I think I'd still squeal like a little girl," she confessed with a blush, realizing she was perhaps acting just as bad as what Natalie called the teenage fans - teenyboppers. Immediately biting on her bottom lip with a soft blush, she moved to walk beside him once more. "Sorry, can I just blame this on my first red carpet appearance as well as my first performance?"

"You should have seen me at my first red carpet. After falling into the pit, I managed to put a sweaty handprint on Sophia Loren's silk gown, ripped the hem off of Sandra Bullock's by stepping on it, and literally squealed like a pig when I was introduced to Sly Stallone--"

"Hell, then I ain't doing so bad," Alana whistled as she playfully blew on her French tipped nails and rubbed them against the fabric of her dress with an air of arrogance.

"You're going to the Maxim afterparty, aren't you?" Vin inquired, steering her behind the Carter siblings as they spoke to the Entertainment Tonight correspondent.

"They actually agreed to put me as the cover of next month's issue, so my hands are tied in that affair," Alana explained with a small nod, not even bothering to mention that they had insisted she be on that month's cover as well as the next months. They were quite anxious to get her back into the studio - under a different photographer. "I take it you'll be there?"

"If you promise to save me a dance and let me sit near you and bask in the glow of your radiant beauty--"

"Save you a dance? Bask in my radiant beauty? Do you tell this to all the uprising stars? 'Cause, this is seriously surreal," Alana interrupted with a deeper blush accentuating her cheeks, reaching to carefully tuck her arms underneath her breasts, wanting to hide her shiver.

"I only tell it when I mean it, which is very, very rare," Vin promised, drawing her to a stop when he noticed a young woman darting towards them. "Friend of yours?"

Pulling her burning gaze away from him, she wrinkled her nose as she fought a groan. Natalie was barreling toward her at full speed, wildly waving her hands and seeming to squeal in the process. She looked as if she had just died and gone to Heaven, though, Alana was quite assured that she'd be going in the other direction when she killed Natalie later in the evening. "Yeah, that'd be my best friend… Soon to be my dead friend… Want to attend a wake with me after the Maxim party? I'll even let you pour the lye…"

"We could drive her out to the desert where nobody would even think to look…" Vin trailed.

"'Lana!" Natalie squeaked when she reached them. "Oh, hi," she greeted Vin casually, as though she had known him for years. Glancing over her shoulder at the man conversing with AJ up the red carpet, she suppressed a squeal. "JC's here, AJ's invited him to come with us to the Maxim party. He said yes, so AJ told him he could ride with us, seeing as how he was planning on going to some other party with Justin or whoever, and there's not enough room in the limo for him to ride, so I was thinking--'

"I'll take you in my limo, Alana," Vin offered.

"You wouldn't mind?" Alana questioned in astonishment, fighting the urge to grin exuberantly.

"Not at all. It'll give us a chance to get to know each other better--"

"You are a doll," Natalie decided with a bright smile. "I'll see you inside, 'Lana."

"That's it?" Alana questioned in confusion, arching her light brows toward Natalie. "No hurry up? No you've got to get your costume on? No make sure to talk to the media? No--"

"I have to go make sure that AJ doesn't grab the seat next to JC, since he's sitting in our row. And you know what to do, besides Howie's right over there grinning and talking--"

"What exactly is he talking about?" Alana interrupted with question.

"He's telling the chick from E News about the Boys' new album--"

"And Alex is hunting for seats and probably chicks. Nick is talking to some other media about the House of Carter with his siblings. You're about to go fawn over JC. Which means, I actually get a few moments peace… Bye, Allie!"

"See? I knew you'd understand!" Natalie cooed, giving them both a wave before turning to head inside, making sure to hold the hem of her floor-sweeping gown off the carpet.

"I suppose I should venture off on my own and let you get back to what you normally do on the red carpet," Alana suggested toward Vin as she watched Natalie hurrying along and calling out for JC. Her friend was most certainly a sprinkler of fireworks on the Fourth of July. Just a tiny spit of fire when the time called for it. But most of all, beautiful. Brian was an idiot to leave that.

"I'll keep you company," Vin offered, reaching for her hand. "I can't leave a beautiful woman all alone on the red carpet."

"I have a--" Alana's sentence ended before she could gesture toward her fiancé and call him by that very name. Looking ahead, she could see BJ and Angel leaning back to glare at her viciously as they pushed their older brother to one of their many gorgeous friends. Both had smirks of pride on their face that seemed to cause Alana's skin to prickle with a cool awareness. There was no need for the animosity nor a brawl on the red carpet. "I'd be fine on my own."

"I have to stay with you," Vin insisted, leaning close to kiss her cheek softly when he saw the vicious looks other women were sending her. Draping his arm around her waist, he steered her along. "Otherwise you'll slip away, and that'd just ruin my night."

"Well I am going to have to slip away at one point to get backstage," Alana reminded him, flushing once more at the kiss he had pressed to her cheek. Cupping the very cheek with her hand to assure his lips had actually been there, she felt her heart flutter. "Getting into a costume for a staged performance is harder than rigging yourself to the side of a mountain, y'know?"

"You'll have to tell me…"

"You've never rock climbed?"

"No…"

"You should really try it. Rock climbing is one of the best experiences that I've ever had. Y'know, aside from dirt bikes and four wheelers and--" Alana suddenly wrinkled her nose in remembrance as the media begged her to stop with Vin for one photograph. "It just ain't too pretty when you fall off…"

"I heard you'd had a bad fall… But you look like you've healed up nice," Vin murmured with approval, holding her out at arm's distance to assess her figure. "Very nice…"


Alana tensed slightly when she felt the burn of Vin's dark eyes sweeping over her curved figure, suddenly realizing how extremely form fitting the dress was. Squeezing his hands as her cheeks turned to a lush rose color, she didn't know what to say or do. She could have sworn that he was flirting with her, but that seemed preposterous. He had his choice of any woman in the entertainment business. He couldn't possibly have been interested in her, so she treated him like an old friend. "Do you want to see the scar?" she inquired, shifting to her side to pull up her dress slightly to reveal the rest of her thigh. "It's pretty wicked. Snapped my femur like it was a toothpick."

Stepping close, Vin ran the tip of his index up the length of her scar, smiling slightly when she shivered. "Why don't we go inside now?"

"Sounds good to me," Alana agreed with a soft nod, allowing the hem of the dress to fall against her thigh once more. Glancing around the red carpet, she felt her heart dampen slightly when she realized that Nick had already gone inside without her. Was probably in his seat amongst his brother and sisters. Not that it mattered. She was due backstage--

"Want me to walk you backstage? And then I'll know where to find you after the show?"

"Yeah, that'd be great," Alana agreed as she yanked her attention back to Vin. Smiling sweetly to him when he helped guide her arm through his so her hand rested delicately on his bicep, she gave the media a final wave before she was ushered inside. All the celebrities were talking amongst themselves as they found their seats for the show, causing a rush of loud sounds to flood over Alana. But, she kept close to Vin, knowing he would guide her in the right direction.


*~*~*

"Wasn't Alana fabulous?" Natalie sighed to Nick as she sipped her daiquiri. The Maxim Grammy afterparty was in full swing, several couples packed onto the large dance floor in the center of the hotel ballroom. Eyes scanning the room, she had to smile when photos from Alana's shoot gazed at her from every corner of the room. Glancing towards the entrance, she grinned when she saw Alana coming in, on the arm of Vin Diesel. Her friend looked so happy and relaxed. She had changed into a pair of khaki capri cargos that hung low on her hips, an black tunic over it, the collar sliding low on one tanned shoulder. She looked radiant. "She's here!"

Jerking slightly, Nick cursed when he felt the slosh of his beverage on his hand, but still craned his neck in order to find his fiancée. And he dampened when he saw the gorgeous smile accentuating her face as well as the outfit she was wearing. The shirt was far too revealing for her to be wearing when he wasn't by her side. Her right shoulder bare as the long sleeves swept down her arms. The tunic form fitted to her sensuous curves and ended just beneath her bra line, baring her taut midriff. Why he had let his siblings push him around on the red carpet, he would never understand. He should have been with her, announcing their engagement. "Why isn't she wearing the dress that she went to the show in? And why the Hell did you let her get a ride from fucking Vin Diesel of all people? It's not like we've even met the man in social circles. What if something happened between them--"

"He's a perfect gentleman. Besides, it was either her ride with him or you ride with him, and something tells me he wouldn't have been too keen on that idea. And she's not wearing the dress she went to the show in because she wanted to be comfortable at the afterparty, and there ain't no way in Hell that a woman can be comfortable in freaking high heels," Natalie explained, wriggling her toes inside the ballet slippers she'd opted to wear to the afterparty.

Nick whined quite loudly as Howie and AJ passed, causing both of the men to stop and look at him. "Damnit, Nat, she's my fiancée--"
"Who you completely abandoned on the red carpet because of your whoring sisters," Natalie immediately defended. "You're lucky that someone was there to help her through the red carpet. It's a freaking brutal mob!"

"I was doing my job!" Nick defended. "Which is what you should have been doing, instead of creaming your panties over that punk!"

AJ sighed, resting his elbow on Howie's shoulder as they watched Nick and Natalie argue back and forth. "I love it when the kids start acting normal…"

"It just does wonders for our publicity," Howie groaned.

"-And exactly what is my job description, Nick? Her babysitter?! Because, if you haven't noticed, she might actually be more mature than both of us combined! She knows what the Hell she's doing, which is the very least that I can say for you!"

"Yeah?! Well… Fuck you!"

AJ actually began to laugh loudly against Howie's shoulder. "All else fails, bring out the fuck you's!"

"Just go to Hell," Natalie snapped, shoving Nick away. When AJ began to cackle, she turned her glare on him. "All of you-JC! Hi!"

"Am I interrupting something?" the tall, lithe man of a former boy band inquired, raising his dark brows skeptically that cast a bewildered look over his angular features. "…I just wanted to see if I could congratulate your friend on doing such a wonderful job at the show and also compliment her for these fantastic photographs, which I'm sure you had quite a hand in, Natalie…"

"I helped choose the wardrobe," Natalie confirmed with a nervous smile, sharply kicking AJ's legs when he snorted. "Why don't I take you over to meet Alana?"

"You'd really do that for me?" JC asked with a wide grin, offering her his arm. "I'd really appreciate it. I was hoping to see if I could get her vocals on my new album."

"Oh, fuck me raw," Nick muttered into his drink.

Taking JC's arm, Natalie grinned. "You'll have to talk to her managers about that… But come on, I'd love for you to meet her-She is my best friend, you know--"

"Fuck me raw seven ways from Sunday," Nick whined as they headed away.

"What the Hell is your problem?" AJ muttered.

"Nothing."

"Why don't you go talk to the paparazzi about getting a few photographs of Alana in front of her photographs?" Howie commanded more than asked of AJ, gesturing toward the man hurriedly traveling around the grand room to take snapshots of various celebrities. Waiting till AJ was moving away with a string of curses, Howie glanced up at Nick. "Now what's really wrong?"

"Nothing… Everything," Nick sighed, watching Alana move around the room on Vin's arm.

"Okay, I'm going to need a little bit more insight if you want me to play big brother…"

"Ugh, where's the damn leather couch? Alright, Doc, I hated my father and wanted to marry my mother," Nick muttered, rolling his eyes. When Howie opened his mouth, no doubt to lay down serious Spanish curses at his feet, he held up one hand in defense. "Alright, alright. Up until right after we got on the red carpet, she was with me. And then I got pulled away to do the House of Bullshit crap and she slipped away… And I haven't had two seconds alone with her since."

"To say your two sisters are conniving bitches would probably be putting it lightly at this point," Howie murmured as he looked over to see Vin retrieving Alana a glass of punch. In truth, Howie was proud of the young woman for all her accomplishments. She had gotten over her fear of being on stage and performed so wonderfully that he was sure that wasn't a dry eye in that award show. And now she was working the entire room with her charm and splendor. She made sure to speak to everyone, not just the key celebrities at the party. If someone wanted her attention, then she did so as soon as she possibly could. She was being herself and everyone loved her. "…Why don't you go ask Vin if you can have your fiancée's arm back?"

"Are you fucking kidding me? Have you actually seen the man?! He could fling us both out the windows with just a flick of his thumb!"

"Then I guess you should just go find those rail-thin models you were oh-so-sweetly embracing on the red carpet?"

"One model, Howie. One fucking model. Leslie's friend, excuse the fuck out of me for being nice--"

"And the one that grabbed at your crotch? Was that part of the niceties?"

"I've never seen her before in my life-What is this? The Inquisition?"

"More like an enlightenment."

"Y'know what? Nat had the right idea. Go to Hell!"

"Hey, Daddy D, before you go to Hell… Can you hold this?" Alana asked as she accidentally entered the heated conversation, not truly prepared for whatever was happening between the two. But, her mind was elsewhere as she held up a blush pink handbag for Howie while gesturing toward the beautiful woman being dipped in the center of the dance floor by an enchanted JC. Vin had wanted to speak to one of the owners of Maxim for a moment, so Alana had excused herself and was pleasantly surprised to find Nick without a woman near him. "I never bring a purse anywhere. That's what pockets were made for. And it clashes with my outfit…"

"You want me to hold a… Pink purse?" Howie questioned incredulously, his eyes on the couple in the center of the dance floor. If the man dipped her any lower she'd be lying on the floor, he thought with a slight scowl.

"It matches your tie?" Alana cooed sweetly as she brushed her hand over his shoulder, playing with the lapel of his sports jacket. Though her gaze was settled on the couple as well. She had to fight a proud smile at the enchanted look radiating Natalie's face. It was as if Brian hadn't mattered anymore. It was the first smile she had in days.

"Fine, I'll hold it," Howie acquiesced after a moment, turning his attention back to Alana. "But only if you'll--"

"Alana? Care to dance?" Vin interrupted, stepping up behind Alana, hands moving to rest on her waist.

"If a fast song hits the DJ, sure," Alana agreed, fearing her slow dance skills were not up to par with JC and Natalie's romantic movements. Though, when she realized it was Vin, she had to turn to look at him to assure herself. "Wait, you want to dance with me?"

"Well, yeah--"

"Y'know that just because you brought me to this party doesn't mean you're inclined to stay by my side all night. If you find someone who intrigues you more, then by all means, please--"

"Actually, Nick already claimed the next dance," Howie intervened, hitting Nick's arm with the purse he held.

"I did? Oh, yeah! I did!"

Vin narrowed his eyes at Nick, actually causing the man to take a step backward. "Wasn't his friends the ones giving you those hideous--"

"They're his sisters," Alana interrupted with a sigh.

"And also, Nick is Alana's--"

"If you want to dance with him, that's cool," Nick offered, taking a hasty sip of his drink. "I don't mind."

"You're sure?" Alana questioned in surprise when she felt Vin's arm curve around her waist to bring her close, accepting Nick's decline in the offer to dance. Though, Alana wasn't as compliant with his causal answer. In fact, it stung a little, especially when he hurriedly intervened to keep Howie from revealing their engagement. Immediately, she cupped her right hand over her left, hiding the engagement ring. Was she that much of an embarrassment? Did he purposely ditch her at the red carpet? The very thought made her ill. "C'mon, Vin, I'd love to dance… It's been forever…"

"Don't fucking start," Nick warned Howie as Vin pulled Alana towards the dance floor. Turning to face the bar, he motioned for another drink.

"What the Hell do you think you're doing?!" Howie screeched in disbelief, forgetting Nick's blatant warning as he slapped the purse against Nick's back. His dark chocolate eyes widened in horror as he looked to see Vin pull Alana close till their bodies melted together, signaling for a faster song. Turning back, Howie slapped Nick twice as hard. "Would you pull your head out of that bottle of booze or have you fucking forgotten that's what got you into trouble in the first place?!"

"What the Hell is that supposed to mean?" Nick questioned darkly, whirling around to snatch the purse from Howie's hand. Dropping it onto the bar, he pushed his drink away.

"Do you have any idea what you were like before you went to Kentucky to see Baylee? Because, trust me, the rest of us have a picture perfect view. Alcohol, sex, cigarettes, God help us but we didn't even want to know about drug involvement. You were a damn mess when Brian got married. Then you drop everything to go to Kentucky and you meet Alana. You stop smoking right off the damn bat, which surprised the Hell out of us. Then we stopped seeing you with alcohol bottles glued to your hands. Then you tell us you want to be a father. Adopt a son, no less! And you ask one of the most beautiful women on the planet to marry you. You have everything, Nick, why are you fucking up?"

"I'm not fucking up! I'm having fun. You know what that's like, don't you, D? To actually relax and not worry about every little fucking thing that's going on in everyone else's life? Because no offense, man, but you're a fucking drag--"

"Howie?" Natalie interrupted, tapping Howie's arm. "Can you put this in my purse for me?"

Howie tensed significantly at the feeling of Natalie's hand on his arm, causing him to turn and giving Nick a chance to flee with his beverage. But, Howie reached for the piece of paper nonetheless, glancing toward the scratch of digits. "Why am I even holding your purse in the first place, Nattie? It's pink and totally clashes with my-JC's number?"

"God I hope it's JC's number… You don't think he'd give me a fake one, do you?" Natalie worried her bottom lip for a moment, glancing towards the man in question as he spoke with AJ. "Go ask AJ if it's really JC's number--"

"He's been talking about you all night, I hardly doubt that he'd be giving you a faulty number," Howie snorted with a chuckle, handing over her purse.

"He's really nice, Howie--"

"I know he's really nice, just don't let him dip you so much on the dance floor, he might end up hurting you," Howie interrupted as he leaned to affectionately kiss Natalie's cheek. He couldn't blame her for wanting to get to know JC better. He was an extremely friendly man with an infectious personality. And with Brian being so concerned about Leighanne the past two weeks… No, Howie couldn't blame Natalie at all.

"Don't worry about that. JC's very skilled on the dance floor," Natalie assured him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before he pulled away. "Oh…" she breathed, seeing the diamond of her promise ring glint in the soft light. Fighting back the wave of hurt, she lifted her gaze to Howie's, reaching to pull it off. "Keep this safe for me? Just for tonight?"

"…Sure…" Howie agreed, taking the ring and tucking it into the inner pocket of his sports jacket. Unable to help himself, he leaned forward to press a soft kiss of assurance to her forehead. "You have fun with JC, Nattie."

"But not too much fun," she promised, embracing him quickly as JC headed over. "Don't forget to ask AJ that very important question for me, okay?"

"I won't… And you keep an eye on Alana while Nick's being a dickhead?"

"I will."

"Can I take her away now, Howie?" JC interrupted with a wide grin as he clapped a hand to Howie's shoulder, keeping his gaze fixed upon Natalie.

"I suppose… Be careful with her, though… She's fragile," Howie teased with a smirk.

"I still owe you for that!" Natalie warned with a bemused grin, taking JC's hand so he could lead her away. Though she was sure to tug on his shirt so he could lean down to hear the entire story.

"You've got me back!" Howie called after her. "Ten-fold!"

"Man, this party fucking blows," AJ announced as he came over to stand with Howie. Snorting when he saw Vin and Alana dancing closely--too closely in his opinion--on the dance floor, he turned his gaze to the couple heading for the doors that led to the gardens outside. "She's bonking JC now?"

"Hardly," Howie muttered, never in the mood for AJ's insinuations when it came to Natalie's romantic life. Instead, he leaned over the bar to order another drink, making sure it was nonalcoholic as he ordered AJ once as well. The only reason the younger man was perturbed with the party was because Alana was no where near on his arm. Instead, she was in the middle of the dance floor, among the people that would skyrocket her career. She was smiling beautiful and interacting with everyone, though when an older remix played, she reached for Vin with an excited laugh. And then she stepped closer to work her hips against his with the sensual beats of the music. "By the time we get her album out… She'll be absolutely mesmerizing on her solo tour…"

"…Nat's doing a solo album?"

"Sure, J, you go try and sign her. As much as I adore that woman, she would send our label to ruins."

"Helluva way to talk about the love of your life, D…"

"And the love of your life is out in the middle of that dance floor about to experience Vin's mammoth… Did you hear that Playmate on Howard Stern talking about having sex with Vin Diesel and his…member…actually hurting her?"

"I never pay attention to Howard Stern unless the chicks are stripping--" AJ cut off, whirling around to stare at Howie. "His fucking dick's that big?!"

Howie shrugged helplessly as he actually blushed. "You can ask Alana in the morning since Nick's going to be too wasted to care…"

"Nick cares," AJ informed him, his eyes on the dance floor once again.

"I'm sure…" Howie sighed, crossing his arms against his chest, looking to AJ to see him grossly interested in Vin. "…Do you want to take him into the bathroom for a peek?"

"No thanks. If it's big enough for a chick to hurt, who knows how bad it'd… Atta-boy, Nicky!" he exclaimed, elbowing Howie in the ribs. Pointing towards the dance floor, he made sure Howie saw Nick dancing up behind Alana, hands on her waist. Their bodies moved together in a rhythm that made AJ feel the heat of it, and he was certain Vin was about to get burned. "Halle-fucking-lujah the boy has balls!"

Seeming to feel as if she were being dragged into a conversation, Alana glanced over her shoulder to see AJ and Howie waving wildly behind her. Furrowing her brows in confusion, she looked back to Vin only to have arms snake around her waist and pull her backward. She yelped slightly in surprise till she felt the gentle grind against her backside complimented by the sweet smell of her favorite cologne. More importantly, her favorite man. Smiling apologetically toward Vin, she turned to wrap her arms around Nick's neck, rolling her hips against him as she dipped slightly. "What's it like to have your own little frat party where ever you go?"

"So far so good," Nick murmured, dipping his head for a quick kiss.

"You taste like alcohol," Alana mentioned as she leaned back to touch her lips, not even wanting the taste of the fetus-harming liquid in her mouth.

"That means I can't even kiss you?"

"I just don't want anything to happen to the--" Alana's objection was halted as Nick's lips found their way back to hers. Exhaling a soft sigh, she leaned up to intensify the kiss, knowing she'd never be able to even win the argument.

"Are you almost ready to go home?" he whispered into her mouth, drawing her bottom lip between his teeth.

"Whenever you're ready," Alana complied with a whimper, oblivious to the finishing of the song.

"Don't you need to tell what's-his-face goodbye first?" Nick murmured, pulling her tighter against him so he could feel her entire body. Nothing ever felt as good as holding her close.

"…Who?" Alana questioned in confusion as she teased his lips with her tongue. She was far too aware of the fact that it had been too long since they had made love. The proposal evening had been beautiful. They had taken Zachary out to eat and then to the beach to watch the sunset. But then he had grown fussy in the middle of the night, stopping their celebration. Not to mention how exhausted she had been. For the first time in weeks, she actually felt a thrill of energy race through her. "Oh! Vin!"

"…Unless you want to invite him back to the house?" Nick teased softly.

"Can I?"

"Is that a trick question?"

"I don't think so…"

"Do you want to?"

"Do you?"

"I asked you first, Beautiful--"

"Kristin wanted Zachie for the entire night and, for the first time in weeks, I'm not exhausted. I would really like to go home with you and only you. Natalie's tied up with JC. Howie's caught in the business world. AJ's entertaining friends. Your siblings are at another after party. The house would be quiet. Just for us…"

"That sounds like Heaven." Peeking over Alana's shoulder, Nick gave Vin a smile. "See you 'round, man… C'mon, Beautiful."

Shivering as Nick's hands slid down the length of her body to hold her hands, she turned to smile politely at Vin. "Thank you so much for the ride and the dances and… Well, everything. I hope to hear from you soon, but I have to go home with my--"

"Fiancé," Nick finished for her.
Forty-Three :: Ultimatum by shrinkingviolet
"No! No! No! No! No!"
The shrill screams of his son brought a pained groan from Brian's lips as he reached to rub his temples, allowing the blue striped polo shirt to fall to the floor. Sinking onto the couch, he watched as Baylee raced around the living room in a fury of destruction, ripping the magazines that they had been collecting of Alana's stardom off the coffee table as well as pictures from various photo-shoots along with other pieces of Nick's livelihood. If it had been about the shirt, Brian sincerely wouldn't have minded giving into his son's temper tantrum. But, this issue was far bigger than a change of shirt. He had scheduled to meet with Leighanne once more. To take her out to dinner so Baylee could get to know her once more. But Baylee hated her. There was no denying that. He screamed and cried whenever Brian tried to place him in her arms. She may have been his mother, but the coldness exuding from her form warned Baylee otherwise. And Brian had been naďve enough to convince himself that she would learn to be a mother. After all, they were having another child together.

"I'm stayin' here," Baylee insisted, kicking over the small end table that Nick had placed framed photos of Zachary on. They all crashed to the floor, but he paid them no mind. "I not goin'!"

"Baylee!" Brian growled with the utmost frustration as he heard the loud shattering of glass followed by a rattle of the table behind the couch, sending several framed photographs of the family clattering to the floor with the same shower of glass slivers. Crying out in aggravation, Brian leaned over to grab Baylee under the arms, yanking him onto the couch with a burst of adrenaline. "You have to go! She's your mother! And no one is here to stay with you!"

"HER'S NOT MY MOTHER!" Baylee screamed. "Knot my Mommy! Her can go to Hell!"

"That's enough out of your mouth!" Brian retaliated in a hoarse growl, clapping a hand over his son's mouth. "You will not disrespect me like that! Do you understand me?! No cursing! None! No swear words! And no yelling at me!"

Baylee glared at him, sapphire eyes narrowing with loathing as he delivered a sharp kick to his father's side.

"Damnit, Baylee Thomas Wylee--"
"Y'know, giving him a shorter name would have been easier in the long run when you wanted to scold-Jesus Christ!" Alana yelped in pain as her bare foot connected with layers of sharp glass behind the couch. Lurching backward, she immediately reached to grab her pained foot, hopping toward a plush recliner as she hissed away the pain. Leaning forward, she winced when she saw the immediate rivets of blood racing down the bottom of her foot. "Damnit, damnit, damnit, damnit!"

"'Lana here! I 'tay wit' her!" Baylee decided when his father's hand fell from his mouth. Leaping over the back of the couch, he raced to retrieve the first-aid kit from the bathroom.

"What the Hell is with all the glass?" Alana cursed with a heavy hiss as she reached to pluck the largest pieces of glass from her foot, trembling as she held the bloody smears in her hand, not knowing where to deposit them.

"Baylee knocked over a few things," Brian explained. "I'm sorry--"

"More like a fucking tornado," Alana growled as Baylee came racing back into the room with the large first aid kit that Alana insisted she make for Nick's home. Tears of worry were already gathering in his sapphire eyes as he offered a hand towel and the box. Holding her breath, Alana took the box and towel, throwing the heavy pieces of glass into the towel before opening the box. Grabbing the alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, gauze, and cling wrap, she went to work on her foot.

"I d'orry," Baylee sobbed suddenly, pressing his body against the side of the arm chair as Brian got to his feet. "I 'tay an' nurse you, 'Lana? No want'a go wit' Daddy--"

"I'm fine, Boogie," Alana promised, making sure not to curse as she placed the towel beneath her foot and dropped a flood of the cleaning mixture over the wounds. Biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep from crying out, she placed a ginger hand against the back of Baylee's long, platinum curls. "Where is your Daddy going?"

"To see his Mother," Brian answered before going into the kitchen to retrieve the broom and dustpan.

"I don't want'a go see her," Baylee emphasized, crawling up sit on the arm of the chair. "P'ease, 'Lana? Her's mean an' hates me."

"Why do you think she hates you?" Alana questioned softly, looking to Baylee as she waited for the fizzing of the mixture to stop, knowing she'd have to dig for the tinier pieces of glass. Though, for the moment, she was far more concerned with Baylee. The worry in his eyes reminded her of the abused children she had encountered in the medical field.

"'Cause her no 'nuggles. Her too busy. And she stinks like the old ladies at G'amma's church. And her told Daddy that I was a little sonofa--"

"Baylee!" Brian snapped as he returned to the room, offering his son a sharp glare to warn him not to continue.
"If you don't want to see her, then you shouldn't have to see her," Alana stated simply as she carefully tended to retrieving the glass in her foot, trying not to whimper in pain. "…I have the day off today, Boogie. The first day in a very long time and your Nicky already had made plans with his family. So, I'm picking Zachie up from Krissy and Kevvy and taking him to Sea World. Would you like to come along?"

"Please," Baylee murmured, curling against her so he could hold onto her arm, fearful that his father would snatch him away.

Brian scowled. "Baylee, you're coming with me--"

"Zachie and I would love to have you," Alana promised.

"I go get ready now!" Baylee decided, offering several kisses before sliding onto the floor.

Brian sighed as Baylee darted upstairs. "Alana, he needs to go with me--"

"When my parents first divorced, they decided on joint custody of me, but my father never really wanted me. He just wanted joint custody as a way of keeping my mother around. So, every weekend, I was shipped to his house. Sometimes he would be there. Sometimes he wouldn't. Let's just say, the things that happened there, I was much happier when he was gone. No child should be forced into seeing someone they know isn't right for them," Alana answered calmly, never bothering to look up from her work.

"This is a completely different situation," Brian sighed as he began to sweep. "I'm just trying to keep the family together--"

"You're breaking a family apart because of a woman who sees how wonderful your solo album is doing and wants a piece of that asset."

"She's having my child, Alana. I can't just--"

"That woman is not pregnant," Alana snorted, satisfied that all the glass was retrieved from her foot as she started to layer gauze along the wounds before wrapping it with the gauze wrap.

"How do you--"

"Bye Daddy!" Baylee shrieked as he raced through the living room, clutching his backpack. "Let's go, 'Lana! I waitin' in the car!"

"If she was so disgusted at her pregnancy with Baylee, what makes you think that she would be willing to go through another? Because she loves you and Baylee that much? So much that she abandoned you when the poor boy was at death's door?" Alana asked blazingly, reaching for her low-top Converses. Easing her feet into them, she bent to tie the laces. "That woman would do anything and everything to keep a child out of her body. Make no mistake about that."

Brian took a deep breath, gritting his teeth in frustration as he stalked into the kitchen to dump the glass. When he came back out, he saw Alana walking gingerly towards the door. "Do you need some money for Baylee--'

"I can manage to pay for Baylee," Alana assured as she heard the fumbling of the front door locks. Glancing to her watch, she noted it was early in the afternoon and heard her friend's infamous giggle. "But, I do need you to tell Natalie what the Hell is going on with you. Before I tell her myself. And it won't be tactful coming from me."

"Is that a threat?"

"Yes," she answered quite simply, walking to the garage.

As the door slammed behind her, the front door burst open, Natalie stumbling in. Holding most of her skirt over her left arm as she spoke into her cell phone, she pushed the door shut and headed slowly towards the stairs. "Alright, I'm in… I'll talk to you later, okay? …Bye, JC."

Watching Natalie tip-toe up the stairs with a silly smile on her face, Brian found his jaw falling ajar in horror. Had she just said JC? Had she honestly been out all night with JC? JC Chasez? Former member of N'Sync. Clenching his fists, Brian growled as he stomped on the pile of glass. "Where the Hell have you been?!"

Natalie whirled around to look at him, one hand flying to her chest in surprise. Hearing JC's murmured goodbye in her ear, she quickly snapped the phone closed, reaching to tuck it into her purse. "I was… I went to the Maxim afterparty with Howie, AJ, 'Lana and Nicky," she answered calmly, telling herself that she refused to ask where he had been so much lately. She wouldn't let him ruin the good mood she was in. "And afterwards, JC Chasez and I went out for breakfast at this little diner just on the beach. Joey and his wife went, too. Then we went for a walk--"

"Why the Hell would you do something like that?! You were out all night with him?! Where's your ring?!"

"Howie has it--" Natalie cut off with a scowl. "I was having fun, Brian! I went out with him because he's nice, he's charming, and he didn't run away from me at all! I needed some sort of attention and affection, considering I haven't gotten either of those things from you, unless it was to bitch at me for something I've done--"

"What did you do with him last night?" Brian demanded sharply, not sure his heart could take it if she admitted to having sex with another man.

"He kissed my cheek. And my hand. And we hugged. That's all," Natalie answered, meeting his gaze.

"I can't believe that you would go out with--"

"What was I supposed to do? Come home to an empty bed and wonder where you were? What's kept you from me, Bumpkin?" Natalie questioned softly, sinking down to sit on the bottom step.

"I've just been busy, Rosie…" Brian sighed as he shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing down at the wreckage beneath his feet. Stepping over the glass, he moved toward the steps. He knew Alana would have no qualms in breaking the confidentiality he had sworn against his friends. He had been agonizing over how he could possibly tell Natalie about Leighanne's return. He had spent so many nights awake, agonizing over the very concept. He loved Natalie more than anything in this world, but Leighanne was pregnant… He had the obligation to assure that his family was together and well taken care of.

"I understand that you're getting ready for the solo tour," Natalie murmured, toying with the hem of her gown. It was still damp from her earlier walk on the beach… "But you've never had to go to rehearsals or promos or interviews until all hours of the night. God… If it's someone else just tell me, okay? Don't sugarcoat it--"

"Leighanne's back," Brian blurted, not knowing how else he could possibly say it

"Leighanne?" Natalie repeated softly, her heart clenching with worry. "Back? What do you mean, she's back? Back in town? Back in the States--"

"Staying at Beverly Hilton--"

"And you're staying with her?" Natalie accused. Her stomach rolled at the mere thought, causing her to get to her feet.

"God no, I haven't been staying with her. I've come back to Nick's house every night after spending time with her. But I haven't been able to slip into bed with you afterwards. It wasn't fair to you or her. And, she's pregnant--"

"With your baby," Natalie finished for him in a whisper. Immediately all the hopes she had clung to for the past months seemed to crash around her. The promises he had made that had turned to naught with the reappearance of his wife. Shaking her head as her eyes filled with the hot tears of betrayal, she turned to race up the stairs.

"Rosie, wait!" Brian yelped in shock as he hurried to race up the stairs after her, feeling his heart sink to the heavy hollow of his stomach. Tears prickled his eyes as he heard the strangled sob ahead of him followed by the sharp slam of a door. "Natalie!"

"Wait? For what?!" Natalie cried, her purse crashing against the door as he started to open it. Her eyes landed on the framed photograph of her and Brian, one Baylee had taken in the Bahamas. With another strangled sob she turned it over, unable to bear the happy smile on Brian's face. "For her to suck you dry again? For you to realize that she doesn't love you or Baylee? Damnit, Brian, I'm so tired of waiting--"

"I have to keep my family together--"

"Then I hope you enjoy your family," Natalie interrupted before jerking the luxurious satin of her gown off her body. Flinging it onto the bed, she went through the motions of dressing, fighting back sob after sob as she began gathering some things.

"Natalie, please don't--" Brian winced, attempting to take a step in when he heard the heavy thump of shoes against the door.

"Leave me alone!" she demanded with a sharp sob, flinging the door open a moment later.

"Where are you going?" he questioned in confusion as she slipped past him with a hard push, running down the stairs. "Natalie!"

"I have to get out, Brian," she explained through her tears, snatching the keys to one of Nick's cars off the table by the stairs.

"I want to talk to you about--"

"Don't even try," she hissed with hurt, turning to stare at him. "Don't you dare try to tell me that this is a good thing. That you're doing the right thing. Because you're not, Brian. I'm not waiting for you anymore. I can't, Brian… I can't take this anymore--"

"Natalie, I love--"

"I wish I could believe that. Bye, Brian. I do love you," she whispered, turning to leave.

"But, I do…" he murmured helplessly.

*~*~*

Natalie hugged her arms to ward off the sudden chill as she stepped into the rehearsal hall. Her eyes burned from the tears she had shed over the past twenty-four hours, her throat raw from the sobs she had muffled against the pillow over the night. Sitting in the row furthest from the stage, she watched Alana finish up the song she was rehearsing, a tense smile tugging at her lips when she saw how comfortable her friend was becoming onstage. She was interacting with the band members, playing air guitar during the instrumental part of the upbeat song. When it finished and those around the stage began to applaud, Natalie got to her feet, drawing in several deep breaths to bolster her nerves. She had to go through with this. There was no way she could spend the next months in close quarters with Brian. She hated letting down Alana in the last minutes before the tour started, but she knew it would kill her.

Grinning when the drummer tossed her a bottle of icy water, Alana wasted no time in bending over to pour the cold liquid across her neck. Standing up, she blew a hard breath of hot air from her lungs, working to tuck all of her long locks up into a messy bun. Panting, she wiped a sweaty brow with a towel that was draped over her shoulders. These were the last days of rehearsal before the tour started. Everything had to be perfected. And, she was hot and sweaty from rehearsing under the hot lights all day. Pounds seemed to melt off her body the harder she worked on the stage, continuing to make her pregnancy unnoticeable. But, her passing thoughts faltered when she noticed the awkward presence of a person toward the back of the building.

Giving Alana a quick wave, Natalie motioned towards the door, hoping her friend would be able to step outside for a few moments of privacy. She knew others would tell Brian that she was there, and had no inclination to see him. At all.

Nodding, Alana looked back to the band and signaled that it was time for a break. All the men nodding with approval, she laughed as she hopped off the stage and jogged toward the front door. Patting her sweaty face delicately with the soft towel, Alana pushed on the door to slip outside, groaning when she ran into a wave of heat from the Californian sun. Squinting within the brightness, she noticed Natalie slumped against Nick's car. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I…" Natalie sighed, toying with the key chain in her hand. Taking a deep breath, she kept her gaze on the asphalt, not able to meet Alana's eyes. "I can't be your Assistant… Manager… What-the-fuck-ever I am. Not anymore. At least, not while you're on the tour with… Him."

"Okay…" Alana trailed, toying with the edges of the towel wrapped around her neck as she fought to control the soft pant in her breathing. She had figured as much when she returned from Sea World to find an empty house and a sob-filled message on the answering machine. The truth had finally been released and Brian was free to bring Leighanne out from the hidden shadows. Not that Alana approved. Nor Baylee. It seemed as if Natalie was the one going into hiding.

"I'm sorry, 'Lana… I-I want to be with you, to stand in the sidelines and watch you mesmerize all those people, but--"

"It's okay, Allie," Alana interrupted gently. "I don't really need a Assistant or What-the-fuck-ever. I understand."

Nodding shakily, Natalie finally glanced up at Alana. "I guess I'll run to Nick's and pick up the rest of my stuff… You'll keep in touch with me, won't you? I talked to Howie-Well, sobbed to Howie-this morning, he said I can do a lot of the work for you online and by phone, so it's not like I won't still have your back. I just won't--"

"Why don't you just keep staying with Nick?" Alana offered suddenly, realizing that Brian had moved into the hotel with Leighanne yesterday afternoon, dragging Baylee with him when they returned from Sea World. She'd have no chance of seeing him there. Not before the tour and certainly not during. Alana couldn't even imagine just sending Natalie away from the house when Nick would be all alone also. Someone had to watch out for him.

"I don't want to be a burden," Natalie declined, shaking her head. "He's busy taking care of Zach. I'll just go to my old apartment--"

"He's going to need help taking care of Zachie…"

"Alana…" Natalie sighed. "I'll stay for a little while."

"I think Nick would really like it if you stayed during the tour. But it's your choice."

"Okay. I'll let you get back to rehearsal now. You're doing such a good job, Alana," she promised, impulsively hugging her friend tightly. Burying her face against Alana's shoulder, she held back a sob. "I love you. And I'm so proud of you."

"I'm all sweaty and you're…" Alana's sentence trailed into a pointless conclusion as she staggered back from the power of Natalie's body thrust against hers. But she wrapped her arms tightly around the older woman, squeezing her as hard as she possibly could. "I'm so sorry, Natalie. I wanted to tell you from the very beginning but it wasn't my place to say anything. I'd do anything to make you feel better."

"Go inside and backhand him into China?" Natalie requested with a sniffle. "And tell him I'm moving in with JC--"

"So that's where you went running to," Alana laughed as she tenderly rubbed Natalie's back. "Into Mr. Chasez's arms. Very nice…"

"I slept in his guest room," Natalie informed her, cracking a small smile as she pulled away. "Not like I banged him seven ways from Sunday--"

"Hell, I would have and probably gave him one wicked blow-job that had him screaming in ecstasy to all the local magazines."

"I went home with JC, 'Lana. Not Vinny," Natalie crooned dramatically.

"I think I just need one Fuck-Safe pass for that man," Alana sighed with a small pout. "Y'know, he calls me every day?"

"He's twitterpated," Natalie confirmed with a giggle. "…JC says I can stay with him--"

"Screw staying with Nick then!"

"Alana! I just met the man two days ago!"

"Like the thought of pity sex don't make you hot to trot--"

"I don't want pity sex."

"Okay, any sex will do--"

"There's only one person I want to have any sort of sex with. And he's with…"

"I know, Natalie," Alana sighed, leaning to press a soft kiss to the older woman's forehead. She truly felt sorry for Natalie and the pain she had to deal with. To say Brian had ripped her heart out would be a vast understatement. Even watching him perform was unbearable for Alana and he hadn't even broken her heart into pieces. "…I'll let you play with my boobies if it'll make you feel better?"

Natalie eyed Alana warily, though she quickly reached to brush her hands against Alana's breast. "Oh, that made me feel a lot better! I think I'm ready for sex with JC now--"

"Don't be sarcastic about these boys, they actually got an ogle from Vin-Fucking-Diesel when I bent over to get a pen that he accidentally dropped!"

"And I'm sure it was quite the accident," Natalie mused, wondering how it was that, no matter the depth of her depression, Alana managed to make her feel better. God, she was going to miss her.

"No, actually, the accident when his palm just went…" Alana trailed into a sing-song type of voice with an impish grin of pride.

"I wonder if what the Playmate said is true…"

"Well, while I'm away, you hook up with Nick so I can get one of those I-can-fuck-whoever-I-want-cause-you-diddled-my-best-friend passes. I'll take one for the team!"

"Trust me, once with that fumbling man was enough. I'll take one for the team with JC--"

"Handsome doesn't fumble and if he does, I find it adorable…"

"You bring the best out in him, 'Lana."

"…Thanks…" Alana trailed, reaching to brush a stray tear away from Natalie's flushed cheek. "Need me to do anything?"

"I'll be alright," Natalie promised.

"You're sure?"

"I don't have a choice," she murmured, leaning up to kiss Alana's cheek. "Get back to rehearsal, okay? I'll call you later."

"After I'm done with rehearsal, I can go grab a shower then pick you up wherever? I need to get some stupid shopping done for clothes and stuff for appearances along the road… I can spend one of my first checks on spoiling you?"

"…Can we go get our nails done? And I really need a new haircut…"

"Sure," Alana complied, making sure not to cringe at the very thought. "We could hack off all my hair while we're at it--"

"No!"

"Just a bit above my shoulders--"

"No! You've got to keep your hair… Maybe get a trim--"

"Why can you cut your hair, but I have to keep mine?"

"Because you already have a fan base that counts the reasons to love your 'long, luxurious' locks… I can shave my head and no one'll care."

"Allie…"

"Get back to rehearsal, okay? I'm not going to shave my head," Natalie promised as her cell phone inside the black convertible began to ring.

Arching her brows with curiousness, Alana glanced to Natalie as the phone continued to chirp. The flustered look on Natalie's face caused Alana to grin with excitement. "I'll get it!" she cried triumphantly, opening the door to Nick's car and diving inside before Natalie could protest. Knowing exactly who it would be, Alana sang smoothly, "Hey, Sweet Thang!"

"Alana!" Natalie squeaked in horror.

"…This isn't Nat…"

"No, sir, you didn't get that lucky," Alana laughed.

"Alana?" JC inquired with a chuckle. "How are you? I was calling to see if Nat wanted to join me for lunch, but if she's with you--"

"No, no, no, she'd love to join you for lunch. She was just stopping by the rehearsal hall to bother me. Can you imagine? Interrupting me from my hard labor. All I'm trying to do is give a good show- Hey! You interested in a manicure and a haircut after I'm done with practice?"

"Alana," Natalie groaned in disbelief, diving to grab the phone.

"I'm just being friendly!" Alana yelped as she clamored for the passenger door, crawling out to the opposite side. "Stop abusing the pregnant woman, damnit!"

"I don't do the manicure and haircut thing," JC laughed. "But why don’t I take you ladies out to lunch afterwards-You're pregnant?"

"Nope! Natalie's pregnant!" Alana blurted as she threw the phone into the air, scrambling to her feet as Natalie dove to catch it. "Why are y'all bothering me in the first place!? I'm supposed to be practicing! Making a great show! Dazzling millions! Gotta go! Bye!"

"You'll be lucky if I let you live to your wedding day!" Natalie shrieked.

"She's engaged?"

"To Nicky," Natalie confirmed.

"So, she's pregnant and engaged to Nick?" JC questioned as means to get clarification.

"Yeah… But don't go spreading that around, okay? They haven't told anyone--"

"So, no one's taken them out to celebrate?"

"No… Things have been rather hectic," Natalie murmured, glancing to Alana, who was downing some of her cold water. "Why?"

"Is anything planned for her tonight, Oh Great Assistant?"

"Um… 'Lana? What have you and Nicky got planned tonight?" Natalie questioned, chewing nervously on her bottom lip.

"I ain't got a damn thing planned… And I don't know about Handsome… I left early this morning and didn't get a chance to talk to him… Why?"

"Not a thing going on," Natalie informed JC. She would call Nick later and confirm, but if she knew him, he had nothing planned. "…Why?"

"You girls go get your manicures and your haircuts and call me when you're done. I'll swing by and pick up Nick, then we'll take you girls out to celebrate? Only, the surprise will be between you and me?"

"JC… You… I…" Natalie faltered for a moment, swallowing nervously. "…What should I wear?"

"Doesn't really matter, you're beautiful in anything."

"…JC…" Natalie sighed, her cheeks flushing at his compliment. "Thank you… I'll call you."

"No girlfriend wars at the mall?" Alana guessed as she watched Natalie hang up the phone and climb out of the car. Shrugging her bare shoulders, she gulped down the rest of her water, knowing someone would be looking for her soon.

"No, we're still going," Natalie promised with a smile, beginning to jangle the key chain. "You almost finished here?"

"I guess I can leave any time now? I went through all my songs like a hundred times. Do you know I've lost like ten pounds?"

"You're working too hard… You need to add more carbs," Natalie told her with a worried glance. "I'll wait here for you and we can head to the mall." She would have gone in with her, to continue their chat, but knew she would run into Brian. Or worse, his wife.
Forty-Four :: Perfect Places by shrinkingviolet
"And I actually thought you were being weird when you suggested we buy new outfits to wear out of the mall," Alana drawled with a small smile of disbelief as she ran her fingers through Zachary's dark locks, listening to him coo with affection as he tried to reach his mother's hands. Glancing to the opposite side of the limo, she was amazed to find a new person where her best friend's depression had once lurked. That is, beside a handsome man that already seemed to worship the ground she walked on. What had truly surprised her more was when they stepped out of the mall to find a stretch limousine waiting with three very handsome men inside, all holding flowers. Well, Zachary nibbling on a thorn-less rose to be exact. "Guess a tank top and ripped jeans weren't exactly the style for what I'm assuming is going to be a pretty classy place the way JC and Handsome are dressed…"

"Jeans and tank tops are always acceptable," Natalie informed her softly, running a hand through her newly shorn hair. Now shoulder length in a bob complete with wispy bangs, she had also gotten some copper highlights streaked through. "And at least Zach's clothes match," she added, admiring the khakis, white t-shirt and denim jacket the baby wore. Glancing across to Nick, she saw that he was wearing the same outfit, down to the Nike sneakers.

"Just not jeans with a hole damn near showing my ass-cheek?" Alana guessed, carefully stretching her legs as she slouched within her seat. Having only one hand free now that Zachary had captured her fingers for sucking, she brushed it down the length of her chocolate, low-rise, boot-cut pants that complimented a cream ribbed tank and chocolate striped button-down shirt. The warm colors of her outfit seeming to light the golden tones to her trimmed locks, which she allowed to lay loose behind her shoulders for once.

"I'm still surprised you didn't slaughter me for actually wearing pink next to you again," Natalie murmured, toying with the jeweled belt that looped through her low-riding jeans. "…Should I even be wearing pink with the color my hair is now? It doesn't clash, does it?" she worried, critically eyeing her pastel pink off-the-shoulder top. "And it's showing my belly… I never show my belly--"

"You should show your belly more often," JC murmured as he reached to take her hand, bringing it to his lips for a fine kiss. "You're gorgeous, Natalie."

"JC…" Natalie breathed, attempting to quell the tingle that radiated from the touch of his lips. A pang of guilt hit her when she met his eyes, and she wondered if it was right that she was having fun with another man so soon after Brian.

"It's the truth," he promised with a genuine smile.
"And you deserve this night out on the town more than anybody," Alana concluded as she felt the ease of the limousine pulling up to the curb. Gently retrieving her hand from Zachary, she leaned to kiss his cheeks repeatedly when he cried out in frustration at having lost touch with her.

"No… This night out on the town is…" Natalie trailed as the door opened. Seconds later it was being opened by the valet, and Nick was the first person out, reaching for Alana's hand to help her. Glancing towards JC, she offered him a quick smile. "You didn't tell him, did you?"

"I think he was surprised enough when I showed up at his front door with a limousine," JC laughed good naturedly as Nick ducked back in to retrieve Zachary's car seat, glancing at the odd couple once more before returning to Alana's side.

"No wonder he's looked so dazed since we got in," Natalie decided as she moved to climb out.

"What's with Tweedledee and Tweedledum in there?" Nick questioned Alana, looping his arm around her waist as they waited for them to get out of the limousine.

"They've been twitterpated with each other since the red carpet?" Alana explained simply as she shrugged her shoulders, hearing Zachary grunt, grumble, and rumble from within his car seat, writhing in order to get his mother's attention. Smiling at his desperate pleading for attention, she leaned around Nick to pull Zachary from his confines. "Hey, Sweetheart. Did'ja miss me?"

"She was out of your sight for two whole seconds," Nick laughed towards his son, lightly kissing Alana's cheek. "You look awesome tonight, Beautiful…"

"I look typical," Alana dissuaded with a soft blush, bringing Zachary against her shoulder to gently pat his back. Hearing his coo of relief as he buried his face against her neck, she struggled not to laugh at the tickling sensation, watching JC tip the valet.

"You always look awesome, though," Nick promised, following JC into the restaurant. "Any idea why he suddenly wants to take us all out?"

"He's infatuated with Natalie… So, I'm guessing he's going to do anything in his power to impress her now that she's on a heartbroken rebound. What easier way than rubbing elbows with her friends? Show that he's a genuine, all around good guy?" Alana answered with a helpless look toward her fiancée, smiling when JC held the door for her and Nick.

"But… He's… The former enemy," Nick whispered in her ear, his hand tracing small circles on her lower back as they went inside. "I thought she was so wound up in Brian that no other guy mattered--"

"Brian still is the only guy that will ever matter on her heart, but he kind of ripped her heart out and tossed it in a trashcan. She's trying to make herself feel better and if JC can help… I wouldn't blame her," Alana answered softly as they walked to a private room in the back of the expensive restaurant.

"So I shouldn't slap him for copping a feel on her ass, huh?" Nick whispered. "I mean, I'm torn, Beautiful. I know that Brian won't be with that Bitch for long, and then he'll want to pick back up with Nat, and at the same time… I want her to be happy… Kiss me and tell me to stop worrying and have fun, okay?"

"Handsome," Alana sighed as she turned just at the threshold of their private dining room, reaching to gather his white t-shirt into her hand to tug him close. Once her chest rose to meet his, she leaned up to send a soft kiss to his lips. But, when he started to pull away, she tugged him back, offering her tongue to his mouth for a quick, sensual stroke. "Stop worrying and please try to have some fun?"

"Yes ma'am," Nick promised, wrapping his arms around her waist so he could intensify the kiss.

"Don't crush Zachie," Alana warned, releasing his t-shirt to wrap her hand around the back of his neck. Pulling him closer, she released the softest moan of pleasure when his tongue swept against hers in a fury of passion.

"You two mind joining us? Or would you like us to leave and give you some privacy?" Natalie laughed.

Groaning, Nick bit down gently on Alana's bottom lip. "…We could go home?"

"We'd still have Zachie to contend with," she mumbled, carefully unwrapping herself from Nick's hold to walk toward the stylishly set table. When she noted JC's bemused smirk, she blushed heavily and brought Zachary to rest against her chest. "Sorry."

"What's all this?" Nick questioned, taking in the mass of flowers in the room. In the corner by a swinging door was a waiter, standing perfectly still as though waiting for someone to motion for him. Seeing the secretive smile on Natalie's face, he glanced to JC in confusion. "Trying to get on my good side?"

"Sort of…" JC trailed as he moved to pull out a chair for Natalie to sit before moving to do the same for Alana. "It occurred to me that no one has officially celebrated your engagement nor your pregnancy for you. Which is a shame. You should have had a grand--"

"You told him?" Nick interrupted, staring at Natalie as Alana placed Zachary's car seat in the seat next to hers.

"Actually, no. Well, not really. Alana screamed about the twins, and then I sort of let it slip that you two were engaged," Natalie clarified, smiling up at JC when he moved to sit next to her. "And then he did this…"

Alana immediately bit down on her bottom lip when Nick turned on her. "She was trying to attack me during rehearsals for the phone which is just-I didn't say anything about twins. I said about being pregnant, Natalie!"

"Whoops," Natalie squeaked.

Alana sighed as she shifted to allow Zachary to sit in her lap as he reached to play with her necklace. "I'm sorry, Handsome--"

"It's okay," Nick promised as he took his seat. Draping his arm across the back of her chair, he leaned close, offering them both a kiss. "It's nice to have it out in the open…"

"Really?" Alana breathed in surprise as Zachary giggled at the brush of his stubble.

"Really," Nick confirmed.

"Awe," Natalie cooed, nudging JC so he would take note of the sweet moment. She had to smile when Zachary's hands crept up, one resting on Alana's cheek, the other on Nick's. They were such a beautiful family.

"So… It's safe for me to sit down?" JC questioned as he jumped slightly at the nudge of an elbow. Reaching for the disposable camera sitting in the middle of the table, he made sure to capture the moment on film, knowing it was safer just to have a disposable camera at the event instead of a professional photographer. The waiters had already signed confidentiality waivers.

"It's safe," Nick assured him , offering Alana a gentle kiss.

"Can we get some ginger ale?" Natalie requested. "I'd suggest champagne, but 'Lana can't have any of that right now."

"Y'all can have champagne and I am quite fine with some Sprite or 7-Up." Alana assured with smile as JC waved for the waiter to come over and take their orders. Leaning, Alana retrieved Zachary's favorite rattle from his seat to play with. At his excited squeal, she gently bounced her legs to entertain the baby as he gummed on his rattle. "And, thank you so much for this, JC. Everyone's been busy…"

"It's no trouble whatsoever. From the way Bubbles talks about you two…" JC shrugged.

"Bubbles?" Nick sputtered.

"Cute…" Alana murmured as she pressed a hand to her glossed lips, truly fighting a snort of laughter.

"It's embarrassing," Natalie murmured, shaking her head.

"That means that we have definitely got to hear the story," Alana concluded as Nick ordered an endless amount of food before allowing JC to order. She glanced to him for a moment of confusion, hoping that most of it was his.

"You're eating for three, Beautiful," he reminded her with a grin.

"I'm not telling the story," Natalie decided, glancing towards JC. "You do it."

"I bet she snorted champagne," Alana guessed.

"Not so elegant as that…" JC chuckled as he ordered for himself and allowed Natalie to do the same. When the waiter disappeared behind the swinging door, JC reached to hold Natalie's hand before offering Alana the basket of warm breadsticks. When she declined, he handed them to Nick, knowing he would get her to eat. "Natalie was just so warm and chipper the first time I met her. Squealing and happy. Her eyes were dancing. She was so…"

"Bubbly," Nick finished dryly.

"Exactly."

"In other words I was a teenybopper," Natalie groaned as Nick placed a breadstick in Alana's hand. Almost unconsciously, it seemed, Alana began to nibble on it. "I think I'd rather have snorted champagne…"

"I was waiting for her to quote on one of your songs," Alana answered honestly as she took the smallest flakes of the breadstick to feed to Zachary, laughing when he resounded with a loud 'mmmm.'

"You're the one to do that," Natalie reminded her with a soft laugh as the waiter returned with their drinks. "Sweet Thang…"

"Can I hold Zachary?" JC requested. "I asked Nick if I could earlier, but the look he gave me made me feel like he wouldn't trust me holding a dog leash…"

"Please just don't feed him anything unless you're certified in the Heimlich Maneuver for infants," Alana requested as she moved to stand, crossing the large table to hand Zachary to JC. She flinched slightly when Zachary began to fuss in the stranger's arms, so she leaned down to place the gentlest kisses over his face. When he began to coo, she easily inched away, making sure to keep herself within the infant's sight.

"'Lana's protective," Natalie murmured as she took a sip of her ginger ale.

"That's understandable," JC replied with a nod, grinning when Zachary gripped his finger. "Mommies are allowed to be protective, aren't they, little guy?"

"Ma!" Zachary seemed to agree loudly, causing JC to lean backward in surprise as the little boy's other hand reached out for Alana.

"I can't help it," Alana murmured, easing back into her seat.

"I think it's wonderful," Nick approved as he spread some softened butter onto another breadstick. Handing it to Alana, he reached to do the same to another for himself. Glancing up towards the waiter, he motioned for the man to bring more breadsticks. Suddenly, he was starved. Glancing towards JC, he smiled when he saw his son snuggling slightly against the man, pulling the finger he held into his mouth.

"That slobber is no extra charge," Alana mentioned to JC as Natalie laughed appropriately and she broke a piece of the bread to eat.

"If you had to pay, you'd be broke in a week," Natalie quipped, leaning to kiss Zachary's cheeks. He was grinning around JC's finger, small feet kicking with excitement at being the center of attention.

"You saying Snot Sucker slobbers a lot?" Nick questioned playfully.

"And if I am?"

"I won't invite you to stay with me and Snot Sucker while Beautiful's on tour."

"JC's offered me his bed-I mean, his guest bedroom--"

"I don't think you two know each other well enough to be staying an entire month in his guest bedroom. No offense, JC."

"Thank you for your input, Daddy Nicky."

"Don't sass me--"

"Handsome," Alana chided, leaning to press a soft kiss to the side of his face. She knew that given the opportunity, Natalie and Nick would attack at one another without precedent. It would only take a few more words about her living arrangements that would almost indefinitely lead to Brian, which would just be an explosion. She wanted to stop that as soon as possible. "Food's here."

"But she--" Nick cut off when his plate was placed before him. Rubbing his hands in anticipation, he glanced over to Natalie, watching her take Zachary into her arms. As the boy cooed over her necklace, she reached for his diaper bag, tucking him against her side so she could offer him his bottle. Realizing that if he got her mad she would no doubt refuse to help him with Zachary while Alana was on tour, he swallowed his irritation before clearing his throat. "Sorry, Nat. You're an adult, you can make your own decisions. But… I'd appreciate it if you stayed with me and Snot Sucker. He likes you-not as much as he likes Beautiful, but enough that you can keep him calmed down when he's really missing her."

"They need a woman in the house so they're not both laying on the couch in diapers, nibbling on cold, stale pizza, Allie," Alana suggested as she leaned back so her plate of chicken alfredo pasta could be set before her. Nodding a thanks toward the waiter, she lifted her fork to poke around at the heaping helping of food. She had tried to avoid the thought of having to leave Zachary while she went on tour. A month didn't seem like a lot to an adult, but it seemed like an eternity when she considered Zachary. She was supposed to be his mother and she was abandoning him as if he were nothing. And, somehow, deep inside her, no matter how hellish the thought, she hoped that Natalie couldn't replace her during that month. Just asking God to allow Natalie to keep Zachary happy, but to always remember her.

"So basically… I'll be babysitting two drooling babies," Natalie concluded with a smile as she dropped a kiss to Zachary's head before digging into her steaming lasagna. "I guess I can handle it…"

"Oh, you'll be doing so much more than babysitting! You'll be cooking, cleaning, making the beds, doing the dishes…" Nick ticked off each item on his fingers. "And changing diapers, soothing colic, easing the pain of new teeth coming in…"

Making a face, Natalie glanced towards JC. "You'll keep me from going crazy during the next month, right?"

"I'd rather just stay home and do it all," Alana murmured when JC hesitated slightly, poking at a strip of grilled chicken.

"Don't worry, 'Lana. The month will fly by, you'll see. And I know Nicky's going to fly out with Zach some to see you," Natalie promised with a glance at Nick.

"Absolutely. You think I'm going to let the whole month pass without seeing you, Beautiful?"

"The thought had crossed my mind," she admitted, furrowing her brows as she studied her plate of food, suddenly not too hungry.

"Beautiful?" Nick murmured, reaching to brush his fingers across her cheek. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing…" she trailed with a helpless shrug of her shoulders, taking a bite of her food before someone started to protest at her lack of appetite. "Just going over songs in my head, y'know? Each song and how it's performed… I don't want to screw up…"

"You'll do great," Nick promised, lightly tickling her neck until she turned to look at him. "Snot Sucker and me are going to be rooting for you all the way. You're going to knock everybody off their ass."

"Thanks," she whispered, holding up some chicken alfredo for him to taste. There was no point in worrying him. No point in making him feel bad because her career was successful. And absolutely no need to condemn the men that worked so hard to get her here. She should be proud and happy.

"I love you," he murmured around the mouthful of food. Licking his lips, he offered her a grin, feeling a slight relief when she smiled in return. Leaning close, he breathed in the scent of her, nibbling gently on her bottom lip before pulling her close for a harder kiss.

"I love you, too, Handsome, so much," Alana whispered against his lips, dropping her fork to the table as she brought her arms around his neck.

"…I can see why they're engaged," JC murmured as he took the opportunity to take a photograph of the couple. "I just can't see why they're not telling people."

"Nicky's a private person," Natalie explained softly, gently shifting Zachary to her shoulder when his sucking eased. Setting the bottle on the table, she began to rub his back. "And he's also an extremely jealous person… Plus, with her just starting on a tour, he wants to give her an opportunity to stretch her wings. He doesn't want her to think that he's trying to keep her tied down with the whole family thing…"

"He told you all this?"

"Lord, no. I just know how Nicky is. And how much he loves her."

"You two are close…"

"He's the annoying older brother that I really, really, never wanted…"

"You really should stay with him over the month."

"I will. But I want you to know that I appreciate your generous offer of letting me stay, JC…"

"I'd do anything for a gorgeous woman such as yourself, Natalie."

"So you just offer your spare bedroom to anyone?"

"I haven't found any gorgeous women besides you, well, except for Alana, but she's engaged and Nick could completely kick my ass, and I'd rather look at you any day out of the year."

"I know you're going to… Wherever… To work on your album," Natalie murmured, glancing to see Nick and Alana still kissing, immersed in one another. Which Natalie knew was a good thing. The next month would be Hell for them both, despite Nick's plans on going out to see Alana on tour. Turning her attention back to JC, she smiled slightly. "But… If you come out to California for whatever reason, I'd like it if we could see each other."

"I would love that and will most definitely make a point to come back to visit with you," JC eagerly agreed, reaching for the hand rubbing Zachary's back to press a kiss to her knuckles.

"Maybe when you do, you'll feel comfortable enough to give me a real kiss?" Natalie suggested with gentle blush, letting her thumb graze his chin.

"I just naturally assumed that you weren't ready--"

"I'm through waiting for him," Natalie whispered, willing herself not to cry. Not again. At least, not now.

"I'll find that out the next time we see each other," JC murmured, leaning close to press a chaste kiss against the corner of her mouth. "Until then, that'll have to do."

"You two finished making out?" Nick questioned suddenly.

"Shut up, Nick!" Natalie screeched, hurling a breadstick toward him out of habit.

"I'm just thinking your food's getting cold," Nick explained with a chuckle, flinging the breadstick back at her.

"Would you two stop acting like toddlers?" Alana suggested with a groan as the breadstick collided with Zachary's back and she reached to punch Nick in the shoulder.

"Now see what you did?" Natalie hissed at Nick as Zachary startled in her arms, starting to whimper softly in his sleep. Cooing, she got to her feet, walking him around so he could be in the safety of his mother's arms.

"Hey, my handsome little man," Alana murmured against the top of his head as she laid him over her shoulder, gently patting his back as his whimpers grew louder at the shift. But, as she hummed softly, he drifted back into a perfect sleep. Reaching out, he rested a tiny hand on her mouth to feel the movement of her lips as she sang.

Grabbing Natalie's hand before she could walk back to her chair, Nick looked up at her, tugging her so she'd lean close. "Don't be mad at me," he whispered as JC snapped a photograph of Alana and Zachary. "I just don't want you to get hurt…"

"I won't get hurt," Natalie insisted with a shaky smile. "Not anymore."

*~*~*

Sitting down on the large blanket he had spread in front of the dune, Nick motioned for Alana to sit in front of him as he leaned back, grateful he had thought to bring large cushions out for them to lean against. Once she was settled between his legs, he drew her close, loosely wrapping his arms around her waist, smiling when Zachary's hands reached to clutch his fingers. Resting his head on Alana's shoulder, he drew in a deep breath. Their last night together before her tour started. He had grown accustomed to waking up with her, to smelling her scent on his shirt long after she embraced him. He wondered if she had any idea how much he was going to miss her.

"As nice as it was going to a fancy dinner with JC and Natalie, I've got to say that this dinner tonight was one of the best. Hot dogs roasted on a fire and s'mores as dessert… And getting to eat all the marshmallows you burned so we didn't waste any," Alana murmured softly as she leaned back against Nick, knowing he would support her as she gently cradled Zachary in her lap. Their private spot of beach was quiet and undisturbed at a distance from their home, the only sound the crackling of the bonfire and the crashing of the ocean waves. It was comfortable with the glow of the moon and stars glistening against the warm glow of the fire. If she could have asked for a better way to spend her last night at home, she was positive that she couldn't name it. Especially as she looked to her son playing with her fiancé's fingers, gurgling toward her with a pleased smile as he found his father's hand.

"Not to mention that really healthy burp you let out when I was burping Snot Sucker," Nick added with a smile, brushing his lips across her shoulder.

"I was moved to inspiration by Zachie," Alana defended as she clicked her tongue toward the infant, eliciting a giggle from him as he thrust his bare feet upward for a tickle. "And, I ate better tonight than any other day and I know you were worried about that so--"

"Just admit it, Beautiful. I bring out the best in you," he teased.

"You do bring out the best in me," she admitted in the utmost seriousness, her voice soft.

"You bring out the best in me, too," he murmured, reaching into the basket. Digging around in the bottom, he wrinkled his nose when his fingers came into contact with a stray, melted marshmallow.

"Looks like you bring out the best in yourself, too," Alana murmured with a smirk as she glanced sideways to see why his body had tensed. "And here I thought you'd be sexually frustrated when I left…"

"I'm trying to get to the…" Nick trailed, wiping his fingers clean with a diaper wipe. Pulling the basket closer, he smiled when he saw the jewelry box lying in the bottom. "Close your eyes, Beautiful…"

"If you're whipping out Charge, don't you think you might want to tuck--" Alana yelped slightly when she felt Nick's hand slide over her eyes, forcing them closed. "Okay! Closed!"

"That's better," Nick murmured with a soft laugh, kissing her shoulder as he placed the box into Zachary's hands. "Son, give Mommy her present…"

"Maa!" Zachary squealed as he brought the small black box to his mouth, thrusting the corner into his mouth as his feet brushed against her chest. "Maa!"

"Don't eat it! Give it to Mommy!" Nick chided with a grin, reaching to gently pull the box from Zachary's mouth. Prying open the lid, he kissed Alana's neck. "You can open your eyes now."

"Okay," Alana consented, allowing her eyes to gently flutter open, not expecting to look down to see the jewelry box perched in Nick's hands. She gasped in shock as she looked down at the white gold heart with her birthstone resting at the top. Trailing her finger over the sleek curve of the open heart, she sniffled when she touched the dangling amethyst at the point of the heart. "His birthstone…"
"Ma," Zachary pouted as he reached up for her.

"Zach picked it out for you," Nick murmured. "And we can add the birthstones of the twins after they're born--"

"Handsome," Alana whispered as she pulled her hand back from the necklace, using it to furiously rub away the tears springing to her eyes. She had never expected to be given a piece of mother's jewelry ever again. She had closed her mind to the entire idea, too afraid of having children again. Yet, there she rested with two of the men she loved more than anything in the entire world, waiting for two more loves to join them in the upcoming months. It was breathtaking to say the very least, especially as she rubbed her throat in a vain attempt to dislodge the lump. "T-Thank you so much…"

"Hey…" Nick whispered, pulling her closer to him. "There's no reason to cry, Beautiful… You like it, don't you?"

"I love it," she promised with a sniffle as Zachary eyed her with worry. "It's gorgeous…"

"Here," he murmured, reaching to pluck the necklace from its box. Unhooking the clasp, he drew it around her neck, sweeping her hair aside with his cheek, offering soft, reassuring kisses to the back of her neck as he clasped the necklace. "It's shorter than the other one… Hopefully they won't get tangled--"

"Colt wouldn't fight with his younger brother," Alana whispered as she brought a trembling hand to her throat, gently running a finger over the ring before moving to touch the heart. She had hid her pain of Colton's death for so very long. Had tried to make him nonexistent to those who knew her, wanting to make him a burden instead of a sweet memory. The agony of his death had just been so hard on her, especially when her marriage broke apart. She had been convinced her life was over, but, in the strangest of ways, Colton had led her to Nick.

"Zach might fight with him, though," Nick murmured, hoping to pull a smile from her as he began to gently knead her shoulder. Glancing down at Zachary, he saw their son was concentrating on the box he continued to hold, feet rubbing slowly against Alana's stomach. "Look at him, he's already beating up his baby brothers…"

"He's not beating them up," Alana sniffled with a small smile as she reached down to brush her fingers through his thickening raven locks. "He's patting them goodnight… Kind of like his own version of a hug… With his stinky feet…"

"His feet don’t stink," Nick argued. "They smell like baby powder--"

"Then I have to be smelling you," Alana decided as she watched Zachary's eyes slowly start to droop with exhaustion, causing the box to fall against his stomach. Reaching carefully, she set the box aside, allowing him to grasp her fingers instead. To say that she would miss her son was a vast understatement on her part. She loved knowing that he'd wake her up in the morning with coos in the monitor.

"Hey, I took a shower before we came down to the beach--"

"Hell, maybe it's me."

"You smell sweet. Like always," Nick promised, nibbling softly on her neck.

"You're just trying to get laid before I leave," Alana teased, though she shivered just the same underneath his persuasion.

"You're not allowed to have sex the night before your tour starts," Nick informed her with an air of knowledge, his tongue moving in slow circles behind her ear.

"Why is that?" she inquired, her voice catching when he drew the lobe of her ear into his mouth for a warm suckle. Shivering, Alana looked down to Zachary, thankful that he was sound asleep.

"Have to save all of your energy," Nick murmured, reaching around her to gently lift Zachary off her lap. Releasing her earlobe, he leaned to carefully place his son in the infant carrier, making sure to strap him in before draping the soft blue fleece blanket over him. "Which means only one thing," he continued, turning his attention back to Alana.

"That you're sending me inside for a cold shower and an early bedtime?" Alana guessed with a soft groan as Zachary was freed from her arms. Shifting, she moved to collect her flip-flops and crawl off the blanket.

"No," Nick quickly dissuaded, grabbing her hand to pull her into his lap so she was facing him. Wrapping his arms around her waist to hold her against him, he offered her a grin. "It means I get to do all the work…"

"With Zachary sleeping right next to us?" Alana questioned in surprise, though she offered a grin just the same.

"He's fast asleep, won't hear a thing, but we can try to be quiet?" Nick suggested, fingers pushing the hem of his t-shirt she wore upwards.

"I'm just interested in seeing you do all the work," Alana purred as she reached to catch his lips in a sweet kiss. Feeling his lips give into her kiss, she offered a soft moan as her tongue trailed the outer edge of his lips, loving the sweet taste of him before she delved into his mouth.

"So lay back and let me get to work," Nick suggested with a hard moan, leaning back so he could slowly peel the t-shirt from her body.

"Yes, sir," Alana laughed with a shiver of delight as the ocean winds brushed against her bare skin, sweeping a damp chill against the bikini top and bottoms. She had spent the earlier part of the evening playing with Zachary in the ocean, loving the way he reacted to the cool waters lapping over his body. It was something she would remember as the tour carried on. Though, her thoughts trailed elsewhere as Nick laid her on the soft fleece blanket and her breath caught, causing her chest to rise against him.

"You're wearing too many clothes," Nick decided softly, reaching to untie the knot that rested in the center of her cleavage as he trailed his lips down her neck. Soft tendrils of her long hair tickled his cheek and he savored the sensation, hoping to burn it into his memory. Parting her bikini top, he spread the material aside, nibbling on her collarbone as his fingers curved gently around her breasts.

"I don't know if I can let you do all the work," Alana whined softly as the pad of his thumb circled over her right nipple, slowly working to bring it to a tortured peak. Feeling his teeth nip at her collarbone while his thumb followed over to the other nipple for the same delicious torment, she arched her back in order to meet his hips, hoping to feel the burn of his erection. Her hands tangled haphazardly within his platinum locks, wanting to anchor herself as she heaved a ragged breath of delight.

"I want to do all the work," Nick whispered, dipping his head to catch one peaked nipple between his lips. Alternating from a gentle suckle to fevered nips, he arched his hips against hers, hoping to relieve the throbbing arousal, if only slightly. His hands slid down the length of her torso in feather-light strokes. Thumbs lazily hooking in the bikini bottoms, he lifted his head, gazing into her eyes as he leaned back, slowly pulling the bottoms down her legs.

"I ain't promising nothing," Alana murmured as she pulled her knees up to help draw the bottoms away from her body, cradling him against her.

"You're allowed to give me a hand… If you want," Nick informed her as he wet his lips, hands creeping to remove his shirt.

"Didn't you just tell me that you wanted to do all the work?" Alana questioned with bemusement while she leaned back on the blanket, slightly propping herself up with her elbows. She watched him slowly inching to remove his shirt as if he were waiting for her to help. But, she didn't, enjoying the show that he was giving her. "I'm thinking you might even have to bring yourself to an orgasm."

"I can do that," Nick promised, tossing his shirt aside. Standing, he slowly eased his shorts down over his hips, sucking in a breath when the cool ocean breeze wafted over his arousal. Kneeling before her, he sat back on his heels, idly running his fingers along his hipbone as he regarded her.

Alana arched her brows in a curious nature, shifting to prop herself up higher. If he was actually going to pleasure himself in front of her, she was almost certain that he wouldn't even need her afterwards. She had never been one to watch him during those private moments. Something just seemed intruding about the whole manner. Not to mention she even blushed when Aaron suggested that he had walked in on his brother. "What are you doing, Handsome?"

"Sitting here waiting for you to tell me if I'm going to have to do it myself or if we're going to help each other," Nick answered with a smile, one hand falling to rest on her thigh.

"I could help you…" Alana agreed with a furtive nod, pushing herself up into a seated position so she was closer to her lover. Taking a deep breath, she leaned in to his neck, offering the softest of kisses to the flesh of his throat. Swirling her tongue against his salty skin with each kiss, she pressed her hands to his chest, tracing the outline of his body till she felt the tapering of his hips. Flicking her tongue against his collarbone, she pulled her hands inward to delicately trace the length of his erection.

"If you help me too much… I'll explode," Nick panted, the pent-up desire for her causing him to tremble at her touch.

"I'm barely touching you," Alana laughed softly, bringing her hands away from his throbbing length to trace the contours of his back till she hugged him. Finding his lips with hers, she offered a smoldering kiss as means to explore the depth of his passion.

"It's been a long time since you've barely touched me," Nick explained, hands sliding around her waist before moving to pull her thighs around him. Laying her back slowly, he bit back a growl when her wet heat slid over him, sending a shudder of excitement through his body. He truly ached to feel her surround him, to once again enjoy the sensation of being one with her.

"I know," she agreed with a soft sigh of disappointment, helping to secure herself against him when she was fully resting upon the blanket. Tangling her fingers within his damp, platinum locks, she studied the depth of his dark sapphire irises, seeing the disappointment lurking just within the glow of the firelight. "I'm so sorry, Handsome. I know it's been rough on you. I've been gone so much when I'm supposed to be with you and Zachary… Supposed to be enjoying my pregnancy and engagement with you…"

"Hey, it's okay," Nick promised, leaning close to offer a soft kiss of reassurance. He never wanted her to think that he was jealous of her career, nor did he want her to feel guilty for pursuing it. "The world gets you for another month, and then you're all ours to spoil rotten."

"I want to spoil you two rotten first and then start spoiling the twins," Alana disagreed with a small smile as she brought him down for another kiss. She didn't bother telling him that after the tour AJ and Howie were shipping her into the studio to start recording for the rest of her album. There would be breaks, that much was promised, but she wouldn't be solely devoted to Nick or their children, unfortunately. "I don't want spoiled."

"But I like spoiling you, Beautiful," Nick whispered, nibbling gently on her lower lip as his hand traveled upwards to cup her face.

"What happens if I go bad from all the spoiling?"

"Then I get to spank you…"

She wrinkled her nose at the thought. "I think I'll behave."

"Okay," he murmured with a smile, pressing a trail of kisses along her cheek. "…Where were we?"

"I was kind of hoping that you'd start making love to me so I have something to savor when I'm all alone in bed at some lousy hotel," Alana whispered as she raked her nails lightly against his bare back, tightening her legs around him in order to bring him closer. Shivering when she felt his erection slide against the opening to her moist heat, she nibbled on his earlobe in order to entice him further. "Make love to me, Handsome."

"Gladly," he moaned softly, pulling back slightly so he could thrust gently into her. Whispering her name when she arched up to meet him, her body taking him completely and quickly. Just as she had taken his heart from the first moment he had seen her.

"God," Alana breathed in delight at the flood of warmth that entered her with his thrust, weightless as Nick laid her back against the blanket to work a slow, steady rhythm of his hips against hers. She bit down hard on her bottom lip to control the burgeoning heat of her passion, realizing that the threshold she had for him previously would no where near help the anxiousness of her release this time. It had been far too long and she needed him way too much. "I love you so much, Nickalicious. You're all that I'm ever going to need in life."

"I need you more," Nick gasped, one hand falling to the blanket as means of support as his other moved to pull her leg tighter around him. The pleasure of being with her swept over him like a tidal wave, causing him to cry out softly, though the wind quickly carried the sound away.

"You're going to wake up the baby," Alana whimpered as she curved her arms around his neck, pulling him down close to her. Feeling his gasps of breath against her face, she arched to move her hips against his, catching his lips against hers when he called out once more. Drowning the fervor of his calls against her lips, she thrust her tongue against his, surging with the pace of his thrusts.

Sucking her tongue deeper into his mouth, Nick clawed at the blanket, sucking harder with each powerful thrust of his hips. "So close, Beautiful," he murmured into her mouth. "So close…"

"Just tell me when," she agreed, drawing one hand behind her head to rest over his clenched fistful of blanket, tucking her legs tighter against him as she drew him deeper into her core.

"Not without you," he requested, leaning back slightly.

"I'm ready," she whole heartedly promised as Nick plunged deeper than ever before, causing her to cry with sheer ecstasy.

Pulling her up against him, Nick crashed his lips to hers, hands gripping her hips as they moved together. "I love you," he promised with a hot breath against her tongue, hoping to draw out the pleasure for as long as possible. "So much--"

"I love you, too," she promised with a mumble before she flicked her tongue within his mouth at the pace of their moving hips. Feeling firecrackers exploding down the nerve pathways of her body, she trapped her fingers within his sweaty locks, wanting to hold him as close to her as possible. Knowing in a few hours as the sun began to rise that she would have to release him so she could fulfill an obligation to her new labor.

"God," Nick whined as his body began to shudder with the beginnings of his release. Curling his fingers in her moist curls, he thrust up into her deeply, holding himself there for several seconds before pulling back to repeat the movement.

"Nick," Alana actually squealed with delight, burying her face into the crook of his neck while her nails dug into the flesh of his back.

"Now," he gasped.

Holding her breath, Alana could barely agree when Nick drove into her for a final time. Keeping himself within the warmth of her, there was an explosion of warm fluids and her body tensed to pull him further inside. The eruption of emotions rushed over her body like a flood of molten lava, warming every inch of her body. Crackles of delight ripped down her spine as she cried out against his shoulder and tears started to flood her eyes. He always knew how to love her just right.

Letting out a shout as the pleasure ripped from his body, Nick clung to Alana, gasping against her neck as he struggled to regain his equilibrium. His entire body shuddered with the aftershocks of his release as he began to smooth her hair, wondering how he would survive even one day without her.

"Guess it's a good thing that I'm already pregnant, otherwise, I think that time would have done it again," Alana whispered against the top of Nick's head. He was still laying over her in a quiet state, shivering against the cool water brushing over his sweaty body. Exhaling a calming breath, Alana reached to draw them into a cocoon with their warm blanket. Her breathing was labored from the ecstasy, but she wholly satisfied.

Chuckling softly, Nick brushed a soft kiss over her shoulder as he snuggled closer. "Well, when we want another baby, I'll remember to bring you down to the beach--"

"Maa?"

"Please tell me that he just woke up," Alana groaned as her entire body seemed to flush with embarrassment. Detangling herself from Nick's hold, she carefully crawled toward the infant seat, peeling the blanket back to see a pair of sleepy cobalt eyes searching for her. When she cooed a hello, Zachary gave her a toothless grin. Unbuckling him from the seat, she carefully freed him from his onesie and stripped him to his diaper, bring him back to the blanket to snuggle on her bare chest. "You want to lay with Mommy and Daddy, huh?"

"Maa," Zachary cooed in response, nestling his head beneath her chin as he sighed happily.

Smiling, Nick draped an arm around both, resting his head next to Alana's on the blanket. Enjoying the post-lovemaking glow, he dipped his head to kiss Zachary's cheek, savoring the closeness of their family as sound of the waves breaking calmed him. "Didn't you know? When a parent has sex, their body emits a hormone that travels to their child and makes them awake and want something…"

"I love a man who quotes Jeff Foxworthy," Alana confessed with a small smile as she brought the blanket around them once more, rubbing Zachary's back in a languid manner. The little boy's hand reached up to rest on her face, splaying his tiny fingers over her cheek as he rambled softly. It sounded as if he were speaking in his sleep. Starting to play with the boy's raven locks, she released a soft sigh. "I'm going to miss you two so much."

"We're going to miss you, too," Nick promised, snuggling closer as Zachary's hand slid to toy with the heart pendant resting on Alana's chest. His other hand slid to catch the ring on his thumb, bringing it to rest against his mouth as he suckled his thumb. "Atta boy," Nick murmured, his hand meeting Alana's on Zachary's back.

"Atta boy?" Alana asked Nick with confusion. "Why'd you say that?"

"He has to show respect to Colton," Nick explained softly, twining his fingers with hers. "I want him to grow up knowing everything about the older brother he never got to meet. I want him to love him just as much as I do."

"Nick…" she whispered in surprise, blinking back a heavy flood of tears at his sweet dedication to the son that she had lost. They never really spoke about Colton, except for the day when she confessed that he had died. She naturally assumed that Nick considered him a part of her past. Someone to merely recognize on the date of his birth and death. But to have him say that he loved Colton. Her heart ached at the overwhelming hope that he brought her.

"Colton's a part of you, Beautiful," Nick murmured. "And I love everything about you. I… I looked through your scrapbooks of him, saw how happy you both were when he was alive. I know how much he meant to you, Alana. And loving you means loving and respecting his memory…"

"Daa, Maa…" Zachary added, as though concurring all of Nick's statements.

"Nick, he just said Daa," Alana whispered in sudden awe, sniffling before she glanced to him to ensure that he had heard as well.

Sitting up slightly, Nick stared down at Zachary, his eyes filling with tears. "I heard…"

"Zachie, where's your Daddy?" Alana enticed as she pressed an encouraging kiss to the top of his head. She wanted to hear him say it again.

"Daa Maa," Zachary murmured, turning his head to gaze at Nick.

"Handsome," Alana squealed in surprise as she reached for his arm. "He's calling for you!"

"Hey, Son," Nick murmured in surprise, leaning close. Resting his forehead against Zachary's, he gazed into his son's eyes by the glow of the slowly dying fire, so mesmerized and overwhelmed he felt hot tears pool. "I love you…"

"Daa," Zachary gurgled as he tugged on his father's ear, wrinkling his nose with a grunt at his closeness. "Daa!"

"Well excuse me," Nick laughed, blowing a raspberry against his cheeks before letting his head rest on Alana's shoulder. "See, you're being all cute and loving with me tonight…"

"Maa?" Zachary murmured in a questioning tone, though he feigned all innocence toward his father with a giggle.

"Forgotten already," Nick sighed dramatically. "Knowing my luck he'll start saying Nat's name before he says mine again."

"He just don't know what you're talking about," Alana defended as Zachary reached to his father to continue to play with his earlobe. "Only being sweet and loving tonight. As if he ain't all cute and loving all the time."

"Right… I'll remind you of that statement when he's kickboxing my balls again--"

"Well you should know better and duct tape'em up when you change him," Alana interrupted sweetly, leaning to brush her lips against his.

"And just how am I supposed to remove the duct tape without causing myself excruciating pain-Wait! Nat'll be here! She can change his diapers all month--"

"I'm sure she'll be delighted," Alana murmured when she dropped a kiss to the top of Zachary's head, inhaling the soft scent of his baby shampoo. Tomorrow morning, she would wake up early in order to take a wonderfully bubbly bath with the infant tomorrow. She would take time to enjoy all the tasks of taking care of him before going to the mini-rehearsal before the concert. Just so he wouldn't forget her.

"When we get back into the house, how does a nice bubble bath sound?" Nick suggested softly as Zachary's eyes drifted closed.

"With you or by myself?" Alana inquired as she broke their intertwined hands to gently trace the tips of her fingers along Zachary's bare back.

"I was hoping with me…"

"Sounds like Heaven, Beautiful."
Forty-Five :: Temporary Goodbyes by shrinkingviolet
Toying with the soft towel draped around her neck, Alana whistled softly to herself as she walked out into the back parking lot of the arena. She had just finished with a quick shower and dressed in a pair of boy-cut boxers and a tank top, assuming no one would be clamoring for an autograph in the middle of the night. She was just going to her tour bus and probably falling into bed for a very long sleep till they arrived in New York City. Though, she didn't think she'd be sleeping, though she'd tell her road companions, AJ and Howie, otherwise. She had just completed her first concert and the response had been overwhelming. The crowd had fallen in love with her, actually jumping to their feet for a standing ovation when she finished her last song and started to introduce Brian. She had been in near tears at the appreciation for her singing, but the tears had rained when she saw all her friends lined in the front row with various posters of support - Nick's far larger and romantic in nature. But what had struck her was the way Natalie bolted from the arena once she had finished her set, knowing in her heart that Natalie wouldn't have the courage to bid her goodbye. Not that she blamed her—

"You were so awesome!" Natalie's voice squealed suddenly, and, looking over, Alana saw her friend hopping off the tour bus, racing across the parking lot to envelope her in a tight hug. "I told you you'd be awesome and you were beyond awesome--"

"Natalie!" Alana yelped in shock as she was propelled backward from the power of Natalie's crushing embrace, causing them both to topple onto the asphalt and her messenger bag of entertainment to go flying across the parking lot.

"Ohmigod! Sorry!" Natalie squeaked, rolling away. Scuttling across the parking lot to gather Alana's things, she glanced up to see AJ, Howie and Nick coming out, Nick carrying a sleeping Zachary.

"It's okay, Allie," Alana laughed ruefully as she brushed her gritty hands across her bare legs before clamoring to her feet. Straightening, her hands immediately went to her backside to clear away the rocks. "Nothing like some brush-burn on the ass-cheeks."

"Blame it on Nicky…" Natalie trailed as she began tucking the things back into Alana's messenger bag.

"Blame what on me?" Nick questioned as he placed Zachary's carrier in AJ's hands before enveloping Alana in a giant hug.

"My brush-burned ass," Alana answered as she wrapped her arms around his neck, fighting a squeal when he lifted her completely off the ground.

"I'll kiss it better before you leave," he promised, squeezing her tightly. She had wowed him-everyone-with her set. "I'm so proud of you, Beautiful--"

"Yeah?" Alana breathed with interruption, pulling her head back slightly to catch his eyes, though she was still perched in the air. "You liked it?"

"I loved it," Nick confirmed with a heartfelt grin before pulling her in for a kiss.

"Everyone loved it," Howie added, grunting when AJ pushed the infant carrier into his hands.

"Usually that's what a standing ovation means. I don't even think we got that kind of shit on our first performance," AJ interjected as he nudged Nick hard in the ribs, pulling him away from the kiss and making him drop Alana to her feet with a grimace. Giving himself the opportunity to leap in for a twirl of a hug and whirlwind of kisses to her face. "You were brilliant! Fantastic! A wet dream to come!"

"This was a Christian event, dumbass," Natalie murmured with a scowl.

"And I guaran-damn-tee you that all the men in the audience will be having wet dreams!" AJ insisted.

"Because I was just the picture of seduction in a pair of Converses, ripped jeans and one of Handsome's t-shirts," Alana laughed as AJ dipped her.

"Women are always sexier in a man's clothes," AJ informed with a grin, leaning close to kiss her cheeks noisily. "Now c'mon! On the bus! I have to get the closest bunk to you before Howie does!"

"You go ahead and claim that bunk, but I have to say goodbye," Alana suggested as she detangled herself from AJ's hold, fussing with her clothing to make sure it hung appropriately along her body. Feeling a sharp pinch against her backside, she jutted a foot behind her to catch AJ's backside, causing him to stumble forward. "You'll be lucky that I don't just curl up with Daddy D and call it a night!"

"Howie drools like a toothless old man with a glandular problem!" AJ yelped.

"I-I'll wait on the bus to say goodbye," Natalie murmured suddenly, shoving AJ onto the bus ahead of her before jumping aboard.

Howie pushed the infant carrier into Nick's hand, glancing down to make sure Zachary remained asleep. Turning to Alana, he offered her a quick hug. "You did great, Sweetie."

"Thanks, Howie," Alana murmured as she squeezed him back, feeling the peck of a kiss against her cheek. He would most certainly give her further commentary once they were on the road, but understood this would be the hardest part of the evening. Glancing down to her fuzzy purple flip-flops, she released the smallest of sighs. She really didn't want to say goodbye, especially to the man she loved. Fiddling with the engagement ring on her finger, she looked to the infant carrier to see Zachary sleeping soundly. Leaning, she fixed the blanket over his body to protect him from the slight chill in the air.

"Hey," Nick whispered, cupping her cheek in his palm. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he stepped closer, kissing her forehead softly. "We're not saying goodbye, okay?"

"Then what are we doing?" she questioned, her voice barely raising above his whisper, feeling him dip to gently set Zachary's carrier on the ground.

"We're just saying 'see you later', Beautiful. In three days we're meeting you--"

"You're meeting me in three days where?" Alana interrupted as she looked up to Nick in bewilderment, ignorant of the tears starting to slide down her caramel cheeks.

"In Atlantic City--"

"You're coming to Atlantic City? Why?"

"To spend the day with you on the boardwalk," Nick answered, tracing her cheeks with his thumbs. "Snot Sucker and me are flying out, and I threatened AJ and Howie with bodily harm if they so much as scheduled a call-in radio interview for you that day. We're going to walk the boardwalk, eat ice cream, play in the water, and after your concert, Howie's babysitting Snot Sucker so you and me can go out for a late dinner…"

"Handsome…" Alana trailed with a strangled sigh that fought against the sob building in her throat. Shifting to pull his hands away from her face, she stepped against him to wind her arms around his waist, pressing her head against his chest for a moment of comfort. "Thank you so much."

"And we're spending the rest of the weekend with you," Nick added, wrapping his arms tightly around her. Reveling once more in the happiness her love always gave him.

"I'm still going to miss you so much," Alana confessed as she inhaled the sweet scent of his cologne lingering on his t-shirt. She knew not all weekends would be spent with Nick flying to whatever destination to meet her. It was far too costly and far too inconvenient for him. But she could relish in the thought of him being with her three days. For three days. Then, maybe the tour wouldn't seem so bad.

"I'm going to miss you, too," Nick whispered, kissing the top of her head. He had already planned on bringing Zachary to bed with him, knowing it would be miserably cold if he were to sleep there all alone. Alana was probably not aware that he had slipped some of her worn t-shirts from the laundry to hopefully sate Zachary when he got cranky, knowing that only his mother's scent would calm the child. And him as well.

"If you need me, you'll make sure to call me, right?" Alana questioned hopefully as she leaned back ever so slightly to look into his deep sapphire eyes. While he had slept earlier that morning, she had taken one of his old t-shirts and crafted it into a makeshift pillowcase for the road. Having the smell of his t-shirt would comfort her during the nights that she couldn't snuggle up next to him and rest her head on his chest.

"I will," Nick promised with a slight smile, reaching up to smooth a damp lock from her forehead. "You'll text me when you get to New York, right?"

"Probably before we get there," Alana admitted as she heard the distant bickering of a female and male. Looking over Nick's shoulder, she noticed Brian and Leighanne finally emerging from the arena. Baylee's sleeping form was draped over Brian's shoulder as he attempted to get Leighanne to hold him, but the woman blatantly refused. Holding her breath, she looked back to Nick, refusing to give them a second thought. "Make sure you have your phone on vibrate so it don't wake up, Zachie."

"I will," Nick promised, pulling her back into a close hug. His throat closed up with emotion suddenly, realizing that it would be days before he was able to hold her again.

"Make sure Aar and Les know that they can call me whenever they want, too," Alana continued to advise, tucking her chin against his shoulder while squeezing her eyes shut. She didn't know how this turnabout had happened. How she had become so convinced that she couldn't part with a man for one day instead of wanting to be locked away in her own morbid loneliness. But, now, she feared the loneliness.

"Leslie's probably going to start dialing as soon as you lay down to go to sleep," Nick mused, squeezing her waist gently. "I love you so much, Beautiful--"

"Sweetie? It's time to roll out," Howie announced from the door of the bus.

Alana glanced back to Howie to hear the roar of the engines fire as Natalie stepped down off the steps after giving him a large hug. She winced at the finalization of the whole process, looking back to Nick with what she hoped was a confident smile. Ducking down, she grasped the carrier into her hands, lifting it to place several kisses to Zachary's face before Natalie took it. "You better go get Zachie to bed. He's all scrunched in that infant carrier."

"I'll go put him in the car," Natalie murmured to Nick before wrapping her arm around Alana. Squeezing her eyes shut to keep the tears from coming, she pressed a kiss against her friend's cheek. "Knock'em dead, 'Lana. Call me. I'll call you. Something like that," she sniffled, wrapping her other arm around Alana when she felt Nick take Zachary's carrier. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Alana promised as she hugged Natalie tightly, blowing a raspberry of a kiss to the side of her friend's face. She heard a sniffle of a laugh, causing her to do the same as she blinked back tears. Having all men on the road didn't seem to affect Alana negatively. In fact, she truly did enjoy spending time with the opposite sex. But not having Natalie with her was like asking her to remove a limb. "Take care of yourself and enjoy your vacation. And please take care of my boys."

"I'll take care of them," Natalie assured her, reaching to brush away her tears with her fingers. Squeezing Alana tightly once more, she stepped back, quickly reaching to brush the tears away from the younger woman's face. "You take care of my boys, too…"

"Like they were my own," Alana agreed with a small nod, laughing through the tears as she batted Natalie's hands away. Leaning forward, she kissed her best friend once more, watching her reach for Zachary to take him back to the car to get buckled.

"Take care of yourself," Nick began, pulling her into a hug once more. Wanting to make sure he got it all out, he began to rattle on, "Don't let AJ get too fresh. Don't let them overwork you. Take your vitamins, remember to get plenty of rest--"

"Play naked with Alex. Work as hard as you can till you pass out. Screw the vitamins. Late night parties are the key. Don't binge drink unless Alex is holding your hair so you can't drown in the toilet--" Alana stopped when she felt Nick grow taut against her. "Too much?" she guessed innocently.

"You're not funny," he muttered, tilting her head back for a slow kiss.

"I thought I was," she defended with a wrinkle of her brow, though it seemed to smooth at the soft pressure of his lips. Reaching up, she framed his face with her hands and tenderly lost herself within the kiss. The mere taste of him offering her a calming element. But she couldn't resist outlining his lips with the tip of her tongue before exploring his mouth for a soft stroke of tongues.

"I love you," he whispered brokenly, curling his fingers in her hair. "More than you'll ever know--"

"I love you more," she murmured, hearing Howie call for her once more. "I better go…"

"I know," he whispered, steeling himself for the coldness that would come when she stepped away. Willing himself not to cry. "Text me."

"I will," she vowed, reaching up to press small kisses to either of his cheeks before holding her breath and pulling out of his embrace. Unable to look back, for fear of hear heart shattering, she hurriedly climbed onto the tour bus.

Shoving his hands into his pockets, Nick watched for her face to appear at the window, offering her a brave smile when she pressed a hand against the glass. Swallowing back his tears, he pulled one hand free to wave slowly, turning to watch the bus' slow progress out the parking lot. He kept his gaze on the bus as it motored down the alley behind the arena, letting his tears fall when the taillights disappeared around the corner.

Watching Nick continue to watch the road where the busses had traveled, Natalie felt her heart fall to the pit of her stomach, knowing he couldn't be taking the separation well. He had already told her of leaving to go to Atlantic City in three days, but that meant three entire days that he would be without Alana. The depth of his emotional attachment to the woman was easy to see as Natalie reached to take hold of his shoulder, leaving Zachary nestled in the warmth of the car. He had never loved anyone as deeply as he loved Alana. She had combined into his soul in ways that no one could imagine, melting into his essence as if she were part of him. And, there was no way to heal the heartache of her leaving. Though Natalie persisted. "Hey, Nicky, want to go get some cheesy pizza?"

"I'm not hungry," he mumbled softly, though he let her turn him towards the car. She was really gone. He would be without her for three miserable days. Letting his tears continue to fall without hindrance, he sighed, glancing towards Natalie when she opened the door for him. "…Did you say pizza?"

"Cheesy pizza," she corrected, arching her brows to see if that might interest him. "So cheesy you pick up a pizza and the cheesy just topples onto the plate or your fingers, knowing you--"

"Call in the order and we'll pick it up on the way home," Nick interrupted softly as he climbed into the car. Glancing back to make sure Zachary was asleep, he eased the door shut, pulling out his cell phone to switch it to vibrate. Staring at the screen for a moment as Natalie climbed in next to him, he wondered when Alana would text him.

Thinking it probably wouldn't be until the next day, after she had the proper rest, he sighed hard and reached to close his phone. Only, when the vibration hit his hands, he yelped in horror and flung the phone toward the dash. Natalie screeched in surprise as she revved the engine, causing the tires to squeal when she pressed on the gas in 'park.' Groaning, Nick dove for the phone to throw it open before leaning back to assure himself that Zachary had slept through that disaster. But, everything seemed to turn to smiles when he read her message - Damn good thing I'm on the road for 2 days. Barricaded myself in the bunk with zombie movies, games, and Meatloaf songs! No sleep tonight! Whoo!

"God, I love her," he murmured, tilting the phone so Natalie could read the message when she leaned close. When she gave him a smile and turned away, he quickly replied – I miss you. Tell AJ to get out of your bunk, right?

The message was instantaneous - Fool, I'm AJ-Free!

Nick rolled his eyes, sending a short death threat to AJ's phone before replying to Alana's message – What are you wearing?

There was a hesitation before his cellular phone vibrated once more - …Why?

Nick glanced towards Natalie when she stopped at the light, noticing that she was busy placing the order for their pizza. – I'm horny and it'll help with the visuals later.

When Natalie looked away to assure that she had the right of way at the stop sign and finishing the conversation with the pizza place, Nick hurriedly scrolled his message - Just my blue racer-back tank with those blue striped boy-cut bottoms that kinda show what little butt cheeks I have and bare feet - Wouldn't a picture be better?

"Damn," Nick whined, immediately conjuring up the mental image of her wearing that exact outfit. Fumbling to reply, he cleared his throat several times in a row. – That's fine. A picture might send me over the edge right now.

"What's wrong?" Natalie immediately questioned, glancing over her shoulder toward Nick with worry.

"Nothing. Nothing at all--"

"What'd 'Lana say?"

"That she's wearing her blue tank top with the blue striped short underwear--"

"The ones that give just a little peak at her butt-cheeks?!"

"Would you mind not creaming your panties in my car?!"

Natalie was about to throw a witty comment back at Nick when his phone vibrated once more. Flipping it open, he was surprised to find a photograph instead of a text message. Clicking to open it, Nick was quite shocked to find Alana's bare sumptuous breasts displayed on the small screen of his phone with the smallest of messages over the right breast with a heart followed by 'you.'

"Fuck me," Nick groaned, reaching to make a quick adjustment. Shifting slightly in the seat as Natalie pulled away from the light, he stared at the photo for a long moment, unconsciously wetting his lips before replying. - Ditto.

He somehow hoped that she'd reply with her funny little giggle of amusement, though it would probably turn into a blasé 'LOL' or some other form of cyber chat. It wouldn't be the real giggle that caused him to smile as if the world were Heaven. But when the phone vibrated once more, he was shocked to find another picture to accompany her teasing. This time, she had slid down her boy-cut bottoms to reveal the sensuous curvature of her creamy caramel hip tapering against her bare pubic bone, writing another message to him in her favorite purple pen - a heart followed by the words 'you more.'

"What'd she say this time?" Natalie questioned, glancing over to see Nick practically salivating over the display screen of his phone. When he remained quiet, she rolled her eyes, turning her attention back onto the street as she tried to decide the quickest way to get to the pizza parlor. However, upon hearing his soft whine, she glanced back. "Nicky-What are you doing?!"

"It's her fault!" Nick gasped in disbelief, his cheeks beat red with a heavy flush of embarrassment. His one hand held tight to the phone, keeping the last image of Alana frozen on the phone. His other hand trailed down to the straining bulge in his jeans, rubbing tenderly to alleviate the pressure.

"What are you, twelve? You can't wait to get home and do that in the bathroom or something? You know, someplace where I won't have to see it?!" Natalie asked in bewilderment, quickly averting her eyes to the street.

"Well consider this you're lucky day!" Nick hissed, fumbling with the buttons of his fly.

"Nicky!"

Nick looked to Natalie as if to say something smart and meaningful, but the phone vibrated in his hand and pulled away from the last picture Alana had sent. Groaning while his hand paused at the fly of his jeans, he glanced up to read the message - Will that satisfy you for one night, Handsome? 'Cause Alex is coming back from the bathroom…

"Fuck me sideways," he growled, hand stilling halfway inside his jeans.

Natalie glanced over as she pulled to a stop in front of the pizza parlor. "…You want to run in and get the pizza?"

"Fuck no, you go," he demanded.

"Do you have some money for me, then?" she inquired, holding out her hand. Completely enjoying his embarrassment as well as his irritation. "My purse is in the back--"

"Damnit, Natalie!" Nick cursed as he reached into his back pocket for his wallet. With a trembling hand, he snatched a few bills from the middle, thrusting them toward Natalie's hand. Though, when he felt the slickness of his churning juices on his fingers from grasping the bills. "The dampness is no extra charge."

Natalie wrinkled her nose in disgust, pinching the very corners of the bills between her thumb and forefinger. Rolling them up to avoid touching the moisture, she offered him a glare before glancing back to make sure Zachary continued to sleep peacefully. "Don't worry, Nicky," she cooed, reaching to open the door. "I'll be sure and hump your pillow before you get into bed."

"Then you'll rub the smell of Alana off it!" Nick whined.

"Then I'll hump my pillow and throw it into your bed!" Natalie decided before hopping out.

"You probably already do! It's probably got a damn bald spot!"

"At least I ain't humping you," she shot back, flipping him off before shutting the door.

"Give it a few fucking days…" he grumbled.

*~*~*

Rolling from the bunk with a catlike stretch, AJ lazily scratched his stomach as he shuffled towards the front of the bus, reaching to grab his cigarettes from the kitchenette table. Beside the pack was a lugubrious list of all the many illnesses and effects of cigarette smoking, and he recognized from the purple ink who had written it. Sighing, he shuffled on, grateful the bus had stopped so he could have a smoke. Glancing back, he saw Howie stumbling towards the bathroom, and assumed Alana was asleep as he stepped out into the warm morning sun. Brian was pacing in the parking lot of the large truck stop, cell phone pressed to his ear. "Yo, Rok!" AJ bellowed before lighting up. "Who are you calling at the ass-crack of dawn?!"

"No one!" Brian yelped as he fumbled to disconnect the phone call as well as snap the phone shut, only succeeding in throwing the expensive piece of technology to the pavement. Cursing his luck when he heard the sickening crack mixed with AJ's raspy cackle, he bent down to scoop the phone up, hoping the damage wasn't severe. It wasn't as if he hadn't been trying to get in touch with Natalie since she stormed off from him. But, whenever he got a moment of peace to call, she never answered and getting to her oh-so-sweet voice mail message was just painful to say the very least. It wasn't as if he enjoyed the separation, he thought as he gazed to his tour bus, hearing the loud screech of Baylee followed by Leighanne's abrasive chastising. He suddenly hoped it was the hormones.

"She won't even answer when Howie calls, man. What makes you think she's going to pick up when she sees your name on the caller ID?" AJ questioned as he sat on the bottom step. Glancing towards Brian's bus when the door opened, he raised one brow when Baylee burst through it, feet scrambling before they hit the pavement.

"I 'TAYIN' WIT' 'LANA!" the boy announced at the top of his lungs, dragging his Spongebob Squarepants backpack behind him as he trundled towards AJ.

"That bus is packed, Snot Face," AJ disinclined with a shake of his head, holding his cigarette out to the side to flick away the building ashes at the end of the stick. "Your Uncle Howie is still throwing a fit because I'm in there with Al, so what makes you think that you get special privileges--"

"'Cause he don't smoke," Alana yawned as she appeared behind AJ, having hopped out of her bunk when she heard the commotions outside. Just wanting to walk around a bit outside to stretch her aching legs, she whined at AJ's hindrance, impatiently stepping over him.

"Scooper," Brian sighed as Baylee shoved his backpack into AJ's lap before curling his arms around Alana's legs.

"I no 'moke, 'Lana. I want'a 'tay wit' you," Baylee pleaded. "Make JJ 'tay wit' her an' Daddy?"

"What'd she do to you this morning?" Alana inquired with a disheartened sigh, leaning down to scoop the boy into her arms. Curling one hand within his long, platinum curls, she brought his face close for several warm kisses before helping him to settle against her hip. Leaning against the bus, she glanced sideways at the sound of a door slamming. Sure enough, Leighanne came stomping down the stairs in a flurry of a hysterical fit. Her bleached locks wild as she tugged furiously at them, stomping her feet with every step as if that would emphasize her anger. Fighting not to roll her eyes, Alana buried her face in Baylee's neck for a playful raspberry.

"HER BEAT ME WITH A WOODEN SPOON!" Baylee wailed, diving from Alana's arms to land in AJ's lap when he saw Leighanne. Hoping to avoid her, he crawled over AJ's head, scrambling onto the bus for safety.

"Leighanne!" Brian breathed in shock, immediately moving to block her path.

"Don't you even try to tell me how to discipline my son, Brian. He was misbehaving and, of course, you weren't there to take care of it! Not that you do any discipline in the first damn place. Now he knows better than to raise his voice at me and he's also going to be punished for running out of the bus--"

"Holy fuck!" AJ gasped as Alana crawled over him quickly to chase after Baylee, immediately reaching to cup his now tender crotch though he was far more concerned over the sharp sobs exploding from within the bus.

"Get back on the bus, Leighanne," Brian warned, blue eyes crackling with anger when she moved to step past him. Stopping her with a hand on her arm, he glared at her when she raised her other hand to slap him. "Do it and you can fucking walk home."

Leighanne reeled back in surprise. "Brian--"
"Get me a fucking wooden spoon! I'm going to beat her upside the head so damn bad that she's going to be spitting bloody splinters for years!" Alana suddenly exploded, hurdling out of her bus with the speed of a bat being chased from Hell. She had coaxed Baylee into letting her see the hurt on his bottom, hoping some ice might help. But as she eased his shorts down to find spots of blood, the rage took control. Leaping over AJ, she clenched her fists in rage as she marched up to Leighanne, having no qualms about throwing a heavy right hook into the woman's surgically enhanced face. "What gives you the damn right? Who the Hell are you that you think you can terrify a child by beating him into submission! You over-priced-two-faced-piece-of-shit-hunk-of-fucking-plastic-corroded-cunt?! You ever touch that little boy again, so help me God, I'll fucking kill you--"

"Holy fuck!" AJ gasped once more, dropping his forgotten cigarette to the asphalt as Brian quickly backed away from the two women. Leaping to his feet, he quickly caught Alana's arm before she could slam her fist into Leighanne's jaw. Wrapping his arms tightly around her to gain control, he took several steps back, glancing to see Brian jerking Leighanne away as well. "Easy, Babe…"

"She fucking beat him so hard that he started bleeding! That kid ain't going to be able to sit for a damn week!" Alana seethed as she was bear hugged tightly into AJ's arms, physically lifted in the air to keep her from dragging him forward. She writhed tightly against him, clawing at his hands in attempts to get free. She had been victim to that punishment far too many times. She had seen too many children meeting the same atrocities in their lifetime. To have Baylee sobbing in her bunk was unacceptable. Tears of frustration sprung to her electrified turquoise eyes. "You don't even deserve to have the title of mother!"

"He's bleeding?" Brian hissed in disgust, slamming his wife against the side of the bus. Reaching over, he flung the door open, so enraged he nearly threw her inside. Knowing she would no doubt begin to cry about abuse but not caring, he slammed the door in her face when she moved to stand.

"Get the fuck off me, AJ!" Alana cursed in a ragged breath as she threw her weight against his arms, stumbling slightly when the hold broke and she found herself on the asphalt. Heaving a furious sob, she pushed herself up and started to move back toward her tour bus. She noticed AJ step back with his hands in the air, seeing that the danger was gone. But she didn't care, never even bothering to confirm Brian's question.

"Alana, wait--"

"'Rok, don't piss her off, I can't hold her like that again, she's a strong little fucker," AJ wheezed as he collapsed to the ground.

Brian watched, helpless, as Alana stormed back onto her bus, wincing when the door slammed forcefully behind her. "Fuck me sideways… Where'd I go wrong, J?"

"I think it's when you dumped her best friend for a… What'd Al call her? A corroded cunt?"

"Plastic corroded cunt," Brian corrected with a sigh. "I didn't dump Natalie, Aje. I'm simply trying to do the right thing--"

"Letting Snot Face getting whacked with a wooden spoon? I know the kid needs discipline, but fuck--"

"I had no idea she was going to do that," Brian defended, quirking a brow when Alana's bus door opened once again. Howie appeared, sleepy-eyed but looking murderous, causing Brian to gulp nervously. Watching as a backpack and mound of clothes hit the pavement, he glanced towards AJ when Howie shut the door without a word.

"Your bitch of an estranged wife just got me kicked off one of the most fabulous tour busses ever created! Do you fucking realize that Al goes to bed every fucking night braless and in a pair of underwear? Nothing else! Nothing fucking else touching that body! And since Dicky's gone, she needs someone to cuddle with! And she likes to walk around like that for most of the day, just lounging around! Now your son, who is completely oblivious to the juiciness of this, is taking my spot!" AJ exploded with disbelief as he scrambled to his feet. "Where's that fucking spoon Al was talking about, I'm going to shove it so far up Leighanne's ass, she'll be spitting splinters--"

"Get your shit and get on the fucking bus," Brian interrupted with a scowl, turning to return to his own bus as Alana's roared to life.

"Don't bitch at me 'cause your wife's a vile piece of--"

"Fine. Then you can walk home," Brian decided, bracing himself for the fight he knew would start when he opened the door.
Forty-Six :: Murder of Mojo by shrinkingviolet
Turning to the side to assess her profile in the full length mirror of her hotel room, Alana tilted her head and inched up the baggy t-shirt she was currently wearing. Sliding a hand across the lower half of her bare abdomen, she felt just the smallest of protrusions starting to form where the twins were growing. A smile of satisfaction at the growth curved to her lips, though she knew it'd be a miracle if she could keep the protrusion growing. She was losing a significant amount of weight being on stage and performing, trying to eat at least double her usual capacity to sustain. But, at Baylee's bemused giggle, she turned from the mirror to find him standing inside the depths of her large suitcase that Natalie had filled with all her promotional and interview attire. He was searching through the selection of clothing, but not before placing one of her maternity bras over his head like a set of earmuffs. The boy was charming and a perfect gentleman through the whole trip to New York, clinging close to Alana as if she were his salvation. Even at the hotel, he insisted on sleeping in her room and following her everywhere she went. Now, she would be debuting her music video on TRL that afternoon and asked Baylee to help her dress since Natalie was on a vacation of sorts. "So, what do you think, Boogie? What should we wear to TRL? Something comfortable? Something fashionable? Something outrageously sexy? Or maybe a gigantic clown with a big ol' red nose to boot?"

"JJ 'cared of clowns," Baylee informed her, as seriously as he could, considering he was in the process of tying one of her t-shirts around his neck like a cape. Twirling inside the suitcase, he stopped when he faced her once again, placing his hands on his hips in his best impression of every superhero he had seen. "'Lana need com'f'able," he decided.

"I wouldn't mind being comfortable," Alana decided as she dropped her t-shirt, crawling onto the large bed to watch Baylee with a small smile. "And who are you, Boogie? The Bra'ed Boobie Avenger?"

"No," Baylee disagreed, jumping from the suitcase with finesse. Running back and forth across the large hotel room to gain momentum, he leaped onto the bed, grinning from ear to ear. "I The Caped Bra an' Boobie Avenger!"

"Snuggling boobies wherever and whenever they need the snuggling!" Alana exclaimed with a laugh as she grasped Baylee under the arms, tickling him mercilessly while tossing him onto the bed. Jerking up his shirt, she smothered his bare belly in raspberries, reveling in the squeals of delight. She was so thankful that he was feeling better.

"'Lana? You wear the green shirt Mommy got you?" Baylee requested amid his giggles as she flopped onto her back. Sitting up, he reached to pull her t-shirt up over her stomach, leaning close to blow a soft raspberry against the small bump that had started to form.

"The green shirt that your Mommy got me?" Alana repeated with a giggle at his raspberry, helping to pull him over her stomach so he could rest against her chest, tucking his arms beneath his chin. She reached to curl a platinum lock around her index finger, trying to remember which shirt Natalie had purchased. "Oh! The green stripes? That almost goes to my belly button?"

"Uh-huh!" Baylee agreed with a grin. "The one that makes Nicky go--"

"Are you dressed yet, Babe? D's 'bout to piss himself, ready to go," AJ called, knocking loudly on the door.

"Of course I'm dressed! It's only four hours till I have to be there, so why wouldn't I be dressed?!" Alana exclaimed, tickling Baylee's sides to topple him from her body. Sliding off the bed, she gingerly patted his behind to hurry him along. When he dove into her suitcase, she moved to open the door for AJ while calling back to Baylee. "Get out the green striped shirt, Boogie, and I'll go get my ultra low-rise khakis."

"You're not wearing that… Are you?" AJ questioned, removing his cap to scratch his head as he stepped into the room. Taking in the jeans and baggy t-shirt, he shook his head. "No damn way--"

"What's wrong with baggy t-shirts and jeans?" Alana teased as she shut the door behind AJ, slipping around him to thumb through the pants in her closet. Retrieving her form fitting, low-rise, flared khakis, she nodded with approval and draped them over her bed.

"Nothing… If you're a guy," AJ answered honestly as Baylee began tossing things over his shoulder in search of the shirt in Alana's suitcase. "Whoa, Snot Face! What's with the bra earmuffs?!"

"My ears cold?" Baylee returned in a questioning tone, popping up from the suitcase and freezing mid throw of another t-shirt. "It 'mells good?"

"If it smells good, why do you have it over your…" AJ trailed, shaking his head in disbelief. Though, when Baylee turned back to his work, he caught sight of the t-shirt tied around him like a cape. "Hey! You've been watching Lilo and Stitch again, haven't you?"

"No! I's the Caped Bra an' Boobie Avenger!" Baylee declared with a low baritone growl, leaping out of the suitcase with the two piece shirt clutched in his small hands, waving it like a badge of honor. "Dun-Na-Nah!"

Falling backwards when Baylee landed on his chest, AJ cursed with pain as his back slammed against the dresser. "Well I ain't got any bras or boobies!"

"Liar!" Baylee cried, poking at AJ's pectoral muscles. "You got nips!"
"Before we get into this debate of anatomy, can I please have my shirt?" Alana questioned, halfway through with buttoning her khakis as she turned to the feuding boys.

"You made me miss Al stripping," AJ growled at Baylee before tossing him playfully onto the bed. "Do you know what that means?"

Baylee grinned with triumph as he handed the shirt to Alana. "Means Nicky buy me 'resents!"

"Oh, really?" Alana laughed, taking the shirt from Baylee and exchanging it with a sweet kiss to his forehead. "Did Nicky promise to buy you stuff if you kept Alex from taking peeks at me?"

"Peeks, touches, kisses, 'nuggles--" Baylee began to tick off the items on his hand.

"That sneaky bastard," AJ hissed in disgust.

"And you thought Handsome was an idiot," Alana decided with a smirk, sauntering into her large bathroom to change her top.

"I getting' a Big Wheels Cadillac for this!" Baylee announced with a squeal, leaping off the bed to retrieve his backpack. Pulling out the toy catalogue that Nick had given him to choose his presents from, he rushed over to AJ, flipping to the appropriate folded page. "See?! I get it in red! An' drive Lizzie 'round in style!"

"That fucking sneaky-ass, two-timing bastard," AJ cursed, seizing the magazine to see Secret Agent Baylee: Killing AJ's Mojo scrawled in a permanent marker. Leaning to his side, AJ yanked his picture capable cell phone from his back pocket. Remembering Nick's distinct death threat the night they left for tour, AJ stomped toward the bathroom door. "I'm nixing that Cadillac deal, Snot Face," he grumbled, throwing open the bathroom door to snap a picture of Alana attempting to cover her bare upper half.
"Alex, what the Hell is wrong with you?!" Alana yelped in shock as she yanked down the short emerald green striped tube top over her breasts.

"The Caped Bra and Boogie Avenger to the rescue!" Baylee shrieked, throwing himself against AJ. Delivering a sharp kick to the man's leg, he growled in triumph when AJ's phone went clattering to the floor. Quickly diving away before AJ could grasp him, he caught the phone, pressing the button that would delete the picture. "Dun-Na-Nah!"

"Damnit, you Green Snot Faced Weasel!"
"You're so damn busy taking a picture to send to Nick to get him all upset that you could have at least copped a feel and a look in the freaking process!" Alana exclaimed with annoyance as she pushed AJ onto the bed, pretending to throw heavy punches against his stomach as she discarded the swooping tunic that layered the tube top for a moment.

"HEY!" Howie bellowed from the open doorway as Baylee darted into the bathroom and shut he door. "What the Hell is going on here?!"

"Alex threw the bathroom door open while I was getting changed to get a picture of my bare breasts!" Alana squealed as AJ tossed her onto the bed and pinned her quickly.

"Well I don't care if he slipped in while you were taking a shower! We have to get ready to go! Hair, makeup, preliminary interviews, not to mention you have that stack of promo shots to autograph," Howie explained. "AJ, get your scrawny ass off her or I'll personally make sure that you're rooming with Leighanne in the next hotel."

"You, me, shower later?" AJ invited with a growl as he leaned down to nuzzle Alana's neck before nipping at the tender flesh.
"Since Howie condones it, sure," Alana consented.

"And don't forget, Nick'll be meeting us tomorrow," Howie added.

"And that stops my plans for tonight how exactly?" AJ questioned with a wicked smirk, following the sleek curves of Alana's bare torso before brushing gently over the curve of her breasts. Though he yelped with pain when Howie's fist caught his collar and twisted, wrenching him up with a cut of oxygen.

"Because you're rooming with me, remember? And if you so much as open the door, I'm calling your mother."

"But if I never come in the room--"

"I'll call Kaci and tell her you want to reconcile."

"Al, you and I will talk later about this--"

"With Baylee as a chaperone," Howie interrupted.

"Not Baylee no more! The Caped Bra and Boogie Avenger!" Baylee squealed as he raced from the bathroom.

"What were you doing in there with Alex's phone?" Alana questioned in surprise as Baylee darted between her legs to attack Howie. Shaking her head with a small smile, she ducked into the bathroom to retrieve her tunic, carefully pulling it over her body. The sleeveless fabric was emerald striped like the tube top, snugly resting against her like a second skin with a deep plunging neckline that bared the lower half of her torso from her belly button to the bra-line of the tube top.

"Nothing," Baylee defended with a wicked grin. "Just deleted all his pictures an' emptied the folder of deleted stuff--"

"ALL OF MY PICTURES?!" AJ roared in disbelief. "DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY WICKED SHOTS OF AL--"

"A lot," Baylee informed Howie. "But I sent'em to Nicky before I deleted--"

"Why'd you send them to Nick you little pisser?!" AJ moaned as Howie continued to yank him toward the door.

"A-duh," Baylee huffed, scooping up the catalogue. "Big Wheels Cadillac! With MP3 player now!"

"I think we better nix that whole shower deal," Alana suggested as she smoothed the tunic over her abdomen, glancing toward Howie. "Does this look alright, Daddy D?"

"It looks great," Howie promised with a nod.

"Boogie picked it out," Alana announced as she stepped into a pair of faded khaki Converses. Turning to look at her reflection in the mirror once more, she ran her fingers through her straightened strawberry locks, knowing they would be fussed with at TRL. Exhaling a soft breath, she twisted her locks into a messy clip before picking up her necessary gadgets - MP3 player and a vibrating cell phone. "Why do I think I'm in trouble because of my Boogie Bandit?"

"I didn't do nothing!" Baylee declared.

"Which means you did everything!" Alana growled playfully as she swooped to catch the little boy before he could run away.

"I didn't take the pictures!"

"But you got me in trouble instead of Alex!"

"I'll swear to Nicky that Alex is a pervert!"

"You don't even know what a pervert is!" AJ growled as he was thrown into the hallway, knocking his head against the wall. There was a distant bark of Howie ordering AJ to get his ass in gear, but he waved it off with a grimace. Reaching to cup the back of his head, he noticed Brian standing in the hallway, eyeing him curiously. "Your kid is the fucking death of me!"

"If you didn't take pictures of Alana when she was half-naked, you wouldn't have to worry about that, now would you?" Brian questioned honestly.

"If you aren't all things pure and holy," AJ scoffed, slowly moving to stagger to his feet.
"Guess your Uncle Howie decided that you're spending the day with your Daddy, Boogie," Alana announced, stepping into the hallway with Baylee on her hip, insisting that she open up her phone to read the text message. But she craned her neck and kept her hands hidden so she wouldn't have to intercept. All high spirits that she had before the interview and debut now ruined as she gazed to Brian, knowing he had forgiven Leighanne for all that she had done. Again.

"Daddy taking me to the zoo," Baylee whispered conspiringly, resting his head on her shoulder. "And her can go to He--"

"I'll send her there myself if she hurts you again," Alana promised, pressing several reassuring kisses to Baylee's forehead as she snuggled him close. "…I love you so much, Boogie. You have fun today and wish me the best of luck."

"I buy you a 'tuffed lion? Like Simba?" Baylee suggested hopefully.

"You don't have to buy me anything, Boogie," Alana assured, vaguely aware of AJ telling her to hurry as he loped toward the elevators, away from her vibrating phone.

"Biggest 'tuffed lion they got!" Baylee decided with a grin, hugging her tightly.

"I'll use it as earmuffs while your Nicky is screaming at me," Alana suggested, pressing a smooch of a kiss against his cheek before handing him to his father.

"Why's Nick going to be screaming at you?" Brian questioned, shifting Baylee onto his hip.

"Because your son decided to dump out Alex's cell phone and send all the incriminating photographs to Nick so he can get a Cadillac to impress Lizzie with," Alana explained in a monotone, staring at the LCD screen of her flip phone, debating on throwing it open or not. Sighing, she slowly walked down the hallway, ill pressed to find Brian following her.

"Have you heard from Nat lately?" Brian blurted, flinching when Alana stopped and whirled around to face him. Taking a cautious step backwards, he cleared his throat. "Forget I asked—"

"You are such a selfish bastard it's un-fucking-believable," Alana breathed, staring at him as if she had never seen him before. Her hands clenched at her sides as Baylee's sapphire eyes widened in shock at the anger radiating from her voice. "You have the audacity to come up to me and if I've heard from her? After what you did? After who you dumped her for? You can go to Hell."

"C'mon, Sweetie, we need to get to the car," Howie called from the elevator.

"I talk to her every day and, trust me, she is a hell'uva lot happier without your drama. In fact, she's talking about taking a trip up to visit JC while he's recording his new album. You're just as replaceable as she was in your life. Match made in Heaven, huh?" Alana growled, stepping into the elevator as she crossed her arms against her chest in a defiant stance.

*~*~*

Tiptoeing down the stairs, Natalie paused, holding her breath as the monitor in her hands emitted the sounds of Zachary's soft whimpers. He had cried himself to sleep; completely inconsolable as she had rocked, cooed, rubbed his back. She had done everything she could to calm him, but he only wanted his mother. Releasing her breath when she heard him shift in his crib, his whimper dying into a deep sigh, she continued down the stairs. "Nicky?" she called softly, stepping into the kitchen to find him bent over in front of the open oven. "The pizza ready?"

"Yeah," Nick mumbled, retrieving the pizza sheet with a pair of oven mitts that Alana had purchased for the household. No more using a raggedy, thin washcloth that only resulted in burnt fingers. Exhaling a hard sigh, he pushed the sheet onto the oven to cool as he rummaged for the pizza cutter. To say these three days had been easy would have been a bold lie. He had been miserable sleeping in the master bedroom, even with Zachary curled on his chest. Everything in the house reminded him of Alana. And then receiving the overwhelming amount of lurid photographs from AJ's phone had flared his jealous rage. He had sent several text messages to Alana, but she hadn't replied. Glancing sideways to see the monitor that Natalie continued to clutch, he glanced up to the ceiling. He couldn't hear the sharp echoes of Zachary's wails, so he hoped things went well. "Did he get to sleep without a lot of fuss?"

"Once I gave him one of 'Lana's shirts," Natalie answered softly, deciding it best to stretch the truth a bit. Nick was so miserable without Alana. Nearly as miserable as Zachary was. Setting the monitor on the counter, she reached to take the pizza cutter from Nick, offering him a gentle smile. "Want to fix the drinks while I cut it? Then I'll toss the salads and we can go to the living room…"

"You're really going to eat a salad?" Nick questioned with skepticism, rubbing his hands on the back of his jeans before glancing to the clock. TRL would be on in a few minutes, which meant he'd actually be able to see Alana for the first time in days. "Why eat salad with pizza? It doesn't counter the calories. Not that you can't stand to put on some weight."

"We're both going to eat a salad," Natalie corrected, rolling her eyes. "And we're going to eat it because it's good for us, and because I have tons of toppings to add so we won't even notice the lettuce and what do you mean I can't stand to put on some weight?"

"You're skinny as Hell and I don't eat anything green," Nick mumbled, pushing off the island counter to retrieve canned sodas from the fridge. Two for each of them, then trundled into the living room, trying to avoid all the photographs of Alana.

"You used to eat vegetables," Natalie muttered as she dished up the pizza. Pausing as she reached for the bag of salad, she glanced down at her figure, wrinkling her brow. Skinny as Hell? Kicking the fridge door shut with her foot, she grabbed the plates, following Nick to the living room. "Do you think I'm too skinny?"

"No, Nat, I think your fat as Hell," Nick answered, really not wanting to delve into a fight as he reached for the remote. Groaning when he felt a sharp kick to his shin, he looked up to see Natalie's dark glare. "Damnit, Nat, you've lost some weight since you and Brian broke up. What can I say? You don't look horrible, but you don't look like yourself."

"I haven't had much of an appetite lately," Natalie shrugged, dropping his plate into his lap before moving to sit on the far end of the couch.

"Could have fooled me," he mumbled, glancing to the four slices of extra cheesy pizza on her plate.

"You're one to talk, Mr. Half Gallon of Ice Cream for breakfast."

"Beautiful ain't here to cook for me."

"You know how to cook, Nick."

"It doesn't taste the same."

"I know," she murmured, glancing towards the muted TV.

"Do you think she's going to do alright?" he asked as he reached to turn up the volume on the TV when the show began to play.

"She's going to be great," Natalie promised, setting her plate on the coffee table.

"You touched all those pieces, you better eat them," Nick threatened as he leaned back on the couch, pushing a large bite of pizza into his mouth while watching the host of the day welcome the audience and announce the big guest for the day. MTV had begged for Alana to do the entire show with the host, wanting her to help introduce videos as well as her début music video. She was the hottest thing to hit the music scene in years. Everyone craved information about her, though she kept her personal life so hidden. "…Do you think she'll talk about me at all?"

"No, Nick. She's engaged to you, living with you, carrying your twins, has a son with you, loves you more than anything in the world… I seriously doubt your name will even pop into her mind," Natalie answered, straight-faced as she reached to get her soda. Wincing at all the ear-piercing screams coming from the audience in the TRL studio, she glanced towards Nick. "Can we mute it again? Till 'Lana comes out?"

"She's supposed to be out right away…" Nick sighed, though he muted it just the same, studying the pan of the crowd. "God, there are a lot of guys there today… You really think she won't even think about me?"

"I was kidding, Nicky. They're going to premiere her video. Considering the fact that everyone's favorite Backstreet Boy is in the video with her… She'll talk about you, Nicky."

"Yeah, as a co-star who is just so great to work with," he grumbled suddenly, chewing on his inner cheek instead of the pizza in his lap. "Bet AJ coached her to say nothing about the relationship."

"Hell, you could always just call the studio and announce over TRL that y'all are engaged," Natalie chuckled, shaking her head at his grumbling.

Nick's ocean eyes widened at the idea. "Do you think they'd put me through--"

"Nicky! Let her do this, okay? She's going to do awesome, she'll say wonderfully romantic and sweet things about you and everyone's going to love her."

"Well of course they're going to love her, look at what she's wearing!" Nick exclaimed in horror as he threw his pizza to the coffee table and threw an accusatory finger at the TV screen. To say she was beautiful was an understatement. The stylist had decided to keep her hair straightened for the event, causing it to illuminate in a glossy shiny underneath the lighting. Her makeup was natural as always with the faint touch of shimmering lip gloss to her lips. There was a faint blush to her cheeks as she reached to shake the hand of the current female host, thanking her for the opportunity to be on the show. But her outfit, how did Howie let her go out of the hotel in that?!
"It's the shirt I bought her!" Natalie squealed, diving for the remote to turn up the volume. "I knew she'd be hot as Hell in that! Look at her tummy! Gorgeous! And that tiny tube top!"

"YOU GAVE HER THAT?!" Nick bellowed, jerking the remote away before she could grasp it. "You are so dead when this is over."

"She's gorgeous!" Natalie breathed in disbelief. "Why the Hell are you bellyaching?!"

"Because there's a studio full of hot guys younger than me getting massive hard-ons, that's why!" Nick growled, pushing her away from him.

"Your point?! Every guy's flag pole stands at full attention when she walks into a room!"

"That doesn't mean I want to see it on national fucking TV!"

"I thought guys got hard just at the thought that other guys get hard over their girlfriends?!"

Nick stared at her for a moment. "What the fuck have you been smoking? Does it make you wet at the thought that other chicks get wet over your boyfriends?!"

Natalie blushed furiously as she glanced to the flat-screen TV. "Look! Alana's talking!"

"I forgot, you're screwed up in the head somewhere. You probably get wet over the women checking out men," Nick muttered, reaching to turn up the volume.

"Oh, shut--"

"Shut up! She's talking!"

"When the Hell are you leaving again? I need a vacation," Natalie groaned as she slumped down on the far end of the couch, crossing her arms against her chest in a furious pout. Though, she turned her gaze to the High Definition screen, noticing Alana was laughing at something the host was saying. "What'd she say?"

"Fuck if I know, considering some annoying gnat keeps buzzing in my ear," Nick mumbled, increasing the volume.

"There aren't any bugs in here…" Natalie trailed, glancing dubiously around the spacious living room.

"The only thing that I have gotten from my fiancée in the past three fucking days has been text messages! I haven't heard her voice! I haven't felt her beside me! I haven't even heard her soft breathing when she's sleeping! Not to mention the fucking batch of photographs that I have to kill AJ over today. All I want to do is sit here and listen to her talk for a fucking hour! Is that so much to ask from women?! To be quiet for a fucking hour?!"

"You don't have to be rude about it," Natalie whispered, tucking her feet beneath her. "And if you keep raising your voice like that, you're going to wake Zachary up--"

"Natalie," Nick whined dramatically. "They're talking about the video!"

"Well do you want me to just leave the room so you can jack off in private this time?!"

"Don't even think I didn't see you rubbing at yourself while you watched my dick!"
"You were watching me?!"

"I heard you moaning and I thought you were getting sick-You fucking admitted to it, you slut!"

"Do you realize how long it's been since I had sex?!"

"Then go jump on JC!"

"He's in New York--"

"Well, I ain't fucking you, that's for sure."

"I'd as soon go to bed with Flavio," Natalie growled as a commercial came on. "Now see what you did?! We totally missed it! You're TiVo'ing it, right? Rewind it so we can see what she said!"

"What I did?!" Nick spat with disgust when Natalie snatched the remote from him.

"Yes you!" Natalie hissed, rewinding back to Alana's entrance.

"I was trying to listen from the very beginning yet you were this buzzing little greasy gnat yapping in my ear!" Nick defended, throwing a pillow toward Natalie.

"Shhh!" Natalie admonished, letting the pillow fall to the floor as she settled back on the couch. "She looks so nervous…"

"She hasn't exactly been on television for an entire hour yet," Nick murmured as he leaned against the arm of the couch, narrowing his eyes to study Alana closely. He could see the small tremble in her hands as she walked out, waving to the crowds screaming her name. She smiled toward all of them, looking like she wanted to greet them all individually, but the host pulled her toward the center of the stage near the windows where masses of fans were screaming below. "I should be there…"

"Hop on a plane, then…"

"I wouldn't make it in time for the show, dipshit."

Rolling her eyes, Natalie pulled the blanket off the back of the couch to wrap around herself, watching Alana laugh and blush when the host mentioned Nick's name. There were screams following the mention, then the host began to talk about the video. "You both looked so good that day," she breathed softly as a tiny clip was shown.

"As opposed to when?" Nick accused with a small scowl. "Y'know, I got a copy of when I proposed to her. They kept the audio on, so you can hear everything. I'm giving it to her as a wedding present. I thought about sending it to my mother and father so they'd know… But… God, she was so beautiful…"

"How many times have you watched it since she left?" Natalie murmured.

"What?" Nick questioned, feigning ignorance.

"The video? The proposal?" Natalie clarified slowly, glancing towards him.

"What's the big deal?"

"Idle curiosity?"

"Why?"

"Because you're killing yourself slowly? You don't go anywhere, don't do anything but sit around the house and watch TV and play with Zachary. You hardly eat, and you threw a fork at me this morning--"

"I am not killing myself--"

"After the show's over, I'm booking you on a flight out to New York," Natalie decided as the commercial came on. Handing the remote to Nick, she reached for her plate of pizza.

"What the Hell--"

"And I'll get all your stuff and Zachary's stuff packed so you can spend the weekend with her. Y'know, like you were planning to do anyway but you never got off your ass to make any plans? I'll take care of a car to get you from the airport to 'Lana's hotel--"

"Are you kicking me out of my house?"

"I wouldn't call it kicking… More like a gentle nudge in the ass…"

"I owe you a date when I get back…"

"Just don't tell 'Lana that… She tends to-Turn it back up!"

"What?" Nick questioned as he jerked the remote toward the TV in an involuntary reflex. Rewinding it a few paces, he pressed play and increased the volume. They had just finished debuting Alana's video and were getting comments from the crowd as well as questions. "Why do you look like you just saw a ghost?"

"Because my freaking picture is posted on TRL!" Natalie squeaked, sitting up straighter.

"Why would they want to show some washed up playmate--" Nick's voice halted halfway when the picture was enlarged on the screen. "…Holding my hand in an expensive restaurant…"

Natalie grabbed the remote, pausing the picture for a moment. "Oh, my God," she breathed in surprise, realizing that the picture would be misconstrued by everyone. Tilting her head to one side, she stared at the image critically. "Are my breasts really that perky?"

"So perky it's looks like you had a fucking boob-job, Nat," Nick spat with disgust, running his hands raggedly through his locks as the host blatantly asked Alana how uncomfortable it was working with her supposed best friend's lover in such an intimate manner in the video. His heart wrenched at the sight of Alana shifting the engagement ring inconspicuously to hide the diamonds.

"Oh, God, they think you're my boyfriend," Natalie groaned, burying her face in her hands as Alana quickly murmured an answer. Her heart hurt to hear the tone of her friend's voice as she explained it was very easy to work with Nick.

"They're going to beat this to death," Nick moaned as he slid off the couch, yanking at his locks in dismay. The host seemed to find Alana's quiet nature intriguing, pressing on with questions about the relationship. If Natalie would appear in the House of Carters. If things were serious between them. If she approved of the relationship. If they were good together. If Natalie was pregnant, because she had been caught at a baby store with Alana.

"I'm not setting foot outside of this house ever again," Natalie decided, jumping when her cell phone began to ring. Leaning to retrieve it, she whined when she saw the name on the ID screen, quickly tossing it towards Nick. "Tell Howie that we're not fucking!"

"He's the love of your fucking life and it's your damn phone - take it!" Nick screeched, hurling the phone back in her direction as he turned off the TV. He couldn't even bear to see Alana have to take that kind of abuse. She was already too skinny from the stress and overwhelming amount of exercise. This wouldn't help the pregnancy in the least.

"He's not the love of my fucking life – Howie, hi!" Natalie answered softly as she flipped the phone open. Glancing worriedly towards Nick, she chewed on her bottom lip. "How are you? How's New York? Alana's looking really good--"

"Beautiful looks like she's about to--" Nick released a heavy string of curses at the ringing of his phone, noticing Brian's name pop up on his LCD screen. "Fuck that, I ain't answering it! I'm going to pack my shit and get the fuck out of here!"

"Don't go stomping upstairs, you'll wake up Zachary! Howie, quit cussing me out in Spanish and take a fucking chill pill!" she growled into her phone, hurriedly cutting the connection as Howie once again began to speak. Heaving the phone into the arm chair, she picked up Nick's cell phone, seeing Brian's name.

'Good,' Natalie thought with satisfaction as she opened the cell phone and hurriedly shut it to end the phone conversation. "Choke on that hurt, you prick."
Forty-Seven by shrinkingviolet
Alana shifted uncomfortably within her sleep despite the plush nature of her hotel bed, barely hearing the registering beep of the electronic lock to her door permit entrance to another person. Instead, she brought the blankets over her head to keep the room as dark as the thick curtains allowed, forcing herself to get some rest. The ride to Atlantic City after the bombing of her TRL interview had been miserable. Brian had forced Baylee to go back into the opposite bus, leaving AJ to come racing back to hers. She had insisted on being left alone during the ride, drowning herself in music. The men had persisted for a few hours, but quietly went to bed after awhile, leaving her to stare at the ceiling of her bunk, wondering how things could have gone so terribly so fast. The heaviness of which the Ivy photograph had hit her heart had been horrendous, nearly knocking her from her feet when the hostess inquired about Natalie's relationship with Nick. The insecurities it had left her with were devastating. She just wanted to actually get some sleep before the show tonight.

"Beautiful? You sleep?" Nick murmured softly as he placed Zachary's carrier on the floor by the door. Slowly sliding his backpack, the diaper bag and his duffel bag to the floor, he turned to tiptoe towards the door. He had only had to flash a smile at the blushing desk clerk before being given an extra key to Alana's hotel room, surprised to find her and Baylee curled up in the bed. Stepping around the bed so he could reach Alana, he quickly stumbled back when Baylee leaped across Alana's sleeping form, landing directly atop him.

"Hi-Yah!" Baylee shrieked, punching Nick's chest as they fell into a heap on the floor. "Beware! The Caped Bra and Boobie Avenger sees all!"

"Jesus Christ, Baylee!" Nick screeched in shock as he fell flat on his back, pushing the air from his lungs in a strangled wheeze. He immediately reached to clutch for his heart, convinced that he was dying from a heart attack as his heart threatened to burst through his chest. His ocean eyes were wide with horror at the pile of energy sitting atop him with cries of justice for the sake of Alana's bras and breasts.

"NICKY!" Baylee squealed in surprise, jumping up to stand atop Nick's stomach. "YOU HERE!" he squealed louder, jumping up and down in excitement. "'LANA! 'LANA! WAKE UP! NICKY'S HERE--"

"Who the Hell did you think it was?!" Nick growled as he clamped a hand over Baylee's mouth to silence the little boy, fearfully glancing toward the bed to see Alana just curl deeper within the blankets. He was hoping that he'd be able to surprise her. And not with a pair of damp pants.

Baylee's response was muffled behind Nick's hands, gesturing wildly towards the door, the bed, and then himself, ending with several manly beats against his chest with one fist.

"What?" Nick groaned in confusion, slowly pulling his now slobbered hand from Baylee's mouth.

Baylee took a deep breath, wiping the back of his hand across his mouth to dry it. "I was p'tecting 'Lana from JJ! He said he'd sneak in here while she slept, so I had to stay 'wake and make sure nobody got to her! An' look! I did!"

"What the fuck did he think he was going to do to her while she slept?" Nick growled with a sudden surge of jealousy mixing with his naturally overprotective nature.

"He said you was so busy banging my Mommy that you wouldn't care," Baylee answered simply, shifting his weight from foot to foot. "Nicky! You squishy!"

"That fucking bastard has been saying shit to Beautiful-- What do you mean I'm squishy?" Nick questioned in confusion.

"Daddy not squishy, JJ feels like a board, and Howie don't let me stand on his tummy--"

"Thank you for pointing out how fat and disgusting I am, Bay," Nick grunted, grabbing the boy under his arms to lift him from his abdomen. Bringing his arms above his head, he set Baylee on the floor before moving to stand. "Why don't you go jump on your JJ. Hit those two squishy things right between his legs a few times."

"You mean his gonads?" Baylee questioned, reaching to adjust his cape.

"Gonads, balls, peanuts, family jewels, testicles, whatever you want to call them, Bay. Just go dig your heels into them."

"I need you to go with me," Baylee declared. "I not allowed to leave the room by myself--"

"Why don't these people have connecting rooms like we used to in the fucking pent houses," Nick cursed, brushing his pants off before gesturing toward the door. He had to get rid of the runt while Zachary still slept in his carrier. He needed a few moments alone with Alana, still longing to surprise her.

"'Cause 'Lana said her no want'a be anywhere near that whore of an egg-donor that Daddy's with," Baylee answered with complete honesty, grunting when Nick grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the door.

"Glad to see she's learning Christian values on this tour…" Nick sighed, waiting for Baylee to indicate which door belonged to AJ. And, sure enough, the man was sleeping just across the hall from Alana. Ample opportunity for him to sneak in if Baylee wasn't there. Scowling, Nick reached for a credit card to work the electronic system as he did so many times on the Backstreet tour when he locked himself out.

"Wait! I gots a key!" Baylee hissed, reaching into the pocket of his shorts. Retrieving the key card, he handed it to Nick, reaching to adjust his cape once more. "Jump on his gonads?" he clarified as the lock clicked open. When Nick nodded, nearly shoving him into the room, he grinned, running to leap onto the bed, where AJ was stretched out, fast asleep. Landing directly on the man's crotch, he released his new signature yell. "HI-YAH!"

"Keep jumping, Bay!" Nick sang in triumph, allowing the door to close when AJ's painful whelp echoed across the room, sending Howie propelling off the side of his bed. Whistling in glee, Nick sauntered back into Alana's hotel room, easing the door shut slowly behind him before sliding the chain over the door to prevent entry.

Toeing off his shoes, he slid out of his shorts as he moved slowly across the room, turning back to unbuckle Zachary. Lifting his son out of the carrier, he pressed a soft kiss against his cheek before carefully climbing into the bed. "There's Mommy, Son," he whispered, settling the sleeping child next to Alana's chest. Smiling when Zachary snuggled closer to his mother, one hand reaching to clutch at her shirt. Pulling the blankets up over him, he felt relief wash over him at the soft smell of her shampoo, easing his arm around her waist. Leaning across Zachary, he whispered her name into her ear before nuzzling her neck gently, pulling her closer to them both as he rested his head on the pillow next to hers.

Usually, the dips and shifts in the mattress would barely cause a stir from the sleep woman, but she had been wary since AJ confessed to always having an extra key to her bedroom. Feeling the tiny hand settle protectively over her breast with a small fistful of her shirt, she popped her eyes open. On reflex, she was startled to find two other bodies lying next to her, but at Zachary's contented sigh, she felt her heart swell with pride. Shifting, she reached to take Zachary into her arms, laying him over her chest so she could feel his soft breaths against her skin, layering the top of his head with kisses. "Zachie, I missed you so much, Darling."

"Maa," Zachary cooed in his sleep, nestling his head beneath her chin as both hands clutched her shirt. Smacking his lips, he stretched languidly against her before relaxing completely.

"I love you too, Zachary," Alana promised softly as she pressed the most delicate kiss to the crown of his silky black locks, pulling the blankets higher over her body to nestle him in a soft cocoon of warmth. To say she had missed the little boy would have been a disturbing understatement. She had been so lonely and lost without him. Longing to hear him call for her even in the softest of pitches.

"Hey Beautiful," Nick murmured after a moment, his hand meeting hers at her side. Twining their fingers, he brought them to his mouth for a gentle kiss as he moved closer, tucking his head against her shoulder. "I missed you."

"Handsome…" Alana breathed softly when she felt Nick's lips against her knuckles. Turning slightly, she pressed a warm kiss to his forehead, trying to blink back a wave of tears. "What are you two doing here so early? You weren't supposed to be here till around the sound check."

"I saw you on TRL and had to get here as soon as I could--"

"Because it was a complete fucking disaster?" Alana guessed, putting the carnage of TRL in the lightest context she possibly could. Even him mentioning that he had watched TRL seemed to send a knot into the center of her intestines. It was embarrassing to say the very least, especially when she had ill thoughts about what Natalie and Nick were really doing in Los Angeles.

Nick shook his head, lightly kissing her neck. "No, Beautiful, you weren't a disaster. You did a great job. Everyone loved you--"

"Thanks…" Alana murmured softly, sneaking her hand underneath Zachary's t-shirt to feel the warmth of his skin. Closing her eyes at the feeling of Nick's lips against her neck, she couldn't help but assume that what the fans had loved was Nick and Natalie.

"Why didn't you tell them the truth when they showed that picture of me and Nat?" Nick questioned softly as Zachary sighed in his sleep.

"How exactly was I supposed to tell them the truth when they kept barraging me with questions about you and her?"

Sighing, Nick shrugged in the near-dark, pulling her closer so Zachary was cuddled between them. "I'm sorry. I should have--"

"It ain't a big deal," Alana assured, not really wanting to delve into the specifics of the interview. It was painful enough being under the direct scrutiny of the fans and media; she didn't have the heart to listen to Nick chide her. She had missed him terribly over the past three days. Not able to even speak to him over the phone because AJ and Howie were pulling her in different directions. She was lucky to manage to get a few text messages to him during the nights. But now she had him at her side. She needed him.

"You're sure?" Nick whispered, smiling when her hand inched beneath his shirt, lightly tracing his skin with her fingers. Letting his lips trail up her cheek, he sought her lips for a gentle, reassuring kiss.

"Positive," she promised, brushing her fingers lightly over his nipple before tracing the footprint on his pectoral muscle. She could close her eyes and map the ink on his body. But, she was far more interested in the slip of his lips against hers. Sighing softly, she nipped on his bottom lip, pulling him closer in a passionate kiss.

"Maa," Zachary grunted in protest as he was squeezed between their chests.

"Sorry, Zachie," Alana groaned when his little feet kicked against her stomach. Pulling away from Nick, she scooted into an upright position on the bed and brought Zachary into her lap. She cooed softly toward him when his large cobalt eyes widened in surprise at seeing her. "Hey, Good Looking…"

"Maa!" he squealed in surprise, hands flying to land on her cheeks. "Maa!"

"Damn straight I'm your Ma," Alana laughed softly as she leaned down to smother his face with kisses, exhilarated at the pleased giggle he released. Moving her kisses downward, she bunched up his t-shirt to layer his protruding tummy with wild raspberries. At his gasps of squeals and giggles, she had to laugh harder. "I missed you so much, Zachie!"

Shifting to his back, Nick tilted his head back to watch them. He was amazed, as he was each time he looked at them interact, at how Alana had changed towards Zachary since the first day of his adoption. She had truly become his mother, better than many biological mothers he had seen in the past. She doted on their son, who ate up all her attention and begged for more. Smiling slightly, he lifted his hand to play with Zachary's foot, instead letting it drop to his own stomach when he realized they barely acknowledged his presence.

"Did you behave for your Daddy, Zachie?" Alana inquired of her son as she rested him within her lap, smiling triumphantly as he supported his head on his own, continuing to kick his feet in excitement while reaching out for her touch. "Did you take good care of him for me? Make sure he got to bed on time? Ate well? Make sure he didn't hit on any flight attendants?"

"All the flight attendants kept bringing him treats," Nick murmured. "An extra pillow for his feet when he was sitting in my lap, an extra blanket when he was falling asleep, and tons of toys they had stashed away in the lost and found…"

"So… You helped your Daddy get a lot of numbers from pretty girls, huh?" Alana sighed as she tickled Zachary's sides, causing him to squeal and scrunch his extremities inward like a pill bug.

"Like I wanted any phone numbers…"

"Email addresses for naked pictures then, huh?" Alana thought aloud, allowing Zachary to nibble on her fingers as she looked to her side. She frowned when she saw Nick laying flat on his back, just staring at the ceiling like a disgruntled child. "…What's wrong?"

"Apparently you think I have nothing on my mind but getting other women into the sack," Nick sighed.

"Handsome--"

"Admit it, Beautiful. I saw the look on your face when they showed that picture yesterday. You really think I have something going on with Nat, don't you? You honestly don't believe me when I say that you're ten times more woman than I'll ever need--"

"As much as everyone says that the past doesn't matter, sometimes it does. You and Natalie had some kind of raw aggression toward each other and comfortable nature that made you fall into bed together. You guys had a physical relationship. You had a lot of physical relationships with a lot of different women. It's just a little disconcerting to see you two plastered all over the magazines as a couple. Holding hands. Hugging her. Whatever. She's hurting so much right now, just like before--"

"But I'm not."

"I know--"

"I've got you, Beautiful. You're all I'll ever want or need," Nick promised.

"Okay," Alana whispered with a small nod, using her free hand to rub away the tears that had slipped. Zachary gurgled happily against her opposite hand, but all she could concentrate on was the hurt in Nick's indigo eyes. She had betrayed him by assuming that something ill was occurring between him and Natalie. It was that jealous nature that could potentially ruin their relationship during this stressful time. He deserved her trust. He had never proven otherwise. Bowing her head, she exhaled a heavy breath. "…I'm sorry…"

"Beautiful… You don't have anything to be sorry about. Hell, if the situation was reversed, I probably would think the same thing…"

"Just because Natalie rubs on my breasts doesn't mean--"

"Not that," Nick groaned with a chuckle, moving to sit up. "I mean if I was in an interview and someone threw a picture of you and AJ looking all close and cozy at me I'd think that… You know…"

"So, Alex's private cell phone collection didn't give you that vibe?" Alana mused as she looked back to Zachary, smiling softly to see him sound asleep once more with her fingers still in his mouth, suckling every so often.

"I got him back," Nick answered with a satisfied smirk.

"I don't even want to know, so I can't be accused of conspiracy later," she murmured, carefully pulling her fingers from Zachary's mouth to switch them with the pacifier tethered to his shirt.

"You don't want to hear about how I sent him a close-up picture of Charge?! Or how I got Baylee to go into his room just now and use his nuts as a trampoline?!"

"Like I had a choice!" she groaned, gently cradling Zachary in her arms as she slipped off the bed. Holding him close, she retrieved his infant carrier to set at the side of the bed. Then, ever so carefully, she nestled him inside with a warm blanket, using her foot to gently rock him as she returned to the bed. "You sent him a picture of your--"

"Damn straight I did--"

"Why?!"

"Just to freak him out."

"Well, Hell, you could have sent it to me to freak me out…"

"Why would I do that when I can just pull down my boxers and you can see it in person?" Nick asked with a grin.

"Well, now, yeah, but three days ago…" Alana trailed off as she glanced down the infant carrier to see Zachary peacefully sleeping, knowing he wouldn't be waking for several hours. The boy had looked exhausted in her arms, probably unable to sleep on the plane ride from last night. Satisfied that he was comfortable now, she then turned to her fiancé, crawling toward him before straddling his lap. "What about the pictures I sent you?"

"What about them?" Nick murmured, reaching to peel her shirt off quickly before pulling her close for a kiss. Drawing her bottom lip between his teeth, he tugged playfully, hands sliding up to offer the same treatment to her nipples.

"Did you like them?" she asked, wincing slightly at the feisty nature of his tugs on her aching nipples. Shifting slightly, she reached for one of his hands, trailing his fingers along the outside curve of her breast toward the pit of her stomach, hoping he could feel the small protrusion.

"I… I jacked off as soon as I got-Hey! Baby bump!" Nick exclaimed, pressing his palm gently against her stomach.

"Cute, huh?" Alana inquired, leaving his hand in order to roll the band of her boxers down to fully expose her stomach before leaning back.

"You're not gaining enough weight, Beautiful…" Nick trailed with a worried frown as he gently rubbed her stomach. "That's it. For the next three days you're not doing anything but concerts. No dashing around doing bullshit. You do the show, get on the bus or whatever, and rest. And eat. You need to eat more."

Alana watched the slow circular movement of his hand on her lower abdomen as he seemed to soothe the twins within her. He was so tender and nurturing with them and the worry in his eyes caused her heart to ache. She didn't need him worrying; she did enough for the both of them. She already knew that the weight loss was an issue, but she didn't want him knowing. "Handsome, I'm constantly eating as it is and my weight is fine--"

"You're carrying twins, Beautiful. And you're starting to look pale. And you've got dark circles under your eyes. And… Damnit, do I have to go kick Howie's ass?"

"You know, usually when you come to visit your fiancée on tour, I think you should start out with how beautiful she looks, not how horribly wrecked she is," Alana muttered with a grimace as she was tossed onto the bed. Reaching for her t-shirt, she hurriedly pulled it onto her body, shaking her head in disbelief. "Howie's getting an OBGYN to come visit me in a week or so while we're on tour--"

"What are you doing?" Nick interrupted.

"What am I doing? What are you doing? You just threw me from your lap and vaulted off!"

"I was taking off my shirt--"

"You were just yelling at me about not weighing enough and kicking Howie's ass and since when did you need to hop off the bed to take off your shirt?"

"Since I have to pee, too?" Nick returned with a questioning tone.

"Okay…" Alana murmured, slowly seating herself back on the edge of the bed. She really didn't know what else to say as she thrust her hands underneath her shirt to hold her abdomen, leaning back amongst the pillows. It was useless to continue to argue with the man, especially when she didn't understand what they were arguing about. All she knew was that Nick would be coming to terms with Howie at one point about her pregnancy. And it wouldn't be pretty.

"Beautiful?" Nick murmured, climbing back onto the bed so he could kneel before her.

"…Yeah?"

"I love you," he whispered, leaning close to catch her lips in a soft kiss. "I missed you more than you'll ever know." His hands reached to cup her face, tilting it upwards slightly as his lips slide over hers gently. Fingers lightly tangling in her soft hair.

"Handsome," she purred with instant delight at his confession, tucking her hands underneath his arms to splay her hands over his shoulder blades. Pulling him over her body, she curved one of her legs over his, gently stroking his calf. It seemed as if a lifetime had passed since she had been with him. She wanted to savor the warmth of his body against hers for just a few moments longer. "I love you more than anything."

"I know," he promised, leaning against her for a moment. Losing himself in her kiss, reveling in the way her body fit perfectly against his. But when he shifted to get closer, he groaned at the sensation. "Just hold that thought for a minute while I go take a whiz, okay?"

"Okay," she consented with a small laugh, allowing him to pull away.

"That'll give you enough time to strip, right?" he questioned as he hurried across the room and into the bathroom.

"And take a quick nap," she agreed as he left the bathroom door wide open. Hearing the small sprinkle of urine followed by a long stream against the toilet water, she stood to draw the blankets down a bit more. Then, making sure she was at least somewhat in his line of view, she began to discard her clothing.

Glancing up, Nick whined when he saw her. "Beautiful…"

"What?" Alana's face was a complete mask of innocence as she arched her back, slowly rolling up her t-shirt.

"Don't you know how hard it is for a guy to pee when he's… Hard?"

"The adolescent boys seemed to do just fine when I was taking care of them…" Alana murmured as she bared just a bit more of skin while rolling her hips to the thump of Nick's hand against the wall. Smirking when she pulled the garment free of her body, she allowed it to fall in a whisper over her skin before fluttering to the floor. Then, sliding her hands in the waistband of her cheeky panties, she toyed with it, pretending to slide them down.

"They were probably jerking off while they pissed--" Nick halted when he heard an insistent banging on the door. "Who the Hell is that?"

"I don't know," Alana sighed as she leaned down to snatch the t-shirt she had just removed. Moving toward the door, she hustled to pull it on her body, fiddling with the chain of the door before pulling it open.

AJ stood in the hallway, holding an icepack to his crotch with one hand, the other hand clamped over Baylee's shoulder. "Where's Nick?" he growled through gritted teeth, shifting uncomfortably.

"In the--" Alana stumbled backward when AJ pushed his way into the room, ordering Baylee into the corner as he looked for Nick, only to find the bathroom door opened. Nick leaning against the wall to finish urinating seemed to be the image permanently burned into his brain. Howling with a refreshed burning pain of his eyes, he stumbled backward, flipping over the bed to land in a heavy thump on the floor. "Alex!"

"Like one sighting of that horror over the past three days wasn't enough!" AJ howled, banging his head against the floor in hopes of removing the image from his mind.

"Did I break him?" Baylee inquired fearfully as Nick came trudging out of the bathroom yanking up his shorts.

"Break me?!" AJ repeated, snorting. "I'll be lucky if I can even get it up anymore!"

"Alex," Alana scorned, stepping over his crumpled state as Baylee reached to be held by Nick. "No need to traumatize the poor boy… Are you willing to test it out?"

"No," AJ whined.

"Just go take a warm bath," Nick suggested, smirking against Baylee's cheek.

"That'd be about the first time you ever turned down looking at my naked body," Alana sighed, fighting a small smile while she outstretched her hands to help him up.

"Just for this, I'm walking around in nothing but my jeans that barely hang onto my hips," AJ grumbled as he got to his feet. Snatching his icepack off the floor, he stuffed it into his sweatpants, glowering at Nick. "Keep that little Fred Astaire Wannabe away from me."

"What the Hell did I do?" Alana yelped in surprise at his frostiness, surprised when Baylee fell into her arms for snuggles.

"Nothing," AJ promised, giving her a saucy kiss before shuffling out of the room.

"Bye, JJ!" Baylee called.

"I could get used to that…." Alana trailed with a faint blush as she pressed her free hand to her lips, though she could have done without the taste of cigarette.

"Ground the jackass and I'll give you more!" AJ hollered from across the hall.

"He'd have to quit smoking first," Alana assured Nick, helping Baylee to the floor as his father walked through the hallway to breakfast.

"…Can we pick up where we left off?" Nick requested, stepping up behind her to wind one arm around her waist.

"I'd rather you shut the door so Alex didn't--" Alana stopped her sentence halfway when Nick hurried to shut and lock the door once more, returning to her just as quickly. "Is it that bad?"

"Is what how bad?" he whispered, pressing her against the door gently.

"Your needing to make love?" she answered, searching his indigo eyes for the smoldering passion she adored.

"You mean my need for you," he corrected, fingers slipping inside the waistband of her boxers. Easing them down over her hips, he dipped his head to nip gently at her neck, a shiver of delight coursing down his spine when he heard her soft moan. "And, yeah, it is--"

"Then I probably should keep sending you pictures over the phone," Alana decided when he nuzzled her neck before nipping and licking once more, causing her to giggle at the slight tickling sensation before it turned to a whimper of delight. Shifting slightly beneath him, she managed to help her boxers slide completely to the floor with a tug from her foot. Satisfied with the cool central air kissing her inner thighs, she reached to pull on the band of Nick's shorts as he stepped into her, trapping her against the door.

"Steal Brian's video camera and make me a video of you doing one of those strip teases," Nick requested softly, growling against her skin when she quickly tugged his shorts down. Gasping when her hand wrapped around his length, he reached to pull her legs around his waist, glancing down to watch her fingers lightly trace the contours of his erection.

"As soon as you leave," she promised with a wheeze as her back crashed against the door to support them, Nick holding her weight when he heisted her off the floor. Gently releasing his throbbing erection, she squirmed slightly in his hold to lower herself a few inches, feeling the firmness of his erection slide silkily against the beginnings of her moist center. Shuddering with delight, she wrapped her arms around his neck for support, bringing his earlobe into her mouth for long, slow, sensual sucks before nibbling precariously.

Pulling her legs tighter around his waist, Nick lifted his head, catching her lips for a kiss. Her heat pressed against him, causing him to moan in appreciation as his hands slid to her waist for stability. Drawing her tongue into his mouth, he dipped his hips against her, slowly gaining entrance.

Her whimpers seemed to drown within his mouth as her body slowly accommodated his entrance within her. For a moment, she feared she might not be able to withstand the pressure, the length of his pulsating erection filling her completely. It had been so long since she had been with him. Her body was exhausted from the work of the tour. But he seemed to revive her. Shifting, she drew him deeper into her body, whimpering harder at the pleasure of just feeling him within her. "I love you so much," she whispered breathlessly, breaking the long kiss for several quick nips to his bottom lip.

"I love you more," he breathed, one hand resting against the door as he began his gentle thrusts. Gazing into her teal eyes, he held his breath for a moment, a question in his eyes. Seeing her gentle nod, he sought her lips out for a passionate kiss, his thrusts gaining momentum as his body began to tremble with mounting pleasure.

"I missed you so much," she confessed within his mouth, powerfully clenching her thighs against his hips to keep hold of him. The thickness of the hotel door barely made a sound against the pressure of Nick's hardening thrusts into her body. Though, that was the least of her worries as she raked her nails lightly down his back, feeling him shudder with delight. The mixture of pleasure and pain lapped over her body in warm waves of ecstasy, pulling her to heights that she never dreamed imaginable. The force of her ecstasy so mighty that she gave back to Nick in hardened kisses; pulling his tongue in her mouth to roll hers against it with the rhythm of his thrusts.

"Bed," he murmured, shifting against her slightly so he could grasp her hips. Not expecting the tremor of delight that coursed through him when she squeezed him tightly, drawing him closer and deeper. "Or not," he breathed, leaning back to gaze into her eyes.

"We can go to the bed," she decided in breathless anticipation, reaching to brush away the dirty blonde wisps of hair from his eyes. She noticed with satisfaction that he was growing his hair longer, but quickly redirected herself as she noticed the rosy color of exertion flushing his cheeks. Shifting away from his attempt to get closer, she dropped one leg from his waist, ready to support her own weight so he didn't collapse.

"Can't," he whispered, swallowing hard.

"Can't what?" she asked in confusion when his hand slid to grab her thigh, keeping her from moving away.

"Make it that far," he explained with a low growl before crashing his lips against hers.

"Handsome!" she squealed, her back crashing into the door from the power of his persuasion, causing a small quake against the thick wood. She was almost convinced that they would be laying within the middle of the hallway till Nick's passionate kisses drew her backward into their private romance. Tangling her fingers within his sweaty locks, she yelped within his mouth as he bit down on her bottom lip and drove deeper inside her. The familiar stab of pain invaded her lower half as before, but the burning excited her for a moment, causing a whimper of enjoyment.

"Together," he requested breathlessly, feeling his knees begin to buckle. Pressing her harder against the door, he paid no attention to the resounding quake, intent only on bringing her the utmost in pleasure. Her hardened nipples slid against his sweaty chest, sending prickles of awareness through his body. "God, Beautiful, I--"

"Love you," she finished raggedly, tightening her hands within his damp locks, knowing she was coming to the brink of her hurriedly overthrowing ecstasy. Her heart fluttered excitedly within her chest as Nick thrust into her with all the power he had behind his hips. She yelped at the painful pleasure, pressing kisses over his face as she tightened her legs about his waist, drawing him even deeper. "Please, Handsome."

"I'm there," he promised.

"O-Okay," she whimpered raggedly, waiting for his final, heavy thrust. With the power behind his surge of passion, she felt the dam containing her overwhelming poignant passion for him start to crumble. The tidal wave of gratification poured over her body as she threw her head back against the door, shuddering. She bit down hard on her bottom lip to keep from crying out, not wanting her child to stir.

Seeking her lips for a tender kiss as his body continued to tremble with release, Nick allowed her to swallow his soft cries, one hand slowly sliding up to cup her cheek. "I love you," he panted against her lips, his other hand reaching to hold her to him as he backed towards the bed. Collapsing onto it, he cradled her against his chest, nibbling gently on her tongue. "So much…"

"Do you think we're going to get tired of making love before our wedding night?" Alana inquired breathlessly against his lips, shifting to yank the layers of blankets over their sweaty bodies. She could feel the pound of his heart between their chests, causing her to smile as she traced the curvature of his jaw. She couldn't be happier that he was by her side for a few days. Even if it only was for a weekend.

"Never," Nick promised, moaning softly when she shifted over him. Pulling her down for another, gentler kiss, he reached to smooth her hair, feeling her soft gasp against his lips when he wriggled beneath her. "Do you?"

"I guess I'd be naďve to ask if that was the remote to the TV, huh?" she laughed as she slipped her hand between them, gently brushing her fingertips over the head of his growing erection.

"Hey, the remote's not that big," Nick informed her, gently rolling her to her back. His hand slowly trailed up her side, pausing to cup one full breast. "What do you say to a quick shower, then we can--"

"Maa?"

"I say we have an extra body to watch between us," Alana murmured as she carefully slipped from underneath him. Leaning over the bed, she cooed toward her quite alert son, helping to undress him to his diaper. Lifting him into her arms, she kept him against her bare chest, pressing kisses to the side of his face as he squealed excitedly. "C'mon, Daddy. He wants a tubby."

"I swear he knows what a shower is, "Nick sighed as he slowly slid out of bed. "Anytime I mention anything involving water, he gets all--'

"Maa!"

"Like that," Nick explained with a chuckle.

"That's 'cause he knows that his Mommy will be sure to jump in the tubby with him," Alana cooed with appreciation, sauntering into the large marble bathroom. Reaching inside the large shower, she turned on the water before helping to remove Zachary's wet diaper. Testing the water adequately, she then stepped inside, allowing the water to rain over her and Zachary, laughing at his bewildered expression before he squirmed against her with loud squeals.

Stepping in behind them, Nick pulled the door closed, wrapping his arms loosely around Alana's waist. Lightly tickling their son's feet, he laughed when Zachary squealed even louder, staring at him with large eyes. "What's got you, Son?"

"Ma!" Zachary answered with a proud smile as he reached out to touch his mother's lips, then reaching with his opposite hand for his father. "Da!"

"That's right, Son," Nick cooed, smacking a loud kiss against Zachary's palm as he rested his chin on Alana's shoulder. "Ma and Da got you…"

*~*~*

"We need to talk."

Brian winced at the tone of his wife's voice, wondering if she would persist if he made no response. He had done his best to avoid her presence for the past few days; hoping to dissuade any pressing arguments, but mostly to keep Baylee away from her tirades. Grateful his son was currently on the boardwalk with Nick, Alana and Zachary, he remained motionless behind his newspaper, going so far as to close his eyes in hopes she would think he was asleep.

"Brian, don't even try that stupid sleeping thing that you always try to pull. It isn't going to work," Leighanne pressed, her tone curt and disgusted as she reached to snatch the paper from his hands. Throwing it to the floor, she slid her hands to rest on her rounded hips, darkening a sharp glare toward him. "Funny, now you have time to talk to me."

"What's so important?" Brian questioned with a weary sigh, pulling himself into a sitting position.

"What is that grease-ball of a Hellion doing here still?" Leighanne charged as she sat down at the table with her husband, narrowing her icy blue eyes toward him with disbelief. "This is a Christian tour, Brian. Do you really think it's safe to have such a horrible influence continue to stay with us? His family is more than appalling and I'm sure he's the cause--"

"I have no control over who Alana does or doesn’t invite," Brian interrupted with a snap, his cerulean eyes narrowing. "And I really don't care what you think about him or his family. He's good for Alana, that's all that matters."

"As hysterical as it is to watch that little twit fall head over heels in love with a boy who's fucking every woman, beast, or thing in sight, it's still not good for you--"

"And I suppose you're suddenly the authority on what's good for me?" Brian snorted with derision as he got to his feet. Stooping, he retrieved his paper before moving to lie down on the couch of the suite. "If you care so much about what's good for me, go away," he muttered under his breath.

"I know that you fucking my best friend while I was away for business isn't good for your appearance to your Christian-based fans. Somehow, I think they might frown on cheating."

"Not if I'm cheating on you," Brian returned easily. When she scoffed, he raised his head to look at her. "Think about it, Leigh. How many of my fans do you think actually like you? Very few. They only tolerate you because you're my wife and Baylee's mother. It sure as Hell ain't 'cause of your sparkling personality."

"You're just so proud that you're double dipping into messy trails of Nick's sexual past, aren't you?"

Rolling his eyes, Brian wondered where she had gotten her audacity. "If you're trying to make me jealous by suggesting you and Nick slept together, it's not going to work--"

"I wouldn't let that man near me with a golden dildo," Leighanne snorted, seating herself on Brian's hips and reaching for her nail file on the coffee table. "I meant your precious Natalie Rose and the oozing STD that is your best friend."

Brian refrained from shoving her off him; the only thing keeping him from doing so was the knowledge that she was pregnant. "Are you stupid or something? Natalie was a virgin when I--"

"She told you she was a virgin?" Leighanne laughed with amusement. "How quaint…"

"She was," Brian insisted, pushing her off his hips so he could sit up. "She--"

"Rode Nick till his hairy testicles gave her rug-burn," Leighanne mused with a shriek of a laugh, stumbling slightly when she was bucked, but managed to keep her balance just the same. The horror in Brian's cerulean eyes fueled the passion to break him and Nick stepping into the suite with arms filled with gifts for Baylee caused her to grin sadistically. "Right, Nick Dear?"

"What?" Nick inquired carefully, moving to place the gifts on the table. Seeing the anger in Leighanne's icy eyes, he swallowed nervously, knowing she had told Brian something. Glancing towards Brian, he saw a glint of hope, overshadowed by fear. Good God, what had she told him?

"That you fucked Natalie," Leighanne answered simply.

"I…" Nick trailed for a moment, feeling the confines of being caught start to strangle him. Unable to meet his best friend's eyes, he focused instead on the grain of the wooden table, clearing his throat uncomfortably. "I… She… We… Brian, you've got to understand--"

Brian's light blue eyes widened in shock. "What the Hell are you--"

"Brian, Howie and Alex are taking Baylee with them to dinner. They're babysitting Zachie for the evening and Baylee wanted to stay with them. So, I assumed that wasn't a big issue," Alana announced as she breezed into the room, smoothing the sleeveless, turquoise sundress against her body before reaching to fuss with her long curls, knowing Nick loved them down. But, when she glanced up, she immediately tensed. "What kind of World War did I just walk into…"

"I swear, Brian, it's not like you think," Nick tried to explain, jerking a hand through his tousled locks as he looked towards his friend. That Leighanne could be so vicious shouldn't have surprised him, but this… "I didn't--"

"You slept with Natalie?!" Brian accused in horror as he released a guttural cry, swinging a fist out toward Nick.

"Oh, they didn't sleep," Leighanne informed with a smirk, idly filing her nails. "From what I heard, they were going at it like there was no tomorrow--"

"Why don't you shut the fuck up, Leighanne!" Alana hissed in disgust, yelping when Nick stumbled backward to avoid Brian's heavy blow, causing her to fall into the couch. She immediately reached to brace her hands against her abdomen, watching as Brian threw himself hard onto Nick, throwing as hard of punches as he could muster. Nick's yelps beneath the painful blows caused her stomach to clench in worry. Reaching down, she grabbed Brian's upper arm. "Damnit, Brian! Stop!"

Jerking away when Brian's blows stilled, Nick fell to the floor, clutching his aching jaw as he moved further away. "Goddamnit, what the fuck's your problem?"

"YOU HAD SEX WITH NATALIE!" Brian roared, struggling against Alana's hold as she dragged him away from Nick's cowering form. His fists clenched in fury, fighting against Alana's hold till she stumbled backward into the coffee table. Usually, he would rush to the fallen woman's side to assure she was okay, but he was too concerned with getting even. "How long has this been going on between you two?! How many times?! Are you fucking her now?! You son-of-a-bitch--"

"ONCE! It happened once, damnit!" Nick interrupted, getting to his feet slowly. "We were drunk and both needed someone, it's not like it was some evil fucking plot to pop her cherry before you got around to doing it!"

"You need to get the fuck out of here and go home, right now," Brian growled, throwing a finger toward the door. His square jaw was clenched in a disgusted fury as he stared at his best friend, wondering how he could possibly betray him in such a dark, filthy way. Brian had loved Natalie from the very beginning and Nick had known that. To go behind him and steal her away as if she was just… And how she could lie to him for so many years! Acting as if she were so pure and wholesome. "Don't you ever fucking come back."

"You can't make me leave," Nick informed him, his eyes moving to Alana, hoping she would help him.

"Oh, yes he can," Leighanne sang breezily.

"And you can fucking pack your bags while your at it, you gigantic bitch," Brian seethed, hauling Leighanne up from the couch and pushing her in Nick's direction. "You're hateful woman who is out to ruin my life. I don't care if you're pregnant. Just send me a bill for child support. After we get a paternity test. And I'll be sure to send you the same for Baylee."

"If she's pregnant, I'm a virgin," Nick snorted, stepping aside to watch Leighanne stumble to the floor. "Beautiful--"

"You need to get Zachary and leave," Brian interrupted, stepping in front of the coffee table where Alana was seated in a daze, blocking Nick from getting to her. "You're not welcome here. And, I don't give a fuck if my opening act is your fiancée or not, which beats the fuck out of me at this point. She's not the star here and I make the decisions. Get out."

Alana groaned as she reached to rub her tender back. "Damnit, Brian--"

"When this fucking hypocrite calms down, I'll be in the hotel room," Nick told Alana, brushing angrily past Brian. Turning to glare at the older man, he slowly cracked his knuckles. His anger at the entire situation got the better of him, and before he could think on it he was speaking. "Just so you know? That little thing Nat did for you in the car back in Kentucky? I taught her how to do it that night we were together. Though, I'm sure she hasn't shown you half the things I showed her." Before he could even see their reactions, he stormed from the suite, slamming the door forcefully behind him.
End Notes:
More chapters coming this weekend! :) Thanks to all for the wonderful reviews
Forty-Eight by shrinkingviolet
Stifling a yawn, AJ shifted Zachary to his shoulder while stepping out of the elevator, leaving Howie out first with Baylee slumbering on his shoulder. He watched his older friend take Baylee directly to their room for the evening, planning on letting him sleep in one of the beds. But, AJ desired to see Alana before turning in for the night. Her late dinner date with Nick should have been finished by now and she would most certainly want Zachary for the evening. Though, his thoughts of what he would see Alana wear to bed that evening were disturbed when Leighanne came rushing past him in a flurry of curses toward Nick. Arching his dark brows, he shivered at the sharp slam of Brian's hotel room door, suddenly grinning with realization. The wicked witch had been banned from their lives. Patting Zachary's backside, AJ sauntered into Alana's room to praise her for the good work, confused to find Nick slumped over as he sat at the foot of the bed. "Where's Al?"

"I don't know," Nick answered morosely, shoulders jerking into a shrug.

"How can you not know where your fiancée is? You were supposed to wine and dine her tonight and then get some good sex without the kid sleeping in his carrier. Which, I've come to return. So, kiss all that sex shit goodbye," AJ announced as he gently laid Zachary on the bed, blocking both of his sides with pillows. "…What did you fuck up with now?"

"That Whore of Georgia that Brian's married to told him about what happened with me and Nat," Nick sighed, turning to make sure AJ had placed Zachary on his back. When he was assured that his son was sleeping peacefully, he moved to his open suitcase, carelessly tossing items inside. "And I let my anger talk for me, which I always do, and said some things… And Brian's kicking me out. And Beautiful hasn't come back to the room since--"

"What did you say?" AJ queried with a sadistic curiosity, taking a seat at the desk in the hotel room, pushing Alana's books and things further to the top of the desk. He then shifted to straddle the chair, leaning on its back to stare at Nick. "Y'know, it was only a matter of time before Brian figured out that you two got down and dirty… But this anger thing. God, I love when you get pissed off."

"It doesn't matter what I said," Nick muttered with a scowl. "And why do you care when I get pissed off? Oh, I forgot! This means you get to fuck around with Beautiful, 'cause I won't be around to keep you away--"

"I am appalled that you would think that I would relish in your misfortune!" AJ exclaimed, though he was unable to keep the smirk of satisfaction crossing his face. "And Al has never once taken my offer for 'fucking around,' though now…"

"Go to Hell," Nick snarled, jerking his suitcase closed with a growl of irritation.

"So, you're really leaving?"

"I don’t have much of a choice, do I? Holier-Than-Everyone Littrell put his corn covered foot down--"

"Since when did you listen to that Bible Thumper?" AJ interjected with a smirk. "…Are you leaving Zach behind? Seems like a shame to tear him from his mother when you're the fuck up."

"Not that this is any of your fucking business, but I'm taking him with me," Nick informed, letting his foot shoot out to connect with AJ's shin as he walked past to retrieve Zachary's diaper bag.

"Bastard," AJ hissed, immediately yanking his leg up to protect it from further lashings. "Your kid is going to be fucking miserable because you're a jackass… Not that you care, right? You were only laid twice, which means you'll just have to run back and slam a few porkers into Nat while sending flowers to Al--"

"Fuck off," Nick interrupted, seething. "You're nothing but a troublemaking cocksucker, you know that? Get the fuck out--"

"Have a nice flight home, Nicky-Dicky," AJ whistled as he hopped off the chair, sauntering out of the room unfazed by the man's vile words. "I'll let Al know you went home with your cock flying full mast."

Ducking when he heard Nick's furious growl, he whistled loudly when a shoe whizzed past his head. Rolling his eyes, he continued down the hall, wondering where he would be able to find Alana. It wasn't right, he decided, figuring it would be best to check the beach first. Nick always messed things up, no matter what was going on. Yet Alana continued to love him. Fools, both of them.

Sauntering off the elevator when it reached the main floor, he tipped his hat down over his face to conceal himself from the fans loitering in the lobby. Sneaking out the back, he hopped off the path leading to the beach, knowing Alana would want a private section of beach. Why she wanted to be miserable with a fuck up like Nick, he would never know. Slipping out his phone from his back pocket, he dialed Alana's number and waiting patiently for the pick up, noticing her sitting on one of the dunes.
"I know I have to be up early for the bus tomorrow, Alex," she answered softly.

"You up to some company?" he questioned, heading over towards her already.

"If you can find me, I sure as Hell won't refuse you."

Smirking as he ended the call, he climbed up the dune, flopping down next to her. "Hey, Babe."

"You knew exactly where I was before you even made that call," Alana decided with a sigh, tossing her cell phone toward her sandals which she had kicked off before even making it to the top of the dune. Shifting, she tucked her feet beneath her once more and made sure to delicately stretch her flowing turquoise skirt over her bare legs. So much for wanting to look nice for an evening alone with her fiancé. But, who was she to care in the first place. He was far more enchanted with the thoughts of what he did with Natalie to care about getting anywhere near her. Growling at the mere though, she reached to rub her bare arms, hoping to cause a friction of warmth.

"Actually, I saw you right after I dialed," AJ corrected softly, shrugging out of his black hooded sweatshirt before reaching to drape it over her shoulders. Hoping to affect an expression of concern, he glanced over his shoulder at the hotel. "…I take it you're not going to tell Nicky-Dicky bye?"

"Is he leaving now?" she asked, following the trail of his gaze, hoping she didn't sound so optimistic by the thought of him leaving. Nick was supposed to have made the tour easier with his visit. Made it bearable until she was able to return home to his arms. Now, she was consumed with the thoughts of what he was doing with Natalie. And if he was so convinced that he had taught Natalie the miracles of sex, then he should just hurry back to her anyway.

"He was packing when I dropped Zach off--"

"So another two hours out here and he'll be gone."

"I take it whatever happened wasn't a good thing," AJ sighed, turning his gaze towards the ocean.

"Oh, no, it was really great, Alex. Y'see, the Pus-colored-cream-of-a-cunt told Brian that Nick and Natalie slept together. Then Nick goes in the room and admits to it. Then the cum-catching-wench proceeds to say that the two were together several times during the night. That it wasn't just a one time sex then fall asleep drunk thing. Then Brian flipped out on Nick, who wanted to lash back, and told everyone that the blow-job Natalie gave Brian in Kentucky was something that he taught her to do. And nowhere in a million years will Brian ever see everything that Nick taught Natalie in that orgasmic night," Alana recounted as she drew her legs up to her chest, clasping her arms around them.

"Holy Hell… And then Brian told him to get lost?" AJ questioned for clarification.

"Somewhere around the middle of that, Brian told him and whoremonger to get lost."

"I see," AJ murmured, reaching for her hands as he scrambled to his feet. "C'mon, Babe."

"C'mon where?" Alana asked, reaching for her flip-flops before she was pulled to her feet.

"We're going out. I'm taking you to dinner, then we're going dancing, then we're going for a slow walk on the beach and eating ice cream until our stomachs hurt," AJ explained, reaching to dust the sand from her backside. Offering her a quick kiss on the cheek, he squeezed her hands.

"Why are you doing all this for me?" Alana questioned warily as she slipped on her flip-flops, allowing him to lead her toward the hotel by the hand. Feeling her other hand start to vibrate, she scowled as she flipped it over to rip the battery out of the back. Stopping, she slipped the pieces into either of his pockets, then reached for his hand once more.

"Because I want to see that gorgeous smile on your face," AJ answered easily, allowing their fingers to twine as he ushered her towards the restaurant beside the hotel.

"It's hardly gorgeous," Alana sighed, nodding toward AJ as he opened the door for her to step through, though he was quick to catch her hand once more. "I'm nothing compared to Natalie, remember?"

"To me, she's nothing compared to you," AJ corrected, placing his hand on the small of her back as he led her towards the private dining room of the restaurant. Nodding his thanks to the waiter who rushed ahead to clear a table by the large window looking out over the beach, he turned to Alana. "You're gorgeous, Babe. She's just a wannabe…"

"She's not a wannabe," Alana disagreed, shifting to pull AJ's hoodie over her body for warmth. Allowing the sleeves to fall over her hands, she leaned closer to AJ as he playfully pulled the hood over her locks. "She's a damn Playmate. Brian loves her. Howie has a crush on her. Nick's had her. And that's just in this group of friends. Hell, JC's crazy about her and he's known her for only, like, two days?

"What's all that matter?" AJ inquired softly, reaching to smooth her hair from her cheeks as the waiter pulled out a chair. "I like you."

"Thanks, Alex," Alana whispered, leaning in to kiss his cheek softly before she noticed Nick stalking in the lobby of the hotel. Pulling back from AJ, she ignored him completely, moving to tuck herself into the seat that the waiter had pulled out. Reaching to press her napkin into her lap, she nodded a soft thanks to the waiter with a small smile.

Settling in the seat next to her, AJ reached for the menu as he requested water for them both. Turning slightly so he was facing Alana, he rested one elbow on the table as he perused the menu. "What are you hungry for, Babe?"

"I'm not hungry for anything," Alana admitted as she dropped a hand to her stomach, feeling the smallest of protrusions that were her children. Exhaling a hard breath, she realized she had to eat even if she wasn't hungry. The weight she was losing was unhealthy for the twins. She could only imagine what the OBGYN would say when he came to check on her during the tour. "Y'think they're going to be squealing to the magazines that I'm completely juvenile when I ask for chicken tenders and fries with vinegar and ketchup?"

"That doesn't sound juvenile. Just sounds like you're pregnant," AJ murmured with a chuckle. "And a big, icy, bubbly Pepsi to wash it all down?"

"Sounds really good," Alana agreed, chewing on her bottom lip for a moment. "Get mozzarella sticks to share?"

"You've got it, Babe. And for dessert we can split a cheesecake?" he suggested, nodding towards the waiter, who was hurriedly writing down their order.

"Extra cherries and some whip cream on it," she agreed, taking his menu to slide under hers before giving them to the waiter, who scurried away to place the order.

Smiling, AJ leaned back in his seat, glancing around. Seeing Nick lingering in the lobby of the hotel, he quickly turned back to Alana, casually reaching to cup the back of her neck. Making sure to slide his fingers beneath the hood as well as her hair, he pulled her head towards him. "Have I mentioned how fabulous you look in this color?" he murmured, lightly tracing the length of her neck with his fingers.

"Black?" she questioned, glancing down to the hoodie to assess the color against her caramelized skin. "You really like black on me?"

"I like anything on you," AJ corrected softly. "But I was talking about the turquoise…"

"It's a gorgeous color," Alana agreed with a nod, looking up to his rust colored eyes.

"Not as gorgeous as--"

"Here is the drink," the waiter announced, placing a large glass on the table between their settings. Offering them both a quick smile, he breezed away.

"I guess I should have specified a Pepsi for each of us," AJ murmured with a rueful smirk, eyeing the two straws in the drink.

"We've been morphed back to the fifties," Alana suggested with a small laugh, bunching up the sleeve to her wrist so she could retrieve the lemon on the rim of the soda. Pinching it slightly to spread a few drops of lemon into the drink, she then brought it to her lips for a small lick. Immediately, her face scrunched up at the overwhelming bitterness, puckering her lips as she held it away in offense.

Gently tangling his fingers in the hair at the nape of her neck, AJ impulsively leaned close, covering her lips with his for a soft kiss. Reaching with his free hand to pluck the lemon away, he brought her arm over his shoulder, his tongue sweeping between her lips with one gentle thrust. Moaning softly as he sucked her tongue between his teeth, drawing the lemon essence from her mouth as his hand fell to her waist in a gentle caress.

At first, Alana was oblivious to what AJ's intentions were. The slide of his lips over hers had been startling, causing her heart to jump to her throat in a flutter of anticipation. She wanted to throw a fist into the side of his face for taking advantage of the situation, but warmth flooded her system as he sucked on her tongue. He tasted like a mixture of cool mint infused with lemon. Letting her inhibitions fly, she wrapped her arms around his neck to bring herself closer, coaxing his tongue into a wave of passion as she kissed back harder than he ever anticipated.

Slipping his arm around her waist, AJ drew her closer, ignoring the precarious rattle of silverware as his elbow bumped against the table. Blown away by the fervor of her kiss, he released a low moan of appreciation, paying no attention to the waiter when he returned to serve their mozzarella sticks. The only thing that he could focus on was Alana. The way her lips melted against his, the feel of her fingers tangling in his hair. Gasping softly when she drew his lip into her teeth for several quick nips, he trailed his hand down to the hem of her skirt, fingers lightly stroking the soft skin of her thigh as he pulled it over his lap.

Whimpering slightly when their lips broke apart slightly for him to transfer her to his lap, Alana felt the sleeves of his hoodie slip over her hands as she straddled his lap. Leaning forward, she found his lips once more and framed his face with her hidden hands. Faintly, she outlined his lips with the very tip of her tongue, waiting for him to tremble beneath her before she drew his top lip into a slow kiss. Hearing him grunt, she smirked and brought both lips into a full kiss, coaxing his tongue to hers once more.

"Fuck, Babe," he whined softly into her mouth, fingers gently digging into her thigh as he pulled her closer to him, wanting to feel as much of her as possible. Memorizing every detail of their embrace as their tongues danced in erotic movements, he let his hand slowly slide upwards. His thumb moved in slow circles against her inner thigh as he shifted beneath her, hoping she could feel what their kiss was doing to him.

"Sorry," she whispered when she felt the hard bulge of his jeans pressing against her. Breaking the smoldering kiss, she sat back on his lap, immediately cupping both of her sleeve covered hands over her kiss-swollen lips. Glancing around, she noted the satisfied smirks of customers and knew they had recognized them for celebrities. Blushing terribly, she pulled the hoodie down further to conceal her face, wondering how she could have been so foolish.

"It's okay," he promised with a ragged breath, slowly pulling his hand from her thigh. Clearing his throat, he gently smoothed the turquoise material over her thighs again, lifting his head to gaze into her eyes. Reaching up, he traced one flushed cheek with the backs of his fingers, catching her hands and pulling them down into her lap. Trying his best to avoid the heat of her fingers against the denim of his jeans, he offered her a tentative smile. "What do you say we eat, Babe? Then we can go for that walk…"

"Eating would be good…" she agreed with a shy nod, furrowing her brows at what looked like a pained expression on his face. Carefully moving back to her seat, she realized that she always seemed to do this to him. Push him to the point of eruption only to pull back just as fast. It wasn't fair to him and she surely wasn't a tease. "I am so sorry, Alex--"

"It's okay, really," AJ interrupted with a smile. "I'll just slip off to my room later and--"

"I am such a damn tease it's unbelievable," Alana groaned at the thought he was leading to, draining the water from her glass so she could pour some Pepsi into it, sliding the rest over for AJ to have. She shouldn't be drinking that much caffeine anyways.

"No you're not. It's not like you were on the table doing a strip tease and wouldn't let me touch--"

"I am so very sorry, Alex, I really shouldn't have reciprocated--"

"I shouldn't have kissed you to begin with--"

"I enjoyed it too much--"

"I did too. It won't happen again--"

"Didn't we say the same thing at the lake?" Alana interrupted, turning to look at AJ with a small smile.

"Did we? All I can remember is being informed that if I told Nick, I was dead…"

"I thought we did…" she trailed, struggling to remember the specifics of their conversation. Though, all she could really conjure was the teasing, the loss of her bikini bottom, then the removal of her bikini top, and one smoldering kiss. "Damn…"

"I sure as Hell ain't complaining--"

"But you're insisting that it'll never happen again?"

"Only if you ask me to, Babe."

"Never," Alana decided as she leaned over to steal the pickles from his plate. "I might get pissed at Nick again and need a good person to release it with."

Chuckling, AJ leaned close, gently nibbling on her ear before she could pull away. "Sounds like a plan to me, Babe."

*~*~*


Dancing barefoot across the hardwood floor of Nick's living room, Natalie sang along to the dance song pounding from the stereo speakers as she folded the laundry. Draping a still-damp bra over the banister, she was oblivious to the car pulling into the driveway, immersed in the music and her chore. Running a hand through her tousled locks, she twisted them into a loose bun, whining softly when the song ended. Skipping across the room to change CDs, she glanced at the clock, deciding she had plenty of time to goof off until JC's flight came in later in the evening. Bending over in front of the stereo, she pulled out the CD and reached for another, pausing when she heard a car door slam.

Assuming it was one of the Carter siblings, Natalie continued with her task at hand. Bent over in front of the stereo, she thumbed through her thick stack of CDs, not knowing which to choose. She had several more tasks ahead of her for the day, so she wanted to keep upbeat. But, that plan seemed to go to ruin when she heard the sharp wail of an infant following the opening and slamming of the front door.

"Would you put some fucking clothes on?!"

Dropping her CDs to the floor, Natalie whirled around, staring at Nick as he threw the bags he was carrying to the floor. Heart hammering with surprise, she jerked a t-shirt from the laundry basket, quickly pulling it on over her sports bra and boy cut panties. Stepping over the CDs, she moved forward, taking Zachary's carrier from Nick when he looked ready to scream at the child to stop screaming. "What are you doing home? You're supposed to be gone for two more days--"

"It's my fucking house and I can come home whenever the fuck I please," Nick growled, snatching a pair of baggy sweatpants from the basket to thrust in Natalie's direction. Running his hands through his growing locks, he offered a hard tug as if he might rip them from the roots, just wanting to focus on something other than the migraine starting to pulsate in the center of his forehead and spread to his temples. Zachary had done nothing but scream since he had awoke and realized that he was no longer near his mother. His voice was a hoarse rattle of the shrill scream it had been in the plane, so Nick started to hope the child would lose his voice.

"Would you calm the Hell down? You're scaring Zachary," Natalie chided. Ignoring the sweatpants, she unbuckled Zachary from the carrier, pulling him into her embrace. "Hey little man, it's alright," she murmured, smoothing his raven locks from his forehead. "Your Auntie Nat got you a little something yesterday at the store…" her voice trailed as she headed into the kitchen.

"You can keep him," Nick murmured, furiously rubbing his aching temples while collapsing onto the couch. He didn't pay heed to the folded clothes beneath him, simply staring up at the ceiling in disbelief. He didn't understand how things could have gotten so horribly bad so fast. The only image seemingly burning into his mind was the way AJ had been leaning in close to Alana in the dining room before he had left in the taxi. He wanted to burn his eyes with Clorox.

Natalie returned a few moments later, a sniffling Zachary nestled against her shoulder, listlessly chewing on a frozen teething ring she had bought him the day before. Softly kissing his cheeks, she moved to sit in the rocking chair, pausing when she saw Nick's slumped form on the couch. "Nicky? What happened?"

"Do you want the long version or the short version?" Nick grumbled as the sharp edge of his cell phone poked him in the back. Shifting, he freed the phone from his pocket and threw it onto his stomach, covering his face with his hands once more. He just needed some darkness to keep the throbbing pain away. It wasn't as if he'd be receiving a text message from Alana or a phone call. That much had been apparent after his twenty plus text messages to her that were unanswered.

"It doesn't matter…" Natalie murmured.

"Good news is that Brian kicked Leighanne off the tour. Sent her ass packing so fast that she got some rug-burn on that plastic nose of hers," Nick murmured, deciding not to mention who he had sat by on the ride home to Los Angeles. Those stories were better left for around the campfire with children who were terrified of the dark.

Natalie bit back a smile as she settled into the rocking chair. "…And the bad news?"

"Leighanne told Brian about us."

"Us?" Natalie repeated in confusion, her smile dying as she glanced up from Zachary's face. "What do you mean, she told Brian about us?"

"Our one fucking night together. She told him about that."

"And… He…" Natalie faltered for a moment, nervous guilt twisting her stomach and heart simultaneously. Brian knew. He knew that she had been lying to him for years, now. Slowly glancing towards Nick, she cleared her throat in hopes of masking the pain in her voice. "That doesn't explain why you're here--"

"He tried to kick my ass for sleeping with you when it wasn't exactly like an enjoyable event in my life anyway. But no, I deflowered you or some fucking bullshit and he wigs out. So I get pissed and say shit that I shouldn't have said with Beautiful in the room--" Nick jerked in surprise when he felt the rumble of vibration against his stomach. Hurriedly lurching for his phone, he threw it open without even bothering to see who the message was from. At first, he was surprised to see a photograph waiting for him. Tears gathered to his eyes when he realized it was a picture of Alana sleeping. She was curled on her side with the pillows tucked under her head, her legs drawn slightly upward. She looked gorgeous with her long curls fanned out amongst her pillow, dressed in a flimsy purple camisole and boy-cut panties. But the words - Thanks Buddy - beneath the picture caused him to choke. It was from AJ. "Damnit, Nat! Why the fuck did you even tell Leighanne about our business in the first fucking place?!"

"She was my best friend," Natalie murmured in reply, getting to her feet so she could place Zachary in the playpen. He whimpered softly at the lack of body warmth, quickly curling against the t-shirt of Alana's that she draped over him before drifting off to sleep. Turning to face Nick, she brushed the tears from her cheeks, knowing he would only scorn her for doing so. "At least, I thought she was… And how can you sit there and bitch at me for doing so, when you turned around and told everyone?!"

"I didn't fucking tell everyone! What the Hell was I supposed to do when I walked into that room and Leighanne told Brian point blank! He already knew the answer before I could even manage to get the words out! Told me that I had to get back here as soon as fucking possible. That he didn't even want to see me! In front of my damn fiancée he said this! And she wouldn't even stick up for me! Then, I'm getting ready to leave and she doesn't even come to say goodbye to me. Instead, I see her in the dining room, slobbering over AJ like I was some piece of trash that she just threw away! Look at this fucking picture! What do you think they did last night?!"

"You know how Leighanne is, you could have laughed it off. Goddamnit Nick, I--" Natalie halted when Nick threw the phone into her hands. Glancing down at the picture of Alana sleeping so peacefully, she sighed. "God, Nick, she's dressed. Unless you're thinking she gave him a blowjob--"

"She never gives me those! Do you think that's how she's getting back at me for sleeping with her best friend? To give one of my best friends a blowjob? Because I'll go ram my dick down AJ's throat if he thinks--"

"Would you listen to yourself?! Alana is not like that, Nick, and you know it!"

"It was hard enough trying to get her mind off all those fucking photographs of us, then I go and say something so fucking stupid," Nick seethed as he hung his head within his hands, ripping at his locks once more, fighting a thick batch of salty tears. The pain of his headache accompanied with the turmoil of his heart was just too much. "Why am I such a fuck-up, Nat?"

"You're not a fuck-up, Nicky," she promised, jerking when she heard the shrill ring of her cell phone from the kitchen. Ignoring it, she flopped down in the recliner, drawing her knees to her chest. "You're just too honest… And… I should have told Brian all of this years ago, instead of hiding it like it was something I'm… Well, I am ashamed of it--"

"Thanks, Nat," Nick snorted with pain.

"Aren't you?"

"I think it would have been better if you didn't insist on being Beautiful's best friend…"

"I didn't insist on it, it just happened… What, you want me to call her up and tell her I can't be her friend anymore--"

"You wouldn't do that even if I asked, so don't insult me."

"What do you want me to do, Nicky?"

"What does it matter?"

"I hate seeing you like this… You want me to leave?"

"I'm not kicking you out."

"But…" Natalie sighed, reaching for the sweatpants he'd tossed to the floor.

"Just… Please, when you talk to her, tell her how much I love her? And how I didn't want to leave? And how very sorry I am for what I said?"

"…What'd you say?" Natalie questioned as she wriggled into the sweatpants. Seeing him swallow nervously, she bit back a groan, knowing that whatever it was, it had been bad. "Nicky…"

"I don't want to be bitch-slapped."

"I won't bitch-slap you…"

"I told them that the blow-job you gave to Brian in the car was something that you learned from me and no matter how many years he's with you, that he'd never be able to see everything that I taught you in that one night," Nick breathed hurriedly, squeezing his eyes shut and clenching in preparation for the attack.

But it never came. Tentatively lowering his hands from in front of his face, Nick glanced up to see Natalie half-sprawled on the recliner, sweatpants dangling from her legs as she simply gaped at him. The outraged horror in her eyes caused him to gulp nervously, certain she was simply gearing up for the beating he knew he deserved.

Natalie calmly got to her feet, biting the tip of her tongue as she wrestled the sweatpants from her legs. Kicking them under the coffee table, she glared at Nick for a long moment, her attention diverted when her cell phone once again began to ring. Cursing whoever was calling her, she balled her hands into fists, ready to launch on the man and release all the pent-up frustration from the past weeks. Instead, she took a deep breath, her lips tilting into a shaky smile. "Nicky?"

"…Yeah?"

"Go answer my phone, and if it's JC tell him I'll be waiting for him. And after that? Finish folding my clothes and take them upstairs for me."

"No problem," Nick hurriedly agreed in a rushed breath, deciding being put to work was far better than being beaten to a pulp by a petite woman.

"You fucking owe me, Carter," she warned before turning to head up the stairs.

"The story of my life, Hayes," he sighed, pushing himself off the couch to retrieve the cell phone.

Turning to look at him, Natalie sighed, unable to bear the gloomy cloud that seemed to hover around him. Impulsively, she darted across the room, throwing her arms around him in a quick hug. "If Alana'll talk to me, I'll tell her what you told me, okay?"

"Thanks, Nat," Nick whispered, returning a meek squeeze of a hug as he kissed the top of her head.

"If you want me to, I'll cancel JC tonight and stay here with you… Or have him come over and we can all just hang out…" Natalie suggested softly.

"How about just you and me?"

Natalie nodded, leaning back to offer him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "I'll go call JC and you can go unpack or whatever…"

"Thanks, Natalie."

"Anytime," she promised, squeezing him gently. She had already lost everyone else, with the possible exception of Alana. She didn't want to lose Nick, too. "You kind of have to let go before I can do anything, Nicky…"

"And I guess I have to answer that phone…" Nick murmured, kissing the top of her head once more before allowing her to leave his embrace. Watching her hurry up the stairs for whatever she had originally wanted, he turned to locate her phone amongst the magazines featuring Alana.

Sighing as the smiling face of his fiancée gazed at him from every cover, he finally found Natalie's phone, hiding under a pack of gum and a set of keys. Unconsciously he reached to straighten the magazines, a fresh wave of pain washing through his heart when he saw the most recent cover of People, groaning at the grainy picture of himself and Natalie on the cover. Deciding it best to ignore the devil horns Natalie had drawn over his head, he tossed it aside. Barely glancing at the screen to see who was calling, he flipped the phone open, reaching for the next magazine. "Yeah, what do you want?"

"I want to know why everyone but Natalie seems to answer her phone…" JC returned quickly.

"Because she's never around to answer it when someone so damn important calls?" Nick suggested. "She's upstairs… I think she's getting naked-I mean, I can hear the shower running, so she's probably--"

"Do you have something going on with her, Nick? 'Cause, I ain't a fool and I saw all the magazine articles coming out and around. And, of course, I'm not one to believe them at first, but you two looked pretty cozy in those pictures and now you're answering her phone, saying she's naked--"

"For fuck's sake, I just got home from Atlantic City," Nick interrupted with a scowl. "I'm not even remotely interested in that scrawny toothpick, okay? You're welcome to her-Wait… She said she had to talk to you. Hang on, okay?" Without bothering to hear the man's reply, he turned to run up the stairs, skidding to a stop just outside of Natalie's bedroom. Knocking on the door, he held the phone out. "Nat? JC's on the phone! He thinks we're having hot pig sex--"

"Jesus Christ, Nick! Tell the whole fucking world!" Natalie growled, yanking open the door to her room, never expecting Nick to have the phone pressed to the door. Growing ashen, she ripped the phone from his hand and slammed the door. "Joshua? Shit! I'm so sorry!"

"Is he always like that?" JC questioned warily.

Grinning mischievously, Nick was unable to resist torturing her a bit more. Pushing the door open wide enough to peer inside, he cleared his throat to catch her attention. "Hey, Nat? Hurry up and break your date with him so me and you can spend our quality time tonight!"

"And you wonder why Brian and Alana kicked out early?!" Natalie exclaimed with a screech, throwing the nearest objects she could find toward the man.
Forty-Nine by shrinkingviolet
Chewing heavily on the inside of his cheek, Brian watched Alana slowly move toward her tour bus with her bag of entertainment strung over her shoulder. She held a hand to her back as she moved, reminding Brian of how he had swung her back into the coffee table to get to Nick. She truly looked miserable. Sunglasses concealed her eyes from the growing crowds who screamed their names and AJ's hoodie tucked her face away. But Brian knew better. He guessed bags were under her eyes and her face was pale from lack of sleep. He should have never sent Nick away. Frowning, he wondered how badly he had hurt her in the first place. It had never been his intention. He had always thought of Alana as a little sister. She was so warm and inviting, he had actually spent a good deal of time of her healing from the fall, laying in bed and watching movies with her. The distance between them hurt. Sighing, Brian glanced down to see Baylee spinning in circles in attempts to make himself dizzy. "Scooper, what do you think about inviting Alana on our bus for the trip today?"

Baylee came to a complete stop, though his face had a somewhat dazed look as he struggled to focus on his father. "Really, Daddy?" he questioned hopefully, blinking rapidly as he fell backwards onto his rear end. "You do it… I t'ick…"

"Well if you'd stop…" Brian shook his head halfway through his chiding, knowing it was useless. Leaning down, he ruffled his son's platinum locks. "You try to make it on our bus and I'll go get Alana."

"Okay! Which one's ours, Daddy?" Baylee inquired, grasping his father's pants legs to pull himself up.

"The one directly in front of us," Brian murmured, taking his son's hands to lead him in the right direction of the bus' door. Though, when Baylee started to walk, he ended up going sideways, farther away from the bus. "Son! Go diagonal! Go diagonal!"

Giggling, Baylee began to walk backwards, squealing when his father finally scooped him up to carry him onto the bus. "Daddy! I flyin'!"

"Scooper! You're drunk as a skunk!" Brian exclaimed with a laugh, setting him on the couch. "Don't move till you can put your feet together without falling backwards."

"Like this?" Baylee asked, clapping his feet together. Lifting them straight out in front of him, he groaned as he rolled to his side, his head resting against a nearby pillow. "I 'tay right here, Daddy!"

"That's my boy!" Brian chuckled, smacking a kiss to Baylee's forehead before jumping out of the bus. He motioned toward the driver of Alana's bus not to start yet, leaping inside when the doors opened. Glancing around, he noticed Howie perched at the dining area with his laptop, PDA, and other fine electronic equipment. "…Where's Alana?"

Howie glanced up from attaching his iPod to the laptop, preparing to download music for the night's trip. AJ had started snoring so loudly it was keeping Howie up, which was a feat in itself. Glancing towards the back of the bus, he casually motioned in the general direction of Alana's bunk. "She said something about dropping her stuff in her bunk before coming up here to fix a snack…"

"She needs to be eating more than a snack…" Brian murmured offhandedly, craning his neck toward the back of the bus, noticing a small rustle of one of the bunk's curtains.

"I'll be sure and inform her of your professional opinion, Dr. Littrell," Howie muttered as he tapped out a quick email to Natalie to inform her of some interviews he had arranged. He was surprised when she almost immediately logged onto the instant messaging system he used, replying to his email with her usual excitement. "Why are you looking for Sweetie anyway?"

"Scooper wants her to ride on our bus for this trip," Brian explained casually, deciding not to mention that he had been the one to put the seedling of an idea into his son's head.

"I see… Sweetie? You have a visitor," Howie called, twisting his laptop slightly so Brian wouldn’t see who he was talking to online.

"Tell them to go away! She's busy!" AJ barked from the rear of the bus.

"Busy with what?" Brian barked back, excusing himself from Howie's presence to travel deeper.

"She's changing into her pajamas, if you don't mind?" AJ answered, peering out of the curtain of Alana's bunk.

"I think I might mind if you're the one watching her," Brian murmured, leaning down to see inside the bunk, noticing the soft stuffed lion that Baylee had bought Alana from the zoo. "What are you doing in her bunk anyway? Those things are cramped enough without having to worry about your bony ass poking you."

"I'm keeping the boogey man out," AJ explained with a grin, though he was pushed out by a sharp shove to his backside seconds later. "Or, maybe, I am the boogey man?"

"That would have been my first guess…" Brian mused with a smirk.

"What do you want, Brian?" Alana inquired as she pulled up her boxers before reaching for the portable DVD player she kept with her at all times.

"Scooper was hoping you'd come onto our bus for the trip… He misses you," Brian explained. "Maybe we could pop a ton of popcorn and watch a marathon of y'all's favorite movies--"

"Boogie spent pretty much the entire weekend with me," Alana interrupted, looking at Brian with an expression of skepticism when AJ slid back in beside her. She didn't understand what Brian was doing on her bus in the first place. They hadn't exactly been great friends at the beginning of the tour. And him throwing her to the coffee table had certainly thrown her through a loop. And demanding that Nick go home was his choice because she was merely a lowly opener had hurt. Even if Baylee wanted her; he wouldn't be the one delivering the message.

"He really wants you to--" Brian cut off into a hard sigh. "Alright, I want you to come over. I think we should talk about everything that's been going on… Preferably without the constant comments from AJ--"

"He wants to get in your pants because Nick diddled in Natalie's," AJ interrupted.

"See?" Brian stressed with a scowl.

"Hey, turnabout's fair play," AJ shrugged.

"I think I can survive being on your bus with Boogie for about four hours," Alana sighed as she moved to climb over AJ. She really didn't have the capacity to watch Brian have a stroke. In essence, his entire world had been yanked out from underneath him. It wasn't fair to make him go through anymore trauma.

"I really appreciate this, Alana," Brian murmured, reaching to take her bag for her.

"Ain't no big deal," she assured, glaring playfully toward AJ when she felt his hand blatantly slip against her breast for a quick feel before helping her out of the bunk.

Leading the way off the bus, Brian paused when Howie quickly slapped his laptop shut. Giving him a cautious glance, he shrugged at the innocence of the older man's expression before heading outside.

"How about you reassemble your phone while you're at it!" Howie called before Brian noticed Alana climbing off the bus. Noticing the battery completely separated from her cell phone, Brian arched his brows in question.

"I didn't feel like talking to anyone," Alana mumbled, climbing onto the opposite bus as the engine revved.

"Have you called to check on--"

"No, but I should…"

"You can use my…" Brian trailed as he set her bag on the sofa, realizing that neither Nick nor Natalie would answer if they saw his number on the ID. Sighing, he shut and locked the door as Baylee leaped onto Alana.

"Hey, Boogie," Alana crooned appreciatively as she helped Baylee hook his legs around her waist, holding him tight against her. She leaned up to rub her nose against his, giggling when he released a giggle. "I get to ride with you this time and, boy, do you have some fancy digs! No bunks! Just one big ol' bed in the back!"

"You sleep with Daddy?" Baylee questioned with a squeal of excitement, curling his arms tightly around her neck.

"I think I'll keep to the sofa and you and your Daddy can have that bed," Alana suggested instead, leaning back slightly when the bus began to pull away from the hotel.

"No!" Baylee disagreed. "Daddy take sofa and me an' you take bed!"

"That's even better!" Alana agreed with a whistle, blowing a raspberry on Baylee's neck before helping him to the floor. Though, Baylee barely gave her time to get away as he clamped onto her hand, tugging her to the back of the bus.

Chuckling softly as he followed them, Brian stopped in the dining area to gather snacks, making sure to grab the extra butter for the popcorn. Hearing Baylee's excited squeals followed by the muffled thumping of his son jumping on the bed, he shook his head with a smile, knowing it would be near impossible to get the boy to calm down. He would be wide open until finally crashing for the night. Gathering everything into his arms, Brian stepped over the sleeping Tyke before heading to the back of the bus.

"I can jump over here! I can jump over here! I can jump here! And here! And here! And here! And--"
"Not on my belly!" Alana finished when Brian stepped into back room with the bed and entertainment system. He found Baylee falling to his knees at Alana's side, who was lying back amongst Baylee's pile of pillows which were mostly used for fort time instead of sleeping. But, Baylee was far more intrigued with the way Alana cradled her stomach for protection. Leaning forward, he carefully peeled her t-shirt up to reveal the small protrusion of her belly. His lips parted in awe, he gently ran the very tips of his fingers over the small change to Alana's usually taut stomach. "…Do you know what's in there?"

"A mon'ter!" Baylee decided. "We get it out? Now? 'Fore it hurts my 'Lana, Daddy?"

"Those monsters have to stay in Alana for about another six months, Scooper," Brian explained with a bemused smile, dumping the field of snacks out on the couch off to the side of the room. Retrieving a bottle of apple juice, he offered it toward Alana as means of apologies so he could sit on the bed as well.

"There's more than one?!" Baylee screeched in shock.

"Two," Brian confirmed with a nod, holding up two fingers.

"But how'd her get two mon'ters in there?" the child demanded, staring at Alana's stomach. "Alien lay eggs in her tummy, Daddy?"

"If this is going to turn into a fertility lesson, I think I'd be safer up front with the driver," Alana decided with a firm blush hinting at her cheeks, attempting to sit up and pull her shirt down. Only, Baylee slid over her hips to keep her firmly planted, pressing two hands against the small bump as if he could push the 'monsters' out of her. She grunted in surprise when he only seemed to succeed in pushing on her bladder. "They're not monsters, Boogie. Your Daddy is just teasing."

"Then… You's just getting' fat?" Baylee decided.

"Scooper!" Brian groaned with dismay, clapping a hand over his son's mouth. "Your 'Lana's going to have babies, okay? She's not getting fat. Remember the rule, Baylee? We never tell a lady she's fat--"

"Might want to run over that lesson one more time there, Brian," Alana drawled, laughing with amusement while Baylee poked at her abdomen. "But, you are right, Boogie. I am going to be getting fat. Probably'll get stuck in doorways and everything. We'll have to bring extra butter everywhere!"

"But, how'd the babies get--"

"Have some popcorn, Scooper," Brian interrupted, not wanting to delve into that discussion just yet. Thrusting the large bag into his son's hands, he motioned towards the TV. "Want to watch something?"

"I can't wait till he's sixteen, still asking about sex, and you're trying to feed him stale popcorn balls to shut him up," Alana mused, watching as Baylee turned onto his back and cradled himself between her legs, using her stomach as a pillow.

"He doesn't need to know about sex until his wedding night," Brian informed, moving to the stack of DVDs on the shelf. "Lion King? Sleeping Beauty? Pinocchio?"

"Don't be 'tupid, Daddy," Baylee sighed, looking up at Alana as if he were apologizing for his father's foolishness.

"You know the rule, Scooper. Nothing above a PG," Brian reminded him. "I don't care what someone let you watch, that's the rule."

"I think he meant put in Lion King," Alana suggested toward Brian, gently running her fingers through Baylee's locks while the boy gave his father an absurd look of confusion.

"Huh… You should've been around on the tour last year," Brian muttered as he loaded Lion King into the DVD player. "I had tons of explaining to do after he spent a little time with AJ on his bus--"

"Porno fest?" Alana guessed, shifting so she was in a semi-propped position. Baylee whined slightly at the shift, but popped a few more kernels of popcorn in his mouth to satiate him. His eyes seemed to glaze over with the beginning credits rolling, allowing Brian to slide back on the bed without much complaint. That is, after he retrieved a handful of snacks.

"Pretty much," Brian grumbled, leaning over to grab George and Simba from the foot of the bed. Placing them next to Baylee, he settled back, offering Alana the large Ziploc bag of Chex Mix. "I made it earlier when Scooper was taking his nap--"

"Aren't you a Mr. Simon Homemaker," Alana mused, holding up the Ziploc bag for inspection. "…Why'd you make that? I thought Boogie was in the phase of not eating anything that don't come out of a wrapper?"

"I had a craving for it?" Brian suggested with a smile, glancing down to see Baylee was already fast asleep. "Scooper told me it was your favorite…"

"You never could tell a lie, huh?"

"I hate dishonesty," Brian answered softly.

"Yeah…" Alana trailed, popping open the Ziploc barrier before offering the bag to Brian. She fell into a soft state of silence, not really knowing how to comfort him on the situation. It had been months of knowing for her and she couldn't even seem to get over it. But, Brian was different. He had known them during that time. Had loved Natalie at that very moment. And for her to say that she was still a virgin… Well, the pain was evident in his light blue eyes. "I'm sorry, Brian…"

"I should have known she wouldn't wait for me," Brian murmured, shifting the pretzels he had taken from one hand to another. The hurt of her betrayal still burned him, making him want to scream with anger and cry with pain at the same time. "Alana, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have treated Nick the way I did--"

"It's alright, after what he said to you, I didn't really want him around anymore anyway," Alana confessed, reaching to take the popcorn from the slumbering boy's hands so it wasn't spilled. Placing it between her and Brian, she clasped her hands over her abdomen as Baylee turned to cuddle against her legs. She wanted to make a plea for Natalie. To tell Brian that he was mistaken about her intentions. But, somehow, the words couldn't be freed from her aching heart. She was angry at Nick for what he said and angrier at herself for knowing that it was probably true.

"I was just so damn mad," Brian admitted, glaring down at his hands. "I thought Nick was my best friend and then I learn about this… Something that happened ages ago and neither one of them thought enough of me to even tell me--"

"They thought it would be best not to tell you so you couldn't be hurt," Alana murmured softly, reaching to take Brian's free hand into hers for a gentle squeeze.

"This hurts more," Brian whispered, glancing over at her.

"I know," Alana promised with a nod.

"And every time I think of him… Just…" Brian released a frustrated sigh, shaking his head. "Getting angry doesn't change a damn thing, does it? I can wish them both to the fiery pits of Hell and it won't make what happened between them go away. God, if she had told me, just sat down and told me in her blushing, hesitant way that she was three sheets to the wind and it just happened, I--"

"Would have probably reacted in the same manner toward Nick, but at least you would have been told instead of being lied to all these years…"

"You're damn skippy," Brian muttered.

"For what it's worth, Natalie said that she'd rather have a female castration than sleep with Nick again… And, Nick… Just relives those moments over and over and over…"

"She is pretty amazing…" Brian trailed softly, then groaned. Nick had taught her everything she knew. Shuddering at the thought, he squeezed Alana's hand gently. "Sorry…"

"I'm just a big, fat, baby oven… Thanks, Brian…"

"I'm sorry! But… If it's any consolation, you're a breathtakingly beautiful baby oven," Brian informed her, hoping to elicit a smile.

"Great, I'd win a whale of a woman pregnancy beauty pageant…"

"Alana…" Brian sighed, rubbing his face with his hand. "I'm really sorry--"

"Don't worry about it, Brian," Alana interrupted, tucking her arms behind her head as she swallowed a sigh. She probably would have been better off making out with AJ in her bunk, but that thought was deadened when Baylee climbed on top of her to snuggle against her chest. Smiling slightly, she laid her arms around Baylee, holding the toddler close. "It's not a big deal."

"I just want us to be friends, Alana…"

"I thought we already were?"

"I want us to be better friends, then? Especially now that Leigh's gone… She kind of kept me from getting to know anybody on this tour--"

"I can see why," Alana promised with a shudder at the mere thought of the horrendous woman. Reaching beneath her, she carefully pulled the broken phone from her pocket, using Baylee as a table to fix the gadget. She would have to call home eventually. She just wanted to know that Zachary was in good health. Not saying goodbye to her son had been heart wrenching. "And, I told you she wasn't pregnant."

"I know you did…"

"You're just a good guy. You wanted to do the right thing by her and that's what counts. Even if she was a Nazi cum-catching weasel gobbler," Alana approved, pushing the power button on her phone. She wondered how many text messages would come flying in to fill her inbox.

"A Nazi cum-What?!" Brian squeaked, snorting back a laugh at her accurate description of Leighanne as Alana's phone began to vibrate.

"Nazi cum-catching weasel gobbler," Alana repeated, holding the phone above Baylee till the vibrations stopped, not wanting to rouse him.

"Where in the Hell do you come up with these colorful descriptions," Brian murmured, shaking his head. Glancing towards her phone, he quirked one brow. "Looks like you've got a few messages to read…"

"In my head, because I'm brilliant," Alana suggested, preparing to erase all the messages at once, but Brian stole her phone. "What are you doing?!"

"These are all from Nick," Brian explained as he scrolled through the messages. "Call him, Alana."

"I know who they're from…"

"And… Ignore the angry, jealous ones that bitch about AJ touching you and call him? Check on Zachary, make sure he's doing alright? Even though Nick's a… Nazi cum-spurting weasel gobbler, his son's pretty cool…"

"Zachary is my son, too…"

"And therefore, you need to call and check on him."

"I don't have to call Nick directly for that information. So, give me one good reason why I should?"

"Because he's your fiancé and you love him," Brian answered simply, slipping the phone back into her hand. Offering her a grin, he slid off the bed. "I'll leave you alone so you can do it now. It's only seven thirty in California… If you call now, you may be able to talk to Zachary…"

"Do you think I'd get lucky enough for Zachie to just pick up the phone himself?" Alana mumbled more to herself as Brian left the back of the bus, making sure to close the door behind him. Staring at her slim cell phone, she felt another vibration as the last of her messages seemed to fill. She didn't want to call the man. She didn't want to hear his voice, knowing the hurt it would bring. Exhaling, she flipped her phone open, wanting to read one text message. That would tell her whether or not to call.

"Oh, Handsome," she breathed, reading over the message several times to make sure she had read it correctly. – I would do anything for love / And I'll be there till the final act / I would do anything for love / I'll take the vow and seal the pact / But I'll never forgive myself…

*~*~*


"Oh! Nicky! Look!" Natalie squealed softly as she flopped down next to Nick on the edge of his bed. They had been going through baby catalogues all afternoon, preparing to stock up the twins' nursery. Behind them on the bed were several catalogs, already tabbed with items to order, which Natalie would be doing online shortly. Pushing the catalogue from his lap, she pushed the one she had been flipping through into his hands, pointing out the collection of nursing beads on the page. "See? Bright, vibrant colors for the babies to focus on while they breastfeed. The newborn sets are black and white, and they have brighter colors for older babies, too. They also have these nifty bracelets… Alana's going to breastfeed, isn't she? I mean, she's a nurse, so…"

"Nursing beads?" Nick murmured, looking down at the long, dangling necklaces with confusion. There were several sets splashed over the page. Some black, white, and red and others were an array of colors from the rainbow. They looked simple enough, but Nick was far more perplexed with the thought as to Alana breastfeeding. They had never talked about how the infants would feed. Breast or bottle - Nick hadn't thought about it. Unfortunately, Nick didn't know a lot of the things that Alana wanted for the twins. His conversation with her about the twins consisted merely of congratulations. The first time he had actually felt her belly since the ultrasound had been in Atlantic City, which reminded him to call and make sure that Howie measure her abdomen every day. He wanted to know how quickly she was growing, so he could report to the obstetrician. Though, now that she was upset with him… Nigh sighed, "What the Hell does she need boobie beads for? And what's a nursing bracelet?"

"It's something to catch the babies' attention while they feed," Natalie explained, reaching to place a tab on the page. "She can use them even if she decides to use formula instead of breast milk, though. And, if she uses formula, you can wear them--"

"You mean during my custody weekends?" Nick groaned, knowing there was no way in Hell that he'd be wearing beads.

"Nicky," Natalie sighed, reaching to rub his shoulder gently. It was killing him, she knew, not hearing from Alana. Not even a text message. "She'll call you soon."

"She'd only call me if she could throw the engagement ring through the phone and make me choke on it," Nick mumbled, shifting so he could sprawl out on the bed before reaching for the new stack of magazines. There were dozens of orders to make. Clothing, toys, supplies… Nick suddenly wondered if he could send Howie a check for Alana to go maternity shopping while she was on tour. She needed to build that collection soon, because he was convinced that he'd commit her to the hospital if she wasn't starting to round by the end of the month.

"Zach'll have outgrown his bouncy seat by the time the twins get here, so you only need one of those," Natalie pointed out as she continued flipping through the catalogue, moving to sprawl next to him. "And if all you're going to do is scowl over everything, I can call Kris over and ask her to help me--"

Nick turned to give Natalie an offended glare. "I'm not scowling over everything--"

"You could at least pick up the smiles a bit then. After all, I'm doing this for you. And you're doing it for your children--"

"I'm very happy that you're doing this for me. And I'm ecstatic that I'm doing it for my children. But Beautiful should be here so we can do it for her as well. I don't know a damn thing that she wants to do with these kids. I don't know if she wants to breastfeed. I don't know if she wants to keep them in our room during the first few months. I don't even know how far along we are right now!"

"Almost four months," Natalie murmured with a sigh. "And all you need to do is call Howie's phone and get him to let you talk to Alana. She's going to be coming home in a few weeks, too, you know. Then you can--"

"Help her pack her bags as she curses the very breath I take. If Beautiful doesn't want to talk to me on her phone, then I doubt that she's going to take Howie's phone when she knows that I'm on the other end. Face it. I'm a miserable daddy-to-be and a shitty fiancé. What idiot talks about his fiancée's best friend blowing him right in front of her? I could have at least said you gave me an STD to soften the blow--"

"Can we not talk about our sexual history?" Natalie interrupted. "You always bring it up--"

"I wasn't the one that told Beautiful--"

"And I wasn't the one that told Brian--"

"No, Leighanne did!"

"Well, okay, I did tell her," Natalie conceded. "But I didn't tell AJ!"

"Who didn't tell a damn soul."

"If you consider Howie, Aaron, Denise, your three lovely sisters and management not a soul--"

"They didn't matter."

"Sure. Having AJ's mother look at me like I was the queen of all sluts wasn't anything," Natalie muttered, starting to gather all of the catalogues they had gone through. "You were looked at like you were the master of all cherry poppers--"

"And I was," Nick boasted, grunting when he was pushed off the bed. "Damnit, Natalie--"

"That's all I was to you, huh? Just a random cherry to pop? This is the fucking attitude that causes people to get mad at you Nick. You could at least try to pretend like I was a mistake that you would, if possible, not have made in the first place!"

"Well what the fuck did you want to be to me, Natalie? The love of my life--"

"No! I don't know what I wanted! Hell, even if you'd told me afterwards that it was some sick bet you had with another guy over who would get to me first would have been better than waking up to the sounds of you barfing your brains out and groaning that your dick hurt--"

"Like running into the bathroom and hurling in my hair was a fucking turn on!"

"Just tell me that I was a mistake, Nick, okay? That I didn't turn you on in the least and you have never since wondered what it would be like if we'd been sober--"

"Stop acting like you need my approval for your heated sexuality so fucking much, Natalie, it's sickening. And frankly, you're acting just like Leighanne right now. I have a fiancée who I love very, very, very much. If you want approval, go flirt with JC or Howie," Nick spat, hating the way that Natalie was manipulating the words into a vicious manner. Scrambling up from the floor, Nick stormed out of his bedroom, hurriedly running down the steps as Natalie slammed her bedroom door so hard it rattled. Suddenly, he was thankful that Zachary was snoozing in his playpen downstairs.

Just as his foot touched the floor at the bottom of the stairs, he heard Natalie's bedroom door open. Turning to glance up at her, he was surprised to find her cell phone hurtling towards him as she stood at the landing. "What the fuck--"

"It's for you," she informed him, watching him fumble with the phone for a moment. "I'm certain she doesn't want to talk to a bitch like me."

"Natalie--"

"Go to Hell, Asshole," Natalie hissed, stomping back to her room to slam the door once more.

"YOU WERE A MISTAKE, YOU KNOW THAT?! I HAD TO THINK ABOUT FUCKING AJ TO KEEP IT UP FOR YOU!" Nick bellowed up the stairs before stomping through the house. Checking on Zachary, he assured himself that his son had slept through the noise before going to the kitchen to answer the phone. Glancing down at the screen, he held his breath in anticipation, his anger leaving his system so quickly he began to smile. Hurriedly flipping it open, he took a deep breath. "Beautiful?"

"…Handsome…" Alana trailed on the opposite end with what sounded like a flustered breath. "…Where's Natalie? I was just calling to check on Zachary…"

"She's… Upstairs doing something," Nick murmured, hoping she wouldn't hear his dejected sigh. "But Zachary's doing okay… He's taking a nap--"

"That's good…"

"How are you? Are you doing alright? Beautiful, I'm so sorry about what I said. I just couldn't believe that--"

"-You're that fucking idiotic?" Alana finished form him, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Pretty much," Nick sighed, sinking onto a stool.

"You told me that you don't even remember what happened that night. That you never think about it. That you couldn't even stand the idea of even starting to think about it. Then, when you think your balls are getting smaller than Brian's, you proceed to spill all these deeply hidden secrets that you suddenly remember from that night? You spin so many damn tales I don't know which way to look. And, damnit, I love you so much but I hate what you become when you get like that."

"I'm sorry," Nick murmured again. "I just couldn't stand how Brian was becoming so damn holier-than-thou on me without even talking to me about it--"

"So, you decided that as long as you were hurting him, you might as well throw a knife in my heart too?"

"I was mad, Beautiful. Mad at him, mad at her, mad at Leigh… I shouldn't have said it--"

"You're damn right--"

"And you had every right to be mad at me and let AJ shove his tongue down to your esophagus--"

"Excuse me?"

"I saw you two in the restaurant when I was leaving…"

"You saw what?"

"You and him! In the restaurant! Arms around each other and mouths attached like vacuums--"

"Just imagine how you would have felt if we went back from the restaurant and climbed into bed together… He is your best friend, isn't he?"

"I'd kill him," Nick insisted immediately, scowling at the very idea.

"We shared a cherry cheesecake after eating. Extra whipped cream and cherries. He pretty much fed me the entire hunk of cake, making sure he only got a few bites here and there. Then he kind of smothered whipped cream on my face, making sure to lick it off and take a photo of it in the process. We went for a long walk afterwards. He helped me collect seashells for my scrapbook of the tour. He made sure to hold my hand and make sure I didn't get swept out with the tide. Then we went back to my room, curled up together, and watched a movie before we fell asleep. There, now you don't have to pick up the new issue of People coming out."

"All that just because you were pissed at me?" Nick questioned carefully, jerking his own phone from his pants to scroll through the messages AJ had sent him over the past days. Pausing on the photo of Alana curled in bed, fast asleep.

"No, AJ initiated the kiss because I bit into the lemon and made some stupid face. I returned the kiss because I was pissed at you. The rest happened because AJ was trying to cheer me up, because you have a recurring habit of making me feel miserable."

"I'm sorry," Nick whispered, not knowing what else he could possibly say.

"Me too. Because having AJ sniffing around me like some lost puppy dog really doesn't make up for missing you like crazy…"

"I miss you, Beautiful… I'm sorry I always fuck everything up."

"You don't fuck everything up, Handsome… You're a fantastic father. You're absolutely angelic to Baylee. Passionate singer. Wonderful big brother. Committed. Intelligent, when you want to be. A fabulous lover…"

"But I always manage to fuck something up… And it's always something between us that gets fucked up."

"…Then you might want to try getting better at making grand, beautiful apologies," she suggested after a period of hesitation, a playful teasing noted in her voice.

"After the last text I sent you, I was informed politely by your service that your inbox was full…"

"Well if you would stop sending me text messages that probably should have been directed at AJ…"

"So the death threats didn't go over too well, huh?"

"Oh, I enjoyed reading how you'd like to strangle me and send the twins into boarding school…"

"I didn't send that!"

"The Hell you didn't."

"That was right after AJ sent me a photo of you topless and straddling his lap!"

"He burst into my bathroom as I was getting ready to take a calming bath snapping pictures! I had to get the phone away from him! What'd you want me to do? Invite him the fuck in for a good shoulder massage and blow?!"

"Of course not! But… Damnit, why am I being punished for something that happened years ago?!"

"Because you insist on bringing it up in conversation as a means to punish me!"

"I don't bring it up to punish you--”

"Then what other sadistic desire could you possibly have to bring that up for, Nick? 'Cause it's killing me."

"Well what do you want me to do, Alana?"

"Stop acting like you're so damn happy that you had sex with Natalie."

"I’m not! Goddamnit, she's a repulsive piece of dog shit that I wish I'd never laid eyes on!"

"Fine, Nick…"

Sighing, Nick ran a hand through his hair, glancing up when he heard the door upstairs slam once more. Wincing with each stomp down the stairs, he saw Natalie storm out the front door, though she at least closed that one gently. Exhaling a hard breath once more, he looked towards the stack of magazines beside him. "I'm sorry, Beautiful…"

"I know you are," she promised softly. "And, I'm tired of fighting. I don't have the energy for it."

"Neither do I," Nick admitted.

"…What's got you exhausted?"

"Worrying about you, worrying about the twins, worrying about Zachary… Just everything, Beautiful. I'm worried that Zachary hates me because you're not around. I'm worried that you're not getting enough rest and not eating enough. I'm worried about the twins because they're so tiny and I'm an overprotective Daddy," Nick answered in a rush.

"I thought you said Zachary was doing just fine without me?"

"He is… As long as he's watching your video, wrapped up in one of your shirts and clutching a picture of you…"

"Handsome…"

"I'm serious… But he's getting a little bit better… He spit up on your shirt today and didn't fuss too much when I had to take it away to wash it… And as long as I let him sleep with me in the big bed he sleeps all night."

"My poor sweetheart…" she sighed with true lament over the situation. "…He doesn't hate you, Handsome. He's just going to resent me for being gone so long…"

"No he won't," Nick argued with the hint of a smile on his face. "He's just going to hold on tight when you get back and never let you out of his sight again."

"I hope you do the same."

"I hope you'll let me."

"…I love you, Handsome…"

"I love you more."

"You're so special to me, Handsome. You're the one that showed me I could love again when I was so afraid to. The one that showed me that I could have a family again and still not forget Colton. That means the world to me. You're the second man that I've ever made love to. The only one I want to make love to the rest of my life. Do you understand?"

"I do," Nick whispered, reaching to brush away the tears that threatened to fall.

Alana hesitated on the opposite side of the phone, seemingly started by the drastic change in Nick's voice. "Handsome--"

"Are you going to breastfeed?" Nick blurted suddenly.

"What the Hell?"

"I was looking in this baby catalogue and it had some Boobie Beads and I had no idea what they were for, then I realized they were for when the Mommy's breastfeeding, and I thought about getting them. But then I realized that I don't know shit about what you plan to do or not do, and I really want to know these things, Beautiful. All I know is that we're having twins and you're like three months along or something…"

"Boobie Beads?" Alana laughed with amusement. "A nursing necklace, right?"

"Yeah, those things. I mean, I get what they're for and all, and I was going to order some, but then I blanked… I have no freaking idea what we really need or don't need and Leighanne's evil sister ain't helping at all…"

"You can use a nursing necklace with bottle feeding or breastfeeding. It helps the child keep focused on eating instead of throwing himself or herself all around the place. But, I breastfed, Colt, so I naturally assumed that I would breastfeed the twins. Tandem nursing is usually pretty easy as long as you have nursing pillows to help support the twins… And, we're about three months along, about to go into four months at the end of this week. I'll be able to find out their sexes when the OBGYN comes, so you'll have to let me know if you want to know or not… And I'd like to try for a vaginal delivery, but I'm pretty sure I'll probably end up having a C-Section."

Diving across the counter to retrieve a pen, Nick hurriedly scribbled the info down as she gave it to him, hoping either he or Natalie would be able to decipher it later on. "I… I'd like the sexes to be a surprise, Beautiful. That way we can just do a unisex nursery theme, you know? When's the doctor coming? How many nursing pillows would you need?"

"We can keep the sexes a secret till birth. The doctor is coming next week when we're in Connecticut. And, I'd probably need two nursing pillows, one for each twin, but I can get them when I get home. You don't have to go out and get anything. …Anything else you need to know?"

"I'm just getting ideas together… Kristin's throwing you a surprise baby shower when you get back, and it's going to be one where men can-Oh shit!"

"And you wonder why people don't tell you secrets…"

"You'll pretend to be surprised, right?" Nick questioned hopefully.

"Come home and start stripping at the door like I always do, sure."

"I love you, Beautiful."

"I love you, too, Handsome. You're my one and only."
Fifty by shrinkingviolet
"She dribbles down the court, around the pint-sized blocker… Cuts left! Cuts right! Does some fancy foot moves! A little shake of the hips! She shoots! She scores!" Alana rolled the toddler basketball off her arm and pretended to slam it into the netting of the Fisherprice basketball hoop. At Baylee's disgruntled groan, Alana playfully began to dance around him as if she were the cheerleader for the occasion. Seizing him up in her arms before he could retrieve the ball, she blew wild raspberries into his stomach, causing a fit of giggles between them. It seemed like the best way to spend the time between soundcheck and the concert. The smell of sweet chocolate was in the air as she played with Baylee in the Hershey Stadium parking lot of their tour busses and equipment, having gotten out his toys to give him a run of exercise. The obstetrician had visited already and she was in her second trimester of her pregnancy. She wanted to celebrate and could hardly stay still.

"Daddy!" Baylee squealed as Alana swung him around playfully. "'Lana's hyper!"

"I think it's because of all the chocolate she's smelling!" Brian teased, retrieving the ball at his feet and tucking it underneath his arm as he held a small gift in his hands. Hershey, Pennsylvania was renowned for its popular chocolate factory and amusement park in the direct vicinity of the stadium. So that morning had been spent taking Baylee on the rides of the amusement park and loading up on chocolate for the rest of the trip. AJ had been less than pleased with the idea, but that was because of his allergy. Brian couldn't have asked for a better day spent with his friend and son.

"What's that you got, Daddy?" Baylee inquired, shifting around in Alana's arms until he was propped on her hip. Curling one arm around her neck, he snuggled his head against her shoulder, eyeing his father warily.

"Nothing for you," Brian promised with a crooning note to his voice, leaning to press a kiss on his son's face. "It's for your 'Lana."
"For me?" Alana questioned in surprise. "Did Nick send something else to the stadium? 'Cause my dressing room's already filled with flowers…"

"No, it's not from Nick," Brian corrected with a grin. He knew that Alana's bus and hotel room were also filled with flowers, as well as teddy bears and small gifts. He was grateful that Alana and Nick had worked things out. "It's—"

"It's the baby name book!" Baylee squealed suddenly. "Daddy bought it for you this morning, 'Lana! To help pick names for the mon'ters!"

"Wow, I didn't even have to open it!" Alana exclaimed with the same excitement Baylee had exuberated. She offered a small smile toward Brian, cooing at his crestfallen expression. "Thank you for the book, Brian, but you really didn't have to do that."

"I just know how hard it is to make a decision for just one kid… I can't imagine having to choose two," Brian explained. "And it's more than the book—"

"No wonder Boogie has about twenty names," Alana mused, though she smiled innocently as Baylee reached for the basketball under his father's arm. "What do you mean, more than a book?"

"There's a pregnancy organizer in there, too… It's a place for you to write down your weight gain, slots to put ultrasound pictures, a journal for you to write about how you're feeling and everything, a little calendar to keep track of appointments, and it's full of tips on everything from stretch marks to hemorrhoids—"

"I think we'd be better friends if you and I didn't discuss my impending hemorrhoids," Alana interrupted with an embarrassed clearing of her throat, allowing Baylee to slide down her body to play once more. "Do I need to fax the weight gain schedule to Nick as well?"

"Why would you need to do that? Don't you think I've noticed you've started to fill out a little bit in the past week?" Brian inquired, placing the gift in her hands.

"Because Nick isn't satisfied with the cell phone pictures of my belly. Do you know he has I on a feeding schedule for me?" Alana questioned, leaning to kiss his cheek with thanks before tucking the book underneath her arm to lift up her t-shirt. Sure enough, she was starting to round. Her clothing still fit quite comfortably, but the 'baby bump' was apparent. Soon, she'd have to tell the media.

"Well, it's working, isn't it?" Brian pointed out with a chuckle. "What'd the obstetrician say?"

"That I'm going to be very excited at the time of my birth because of the sex of my twins, but ha-ha she can't tell me because my boobie bead of a fiancé called ahead?"

"Boobie bead?" Brian snorted, looking towards Baylee as he threw the ball into the hoop. "Didn't you tell me that neither of you wanted to know the sex of the babies?"

"No, I told you that Nick didn't want to know the sex of the babies because he wanted a unisex theme for the nursery and wanted to be surprised at the delivery. I'm the one that's going to be either pushing for all I'm worth or drugged out of my mind and won't even know what their sexes are when they're born. I'd rather know ahead, but he would have a fit. So, I seceded."

"And he turned around and called the obstetrician and told her not to tell you the sex, because he knew that you'd ask," Brian concluded with a knowing smile.

"Damn straight," Alana sighed, moving to sit with Brian at the table that had been set up for them. Reaching into the cooler for a water, she then leaned back to open the book after discarding her phone to the table. "This is really too much, Brian…"

"It's nothing, really," Brian insisted, propping his feet up on the table as he watched Baylee start to spin himself in circles again. "Scooper, no! You'll get—"

"Round an' round I go!" Baylee squealed, spinning faster and faster until he was assured he couldn't walk straight. Stopping immediately, he retrieved the basketball and insisted that he shoot, only succeeding in throwing the ball directly into AJ's face.

"SON OF A—" AJ yelped loudly, immediately cupping his hands over his face.

"Great shot, Scooper!"

"I! SPEED DIAL BRIAN'S PLASTIC SURGEON!" AJ cursed disgustedly.

"Cheer up, Aje. At least now you don't have to worry about your nose being your worst feature," Brian teased good-naturedly as he dropped into the seat next to Alana.

"I'M BLEEDING!" AJ howled, tipping his head back.

"Wait! Don't do that!" Alana blurted. "The blood just goes-Damnit, c'mere, Alex!"

"I didn't do nothing!" Baylee insisted as he weaved his way towards the table, succeeding in bumping his head on the edge as he reached for Alana's phone.

"Boogie!" Alana groaned in shock as the little boy tumbled to her feet while she held bunched up tissues to AJ's nose, forcing him to lean forward. Pushing AJ back to a nearby seat, she hurriedly instructed him to keep leaning. She then reached to pluck the sobbing boy from the asphalt, cuddling him against her. Lifting his curls back, she hissed at the goose egg forming, pressing her icy bottle of water against it. "What were you thinking, Goofball?"

"That I'd answer your phone! It's ringing!" Baylee announced.

"Well, here's the deal, don't reach for phones when you can't walk straight," Alana sighed, keeping the water bottle pressed to Baylee's forehead while she reached for her chirping phone. Throwing it open with a flick of her wrist, she shushed Baylee's soft cries before tucking it against her ear. "Hello?"

"Hey, Beautiful," Nick crooned in her ear, above the excited babbling of Zachary in the background.

"Hey Handsome," Alana returned with the same sweet enthusiasm, shifting to help pinch AJ's nostrils when he snorted in disgust. At his yelp of pain and stilling of movements, Alana glanced down to assess the knot on Baylee's forehead. To Brian's relief, the swelling at stopped and his son was pleased with the ice pop he had retrieved. "What are my two favorite men up to?"

"We just had a bath, 'cause somebody decided he didn't really care for the smashed peas that Natalie fed him for lunch and proceeded to spew them all over the kitchen… And now we're about to have a bottle before we take a nap and decided to call Mommy—"

"Maa!" Zachary squealed in the background.

"Somehow, I think Daddy's going to be the one taking a nap and Zachary's going to be wide awake playing with his toes," Alana mused with a soft laugh, wanting to retrieve an ice pack for Baylee's head as well as have a private conversation. Motioning toward the tour bus, Alana settled Baylee on her hip to take him inside. Laying him on the couch, she retrieved an ice pack from the freezer, wrapping it in a cloth before sitting with the boy to apply it to his forehead.

"As long as he's not playing with my toes…"

"What about me?" AJ questioned from the doorway, his voice nasally as he continued to pinch his nostrils together. Seeing Alana on the couch, he moved in that direction, whining softly, "I'm bleeding to death…"

"Alex… You're not bleeding to death," Alana sighed, though she offered him a compassionate smile as she motioned for him to join. Pushing Nick's conversation to the side for a moment, she gestured for AJ to sit on the couch, retrieving an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for him as well. Sliding in between the two injured boys, Alana allowed AJ to nestle his head into her lap, making her hold the ice back to the bridge of his nose. "I don't think it's broken…"

"You don't think what's broken?" Natalie questioned in her ear, her voice a haze of confusion. "Just what in the world were you two talking about—"

"Alex was a little frisky in the bunk last night and he went to hit bottom and slipped out and what we have is a broken penis," Alana returned easily, wondering where exactly her fiancé had gone.

"I'm sure there's no great loss," Natalie muttered with a soft laugh. "Zach made Nick a nice present, so he's gone to get a diaper—"

"Is that Mommy?" Baylee questioned suddenly, jerking up so fast he elbowed AJ's nose. Ignoring the man's painful shriek, he clamored to reach the phone.

"Baylee!" Alana admonished in surprise as she felt the gush of blood from what she had hoped was a healing capillary in the man's nose. Easily relinquishing the phone to the eager boy, she helped AJ sit up so he wouldn't choke on the blood flow. Reaching for tissues, she helped AJ press them to his nose as she molded the icepack tightly to his nose.

"I'm going to die," AJ gasped as he spit blood into the tissues. "And then I'm going to come back and haunt that little spawn of Satan—"

"Shut up, Sissy! I talking to my Mommy!" Baylee growled.

"Baylee!" Natalie breathed in surprise. "Awe, Bay, I miss you. How are you—"

"I threw a ball and hit JJ's big nose!" Baylee squealed, crawling onto the opposite couch with a proud grin, watching Alana help AJ once more. "'Lana was playing basketball with me and her's too tall! Then I spun and spun and spun and-Got JJ's big nose!"

"You did, huh? Well I'll bet it's twice as big now, isn't it?" Natalie laughed. "Are you being a good boy for your 'Lana? Making sure she's taking care of herself?"

"It huge!" Baylee agreed with a hard breath of exclamation. "Oh… 'Course I 'have for 'Lana. Her 'pend nights in Daddy's room with us. We gets food late at night 'cause her's got mon'ters in her tummy! Did'ja know about the mon'ters? Her's said I be able to feel'em move soon! I don't want mon'ters in my tummy!"

"I don't think you ever have to worry about that, Bay-Bee. You be sure and give the monsters some tummy kisses for me, okay? 'Cause I already love those little monsters. …Are you taking care of your Daddy too?"

"I guess I can kiss'em for you…" Baylee sighed. "But, I no know why you love little mon'ters… Nicky hate mon'ters…"

"Trust me, Nicky loves these monsters—"

"'Cause they in 'Lana's belly?"

"That and 'cause they're his monsters too…"

"Him put'em in there?!"

"That's something you need to talk to your Daddy about," Natalie informed him softly.

"Not b'ery nice for Nicky to put mon'ters in 'Lana. Why no he carry'em? …Daddy carry mon'ters for you, Mommy?"

"I don't think he'd carry a piece of gum for me right now—"

"Him mad at you?"

"Bay… You should talk to Daddy about this, okay?"

"Why? I no talk to you in for'eber."

"I know… And I'm so sorry, Baylee. You know I love you—"

"Daddy an' me love you, Mommy."

"I know you do, Baylee—"

"You want'a talk to Daddy?" Baylee inquired, already sliding off the couch.

"No, not—"

"Daddy!" Baylee squealed at the man climbing into the tour bus, jumping into his awaiting arms and holding a phone to his ear. "For you!"

Brian quirked a brow. "Who is—"

"It Mommy! Talk to her!" Baylee insisted.

Brian's heart immediately leapt to his throat in recognition of who exactly Baylee was speaking to when the soft, melodious voice called out with 'Bumpkin.' For the smallest moment, he held hope that she wasn't mad at him anymore for Leighanne. That she understood what had happened and was willing to forgive him. Just as he was about to speak, the looming image of Nick and Natalie together engulfed the hope for rekindling the passion between them. Just the mere suggestion of Nick making love to Natalie sent his intestines into painful knots of torment. His cerulean eyes glazed over with hurt as he took the phone from Baylee with a nod of confidence. Noting Baylee's happy grin as he dashed out of the tour bus, Brian waited before he simply closed the phone.

Gripping the phone tightly in his hand for a moment, Brian tapped it against his chin, glaring at the floor of the bus as he listened to his son's excited squeals outside. Tossing the phone onto the couch so it landed next to Alana, he shrugged off her and AJ's expressions of interest. "Now she knows how it feels," he announced slowly before turning to hop off the bus.

"We could chisel off some ice from his shoulder for my nose," AJ announced.

"I heard that, you self-centered pussy," Brian hissed from the doorway.

"I'm the pussy?! You're the one that just hung up on Natalie because she fucked your—"

"Would you shut up before you get your nose broken?" Alana interrupted as she clamped a hand over AJ's mouth, having no desire to play paramedic today.

"He's just pissed 'cause he knows I speak the truth," AJ murmured against her palm as the bus door slammed shut.

"He's pissed because you're an asshole when you speak the truth," Alana disagreed, sliding away from AJ while she retrieved her cell phone. Wiping off the spots of blood on her hands with a washcloth, she hopped off the bus to find Brian taking a long walk in the opposite direction of their traveling party. Sighing, she jogged to catch up with him, gently reaching to take his hand. "Want someone to walk with?"

"She called me Bumpkin. Like there was no problem whatsoever," Brian grumbled, continue to scowl. "She's been lying to me for years, and still manages to call me Bumpkin—"

"She was probably hoping that you would want to put things behind you and start again," Alana attempted to explain, feeling oddly torn within the situation. Natalie was by far her best friend. She felt obligated to defend her at all costs. But Brian was quickly becoming a very close friend, even an older brother. She owed it to him to keep her partialities away from the conversation.

"I know you're her best friend, Alana… You don't have to talk to me about it if you don't want to," Brian offered softly. She didn't deserve to be forced to take a side in the situation. He cared too much for her to put her through that.

"The best thing about being a nurse is that you learn not to take sides. That you view what everyone has to say in an objective manner," Alana dissuaded, not really sure where they were walking to, but knowing that fans lurked in the background like predators. "So, I can listen to you vent."

"Then let's go inside so I can vent without fear of being overheard," Brian suggested softly, turning slightly to lead her into the venue.


*~*~*


Seating herself at the piano in Nick's studio, Natalie slowly ran her fingers over the keys, wincing slightly at the discordant sound. It seemed ages since she had last played; the last time she could remember playing at all was the benefit concert for the hospital in Kentucky. Flexing her fingers, she began to play the tune that had been haunting her all night. Ever since Brian had hung up on her. Closing her eyes, she took a deep, steadying breath, fighting back the tears that threatened when she realized she had lost him. Forever. She had lost him because she had so naďvely thought that by not telling him she was protecting him. When in reality she had been protecting herself.

Slamming her hands against the keys, she slid off the bench, knowing that nothing would work right. Angrily brushing her tears away, she glanced towards the door, the muffled sounds of the TV in the living room causing her to head in that direction. Nick was up. He would help, even if he simply snarled at her to get over it and move on. Lingering in the archway leading from the living room to the den, she saw he was fast asleep on the couch, baby monitor laying next to his head. Tiptoeing across the room, she switched off the TV, making sure to step across the toys that littered the floor as she moved to get a blanket over Nick. She would talk to him when he woke up. Leaning over the couch to retrieve the blanket that draped across the back, she squealed loudly when Nick's hand landed on her bare thigh. Scrambling to get away, she landed hard atop him, the blanket tangling over her arms as she attempted to wriggle onto the floor.

"Jesus Christ!" Nick wheezed in shock as the air was crushed from his lungs, the weight of Natalie seeming to pin him tightly to the couch. Half dazed from sleep, his first thought was to buck the offending target, climbing over the back of the couch to get away. Catching his heel in the blanket, he ended up flipping over the back of the couch, landing on the hardwood floor with a sharp slam. "THE GREMLINS GOT BIGGER!"

"Are you okay?" Natalie squeaked, struggling to sit up as the blanket was ripped from her hands. Peering over the back of the couch at Nick, she chewed on her bottom lip. "I was just trying to put a blanket over you--"

"Jesus Christ!" Nick repeated as he turned onto his side, immediately reaching to feel the length of his back, praying that his spinal column was still intact. "Next time just let me freeze to death!"

"Are you okay?" Natalie questioned again, crawling over the back of the couch so she could see for herself. "Do you need an ice pack or anything?"

"Call Beautiful, I'm injured, she'll come home now," Nick groaned, keeping still on the hardwood floor, not sure he wanted to know what could have possibly been injured. And out of everything, he was having the most fantastically erotic dream of Alana since she left for tour.

"'Lana's at an interview right now, and then she has a radio show to do," Natalie informed him, having memorized Alana's schedule for the week. "So she can't come home now, you're stuck with me--"

"Then call the funeral parlor."

"You're not dead, Nicky. You can feel everything, can't you?"

"Not my most important part!"

Natalie rolled her eyes, walking around the couch to retrieve the baby monitor. "Well if it's any consolation, you've never used your brain anyway--"

"And the reason you scared the shit out of me and insulted me would be?" Nick growled as he climbed back over the couch to flop.

"I was going to ask you to help me with this song…"

"And a little pat on the shoulder couldn't get that accomplished?"

"I saw you were asleep and decided not to disturb you, and then thought you'd appreciate a blanket! And then you groped my thigh and scared the shit out of me--"

"I didn't do shit to your thigh!"

"Then I dreamed it," Natalie muttered, shaking her head. "Just go back to sleep--"

"What song are you working on?" Nick interrupted, reaching to grab her t-shirt before she could stomp off. They had just forgiven each other for their last tiff, so he'd rather keep that repartee cooled than start another nuclear attack.

"It's one that I've had in my head for a few days… I've got most of the lyrics done, but the tune's being a bitch," Natalie murmured softly. "And you're really good at music--"

"I'm what?"

"You're really good at music. Making the melody match the lyrics for a fabulous creation--"

"I know, I just wanted to hear you say it again," Nick confessed with a wicked grin, gesturing for her to walk into the music room. Stretching carefully, he released a frustrated groan of pain before pulling himself off the couch. Stumbling toward his recording area, he noticed Natalie perched at the desk where he usually wrote his lyrics, surrounded with pictures of Alana, Zachary, and himself. "Let's see the lyrics…"

Natalie tapped a pencil against the paper in front of her, reading over the lyrics carefully before pushing it towards him. "Be honest, okay?" she requested, tugging the paper from his reach before he could grab them. "I poured my heart into this, you know, so don't be brutally honest…"

"Throw your face into dog-shit, got it," Nick chuckled, yelping when Natalie's elbow connected against his pubic bone, fatally close to the slowly burning out erection from his dream. "Love Song for a Vampire? Little morbid, Nattie?"

"Well, the person I love more than anything sucked all the love out of me…"

"I think you did some of the sucking, too--"

"Thanks to your excellent tutelage," Natalie cooed.

"How about you get that out of your system before September, alright?"

"Only if you get that out of your system," Natalie returned, motioning towards his crotch as she got to her feet.

"Well, you'll be happy to know that it ain't for you," Nick spat, sliding into his seat when Natalie moved. Smoothing the crumpled piece of paper over the desk, he squinted to read her scrawl of handwriting. The loops and hearts were just so professional…

"What do you think?" Natalie inquired, looking over his shoulder.

"That you look at my crotch way too much--"

"About the lyrics, you egotistical jerk!"

"It's quite soulful, Nat."

"Is that good?" she whispered.

"It's absolutely beautiful," he promised with a nod, reflecting over the lyrics that she had created. Come into these arms again / And lay your body down / The rhythm of this trembling heart / Is beating like a drum / It beats for you - It bleeds for you / It knows not how it sounds / For it is the drum of drums / It is the song of songs...

"Think you can help me with some music for it?" Natalie questioned, moving to sit on the desk as he continued to read. She had hoped to have a rough demo of the song ready when Alana returned to work on her album. When she had started writing the lyrics, Alana's voice was the one she had heard singing them in her mind.

"What was the prominent instrument you want to use in the background?" Nick murmured, reaching for a pencil as melodies began to flow. Tapping the eraser of the pencil furiously over the desk, he then scratched down some notes. "Fast? Slow? Hard rock? Soul?"

"Slow," Natalie answered. "And piano to start with, but I was thinking it might be synthesizers on the final track, with some strings?"

"Sweet idea!" Nick agreed, his cobalt eyes electrifying with excitement. "This could definitely keep me busy till the month runs out."

"So you'll help?" Natalie questioned with a hopeful smile.

"It'll be perfection when we're done."

"Awe, Nicky, thank you so much," Natalie squealed, impulsively leaning close to give him a hug.

"Anything for you, Nat," Nick promised, leaning back to affectionately kiss her cheek.

"While you work, you want me to fix you some breakfast?" she offered, giving him a gentle squeeze.

"If that means putting some cereal in a bowl, I'd be alright with it."

"I'll have you know I make a mean pancake…"

"A flour explosion when you cut into it. I saw Baylee's face after that mess."

"Aunt Jemima makes a mean frozen pancakes, and I know how to operate a microwave?" Natalie corrected herself with a soft chuckle, tousling his hair before she started to pull away.

"You mean break a microwave and send the pancake into flames."

"Fine, I'll just fix you some cereal," Natalie relented.

"Thanks, Sweetheart!" Nick cooed.

"Anything for my favorite composer," Natalie cooed in return, smacking a noisy kiss on his cheek before sliding to the floor.

"Just call me Mozart."
Fifty-One by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Thanks to all who have been reviewing. We really appreciate all the support. And, just so you all know, it's my (shrinkingviolet) fault for the lack of updates. *cough* Sorry 'bout that. :)

"You're really taking me for deep dish pizza?" Alana inquired hopefully, offering a small, hopeful grin when AJ climbed into the limo beside her. Smoothing her hands delicately over the turquoise peasant top that draped off her shoulders and created a fluttering appearance over her rounding belly, she glanced at her reflection in the two-way mirror separating them from the driver. She had straightened her strawberry blonde locks and placed a touch of lip-gloss to her lips; after the much insistence from AJ. He wanted to take her out to celebrate her success during the tour. They had only two more weeks left and Howie had insisted that she go. Apparently, her sullen attitude on the bus made him leery. No matter, AJ had offered her infamous Chicago deep dish pizza and she couldn't turn down that opportunity. The cravings of her pregnancy came every so often, but not too much, so she wanted to indulge.

"Babe, this is all a ruse," AJ answered with the utmost seriousness, straightening the dark blue button-down shirt he wore over a black tank top. Reaching to adjust his belt buckle, he placed a hand on her thigh as the limo pulled away from the front of the hotel. Leaning close so he could kiss her cheek, he let his warm breath rush against her ear. "I'm really running away with you, Al. Driving to Vegas and drugging you so you'll marry me!"

"You'd really take responsibility for Nick's twins?" Alana mused, leaning toward him to play his flirtatious streak. She never really took his actions seriously. It was just a game they played. Who could make the other squeal or blush first. He was usually the winner. That much was apparent by their recent streak of tabloid gossip. Brian had collected all the magazines for sheer torture value.

"Absolutely! I mean, I'm sure they're going to inherit your great looks, so I'd have no problem. And then, after they're born, we can get to work on some more," AJ enticed with a wicked grin. Nibbling gently on her earlobe, he let his hand move in a gentle caress. "And, you know, we could start practicing for that work now…"

"Alex, you're way too desperate to make it with a woman who is virtually immune to birth control, y'know?" Alana questioned with a small grin, reaching to take his hand into both of hers to keep it from going elsewhere. As hard as AJ fought to get her away from Nick, her heart would always remain true to the man. She could never hurt him so egregiously.

"And what's so wrong with that?" AJ returned honestly. "Nothing wrong with having a houseful of kids, is there?"

"No, not at all. I'd love to have a house filled with kids," Alana admitted with a small nod of confirmation, toying with the large engagement ring on her finger. She hadn't been close to her brother and it hurt to know that she was alone in the world. She didn't want her children to feel that. She wanted a house filled with love, laughter, and kisses.

"So, after the twins are born you and Nick are going to have more?" AJ inquired, realizing he had never truly asked Alana about her and Nick's plans for the future. Aside from the twins and engagement, he knew nothing.

"…I'm not really sure…" Alana trailed, biting down on her bottom glossed lip as she held AJ's hand in her lap. "He mentioned something about when we wanted another baby that we'd have a date out on the beach, so… I assume that he wants to have more?"

"Do you?"

"I would like to have more."

"Nick's told me before that he's always wanted a big family… He grew up in one, you know, and even though they weren't happy and practically can't stand one another now, he really loved having all the siblings around…"

"Y'know, Alex, any time that you want to come over to our house and be part of our big family, we'd love to have you. Zachie, the twins, and any other kids that crop up on the way are going to need a crazy uncle to play around with. And, Aaron's not going to be able to handle it all. I really love the sound of the kids calling you Uncle Alex," Alana offered, knowing her friend was an only child and understanding how very lonely it was.

"I'd like that," AJ agreed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders for a gentle squeeze. "The guys have been my family for so long… I love Bay and Zachie like they were my own kids already. I can't wait for Kevin and Howie to have kids for me to spoil rotten…"

"Well, in a couple months Kevin is going to have a kid for you to spoil rotten," Alana assured him, shifting to get comfortable within his embrace, putting her full support on him. "And then a few months afterwards when you get tired with that one, you'll have twins to fawn over."

"And then, when they've barfed on all my favorite shirts and their diapers have leaked all over my favorite jeans, maybe Nat and B will have gotten over all this shit and give me another one or two to coo over and completely corrupt!"

"You've got it made, Alex! Baby heaven!"

"Then, knowing my luck, all my cooing and spoiling will be dried up, and that's when I meet the one woman who wants me for me!"

"It's all, kitties, puppies, rainbows, and glitter from here on out," Alana laughed.

"Speaking of puppies…"

"What about puppies?"

"Zachie needs a puppy…"

"You tell Handsome that."

"Nicky-Dicky loves dogs… C'mon, let's get a puppy! One that'll grow into a big guard dog that won't let strangers within twenty feet of you or the kids!"

"One the kids can ride, too, huh?"

"Not that big…"

"And when are you going to buy Zach a puppy and send it back to California?"

"Why do we have to send it back?" AJ questioned honestly, leaning forward to tap on the partition.

"You're honestly suggesting that we buy a puppy and just keep it with us for the rest of the tour?"

"Two whole weeks, no big deal," AJ decided as the driver lowered the partition. "Yo, go to that Pets-Mart we were talking about earlier, okay?"

"I thought you wanted to take me out for a date? Deep dish pizza and a dance club? Get our pictures plastered all over the papers again?" Alana questioned in confusion as she heard the agreement of the driver followed by the rising of the partition. Leaning when AJ fell back to get situated on the comfortable leather seats, she felt his arms wrap around her and draw her close. She needed his hugs and cuddles to keep her from going completely insane with lack of companionship. Whenever she was alone, she thought of Nick. Whenever she was with AJ… She still thought of Nick… How she missed him…

"We're just going to stop and look at the doggies," AJ assured her with a grin, kissing the top of her head. "And if one just screams 'pick me', we'll take it with us. Besides, what better way to get in the papers than to buy a dog together?"

"I think that making out in the dining room of the hotel got us several magazine covers…"

"And making out at a pizzeria with an adorable puppy cuddled between us will get us on twice as many…"

"I'm not mad at Handsome anymore."

"Just my luck," AJ sighed.

"Well, if he calls, I'll make sure to get pissed at him just for you. Lord knows what he's doing with Natalie anyway, right?"

"Something tells me that he ain't doing shit with Natalie."

"…Yeah?"

"He loves you, Babe," AJ promised, lightly tickling her sides when the limo pulled to a stop. Glancing out the tinted windows, he saw they were in the parking lot of Pets-Mart.

"Thanks, Alex," Alana giggled with surprise as the door was opened for them. Allowing AJ to slide out first, she smiled when he extended a hand inward for her. Taking it, she was helped out into the somewhat empty parking lot. Feeling AJ's hand slide protectively over her abdomen, she glanced toward him. "If these people start to maul at you for being one of the hottest men to walk the Earth, should I just run for it and dive back into the limo?"

"You ain't allowed to dive nowhere," AJ murmured in her ear, placing his other hand on the small of her back as they walked into the store. He was grateful to see that there weren't many people inside, wanting Alana to be able to look through and choose from the puppies without interruption. "Besides, the pimply teenage boys that work here will all be laying bets on who can wait on you, and I'll just be cast aside like yesterday's pizza box…"

"I won't let them cast you aside," she promised with a loving coo, snatching his baseball cap from his head to throw over her locks, hoping that might conceal her better.

"One goofy grin and a few pickup lines and I'll be standing here holding my hat wondering where the Hell you are," AJ teased as he turned her towards the pet adoption center.

"From a pimply faced teenager? Alex! That's statutory rape!" Alana breathed in a playful horror, taking his hand away from her abdomen so no one would be the wiser of her pregnancy yet. Hearing the soft whimper of puppies, her teal eyes seemed to electrify with passion, looking back to AJ before tugging him along to hurry. The idea of having a puppy for the home thrilled her.

"I doubt they'd squeal--" AJ's sentence halted when Alana jerked him down the aisle. Skidding to a stop in front of the kennels, he reached to tug up his jeans, grinning when she saw her flop down to her knees in front of the dogs. "How many are you going to get, Babe?"

"I think I might need to stay in the ballpark range of one since I don't have Handsome's permission," Alana murmured, clicking her tongue when the puppies started to whine for her attention. Little paws were thrust out of the cages in order to reach her, followed by sharp whimpers. She had never seen so many breeds of dog before. They were all so cute and adorable.

Kneeling down next to her, AJ glanced up as a salesperson headed over to them with a clipboard. Turning his attention back to the puppies, he grinned at the small one huddled in the back corner, large blue eyes peering at him over a gray shoulder. "Hey there little guy," he crooned, smiling when he saw the responsive tail wag. "C'mon… Alex ain't going to hurt you…"

"You looking for another bulldog?" Alana guessed, glancing sideways to her friend as she watched the little puppy slowly inch his way to the front. He looked to be the runt of his litter, hesitantly licking his chops as he studied AJ's offered fingers. She could tell by the gleam in AJ's sepia eyes that he'd be purchasing a puppy tonight. He loved animals far too much to deny himself the chance of offering another animal a home.

"I think he's a Husky…" AJ murmured, cooing softly when the puppy tentatively licked at his fingers. Glancing towards the salesperson hopefully, he nodded his thanks when she gave him a nod, reaching to open the cage. "C'mere, little guy…"

"Actually, that's a little girl," the salesperson corrected.

"You said you needed another woman in your life, Alex," Alana murmured with a small smile, watching the little pup scramble underneath AJ's legs when her brothers and sisters attempted to gain freedom as well. "She's fallen head over heels in love with you, too."

"She's very affectionate. A bit scared of strangers. This is the first time I've seen her so assertive," the salesperson noted with a smile as AJ managed to close the cage before scooping the puppy into his arms.

"Aren't you just her knight in shining armor," Alana cooed appropriately as she moved to stand with AJ. Allowing the puppy to sniff her fingers for a worthwhile moment, she then reached to tentatively scratch her ears. Hearing AJ's giggle at the bushy tail batting against his stomach, Alana had to laugh. "She's perfect for you."

"Aren't you a little sweetheart," AJ cooed, snuggling the puppy close. "You want to come live with me, huh?"

In response to his raspy voice, the puppy released a hearty yip before reaching up to lick his face appreciatively. Her bushy, silver tail continued to wag with pleasure as she writhed against him, just wanting to get closer to attack his face with more licks. "I think that's a yes, Alex."

Glancing towards the salesperson, AJ reached for the clipboard she held. "If you'd go get me everything I'd need to take care of her for the next two weeks, I'll go ahead and fill this out…"

"Two more weeks of touring?" she guessed with a breezy sigh as she offered him a pen from the pocket of her uniform. "It's so adorably sweet that you're going on tour with your girlfriend. Not many guys would be willing to do that."

"Yeah…" AJ trailed with a noncommittal shrug as he seated himself on the floor, letting the puppy lay in his lap as he began to fill out the form. Glancing over his shoulder to see the girl rushing away, he chuckled, looking towards Alana. "It'll be all over MySpace that we were shopping for puppies, I guarantee it."

"Brian'll email the link directly to Handsome," Alana concluded with a nod of agreement, reaching to rub the new family member's tummy till she heard a pained whine. Glancing up, she noticed a determined puppy fighting to reach her through the bars. He was a just a hairball of dark browns and blacks, his ears perked straight into the air when he noticed he looking to him. A small German Shepherd pup. "Now that one is just adorable," Alana breathed, moving to stand so she could reach the pup. Only, halfway there a lanky man rushed to open the cage for her with an infatuated grin. "…Thank you…"

"You're welcome, Ms. Moore," the man breathed in awe.

"How 'bout you run get her some puppy food, chew toys, food and water bowls and all that jazz?" AJ suggested without glancing up from the clipboard as the puppy chewed happily on his frayed jeans.

Alana did her best to hide her bemused laugh as the puppy in her arms was furiously licking at her ear. When the man stumbled away in mortification, she moved to sit down once more, gently running her fingers through the puppy's soft coat. When he started to nip at her fingers playfully and roll from her lap, she smiled. He danced away for a moment, but immediately turned to assure she was still watching. At her soft whistle, he came tearing back into her lap, immediately pawing at her growing belly with a yip. "Guess you found out my secret, huh?"

"Dogs know these things," AJ murmured as the puppy in his lap growled playfully at his belt. Signing the form with a flourish, he set aside the clipboard, scooping her into his arms for a cuddle as she began to nibble at his neck.

"He's an absolute bundle of energy. I love him," Alana cooed as the pup worked his way underneath her shirt, licking at the protruding bump as means of welcome. That is, till he managed to crawl up and pop his head out of the neckline of her off the shoulder, peasant top. "Spunky little rascal!"

"Wait till he's ten times bigger than he is now and still tries to do that," AJ laughed, letting the puppy down to the floor so she could scamper around the aisle.

"It'll just be like Nick when he first started pawing at me," Alana murmured with a shrug, helping her pup from her shirt. When he rolled onto his back for a belly rub, Alana retrieved her phone to snap a quick picture. Grinning when he writhed on his back for attention, she used her free hand to scratch him while typing a quick text message to her fiancé - Can I keep him?

The reply was almost instantaneous – I'll go out and buy puppy stuff tomorrow, Beautiful.

Alana grinned at the reply her fiancé gave, the pup seeming to know the answer as he bowled into her lap with triumph. Reaching to pet him as his tail thumped against her leg, she punched another message to Nick - I like the name Radar. He spotted the twins right off.

"Nick said yeah, huh?" AJ guessed as the puppy scampered back into his lap, eyeing Alana and her puppy warily. Though, when Alana's puppy tentatively moved over, lowering himself in a submissive posture, the Husky crawled from his lap, sniffing the other puppy for a moment before darting off, yipping happily.

"He said he'd go out and get puppy stuff for our house tomorrow," Alana confirmed with a nod, watching the German Shepherd hurriedly trail after AJ's puppy to play. "His name's Radar," she told Alex as he reached to help her stand, only to have several men rushing toward them with every product known to pup and mankind.

"And her name's Q.T.," AJ informed with a grin. Glancing towards the mass of puppy products, he nodded. "Ring it up," he told the girl, who nodded happily before heading towards the front. "Let's go pick out collars, Babe."

"Q.T.? Oh! Cutie!" Alana breathed in recognition as AJ scooped their puppies up, depositing one in her arms and the other in the crook of his. Though, he made sure to hold onto her hand as he led her down the aisles. Looking backward when Radar started to yip, she noticed that several male customers as well as the employees were starting to follow. "Are they going to attack, Alex?"

"The dogs?" AJ questioned in confusion before glancing back at the men. Clearing his throat, he drew Alana closer to his side, giving them all the vibe that she was taken. "I think we can pick two collars out by ourselves, don't you, Babe?"

"I think we can manage," she agreed, leaning to nuzzle her face into the crook of his neck.

Q.T. squirmed up to rest her head on AJ's shoulder, peering at the men down the aisle. Her hackles immediately raised, and she released a loud, warning growl as AJ stopped in front of the collars. When the men continued to follow, she let out a loud bark, growling louder.

"She's quite defensive of you," Alana murmured as Radar seemed to take his lead from Q.T. Though, he took it a step farther, squirming from Alana's hold before releasing a terror of repeated barks and growls at the men following. Hair standing on end, he gave chase, causing Alana's turquoise eyes to widen when he caused a man to fall and perched on his backside, growling at the rest. "Handsome's going to love him!"

"He's very protective of you, too," AJ chuckled as Q.T. leaped from his arms to join Radar. Laughing with appreciation when she grabbed the man's pants leg in her teeth and began to jerk on it, he glanced towards Alana. "Who needs bodyguards with these two?"

"Ain't that the truth," Alana mused as she took a quick photograph of Radar's 'King of the Hill.' Hurriedly sending it to her fiancé, she then turned toward the array of collars as the tags were being processed.

Her phone vibrated a moment later, Nick's message short and sweet – I love him already!

Laughing, Alana leaned over to whistle for Radar. His long, triangular ears immediately perked with awareness, turning to see her gesturing for him. "C'mere, Radar. Let's get your collar picked out."

"C'mon, Q.T.," AJ called as Radar bounded to lay at Alana's feet.

Giving a heavy tug to the man's pant leg till she heard a rip, Q.T. seemed to grin with triumph as she carried the piece of cloth over to her master with a little prance to her step.

"That's my girl," AJ crooned as he stooped to lift her into his arms, accepting the prize as he kissed her face repeatedly.

"Now Alex won't be hitting on me 'cause he has another girl in his life, Radar," Alana told her puppy as he burrowed into the crook of her arm, resting his chin against her bicep to watch for other strangers. Softly running her fingers through his silky coat, she began to look through the variety of collars.

"I promise you, Babe, I'll always be hitting on you," AJ informed her with a grin.

"We going to try to fit two puppies and us in one bunk?"

"You honestly think they're going to go sleep with Howie?"

"Actually, I was thinking you might migrate toward Howie."

"Hell no. His feet turn to ice blocks and the man thinks that my back is his personal blanket," AJ grumbled, selecting a dark blue collar decorated with rhinestones.

"So, you'll be moving to your own bunk?" Alana guessed, selecting a handsome olive green leather collar that would match Radar's coat perfectly. Holding it up for the pup's inspection, she smiled when he took it in his mouth for holding till they paid.

"And why would I do that?" AJ questioned, reaching for a leash that matched Q.T.'s new collar.

"I don't know…" she trailed honestly, draping an identical leash over her neck that would compliment Radar's collar.

"If Radar growls at me when I try to climb in, I'll move to my own bunk," AJ relented.

"I hope he doesn't growl--"

"He'll probably take a plug out of my nonexistent ass as I stumble away…"

"You don't have to feel obligated to sleep with me," Alana reminded as they walked toward the registers where everyone was loitering. At that moment, she knew they would want photographs and autographs and perhaps some other tokens of memorabilia.

"Just smile," AJ reminded her, giving her shoulder an affectionate squeeze as they made their way to the register.

"I hope y'all have camera phones or at least one of your coworkers has one and can share nicely with the rest," Alana announced with an adorable smile as she set Radar on the counter, allowing him to chew on her fingers for a moment before she offered him a rubber chew toy that one of the employees had handed her. She smiled gratefully toward him while Radar chomped on the toy with delight. "Thank you so much," she cooed, reaching to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

"I didn't say nothing 'bout kissing them," AJ hissed in her ear.

"Jealous?" Alana inquired of AJ with an innocently impish grin, watching the employee turn bright red from the kiss as he fumbled for pen and paper.

"Over you? Always," AJ promised, stepping aside when several people moved forward to ask for autographs.

"Then I'm going to have to kiss each one," Alana mused, causing the women to laugh and the men to grin excitedly.

*~*~*

"Say bye-bye to Daddy," Leslie cooed as she buckled Zachary into his car seat, under the watchful eye of Nick, who hovered just behind her. Blowing a raspberry on her nephew's cheek, she playfully tickled his stomach before backing out of the back seat. Looking towards her brother, she offered him a smile, taking the diaper bag he was holding to store on the floor of the backseat as he leaned in to kiss Zachary goodbye. She and Mike were taking the child to the zoo and then back to Aaron's house to watch a marathon of Disney movies. When Nick shut the back door with a sigh, she gave him a gentle hug. "He'll be fine, Nick."

"My whole family is leaving me," Nick murmured, taking the opportunity of his sister's hug to pull her close. The only person he had been receiving affection from was Natalie and Zachary over the course of the weeks. But Zachary had been fussy since leaving Atlantic City. He wanted his mother more than anyone could say. And Natalie just wasn't Alana. He wanted his fiancée back home - safe and sound. "I have Beautiful's t-shirt in there in case he starts getting really bad for you. He loves to hold it all the time. And you have to call Kris and Nat sometime this week about the baby shower--"

"I'll talk with Nat about it when I bring Zach back tonight," Leslie promised, smacking his cheek with a quick kiss before ducking under his arms. "And don't look so glum, okay? The next two weeks are going to fly by, and then you'll have your Beautiful home with you where she belongs."

"The next two weeks are going to pass as slowly as the last weeks have passed, Omen," Nick sighed, leaning down to wave at her boyfriend who was actually carrying on a conversation with Zachary.

"Go back inside and work on that song of Nat's," Leslie groaned as she climbed into the car. "We'll call you if there's any problems--"

Nick paled. "If you think there's going to be problems, then I'll just take Snot Sucker right now--"

"For God's sake, stop worrying! He'll be fine!" Leslie promised before turning to Mike. "Let's go, Baby."

Nick stepped forward to warn Leslie once more about Zachary's needs for the day, but she was already inside the car and pushing Mike to leave. Watching the car pull away, Nick thought twice about reaching for his cell phone to get hold of Leslie once more, but decided to leave it be. Holding his breath, Nick walked into his home with thoughts about what he would do with his day. Usually, he would keep himself preoccupied in the care of Zachary, but today would be useless. Wanting to call Alana, he turned slightly to shut the door, finding his jaw falling ajar when Natalie sauntered past him in a bikini. "Nat… What the Hell are you doing?"

Natalie paused, turning to look at him over the rims of her sunglasses. "I'm going to go lay out and get some sun… And maybe go for a swim… Is that alright with you?" she inquired softly. Offering him an impish smile, she reached to pull her hair into a ponytail.

"Yeah… That's alright by me…" Nick answered with a furious shake of his head, reaching to run his hands haphazardly through his growing platinum locks. For some reason, he honestly couldn't take his eyes away from her sensual form. The curves of her body expressed in an electric yellow, string bikini. The darkness of her tan accentuated by the lightened streaks in her newly cut locks. The excessive sight of skin caused his body to burn with excitement. "Nat… You look good…"

"Thanks, Nicky," Natalie murmured, blushing slightly at the compliment. Reaching to pat his chest gently, she grabbed her MP3 player off the table by the door. She was looking forward to an afternoon of sunning and swimming, grateful Leslie had taken Zachary for the rest of the day. She loved the little boy to death, but he exhausted her quickly with his rambunctious behavior. He was just like Nick in that respect, she mused with a smile. Always keyed up over something. "I'll have this blaring in my ears, so if you need me, you'll have to come get me."

"Alright…" Nick trailed, rubbing a hand furiously over his face to clear away the sexual thoughts of Natalie as she disappeared to the backyard. Groaning heatedly, he walked into the kitchen to stick his head in the freezer. "God, I need some phone sex or something!"

Whining, he pulled the ice cream out of the freezer, deciding that food could work as an aphrodisiac. Setting it on the counter, he searched the drawers for a large spoon, about to dive into the carton with a regular spoon when he spied the silverware draining in the sink. Reaching for one, he glanced casually out the window, the spoon dropping to the floor with a clatter when he saw Natalie settling down in a lounge chair. His mouth gaped open in surprise, he could only stare as she untied her bikini top, revealing her full breasts to the sunshine as she laid back. "Damn…"

When the Hell had Natalie become so beautiful? When had her breasts become that large? When had she ever had the gall to lay out on his back porch half naked? Dozens of questions about Natalie's gorgeous anatomy continued to plague him as he leaned over the sink, squinting for a better view of Natalie's assets.

Yelping in pain when the tines of a fork in the dish rack dug into his chest, he shifted to the side, wondering if Natalie had any idea that she was in full view of the house as she began to rub oil over her concave stomach. When her hands slid up to apply the oil to her breasts as well, Nick released a strangled groan, pressing his face against the window.

"Jesus Christ…" Nick whined in delight, pressing a hand to the window to wipe away the fog he had created with his hot breath. It had been so long since he was physical with a woman. The sexual depravation was agonizing. Especially when his phone began to vibrate against his hardening erection, causing him to fall to the floor as if he had been shot at.

Jerking the phone from his pocket, he barely glanced at the screen before answering with a surprised gasp. "Hello?!"

"Playboy Bunnies taking you hostage again, Handsome?"

"Beautiful!" Nick yelped in surprise. Ignoring her question, he pulled himself into a seated position, leaning upwards to lower the blinds in the window before climbing to his feet. "What are you doing?"

"Calling you to tell you how much I love you?" Alana answered with a hint of perplexity to her voice. "I couldn't really sleep last night after the concert and woke up early today 'cause of morning sickness. I guess I just missed you and had to talk to you. But, if you're busy with Natalie…"

"No, I’m not busy," Nick quickly dissuaded, grabbing another spoon so he could dig into the softened ice cream. "She's doing… Whatever, and Les has Snot Sucker for the day, so I was facing an afternoon of complete boredom until you called… How long can you talk? How you feeling now?"

"I can talk for a good while till Howie or Alex or Brian or Boogie come hunting for me… I think we have another interview or something before sound check… I'd rather just stay in bed with Radar and call it a day. I'm just so nauseous, but… It ain't a big deal…"

"Have you tried ginger ale and crackers?" Nick suggested softly, hating the thought of her curled up in bed with only a dog to keep her company. "…Radar's not too active for you is he? 'Cause if you need to rest and he's hyper, I'll call Howie and tell him to take the dog--"

"Radar's fine," Alana assured him gently. "He's curled up at my side with his chin on my stomach; sound asleep. He's an angel."

"He still attacking all your fans?" Nick questioned with a chuckle, gathering up the ice cream and his spoon so he could go to the living room and eat it without fear of Natalie's breasts distracting him again.

"Not all my fans… Just the guys that seem to gesture rudely or look at me too much or… Yeah, just guys in general… Not that they're my fans--"

"I am buying him the biggest, juiciest, meatiest steak in the world when you get home," Nick sighed with approval. At least Radar was making sure to keep the undesirables away from Alana.

"He'll want to save some for Q.T. Those two puppies are the cutest things together. They make sure to curl up at the pillows together when we're on the tour bus. Just flop right on our heads for the entire night…"

"Heads?" Nick repeated in confusion, scrambling to remember who Q.T. belonged to. "Howie bought a puppy?"

"No, Alex did--"

"AJ's sleeping with you?"

"In my bunk--"

"Oh," Nick muttered, reminding himself that scant moments before he had been ogling Natalie through the kitchen window.

"He tosses and turns in the bunk above Howie and that gets Howie all riled. So, he was either getting kicked out or he was joining me. And it gets so damn lonely at night when we're on the road… I'd rather have you here… I'd give Alex up for you any day. I miss you so much."

"I miss you so much more, Beautiful," Nick promised, flopping onto the couch with a relieved sigh.

"But you're surviving with Natalie?"

"If that's what you call it…" Nick trailed, tensing when he heard the back door open.

"…What'd you do?"

"Nothing. She's just… Moping over Brian--"

"I'm not moping over Brian!" Natalie defended as she entered the room, gently patting the length of her neck with her towel.

Clapping a hand over his eyes, Nick groaned. "Beautiful, all she does is whine and sniffle, and God forbid JC calls from New York, 'cause then she gets all giggly and teenybopper on me--"

"How about you talk about yourself and that raging hard on you're sporting! You'd think you were watching me sunbathe-NICKY!"

"Why are you constantly focused on my crotch?!" Nick growled, jerking his hand down to glare at her. "At least I don't skip around half naked!"

"Only when you insist on hugging me and letting me feel your--"

"Just go put some fucking clothes on," Nick growled.

"It isn't my fault that you can't keep your eyes off my body, Nicky! Always cuddling up to me like some lost puppy! You're the fucking pervert here, not me," Natalie hissed as she raced up the stairs.

"Handsome?" Alana's voice projected warily.

"I'm sorry," Nick whined softly, knowing he was dead.

"No… Howie's here… I've got to go…"

"Beautiful--"

"Enjoy your day with Natalie."

"Beautiful, I love--" Nick faltered when he heard the call disconnect in his ear. Slapping the phone closed, he flung it across the room with disgust, lifting his head to glare at the ceiling. "I'm such a stupid fuck-up," he grumbled as he launched to his feet, intent on giving Natalie a piece of his mind. "NAT!"

"Don't you even start bitching at me, you self-centered prick!" Natalie spat immediately when the door to her room was thrown open. The invasion of her privacy set her off like an exploding keg of gun powder as she reached to throw the nearest object in Nick's direction. "You watch me through the window like some peeping tom then blame it on me when your fiancée finds out! You're nothing but a damn dog! And if Alana--"

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, sauntering around here half naked?!" Nick interrupted, ducking to avoid the shoe that narrowly missed colliding with his head. Even now she was standing in her doorway clad only in a towel. "Goddamnit, you're the one who was sprawled out there playing with yourself, not me!"

"I wasn't playing with myself, you Grease Monkey!"

"What do you call slathering oil all over your perky tits then?!"

"Making sure I didn't burn to a fucking crisp!"

"I would have rubbed aloe on you - Goddamnit!"

"What the Hell is your problem today?! First you tell me I'm disgusting and now you look like you're ready to start humping my leg!"

"I don't know!"

"So there is something still there, isn't there?!" Natalie immediately accused, though her tone dropped significantly toward the end of her outburst. Clutching the towel to her body, she stared at the enraged man in front of her, sobered by the release of her thought. Perhaps she had been hopeful that he still thought about her in a sensual fashion…

"No… Yes… Maybe… I don't know," Nick whined, banging his head against the door. He wasn't remotely interested in Natalie, except as a friend. "Just… Stop walking around like a hot little nympho…"

Natalie blushed with a proud smile. "You think I'm hot?"

"Do you think I'm hot?" Nick returned with a slight scowl.

"I asked you first."

Groaning, Nick moved to slump on the bed, refusing to look at her. "You're… You… I mean… Yeah…" he trailed. "But you're nowhere near as gorgeous as Beautiful is to me…"

"Say it with me, Nicky - Yes, Natalie, I think you're hot."

"Yes Natalie, I think you're--"

"Thank you," she chirped, leaning down to kiss his cheek as if no fight between them had commenced.

Nick scrunched up his face in distaste, forcing himself not to respond to the feel of her warm fingers brushing against his cheek. "Don't go kissing me if you're not wearing anything under that towel!"

"You really do think I'm scorching," Natalie squealed with triumph, sauntering over to her dresser drawers to select some pieces of clothing to wear.

"And you're going to hold that fucking fact over my head like a damn… Something," Nick decided, flopping back on her bed to pull a pillow over his head. "What are you getting ready to do?"

"You're going to take me out to dinner," Natalie suggested, whistling happily when draped her clothing over the back of her sitting chair. She seemed to forget all about the phone call from Alana and the tabloids that were aching for more news about Nick Carter's budding relationship with a Playmate. She had been so consumed with her loss of Brian that she just wanted a chance to breathe. He'd be returning to Los Angeles soon, so she had to enjoy Nick while she could.

"I am?" Nick questioned, sitting up abruptly. Letting the pillow fall to the floor, he eyed her warily. "And why am I doing that, again?"

"To apologize for peeping at me."

"Wouldn't it be easier for you to peep at me and we call it even?"

"No, I'm hungry. Go get dressed."

"What's wrong with this?" Nick questioned, glancing down at his t-shirt and jeans. "If you think I'm going to go get dressed up just to take you out--"

"A t-shirt without grease stains or holes," Natalie insisted, shooing him out the door.

"Wear something revealing!" Nick hollered as she pushed the door shut.
Fifty-Two by shrinkingviolet
Running her hand absentmindedly through her damp locks, Alana opened the door to her hotel room to allow the steam from her hot shower pour out into the cool room, Radar lazily sauntering out of the bathroom he had been so cozy in. It had been an energetic performance on Phoenix Arizona, the fans actually coaxing a few more duets from the performers at the end of the show. Brian had kissed her cheeks and rivaled over how truly confident she was on stage. She made sure to interact with the audience, throwing beach balls into the audience to play with them during songs, making the band dance with her, causing an infectious hysteria for when Brian climbed on stage. She had been proud of that fact as they traveled back to the hotel. But the high of her performance soon died when she was greeted with the loneliness of the hotel room and the quietness of her bath. Nick had yet to call her since his ogling of Natalie during a phone conversation, so Alana merely decided not to call him. But the home sickness was overpowering. She would do anything to feel his arms around her once more, no matter how furious she was with him. Radar even seemed to pick up on the discontent in her heart as he scampered onto the bed, attempting to pull down the covers for her. "Ain't you a doll, Radar," Alana cooed as she retrieved her notebook before climbing underneath the covers, helping Radar do the same.

Yipping with agreement, Radar snuggled beneath the covers, snuffling the entire length of the bed before venturing back up, his head popping out next to Alana's elbow, hassling happily. Rolling onto his back hopefully, he offered his stomach for a rub, whining when Alana turned her attention to the notebook instead of him. Nudging the notebook with his nose, he whined once again before flopping onto his back.

"Sorry," Alana apologized with a sad smile, tucking the pen behind her ear before tickling Radar's stomach. When he wagged his tail with appreciation and writhed beside her, panting excitedly. Turning her tickles to a scratching, she glanced over the phrases she had been constructing. She never considered herself a musician, but the lyrics had been flowing from her since the beginning of the tour. She had tried to form it into a poem, but found herself creating a song instead. Now seemed like the perfect time to place energy into it, since she wouldn't be sleeping.

Another airplane / Another sunny place / I'm lucky, I know / But I wanna go home / I gotta go home / Let me go home…Tapping the pen against the notebook as she read over the lyrics, Alana glanced down to see Radar had curled up next to her, already drifting off to sleep. Grateful for his companionship, she idly rubbed his head, whispering the lyrics to herself as a tune began to form in her head.

Taking the pen in her right hand as she continued to pet Radar with her left, she scratched a soft beat of drum melodies next to a verse. Flipping her pen, she tapped the beat she had created. Gently, bobbing her head to the beat, she sang softly. "And I feel just like I'm living someone else's life / It's like I just stepped outside / When everything was going right / And I know just why you could not / Come along with me / But this was not your dream / But you always believe in me…"

"You're writing songs now?" AJ questioned softly from the doorway.

"Who says they're my lyrics?" Alana returned with a startled reaction, causing Radar to burst onto his feet with several low growls of warning to the intruder. But when Q.T. managed to clamor onto the bed with a new toy in her mouth, Radar yipped and tackled her with playful licks.

"Because you're tapping your pen to a beat and singing to yourself. Classic songwriting clues," AJ informed her with a grin as he kicked off his shoes before climbing onto the bed. Propping himself against the headboard, he glanced down at the paper. "Q.T. couldn't sleep, so we thought we'd come over for a play date… What's that you're working on?"

"Nothing special," Alana murmured with a shrug, watching Radar wrestle Q.T. for the plush chew toy AJ had purchased. She noticed it looked like a blonde haired man, but said nothing as she fixed the covers over her lap. "…Has Nick called you at all?"

"No…" AJ trailed, reaching to take the notebook from her. "Has he called you?"

"No," Alana confided with a soft sigh, slipping to lie beneath the covers fully. "It's only been a week and we'll be home in a week… Maybe he's saving up all the passion, emotion, and talking for when I get home…"

"Or he's porking Nat-Q.T.! Share!" AJ demanded when the puppy began to growl possessively. "Let Radar tear up Nick if he wants, girl."

"Tear up Nick?" Alana questioned in confusion when Q.T. whined at AJ's reprimand, releasing the plush chew toy from her clenches. Radar wasted no time in seizing up the toy, hurrying over to Alana for her to toss it for a game of catch. Gently prying it from his mouth, she held up the toy and actually started to laugh. It was the over exaggerated plush cartoon chew toy of a blonde man with the word 'EX' stamped across his chest, Nick's name scrawled in pen over the back. "…The Ex Chew Toy?"

"I thought it was cool," AJ shrugged, grinning when she tossed it across the rooms for the puppies to chase. "And, hey, it looked like Nick, so…"

"I never knew you dated Nick," Alana mused when the puppies snatched the toy together, hurriedly bringing it back for another toss.

"Nah, he always belonged to someone else," AJ admitted with a sad sigh, scooting down in the bed so he was lying next to her.

"He still would have gave you a run, with someone or not," Alana muttered, taking the toy from Radar and Q.T. to toss once more.

"You really think he's--"

"For the sake of his future reproductive years, he better hope to God he's not," she interrupted, shifting to retrieve the pen that had rolled underneath her. Frowning, she glanced toward AJ. "Where's my notebook?"

"Here," AJ murmured, handing it towards her. Glancing worriedly at her when she turned her attention to the words on the paper, he nearly shivered at the icy coldness that emanated from her. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," she promised idly, tapping the beat she had created once more against the paper. Chewing on her bottom lip, she fought to forget the entire conversation she had with her fiancé a week ago. She had tried to tell herself that it was overrated. That the two had just been teasing her. But the conviction in Natalie's accusation and Nick's sputtering had told her otherwise. The very idea that Nick had been watching her best friend's near nakedness out on their deck like some beast was revolting. So revolting that she was far too embarrassed to tell anyone else. "Just trying to avoid that morning sickness by not going to bed, y'know?"

Tossing the toy for the puppies when it was dropped on his chest, AJ sighed, sitting up to look down at Alana. "Did you and him have some fight--"

"I know you think I'm some kind of idiot because I stay with him when we fight so much, but it wasn't a fight--"

"Then what was it? You called and he had his pants down or something?"

"It ain't like I would know whether or not his pants were down-Thanks, Alex…"

"I'm sorry! I'm just trying to understand…"

"You're going to think I'm so fucking retarded it's unbelievable," Alana groaned, feeling AJ's arms gently slide around her form to bring her close. Abandoning the notebook for a moment, she snuggled against him with a frustrated sigh. "When you found Natalie's Playboy pictures on the internet? Did you bookmark the site? Y'know, so you could go back and look at them and enjoy them?"

"I bookmarked it to show other people, not so I could enjoy them--"

"I mean, she was a damn Playboy Bunny, so that makes her gorgeous. I understand that. And I understand that some people love porn and, honestly, whatever floats their boats. But to have him ogle her while I'm away on tour, right there in the fucking flesh--"

"Wait, wait. He was ogling her? When?"

"The other week when I called, 'cause I couldn't sleep. I had that wicked morning sickness and Daddy D was threatening to take me to the ER to get an IV inserted for fluids. Remember?"

"Yeah…"

"Well, I called to talk to him and he sounded so damn jumpy. I tried to ask what was wrong, but he said it was nothing. Then Natalie's in the background screeching 'cause she was out back topless sunbathing or what-the-fuck-ever and Nick was watching. Then they start arguing about his erection and how they're always cuddling on one another and… I was sick enough…"

"Whoa…" AJ breathed, flopping back onto the bed as the puppies stayed on the floor, wrestling over the toy. That Nick could be so utterly stupid was a shock to him. He had the greatest woman in the world willing to do anything for him, yet he was at home practically making love to another woman? Shaking his head in disbelief, he reached for Alana's hand. "I'm so sorry, Babe…"

"He hasn't called since I hung up, we've got a week to go on this tour, and I guess I don't blame him," Alana sighed heavily, listening to the grunts and growls of the wrestling puppies on the floor below. Brushing the back of her hand over her teary eyes, she exhaled a shaky breath. "He's got his own Playmate at the house, who could blame him? Just, don't tell Brian, he's hurting enough…"

"I can't believe Nick can be so fucking stupid," AJ growled with annoyance, rolling over to pull Alana into his arms.

"It's nothing to get riled over, Alex--"

"Are you fucking kidding me? Nick's got you, the most beautiful woman in the universe, who can sing, dance, cook, talk, laugh, everything, and he's off getting a fucking boner over some washed up Playmate--"

"She's not washed up--"

"Please. What the Hell has she done, but fuck two Backstreet Boys?"

"She's working on her second bachelor's--" Alana sighed heavily as she buried her face against AJ's t-shirt, tangling her hands within the soft fabric. "Please don't make me defend her when I want to just hate the world right now. She's my best friend and he's been without me for a few--"

"That doesn't make any difference," AJ interrupted, smoothing her damp locks as he softly kissed the top of her head.

"I just hate that he hasn't called…"

"Maybe he knows your upset and he's trying to avoid a confrontation," AJ suggested softly.

"I'm not upset--"

"Have you called him?"

"No, but--"

"Then you're upset."

"No, I'm fucking pissed!" Alana contradicted, leaning up to catch his dark sepia eyes, offering the smallest of smiles.

"Then why aren't you calling him and telling him how fucking pissed you are?"

"Because I'm one of those weepy girlfriends that hopes he'll call first?"

AJ shook his head, his eyes staring straight into hers. "The Alana Moore that I know is not some weepy chick who lets men use her as a doormat…"

"He's not using me as a doormat," Alana disagreed, leaning over him to snatch her notebook once more. "I have a week left of this tour and I owe it to the fans to be one hundred percent. So, I can't be flaky and worrying about him calling me. If he calls, that's fine, but I'm not going to get on my hands and knees like some mutt and apologize for hanging up on him. Not when I'm the one that's supposed to be hurt in the first place. I wouldn't care if she was some inanimate object like those damn magazines. But he told me that I'm ten times the woman that he's ever going to need for the rest of his life and then goes off and gets all twitterpated over Natalie? My best friend? It's not fair to me."

AJ nodded, knowing she was right. Kissing her cheek gently, he laid back as Q.T. and Radar hopped onto the bed. "I know it's not, Babe… But, they've had--"

"History together?" Alana guessed, not knowing exactly where he was going with his statement as Q.T. licked her face for means of a greeting.

"Yeah, that…" AJ trailed, not really knowing what his original thought had been. "I'm sorry, Babe. I really am. And how you can deal with this shit all the time is beyond me."

"Well, what do you suggest I do?" she asked as Q.T. flopped onto the pillow above their heads, Radar quickly joining her in a pile of a fur-ball.

"…Asking your dog to get his dick out of my face would be a good start," AJ muttered, pushing at Radar's side.

"Be nice to him," Alana chided protectively, gently scooping the puppy to help him settle in the little dip between them.

"Don't get mad, Babe, okay? 'Cause getting mad doesn't solve a damn thing," AJ murmured, reaching to cup her hand with his.

"Get mad at you over muttering at my dog?" she inquired with an innocent confusion, bring their hands to her lips for a grateful kiss.

"Get mad at Nick for being a dickhead…"

"So, what are you suggesting?"

"Get even?"

"You mean take Mark up on his offer?"

"Who the fuck is Mark--"

"Vin Diesel."

"I was hoping you'd take me up on my countless offers…" AJ trailed with a dejected sigh.

"If I get to that point, you will most definitely be my first," Alana promised, not wanting to break the man's heart as she leaned to brush her lips delicately across his.

"And I'm allowed to gloat like a motherfucker in front of Nick, right?" AJ requested with a wicked grin.

"Like your life depended on it," she agreed with a laugh, offering him her notebook.

"You're letting me read the song?" he asked, shock lacing his voice as he cradled her notebook in his hands. Eyes wide, he looked over at her, chuckling when she rolled her eyes.

"It's not my song, remember? So if you blast the Hell out of it, I don't have to act like I care. And, if you love it, then I'll take the next step to nudge you into letting me put it on my début CD," Alana answered easily, shifting to rest her head on his chest to look at the lyrics with him.

"Babe, you don't have to nudge me into letting you do anything," AJ reminded her, reading over the words. Lyrical, soft, he could imagine an acoustic guitar to go along with the drum beats she had scratched out. Idly smoothing her hair as he read, he realized suddenly how hard the tour had been on her. Separated from Zachary, and from Nick, the only family she had truly had in a long time. "I love it, Babe…"

"Yeah? You love it? It's that good?" Alana murmured hopefully, resting her hand gently on his wrist, knowing his vast knowledge of songs. If he approved of her lyrics, then she knew it was top notch material.

"I'm thinking ballad…" AJ trailed thoughtfully, reaching to scratch out guitar tabs next to the lyrics. "What do you think about doing a video for it? 'Cause I'm seeing you in a little jazz-type club, onstage singing, and you keep looking out the window…"

"You really want to do a video for it?"

"Yeah."

"Alex… It's that good?"

"It's beautiful, Babe."

"So, we can work on it when we get home? It'll be my second single?" Alana inquired excitedly, moving to lie over top of him, resting her arms over his chest so she could press her chin against them. "And there can be rain outside for the video!"

"You're like a kid at Christmas," AJ chuckled as he nodded. "Whatever you want, Babe. And I can be the love interest in the video--"

"You'd do that for me?" she cooed with an innocent smile, perfectly content lying over him as he rested his arms on her back, continuing to scratch out guitar tabs for each section of lyric. "If we're putting it in a jazz club… You could be in a suit? God, you'd look great in a suit… Though I'm partial to your low-rise jeans…"

"If we're putting it in a jazz club and I'm in a suit… You could be in one of those swanky dresses from the forties…" AJ murmured, giving her a smile. "And we could dance…"

"You'd really do this for me?" Alana breathed in admiration.

"I'd love to," AJ promised, leaning his head down to offer her a quick kiss.

"You think Daddy D'll go for it?"

"Once he reads these," AJ murmured, tapping the lyrics with the pen as he let his lips linger over hers.

"You'll have to make sure the melodies are fantastic so he can't refuse," Alana ordered, enchanted by the warmth of his hot breath breezing over her lips. She inhaled the soft scent of peppermint, realizing he had made sure to freshen his breath from the stale scent of cigarettes that she condemned daily.

"We can work on it tomorrow," AJ suggested, letting the notebook slide to the mattress as he wrapped his arms around her. Letting his tongue dip between her lips, he breathed in the fresh scent of her shampoo. "Hey… I taste peaches…"

"Yeah? What else do you taste?" Alana invited with a small laugh against his lips, bringing his tongue further into her mouth with a small sweep of her tongue.

"Mmm… Strawberries," AJ whispered. "But I think it's going to take further exploration to be sure…"

"It's kind of hard for me to get pissed at Nick when I'm laying in bed making out with his best friend, ain't it?" Alana inquired, fighting a soft moan as AJ nudged Radar till he jumped off the bed with a whine. Not that it bothered the man, simply rolling her onto her back to cover her with his body.

"Nick who?" AJ murmured, drawing her bottom lip into his mouth for a gentle suckle as her legs parted to cradle him close.

"The fiancé--"

"I don't remember any fiancé…"

"Alex…" Alana trailed with a soft sigh, feeling his body melt against hers when his tongue thrust inside her mouth for a heavier kiss. For a moment, she thought about pulling away, but the sensuous flicks against her tongue suggested otherwise. Releasing the softest whine, she reached to lock her arms around his neck, pulling him closer so her tongue could intertwine with his.

"If you want me to stop I will," AJ mumbled against her lips, praying she would let him stay. Resting his hands on her hips, he allowed them to slide beneath her t-shirt.

"I can't do this to Nick…" she whispered dejectedly, holding her breath when she felt AJ's fingers against the taut skin of her hips.

"Okay," AJ whispered, pulling his hands away. Offering her a final, gentle kiss, he rolled away, sucking in a deep breath in hopes of calming his racing heartbeat as the puppies leapt onto the bed.

"I'm sorry, Alex," Alana murmured, shifting toward the opposite edge of the bed as she pushed herself into a seated position. Welcoming Radar into her lap, she gently scratched his back and bowed her head in shame. She was always apologizing for the same mistakes with AJ.

"Hey, Babe, it's okay," AJ promised, patting her thigh reassuringly. "I'm just going to run out on the balcony and have a smoke, okay?"

"Yeah…" she trailed, nodding meekly when she felt the shift in the mattress followed by the opening and closing of the balcony doors. Groaning with frustration, she slid deep underneath the covers, Radar and Q.T. attempting to curl up with her once more in hope of finally getting some rest. "He's so lucky he's the father of my children, Radar, because Alex is a gorgeous man and I so should have tapped that…"

*~*~*

Glancing up when she heard the soft tapping on her bedroom door, Natalie set her novel aside and pulled the covers up over her legs. She had been attempting to ignore the heavy rain that fell outside, knowing that rain always brought depression with it. Muting the old movie playing on the TV, she sighed when Nick pushed her door open several inches, peering around the doorframe at her. Seeing Zachary nestled against his shoulder, she smiled, motioning for him to come in. "He's finally asleep?"

"I only had to put Beautiful's CD on repeat in his bedroom, dress him in one of her t-shirts, and rock him endlessly with his favorite pacifier till his eyes drooped even a centimeter," Nick confessed with a heavy sigh, continually rubbing his aching arm over Zachary's back to assure that he would stay asleep. Easing the door shut behind him, he shifted carefully from foot to foot. What he really wanted to do was curl up next to a warm body for the night, hating how lonely he felt in the master bedroom. Having to keep Alana's scent around him daily was causing a large ache in his heart. Especially considering he hadn't spoke to her for a week since his ultimate blunder.

"Poor little thing," Natalie murmured, flipping the TV off as she pushed her novel onto the bedside table. Glancing up to see Nick hovering by the door, she offered him another smile, wondering what he wanted. "You want me to keep him for the night?"

"No, then I'd be by myself for the entire night," Nick whined with frustration, nuzzling his face against the side of Zachary's face.

"You can stay with me too," Natalie offered softly, reaching to pat the opposite side of the mattress. She could understand Nick's need for companionship. She felt the same way, dreading the idea of sleeping alone. "If you want to that is--"

"You don't mind?" Nick blurted, wasting no time in fully entering her bedroom. Pulling back the covers, he gently laid Zachary in the middle of the soft mattress. The infant whined slightly at the transfer, but groped a clutch of his mother's t-shirt, pressing it to his face for comfort. Sticking his fingers in his mouth, he easily pacified himself. Exhaling with relief, Nick then climbed in second, burying himself amongst the pillows.

"Make yourself comfortable, Nicky," Natalie murmured with amusement, leaning against the headboard as she reached for her novel once more. She would finish the chapter, then settle down and get some sleep. Though, the moment she had found her place, Nick took the book from her hands and tossed it towards the foot of the bed. "Nicky, what--"

"I want your attention more than that stupid book does. Whoever the heroine is, she ends up with the hunky hero, they have some feverish sex, and then have lots of babies and live happily ever after. There. The end. Now, pay attention to me," Nick explained, pouting miserably.

"It's a murder mystery…" Natalie trailed, rolling her eyes as she turned to face Nick fully. Placing her hands together at the center of her chest, she bowed her head. "Alright, Master, you have my attention now. What would you have me do?"

"Don't tempt me," Nick suddenly warned, averting his eyes away from the flimsy camisole draped over her body. Instead, he shifted to bring Zachary close to his body, knowing those thoughts had already gotten him into trouble with Alana. Far too much trouble, considering he had already received an all-Spanish-threat from Howie at least once per day.

Shifting closer so she could gently rub Zachary's back, Natalie smiled when the infant sighed in his sleep. "So… What do you want to talk about? Do you want me to turn out the light?"

"It doesn't matter what we talk about," Nick answered, gesturing for Natalie to turn out the lights. Perhaps in the dark he could better control his hormones. He was convinced in the deeper recesses of his mind that he was no where near attracted to Natalie. But miserable weeks without his fiancée was doing nothing for the pent up energy he was storing. Without Alana, he was pretty convinced he'd even hit on Ru-Paul at this point…

"How long do you think it'll rain?" Natalie inquired once the room was dark. Pulling the covers up to her neck, she rolled to face Nick, trying not to breathe in the scent of his cologne as he shifted to make himself comfortable. It had been so long since a man had shared her bed, she was suddenly at a loss as to what to do. Not, of course, that she could do anything with Nick, other than talk.

"We don't get much rain in Los Angeles. It's always so damn sunny. Maybe a few days'll do us some good?" Nick suggested, feeling the soft breath of Zachary against his bare chest, listening to the rustling of Natalie's bare legs beneath the covers. If Alana could sleep with AJ in her bunk, then he could invite Natalie into his bed.

"Yeah, I'm sure it will. Wash away some of that city grime--"

"I enjoy the sound of the rain. Quiet and soothing."

"It depresses me… Unless it's a storm…"

"You just need someone to share it with."

"…I suppose… But when it storms is when I really need someone," Natalie murmured, quickly pulling her feet back when she felt her toes brush against Nick's legs.

"Stop acting like some skittish squirrel or something," Nick mumbled when he felt the giant jerk of the mattress, causing Zachary to whine. Shifting, he brought Zachary over his chest and reached underneath Natalie to pull her close. "C'mere, you can have me for this storm."

Curling close to his side, Natalie shifted to rest her head on his shoulder, carefully draping her arm across his stomach. "I love storms, though… They're so wonderful, you know? That starting calm, then the distant thunder and lightning… The mounting tension, and then when the rain begins it's like this slow release of emotion, getting heavier and heavier, like anger lashing out until it fades into a gentle shower. And then that pause before it starts to drizzle, showing that the end is near, but so much emotion remains. Then darkness until a break in the clouds and there's one steady beam of sunlight that filters through the despair of the soul…"

"Like making love with someone who's your everything," Nick agreed, burying his face into the soft, silkiness of her short locks.

"And you know that the next time will be just as wonderful," Natalie whispered.

"And, through the calm of the storm, you wait just to make love all over again."

"Yeah," Natalie agreed softly. "…Why are you kissing my forehead?"

"…Sorry," Nick mumbled in surprise, pulling his lips away from her soft skin as he cleared his voice, pressing his lips to Zachary's forehead instead. What the Hell was he doing?

"I didn't mind it," Natalie breathed softly.

"Yeah?"

"You weren't supposed to hear that," Natalie sighed, wondering why her hormones were raging now of all times.

"Why?"

"Because we shouldn't… I mean, we can't… And… You know…"

Nick grew silent over several moments as if he were contemplating her speech, though it quickly ended with a moronic, "Huh?"

"God, you are the dumbest dumb person I know," Natalie groaned. "You weren't supposed to hear that because we hate each other--"

"You hate me?!"

"No, of course not! But we don't exactly get along very well--"

"We get along fine--"

"And I'm already horny as Hell with you just laying here--"

"Why?"

"Because I just am," Natalie muttered, jerking the covers up over her head.

"Natalie…" Nick trailed with a groan at her hiding, moving Zachary to the crook of his opposite arm so he could get hold of her. Pulling her over him, he was surprised at how light she was and how easily she lay over his chest. The soft cushion of her breasts caused a cascade of heat to flood his body, especially as the hardness of her erected nipples brushed against his bare chest. Anxiously licking his lips, he was beside himself with decisions, finally leaning up to capture her lips in a soft kiss.

"Nicky," she breathed in surprise as her legs effortlessly straddled his hips, attempting to get over the shock of his kiss. The feel of his body beneath hers caused her to tingle with anticipation, her lips parting unconsciously when his tongue brushed against them. Allowing her fingers to creep over his cheek, she faltered for a moment before returning the kiss.

"I don't hate you," he promised, sliding his hand against the back of her neck to pull her closer, crushing his lips against hers.

"I don't hate you either," she returned, arching against him as she drew his tongue deeper into her mouth.

"Thanks for letting me in your bed," he murmured, fighting her tongue passionately as his hand moved down the length of her back in a soft stroke.

"Anytime," she promised with a stifled moan when his hand slipped beneath her camisole.

"I had to protect you from the rain," he whispered, massaging the small of her back before bringing his hand to the pit of her stomach, trailing his fingers upward.

"I appreciate it," she murmured, biting down gently on his bottom lip as she let her hands glide down his chest.

"God, Beautiful-Shit!"

"…What did you call me?" Natalie murmured in shock, jerking up until she sat up fully.

Nick hurriedly pulled himself into a seated position to knock Natalie off his throbbing arousal, bringing Zachary to his chest for protection as he furiously rubbed his face. "Nothing--"

"God, this was a bad idea," Natalie groaned, jerking a hand through her hair as she moved to the opposite side of the bed.

"Goddamnit," Nick cursed. "I'm sorry--"

"It's okay, Nicky," Natalie promised, switching on the light.

"You're not going to tell--"

"I won't tell anyone." Reaching down to grab her book, Natalie propped several pillows against the headboard before leaning against them, flipping through the pages quickly.

"I think we're going to go to bed," Nick mumbled, hurrying into the hallway without even bothering to offer her another glance.

"Nicky," Natalie called softly, tossing her book to the floor. "I want you both to stay… Just… Put Zachary in the middle and keep him there this time, okay?"

Nick hesitated. "…Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Come on, we'll find some stupid comedy on TV," she offered, reaching for the remote.

"Nat, you know that I love Alana--"

"I know. And you know that I love Brian--"

"I know."

"Then, let's keep it that way."

Sighing, Nick pushed the door shut with his foot, moving to get back into the bed. Laying Zachary down in the middle, he carefully pulled the covers up over him before laying back. "Just… Don't go groping me in the middle of the night, alright? And when you wake up in the morning don't go swaggering out of bed with that scrap of fabric you call pajamas the only thing covering you. In fact, wear nothing but baggy sweatpants and sweaters for the next week--"

"You are not blaming this on me!" Natalie exclaimed in sudden horror, disrupting his sanctions of sleeping in the same bed.

"Well I can't help it," Nick grumbled. "Good night, Nat."

"What do you mean--"

"I'm just a guy."
Fifty-Three by shrinkingviolet
Absentmindedly fingering the mother's ring on her necklace, she ran it along the chain in a gently swaying fashion. The tour had officially ended last night and it had been a stunning success, but more importantly, she was finally on a plane back to California. The tour had charted a private plane for the group to send them home, allowing them to abandon the tour busses and ride in comfort because of their dazzling success. Currently, Baylee was fast asleep with his father watching a movie. AJ and Howie were excitedly working through the new lyrics Alana had created. And, she was left to think, especially as she glanced over to the father and son. Brian had a few interviews to finish in Los Angeles, so he planned on staying at a hotel and allowing Baylee to go home with Alana for a few hours. He had been nonstop about wanting to see Natalie, so Brian decided to indulge him. But Brian, on the other hand, had no desire to step into Nick's home. Not that Alana blamed him. She wasn't exactly excited to step into the cozy home Nick and Natalie had created together for a month.

Startled when her cell phone began to vibrate in the seat next to her, Alana reached to grab it, rifling through the items she had tossed there as she got on the plane. Finally locating it, she glanced at the ID, half expecting to see Nick's number appear. Not recognizing the number that showed, however, she almost ignored it, thinking perhaps it was a reporter who had managed to get her private number. Seeing the Kentucky exchange, she chewed on her bottom lip. Perhaps it was Lizzie… Sighing, she flipped it open. "…Hello?"

"…Monkeyface? Is that you?"

"Jeremy?" Alana whispered in astonishment, feeling the very breath catch in her lungs at the recognition of the voice from her past. She had never expected to hear from him since the first anniversary of their son's death. They had met at the grave sight and spent the day together, but never made plans to speak with each other again. After all, their marriage had dissolved with the death of Colton. Each had taken what they had gained in the marriage. It was a civil split, selling what had been joint between them so each could start another life. But to hear his voice now… "Jer, it's really you?"

"When did my Twinkletoes become famous?" Jeremy questioned with a soft laugh. "I've been trying for ages to get in touch with you… How've you been?"

"You were always teasing me about singing and dancing around the house. And you were the one that was always taking me to karaoke bars saying that I was going to be the reason why you said to Hell with working. Why are you so surprised, Jerry? Just doing what you and Colt insisted that I had to do…" Alana trailed, shifting to show her back to the rest of her counterparts on the plane as she stared out the window. She wanted to cut them out of the conversation, especially now. "I'm good… How about my Steel Cowboy? How are you?"

"You know me, Twinkletoes, always working. Just signed a deal for a new condo out by the lake. Things are going good," Jeremy promised. "What's this I hear about you just finishing up a tour with a Christian singer? Hell, I didn't interrupt something important, did I?"

"You didn't interrupt anything… We finished our last concert last night and we've been on a plane ever since. We're heading back to California, where I'm living now… Did you hear my single, Steel?"

"You're damn tootin' I did! And I saw you canoodling in a bed with some boy band guy in the video too…"

"And I get another one for the next video," Alana mused with a small smile, hearing her ex-husband's chuckle seeming to lighten the darkness that had been brewing over her. She had been so lonely over the weeks of touring, even with having friends so close. Then Nick and Natalie's oversights into whatever type of relationship they had… Alana was grateful to hear from someone only connected to her life. "I wrote it myself, Steel."

"The next one?" Jeremy clarified. "That's great, Sparkles. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks… I'm pretty proud of myself, too," Alana assured, remembering all too well their constant bickering over her denial over her strengths and talents. "I'm really lucky to be given this opportunity, y'know? And too damn lucky that people actually enjoy my singing as a form of entertainment."

"I always told you that you could be a star," Jeremy reminded her softly.

"You teased me and called me Starlight."

"Colt always called you his Star too."

"That's why anything that we bought him with cowboys had to have stars on them..."

"I went to the cemetery last week… They got that brass spur on the stone finally…"

"It's only been almost two years," Alana groaned with cynicism, though realization that the anniversary of Colton's death was approaching once more settled over her miffed nature. Letting a hand fall to the tattoo on her hip, she gently traced the ink lines she had diligently memorized. "Is his resting place still clean? No messy clumps of weeds? How about those yellow roses I planted for him. God, did he love to buy me yellow roses…"

"It's perfect," Jeremy promised. "And the rosebush is doing fine, blooming like crazy… He always made me stop at the florist if we went to town, so he could get you roses. And God forbid there weren't any yellow ones…"

"He always had your temper, Steel, and Lord was he cute when he started spittin' fire."

"Which he never did too much, Sparkles. He was happy, wasn't he?"

"He was the happiest little boy ever to grace this Earth."

"Have you been out to see him?"

"After we went together last year, I made sure to stop by at least every week to see him. I'd actually bring out his favorite book to read to him and light those candles that I keep there with his favorite toy horse. He always hated the dark… But, the past couple months I haven't… I miss him so much…"

"I know," Jeremy whispered painfully. "I miss him too… Will you meet me there again?"

"…You want me to be there with you? Steel… Why?"

"Because… Damnit, Sparkles, we should go there together, y'know? We're his parents, it's only right, and…"

"…And?"

"…I miss you…"

"Steel…" Alana breathed in surprise, never expecting to hear that phrase fall from her ex-husband's lips. He had been so angry when Colton died; had blamed her for not helping to keep him alive; for not knowing about the heart defect. She was a nurse; she should have saved him. They had both changed from that point. The two lovers who had met so many years ago had been laid to rest with their son. "I can come home to meet you there again. We can go back to my house and I can make Colt's favorite meal. Meatloaf and homemade macaroni and cheese."

"With some of your delicious sweet tea?" Jeremy requested, hope evident in his voice. "And we can look through the old scrapbooks, if you'd like?"

"I'd really enjoy that," Alana agreed softly.

"You'll call me before you come out?"

"Now that I have your number, yeah. I'll give you a few days notice before I come. To make sure I'm not disrupting any of your plans."

"Sparkles, if I have any plans at all, I'll cancel them for you."

"Funny how the world caters to you when you're famous, huh?" Alana attempted to tease.

"Well I could make you tromp out to the construction site and find my sorry ass," Jeremy returned, and Alana could hear the smile she knew so well.

"And that'd be different from…"

"Hey, I met you at Wal-Mart a few times."

"When you knew I'd be going elsewhere to buy you a few presents."

"I'm sorry, Sparkles…"

"Alana?" Brian questioned softly from several feet away.

"You don't have anything to be sorry about, Steel," Alana murmured into her phone before turning to see Brian shifting uncomfortably from a few seats away. Taking the messenger bag from the seats beside her, she set it to the floor and gestured for Brian to come sit with her.

"I have a million things to be sorry about," Jeremy sighed. "And right now one of them is the fact I have a meeting to get to. Call me, okay? And we'll talk?"

"I'll call," she promised. "I know your sleeping patterns, remember?"

"Like clockwork. It was good hearing your voice, Sparkles. Take care of yourself…"

"You too, Steel," Alana murmured, parting with a soft goodbye before ending the conversation. Staring at the cell phone as she closed it, she was contemplative, far too many memories flooding her. That is, till Brian cleared his throat uncomfortably. Glancing up, she blushed furiously to see him still waiting. "Sorry, Brian. Sit down."

"Steel?" Brian inquired as he moved to settle into the seat next to hers.

"It's an old nickname for my ex-husband," Alana answered, hurriedly opening her cell phone to save his number before it had the chance to get lost. "He's about the only southern boy that didn't want to be a cowboy. He wanted to start his own construction business. So, he was always my steel cowboy…"

"That was your ex?" Brian questioned, hoping to clarify as he leaned back to get comfortable. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, that was my ex, Jeremy," Alana explained, leaning down to tuck her cell phone back into her messenger bag before fidgeting to get comfortable beside Brian. "And, I'm alright…"

"You still love him," Brian blurted suddenly with realization, his voice remaining calm even as his eyes widened slightly.

"Brian--"

"Hey, I understand, okay? You two had a child together and shared your lives for some time. It's perfectly alright to still have feelings for him," Brian assured her, reaching for her hand when she continued to stare at him in disbelief.

"We didn't just have a child together or share our lives for some time. He was my first love. I met him in high school when he fumbled into the sidelines and took me down with him. Got one of the nastiest concussions in my life, but he managed to hold my hand through the entire ride to the hospital and the examination… Hell, we were at rival schools… He even made sure to go to the same college as me. He was my first lover… He was my many firsts…" Alana explained softly, looking at their twined hands.

"And it did you good to talk to him again, didn't it?" Brian murmured, squeezing her hand gently.

"Yeah," Alana confessed with a miniscule nod. "We didn't exactly part on the best of intentions. Colt had just died and we were so broken. Neither of us knew how to lean on the other when we needed each other most. That kind of devastation just… He wanted someone to blame and I wanted someone to blame. Then you change so much. There were so many fights till finally he heaved this picture of Colt and me in this heirloom frame toward me and it shattered. That's when we knew it was over. We separated everything evenly and said goodbye. We saw each other a year ago on the anniversary of Colt's death, but even that was strained…"

"And he just called to set up meeting again for the next anniversary," Brian concluded softly as Alana glanced toward the window. Not sure if the tears she was trying desperately to hide were being shed for the loss of her son or the loss of a marriage, he merely squeezed her hand again in reassurance.

"I didn't think he'd want to get together again. The divorce was finalized; we both had moved to different places, his business was booming, I had nailed another nursing position at the hospital where I was working before I had that accident…" Alana sniffled softly, bringing her free hand to her face to shield the pain. "We went to the cemetery and ended up fighting. Only a year since Colt died and everything was way too fresh…"

"It'll do you good to see him again though," Brian assured her gently. "So you two can work through the pain. You had a son, and you're both still grieving him, maybe it'll make things a little easier to bear if you and he can be civil about things…"

"…He said he misses me…"

"I'm sure he does, Alana…"

"Things would have been so different if we…"

"I know," Brian promised. "But things happen for a reason…"

"I wouldn't have had a chance to love Nick…"

"Are you regretting that you got that chance?"

"God, no," Alana whispered, biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep the tears from spilling. How many nights she had laid awake, wishing to God that Colton hadn't died. She would have given anything to have the little boy back in her arms, listening to his giggle as he demanded for another pony ride. How she longed to have her husband back so her nights were never so cold or bitter. But, if God had granted her requests, she never would have found Nick and Zachary. Those two were her life. Not to mention the two lives growing inside her. "I love Nick so much, B…"

"Then you need to make your peace with… Steel…" Brian suggested softly, looping his arm around her shoulders for an affectionate squeeze.

"Do you think Nick would come with me? To Colt's resting place and to meet Steel? Because, Steel is the only family that I've ever really had… I want him to respect and appreciate where my life has gone. To let him know that I am okay… And for Nick to know about my past…"

"Nick loves you… I'm sure he'd go with you," Brian promised.

"Is it appropriate though?"

"Talk it over with Nick, okay? And ask your ex-husband how he'd feel about it," Brian murmured, squeezing her gently.

"Yeah…" Alana trailed, curving her arm around his waist to snuggle close. They had a few more hours of flight time left. "…Not that he even realizes I'm coming home today."

"Give him a call now? Or do you want to surprise him?" Brian questioned, settling back as he held her close.

"I'm not sure…"

"He'll be excited to see you--"

"I hope so," she whispered, biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep from thinking he'd probably be more excited when she went to work with AJ at the studio and had Natalie to himself.

"And you can chuck Natalie out on her ass and have him all to yourself," Brian added softly, hoping the malice in his thoughts was not evident in his voice.

"You were almost convincing in your act of worrying about me instead of hating Natalie," Alana teased, gently patting Brian's stomach in a loving manner. "How long are you planning on staying in California? 'Cause I'd love for you to bunk with Alex and hear my new song."

"A week or so…" Brian trailed with a noncommittal shrug. "Interviews and things--"

"Then you're going back to Kentucky?"

"…For a few days… Then I have some shows in Canada--"

"Who's going to open for you then?"

Brian expelled a heavy sigh as he struggled to remember the name of the talented young man he had met in New York. "Some Canadian singer. Johnny set it up--"

"Do you want me to stop bugging you with useless questions?"

"They're not useless…"

"Annoying?"

"You? Never," Brian promised with a genuine grin.

"Why do I think that I need to start rummaging for my shovel to bail me out of your load of sweetened bullshit?" Alana invited with a coy smile, playfully rolling her eyes.

"Hey! That ain't sweetened bullshit! It's the charm of a Southern gentleman," Brian defended, playfully tickling her side.

"Southern charm? Southern bullshit? What's the difference?" Alana jibbed, squealing in surprise at the tickling sensation exploded in her body from the work of both his hands.

"Tickle fest!" AJ erupted as he shoved the papers in his hands towards Howie before jumping out of his seat. Diving across the plane, he landed in Brian's lap, his hands moving to tickle Alana as well.

"Hey, hey, hey! Bony hip in my crotch!" Brian wheezed.

"Not like you have much use for it anyway!" AJ cackled, sneaking his hands underneath Alana's tank top to ravage her bare skin with tickles. Feeling her squirm with peals of laughter, he grinned in triumph, tickling harder as he kept Brian firmly planted to the floor.

"I have to pee, don't I?!"

"You know there's a way to--" Alana yelped when Brian's hand landed on her thigh with a pinch before a feverish tickle. "Forget I said anything!"

*~*~*

"Nat?" Nick called, allowing a whine to etch his voice as he hurriedly shoved the box of toys beneath the coffee table. Giving the living room a quick glance, he decided it would pass as clean, grateful Natalie had vacuumed earlier. Seeing her coming from the kitchen, he snatched the baby blanket from the back of the couch, tossing it in her direction. "What time did you say Beautiful's flight was coming in? Where's that basket of Snot Sucker's laundry that I washed this morning? Did you remember to--"

"Her flight's getting in at two, which is barely fifteen minutes from now. And, yes, I remembered to make sure that a limo was there to pick her up even though I think you should have done it yourself. Zach's basket of unfolded clothes is up in his bedroom along with a halfway naked, sleeping child because you insisted that you dress him," Natalie announced in monotone, jerking backward when the blanket hit her face. Peeling it away, she noticed Nick pacing furiously within the living room. Fighting to roll her eyes, she made sure to fold the blanket as she finished walking down the stairs. The man had plead ignorant to the heated kisses during the summer storm a few nights ago, oblivious that he had even a miniscule amount of smoldering attraction for her. Now that Alana was coming home, he was focused on her and Natalie didn't know how she felt about that. Nor did she know how she was going to look her best friend in the eye.

"Do you think I should shower?" Nick continued, lifting one arm to sniff himself as he turned to look at Natalie. Though, seeing the expression on her face he faltered, slowly lowering his arm. "…What?"

"Your t-shirt is drenched in stinky sweat and you're asking if I think you should shower…"

"Do I have enough time?" Nick fretted, glancing towards the clock with a groan.

"If you don't stand around singing about what a massive penis you have--"

"Fine, I'll sing about your massive tits," Nick muttered, turning to head up the stairs.

"And I'll tell Alana about what you were doing in my bed!" Natalie fired with disgust, throwing the blanket at him with an infuriated squeal.

"You invited me into your bed!" Nick fired back, ducking to avoid the blanket as he whirled around to stare at her. "Would you get off your fucking high horse already?!"

"If you'd stop hopping around on your marvelous-penis-pogo-stick!"

"What the Hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It just sounded good you asshole with a sex god complex!"

"Why are you attacking me?! Damnit, you wanted that fucking kiss the other night just as much as I did--"

"The Hell I--" Natalie sobered. "As much as you did?"

Groaning, Nick leaned against the wall, raking a hand through his platinum locks. "Nat… I shouldn't have done it, okay? But it was storming and I needed to feel someone and you looked so--"

"So when you told me that you don't ever think about what would have happened if we hadn't been drunk; that you wished something else could have happened between us--"

"Why are you dragging that up now?" Nick whined in disbelief.

"Because I want to know," Natalie insisted, glancing up at Nick perched so stilly on the stairs. Folding her arms beneath her breasts, she maintained a stern lock of their gazes, not wanting him to flee away from the situation. "Alana's going to be gone a lot even if she is home--"

"I used to think about it, okay? But that was before I met Beautiful. Happy? Have I successfully inflated your precious ego now?"

"But this past month you--"

"This past month we've been alone too damn much, alright?"

"So you still think about it--"

"Goddamnit, Nat--"

"What?!"

Nick sighed, tearing his gaze from hers when she moved towards the stairs. "Don't you have anyone else in this world to go annoy now? In case it escaped your notice, my fiancée's coming home, I have to shower--"

"She's my best friend and she wants to see me as much as she wants to see you. She's also invited me to stay here, so I don't want to annoy anyone else in this world. So, go get your damn shower and I'll dress your damn kid," Natalie growled, hurrying up the stairs.

Flipping her off behind her back, Nick followed her, peeling the sweaty t-shirt from his body as he rushed to the master bedroom. Pausing to listen for Zachary's cries as Natalie went into the nursery, he was relieved when he only heard Natalie's soft murmurs over the monitor. Shucking his jeans, he raced across the room to gather clean clothes, glancing at the clock with a growl of frustration. Alana would be home soon, which would set everything as it should be.

Hearing the start of the shower followed by the locking of both bathroom doors, Natalie rolled her eyes as she gently settled Zachary on her hip and walked to his dresser filled with clothing. The little boy babbled softly at her side as he clutched his mother's t-shirt, gnawing it along with his fingers in a slobbery mess. Though, Natalie's mind was on the man currently scrubbing himself in the shower. Feeling her cheeks tinge red at the mere thought, she peered into the dresser drawer. "Your mother loves you in blue, so I guess we should make you wear that, huh?"

"Maa," Zachary cooed with excitement.

"I put the blue jumper she bought for him in the crib!" Nick's voice projected from the bathroom as the shower abruptly ended.

"And that means what to me?" Natalie huffed, though she closed the dresser drawer just the same. Placing Zachary on the changing table, she leaned into the crib to snatch the jumper from the crib. Turning, she noticed that Zachary had flipped in order to chew on the railing, halfway before toppling. Cursing, she hurried back to keep him from falling. "I can't wait for your mother to get home so I can stop babysitting you and your father."

"Stop being so fucking bitter," Nick hissed from the doorway as he stepped into his son's room, jerking the zipper of his jeans up before raking a hand through his damp hair. "God, does JC know you get this bitchy over a kiss?"

"It wasn't just a kiss," Natalie growled as she lifted the leg of the diaper to assure that Zachary was still dry and clean. Satisfied, she hurriedly dressed him in the light blue jumper, snapping the buttons at the crotch before lifting him up. Fussing with his lightening locks, she read the phrase - Let me tell you, teething bites. "Could she be any more adorable?"

"Not at all," Nick promised, reaching around her to smooth the front of the jumper. Smiling at Zachary over Natalie's shoulder, he leaned close to offer his son a quick kiss on the cheek. "And it was just a kiss, nothing more--"

"The hell it was just a kiss!" Natalie interrupted with a screech of disbelief, handing over Zachary so she could duck away from his closeness. But, when he shifted Zachary to rest over his shoulder, her spite fueled. Turning back to him, she grasped a handful of his shirt to pull him close. Breathing in the spicy scent of his cinnamon breath, she felt the heat of his body fuel a burning at the pit of her stomach. Without warning, she crushed her lips against his, easily parting them with her tongue to gain entrance to his mouth. Tasting the sweetness of him, she moaned softly with appreciation, nibbling at his tongue to draw him closer. Feeling his low moan vibrate their roll of tongues, she pulled away. "Nothing more, huh--"

"Maa!"

"Beautiful!" Nick wheezed in shock, whirling around to see Alana standing in the doorway. Ignoring Natalie's huff of indignation, he darted across the room to sweep his fiancée up against his chest, pressing his lips against hers in a passionate greeting as Zachary continued to squeal with excitement.

"I was kind of hoping for that greeting at the doorway," Alana murmured in surprise, curving an arm around Nick's neck in hopes to intensify the kiss. Feeling his tongue gently part her lips as means of an welcoming entrance, she tasted the faint remains of a fruity lip-gloss. The same kind that Natalie wore every day over her lipstick, convinced it was a good luck charm. Immediately pulling back in surprise, Alana glanced over Nick's broad shoulder to see Natalie watching them closely, hand pressed to her chest. "Was there some rowdy infant party that you two needed to break up?"

"Snot Sucker wanted a quick snuggle," Nick explained with a light blush tinting his cheeks, wincing when he licked his lips and tasted Natalie's lip-gloss. Quickly wiping his lips with the back of his hand as Alana took Zachary into her arms, he glared at Natalie over his shoulder.

"So y'all just climbed into the crib for a big squeeze huh?" Alana mused skeptically, though she kept her tone light and airy as to not upset her son. She cooed toward him as she held him out for a moment, smiling when he thrust his arms out in order for her to bring him closer. He had grown so much over the weeks. Able to fully support his head on his own as a series of squeals and babbled words exploded from his mouth. The expression of excitement lighting up his face while he kicked his legs excitedly. "How you doing sweetheart?"

"Maa!" Zachary squealed with excitement, arms curling around her neck to hold her tightly when she finally pulled him close for a hug. "Maa, Maa, Maa!"

"I missed you too, Sweetness," Alana promised with a heartfelt coo, layering his face with soft kisses, blowing raspberries when he started to giggle. It felt good to have someone greet her with enthusiasm, not guilt.

"How was your flight?" Natalie inquired, stepping forward to embrace Alana quickly. Upon feeling the tenseness in her friend's body, however, she quickly stepped away, glancing worriedly towards Nick as Alana's attention remained on her son.

"The flight was fine," Alana assured them while Zachary buried his face into the crook of her neck, blowing the wettest raspberries she had ever felt. Lightly tickling underneath his arms, she listened to him squeal though he continued his torture. Smiling as she rubbed Zachary's back with a deep maternal affection, her smile seemed to fade when she looked to Natalie and Nick. The expressions on their faces - so guilty, so nervous. What had they done?

"I'll go get your laundry in the wash," Natalie offered suddenly, dropping a quick kiss on Alana's cheek before slipping out of the nursery. Once in the hallway, she sagged against the wall, drawing in several deep breaths in order to calm her racing her heart. Hot tears of guilt flooded her eyes as she headed downstairs, wondering how she could ever look her best friend in the eye again.

"I wrote a new song while I was away. Alex would really like to work on it today, providing you didn't have any plans for us. And, judging by the looks of things, I guess it'd be alright if I go over. I wanted you to hear it, but you look kind of busy," Alana murmured toward Nick, suddenly having no desire to look at him. She had been so thrilled about coming home, actually misty-eyed when the plane had touched down. AJ had teased her mercilessly, but she had been so incomplete without Nick and Zachary in her arms. Exhaling a hard breath, Alana nuzzled Zachary's neck for a moment. "Want to grab a tubby with Mommy real quick, Zachie?"

"Beautiful, I'm not busy--" Nick began, his heart skipping a dreadful beat when Alana turned to leave the room. Mentally cursing Natalie, he headed after her, each excited babble from his son causing his heart to fill with even more dread. God, what had he done? Stepping into the master bathroom, he moved to pick up the damp towel from the edge of the tub, wishing Alana would look at him. "Can I grab a tubby with you too?"

"I tasted Natalie's lip-gloss on your lips," Alana announced, her voice void of any hostility as she carefully balanced Zachary on her lap. The growing infant was first to notice the roundness her stomach was starting to take, cooing in surprise as he fussed with the tank top to lift it in inspection. She allowed him to do so as she leaned to adjust the water to a comfortable temperature for her and a safe temperature for Zachary. Satisfied, she let the tub begin to fill while helping Zachary from his clothing. She made sure to keep her gaze concentrated on the little boy, just wanting to hear Nick's words instead of the lies his soulful eyes would weave. "What were you two doing?"

"Huh?" Nick answered dumbly, carefully rolling the damp towel up before placing it in the hamper. Gulping as he floundered for an excuse as to why his lips tasted like Natalie's, he stared at the pattern of the light brown wicker hamper, nervously chewing on his bottom lip. "Oh, my lips were chapped and I borrowed her chapstick stuff 'cause I couldn't find mine…"

"And you looked so utter guilty because…?"

"Beautiful, I'm Nick Carter… I'm always guilty of something."

"And that's your catch-all no matter what you do, huh?" Alana guessed, reaching for the yellow rubber duck off to the side of the large jacuzzi tub so Zachary had something to gnaw on. Holding her breath, she finally glanced up at her fiancé, deciding that she could give him the benefit of the doubt. If he told her nothing had happened between him and Natalie, she would believe him. She trusted him with her heart. All of her heart.

"I'm always in trouble," Nick sighed, turning to face her, surprised when his eyes were able to meet hers. "It's great to have you home, Beautiful. I really missed having you here by my side…"

"You did?" she whispered hopefully, feeling her heart flutter momentarily.

"I was miserable without you," he admitted softly.

"I think I cried every night that I wasn't curled up next to you," she confessed, deciding it was easier just to let his absence of calling slip as well as the blunder in the nursery. He always had a way of getting himself into trouble with the most menial actions. She was just being overly jealous.

"I had to burn two copies of your song for Snot Sucker, we listened to it so much," Nick informed her, moving to sit on the edge of the tub.

"And what about you?" she asked, stopping the water halfway in the tub. Leaning over, she retrieved Zachary's personal bath tub that sat inside the large tub to protect him. Pulling his diaper off and settling him into the seat, she cooed as he immediately began to splash happily. Gently ruffling his locks, she turned slightly to look at her fiancé while slowly removing shoes and socks.

"I watched your video…" Nick trailed softly with a smile.

"The part at the end when you proposed?" Alana guessed, offering her own small smile when her fingers brushed delicately across the back of his hand while making sure to keep an eye on Zachary.

"And the parts where we were holding each other in bed," Nick confirmed, turning his hand so he could catch his fingers within his.

"I missed you so much, Handsome--"

"I missed you more--"

"Then show me," Alana insisted softly.

Nick's eyes widened in disbelief, unable to ascertain whether she was serious or not. "With Zachary right in front of us? Won't that warp him or something--"

"I mean kiss me like I'm not some stranger or you're trying to hide why you're so damn guilty," Alana groaned, pushing him away before peeling off her tank top.

"You should clarify these things," Nick hissed as his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her down into his lap. Once she was settled over his legs, the fullness of her body pressed against his gently, he slid his hands up to cup her face, breathing in her scent as a tendril of her soft hair tickled his fingers. "I love you, Beautiful… So much," he breathed before catching her lips in a soft kiss.

The moment she felt his lips slide over hers; all the passion she had pent over the tour began to flow. Lost for a moment as to what she should do, she felt his tongue start to slide over her lips to remember her taste. Shuddering with appreciation, she wrapped her arms about his neck and tangled her fingers in his platinum locks. Her lips fought a smile beneath his kisses when she realized he had been growing his hair. Fighting a soft moan, she nipped at his bottom lip before allowing his tongue entrance. Slowly, she rolled her tongue against his in an erotic wave, pulling him closer while Zachary babbled happily behind them.

"'Lana? Are the clothes in this duffel bag dirty or clean?" Natalie bellowed from downstairs.

Groaning with disbelief, Alana pulled back from her heated kiss with Nick. Cupping a hand over her mouth, she carefully shifted off Nick's lap. "They're clean," Alana answered before gazing at her reflection in the mirror, reaching behind her back to undo the clasps of her maternity bra. She had promised Zachary a tubby with her.

"You want me to bring them up--"

"Just leave them, I'll get them later," Nick interrupted hastily as he pulled Alana's bra from her arms, dipping his head to place feather-soft kisses between her breasts. "Do you have to go to AJ's today?"

"Are you going to offer me something to change my mind?" Alana inquired with a soft purr, leaning to close the bathroom door from any unwanted eyes, making sure to take Nick with her. Letting her lips gently fall over his face in the sweetest of butterfly kisses, she dropped her hands to undo the buttons of her jean shorts to drop them to the floor.

Nick smirked, leaning her against the door as he brought her legs around her waist. "Charge is aching to--"

"Maa!"

"I suppose Zachie's pleas of tubby-time will have to do," Alana trailed with a playful sigh, leaning to press a kiss to her fiancé's lips before maneuvering away from his embrace. Dropping her bikini briefs, Alana carefully stepped into the warm water, taking Zachary into her arms before discarding the infant tub.

"What do you say we put him down for a nap, sent the Gnat out somewhere and get back in touch over the rest of the afternoon?" Nick suggested, raking a hand through his hair to calm his heated body before moving to sit on the edge of the tub once more.

"I think I'd love you for eternity if you made that happen," Alana murmured softly, reaching for Nick's hand that was gripping the lip of the tub as tightly as possible. Carefully, she pried his hand from the tub, bringing it down to feel the firm rounding of her stomach.

"…How am I supposed to get him to sleep when he's so excited?" Nick questioned with a smile, curving his fingers against her stomach. "Wow, Beautiful… You're getting big--"

"I feel huge," she admitted with a small laugh, helping Zachary splash in the water as he babbled excitedly to his duck, insistent on sharing the news that his mother was home. "And they are definitely squirming all around in there."

"Wish I could feel them… You're not huge, though. You're gorgeous, Beautiful," Nick promised, leaning down to offer her a quick kiss.

"You'll be able to feel them move soon," Alana assured. "And Zachie won't like it one bit, 'cause they definitely don't like anyone on my stomach."

"Snot Sucker'll get used to it," Nick promised softly, leaning to kiss his son as well.

"He also has to get used to a new puppy, which we have to pick up from Alex's as much as you don't want to go. I'm seriously craving a hot fudge sundae with a lot of cherries, so we can pick up Radar and then get some ice cream… Are you getting in?"

"Why don't we send the Gnat to get Radar and we can go get ice cream?" Nick suggested. Anything to get Natalie away from the house for a while. Leaning back up, he reached to pull off his t-shirt.

"You just don't want to see Alex," Alana mused, leaning down to blow a raspberry against the side of Zachary's face when he started to gnaw on her arm.

Nick shrugged as he stood to remove his jeans, turning to climb into the tub. "So what if I don't?" he muttered, settling behind Alana so she was cradled against his chest.

"Just an observation," she murmured lightly, leaning back against Nick for protection while she helped Zachary splash some more.

"What do you say to a family dinner at the Ivy after ice cream?" Nick offered, sliding his arms around her middle to hold her close. Nestling his chin against her neck, he smiled as Zachary splashed with excitement.

"I don't know, Handsome…" Alana trailed with a sing-song note to her voice, bouncing her feet to create more waves for Zachary to smash. "That's a celebrity hot spot and I'm definitely starting to show… Do you really want the image of Daddy Carter instead of sex-pot Carter?"

"Daddy Carter is much more interesting to me than the boring man whore," Nick returned, nibbling gently at her neck.

"Then how's Daddy soon-to-be-married Carter?"

"Even better," Nick promised. "And you know what's the greatest of all?"

"What's that?" Alana questioned, tilting her head so she could look at him.

"Daddy and Husband Carter."

"Mr. and Mrs. Carter."

"You're not going to do the whole celebrity gig and keep your name as it is now?"

"…Did you want me to do that?"

"I want you to do what you want to do, Beautiful…"

"I want to take your last name--"

"You do?" Nick breathed in surprise.

"Of course I do," Alana murmured, not understanding why he was so mesmerized by the idea. "You're going to be my husband, which means I'm going to give everything within me to you. I want to take your last name and create the family you deserve. Not some broken pieces of a family..."

"Alana Moore Carter," Nick murmured, tilting his head to offer her a gentle kiss. "I like it…"

"Just Alana Marie Carter…"

"I love it," Nick promised, wrapping his arms tighter around her.

"So, you're happy?" Alana hoped, tilting her head to press the softest kisses underneath his chin.

"The happiest man on earth," Nick assured her, his body tingling from her kisses.

"I love you so much, Handsome, so why don't you pick a date soon."
Fifty-Four by shrinkingviolet
"Let me go home," carrying the musical note for as long as her powerful voice could sustain, she made sure to end with a gorgeous crescendo. Squeezing her eyes shut to focus on the command of her voice, she held her right hand up as if she were thanking God for her voice, though it was for Colton more than anything. Knowing how much her son had loved her to sing gave her the courage to thrive in the ruthless business of music. Had also given her the strength to endure through the grueling challenges of being back in California - between the recordings, photoshoots, interviews, and appearances - she was convinced she was close to quitting. But, standing in AJ's sound booth with the single microphone, the melody of her own creation flooding her ears, she was overwhelmed with joy. Singing was her passion and she couldn't deny it. All her life music had been intertwined and now she had the chance to perform. "It will be alright / I'm coming home tonight / I'm coming back home…"

Standing behind AJ, who was seated at the controls, Natalie held her breath, overcome by the conviction behind Alana's singing. The power of her friend's voice always made her feel the true emotions of any song, but this was completely different. Knowing that Alana had written it while on tour with Brian caused the guilt Natalie had been feeling over her actions with Nick during the past weeks to increase, knowing she would never be able to forgive herself. Leaning close to AJ as the final note faded, she smiled slightly as she noticed his wide grin. "You're not going to make her sing it again, are you?"

"Huh?" AJ murmured in surprise, immediately leaning forward in his seat to get away from Natalie's body. Pressing a few key buttons, he tried to remember when Natalie had even come into the room, having forgotten everything when Alana greeted him with a sweet kiss to the cheek. He was so focused on her and, to the others who asked, extremely excited to produce her music, though it just meant that he'd have her to himself. "What do you mean not make her sing again? Are you shitting me? She needs to do it a few more times to hit perfection--"

"Are you kidding? That was perfection! You just want to have her to yourself for the rest of the day," Natalie snorted, reaching forward to flick his ear with her fingers.

"Why don't you just go blow Nick while Al's occupied for a few more hours," AJ hissed, cupping his ear from her harassment as his entire body tensed with irritation. He suddenly wished his pack of hounds would attack women. But, unfortunately, the scallywags were only interested in attacking men and loving on the women he brought to his house. He had trained them far too well. His only hope was Q.T. and Radar, but they were sound asleep on his feet beneath the recording station.

"So you can have the opportunity to slip into the recording booth and cop feels on my best friend? I don't think so," Natalie informed him with a scowl as she flopped into the chair next to him.

"I love how you immediately go to calling my ass out for copping feels instead of insisting that you'd never even think about blowing Nick, your best friend's fiancé, the love of her life!" AJ exclaimed, watching Alana take several large gulps of the water she had inside the sound-booth with her. "…So, what did you two mice do exactly while the sex kitten went out to play?"

"Go to Hell," Natalie growled with irritation, sharply kicking the man's shin.

AJ winced, but kept his retort quick as he reached to cup a hand against the shin for protection. "I knew he did more than ogle your fucking tits. Once you've seen them, your tease of an ass is just pathetic…"

"Which you should know, considering you spent two hundred bucks for the issues of Playboy that I was in on ebay."

"Didn't want you getting the chance to burn the evidence that could make some beautiful blackmail if you ever married Brian… But, guess that ain't happening, huh?"

"Fuck you," she hissed with hurt, jerking to her feet.

"Yeah, yeah, tell me something new, Natalie," AJ muttered, brushing off the idle threat as he waved to Alana, gesturing she could take a break with him.

"Does Howie know you're recording today?" Natalie questioned the moment Alana stepped out of the sound-booth.

"Alex gave him a call yesterday to tell him what we were planning; Daddy D said he was busy but it was alright to move forward, right, Alex?" Alana answered, moving to sit on the leather seat beside AJ, whistling for Radar to join her before taking another long swallow of the icy water.

"Yeah, that's what he said," AJ confirmed with a quick glance at Natalie.

"Surely he's not too busy to come and check out how the recording's going…" Natalie trailed with an innocent smile as she reached for her cell phone.

"Oh, I'm sure he'd be happy to stop by after he takes Nick to the STD Clinic for his penicillin shot after spending an entire month with a cunt that's so dangerous that Fear Factor begs you to let them use it for the eating contest--"

"I don't have to stay here to listen to this shit," Natalie decided, turning to glance apologetically at Alana. "I'll see you later at the house, okay?"

"Whatever you want to do," Alana agreed with a noncommittal shrug, scratching behind Radar's ears when he jumped onto her lap. Tapping on AJ's shoulder, she gestured for him to play the song so she could hear how it sounded. Usually, she would make sure to defend Natalie to anyone, but it was impossible to do anything when it came to AJ and Natalie attacking one another.

"I'm sorry." Turning to gather her things, Natalie was startled to hear Brian's voice projecting from the front door, causing her to immediately drop her purse in surprise.

"AJ? Where are you at?!"

"In the studio!" AJ bellowed, immediately turning his chair to face Natalie with a wicked smirk. "Guess who else wasn't too busy to stop by for a visit?"

"Alex, stop," Alana groaned with disgust.

"I loathe you," Natalie hissed, dropping to her knees to scoop her belongings back into her purse. Hearing the footfalls already coming down the hallway, she groaned, throwing her purse onto her shoulder in her haste to be away from AJ's house as quickly as possible.

"Feeling's mutual!" AJ hollered in return, but Natalie was already darting down the hallway to avoid the potential disaster.

"Mommy!" Baylee squealed in sudden surprise, leaping from his father's arms in order to throw himself at Natalie.

"Baylee!" Natalie gasped, reaching to catch him in her arms. Hugging him close for a long moment, she closed her eyes to avoid Brian's burning gaze, knowing he would rip the child from her quickly.

"I'm killing AJ," Brian seethed quietly, reaching to pull Baylee from Natalie's embrace. But she held the boy so tightly and Baylee was so overjoyed that he hadn't the heart. Instead, he clenched his fists at his sides, looking idly at the pictures on the wall. He had never expected to see Natalie when he returned to California. Somewhere, deep inside his heart, he had ignorantly thought she would just disappear. But the warmth of her sweet perfume flooded his senses as he remembered how glorious it had felt to make love to her for the first time- "Scooper, Natalie's got things to do, let's go," he suddenly growled, wanting to dash the memories into ashes.

"I go with Mommy?" Baylee requested, clinging tighter to Natalie.

"Not today," Brian declined, gesturing for Baylee to come to him.

"Go with Daddy," Natalie murmured as the sting of Brian's avoidance brought tears to her eyes. Pressing soft kisses against Baylee's cheeks, she reluctantly released him, wincing at his dejected whimper. "I'll see you soon, Sweetheart, I promise--"

"You don't love us no more," Baylee decided, hurrying to latch tightly to his father's legs. Burying his face behind Brian's right knee cap, he muffled a sharp sob of pain. He had always been an emotional youngster, prone to breaking into a flood of tears without warning. It had been over a month since he had seen Natalie, yet he had clung to her love for him. Every day had passed with at least one comment about his 'Mommy.' To have her give him up so easily hurt.

"Baylee, I do--"

"C'mon, Scooper, let's go find Alana," Brian suggested, reaching to lift his son into his arms.

"My 'Lana love me, right?" Baylee inquired hopefully, pressing his forehead against his father's cheek stubble.

"Brian, please, tell him that I love him," Natalie implored softly.

"Alana loves you very much, Scooper. And, Natalie loves you too, she just never loved me," Brian told his son softly, pulling his dreary cerulean eyes away from Natalie before forcing himself to walk the rest of the length of the hallway. It was too painful to look at her; tears starting to streak and break against the bearded stubble.

Not wanting to give him the satisfaction of hearing her sob, Natalie bit her lip to keep from crying out in raw pain, blindly running down the hallway. That he could think she had never loved him was the worst hurt of all, especially when she knew that he was the only man she would ever love. The fact he had brushed her aside made her realize just how little he thought of her, though what should she have expected? Pausing to fish her keys from her purse, she attempted to stifle another sob, but it came out as a strangled whimper as she reached to fling open the door.

Just wanting to leave, Natalie threw herself into the threshold of the front door, never expecting to meet a standing force. Shocked when an explosion of power threw her backward into the room, she gasped hard on a sob building in her throat. Crashing to the floor, she heard the opposite force hit the door that was swinging, giving him a swift blow to the backside that caused him to fall over her.

"Jesus Christ, Nat!" Nick cursed in surprise, holding himself above her before he could possibly smash her into the carpeting.

"Get off me," Natalie pleaded, placing her hands on his chest in a futile attempt to push him away.

"What's wrong?" Nick immediately fired with question, grabbing her hands to pull her up with him. Noticing the wave of tears rushing over her face, he winced.

"AJ's an asshole, Brian's being a prick and Baylee thinks I don't love him," Natalie managed to answer through her soft sobs.

"AJ's always an asshole; Brian's pretty much the prick of the century at this point; Baylee loves you and knows deep in his heart that you love him, he's just upset that he hasn't seen you in awhile," Nick quickly assuaged, reaching to brush the tears from Natalie's face.

"All I've ever tried to do was make people happy," Natalie sniffled, allowing Nick to pull her close for a quick squeeze. "And yet the only thing I can manage to do is fuck everything up--"

"You're talking to the King of Fuck-Ups, Nat."

"Say hello to your new Queen, then," Natalie muttered sarcastically, pressing her face against his chest.

"Let me go pry the engagement ring from Beautiful's finger and we'll talk," Nick returned, gently rubbing Natalie's back in a soothing manner.

"My fingers aren't as skinny as hers," Natalie snorted, shaking her head. "Besides, she's the best, and you deserve the best, Nicky."

"You sure were trying to ruin that when she came home, though--"

"I didn't hear you complaining when you had your damn tongue down my throat," Natalie grumbled with annoyance, starting to pull away from him.

"Glad we can be open about these things, Nat," Nick growled, releasing her immediately.

"I'm sorry," she sighed, stooping to grab her keys from the floor. Taking a moment to wipe her eyes, she motioned down the hallway. "Go on and listen to Alana's song… It's gorgeous."

"She's finished already?" Nick inquired hopefully, brushing his t-shirt as if that would remove the wet splotches of tears. He had tried to pick up Zachary from his aunt and uncle earlier that day, but Leslie insisted on keeping him for longer than intended. She demanded that Nick spend the night lavishing attention on Alana. They should have a night alone to themselves, since they hadn't had the pleasure at all since she returned home.

"I think it sounds perfect, but you know what an insufferable know-it-all asshole that AJ is, he wants her to perfect it," Natalie sniffled, glancing up towards him as she slowly stood back up.

"What the fuck does that mean?"

"How the Hell am I supposed to know?"

Nick winced. "Forget I asked--"

"Just be prepared. He already knows something happened while Alana was away," Natalie warned before stepping aside to leave.

"Nothing happened!" Nick exclaimed in disgust.

"Almost believable, Nicky," Natalie snorted, stepping outside.

"Hey, Nat," Nick called softly, catching her arm before she could head down the walk.

"What?" Natalie murmured in perplexity as she was drawn back to Nick's chest, finding far too much comfort in his closeness while her body flushed with heat.

"Are you and JC still--"

"Things didn't work out between us… Why?"

"I was just wondering…" Nick trailed softly, surprised when he glanced down to see her gazing up at him strangely. "…What?"

"You are just so weird," Natalie answered honestly, gently smoothing the wrinkles from his t-shirt with just the tips of her fingers, feeling the taut muscles he was steadily working upon that past month in his exercise room. First he acted as if she were a vile layer of scum on the vastness of his life, ruining everything in her wake. Then he'd treat her as if she were the most precious thing in his existence, because he loved and cared for her. And, finally, he looked at her and asked her questions that made her consider the likelihood of stirring another romantic encounter with him.

"I'm almost as weird as you are," Nick promised, dipping his head to softly kiss her cheek. Trying his hardest to pretend as though the soft touches of her fingertips along his chest weren't sending tingles of desire to the pit of his stomach, he playfully tousled her hair. "What are you doing tonight?"

"I didn't really have any plans…" Natalie trailed, giggling with delight. "Why?"

"How about you let me treat you to dinner and an overnight stay at one of those spas you like so much? You should get out of the house for a day or two, you know," Nick murmured.

"Is this what makes the pay-off of a mistress?" Natalie inquired, holding her hands up in sheer innocence when Nick glared at her. "Kidding! I would love to go to a spa. Are you going to dinner with me?"

"I'd like to, but I'm hoping Beautiful will be done soon, and then me and her can have some alone time… Don't look so down! I'll spend tomorrow night with you, my favorite mistress!"

"Planning on ditching the surprise party at Tabu for Al so you can fuck your favorite mistress, huh?" AJ called with surprise as he caught the tail end of the conversation. Immediately, his dark brows knitted together in spite, simply watching the two with an overwhelming disgust in his sepia eyes. He immediately recalled the hurt and worry etched in Alana's gorgeous teal eyes when she confessed her worries about the time Nick and Natalie had been spending together. Everyone had assured her otherwise; that Nick loved her with all his heart, but AJ knew better. He didn't even need to accidentally walk into the conversation while getting Alana a drink to know. "You fucking bastard…"

"Damnit, AJ," Nick groaned as Natalie tensed and began to pull away. "Must you always jump to the wrong fucking conclusion?!"

"Wrong fucking conclusion my ass. Al told me what the fuck you were doing while we were on tour. Staring at Natalie while she sunbathed topless outside. Letting her jump into your bed. Always getting a hard-on around her. Fucking sickening. You have the best woman in the world downstairs writing a damn song about you and you're fucking busy working up a frenzy with her best friend. You're absolutely pathetic," AJ snarled, moving into the kitchen to grab what he was looking for in the first place.

Nick tensed, turning to follow him. "Goddamnit--"

"Just call me, Nicky, okay?" Natalie interrupted in a strained whisper, hurrying out the door as tears flooded her vision.

"Sure… Probably from a fucking jail cell for killing a scrawny, tattooed fucking rat," Nick muttered as he hurried after AJ. Finding the man in the kitchen, leaning into the fridge, he felt his anger boil. Angrily shooting one foot out, he quickly slammed the door to the fridge, narrowly missing AJ's arm as the older man reached inside for something. "Listen here, you little chicken shit. I don't give a fuck what kind of game you're playing with Nat. I know you like to make her life fucking miserable, and it's working. But you keep me the fuck out of it."

For a passing moment, AJ stared at the closed fridge and down to the cold can of Pepsi in his hand. At first he wanted to just assure that the appendage was still attached to his body, but then he burst into a ruckus laughter. Reaching into one of his kitchen drawers, he retrieved a straw like Alana enjoyed. "For once in the existence of this pathetic little circle of friends we got going, it isn't about Natalie or you."

"Then what the fuck is it about?"

"It's about what the fuck you're doing to Al and it's a damn shame that a beautiful woman like that is into a fucked up disaster of a prick like you."

"I'm not doing shit to Beautiful," Nick defended. "Did you see me sending photos of Nat half-naked with my hand down her panties to anyone? No, 'cause you were to goddamn busy doing that to Alana and sending the pictures to me."

"My hand was no where near her panties, but after this shit of a stunt you've got going, my hand will be in those panties in a couple of weeks. Guaren-fucking-teed."

"What fucking stunt do I have going?"

"Don't insult me, Dumbass," AJ growled, pushing past the brute of a man to get back to his studio.

*~*~*

"Howie?" Natalie called softly as she stepped into the man's private office. Seeing him standing before the small mirror in the furthest corner, adjusting his tie, she smiled, allowing the door to close behind her as she headed over to him. Downstairs the surprise party for Alana was already in full swing as the partygoers awaited the guest of honor's arrival. Reaching to adjust Howie's tie, Natalie fussed with the metallic purple silk. "Everything's all ready for 'Lana. Nicky just called to say they just left the hotel, they should be here in about ten minutes…"

"He didn't squeal to her about the party did he? Because this is supposed to be a surprise party. She's doing so well with this career change. She is by far one of the most popular artists of the time. I've received all these phone calls for her new single already. They want it released as soon as possible and they're practically drooling for the album. Plus Maxim's magazine came out today. Do you know they want to do a pregnant bathing suit photoshoot?" Howie explained as he dropped his hands, allowing Natalie to do her wonders. She seemed to be the official tie straightening person for the boys, because they were helpless when it came to making a straight line. Especially in the flurry of excitement for the party.

"He didn't squeal. He promised, remember? He wants this to be a special night for Alana," Natalie informed him softly, brushing a tiny tuft of lint from Howie's collar as she reached to adjust it so the tie would lie properly. It seemed no one in the Backstreet family could fix their own ties. Especially during the excitement of a party. Stepping back, she gave him a gentle nod of approval before turning to assess her makeup in the mirror. "And you can talk to 'Lana about the pregnant shoot when she starts to show a bit more. Rolling Stone's already asking for the first photoshoot after the babies come. They said they would donate the profits from the issue's sales to a charity of her choice…"

"Which means Brian's charity," Howie confirmed with a small smile. "She's already donated a significant portion of her money from the tour to her hospital."

"I heard through the grapevine that they're gunning for a charity event to raise money for a new Pediatric Wing. And get this, they're going to name it in her and Brian's honor…" Natalie trailed, reaching into her cleavage for her lipstick.

"And what little bird whistled that tune to you?" Howie chuckled, sitting at his desk to retrieve the first new single from his top drawer.

"Dr. Allman," Natalie informed him with a smile as she touched up her lipstick. Replacing the tube in her cleavage, she turned for Howie's assessment of her attire. "How do I look?"

"Gorgeous as always," Howie approved with a brilliant smile, admiring her selection of wardrobe. She had decided on a dark mint colored, runched, halter dress. The delicate straps of the gown wrapped around her neck, barely the thickness of a spaghetti noodle while the bodice clung to her body like a second skin, dropping into a fluttery hemline around her knees. She was light and airy with her wavy copper curls layered perfect about her shoulders and just a wisp of bangs falling into her caramel eyes.

"Thank you, Howie," Natalie cooed with a warm smile, lifting one foot to adjust the strap of her high-heeled silver sandal. "Oh my God!" she squeaked suddenly, dropping her foot to the floor abruptly. Cheeks flushed, she glanced towards Howie with embarrassment. "I forgot to put on underwear!"

"Well it's not like I keep a stash of women's underwear in my desk drawer…" Howie trailed, though he playfully leaned over as he opened one of the large desk drawers. "…What size were you again?"

"You're not funny," Natalie groaned, smoothing her skirt nervously. "I'll just have to remember not to dance with anyone who'll dip me--" her sentence faltered as Howie's cell phone rang. Leaning close to see Nick's number on the caller id, she squealed with excitement, halfway to the door before Howie could even answer. "They're here!"

"Might not want to pick your skirt up when you go running down the hallway either!" Howie called after her, hurrying to follow.

"Why on earth would I do that? It's not as though I'm wearing some floor-length gown-Why are you jerking on my skirt?!"

"Because you're doing it right now!"

"Well I sure as Hell ain't the first person to ever flash their ass at your club!" Natalie hissed, slapping his hands away before trotting down the circular stairs that led to the heart of the club.

"To bring up AJ's non-sobriety years is just cruel," Howie groaned, stopping at the top of the stairs and meticulously counting till she reached the bottom, knowing full well whoever was below would see her goods.

Making her way through the crowd to the front door, Natalie smiled at Drew and Marcus, whom Howie had hired for additional security for the evening. Motioning towards the DJ to kill the music, she glanced around to make sure everyone was in their place as Howie headed towards her. Seeing him tuck his cell phone into his pocket, she sent up a quick prayer that the party would go as planned and be a success. Not to mention an honest surprise for Alana, who deserved so much more than the party. As voices died down to mere whispers, she heard Nick's laughter as he and Alana neared the doors, then signaled for Drew to open the doors.

"If you insist on drinking here before we go out to dinner, then I'm insisting that I'm driving and refusing to carry you to the hotel tonight, I'm carrying enough weight," Alana announced to her fiancé, expecting that it would be in full confidentiality, having no clue about the party prepared for her behind the doors. Instead, she was convinced that they were merely stopping at Howie's club, Tabu, to give Howie some papers before going out for a private dinner alone since Zachary was spending time with Howie's mother, who refused to give him up. Her affection for the infant and Nick had been astounding. Though, her thoughts abruptly ended when the doors were opened for her and she stepped inside the dark club. "Did Daddy D forget to pay the light bills--"

"SURPRISE!"

Nick grinned at Alana's confused expression as the lights switched on and her single started to play the moment she stepped inside. Within seconds she was surrounded, already being enveloped in a tight hug by Natalie and Howie. Rubbing his damp palms against the dark blue trousers he wore, he released a soft sigh of relief that he had managed to go the entire day without ruining the surprise.

"Th'Hell are y'all doing here?" Alana exclaimed in a sweet surprise as she went through the wave of hugs. She made sure to give everyone an especially tight squeeze, kisses plastered onto her face with swarms of congratulations. The familiar sound of her voice on the speakers was still surreal to her. It was impossible that she sounded so beautiful, but again her thoughts were invaded when she felt a lone straggler still clinging to her. "Allie, what are you doing? You're going to get my dress all wrinkled," she teased, stopping halfway to gently rub Natalie's back. She was wearing the newest design from one of the newest fashion designers to hit New York, who had flown directly to California to personally custom fit it to her body. It was a silky dark amethyst colored dress with delicate string straps, a low sweeping scoop neckline, and a delicate empire waist. From there, the light material spilled to above her knees in a flirty hemline, giving only mere peeks at her growing belly. Her golden curls were upswept into a beautiful French braid, tendrils still managing to frame her beautiful face. She had dressed specially for Nick.

Howie grinned as he leaned close to kiss both her cheeks before offering her a flute of sparkling cider. "It's a party to celebrate the best single ever recorded, as well as your Maxim issue hitting stands, and the fact you just finished an awesome tour. Not to mention--"

"There's more than that?" Alana laughed in amusement, wondering how large Howie's chocolate eyes could possibly get before they popped out.

"Way more," Howie promised before glancing around. "AJ's here somewhere, I don't know why he's not--"

"It's a party, Daddy D, he's probably scrambling for as many women's numbers as he can possibly score," Alana interrupted with a small shrug of her shoulders, tucking a few curls behind her pierced ears, realizing she had even lost sight of her own fiancé.

"Oh! There's the photographer, I'll be right back," Natalie decided, smacking a quick kiss on Alana's cheek before heading away.

"You look amazing," Howie informed Alana softly, pulling her hand through his arm so he could steer her to the table he had reserved for her. "How did Nick talk you into coming to Florida?"

"This is the dress that the designer flew all the way to California just to fit specifically for me. It's the most beautiful dress that I've ever seen. Though, I don't exactly feel so beautiful in it. More like I'm self-conscious… Oh, Handsome just told me that there was some interview we're supposed to do as a couple now that everyone realizes I'm pregnant… Or was that a lie?"

"No, it's true," Howie promised. "Glamour magazine--"

"So, he's really coming out to say he's the father…" Alana breathed with a pleased smile, unthreading her arm from his to wrap her arms around his neck with a happy squeal.

"I take it that's a good thing?" Howie laughed as he embraced her.

Leaning against the bar as he sipped his soda, Nick reached to nudge Natalie's back as he watched Alana's interaction with Howie from across the room. Smiling when he assumed they were discussing the upcoming interview, he glanced towards Natalie. "Awesome party…"

"I did most of the work myself," Natalie admitted, taking her fruity alcoholic drink from the bartender for an extremely long swallow. Leaning against the bar, she looked toward her friend, trying to ignore the fact that he looked absolutely scrumptious. He wore a pair of dark navy slacks complimented with dress shirt with several different blue tinted stripes. He then added a tie and a dark navy blazer, setting off the deepness of his gorgeous ocean eyes. What made it worse was the messy style he had created of his growing platinum locks; as if he had just rolled out of bed. "All the Fuck-Nut AJ did was pick up the magazines for the guests and the posters."

"Where is Fuck-Nut?" Nick questioned, keeping his eyes trained on Natalie's face in hopes of avoiding the plunging neckline of her dress. His gaze fell to the curve of her leg when she propped one foot on the barstool next to her, and he quickly looked away, suddenly finding the pattern of lights on the ceiling very interesting.

"He kept bragging all day that he has some grand surprise for 'Lana that he's planning… So, maybe he's jacking off somewhere, I don't know," Natalie answered with a careless shrug.

"He still being a jackass to you?" Nick demanded, glancing over to see her down the contents of her glass.

"When hasn't he been a dickhead to me?"

"I wish I knew what his fucking problem was," Nick sighed. "I mean, if he was doing all this shit just to get close to Beautiful--"

"What's that supposed to mean? If he was just doing all this shit to get close to 'Lana? What?"

"Acting like a jackass to get us acting defensive and guilty, thereby causing jealousy and nervousness in Beautiful… And him waiting right there to fucking comfort her," Nick concluded, allowing his gaze to follow the bead of moisture that rolled slowly from Natalie's lips to the hollow of her throat.

"Well, shouldn't we feel guilty?" Natalie inquired, wrinkling her brow in confusion while she gestured for another drink. Because, in fact, Natalie felt beyond guilty as Alana's new single pumped through the speakers. She knew exactly what she had done to cause a rift between her and Alana, though she acted as if she were purely innocent. It wasn't as if she were thinking about Nick- She found her eyes drifting down the length of his body to what she assumed was a budding erection. Damnit…

"It's not like we were having wild sex in every room of the house," Nick hissed, tensing slightly when Natalie slid closer to him. Taking a gulp of his drink, he screwed his eyes shut, attempting to rid himself of the sudden desire he felt. "God, it was only a few kisses…"

"Do you think something would have happened between us again if you hadn't mentioned her name during the rainstorm?" Natalie suddenly questioned, holding her drink to her throat so cold beads of water could slip onto her skin. Nightclubs were always so devastatingly hot - or at least that's what she told herself.

"My son was right there, Nat…"

"If I had asked you to put him down for the night?"

"…I honestly don't know," Nick whispered.

"Well… Let's go find out," Natalie suddenly decided, draining her glass to thump it upon the table. Sliding from her stool, she swayed slightly, but easily grasped Nick's hands to pull him up.

"What the Hell are you talking about--"

"Just shut up and follow me!" Natalie insisted with a grunt, pulling him towards the circular stairs.

"Where are we going?" Nick insisted as they weaved through the throng all vying to get near Alana. A mixture of worry and desire filled him as Natalie led him up the staircase, managing to wind his arm around her waist as she pushed open the door to Howie's private office. "Nat…"

"I want to see what would have happened. I'm tired of thinking about it so damn much," Natalie growled, pulling Nick within the darkness of Howie's office. Kicking the door shut with her foot, she pushed him toward the desk till he fell against it. Then, stepping between his legs, she wound her arms around his neck, eagerly seeking his lips with hers. Perhaps it was all the alcohol on an empty stomach, but Natalie was enticed with the power of persuasion, thrusting her tongue into his mouth to sweep a taste of him, moaning with excitement.

"Nothing would have…" Nick mumbled softly against her lips, his resistance useless as he grasped at her waist to pull her closer. Feeling her breasts crush against his chest, he growled softly as his arousal grew, nipping at her tongue as one hand slid up to cup a breast.

"God, Nicky…"

"Nat, seriously…" his voice drowned against the power of Natalie's kisses when she pulled her tongue from his nips only to capture his in a sensual roll. Lifting her skirts, she wasted no time straddling his lap, plunging her tongue deeper till it seemed that she was drinking in the very essence of his life. Dropping his free hand to her skirting, he slipped his fingers beneath the dress, trailing up her bare thigh, knowing he'd stop when he hit the panty-line. But, the damp heat burning against his arousal caused him to gasp in her mouth. "You're not wearing underwear, Nat."

"I know," she panted, arching against his fingers wantonly. Dragging one hand down his chest, she gently rubbed his erection through his slacks, her other hand reaching to remove the lipstick and cash from her cleavage. "Nicky, please--"

"God, Nattie, I can't," Nick whined in shock, feeling her loosen the zipper of his slacks before sneaking her hand inside. Another barrier of thin clothing between their bare bodies discarded. Groaning with delight as she played with the buttons of his boxers to open the slit, his hand slid to the inner portion of her hot thigh. Dropping his hand from her waist, he bunched up the skirt in a fist, easing his fingers toward her sensitive nub in a light caress.

"I need you, Nicky, please," Natalie whispered as she freed his straining arousal from his boxers. Moving her lips to his ear, she nibbled gently at his warm skin, her fingers slowly caressing his length. Feeling the jolt of passion when his finger pressed against her nub, she purred appreciatively in his ear, allowing him to shift her to her back on the desk. Arching to meet his fingers, she bit back a hard squeal as she cupped his erection in her palm.

Nick squeezed his eyes shut with pure desire as he reached to yank down the top of her dress to free her breasts from the fabric. Reaching to roll a nipple between his fingers, he was unmindful to the turning of the office door. Feeling Natalie's hand guide him to the slippery entrance of her wet heat, he moaned with appreciation-

"Alex! Why didn't you tell me those photographs were in?! Daddy D and you were scoping them out before I even had a chance to see them myself! Andre set up that shoot special because he wants to track my pregnancy belly and I can't wait to show--" Alana's voice immediately halted when she pushed into the office and groped the wall till she managed to flood the room with light. Though, when she saw her fiancé hunched over the desk with her half naked best friend beneath him, she stopped dead. In fact, she was confident that God would have done right by her if he had just let her drop dead. "…Do you mind not fucking my best friend and getting all your disgusting juices over our pregnancy pictures?"

Nick jerked suddenly away from Natalie as though he had been scalded, reaching to quickly yank the zipper of his slacks up over himself. Turning to stare at Alana, he felt his heart plummet when he saw AJ stepping into the office behind her. "Beautiful, I--"

"Please tell me you at least brought a condom so I wouldn't be the redneck asshole who had to explain why my best friend was delivering in the room right next to me and my fiancé is bouncing between them to see which kids he thought were cuter-Oh! Fucking forget that nonsense because you've probably been slamming into her since I left for tour!" Alana growled, immediately stepping backward when Nick seemed to get closer. Her fists were clenched firmly at her sides as she bumped against AJ, never stumbling as she shook her head in disbelief.

"No, Beautiful, you've got to believe me," Nick began, taking another step forward. Seeing AJ's arms go protectively around Alana, he jerked a hand through his hair. "She threw herself at me--"

"Don't you dare try to pin all this on me, Nicky!" Natalie shrieked in horror, sliding off the desk while fumbling to fix her clothing to conceal her ravished body. "You started all of this! You took me to Ivy! You were the one always coming to me for loving while she was on tour! You stared at me like I was a piece of delicious meat when I was sunbathing in the backyard! You're the one that came crawling into my bed when we almost--"

"God, that's enough!" Alana growled in disgust, pulling herself away from AJ's embrace as she clutched her stomach in pain. She squeezed her eyes shut when she stumbled into the hallway. This had been a horrible nightmare. It had to be. Holding a hand to her mouth, she tried to make the world stop spinning. "Don't come near me! …God, I think I'm going to be sick…"

"Beautiful!" Nick cried, rushing to grasp her arm. "Please--"

"Goddamnit, get away from her," AJ snapped, grabbing a handful of Nick's blazer, ready to slug the younger man if necessary.

"Don't talk to me," Alana insisted raggedly, holding her breath as she pushed herself into a standing position. Pressing a hand to her mouth, she felt the rush of tears flood her vision. Tears of frustration, rage, and hurt. Feeling her entire body tense with wrath, she started to move down the hallway. She had to leave before she hurt someone.

"Alana--" Nick began, catching her arm before she could move away from him. He had to explain everything, so that she would understand what had happened.

When Nick's hand clamped onto her upper arm, it felt like his hand had turned into the sharpest set of filet knives. The way he held on so possessively sending a jolt of unfathomable pain through her body, though it couldn't possibly be any worse than the ache in her heart. And when he pulled her back; it was like a gunshot of emotion exploding in her body. Curling her fist in spite, she launched a sharp fist at his face. When it slammed fully into her fiancé's nose, she felt the cartilage give way as the warmth of blood touched her fist. He stumbled back in pain, crumpling to the floor and releasing her arm. Fumbling with the expensive engagement ring on her hand, she flung it toward him with a strangled sob. "Fuck you and that bitch of a whore you rode on!"

"My God," Natalie breathed in disbelief as Alana stormed away from Nick. Torn between helping the man and going after her friend, she hovered just inside Howie's office, hating the look of loathing AJ gave her as he turned to go after Alana.

"Al! Wait!"

Alana shook her head at AJ's pleading, not really wanting to be bothered at that moment. Furiously wiping the tears from her face, she hurried down the steps as fast as she possibly could. She stumbled once or twice, for a moment wishing that maybe she'd fall. It would feel better than the agony of her heart shattering, feeling as if the room were closing in on her. Grasping at the necklaces hanging from her elegant neck, she felt so confined. Her heart rate accelerated like a furious gallop of stallions. A cool sweat broke out on her skin. Her breathing was ragged and irregular. It would be the first panic attack since the death of her son. Weaving through the crowds, she burst onto the street, jutting her hand out to hail a cab, then crumpling over to release the thickness of her stomach contents.

"Al, please wait-Oh God," AJ groaned as the doors swung shut behind him. Swallowing the bile that rose in his throat, he reached into his suit pocket for a handkerchief, silently handing it over to Alana when her retching ceased.

"Thanks," she whispered, cupping the handkerchief to her mouth when she was sure nothing was left in her stomach. Heaving against a sob, she forced herself into an upright position, though she leaned against the side of the building for support. She felt so sick inside. She just wanted to curl up and die.

"Al, come on, I'll take you home," he murmured, reaching to smooth back a lock of hair that had loosened from her braid. "We can go get the kid from Momma D's first, and then--"

"He's not mine," Alana interrupted, keeping the handkerchief pressed tighter to her mouth, noticing an oncoming Taxi. Reaching her hand up to signal to the caddy, she shook her head toward AJ. "My name's not on the adoption papers. If I take him; it's kidnapping. And, I'd rather be by myself for awhile."

"Without me?"

"Go back and enjoy the party, you've still got phone numbers to collect," Alana declined, not really wanting AJ to witness her panic attack.

"But Al, it's not a party without you--"

"I'm not in the party mood," Alana answered, pulling open the taxi's door, though AJ reached for her arm before she could climb inside. "…I doubt you want the handkerchief back… C'mon, Alex, you've got pretty girls to woo in there."

"I don't give two shits about anyone else but you. You shouldn't be alone, not after witnessing that… Atrocity up there," AJ sighed.

"I want to be alone right now."

"I'll come by your hotel room when I leave here, then," AJ decided, leaning past her to give the cab driver a handful of bills.

"Okay," she whispered meekly, tears flooding her eyes once more when AJ's lips brushed over her forehead. Sinking into the seat, she waited for him to duck out and shut the door. She mumbled something to the cab driver about a location, but curled onto the backseat when he pulled away.
Fifty-Five by shrinkingviolet
Author's Notes:
Score! An update! ;)
After leaning back into the taxi to pay the driver, she stepped onto the sidewalk with her single piece of luggage so he could pull away. Glancing up, she simply stared at Howie's home for the longest moment, cradling her injured right arm over her slightly protruded stomach, she thought twice about walking up to Howie's front door. Last night had been overwhelming to say the very least and a blur in her memories. She had gone back to the hotel to collect her things from the hotel room and change out of the dress. She then spent most of the night on the beach, simply watching the waves roll. She had managed to keep the panic attack under control till she checked into a small hotel on the boardwalk. When she sat on the edge of the bed, she lost all control. All the memories of Nick's promises flooded back into her mind in a single tsunami-like wave. The rage of her fiancé's betrayal had all but disintegrated her will to live. That's how her arm had been injured. Maybe she shouldn't even waste her time seeing Howie…

Before she could fully change her mind and reach for her phone to call another taxi, the front door to Howie's home opened, the man himself stepping out onto the small porch. Howie's face seemed tense with worry as he gazed at her, already heading down the steps to reach for her bag. "God, Sweetie, I've been so worried," he breathed, embracing her gently before turning to usher her inside.

"Why were you so worried? I'm twenty-three years old and fully capable of spending the night in the city by myself," Alana explained, her voice meek and broken, simply allowing Howie to take her inside. Usually she would fight to do what she wanted, but her will was crushed. She could only make sure to tend to her injured right arm, pulling the sweatshirt sleeve down to cover her foolishness. "I just wanted to spend the night out on the beach…"

"What'd you do to your arm, Sweetie?" Howie questioned as he moved her towards the couch so she could settle there. Setting her bag by the coffee table, he moved to sit next to her. "AJ told me everything… Are you feeling better? He said you threw up--"

"I should have known he'd squeal like a pig," Alana sighed, gathering the cuff of the sweatshirt sleeve into her left hand so Howie wouldn't be tempted to peek at the injury. Dropping her chin to just stare at her rounding belly, she knew the truth of the matter. She looked like Hell and if AJ didn't squeal, then Howie would have certainly been able to figure it out anyway. "I'm fine. I tried seafood for the first time that wasn't in the shape of a stick and apparently it didn't agree with me last night."

"And… That hurt your arm?" Howie continued, gently taking her right arm into his hands. Pulling back the sweatshirt sleeve, he raised one brow when he saw the fine cuts into her skin. "Sweetie…"

"I didn't do it on purpose if that's what you're thinking," Alana mumbled when he bunched the sleeve against her upper arm to view her lower arm. It was littered with fine cuts and tears, the larger cuts sealed together with makeshift butterfly stitches that she had created. What seemed worse was the gross swelling of her hand and fingers; dark bruises coloring around her knuckles and back toward her wrist. When she had caught her reflection in the mirror of the hotel in the middle of the panic attack, her frustration and rage burst into a violent physical outburst and her hand went directly into the center of the mirror. She loathed the sight of her reflection, just wanting to stop the hurt for a moment. Even if she made her hand hurt to forget the pain in her heart.

"God, Sweetie… Why'd you disappear like that?" Howie murmured as he launched to his feet.

"What was I supposed to do, Howie? Just go back to the party and pretend that everything was fine? Just go into our circle of business associates and toast the career I created? I felt like the building was falling in on me. I didn't want to stay there and I'm not some child. I can leave and go where I please… What are you doing?"

"Calling a doctor to come and take a look at your hand," Howie explained as he reached for the phone.

"Bringing a doctor here isn't going to do a damn thing. It's broken and I'm going to the Emergency Room when I get back to Kentucky to get it taken care of," Alana explained, reaching to grasp Howie's t-shirt to prevent his intentions. "I called the magazine and told them there was an emergency and I had to cancel. I promised them some of my ultrasound copies, so if you could fax them over or something, I'd be grateful. And I'm doing an exclusive interview with them over the phone."

"Why are you going back to Kentucky--"

"The anniversary of Colt's death is three days from now and I promised my ex-husband that I'd go to his resting place with him. And, if I went back to California, there's a damn good chance that I'd end up in jail being someone's carpet-bitch--"

"Alana!"

"What?"

"You shouldn't say things like that!"

"I'm going to Kentucky for a few days so I can have a break," Alana corrected instead, hearing Howie's front door burst open as he disappeared into the kitchen for something. Sighing softly, she leaned back against the couch, covering her face with her good hand.

"D, have you heard anything?!" AJ bellowed as he slammed the door shut. Turning to enter the living room, he skidded to a stop when he saw Alana on the couch. "Halle-fucking-lujah! You weren't answering your phone, the hotel said you checked out and--"

"I wasn't staying in the same room with Nick, even if he probably went back to Natalie's room last night… And I got a new phone because I didn't want him or her calling me," Alana interjected softly, reaching to roll the sleeve back down.

"God I was so damned worried," AJ admitted as he tossed his cap to the coffee table before settling next to her to pull her into his arms.

"Alex! Wait!" Alana yelped in pain when her right arm was crushed against AJ from the power of his embrace. Immediately, she jerked backward to cradle her arm, fighting the pained tears that flooded her eyes. She was so very tired of crying.

"Holy shit, what'd you do?" AJ questioned with a worried rasp.

"I just… It was an accident…"

"Are you okay?" he murmured, gently pulling her to him so her back rested against his chest.

"I'm okay," she promised, watching blearily as AJ took her right hand into his, carefully assessing the injuries she had caused. Leaning back fully against him so her head rested against his shoulder, she just watched the gentle ministrations of his work, wincing when he bellowed for Howie to bring out an ice pack. "I was just telling Howie that I'm going back to Kentucky for a few days…"

"To see Jeremy at the cemetery?" AJ murmured.

"And maybe go back to the hospital, see some old friends, find my favorite patients, spend some time with Lizzie…"

"Okay…"

"What now?" Alana asked, tilting her head to look up at AJ's morose face as Howie returned with an ice pack.

"I'm not allowed to miss you?" AJ questioned softly, taking the ice pack and gently placing it over her arm.

"Of course you're allowed to miss me… But I am coming back… I have a contract with you two and I'm obligated to finish this album. I have meetings and photoshoots and interviews and studio time… I'm not leaving forever…"

"I know… You'll call me? Every hour?" AJ requested, ignoring Howie's irritated sigh.

"I made sure to transfer numbers I needed from my old phone to my new phone before it ended up in pieces," Alana promised with a small nod, shifting slightly at the seeping of icy coldness over her injured hand. But she looked to Howie for a moment. "I know you're my manager and it's not really your job to be in my personal affairs… But is there any way that I can get you to find me a furnished apartment or something in California?"

"Sure thing Sweetie," Howie promised softly.

"Wait, you can stay with me--"

"I don't need anything big or extravagant or expensive. Just a bedroom for me and a bedroom for the twins… Anything'll do, really," Alana explained, disregarding AJ's offer. "Anything that fits in my budget so I don't have to worry about you fronting the bills."

"I'll take care of it," Howie assured her. "When are you leaving?"

"A few hours--"

"Why don't you go upstairs and take a shower and I'll fix you some lunch?" Howie offered when AJ opened his mouth to speak.

"I'm not hungry, but I'll take you up on the shower," Alana answered, pulling herself from AJ's embrace to stand. Taking the ice pack into her own hand to balance on her wrist, she shifted close to Howie to press an affectionate kiss to his cheek. "Thank you so much, Howie…"

"It's all going to be okay, Sweetie. I promise," Howie murmured, giving her a gentle squeeze. Making sure to avoid her arm, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead when she slipped away. Watching her head up the stairs, he turned to AJ. "Leave her alone. Understand?"

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" AJ growled, offended that Howie would even suggest that he had ill intentions toward Alana. Throwing himself off the couch, he was quick to follow his friend into the kitchen, though his gaze moved to the stairs for a moment. He thought about helping Alana take her shower. After all, her hand would be far too damaged to—

"You know damned well what it means," Howie grumbled, grasping AJ's shirt in order to jerk him into the kitchen. "You leave her alone. She just found her fiancé about to have sex with another woman, the last thing she wants or needs is some greasy jerk-off sniffing around her."

"First off, it ain't my fault that Nick was fucking around with Natalie. I tried to tell her from the very beginning, but she wouldn't listen. And they were even planning on ditching at Tabu to get together. And I ain't some greasy jerk-off! I'm one of her best friends! She needs me, so get your paws off my new shirt!" AJ hissed, yanking himself away from Howie's hold, though he stumbled into the kitchen table instead.

"What do you mean they were planning to ditch at Tabu? Are you fucking crazy?" Howie growled, shoving AJ into a chair before the man could be tempted to leap up and leave the room.

"When we were recording two days ago, I was walking to the kitchen to get a soda and Nick was talking about getting away with Natalie the next day. Called her his favorite mistress. So don't tell me I'm fucking crazy!"

"I find that very hard to believe," Howie decided with a shake of his head.

"You say this after Al finds Nick throwing Natalie over your desk, his dick halfway in her?"

"She was drunk!"

"That's your excuse for what she did?"

"She wasn't the only damn person in that room!"

"No shit!"

"Then why are you placing all the damn blame on her?"

"When did I put the blame on her? I said Nick threw Natalie over your desk, not the other way--"

"I think I might be better off just waiting at the airport for my flight," Alana interjected softly, having come down to ask where the towels were only to catch the edge of the conversation. It was all too clear, though. Natalie would always have the trust and support of the group, no matter what she did. Both Nick and Natalie were to blame for the affair, but Howie was quick to come to her defense. There would be no fairness at all. They loved Natalie too much.

"Sweetie--”

"I just wanted to let you know what was going on. Make sure everything gets canceled for this week and rescheduled for the following. I'll be ready to go back into the studio immediately," Alana promised, setting the ice pack on the counter. "Thanks for everything, Howie."

"You're welcome, but Sweetie are you sure--"

"Why don't I drive you to the airport?" AJ suggested, leaping to his feet before Howie could stop him.

"It'd be better than wasting more money on gas," Alana consented. "I'll go get my bag."

Howie sighed as Alana left the room, turning to glare at AJ. "Don't you dare--"

"Dare what?" AJ tempted with a wicked smirk, fumbling in his pockets for his keys.

"You know," Howie warned.

"I'm just giving her a shoulder to cry on--"

"And a hard dick to suck on, I'm sure."

"Don't get mad, D, just get even. That's my motto."

"Just be careful."

"Why would I need condoms? She's already pregnant--"

"Goddamnit, AJ--" Howie abruptly cut off when he heard AJ's snickering. "You son-of-a-bitch--"

"I love you too, Daddy D," the younger man cooed, skipping out the door.

*~*~*

Tiptoeing around the hotel room, Nick hurriedly tossed things into the suitcase, being sure to avoid making too much noise. Zachary slept peacefully, despite his earlier demands for his mother, and Nick wanted to keep him peaceful for as long as possible. Heaving a sigh when he heard someone tapping at the door, he momentarily hoped it was Alana, but the memory of his actions the night before flooded back, causing a wave of guilt to sweep over him as he moved to answer the knock.

"What are you doing here?" Nick announced wearily instead of the usual greeting that he would offer Natalie. But things had changed between them following the previous night. Whatever relationship they had previous to that night had burned beneath the foolishness of their passion for one another. What had possessed him to take up Natalie's offer? Alana was his only love; the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. His past, present, and future. She was the only woman that fueled a burning desire deep within his heart… Until… At first he thought of closing the door and telling her to go away, but the similar haunted look on her face possessed him to open the door for her. Though, he did nothing to greet her, simply returning to his tasks at hand. He had to get home to California, hopefully Alana would be there and he could make amends.

Natalie sighed heavily, carefully closing the door behind her. "I was hoping 'Lana would be…"

"Look around, Nat… You pretty fucking much got rid of her now, didn't you?" Nick muttered with a casual shrug of his shoulders, moving into the bathroom to gather Zachary's bath things.

"I wasn't the only one on that desk, Nicky," Natalie immediately defended with a shrill growl bubbling against her throat. Immediately moving to stand in the threshold of the doorway leading to the bathroom, she watched Nick steadily drop things into a bag, not caring what was what. "If you don't remember, I'm not the one that got my nose broken, now did I?"

"Only 'cause you were too damn busy… Damnit, I'm tired of all this fucking fighting," Nick sighed wearily, jerking his hands through his hair before zipping the bag closed. "Look, Nat, whatever you wanted, the answer is no. When you get back to California, you need to find another place to live. 'Cause I'm not going through this shit again."

"I just wanted to talk to 'Lana and apologize for what happened. And then I wanted to talk to you to make sure you were okay…" Natalie immediately thrust her hands into her t-shirt to pinch and roll at the wrinkles she created. Chewing on her bottom lip, she tensed when Nick brushed past her, no kindling of any romantic interest flooding from his body into hers. Instead, he was so cold. Natalie felt so miserable after what happened. Alana's dejected facial expression had haunted her through the entire evening. She had spent most of her time sobbing. "What do you mean I can't live with you?"

"Exactly what I said. You can't live with me. Call JC or Flavio or Howie or one of those other retarded fuck-offs who still dangle around after you," Nick replied in a monotone, cramming the last of his items into the suitcases. Looking towards the head of the bed, he saw with relief that Zachary still slept.

"Don't forget you were one of those fuck-offs--"

"And I know you're so damned satisfied. Happy now? See the shit that happened just 'cause you wanted to know whether or not we could fuck?"

Natalie shrugged her shoulders haphazardly, moving to sit at the head of the bed. Reaching to brush her fingers down Zachary's tummy, she maintained a naďve impression about what had happened. After a night of sobbing into a soggy pillow, she decided that things couldn't possibly be as bad as she projected it. "'Lana loves you more than life itself and she's pregnant, she's not going to just leave--"

"She walked in and saw you with my dick in your hand," Nick hissed, wincing in pain when his nose twitched with annoyance. Cupping his palm over the bandages, he slumped on the foot of the bed. "That was pretty much a deal breaker, Nat."

"Look at the bright side, she didn't shove the engagement ring into any of your cavities though--"

"I'm sure she would have if she'd been able to see straight. Don't you realize that she hates me now?"

"She hates me, too."

"Trust me, she hates me more…" Nick trailed, getting to his feet so he could move the bags to the door.

"Nick… You wanted to do it as much as I wanted to do it--"

"That doesn't make it any less wrong. Put him in the carrier for me?"

"You're really serious about making me find somewhere else to live?" Natalie asked, turning to gather Zachary into her arms. But, the baby had turned onto his stomach, using the blankets as leverage to scoot across the large bed. He seemed determined to get away from her.

"Maa!" Zachary announced, looking to his father with a wide grin as he continued his trek.

"Hey, Son," Nick murmured, dropping the bags just outside the door for the bellman to retrieve. Glancing down the hallway to see the trolley already being wheeled towards his room, he turned to scoop Zachary up into his arms. "I'm serious, Natalie."

Natalie's facial expression turned crestfallen. "Why?"

"Because of what always happens when we're alone together! If we're not fighting we're--"

“Falling in love?" she guessed hopefully, just wanting someone to love her, if anyone.

"…What?"

"We were falling in love… Right?"

"God no," Nick breathed, staring at her incredulously. Was she truly that naďve, to think that their actions indicated deeper feelings? "Holy shit, Nat--"

"What?" Natalie whispered, immediately scrambling from the bed.

"You were falling in love me?"

"God, no," Natalie breathed, clasping her hands into her lap when she ended at the edge of the bed. "What makes you think that? Like we could ever make anything good together…"

Nick eyed her warily, not quite believing her denial. "But you just looked all hopeful like some kid at Christmas--"

"Oh please, what does it matter, Nicky? It wasn't like you were falling in love with me. And Brian's my one and only… And you're hopelessly in love with Alana… Right?

"Right."

"So… What are you going to do?"

"Go home and raise my son… She already changed numbers on her phone, and neither Howie or AJ'll talk to me, which isn't surprising. I have no idea where she is or what she's doing."

"You're sure you don't want me to help--"

"You've helped enough," Nick interrupted with a sigh, stooping to place Zachary in the carrier. Once his son was strapped in, babbling excitedly, he glanced towards Natalie. "Just give me a call when you're ready to come get your stuff."

"Are you not going to be at the house when I come to get my stuff? Is that it? We're just going to stop being friends and everything because of one little mistake? Because 'Lana overreacted?" Natalie charged, standing with a disconcerted expression crossing her face. The spring of tears welled in her caramel eyes while she studied Nick, wanting him to tell her otherwise.

"I'll be there, Jesus… She didn't overreact. Considering the circumstances, she probably under-reacted," Nick sighed. "We can still be friends, okay? I just need to get things worked out with Beautiful."

Upon hearing his father's nickname for his mother, Zachary squealed with excitement. Throwing his head around, he attempted to rock his car seat so he could find her. Thrusting a fist into his mouth, his lightening brows furrowed in confusion. "Da! Maa? …Mama?"

Nick picked up the carrier, glancing towards Zachary with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "We're going to find Mama, Son…"

"Dada! Mama!" Zachary approved with a lopsided grin against the fingers he had thrust into his mouth, looking to Natalie.

"We'll see you around, Natalie," Nick promised.

"You're not going to find her--"

"The Hell I'm not."

"She's changed her--"

"I don't give a damn what she's changed. I'll find her."

"You love her so much…"

"More than anything in the world," Nick promised before turning to leave.

Closing her eyes and pursing her lips together to keep from crying out, she waited for several moments after Nick allowed the door to close behind him. Satisfied that he would already be on the elevator and leaving, she hurried over to her hotel room, fumbling with the lock till she was safely inside. Without warning, a sharp sob burst from her chest as wave after wave of angry guilt swept over her. She had compromised the future marriage of Nick and Alana because she was feeling insecure. Because she wanted Nick to love her in the chances that she could love him and forget about Brian. But, she had only caused the destruction of so many lives and now she was homeless. Heaving a strangled breath, she reached for the phone, hurriedly punching in the familiar numbers to Howie's home.

Wiping her eyes on the hem of her t-shirt, she released a hearty sob when Howie answered on the second ring, his voice as always tinged with just a note of warmth and welcome.

"…Hello?"

"Howie, I need help," she instantly whined with a broken whimper.

"…Nattie?"

"Nicky kicked me out…"

"Oh, Nattie," Howie sighed softly. "…Don't you think that maybe that was in the best interest of both of you?"

"Yes," Natalie agreed after a moment, allowing the word to drag out over several syllables. Sniffling, she fiddled with the hem of her t-shirt, hoping Howie would help her. "But now I have nowhere to go…"

"Don't you still have your place in Georgia?"

"I got out of my lease when Baylee was in the hospital," Natalie admitted. It had seemed the natural thing to do. Somehow she had known deep down that Brian would take care of her when Baylee got better. Now those plans and thoughts were all for naught.

"…Well, where do you want to live, Nattie?"

"You mean my dream house or just a place to throw my purse down at the end of the day?" Natalie questioned with a hiccup.

"Where you'd like to live right now, Nattie. Do you want to stay in California? Do you want to go back to Georgia? Maybe you liked Kentucky best? Or Florida?"

"California, I suppose… If Alana still wants me to help her out…"

"We need all the help we can get and I'd love to still be able to give you a paycheck. The thought of you starving, poor, and hungry just makes me sick… We just can't tell Alana that you're helping out right now. Maybe let you run the website and keep up on her appointments for me…"

"That sounds pretty good to me, Howie…"

"I have to find Alana a little place, so it won't be a bother to find you one while I'm on the hunt-You didn't hear that from me."

"Okay. Thank you so much, Howie."

"How are you doing, Sweetheart?"

"I'm okay," Natalie lied softly, quickly brushing the newest wave of tears away.

"You don't sound okay…"

"I just lost my best friend and my living quarters, Howie…"

"Which best friend are we talking about?"

"Alana… Who else?"

"I'm just wondering what Nick was to you, Nattie… What you were thinking when you two decided to… Did she really find you on my desk with him? What were your intentions?"

"God, Howie," Natalie groaned, flopping onto her back so she could stare at the ceiling. "I don't know what we were thinking… And yes, she found me on your desk with him… I was drunk and trying to prove to myself that I could still bring a man to… I don't know."

"So many men at that party and you decide to prove your feminine wiles on Nick? God, Natalie, you're so beautiful and charming. Every man looks your way when you walk by. They remember who you are no matter how briefly they met you…"

"I'm sorry, Howie…"

"I'm not the one you have to apologize to, Nattie."

"I know that… Can… Can I stay with you until you find me a place? My budget doesn't allow for a hotel stay right now--"

"Yeah, Alana left a few hours ago."

"Left? …Do you know where she's going?"

"I'm one of her managers, of course I know where she's going."

"And I'm her assistant, I should know where she's going too…"

"She's spending a few days in Kentucky. Seems the anniversary of her son's death is in two days and she promised her ex-husband that she'd visit the cemetery with him. Of course, that'll be after she goes to the Emergency Room… Remind me to call her to make sure she actually went--"

"Emergency Room? What happened?" Natalie chirped worriedly. "God, did something happen to the babies--"

"Nothing happened to the babies and nothing will… That is if she manages to get her appetite back at all… Seems she got sick in front of Tabu, which probably put a hurting on my sales… But, she sent her hand through a mirror. She's pretty sure she broke a few bones in her wrist and hand area. It's bruised and swollen. And the cuts… She'll be lucky if it doesn't get infected--"

"Oh, God, and it's all my fault," Natalie groaned.

"It's Nick's fault - his hard head probably didn't help her hand--"

"No, it's my fault," Natalie disagreed, sliding off the bed so she could begin to pack her few things. Sniffling, she picked up the dress she had worn the night before, eying it ruefully before tossing it into the trash. "I was the one who had a fixation on Nick. The one who had to prove something to herself. The one who got drunk and practically raped him--"

"He's a grown man and he could have said no--"

"Stop arguing with me… Can you come pick me up?"

"Yes, I'll leave right now."

"I really appreciate this, Howie… And I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"We're friends, Nattie, think nothing of it."
Fifty-Six by shrinkingviolet
Throwing her frustrations into the bulk of the chocolate cookie batter she was preparing, she had to grunt in annoyance at the weakness of her left hand in controlling the electric mixer. After stepping onto the sweet bluegrass of her native town, she had gone straight to the Emergency Room to have her hand looked at. Naturally, her coworkers had squealed over her presence in the hospital, immediately chiding her for not visiting sooner or telling them of her pregnancy. In fact, Alana had almost forgotten about her hand till Dr. Allman hollered at her for her reckless behavior. Needless to say, after her wounds were cleaned and the large ones stitched, her hand had been immediately cast in plaster from the second knuckles of her fingers to just before her elbow. To say she was perturbed with the outcome was putting it mildly, because the stress of Nick's betrayal and anniversary of her son's death had no way of being released. Usually she would be rock climbing or riding her four wheeler or boating, but all were impossible with her hand in a cast. It seemed like God was truly against her at this point in life, even as the doorbell chimed. Cursing at the stinging burn of her fingers when she jumped at the sound of her doorbell over the music, causing her to hold the fresh pan of cookies too long, she tossed the pan to the top of the oven, throwing the mitt down to answer her door. Maybe Jeremy was looking to spend more time with her, he had mentioned about bringing over some home videos later…

“Daddy?! Why you ring the bell? 'Lana wouldn't care if we just walked in,” Baylee chided loudly as Alana neared the door.

"Scooper, no matter how close we are to Alana, we're still guests--"

"You're only guests if I let you in," Alana interrupted, opening the door to find Baylee furiously tugging on his father's pants to make him open the door.

“'Lana'll let me in,” Baylee informed his father with a proud grin as he quickly moved to embrace Alana. “Su'prise, 'Lana!”

"This certainly is a surprise!" Alana agreed, crouching down to embrace the child. Feeling his arms curve around her neck before burying his face into the side of her face and loose ponytail, she sighed softly. Rubbing his back with her good arm, she tilted her head to press a soft kiss to his face. "How'd you ever find my house, Boogie?"

“We looked in the phone book,” Baylee answered, his voice muffled as he pressed his face against her neck. “An' Daddy said we had to come an' see you to make sure you ain't plottin' Nicky's death--”

"And who squealed to you?" Alana questioned of Brian, sliding her arm beneath Baylee's backside to lift him into her arms. She looked to Brian as Baylee continued to babble against the side of her face, watching him look at the array of packages on her porch.

“...Howie called me,” Brian explained softly. “What's all this?”

"They're from Nick," Alana answered, allowing him to step inside before she shut the door. Gesturing for him to follow her into the kitchen, she settled Baylee down at the kitchen table. When he saw the large batch of chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies, his dark sapphire eyes seemed to electrify. Smiling, Alana ruffled his locks and moved to retrieve him a large glass of milk.

“I take it you haven't opened them?” Brian questioned, seating himself next to Baylee at the table. After receiving Howie's call, he had expected to hear from Natalie, sharing her version of events. But his cell phone had yet to receive a call from her.

"Why should I open them?" Alana returned, setting a small cup of milk next to Baylee so he could dunk the cookies into it. She then retrieved a glass of milk for Brian as well.

“Maybe he's sending you money?” Brian suggested with a half-hearted smile, murmuring thanks as he accepted the milk. “Not too many, Scooper, we still have to go to dinner...”

"We stay here for dinner," Baylee decided, pushing a cookie in his father's mouth. "Cookies got milk and eggs! Dinner!"

“They've got protein, dairy, and wheat! And we can drink even more dairy!” Brian cried with excitement.

"I can just see how y'all will survive in Canada. Boxes of cookies and gallons of milk…" Alana laughed with honest amusement, taking the next bag of peanut butter chips off to the side of the boys. Fumbling slightly to open it with her immobilized fingers, she walked back to her sitting batter to mix them in.

“Do you need some help?” Brian questioned, already getting to his feet. Taking the bag from her, he moved to mix the chips into the batter.

"I think that would be the understatement of the world," Alana sighed with frustration, relinquishing her hold on the batter and bag, allowing him to do the work. Leaning against the nearby counter, she noticed Baylee happily munching on the cookies without a care in the world. It left her freedom to actually carry a serious conversation with Brian. "…What all did Howie tell you?"

“Not the X-rated version... That duty was left to AJ,” Brian muttered bitterly, still irritated over the way AJ had told him in painstakingly carnal detail what had been occurring between Nick and Natalie in Howie's office.

"I'm so sorry, Brian…" Alana sighed, pushing off the counter when Baylee asked to watch TV. Helping him into the living room with cookies and milk, she turned on the TV for the boy and showed him how to work the remote. When he was engrossed in cartoons, she returned to the kitchen to see Brian scooping balls of cookie dough onto the cookie sheet. Retrieving a spoon, she dipped into the batter for a taste.

“It's not your fault,” Brian promised softly, stooping to place the cookie sheet into the oven. Glancing towards her injured arm, he smiled wryly. “Don't beat yourself up about it...”

"I didn't beat myself up," Alana objected, hopping onto the counter for a seat. "I broke Nick's nose."

“I heard about that... Why didn't you break Natalie's too?”

"Because the bitch was smart enough to stay away from me."

“Too bad... But how are you doing? Howie told me you put a fist through a mirror...”

"I didn't like the reflection I saw…" Alana sighed when Brian stood in front of her, taking the cast into his hands for inspection. "Nothing the Emergency Room couldn't fix. A few stitches from the cuts to minimize scarring and a cast for the broken bones in my hand and wrist. Good as new."

“If I hadn't taken Leighanne back this never would have happened,” Brian sighed.

"So… That means I should break your nose with my cast?"

“If it'll make you feel better, go ahead--”

“You definitely fucked up when you took Leighanne back, but you thought you were doing the right thing by your family. You assumed she was pregnant and gave her the benefit of the doubt. If anything, you're guilty of being naďve," Alana murmured softly, watching Brian rummage for the purple permanent marker in her junk drawer. "…But, you're fooling yourself if you try to admit that you don't love Natalie still. She's in every single waking thought and probably visits your dreams, too. You have every right to be upset with what she did. About being lied to and betrayed. But… She's pretty much a foolish twit. She didn't have any idea of what she was doing…"

“She was laying on her back with her skirt pushed up to her chest and Nick's dick in her hand. I think she knew what she was doing,” Brian disagreed with a shake of his head.

"Let's not push me into another panic attack."

“Sorry,” Brian mumbled, reaching to take her casted arm gently in his hands again. “Where can I sign?”

"Anywhere you want…"

“Will you come to dinner with me and Scooper? We're going to Mom's, and I know she'd love to have you.”

"Are you trying to hit on me?" she suddenly teased.

“Would it work if I did?” he returned.

"Sure, why not?"

“In that case, let's dump Scooper at Mom's and I can take you out in style!”

"Y'mean we can go to a restaurant that don't have hay on the floor?!"

“I'll even take you to one that won't let people spit their scraps into the corner!”

"Well holy damn!"

Brian laughed softly, leaning up to peck Alana's cheek softly as he finished signing her cast. “What do you say?”

"…Wait, we're serious?"

“About dinner, yeah? I'm not sure about the whole hitting on you part--”

"I see how it is, everyone and their mother in the Backstreet Boys can hit on Natalie, but I'm just some goofy friend," Alana huffed, sliding off the counter to retrieve the cookie sheet from the oven. Setting it on the top of the stove to cool, she looked to Brian. "I really wouldn't want to intrude on a family dinner."

“Come on, Alana. You're more than a goofy friend,” Brian attempted to assuage. “And it's not a family dinner--”

"A pregnant goofy friend."

“A gorgeous woman that I truly love and care for and hate seeing hurt,” Brian argued softly. “Come on, I'll take you to the Olive Garden...”

"Do you have any idea how good their chicken alfredo is?"

“Better than sex.”

"And I certainly won't be getting that for a long damn while…"

“That makes two of us...”

"…When Howie called you, did he tell you to come and check up on me?"

“No. He thinks I'm still in California.”

"You didn't even let him know you went home?"

“I figured he'd tell Nat, and I really don't want to see her now...”

"Are you ever going to want to see her again?" Alana asked, watching Brian turn off her stove and then retrieve the sling for her arm. When he handed it to her, she slipped it around her neck and gently slid her hand inside. Retrieving her keys, she followed him to the living room where he told Baylee to get his shoes on.

“I don't really know,” Brian murmured in answer to Alana's question, dropping to his knees in front of Baylee in order to tie the boy's shoes. Natalie had hurt him far more than he had ever imagined anyone could. It would be a long time before he would even be able to speak to her on the phone.

"And Nick?"

“If I saw him right now I'd probably break more than his nose...”

"Yeah…" Alana sighed, reaching for the remote to turn off her large TV.

“Where we going?” Baylee questioned as he was shooed towards the door. Turning back to grab a handful of cookies off the plate, he glanced up to his father. “Go get Mommy?”

"We're taking your 'Lana out to dinner at the Olive Garden. The monsters are hungry. You can either go to Gramma's for dinner or you can come with us," Brian answered, pressing a hand to the small of Alana's back to help her out the door. He had been plagued with questions about Natalie since the very beginning and he had done his best to keep a civil attitude about her with Baylee. The little boy loved her like no other.

“Will G'amma have 'roni an' cheese?” Baylee requested hopefully, his words muffled around the cookie he chewed diligently.

"Gramma will make you anything your little heart desires. You know that," Brian returned, opening the passenger door of his vehicle to help Alana in. Once she was seated comfortably, he closed the door and scooped Baylee into his arms, helping him into the booster seat in the back.

Once buckled in securely, Baylee leaned forward to whisper to Alana as his father walked around to the driver side. “G'amma'll let me call Mommy--”

"Aren't you lucky…" Alana trailed brokenly, not wanting to dash Baylee's hopes, but unable to keep from wishing ill for the woman who had wrecked her happiness. She had known from the start that women were cold and calculating. That's why she had kept far away from that gender. She thought Natalie had been different…

“Scooper, you going with us or do you want to go to Gramma's?” Brian questioned as he climbed in. Glancing over his shoulder to his son, he saw the glimmer of excitement in the sapphire eyes. “Well?”

“G'amma's!”

"Guess we have time after dinner to stop at the hotel now," Alana drawled, glancing out the window.

“Remind me to stop at the adult store and get some feathers,” Brian returned with a teasing smirk.

"As long as I'm allowed to pick out the edible body oil."

“Maybe we can get some chocolate body paints as well?”

"God, I love chocolate…"

“I'd bet it tastes really good if someone licks it off your neck...” Brian trailed thoughtfully.

"Off my neck as in any woman's neck in general?"

“Off your neck as in your neck--” Brian cut off with a firm blush, quickly starting the engine. “I mean--”

"You're really horny if you're hitting me up for sexual favors, Littrell. After all, I'm just the good friend that you couldn't possibly hit on," Alana mused, lightly shrugging her shoulders before reaching over to secure his seatbelt.

“Why couldn't I hit on you?” Brian questioned.

"Because you just said in my house that you couldn't possibly hit on me…"

“I'm allowed to change my mind, aren't I?”

“Daddy, if you're going to hit on 'Lana, can you take me to G'amma's first?”

*~*~*

“Mama!”

Hearing his son's hopeful cry, Nick furiously rubbed his temples as he made his way into the nursery, knowing that his face was the last one Zachary wanted to see. He had been able to assuage the fiercest fits so far, with empty promises of finding Mommy soon. Though he knew that shortly Zachary would realize that his mother would not be returning anytime soon. Sighing, he was about to scoop Zachary from the crib when he heard the front door bang open.

"Dada! No! No! No!" Zachary actually growled when his father stood in front of the crib. Already on all fours within the crib, he thrust one pudgy hand through the bars as if he were going to throttle his father. But waivered at the shift in his gravity, falling onto his stomach with a grunt. His large cobalt eyes widened in horror when Nick turned. "Mama! D'es! Mama! Mama! Mama!"

“NICK! Where are you?!”

Nick winced at the defined shriek in his sister's tone, turning back to scoop Zachary into his arms. Thinking perhaps he could ignore Leslie for the moment, he cringed when BJ and Angel's voices joined into the cries. After changing Zachary, who continued to beg for his mother, he headed to the top of the stairs, only to see his sisters waiting at the bottom, like fat spiders awaiting their flies.

"No, no, no," Zachary moaned at the sounds of his aunts, clapping his hands onto his reddened ears before throwing himself back against Nick. "Mama! Yes!"

“It's okay, Son,” Nick murmured in a soothing tone, offering his sisters an offended glare as he moved down the stairs. “What do y'all want?”

"For you to take us out to dinner to celebrate your dumping the redneck whore!" BJ crooned with a grin. "Angel said she'd even bring one of her model friends for you to forget your troubles on. She's had the hots for you for years. We'll take pictures and really make the bitch freak!"

“You'll do no such thing,” Leslie warned with a scowl. “Nick, did you really--”

“Yes, I really did that,” Nick finished with a sigh, brushing past so he could go prepare Zachary's breakfast.

Angel rolled her eyes with disgust, pushing on Leslie's shoulder so she could follow her eldest brother. Flipping a thin piece of brunette hair behind her thin shoulders, she elongated her body in a proud posture. "Don't be such a moron, Leslie, of course he fucked another girl. Everyone knows Nick is just like Dad and Mom. Can't stay in a relationship long enough without getting the itch for another place to sink his--"

“Enough!” Nick growled in annoyance.

"Don't yell at Angel for just for speaking the truth, Nick," BJ growled, pulling open his fridge to retrieve a bottle of Mike's Hard Lemonade. Popping the top, she hopped onto the counter, making no move to take Zachary in her arms when he fussed at his father to be put somewhere else.

“But it's not the truth,” Nick argued. “I didn't do anything with Natalie. I mean, yeah, we were about to, but--”

"Where's the Dumbass of an older brother that ruined the best thing I ever had going in my whole fucking life for some two-bit Playboy Bunny?!" Aaron suddenly bellowed from the front door, following a rush of barking dogs.

“Would you be fucking quiet?” Leslie admonished her younger brother, taking Zachary into her arms as BJ made rude gestures towards the child. “It's okay, Sweetheart... C'mon, Daddy made you your favorite! Let's eat!”

"When have you ever told me to- What the fuck happened to your face, bro?!" Aaron hissed in shock when he sauntered into the kitchen, looking at the overwhelming amount of swelling enlarging Nick's nose combined with the dark raccoon-eyed-bruises wrapped around his eyes and over his nose. Reaching over the counter, he pressed his fingers to the bridge of Nick's nose. "Did Hercules' come at you with a golden bat--"

“Goddamnit! Get off me!” Nick shrieked, jerking away as the pain bolted through his face from his brother's touch. Reaching across the counter, he slapped Aaron sharply against the cheek before getting Zachary's plate and taking it to the table.

"Nick!" Angel screeched in horror, reaching to grab Aaron's face to make sure he was okay, though he stumbled back in horror, clutching his face. "What the fuck is wrong with you?!"

“I'm sick of you all acting like I'm some hormone-driven fuck-off!” Nick growled.

"Then what the Hell were you thinking when you threw Natalie onto Howie's desk?! What? You're madly in love with her now? You don't give a flying fuck about Sis or the twins she's carrying?!" Aaron howled, shoving Nick hard into his seat before rubbing his aching face.

“Of course I'm not madly in love with Natalie! For God's sake she's the one that dragged me up there! And you know that I love Beautiful and the twins more than anything--”

"So fucking her best friend was just a way to get closer to her?" Aaron spat.

“I really don't want to talk about this with you,” Nick sighed.

"Because he has no excuse for what he did," BJ sang, draining the rest of her glass bottle. "He's a Carter."

“Go to Hell,” Nick hissed.

"Like you're really going to miss her," Angel sighed, leaning on the counter while playing idly with her hair. "You'll mope around for a week, then find some other pretty girl who catches your interest better. And now you don't have to worry about supporting her sorry ass."

“You're wrong,” Nick vowed, making sure Zachary was eating before he turned to glare at BJ and Angel. “I'll never find anyone who can catch my interest better than Beautiful ever did. You're just jealous-both of you-'cause you know that she's ten times better than you are in every way. So just get the fuck off my back.”

"Would you stop your--"

"Bje! Ang! Let me show you something!" Aaron whistled suddenly.

"The front door…" Leslie murmured with a small, bemused smile while she handed Zachary another chunk of seedless watermelon from the plate. She held a towel on their laps to catch the runny excess of juicy water while he gnawed happily on the fruit, satiated for the moment. Though, she looked to her older brother with an expression of hurt, bewilderment, and sadness. "Nick… Why'd you do it?"

“I really don't know...” Nick sighed, raking a hand through his hair as he watched his son eat happily.

"You just set an atomic bomb off on your love life and you don't know why you did it?" Leslie groaned. "What did Natalie have that Als couldn't give you? Is it because you have feelings for Nat--"

“I don't have feelings for Nat, okay? God... I honestly don't know why I did it. She doesn't have anything that Beautiful couldn't give me. I just...”

"Just what?"

“She wanted to see what would happen if we both weren't drunk, and--”

"You just went along with it? No feelings for her whatsoever, engaged to her best friend, having twins with her best friend, and you decide that you might as well try her out?"

“God, what was I supposed to do? She had my dick in her hand--”

"Tell her you're in love with another woman and couldn't bear to do anything to hurt her?"

“That didn't occur to me,” Nick admitted with a guilty groan.

"That much is obvious," Leslie snorted, brushing her fingers lightly through Zachary's locks. "I think he's going to end up being a really light brunette or a dark blonde… Oh, and Howie called me."

“...What'd he want?” Nick questioned softly.

"Als went to Kentucky for a few days because the anniversary of Colt's death was this week. She told him that she wanted to find a small apartment around here for a minimal cost. As long as it's comfortable for her and the twins. He asked me to come over here and get her clothes so she at least won't have to buy those. I wasn't supposed to tell you, but you're my big brother and…"

“How long is she going to be in Kentucky?”

"A few days, I guess… Why?"

“Can you book me a flight out there for today or tonight?” Nick requested.

"Is she the one that broke your nose?"

Nick winced at the memory. “Yes...”

"Then you better stay right here--"

“Don't you understand that I need to see her?! God, I'd give anything to take back what happened, I really would. But damnit, I need to talk to her, to get her to understand--”

"She doesn't want to see you."

“But, Les--”

"If you think you're going to do any good by going to Kentucky, then you book that flight yourself, 'cause I'd have serious guilt issues about sending my older brother to his execution," Leslie interrupted, hoisting the sticky infant into his arms when he was finished eating. "I need to go get her clothes around."

“Where are you taking her clothes to?”

"To Howie's place…"

Sighing, Nick turned to carry Zachary upstairs for his bath. “When she gets back out here, you'll tell me where she's staying, right?”

"If she wants me to…" Leslie trailed, stepping into the master bedroom, not really having the heart to tell her brother that she had already spoken to her.

“...You've talked to her, haven't you?” Nick accused, whirling around to stare at her. “How is she? How are the twins? Did she say anything about me--”

"We didn't talk that long--" Leslie squealed in shock when Nick sat Zachary on the floor, closing the bedroom door so he couldn't go into the hallway, then cornered her on the recliner toward the side of the room. She fell into the plush furniture with a thump, groaning when Nick sat on her. "Before you screwed up we had been talking about my next gig. Mike wants her to get up and sing with us and I was all for it and--"

“Answer my questions!” Nick demanded.

"Stop abusing me!"

“I will when you tell me!”

"She didn't want to talk about--"

“How is she?”

"You ripped her heart out and then ripped it to pieces, Nick. During the same week that she had to mourn the memories of Colt's death. How do you think she is? She's falling apart and she just wants to be left alone. She can't exert her energy in the way she wants to exert her energy because she broke her hand--"

“When she broke my nose she broke her hand too?!”

Leslie winced, knowing she was breaking far too many confidences between herself, Alana, AJ, and Howie. "Your hard head kind of started it, but then she put her hand through a mirror--"

“Is she okay?”

"She got all the glass out herself and then got stitches and a cast when she got to Kentucky…"

“When are you going to talk to her again?”

"…I don't know--"

“When you do, tell her I need to talk to her,” Nick said, sliding off of Leslie's lap.

"And you think that's going to make her pick up the phone?" Leslie blurted, immediately flinching when he turned.

“Tell her I need to talk to her about the twins.”

"What about the twins?"

“They're my twins, too. And I want to know what she plans on doing when she has them.”

"Make sure to throw around some heavy macho-bullshit and make her burst into tears with threats," Leslie corrected with a scowl, crawling over the rumpled bed to reach Alana's closet.

“Hey, I have to do what I have to do to get her on the phone,” Nick sighed, leaning down to scoop up Zachary.

"…Are you still going to let her see Zach?" Leslie inquired after busying herself with packing the necessary items. She tried to remember exactly what Howie suggested she pack, but she wanted to keep herself alert to any of Nick's possible tricks and prying more information from her.

“...Does she want to see him?”

"Just because she's pissed at you doesn't mean that she's pissed at her son--"

“You'll tell her that he misses her, won't you?” Nick interrupted, peeling the romper off of Zachary.

"Yeah," Leslie agreed with a nod, chewing haphazardly on her bottom lip. "Do you think I could have him this coming Monday?"

“For what? Going to do the whole Auntie thing--” Nick cut off with sudden realization. “You're going to see her!”

"I just want to take him out for lunch with Mike--"

“You fucking lie! She has an appointment Monday with the obstetrician!”

"I do not fucking lie!" Leslie growled, pulling a few dresses from the hangers to place in the dress bag. "Mike and I were planning on going out to lunch on Monday. It just so happens that we're taking Als and thought it'd be nice to take Zach as well. And, the obstetrician appointment is early Monday, so we're going to do some shopping afterwards, so take it back!"

“How much would it cost me to get you to bring her here?”

"Hell no, I know what she does to windows and Mike just got a new car--"

Leslie!”

"She would know what I was doing from the very beginning! She lost all her trust in Natalie and I'm not about to make her do the same with me! God, I don't care if you're my big brother or not, I can't do that to Als."

“But--”

"Can I take Zach on Monday?"

“I guess...”

"It'll do him good to see her."

“I know that.”

"Then don't act like I just went out and shot your favorite dog--"

“It's just going to make it that much harder on him when he comes home without her...”

"Then I can't take him?"

“You can take him, Les... On one condition,” Nick suggested as Zachary squirmed in his arms.

Leslie gave him a skeptical glance. "What condition?"

Walking over, Nick leaned close, offering her a quick kiss on the cheek before depositing Zachary in her arms. “Give Snot Sucker a bath.”

"Glad to see your sense of humor is still so intact," Leslie snorted, carrying the sticky child into the bathroom. "You can finish packing Alana's clothes."
Fifty-Seven by shrinkingviolet
"I've come to a conclusion. I know exactly why you make sure to treat me and the rest of the guys so damn sweet, so you can have us wrapped around your little fingers. That way, when you decide to go shopping, you have someone to lug the piles and piles of bags. That way you're free from the chance of getting some kind of disgusting hernia popping out of your skin like the blob from Hell," Howie huffed with a broken breath, stopping in the middle of the mall to shift the bags within his hands. Looking to Natalie, he shook his head with a playful glare before leaning over to kiss the top of her head. They had spent a few days in California searching for her home as well as Alana's. It had been tricky at first, but Howie managed to find a home that would suit Natalie's wants and needs, not to mention she had squealed over it for about three hours. Alana might be a harder case, but Howie assumed that at this state of her depression, she would settle for anything away from the group. But now… Now was the time for a massive shopping spree.

“I don't have you wrapped around my little finger,” Natalie cooed, looping her arm through Howie's as they made their way to the next store. She had realized after moving into her new home that she was in dreadful need of new clothing, and Howie had insisted on escorting her to the mall. “You were the one who refused to let me go shopping by myself, remember?”

"That's because I enjoy shopping with you, because you always seem to help me find women's clothing that would look absolutely fantastic on me…" Howie trialed, nudging her gently in the ribs to elicit her funny snort of a giggle. Since Alana was still in Kentucky, Howie decided it was best to lavish a significant amount of attention on Natalie. She needed comfort and support and would never find that in AJ, Brian, or Nick at this point.

“Do you think I dress too... Sexily?” Natalie questioned.

"…What?"

“My clothes, haven't you ever noticed? It's all low-cut or skin-tight or cut up to my crotch,” Natalie explained, chewing worriedly on her bottom lip.

"You've got a gorgeous body and you're proud of it… If I had your body, I'd flaunt it—"

“But... Maybe that's why I keep being so... I don't know...”

"Being so… What?"

“...Forward I guess is the word? Flirtatious?”

"You think your clothing makes you flirtatious with the wrong men?"

“Look at me, Howie,” Natalie sighed, taking a step away. Plucking at the hem of the halter top she wore, then tugging the waistband of her low-riding denim cutoffs, she quirked a brow at the man. “If I were leaning against a bar and licking my lips, would you honestly think I needed chapstick?”

"You always carry chapstick with you, so no--" Howie released a frustrated groan when Natalie rolled her eyes and moved toward the women's section of clothing. Ever since coming back to California the woman had been volatile to say the very least. One misspoken word and she was in a flurry of tears or screaming profanities. "Nattie, wait up! I just don't know what you're trying to say! Like, you think the way you dressed attracted Nick to you instead of Alana? What?"

“I think the way I dressed probably attributed to the way he acted around me... God, he was right!” Natalie cried, eyes widening slightly with realization. “I'm always half-naked and touching myself... I'm such a whore--”

"Natalie, you aren't a whore--"

“All I ever did was throw myself at him! I knew he could see me from the house when I was in the back yard by the pool, that's why I did what I did--”

"Did what?" Howie asked wearily, not understanding.

Natalie flushed at the memory, turning away so Howie would not see her eyes. “I... May have laid out in my bikini and... Kind of took off my top and rubbed oil on my chest--”

Howie blanked, his face falling to a look of horrified surprise, not understanding where the sweet, innocent sweetheart he had remembered disappeared to. "…You did what?"

“I all but played with myself right there in his back yard--”

"Because you knew he was watching?"

“Yes... But I didn't do it to get between him and 'Lana, Howie, honestly. This was right after Leighanne showed back up--”

"Well what did you think you were doing in the meantime? Nick and Alana were engaged, Natalie…"

“I know that,” Natalie promised, beginning to thumb through the rack of clothes in front of her. “I... God I don't know what's wrong with me. It's like I have some fascination with getting the approval of men...”

"You could always talk to a therapist if you think it would help…" Howie trailed, resting the bags of items at the side of a plush couch before taking a seat upon it, simply watching Natalie. "…Have you even thought about Alana through all this?"

“Of course I have... That's what makes it worse,” Natalie sighed.

"Oh, Nat…"

“Maybe I should just stay away from you all for a while... Hell, I've already thrown myself at you once, there's not a damn thing keeping me from doing it again--”

"Now you're just going overboard--"

“What, you're saying it wouldn't work?”

"You're being too hard on yourself… Well, not about realizing what you did, but deciding to go into some exclusion like a hermit. That's not you and you have a job to do. We're all friends and we're going to get through this."

“I broke up Alana's engagement to Nicky, or don't you remember what she caught us about to do? Neither one of them wants anything to do with me, Howie,” Natalie murmured with a shake of her head, flopping down onto the couch next to him. “...I need baggy pants and old woman type shirts...”

"You can be such a drama queen," Howie stated honestly, sliding his arm around her shoulders for a gentle squeeze. "It wouldn't hurt to have some more professional type clothing. Just so you feel comfortable instead of constantly made up for men. Alana wears baggy t-shirts and a pair of shorts and she's content. You should try it instead of just going to old hag overnight."

“Professional... Like those little mini-skirt suits--”

"Natalie…"

“How about khakis and pullovers?”

"Khakis and a professional button down shirt would be nice."

“And those nifty preppy type shoes?” Natalie questioned with a smile.

"Sounds good to me."

“And after we go shopping you'll take me dancing, right?” she murmured, sliding off the couch before scooping up several of her bags.

"How about dinner?" Howie suggested, wanting to help her as best he could.

“Burger King?”

"Anything you could possibly want off any side of the menu."

“You're so sweet, Howie,” Natalie promised, reaching for his hand. Now, there was another massive shopping spree to tend to.

"Does that mean you're not running away from us?"

“I'm not running away... I'm just backing off,” Natalie decided softly. It would do everyone a world of good.

"What does that even mean?" Howie sighed, not understanding as he stooped to grab the rest of her bags before allowing her to tug him elsewhere.

“I'll do most of my work from home, if that's alright with you. And I'll maybe try to find myself some more friends that aren't Backstreet Boys...”

"Going onto Nsync?"

Natalie shot him a glare, remembering how things had panned out between herself and JC. “Not fucking likely, Dorough.”

"Y'know… You had a great friend out of the Backstreet Boys…"

“...I did?”

"A fantastic one that you loved to pieces."

“...Are you talking about yourself, Howie?”

"Hell no, I'm in the Backstreet Boys…" Howie chuckled, reaching out to select a few pairs of loose fitting khakis for her to try. "I mean Alana… She was the best friend you've ever had and you owe it to yourself to try to fix that. You could spend some time with Kristin and work on that baby shower…"

“Do you think it would help?” Natalie whispered hopefully.

"I think it couldn't hurt."

Natalie hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the khakis Howie had chosen and wondering how the man knew her exact size. “But Leslie's helping with it too, and if she finds out that I've got a hand in it--”

"Talk to Kristin and have her talk to Leslie. I'm sure she can be amicable about the situation. Leslie is just really worried about Alana right now..."

“Okay... When you talk to 'Lana again... Think you could slip in how upset I am about everything that happened?”

"I could try… She has a new song she wants to do for the album when she comes back from Kentucky. That'll be the last song to make up the thirteen we have. So, she'll be spending a lot of time in the studio perfecting it… I can talk to her…"

“Thanks, Howie. I really appreciate everything you've done for me. It seems I've done nothing but alienate everyone else. I just want you to know how grateful I am, having you for a friend,” Natalie promised, slipping the bags she held into his empty hand as she scooped up the khakis he had chosen. Smacking a quick kiss on his cheek, she offered him a smile. “I'll go try these on...”

"Just don't run too far away from us, Nattie, we love you too much."

*~*~*

Half asleep, Brian rolled over in the large bed, reaching to pull, as he always did in the early hours of the morning, the extra pillow into his arms. It was the only way he could assure himself a decent night's sleep, having something to hold on to. However, his arm curled around a warm body, surprise registering slowly in his brain as he shifted his head. Opening one eye, he was surprised to see his hand resting gently on the bare, tan abdomen of a woman. Slowly moving his gaze up the lithe body, he jerked his head up in shock when he realized it was Alana. She lay next to him, her face soft, body relaxed as she remained asleep, one hand tucked beneath her pillow as his hand continued to lay on her stomach. “Dear God...”

Splaying his fingers, he was convinced that he would simply feel the softness of a pillow and yank himself from whatever dream was plaguing him. But, his fingers merely moved of the delicate smoothness of her sweet skin. Yanking his hand backward, he hadn't a clue what he had even done last night. Perhaps it was the glass of wine at dinner. He prayed that she wasn't nude, but when she shifted in the bed, turning toward him to nuzzle her face into his bare chest with a soft sigh, he suddenly hoped that she was. It was an odd mixture of emotions, though he was at a loss when he noticed the rumpled t-shirt hiked up her torso and the boxers clinging to her lower half. "…Damn…"

As she continued to sleep beside him, her face pressed delicately against his chest as her injured arm slid around his waist, holding him close, he regarded the roundness of her stomach, the toned muscles of her side. Perhaps he had been alone a little too long, but he allowed his hand to rest on her waist, delicately tracing her skin with his fingers. The warmth of her breath rushing across his skin coupled with the cushion of her breasts against his chest caused him to inhale deeply. His lips moved of their own accord to press a soft kiss against her neck.

Even within her sleep, Alana shivered in appreciation for the kiss he gave. Releasing a soft sigh, she snuggled closer to him till it seemed as if their bodies might melt together. It had been so long since she was wrapped into a loving embrace that wasn't filled with suspicion. Subconsciously, she craved for someone to appreciate her, even if it were for a moment.

Unconsciously, Brian slid his hand lower, drawing her leg over his hip as he allowed himself another taste of her skin. “God, Alana...”

"That tickles," she whispered sleepily, still seemingly in the sweet trance of sleep, the tips of her cast fingers twitching ever so slightly over his skin.

“Sorry,” he murmured, unable to resist nibbling softly at her earlobe.

"It feels good," she promised, curving her leg tighter over his hip, snuggling deeper against his chest with a sigh.

Brian's hand slid up her side, fingers toying with the bunched hem of her t-shirt. “Is it alright if I...”

"If you what?" Alana murmured, shying away slightly from his hand when it brushed up her side. Though, she slid closer when his fingers tangled in the hem of her t-shirt. Slowly, she cleared the sleep away from eyes, for a moment unfamiliar with her surroundings. But the sweet spicy scent that lingered around Baylee caused a flood of memories to rush back. Hurriedly looking up to assure it was Brian, she hesitantly bit down on her bottom lip. "Is it alright if you what?"

“Do this,” he whispered, catching her lips with his in a soft kiss. When her leg tightened around him in surprise, he allowed his fingers to dip beneath the hem of her t-shirt, pressing gently against the curve of her breast.

Alana's entire body tensed in surprise at first with his gesture. He had been so shy and embarrassed when he first asked if he could spend the night. He had gotten tired of being beaten to death by Baylee's incessant kicks during the night. He had wanted someone beside him, even if only for a few hours. She thought it was a sweet request and agreed whole heartedly. Now, she wasn't sure what to think when his hand moved to cup the warmth of her full breast, his kiss hardening. Pulling back, she nibbled lightly on his bottom lip with a laugh. "I think you're supposed to let me answer first…"

“Sorry,” he apologized with a ragged breath, his thumb idly brushing across her nipple. “...What's the answer?”

"If the answer was no, you would have had the shotgun in my closet pressed against some part of your anatomy," she teased with a small smile.

Smiling, Brian leaned close, allowing his lips to slide over hers in a gentle kiss as his finger continued to slowly manipulate her nipple.

"What exactly brought this on, B?" Alana murmured softly against his lips, returning the kiss with another. It had been so long since she was offered affection, so she relished in the attention, nibbling Brian's bottom lip in attempts to draw him closer.

“I'm not sure... It's alright though, isn't it?” Brian questioned softly, allowing his tongue to sweep between her lips for a tentative taste. His body craved her return of his attentions, shifting slightly so they were closer.

"It's alright," she assured, bringing her tongue to his for a swift stroke of appreciation. Sliding her good hand from beneath her pillow, she cupped the side of Brian's cheek, brushing her fingers against the fine stubble he refused to shave. Closing her lips over his tongue, she sucked softly, feeling the ragged moan rumble in his throat. "So much for not hitting on the goofy friend, huh?"

“You're not the goofy friend,” Brian promised with a soft moan, laying back so he could bring her over his body.

"You said before dinner that you'd take me out, but you didn't know about the whole 'hitting on me part,' remember?" Alana recalled, easily straddling his hips. Folding her injured arm over her rounding abdomen, she gazed down at him with the utmost curiosity, sliding her good fingers up to her warm lips. "Now, here we are… You wanted to spend the night. You wanted to sleep with me. I wake up to you sucking on my neck, nibbling my earlobe…"

“Are you complaining?” Brian inquired softly, his fingers splaying over her thighs. “I mean--”

"Hell no, I ain't complaining," she laughed, pulling her t-shirt over her abdomen. "I just find it amusing and that flustered look on your face is far too adorable not to entice--"

“So you just like tormenting me, huh?”

"Don't think of it as tormenting…"

“More like letting me get all worked up when we both know we won't be finishing anything?”

"You're the one that started it…"

Reaching up, Brian loosely tangled his fingers in her tousled locks, gently pulling her down for another gentle kiss. Sliding his other arm around her waist, he held her to him, nibbling gently at her tongue. “I can finish it, too...”

"Do you really want to, though?" Alana inquired with a soft sigh, divulging in the warmth of his mild kisses. Allowing him to undulate his tongue against hers in a soft, fluid movement, she whimpered slightly at the sensation pooling in the pit of her stomach. She could think of all the reasons in the world to do this - to hurt Nick, to hurt Natalie, to allow herself the opportunity to feel love once more. But what was best for Brian? She hadn't the heart to hurt him.

“Right now I do,” Brian whispered, shifting beneath her so she could feel what she was doing to him. Slipping his hand beneath her t-shirt, he traced the smooth planes of her back, moaning softly when she arched against him.

"And then what happens to that want afterwards?" Alana questioned honestly, brushing her thumb tenderly over his bottom lip.

“I don't know, Alana...”

"I don't want to hurt you, Brian, and as much as you want to get back at Natalie by sleeping with me--"

“God, this isn't about her, okay? It's about you and me--"

"And what about you and me?"

“That we both deserve some affection and--”

"How satisfactory that phone call to Nick will be when you tell him that my naked form is sleeping right next to you after what, I'm very sure, would be a beautiful sexual encounter?"

“I have no intentions of telling anyone what does or does not occur between us,” Brian promised.

“I don't want to hurt you or make you regret anything that does or does not occur between us."

“Would you regret it?” Brian questioned softly, tilting his head slightly when he thought he heard a car door slam outside.

"I'm pretty sure I'd regret the screeches of AJ in my ear when he finds out that you took the spot he was so steadily working on achieving…" Alana trailed with a bemused smile, hoping to elicit at least a chuckle from the man.

“Who said anyone would have to find out--”

"Not to bring up a sour note in our flourishing affair here, but I think that's what Nick and Natalie said to one another…"

“And I guess if we did do this, we'd really be no better than they are,” Brian sighed.

"Unfortunately, no matter how absolutely adorable you are…" Alana groaned, carefully sliding off his lap while tugging haphazardly at her tousled curls. "I'm sorry, Brian..."

“It's okay,” Brian promised with a smile, catching her hand in his so he could bring it to his lips for a quick kiss.

"I can make you an overwhelming delicious breakfast that'll stuff you till Thanksgiving?"

“While I go relieve myself in the bathroom? Sure!”

"Don't use any of my hand-towels please, their name is misleading," Alana groaned with a small laugh while Brian climbed out of her bed. Managing to secure her long curls into a clip with only one hand, she then reached to clamp her hand on his wrist, pulling him close. Capturing his lips in a soulful kiss, she wasted no time dipping her tongue into his mouth for several quick flicks till he moaned with appreciation. Helping his hand to brush down the curve of her filling breasts, she smiled. "That should help and any time you need a kiss, just grab me, 'kay?"

“'Kay...” Brian trailed softly, clearing his throat as she pulled away.

"Too much?" she guessed, moving toward the door with a firm blush.

“Not enough,” he whispered, knowing she would be unable to hear him as the front door banged loudly.

Shutting the door to her bedroom to leave Brian in privacy, she adjusted the sling over her shoulder that she had managed to grab somewhere in the process of romantically enticing Brian. Rolling her eyes at the persistent tap of the door, she pushed the stray curls that framed her face from the clip before hurriedly unlocking the door. Casting aside the pile of packages, she tugged on the door to open it. "What are you doing here so early--"

“Who's car is that in the yard?” Jeremy questioned the moment the door was open, casting a suspicious glance over her shoulder.

"Brian's car…" Alana trailed when she stepped back, stepping back when her ex-husband barreled in the doorway. He was a tall, muscular man, having spent more time outside working on construction like his crew than inside insisting on just performing the white collar job of his productive business. She knew better than to step in his way when he was perturbed unless she was aiming for a fight. Stifling a yawn against her good hand, she figured he would close the door as she moved into the kitchen to start breakfast. "He's a friend that spent the night."

“In your bed?” Jeremy guessed with a snort, following her to the kitchen. Kicking aside a discarded t-shirt, he wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"Did you want him to attempt to sleep in Colt's old bed?" Alana inquired without much thought to the statement, starting to retrieve items from the fridge to start her breakfast. She would fry up some sliced potato chunks, cook some sausage and bacon, start a fresh batch of pancakes, and finish with eggs. It would be enough to satisfy Brian for the day. Or so she hoped.

“And where is Casanova now?” Jeremy inquired, scowling towards the stairs before he moved to linger in the doorway.

"Upstairs getting a shower," Alana answered, gesturing for Jeremy to peel the potatoes for her. "But he's hardly a Casanova. He's a friend, Steel… And, what does it matter to you that he spent the night?"

“It doesn't,” Jeremy defended as he moved to get a knife from the block. “I thought you were with some other guy, though?”

"I am… I mean, I was… I… Steel, he cheated on me."

“Holy shit, does the dumbass want to die?” Jeremy breathed in horror.

“Is that your way of saying I'm some kind of monster?" Alana laughed in surprise, skillfully whipping up a batch of homemade pancake batter despite her handicap. She had cooked for so long and enjoyed it so much that the hindrance of her arm only seemed to make it a challenge to succeed.

“Well... When you get upset, you do get rather... Monstrous,” Jeremy replied with a grin as he continued to peel the potatoes.

“Alana, my boxers got wet when I got out of the shower, do you have anything... Oh.” Brian came to a stop just inside the kitchen when he saw the man standing at the counter. Pulling the towel tighter around his waist, he felt a blush hit his cheeks when the man turned to look at him.

"Well ain't this awkward," Alana drawled, placing a hand to her cheek to enhance the innocent expression crossing her beautiful features. "Past lover meets current lover! Brian, this is my ex-husband, Steel-er-Jeremy… Steel, this is Brian. And, yeah, I've got enough baggy boxers in my dresser drawers to keep you stocked for a year."

“I'd shake your hand, but I don't have a hankering to see what's under that towel,” Jeremy told Brian with a quick nod to acknowledge the introduction. Waving the knife carelessly towards the man, he offered his ex-wife a secretive smile. “Sparkles stole enough of my boxers while we were married to keep you in'em for ages...”

"It ain't stealing when you saw me take them and said I looked so cute in them that you'd rather go naked than deprive me of them," Alana corrected with a playful roll of her eyes, taking a slice of strawberry she had cut to pop into her mouth. "And, I've bought enough boxers over the years to make sure that you never have to wear a pair of Steel's. I think they'd fall right off your backside--"

“Which drawer?” Brian interrupted.

"Top right," Jeremy answered.

“Thanks,” Brian muttered before turning to bolt back upstairs.

Hearing the sharp slam of the bedroom door, Jeremy shrugged as he began to slice the potatoes. “If he ain't damn near skittish... What'd you do, break out the restraints on the first night?”

"Awe, Steel," Alana cooed while prepping the pan to pour her batter into. "No, he's just got manners…"

“And they include strolling downstairs dripping wet and half-naked?” Jeremy questioned with a chuckle as he stooped to retrieve the cast iron pan Alana always fried potatoes in. Placing it on the stove, he reached for the oil.

"No, that's just a nice bonus perk for a pregnant lady."

“How are the little ones doing?” Jeremy demanded softly, instinctively reaching to gently caress her rounded abdomen as he waited for the pan to heat. She had told him the day before of her pregnancy, and though part of him wished he was the father, he was happy that she had that sparkle in her eyes once again.

"I think they're doing okay," Alana promised, glancing down when his hand lingered on her swollen tummy to continue his affectionate rubs. She was surprised to find him so enthralled with the pregnancy, especially since they were separated from one another. "They started kicking the other day. Well, the one did. He waits till I'm almost asleep and kicks, like I'm not allowed to fall asleep before him."

“Tell your Ma she should know better,” Jeremy murmured towards her stomach before turning away to get the bowl of sliced potatoes.

"I'll try to remember next time the brat wants to stay up till four in the morning when nausea starts at six…"

“Well he can't help it,” Jeremy chided with a chuckle as he tossed the potatoes into the heated oil. “Hand me the salt, Sparkles...”

"Why do you call her Sparkles?" Brian suddenly questioned when he stepped into the kitchen, feeling far less self-conscious in a pair of jeans, a belt cinched tight against his waist, and a t-shirt. He rubbed his damp sandy blonde locks furiously before stepping up behind Alana, taking her waist into his hands to lead her aside, not wanting her to over-exert herself with breakfast. Stealing the spatula, he gestured for her to continue to enjoy her strawberries while he tended to the pancakes.

“'Cause when she gets really excited her eyes get all electrified, and she just sparkles,” Jeremy explained with a fond smile for Alana. “You should see her when she gets aroused--”

"Steel," Alana immediately chided with a firm blush rising to her cheeks, moving to the fridge to get the hot fudge to dip her strawberries into. No one needed to know about her aroused states, much less Brian…

“And when she gets madder than Hell, her eyes start spittin' fire,” Jeremy warned with a chuckle, nudging Brian hard in the ribs.

"I know," Brian promised with a low mutter, concentrating on flipping the pancakes instead of saying something to the ex-husband that might get him pummeled. He was much smaller than Jeremy and, even if he didn't know the law of physics, he did know the laws of ass-kicking.

“And just what are your intentions with my Sparkles?” Jeremy questioned as he stirred the potatoes, knowing Alana liked them nice and crispy.

"Steel," Alana immediately groaned when she sunk her finger deep into the fudge on accident. "I told you that he's just a friend--"

“Ain't I allowed to make sure?”

"Would you tell him, B, and get him off my case?" Alana inquired hopefully.

“I'm just a friend,” Brian promised vehemently.

"C'mon, what kind of man could lie in bed next to me all night and not get horny, Steel?" Alana included, nibbling the fudge from her finger. "You were always whining like a dog in heat."

"So, you're a homosexual?" Jeremy concluded with appreciation. "Nothing like bringing the truth to that Broke-Dick Mountain movie."

“I'm not homosexual. I just got out of a really bad relationship,” Brian explained in a monotone, hoping to keep the hurt from his voice as he expertly flipped the pancakes onto a plate.

"Hey! What do you think of the name Matthew?" Alana suddenly asked, popping the last strawberry into her mouth before moving to retrieve the sausage and bacon from their sizzling pan. She glanced between the two men, waiting for their approval, knowing that Brian really didn't want to talk about the pain in his heart. Just mentioning Natalie brought a wave of tears into his eyes. "And Isaiah?”

“I like them,” Brian promised.

"Or Mackenzie and Isabella?" Alana continued, walking with the men to the dining table with the serving plates of food. Taking her seat, she had already assured that their places were set with the necessities, now they would just have to dig in. "And then I really like Matthew and Mackenzie for a boy and girl…"

“I like the name Madeline for a girl...” Brian trailed thoughtfully as he poured himself a glass of milk. “Maddy and Matt...”

"I love Mackie and Mattie," Alana suggested.

“That sounds really nice,” Brian agreed with a smile.

"Are you sure he's not the father?" Jeremy questioned suddenly, regarding the exchange between the two, though he gave Brian an oppressive glare at the mere thought.

“If I was the father, she would be married and living in my home by now. Not to mention, I would never leave her side for any reason at all,” Brian informed the man with a matching glare.

"What the Hell is your problem, powder-puff?" Jeremy snorted in surprise, pouring Alana a large glass of orange juice.

“Other than the fact that you keep looking at me like I got the last slice of cake? Nothing!” Brian exclaimed, scraping his chair back so he could retrieve Alana's vitamins.

"Well, I call it like I see it, Son."

“You know, maybe if you'd been a little more understanding when your son died, we wouldn't be having this conversation,” Brian pointed out as he snatched the bottle off the shelf by the window.

Alana paled at the blunt accusation Brian flung. Her cool teal eyes widened in surprise when he slapped the vitamins into her hand, insisting that she take them. But she could only look to Jeremy, self consciously wetting her lips in hope that he would remain calm despite the dagger flung in his direction. "Brian…"

“I'm sorry,” Brian whispered to Alana as he dropped into his seat.

“I guess it never occurred to you, powder-puff, that I was grieving just as much as she was?”

"Steel, don't get on his case--"

“I'm not, I'm just stating facts,” Jeremy interrupted, continuing to glare at Brian.

"It's not something that you two should be discussing. What's done is done. We're divorced and that's how it's always going to be--"

“Something tells me you wish it wasn't,” Brian murmured softly, glancing from one to the other.

Alana felt her heart physically leap to her throat. "Excuse me?"

“It's obvious that he still loves you, still has feelings for you,” Brian explained, pushing his chair back once more. Getting to his feet, he scooped up his plate and glass. “I'll just go eat this out on the back porch...”

"And why should you care about what Steel has or doesn't have for me?" Alana questioned, her temper steadily reaching a boiling point when she stood from the table. Suddenly, she had lost her desire to eat anything, so exhausted from the constant bickering and upstaging in her life. "I am so sick and tired of men needing their ego stroked and everyone trying to be better than someone else. Proving that they're still some kind of hot flame in another's life when the other is obviously linked. It's sickening the way you need to validate your manhood or your sense of ability to make someone desire you. So, please, don't let me stop this battle of maleness. Just let me know when someone kills the other so I can wipe up the blood."

“I'm not going to deny that I still love Sparkles,” Jeremy announced calmly as he cut into his pancakes. “Hell, she should know that I do. What we shared was wonderful, and yes, I still care for her. I want her to be happy. I'm not here to woo her back or to coerce her into anything.”

Brian waited for Alana to speak, but she simply left the kitchen without a word. He heard her soft footsteps on the stairs and the slamming of a door, knowing ultimately her decision had been made. "And how about you just lay your deck on the table and stop bullshitting now that she's gone. You see the money she's racking up and now you want her back--"

“You are so full of yourself, ain't you? You figure that just 'cause you want her, every other man does too? It ain't like that at all, powder-puff. I'm perfectly content when the woman I have in my life now.”

"Then why the Hell are you still sniffing around her if you have another woman?"

“Because she and I have a son that we buried two years ago, and we both visit his grave every year.”

"Grave visit is over, Pal, so move on," Brian growled.

“I'll leave when Sparkles tells me to.”

"You're just going to end up hurting her," Brian insisted, throwing his plate down to the table. "If you have another woman, then just go be with her. Why is it so important to stay around here?"

“I don't see where it's any of your Goddamn business.”

"She's important to me, so it makes it my Goddamn business!"

“Guess it just kills your scrawny ass that she invites me over, huh?”

"Then it must just grind your gizzard that she asks me to spend the night in her bed to hold her, huh?"

“Not at all. She's free to do whatever she wants.”

"Guess I should have taken her offer on making love early this morning then…"

“Too bad you wasted your load on your boxers, then...”

And that's when Brian took the first swing.
Fifty-Eight by shrinkingviolet
"Nattie! What the Hell are you still doing here?!" Howie screeched in horror when he stepped out of his office in the studio building that he and AJ had finally completed renovating and furnishing. They had put their label on the map with Alana's name backing the quality of their work and the studio had been finished in her honor. Alana was due to show up at any moment, having scheduled a few hours of recording before her obstetric appointment later in the day. She had been working on a new song in Kentucky with the help of Brian laying down the music and had expressed her eagerness to show Howie the results. He was just relieved that she hadn't completely abandoned the idea of singing after Nick's fatal mistake. Though, he considered she might rethink those very thoughts as he watched Natalie dashing around the studio putting last minute touches on her details. She had set up the entire studio specifically for Alana. Assured that expensive bottles of water and one bottle of icy Pepsi were available in the fridge, fluffed pillows to perfection, found her favorite flowers for bouquet arrangements, and even bought massive quantities of her favorite snacks and candies. Desperation was a moot term at this point. "You know she's going to be here soon!"

“I just want everything to be perfect for her!” Natalie cried as she reached to fluff the pillows on the couch once more. Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, she stooped to adjust the vase of lavender roses on the coffee table.

"Well, Nattie, it'll be far more perfect if you're not here," Howie tried to explain gently, reaching to grasp her upper arms to pull her away from fussing with the semantics of the lounging room just outside the actual studio room where recording would take place. He couldn't even imagine the type of explosion that might occur if Alana walked in and saw Natalie. The sound of her voice when she stated how soon she would be arriving was harrowing to say the very least. She seemed to have done everything but deal with the pain and anger of Natalie and Nick's egregious error.

“Can't I just go hide in the office?” Natalie suggested meekly, wrinkling her nose as Howie ushered her towards the door. All she wanted was a chance to see Alana. Was that too much to ask? “I won't make a sound, you'll never know I'm there--”

"Yes, I will know that you're there and AJ will know that you're there. Which means that Alana will know that you're there. That man has been dancing around with an erection for the past twenty-four hours. He thinks now that Nick's history that he's going to get a piece of tail. So, I have to make sure that he doesn't gain anymore leverage," Howie muttered with a disgusted shake of his head.

“You could always post a naked picture of me somewhere he'd see it... He always said that my body turned him off in so many ways--” Natalie cut off with a grunt when Howie pushed her into the corridor.

"It's time to leave, Natalie," Howie insisted.

“You know, this sneaking around you're making me do is--”

“Howie? Are you in here?”

Natalie's eyes widened when she heard Brian's loud call from the end of the corridor, where the entrance and lobby was. “What's he doing here?” she hissed towards Howie, wondering why he had neglected to tell her that the man was coming to the studio.

"I'm not sure…" Howie trailed, furrowing his dark brows in confusion. He struggled to remember if Alana said anything about Brian coming to the studio with her. Sure, she had mentioned that Brian had helped her with the background music of her sound, but not about him… "Boy, are you in trouble, Nattie…"

“Is this the part where you make me hide under a desk or something?” Natalie questioned worriedly, glancing down the corridor to see Brian already heading in their direction. “'Cause these khakis don't have but so much give in them--”

"You know how you say that you absolutely loved how you and Alana watched Pirates of the Caribbean together and we able to have a sexual adult conversation with each other instead of 'oohing' over scary pirates with, Bay?" Howie hurriedly explained, not even bothering to wait for her to nod. "Well, I'm making you walk the plank! Good luck!"

"Howie!" Natalie shrieked in shock when the door was closed behind her, preventing an escape. Turning, she furiously pounded on the door in attempts of gaining entry, but Brian had already descended upon her. Holding her breath, she pushed the wisps of burnt auburn bangs away from her eyes. "Brian--"

"Hey, Nat," Brian murmured nonchalantly, moving to open the door so he could enter quickly. He had beat Alana upstairs while she was greeted by AJ at the door. The man was so pent on mauling her that Brian assumed he could get a few moments alone with Howie for a private conversation. Halfway through the door and he finally realized who had been standing beside him. Whirling around, his jaw dropped slightly ajar at the sight of Natalie. She looked so different in a pair of loose-fitting khaki pants paired with an elegant mocha button down top, giving just a peek of her warm tan skin. "You look gor-good..."

“You look good, too,” Natalie replied softly, automatically reaching to pluck a dog hair from the sleeve of his button down blue shirt. Lifting her eyes to his, she quickly pulled her hand away when she saw his cerulean eyes darken. She had overstepped the bounds. “I'm sorry...”

"Nick probably loves your new look," Brian guessed, knowing he should step through the doorway and slam the door in her face, but he felt like he was glued to the floor. He couldn't believe the transformation in her. The simplicity of her clothing only seemed to make her far more appealing to him. Hell, she was gorgeous in anything, especially with the light layering of her shorter light brown, wavy locks streaked with honey highlights and simple touch of makeup to her elegant face.

“I haven't seen Nick in a long time,” Natalie admitted, allowing her fingers to gently brush over his hand before stepping away.

"And how am I supposed to know that's the truth?" Brian questioned blatantly, rubbing his hand as if she had stung him, though the passion that flowed beneath was harder to contend with.

“Ask Howie, he never lies,” Natalie whispered, blinking back the stinging tears that leaped to her eyes.

"Don't you dare act like the victim--"

“I'm not, Brian. I'm just stating a fact,” Natalie interrupted gently, reaching into her pocket for her keys. “I'm sorry you had to see me. I know you don't want to. I'll go--”

"There's not a day in my life that doesn't pass where I don't wish that I could see you just once, what I don't want is the hurt that comes with seeing you," Brian corrected, disappearing inside the studio before tears could slip down his pale cheeks.

“I love you,” Natalie whispered as the door swung shut, never expecting him to hear her as she turned to leave.

*~*~*

Leaning over, Howie made a slight adjustment to one of the levels on the board as Alana sang in the recording room. Pushing AJ back slightly so he could reach the correct knob, he ignored the younger man's grunt of frustration, focusing solely on the purity of Alana's voice as she practiced her newest song before they laid the track down. “Does the bass sound a little hollow to you, J?”

"Al has been gone for a week in Kentucky, she comes back wearing a skimpy tank top showing her growing tits and a short little pair of shorts, and you're asking me if the bass sounds like what?" AJ growled in a great air of skepticism, raising his dark brows at the absurdity of the question. Leaning back in his leather chair, he could only grin while watching Alana in the sound-booth, playfully blowing a kiss toward her when she glanced up. Though, his thoughts were significantly deterred when Brian kicked the back of his chair. "Damnit, B, what the fuck are you still doing here, anyway?"

“I'm here for moral support, you supreme horny jackass,” Brian returned with a casual shrug, taking opportunity of AJ's moment of irritation so he could move his chair closer. In the process he pushed AJ away from the soundboard, ignoring the man's snorts of disapproval. His real reason for staying, aside from just wanting to be near Alana and keep AJ's advances at bay, was to see Zachary when Leslie came. Zachary's appearance was to be a surprise, and he had learned of it from Howie, who had talked to Leslie earlier.

"Like she needs moral support when she has me around," AJ decided with a strong scowl, climbing out of his seat when he realized he had been removed from the management area. Walking to the small fridge, he retrieved a bottle of water from inside, moving to open the sound-booth door, knowing he wouldn't be spurned by Alana.

“She locked it when she went in,” Howie reminded him with a chuckle.

"You poisoned her against me in Kentucky, didn't you, Bible Beater?" AJ accused of Brian, tapping on the glass in hopes to trigger her attention.

“I'd never do such a thing to one of my closest and best friends,” Brian gasped in mock horror, though he offered Howie a secret grin.

"You want a piece of the morsel that is Al--"

"Beefing up the vocabulary?" Howie inquired, though he hurriedly pulled his headphones on to make some more adjustments.

“Perhaps I've already had a piece of the morsel that is Alana,” Brian returned with a saccharin sweet smile, reaching for the spare set of headphones.

"Please, Holier-than-thou wouldn't dare touch my territory," AJ snorted in the utmost cynicism, though he critically eyed the man in his place.

"Y'all going to tear away from this pissing contest so I can get a run through of this song down to see if you guys like it?" Alana suddenly called, popping out of the sound-booth to take the water from AJ's hands, looking to Howie with hope.

Glancing innocently from AJ to Brian, Howie offered Alana a smile. “Sure thing, Sweetie--”

"Thank you, Daddy D," Alana cooed, gesturing for AJ to open the water for her before she could go back to the booth. "And, I may not know much about the soundboard, but if you're going to talk about me, you might want to switch it so I can't hear what's going on while I'm inside. Especially when you're talking about taking pieces of me."

Brian paled considerably, hoping she did not think he had been about to brag. “Alana, I--”

“Mr. Dorough? There's a Miss Carter and guest here to see Ms. Moore,” the receptionist's voice interrupted through the intercom. “Shall I allow them back?”

"Send them back," Howie agreed when he triggered the intercom, looking to Alana. "Guess we didn't get much time to record this song, huh, Sweetie?"

"The penis competitions seem to take up the largest amount of time, but I do enjoy them so," Alana sighed with an air of playful enthusiasm. "Les probably has Mike driving because she tends to get a little excited when you talk about the twins… So, Lord knows what she'll do after the ultrasound…"

“Probably start begging for twins of my own,” Leslie announced from the doorway with an exuberant giggle as she shifted Zachary on her hip. “And Mike is driving, but he opted to wait outside--”

MAA!”

"Zachie!" Alana breathed in honest surprise, never expecting that Leslie would be able to take Zachary for the day so she could visit with him. It had been over a week since she had seen the little boy and the mere realization was painful enough. He looked as if he had grown so much in such a short amount of time. His wispy locks were lightening to a caramel brown and growing thicker with the faint touch of a curl. His little legs kicked furiously against Leslie's hip when he continued to call for her. His large cobalt eyes electrified while his hands jutted out in order to reach her. But, for some reason, Alana hesitated on reaching out for him. "God, he's so big…"

“Mama!” Zachary squealed hopefully, leaning closer to her. “Mama! D'es!”

"You are far too irresistible for words," Alana breathed, clearing the lump of a sob building in her throat. Leaning over, she buried her face into the side of his, placing the sweetest of kisses to his cheek till he squealed with excitement. Feeling his hands tighten in her locks, she had no choice but to lift him into her embrace. Pulling her cast arm out of the sling, she dropped it to her side, supporting him with her good arm before leaning to hug Leslie as well. "I missed you too, Les."

“Missed you more,” Leslie murmured as she returned the hug. “You all finished here?” she questioned. Before Alana could even reply, she pulled away slightly to glance at Howie. “Mike's got the car double parked and we have reservations for twelve--”

"That means your time with us is officially spent," Howie decided before Leslie could lament her woes any further. Alana had just gotten back from, after hearing Brian's forlorn tale, had been Hellish to say the very least. She needed to have time to bond with Zachary and Leslie - the little family that she had left since Nick and Natalie's deceit. Chuckling softly when he watched Zachary babbling excitedly in Alana's ear and Brian move to interact with them both, he was still amazed at the way Zachary shifted to assure that he remained close to Alana, though he blew a kiss to Brian nonetheless. "Just give me a call when you get back to your place to let me know how you like it. Then I can also tell you about this week's plans. Okay, Sweetie?"

"Sounds good to me, Daddy D," Alana murmured with a nod, pressing a kiss to his cheek when he did the same to hers. She then looked to Brian, who was making the most atrocious faces toward the tyke in her arms. "Hey, I'll see you and Boogie back at my place later, okay? Make yourselves at home, even if I don't know what home looks like. And… Pick up Radar for me at Alex's place, please?"

“Sure thing,” Brian promised, puffing his cheeks with air as Zachary giggled with glee. Blowing a raspberry against Alana's cheek, he pretended not to hear AJ's grumbles of protest. “Have fun, okay?”

“See you guys later,” Leslie called as she headed out the door.

"Thanks for everything," Alana reminded the men once more, hurriedly pressing kisses to each of their cheeks before following Leslie's exit. She had to grin while Zachary babbled so happily against the side of her face, holding tight to her as his other hand sought to play with the necklaces she wore. Cooing softly to him, she wasted no time reaching to kiss Leslie's cheek as she waited for the elevator. "Mike didn't mind coming?"

“I told him he had two choices... He could either stay at Nick's house and not be allowed to beat the crap out of him, or he could escort the two most beautiful women in California around for the afternoon,” Leslie explained, looping her arm through Alana's to keep her close. To say she had missed her friend was an understatement. “Besides, he loves me to death, I love you like a sister, so you're practically a sister to him. And right now, he really doesn't want to be around Nick.”

"What did Nick do to you this time?" Alana inquired when they stepped into elevator. She tilted her head to rest it upon Leslie's while Zachary continued to babble, assuming that both women were enchanted with his wise conversational techniques. But, Alana worried about the younger woman tucked tight to her side. Leslie was an emotional person to say the very least; she wore her heart on her sleeve and outwardly expressed what she as feeling. Alana admired that about Leslie, knowing sometimes it was harder to display one's emotions than bottle them.

“He's just being a jackass as always,” Leslie sighed. “He keeps wanting me to trick you into calling him, or go back to his house and not tell you--”

"You wouldn't do that…" Alana trailed, though she stiffened immediately at the thought. Nick was close with his siblings; well, half of them anyway. He was the eldest brother and had a lot of weight to throw around. He could easily coax them into doing his bidding and she had no desire to see him. She feared for his life if she came into contact with him. "And he doesn't know where I'm living and he doesn't know where we're going today, right--"

“Well...” Leslie interrupted with a slight whine. “He kind of knows where we're going, but he doesn't know which doctor--”

"He wouldn't be stupid enough to even think about…" Alana let her voice trail to the inevitable conclusion when the two walked out to Mike's awaiting car. He was already hopping out of the driver's side in order to open the back door to help Alana with Zachary. She smiled appreciatively toward the man, reaching to hug him gently before allowing him to tuck Zachary into the car-seat.

“Who's the cutest little boy there is, huh?” Mike cooed as he strapped Zachary into the car-seat. “Who is that, huh? It's my little Zachary, isn't it? Yes it is!”

“Is that a hint that someone wants a child?” Leslie questioned with a smirk towards Alana as she moved to sit in the back.

"I've got two brewing inside that you can have in… Oh, four more months?" Alana offered, pulling the seatbelt over her growing abdomen while Mike shut the door for her. No sooner had she secured herself and Zachary was reaching for her hand once more. Satisfied with his chubby fingers curled around her hand, he thrust it to his mouth for several loving kisses. "Someone's been teaching you well, Zachie…"

“He won't have a thing to do with Nick,” Leslie informed as she leaned over to offer Mike a sweet kiss once he was behind the wheel. “At least with me, he doesn't fling food everywhere and scream so loud that everyone's eardrums rattle...”

"Why are you giving your Daddy such a hard time, Zachie?" Alana inquired of her son softly, wanting to avoid looking to the front seat where Mike and Leslie's hands had intertwined so lovingly. It reminded her of what she had been forced to give up because of such a dark betrayal that she could hardly think about it without setting off another rage of panic attacks through her system. Gently, she allowed Zachary to hold her damaged fingers, using her good hand to play with his lightening locks.

“Because his Daddy is a self-centered, egotistical, pain-in-the-backside--”

"Who wants you to call him because, to quote the bastard, 'those twins are half of his and he needs to know what you're doing with them,' Als," Mike murmured, glancing up into his rearview mirror in order to look to her. "He told Les to make you call him, but she didn't feel comfortable, so… I just thought you should be ready. I don't know what kind of stunts he's going to pull."

"You can tell him I have no problem sitting between our lawyers and drawing up papers for joint custody," Alana murmured, biting down hard on her bottom lip to keep from reacting violently.

“You should make him sign his rights away. The stupid damn stunts he's pulled, you have enough proof that he could be considered unfit for even monitored visitation,” Leslie decided.

"He may be a shitty fiancé, but he's a wonderful father… I can't deny him his children, not if he wants to be involved in their lives. I know all too well what it's like not to have a father in my life, much less a father that even wanted me. Nick loves the twins," Alana answered softly, helping Zachary reach for a rattle that had fallen between his legs.

Leslie glanced suspiciously at Mike. “You didn't tell Nick where we were going today, did you?”

"Excuse me?" Mike immediately defended with question, looking to Leslie. "What made you ask something like that?"

“I was just making sure. After all, you were alone with him for fifteen minutes while I got Zach ready--”

"What were you two talking about for fifteen minutes?" Alana immediately inquired as they pulled into the restaurant's parking lot.

“I believe my first words to him were something along the lines of he'd better not have the guts to even think about asking me to do him any damn favors, and after that he sat on the couch and sulked,” Mike explained, offering Leslie an offended glance.

"Sorry, Mike," Leslie immediately apologized, dropping her chin with embarrassment. She didn't mean to accuse Mike of such an atrocious act, but she worried about Alana. If Nick had somehow found out where they were going and met them there, then Alana would never trust her again; which meant that their relationship would be severed. Leslie couldn't let the closest person she had to a sister go that easily. Not because of Nick's foolish mistakes.

“It's okay,” Mike promised softly, leaning over to kiss her gently once he had parked. “You're being protective of Als, I know. I find it cute...”

"Down-right adorable," Alana drawled, easily unbuckling Zachary with one hand. Helping to untangle him from the straps, she was grateful when he leaned toward her, making it easy for her to retrieve him with on arm. Fumbling with the handle with her bad hand, she grunted slightly with pain, but it opened nonetheless. She was starting to feel claustrophobic in the usually spacious car. But, that was because of the sweetness Mike and Leslie exuded. It just made her miss Nick.

“Stop kissing me in front of Als,” Leslie hissed softly, patting Mike's cheek gently before climbing out.

"You kissed me first," Mike immediately defended, stuffing his keys into his pocket before hurrying to catch the women walking to the restaurant. He made a causal surveillance of the area, knowing it was likely that Nick might be lurking. This was Leslie's favorite place to dine after all.

“If he shows up, he's dead,” Leslie warned, reaching for his hand as they were shown to their table.

"If you two are so worried about him showing up, we don't have to stay and eat. I can certainly be dropped off at home to get my car and then I'll just go to the appointment by myself," Alana offered, not wanting to inconvenience the young couple. It wasn't their troubles. She had made the decision to cut off ties with Nick and insisted that he leave her alone. He was stubborn. She knew that. And, she couldn't help but hold an air of nervousness about her while she settled into her chair, allowing the waiter to place Zachary in a highchair.

“He won't show,” Leslie promised.
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