Chapter Ninety-Seven
A.J. was careful not to be noticed as he made his way to the men's bathroom, where he knew Nick had indeed gone to hide. He had never meant for this thing to go this far - it had all just been in fun, or so he had thought. Obviously, his little brother was still overly sensitive to certain things, this being one of them. Though, the boy had to have had his eyes closed these past few years, or he would have known with great certainty that A.J. was madly in love with Brooke - that all those other girls had been flukes, and that he'd given up on dating. Unless he had Brooke to call his girlfriend - or even better, wife - that nothing else truly mattered. Well, except for Laila now of course. He pushed the door open and entered the bathroom, only to notice it seemed deserted, except for the one occupied stall in the back - the handicapped one. He sighed, shaking his head, as he heard someone sniffle.
"Nick?" Nick had run into the bathroom to hide and control his emotions. He was furious with A.J. for purposely trying to steal Ashley - and right in front of his nose to top it all off! But, at the same time, he was hurt that his own big brother could do such a horrible thing to him as well. He hadn't planned on it, but once locking the stall door, he had broken down and begun to cry some without wanting to at all. He felt like such a baby, crying because his brother was trying to steal his toy and was close to succeeding. Not that he thought of Ashley as some sort of toy or anything - she was, after all, the girl he loved more than anything - with the exception of Dakota. He had just sniffled and wiped his nose on his sleeve, when he heard the one he was angry and upset with, call his name. He remained silent, listening with baited breath, to see whether or not the man was going to leave.
"Nick?" A.J. repeated, rapping his knuckles on the stall door. "C'mon buddy, open up and let me in."
"Go away A.J.!" Nick growled, suddenly becoming angry once more. "If I open this door, McLean, you're ass is gonna go reeling backwards and onto the floor!" A.J. rolled his eyes, as he stood leaning up against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.
"I'm not going anywhere Carter," he replied calmly. "And you know, if you don't cool it you ARE going to lose Ashley, but NOT because of me! Because she thinks your sorry ass doesn't trust her! You're making her feel like shit, over something innocently and PLAYfully said this morning!"
"I DO trust her - it's you I don't trust!" Nick retorted.
"Gee, thanks," A.J. commented dryly. "Nick, let me tell you something - and this had better damned well stick in that thick pea-sized brain of yours - I'm NOT after Ashley! I love Brooke - she's the only one I've loved for the past five years! Yes, I dated a bit and slept around and all that stupid shit, but it was because I couldn't have the one I truly wanted! Hello, why do you think they all resembled her in some way, dickwad? It was because I was stupidly trying to replace her and that will never happen! I can't replace her ever! She means way too much to me!" He paused a moment to take a breath. "Also, Nickolas, I'm your brother for crying aloud! Brothers stick together no matter what! You of all people should know, that big brothers look out for their younger ones and do their best to keep them safe. I wouldn't ever purposely hurt you Nick - ever! I love you too damned much to do that, Buddy." The door lock clicked then and the door swung open a smidgen to signal that it had indeed been unlocked. A.J. eyed it warily for a moment, mostly to ensure that Nick wasn't going to come barreling out and punch him in the face or something crazy like that. As it was, he was amazed they still had the bathroom to themselves. He waited another moment, before cautiously shoving the door open and going in to check on his little brother. He entered the stall and closed the door behind him, locking it, so Nick couldn't make a fast escape should he try. "Nick?" Nick looked up at him, his blue eyes filled with tears.
"She really said that?" He asked. "She thinks I don't trust her and wants to leave me?" A.J. sighed heavily.
"Nick, she doesn't want to leave you - but you're upsetting her, by basically stating you don't trust her. And you should know by now you CAN trust me. Jeez, offend a guy why don'tcha?" "
"I didn't mean to hurt her," Nick said softly. "I love her, Aje. I love her SO much!"
"I know yah do, Buddy," A.J. smiled. "And for the record, I never meant to hurt you. I thought we were just ribbing good naturedly - like usual, yanno? I didn't mean to hit a nerve. Quit competitin' with me for women - you got a wonderful one by your side already! Geesh!" Nick smiled then.
"I do, don't I?" A.J. nodded. "Yup. And you'd better kiss some major ass - by the looks of it, Kori's ready to kill and protect her little sister." Nick groaned.
"I know."
"Are we all good now?" A.J. demanded, raising his eyebrows. Nick gave a half laugh and tackled A.J. in a hug.
"We're good, Aje."
"Good. I'd hate to hafta go back out there and have Laila repeat what she said before you high-tailed it in here." Nick rolled his eyes playfully.
"I can't believe you taught her that of all things!"
"Hey, you never know - it might come in handy," A.J. smirked. "Though, I don't plan on teaching her anymore, if I can help it." The two of them headed on back out to the group then, Nick taking the seat across from Ashley, after nodding for Laney to move elsewhere for now. Ashley looked up, as A.J. returned to his seat, next to his mother and Laila.
"What do you want?" Ashley asked, eyeing Nick warily. Hadn't he hurt her enough today all ready?
"I'm sorry," Nick said softly, taking her hands into his and rubbing the backs of them as they sat across from one another. "I didn't mean to upset you, and make you think I don't trust you - because I do trust you, with all my heart. I just - had an insecure reaction to what A.J. had said, and then you said 'sexy Backstreet Boy' and it triggered something inside of me, and I snapped. I never meant to make you feel bad, Ash. I love you too much to ever do it on purpose." Ashley cocked her head to the side slightly, as she listened to him ramble.
"So you trust me?" She asked, as Nick nodded in confirmation. "So I can go and sit near A.J. or anyone else anytime I want?"
"Yeah," Nick agreed. "And I promise I'll try not to get jealous and insecure again."
"Long as you try, Nicky," Ashley told him smiling, feeling a bit better. "Just don't do it again - or I'll release Kori's wrath upon you, and believe me, it ain't pretty." Nick shuddered.
"I can only imagine, and would prefer not to find out." While the two of them talked, Kori watched protectively from her seat.
"What's he saying to her now?" She demanded, giving A.J. a Look of annoyance.
"He's apologizing," A.J. replied. "Relax, will you?"
"She's my baby sister! I've a right to worry!" Kori exclaimed. "No jerk is going to make her cry if I can help it!"
"And when he does he hasn't meant to do so," A.J. said firmly, giving her a Look in return. "Nick's my baby brother, and I don't want to see him hurt either. Ashley's the best thing that's ever happened to him. Trust me. So just leave them be."
"Kevy? We goes play in playland again?" Elenore piped up suddenly, breaking some of the tension without knowing it. "Please?" Kevin sighed.
"We really ought to be getting back on the road, Honey," he replied, sighing heavily as he saw her pout. "Ten minutes, then bathroom breaks, and then we all get back into the vans, okay?"
"Kay!" Ellie agreed readily, grabbing hold of Dakota's hand like she had earlier, and running off with her best friend - the boys following behind them quickly.
"You know she's not going to want to leave, right Kev?" Brian smirked.
"I'll worry about it when ten minutes is up," Kevin replied, shrugging his broad shoulders slightly. "Maybe this will help her release some of her energy. Kota's too, since she seems wound up now. I'm not sure soda for the kids was that bright of an idea." Howie chuckled.
"Well, we'll just have to wait and see, I guess." The others nodded their response, all now wondering if soda had been the right idea - especially since they still had at least half a day worth of driving left. It was then they noticed that only Sarah had remained behind - Laila not counting, as she was still too small to just jump up and run after the others.
"Don't you wanna go play, Honey?" Brian asked her gently, noticing she looked a little uncomfortable sitting all alone without Nick or Ashley there next to her. Sarah shook her head no - what was the point in going over to play, when there was no way they were going to let her join in?
"You sure?" A.J. asked. "I'm going to take Laila over to ride the carousel; you can come with us if you want." Sarah eyed him for a moment, and then scribbled a note to him.
"Really?" She wrote. A.J. nodded smiling.
"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't, silly," he replied, standing up with Laila in his arms - Howie had cleaned her up for him, so she was no longer covered in honey. "C'mon Sweetheart." He held his hand out for Sarah, who cautiously took it, and allowed him to lead her over to the play area, where all the other kids were running about yelling and playing.
~*~*~*~
Meanwhile, over at Nick and Ashley's table, Nick looked around at all of the people in the fast food place. Are there any fans around? There aren't any young teenage girls hanging around, but there are a couple of little kids other then their own — and an old couple. Would that old couple recognize them? If they looked over and saw Nick with Ashley, would they know who they are and tell the world? Nick thought for a couple of moments, and then he looked back at Ashley and squeezed her hand gently.
"Come here," he told her, and he got up from the booth, pulled her up with him and led her toward the other room where the play structure is.
"Nicky what are we doing?" Ashley asked curiously, as she allowed herself to be dragged by her boyfriend into the other room.
"Being sneaky," he told her, and he brought her over to the entrance of the play structure. The kids are all on the top part of it so they have no idea that they are even there. AJ does however, as he is standing there with Laila and Sarah at the carousel and he is watching his little brother with an amused expression on his face.
"Nicky we are going to get in trouble. We aren't allowed in there." Ashley informed him.
"I won't tell if you don't," he told her, and he pulled her closer to him and leaned down and brushed his lips lightly over hers. Ashley smiled against his lips, though she kissed him back nonetheless.
"You are being pretty risky mister…kissing me like this in public," she told him when he had pulled away and rested his forehead against hers.
"Well baby if you haven't noticed, being with you makes me do some pretty crazy things," he told her, and then once again took her hand and he pulled her into the play structure with him. He brought her toward the ball pit and he peeked inside making sure that all of the kids were indeed up on the top. When he saw that they were he fell into the ball pit backward pulling Ashley with him and she shrieked as they landed in the pit, blue, yellow, red and green balls flying everywhere.
"Shhh!" he told her quietly while chuckling a little, and he turned her over so he's on top, placed his hand to her chin and brought his lips down on hers in a passionate kiss to quiet her down. The kids took absolutely no notice of them, having thought that they were just a couple of other kids having some fun too. AJ who could see them from where they were at smirked. Could Nick not see him standing there watching them? Oh this is almost too perfect. He remained at the carousel watching Sarah and Laila play and as he did a plan was forming in his mind.
"I can't believe they didn't hear you shriek. I wonder what they're doing up there." Nick spoke up when they pulled away from their make out session, and he indicated toward the kids who were just right above them. He had seen them all crouched around in a circle in one of the tunnels with a window. They are talking and laughing but they can't make out what they are talking about.
"They're plotting evil schemes to drive all of the grownups crazy," Ashley answered dramatically and Nick chuckled.
"Well in that case, we should probably stop them," he played a long. "Kevin has enough gray hairs already." Ashley rolled her eyes while smiling.
"Yeah I wonder who gave them to him."
"It was AJ I swear." Ashley giggled.
"You two are something else."
"Yeah…but you love us anyway," he replied, grinning widely.
"True that," Ashley replied, as she placed her hand at the back of his head and brought his face closer to hers and he rested his forehead against hers as he gazed into her brown eyes. "But I love you more," she told him, answering an un-asked question that she saw in his eyes. She slid her arms around his waist and hugged him close.
"I know that now," he replied softly, as he gently twirled a strand of her hair with his finger.
"You should have known that all a long Nick. It was you who taught me how to love again…not AJ. I was ready to give up on everything …then you came into my life and gave me a reason to hold on a little longer…you've helped me get through so much stuff that I never thought I would get through. There is still so much stuff that I am trying to overcome, and you are the only one who can get me through it. Without you I'm lost. I may have forgiven you…but don't think for one minute that I'm not still hurting a little over the fact that you would even think I could love someone else."
"I know…I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you…you have no idea how bad I feel about it. I'll do whatever I can to make up for it…" Nick replied softly, and Ashley noticed tears beginning to well up in his eyes. She hugged him even closer if that is at all possible and she placed her hand to his cheek and brushed her lips lightly over his, as she allowed herself to sink more into the ball pit.
"All I want is to make out with my sexy Backstreet Boy," she announced between kisses.
"But I'm not the sexy one…I'm the cute one, remember?"
"In my book you'll always be the sexy one," she reassured, as she pulled back from their kisses and looked into his eyes seriously. "It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks." Nick grinned a little and Ashley gently rubbed her finger over his cheek and stared into his blue eyes that she always finds herself getting lost in. It never fails. "Now shut up and kiss me," she demanded, when she knew that he was convinced and everything was okay again. Nick didn't need to be told twice, he immediately obeyed and brought his lips down on hers as he tightened his arms around her waist as if he were staking claim on her.
~*~*~*~*~
Meanwhile, out in the next room at the table, Kevin looked at his watch and realized it's been ten minutes.
"Well it's been ten minutes. I think we should round up the kids, do bathroom break, and then get back on the road. We still have a long drive ahead of us."
"Agreed," Brian replied, as he stood up. He, Howie, and Kevin headed toward the playland room and everybody else went and did their bathroom breaks. When Brian, Howie, and Kevin got into the playroom they looked around and when they didn't see Ashley and Nick anywhere like they thought they would, they each exchanged the same questioning look, then went over to AJ.
"Hey Aje…its time to round up the kids and get going. Where are Ashley and Nick?"
"Oh don't worry, I know where they are. I'll get them." AJ replied quietly. Kevin raised his eyebrow, but decided not to ask. Though he secretly hoped to himself that this wouldn't lead to even more drama. AJ smirked and handed Laila to him, and then he headed toward the play structure. When he got to it, he quietly crept inside and crawled over to the ball pit. He peeked inside and just as he suspected, there were Ashley and Nick in the middle of a make out session. Neither of them aware that they are being watched. AJ grinned mischievously and got himself into a frog like position before leaping into the ball pit and landing right next to Ashley and Nick while shouting "RAWRRR!" Ashley screamed and Nick jumped away from her with a terrified expression on his face and AJ burst out into insane-like laughter.
"Holy shit AJ, what the hell?!" Nick exclaimed, though AJ knows it's not out of anger — just shock. Nick placed his hand over his heart and could feel it beating rapidly, and Ashley began to laugh a long with AJ.
"Jesus Aje…scare a girl much?"
"Sorry sweetie I couldn't resist," AJ replied when he was able to calm down enough to speak. "It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up." Nick rolled his eyes playfully.
"Well gee, thanks for nearly giving me a heart attack. Is there a reason you came and interrupted us?"
"Yeah, actually, there was. It's time to go," AJ replied while grinning widely.
"And that couldn't have been said without scaring us half to death?" Ashley replied, as she allowed Nick to pull her back into his embrace.
"Nooo cause what would be the fun in that?" Ashley shook her head smiling, and she stood up, took hold of Nick's hand and pulled him to his feet as well. He began to follow her toward the door and they made it half way there, until suddenly Nick felt a round ball under his foot and the next thing he knew it he was falling backward.
"Oh SHIT!" he exclaimed, and he went to grab onto Ashley to catch his balance, but it was too late, he was on his ass within seconds. AJ again burst out laughing, and Ashley couldn't help but join in even though her boyfriend was now scowling.
"Aw honey," she laughed, and she reached out her hand to him again. He took it and for the second time allowed her to pull him up. She wrapped her arm around his waist and began to steer him out of the ball pit. When they got to the entrance she crawled through it and he followed her with AJ right behind him and soon they were outside of the play structure where they found the kids all sitting on the floor putting their shoes on — all except Elenore who was sitting at the table while Kevin put her shoes on for her. The grumpy look on her face making it very clear that she put up a fight about leaving.
"Daddy what were you doing in there?" Dakota asked, looking at her father, uncle, and Ashley with an amused look on her face. AJ smirked as he is standing behind him and Ashley.
"Yeah daddy, what were you doing in there?" Nick put his hand behind his back and made it look like he was scratching it as he gave AJ the finger.
"What? Aren't grownups allowed to have a little fun once in awhile, too?" Nick asked, flashing a dorky grin at his daughter and Dakota giggled. AJ snorted and went over to Howie to reclaim his Laila. Nick sat on the floor and helped Dakota tie her shoes. When he finished he stood up and lifted her into his arms, and he cuddled her close and kissed her cheek. Dakota beamed and slid her arms around his neck and she rested her head against his shoulder, as she sunk into his safe arms. Nick looked at Ashley who was still standing next to him, but now she had Sarah, who had immediately cluing to her leg the moment she saw her. He took her hand into his and brought it up and kissed the back of it, than he squeezed it gently as he followed Kevin who carried a whiney Ellie out of the play area and into the other part of the Mc Donald's where their table is at. When everybody was ready to go they headed back out to the vans.
"Nick why don't you do some of the driving for awhile? I have been driving all morning." Kevin pleaded, as he and Nick fastened their kids into their seats.
"Aww Kev I don't wanna…" Nick whined somewhat. "I want to sit with Ashley," he added and Kevin rolled his eyes.
"Right cause you didn't get enough of each other while you were making out in the ball pit?" He asked, keeping his voice low just incase there are any fans around to over hear.
"Nooo cause I am in the process of making up for being a terrible boyfriend. I made her sit by herself for the first half of the ride." Kevin sighed.
"Okay, fine…" he gave in.
"I can drive if you want me to Kev," Wiley spoke up suddenly.
"Really? You don't have to…"
"No its okay I can do it."
"Alright, if you insist." Kevin replied, and he gave up his keys.
"Momma I want to ride with Ryan. Can I ride with Ryan, please?" Spencer suddenly spoke up, as he and Ryan stood side by side. Kori can tell that the two of them have become pretty good friends.
"Sure, if it's okay with Howie," Kori replied, looking over at Howie.
"Of course it's okay," Howie replied while beaming.
"Okay." Kori crouched down to her son's height and pulled him into a hug, before kissing his cheek.
"Be good for Howie, you hear me?"
"I will Momma I promise."
"Okay." She hugged him one last time, and then she stood up and got in the passenger's side of what was now Wiley's van. Spencer climbed into the other van and Howie and AJ made sure all of the kids were buckled in. When everybody was set, the two vans started up and began to head out of the parking lot. When Kevin had finally managed to get a stubborn Elenore into her car seat, he handed her Lil' Rok and as the van was driving out of the Mc Donald's parking lot, she held her puppy close. She is thankful that nothing had happened to him while they were in Mc Donald's. No matter how many times Brian reassured her that he was safe, she couldn't help but have a very bad feeling. Elenore looked over at her best friend who is sitting in the car seat next to her and she saw that she was holding her puppy too. Nick had moved Dakota and Sarah up a seat so that he and Ashley could have the very back to themselves. He is sitting sideways on the seat with his feet up, and she is sitting next to him, with her back lying against his chest, and the back of her head rested against his shoulder. She is holding Abbie close to her and he has his arms wrapped protectively around her. Kevin sat in the seat in front of the kids and had stretched his legs out and he got settled in his book thinking he would get to enjoy a few hours of reading — boy was he ever wrong.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Here's the next chapter.
It was co-written with Lenni.
Enjoy =)
It was co-written with Lenni.
Enjoy =)
