CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE – DISAGREEMENT
Brian and Nick were still arguing as the walked down the corridor to the dressing room over who was the biggest scorer in Nintendo and AJ rolled his eyes dramatically at Howie, sick of listening to their constant one upmanship. He definitely was in a foul mood, still sore over Brian’s dissing and seeing everyone kissing up to Brian was enough to make him scream. His stomach rumbled and he wondered what there was to eat, hoping whoever brought the munchies also brought his request for McDonalds. He pushed the door open with his foot letting Howie pass through, then intentionally let the door close before Brian and Nick had a chance to slip by.
"Thanks a lot, AJ," yelled Nick, yanking open the door again to let Brian and himself in. Nick glared at AJ who shrugged innocently and Brian ignored AJ altogether, knowing full well that AJ was still in a fighting mood. Brian walked over to a corner and dropped his duffel bag on the ground then straightened up and immediately stiffened. There sitting next a large assortment of food was Xavier, slouched comfortably, his legs crossed. Kevin held up a fork and waved it at the guys, before taking another bite.
"Hey, look what X brought. Food for all of us. Not bad, considering."
AJ walked over to the spread, searching for his order. "Not bad, considering what?"
"Considering it’s all health food."
AJ stopped dead in his tracks and with a finger pushed his sunglasses up to reveal shocked eyes. "You’re shitting me," he said in disbelief to Kevin then looked at Xavier when Kevin shook his head. "Where’s my McDonalds?"
Xavier spread his large arms wide, a smile of apology on his face. "Sorry. No junk food for you when it’s my turn to get it. I saw you all last night. Pretty pathetic. You guys need to eat better, exercise more. Especially Brian."
Brian tensed, knowing instinctively that there was more to Xavier’s explanation that just what he was telling the guys. AJ snorted, pissed at Xavier, but pleased to get a jab in at Brian. "Yeah," he agreed. "Bri was pretty bad." He picked up a sandwich, sniffed at it, then shoved it in Brian’s direction. "Here. Xavier’s idea isn’t half-bad. Eat your spinach and maybe you’ll get muscles." AJ glanced at Brian and smirked. "Sorry there isn’t anything here to help your voice."
"Okay, let’s just cool it," warned Kevin and Howie nodded in agreement, glaring at AJ.
Brian picked up the sandwich AJ had tossed and sat down next to Nick, knowing that it would drive AJ crazy by not responding to his taunt. He took a bite and then smacked his lips in exaggerated enjoyment.
Xavier glanced at AJ then at Brian in amusement. He wasn’t sure what was going on between the two, but he was determined to take advantage of it. He reached over to grab another wrapped sandwich and pushing it towards a fuming AJ. "Try this. A garden burger. Guaranteed to hopefully grow some hair on your chest."
Brian didn’t know what was funnier, Xavier making a half-decent joke or the look on AJ’s face, but a small laugh escaped from him and Nick joined in.
AJ turned towards Brian to give him a look then back at the bodyguard. He picked up the half-wrapped burger as if were poisoned, strolled over to the trash can, dropped it pointedly in, then sat down next to Kevin, a defiant look displayed across his face. "When I ask for McDonalds, I want McDonalds. I don’t give a fuck about what you want for me. You be may Brian’s bodyguard, but you’re not mine, got it?"
Any appetite Brian had quickly evaporated and he put his sandwich down, uneasy. He glanced nervously at Xavier then at Nick, Kevin and Howie. All three Backstreet Boy’s mouths were wide open in surprise, taken aback by AJ’s rude behavior. Brian could feel the tension radiate from Xavier, noticed the involuntary clenching of the bodyguard’s hands as AJ coolly stared at him, and felt himself begin to panic.
No, no, no! he thought, afraid. He jumped up, as if standing between the two would calm things down. Brian willed himself to relax and he walked over to Xavier, giving him a small encouraging shake on his massive shoulder. "Hey Xavier, see what happens when AJ doesn’t get his fries? Can’t live without ‘em." He turned to AJ. "Bone, Xavier’s just trying to help. I’ll go find Eric and see if he can get you some."
Xavier rose, waving Brian off. "No, no my mistake, I’ll correct it." Brian held his breath, wondering if he was the only one who caught the sarcasm. Xavier walked to the door, pulled it open, ready to leave. "I’ve got some things to check on first, so I’ll find someone to get the order," he informed the five, then gazed thoughtfully at AJ. "Can’t live without them, huh?" he remarked innocently and then gave Brian a wink before stepping out.
"Fucking bodyguard," AJ mumbled and Brian turned on him, worried and angry that Xavier might have heard AJ’s last remark. He walked over to AJ, his mouth pressed into a tight line, resentment building at the thought that Kevin and now AJ might be at the receiving end of Xavier’s sadistic little games.
"Dammit, you got a problem about Xavier, you come to me, not him. Stay the hell away from him, you got that, asshole?"
AJ, along with the other guys were astounded by his tone, but AJ made a quick recovery. "Oooh, choirboy just swore. I’m scared. I’ll be good."
Brian was shaking, more from frustration than anger at his inability to control the situation. Discouraged, he slumped into a chair, running a trembling hand through his hair. "Bone, just leave him alone. Please." His voice was drained, flat, and AJ was startled by his sudden change. Brian looked directly at AJ, pleading quietly with his eyes, and AJ, noticing the deep fatigue, became concerned.
"Oh, okay," he agreed slowly, feeling slightly uneasy. Brian kept staring at AJ, not believing him. AJ shifted uncomfortably, wanting to break eye contact from Brian’s intense gaze. "Alright, alright. Jesus! What? Do you want me to sign it in blood?"
AJ watched as Brian relaxed, a small smile touching the corner of Brian’s mouth at AJ’s melodramatic promise. AJ frowned inwardly, deciding to leave quickly, afraid to have Brian see what he was really thought. Brian trusted him. Only problem was, he didn’t trust himself. He still disliked Xavier, now more than ever.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX - DISASTER
The screaming in the arena was deafening, as it always was, so the guys were pretty good at reading their own sign language to one another when the need arose. Kevin signaled to the others that he was ready to jump over the catwalk, indicating the others to follow as soon as he was clear. Brian leaned over the railing, the last one to jump, holding his breath as he watched his cousin repel down the long rope. The clamor of shrieks rose a notch and Brian felt Nick nudge him. He turned to see Nick grinning at him, and he grinned back, knowing exactly how his friend felt. It was still a rush to hear the shattering blast of music, to feel the vibration of 30,000 fans screaming their names. He leaned over again to see Howie, then Nick glide down. If only he didn’t have to do this everytime. He had gotten over most of his fear of heights through sheer necessity, but that didn’t mean he liked it.
Brian felt the bump of the steel railing as AJ leaped over the side, hearing him scream enthusiastically at the crowd below. Grabbing the steel rods on either side of him with gloved hands, he hefted his legs over the railing, sitting on the bar. Watching carefully as AJ descended, he began to gauge the distance and time necessary for his drop. Brian’s attention was sidetracked as he felt rather than saw the taunt rope that was holding AJ scrape against his own. Perplexed, Brian reached to push the swaying line away from his, annoyed that the offending cable was rubbing along his. Grabbing the line, he began to shove it away, only to feel shock as the taut cord jerked then slacken as it slip through his fingers. Frightened, Brian leaned down to see AJ freefall, his body turned upside down as the cord again tightened itself. Brian gasped as he watched AJ try unsuccessfully to straighten himself, hearing the roar of the crowd as they screamed their delight at AJ’s comical antics. Only there was nothing comical about it. The rope slipped again another few feet, this time twisting AJ on his side, tangled up from the slackened cable and his own harness. Horrified, Brian tore his eyes away from the sight, seeking Kevin, Howie and Nick who were watching from below. Their faces were enough to let Brian know the seriousness of the situation. He brought up his right hand to his mouth and tore off his bulky glove, his left hand wrapped around the bar to hold him steady. He repeated the process with his left hand, screaming at himself to hurry. A surprised yell of fear floated up to Brian and he froze a moment as he watched AJ drop again, twirling sickeningly high above the crowd. Heart racing, Brian took a deep breath and jumped off the ledge, repelling himself towards AJ, terrified that he would not reach him in time.
"AJ!" he screamed over the crowd, hoping his disoriented friend could hear him. Brian slid down faster, feeling the stinging burn of the rope. AJ looked up, his face contorted in fear as he watched Brian skim down until he was even with him, stretching an extended arm out. He copied Brian’s tactic and ripped off his own glove, his other hand clinging fiercely to his harness as he dangled wildly back and forth. Timing his lunge for AJ’s hand Brian dived as AJ came close, their fingers interlocking for a brief second only to be ripped away as AJ’s rope again jerked then plunged another few yards. Furious that he was so close to catching his friend, Brian repelled further down, raw determination etched in his face.
"AJ, get ready, get ready to grab!" he screamed, fear now taking control as he realized this might be his last chance to save AJ before the rope broke. He reached out for AJ once more, felt the reassuring grasp of AJ’s fingers clasp his, and pulled as hard as he could.
"Grab on, Bone! Let go of your rope and grab me! Hurry!" Brian gasped, trying to close the gab between them. Both felt AJ’s rope slip once more, and they lunged frantically at one another, both connecting just seconds before the rope snapped. Brian’s yell of pain fell to deaf ears as the crowd erupted into applause, screaming their delight at the "show" orchestrated above them.
Beads of sweat sprung from Brian’s brow as the weight of AJ’s dangling body strained his shoulders and arms, sharp stabs of laser hot pain racing through his back as he fought to hold onto AJ, both of AJ’s hands firmly clamped onto Brian’s right wrist. The combined weight of the two made them sway a little and Brian saw the panic in his friend’s face.
"Bone! I’ve got you. I’m not going to drop you!" Brian promised fiercely, determined they would both fall to their deaths before he ever let go of AJ. Still high in the air, Brian realized he needed both of his hands to repel them down. Slowly, agonizingly, he pulled AJ up, heaving with all his strength. AJ managed to wrap himself around Brian’s waist and legs, leaving Brian’s hands free to maneuver the rope. "Hang on, hang on, we’re almost there!" he yelled to AJ, not sure if his friend heard him over the noise of the fans. Ignoring the excruciating pain in his back, Brian descended as fast as he dared, frantically looking down for help below. He felt AJ unexpectedly release his hold and Brian gasped in shock as AJ fell, only to sigh in relief when he realized they were only a few feet above the stage.
He touched the ground and collapsed in agony as the pain took over, curling up into a ball. He sensed a swarm of people surrounding him shouting questions that he couldn’t understand, felt Nick and Kevin picking him up as he yelled in pain, saw the stage go dark as they carried him and AJ off the stage. The noise was deafening, the musicians were playing, and the excited yells of the clapping fans made Brian realize that the show was still continuing.
Nick tried to place Brian down as gently as he could, cringing as Brian cried out in pain.
He glanced over to Howie who, with another stagehand, was helping AJ out of his wiring harness and costume. Nick caught AJ’s attention. "Are you okay?" he asked, worried. AJ gave a shaky thumb’s up as he kicked off the last of the superhero’s costume, then ran over to Brian, who was crouched in a hunched-over position. Kneeling to get eye level with Brian, AJ looked questioningly at Nick who shook his head.
"Where’s a goddamn doctor?" shrieked AJ, glancing around. "We need a doctor, now!" AJ gazed worriedly at Kevin, then at Howie who was talking, of all things, to Xavier. The large bodyguard came over and knelt down next to Brian, ignoring AJ’s heated stare.
"Brian! Brian! Look at me. How do you feel?"
Brian shook his head, unable to speak. "How the hell do you think he feels?" screamed AJ, incensed. Xavier turned from Brian to roughly shoved AJ away from the kneeling singer. He then began to eased the injured singer’s costume off, all the while talking quietly into his ear. AJ watched stunned as Brian, now on his hands and knees, began struggling to stand up. Ignoring Xavier, AJ grabbed Brian’s arm to help steady him, viewing Brian’s face closely. "Brian, no. Don’t get up. Wait for a doctor, man."
"I’ll be okay, Bone. I can make it through the concert. Help me up."
"No, man. No way."
"I can do it. Let me do it," Brian pleaded, resting on his knees. AJ frowned then looked at the other guys for advice.
"Kevin?"
"Brian, no. You need to be checked out. We can cover for you." Kevin had to shout to be heard over the impatient pounding of feet now coming from the fans. The musicians played on, returning to the same chords over and over.
"Shit!" yelled Nick, edgy from the restless crowd. He glanced at Brian, then back to the stage. "Bri, you think you can do it?" Brian nodded, biting back the pain he felt radiating from his lower back. Brian opened his hand to show the guys two small white pills. "Xavier gave these to me. Pain killers. I’ll take them, do the concert, then I’ll have a doctor check me out later, okay?"
"No!" argued AJ, upset. He reached angrily for the pills but Brian beat him, shoving the two into his mouth. "B-Rok!"
Brian shook his head in reply. "I’m okay, really. Come on. Give me a few minutes for these to work, then I’ll be alright."
Nick glanced at his friends, saw the indecision in their faces, and decided to take control. "Okay, listen up guys. I’m gonna go out there and talk to the audience, stall a little until Brian’s painkiller kicks in. Give me a signal when Bri is ready." Giving his friend an encouraging smile, he strode out onto the stage, the crowd erupting into shrieks and cheers. The music died away and Brian heard him laughing and joking to the audience, the crowd loving every minute of this unplanned event.
AJ, uneasy about the pills Brian took, surveyed Brian critically. "Man, are you sure about this, those pills?"
"Bone, they’re working already," Brian lied, trying to give him his most relaxed smile. AJ shook his head skeptically, unsure. He locked his own brown eyes onto Brian’s bright blue eyes for a long moment, desperately wanting to apologize for his behavior, to thank him for saving his ass. He opened his mouth to speak, but Brian shook his head, already aware of AJ’s feelings. "Don’t. It’s okay," he said simply, understanding.
AJ tried hard not to look at Xavier who was standing nearby, quietly watching. He bent down along with Howie and Kevin to gingerly help Brian into a standing position. They listened in amazement as Nick carried on, obviously enjoying the moment. Brian had to laugh, as much as it hurt him. "What a ham!" he commented.
AJ, determined to help, gave a lop-sided grin to Brian, Kevin and Howie. "Hey," he boasted, "you think Nick is a ham? Watch this!" AJ ran out onto the stage, playfully sneaking up from behind and jumping onto Nick’s back. The crowd roared their approval as AJ began to tease Nick, telling little untrue rumors about Nick that almost left the blond singer speechless. Almost. Nick began his own false stories, exaggerating with each one.
Howie laughed, ready to join the group. He tapped Brian lightly on the shoulder. "Hanging in there?" Brian nodded, gesturing for his friend to go onto the stage. Howie left with one last parting glance and the screams once more rose to an ear-splitting level.
Kevin shook his head, his hand wrapped firmly around his cousin’s arm for support.
"I think we’ve started a whole new thing. No singing, just horsing around!"
Brian nodded in agreement, unable to smile. He felt a trickle of sweat trail down his back as he fought for control, afraid of the unknown painkillers he swallowed, afraid of knowing he couldn’t continue without them, afraid that they weren’t working fast enough. Forcing himself not to think about the consequences, he stared at Xavier who was watching Brian closely. It took all of his willpower not to turn away from his intense gaze but Brian locked eyes with his bodyguard, determined not to let Xavier see the agony his was in, the torture that Xavier’s whispered words produced. The pain that shot through his arm and back was nothing compared to the shock of what Xavier had whispered into his ear.
Too bad you saved him.
Brian finally broke eye contact with his tormentor, turning to view the antics of Nick, Howie and AJ on stage. His mind burned with revenge as he wondered how he could stop Xavier, how he could stop all this madness. Somehow, someway he promised himself, he would kill the one who had nearly caused the death of his friend.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN - AGONY
It was the longest and most painful two hours in Brian’s life and it was only through the expert and caring help of everyone that he made it through. The pills gave him some relief, enough to make it bearable through half of the show, but then the pain returned with a vengeance. During the last hour the dancers surrounded him during the active dance routines, blinding the audience from his non-existent movements. The camera crew was given instructions to avoid closeups of him on the big screen, lighting made sure to soften any glaring lights pointed directly at him. AJ and Nick took over, exaggerating their dancing and singing to pull attention towards them and away from Brian. But there was little they could do when it was Brian’s turn to sing. From years of singing together they understood the unspoken show must go on motto, but cringed inwardly for their friend, aware of the pain he was enduring. Their concern turned to raw admiration as he continued, not missing a beat, his voice ringing strong and clear.
Howie heaved a sigh of relief as the show ended, hurriedly leaving the stage, the screams and applause ringing in his ears as all five exited through the open side door. He turned to check on Brian, who was just behind him only to see Brian double over then sink to his knees. Howie caught him before he hit the floor, yelling at Kevin for help. The two helped carry Brian into the dressing room, followed by Nick, AJ, and an assortment of concerned band and stage crew. As gently as they could, Howie and Kevin laid Brian down on the ground, only to hear the cries of pain as the injured Backstreet Boy coiled in agony.
Kevin swore in despair, dropping down next to him. He tried to touch Brian, to help him, but his cousin slapped his hand away, maddened by pain, even at the gentlest touch. Frantic, Kevin looked at AJ who glanced about the room. He saw Sam, their stage manager pushing his way into the room, followed by what looked like paramedics. Frustrated by the swelling crowd, AJ exploded in anger.
"Get out! Everyone! Anyone who isn’t a Backstreet Boy or a doctor, get out!" He began to shove everyone towards the door, trying to make a path. The group took their cue, not willing to deal with an irate AJ and left. The paramedics knelt down to examine Brian, who was now curled into a fetal position. Unable to get a coherent answer from Brian, one paramedic started to question Kevin, while the other began to open a box of medical supplies, pulling out several items. Nick dropped to his knees, trying to get eye level with Brian. "B-Rok! Hold on, we’ve got the paramedics here. They’re gonna give you something for the pain, okay?" He desperately wished Brian would look at him, but Brian moaned and curled up even tighter. Nick glanced up to see Howie pacing the floor, AJ now talking excitedly to the paramedic. Nick tentatively placed a hand on Brian’s head to try and reassure him, feeling helpless.
"Nick!" said Kevin. "Move! The paramedic is going to give Brian something for the pain." Nick stood up and moved out of the way, standing next to AJ who was fidgeting.
While the one paramedic began to talk to Brian in a soothing, reassuring voice, the other filled a syringe, holding it eye level to squirt some out. The paramedic nodded to the other one for confirmation, then plunged the needle into Brian’s exposed left arm. AJ, who was still fidgeting, kneeled down next to Brian.
"Bri, hang on. They gave you something for the pain. It should be working soon." He turned to the paramedic, his voice pleading. "Right?"
The medic smiled, nodding. "I gave him morphine. He’ll be feeling no pain real soon."
AJ, relieved, turned back to his friend, already noticing a change in Brian’s posture. The injured singer’s body had relaxed, he was now lying on his side. Brian breathed heavily, his face covered in sweat, his clothes soaked from perspiration. As the pain wore off, his breathing became more regular, turning from his side onto his back. He placed shaky hands over his eyes, to ward off the glare of the ceiling lights and the worried stares of his friends.
"Now I know how an addict feels after a rush. I love drugs. God bless drugs." Brian removed his hands from his eyes, a tiny smile forming at the corner of his mouth. For a moment no one spoke, astonished. Then the guys broke into relieved laughter, amazed that Brian was able to joke.
Brian reached out and AJ grabbed his hand, gripping it firmly. "You’re going to be okay, Rok."
Brian nodded, relaxing in the comforting grasp of his friend. He watched quietly as the paramedics placed him onto a gurney, strapping him down tightly. He closed his eyes as the medics wheeled him out the room, AJ in front, the rest following behind. Feeling embarrassed by his helplessness, he did the only thing he knew how to do, tease.
"Hey, Nick, no practicing on that Nintendo game until I get back."
Nick jogged up to catch his friend. "I won’t."
Brian laughed a little. "Yeah, sure. Twenty bucks says I’ll whip your ass next time."
Nick, never one to pass up a bet, grinned. "You’re on, loser."
Howie shook his head, then smiled at Kevin. "Looks like things are back to normal."
"I hope so," AJ commented wearily. Stopping at the outside door AJ leaned against the inside wall watching the paramedics prepare to transport Brian to the ambulance waiting outside. Each Backstreet Boy came up briefly to give Brian words of encouragement, AJ last of all.
"Thanks for saving my sorry ass," AJ grinned, then quickly placed his sunglasses back on to hide his burning eyes. Brian smiled at his feeble attempt, knowing AJ too well. He looked at his friend, uncomfortable with AJ’s gratitude. He wanted to say something, anything. But how could he say thank you when he knew that he was the reason of AJ’s near death?
AJ waited for a reply, watching Brian’s smiling face change to one of sorrow and regret? AJ couldn’t be sure. Curious, AJ started to say something, only to stop as Brian’s expression turn into something he could read. As Brian was wheeled into the back of the ambulance AJ noted anger, pure hatred radiating from his eyes. Confused, AJ turned around. The area was filled with all sorts of people, the curious along with well-wishers.
AJ missed Xavier’s form standing to one side, his arms crossed, his eyes glittering back at Brian.