"Mom, please. I told you...we're all taking a break. Brian is in Honolulu with his concubine, Howie is with Joanna in Mexico, Nick is probably selling his body on a street corner, not that anyone would want it...and AJ is selling crack in Orlando. They're all busy. And I wanted to come and see my mom instead of getting mixed up in all of that," Kevin lied smoothly. He didn't dare tell his mother that AJ had drugged him up and shipped his ass back home. In the air, on the way back to the States, he had woken up. He then realized that AJ was not kidding. He did ship him back home! He first thought was of revenge...but then gave up on that idea because AJ was more sly than he was and would think of something far more clever. So, he decided to look on the bright side. He would get to see his mother...and tell Jive what the rest of the guys did to him. When he finally got to Kentucky, he called his mother and she came to pick him up since AJ had taken his wallet and identification. His mother was thrilled to see him at first...but then that changed. She was finding that she had to make excuses every day to avoid him.

Kevin's mother gritted her teeth when she heard his remark. "Kev, you shouldn't say stuff like that about Nick. It's not nice."

"MOM! Quit with the 'poor Nick' routine. I'm tired of it! That's what got me shi-" he stopped suddenly. "Hey, Mom, I'm going to go find some guys and go play some b-ball. See you later!" "Thank God," she prayed as she watched his broad back exit the house.

*Back in England*

Brian, AJ, Nick and Nichole was sitting in Howie's living room, anxiously awaiting the news, even though they all knew what it was going to be. Nick and Nichole snuck secretive looks at each other, smiled sweetly and was making everyone sick just looking at them. AJ was rocking back and forth on his heels, puffing a cigar and was looking around the room in boredom. Brian was biting his fingernails and spitting them out across the room.

"I've asked Joanna to marry me and she's accepted!" Howie shouted excitedly.

"Wow, man, that's wonderful!" AJ was the first to congratulate them. After giving them both hugs and wishes of good luck, he left the room and found Dennis Gallo. They had plans to go to a club that night.

"I'm so happy for you," Brian wrapped his arms around Howie and beat on his back affectionately. "Joanna, you'd better watch him! He's a major flirt!"

"No, only with my sweetie," Howie protested.

"If he flirted with anyone else, his head would be detached. Just to let you know, honey," Joanna smiled.

Howie, I'm glad you decided to settle down with this wonderful woman," Nick grinned. "You'd better take care of her, or else."

"Oh, I will Nick. You have no reason to worry."

"I'm so happy for ya'll!" Nichole smiled warmly. "I hope you have a loving, lasting marriage. I know I don't know ya'll to well, but I feel like I'm a part of the gang already. Thank you for accepting me."

"No problem Nichole. We like you. If we didn't, we'd have already broken the two of you up," Brian said, Howie and Joanna nodded in agreement.

"You're the sweetest person alive Nikki," Joanna hugged her. "I'm glad you're with Nick."

"Believe me, I am too," Nick laughed and hugged Nichole. "We've got to get going. Ya'll have fun tonight!"

"We will!" they chorused.

Nichole and Nick left their room and went to Nichole's to get some of her clothes since she was going to spend the night in Nick's room because it was her last night in England. As they walked down the long corridor to her room, their hands never left the other's body. She fished her little card out and unlocked the door. Nick whispered something amusing in her ear and she chuckled throatily. She turned around facing him, cocked her head to one side and smiled coyly. He blushed and grabbed her into his arms into a giant bear hug. She shreiked with laughter when he started tickling her neck with his day old stubble. They made their way inside and his pursuits became less innocent. Their hands were nonstop in their travels...their kisses wild, deep and unabandoned. Nichole knew where they'd end up if they didn't stop right then. Fortunately, before anything else happened, Tracy wandered into the room...her eyes filled with loathing and jealousy. She soon switched to friendly mode and greeted them both enthusiastically.

Nichole narrowed her eyes, grabbed Nick's hand and leaded him into her room. She didn't feel like confronting Tracy in Nick's presence.

"I can't believe Brian went out with her," Nick commented. "I didn't even know who she was until that morning they waltzed in while we were eating. Why are you not talking to her? Is it because she went out with Brian?"

"No, not exactly," Nichole had totally spaced on informing him of the little squabble. "Tracy left me by myself in the arena during your last concert here. She went backstage with Brian, and knowing how much I wanted to meet you, totally blew me off and made me wait while she 'went to the bathroom'. I had to catch a cab to my friend Dan's house because I thought she had went there. When I got there, she's wasn't there and he kicks me out. So, I walk back here in the rain...and then I run into Mr. Berkebile. There you have it."

"What a bitch!" Nick fumed. "I should go out there and tell her what I think of her."

"No, don't do that. It's okay. Let me handle it," Nichole refrained him.

"But I could have met you that night! Did you hear someone calling for you when you hailed that cab? That was me!" he yelled. "I will have her head! Damn her!"

"Nick! Calm down. It's okay."

"No, it's not. I don't see where you think that it's okay! You need to crawl all over her ass. Stick up for yourself and stop being so damned nice!" his face turned red. "You're too sweet and nice sometimes! You need to be aggressive and not take crap from people!"

"I'm not going to fight with you!" she yelled back as she threw clothes into a bag. "If you're going to argue, get the hell out now!"

"Don't tell me to get out, Nikki!" his face immediately crumpled. "Oh, God. I am so sorry! Oh baby...please forgive me. I didn't mean for this to get out of hand."

"Well, it did. I think you need to go and cool off," she said coolly, and turned her back to him as a tear trickled down her cheek.

"Nichole, please," he pleaded as he lightly grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. "Please don't do this to me, to us. I am so sorry...I could bash my head against a wall! We don't have a lot of time together. You leave tomorrow! I can't live if we've parted on bad terms!"

"You should have thought about that before you started a fight," her lips quivered as she fought to dam the tears building. "I'm not a strong person. I pride myself on being nice and sweet.I let stuff slide off like water on a duck's back. That's just who I am."

"Oh God, I am so sorry," he bent his head and kissed her quivering mouth. "So, so sorry. Forgive me please? I'm an ass. A stupid ass."

She sniffed as she wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back. She couldn't help but forgive him. She loved him...it was as simple as that.

"I wouldn't have you any other way. I like you for who you are," Nick lightly kissed her eyelids and forehead. "If you want to be nice and sweet, so be it. It wouldn't change my feelings toward you if you were a hell raiser or a nice girl. I'm happy with what I've got."

"Thank you Nick," she smiled. "I'm sorry too. I need to get all my stuff packed and let the evil monster person in the other room know that I'm staying with you tonight and I'll be back before the flight tomorrow."

"I wouldn't. I'd let her worry," Nick grinned sheepishly. "But, that's just me."

"I like that about you."

"I know," he grinned and swatted her backside.

Rolling her eyes, she finished packing, and went to tell Tracy where she was going. Tracy was nowhere to be found, so she wrote her a note and taped it to her door. Nick picked up her bags and they walked back to his room.

"I'm glad you're going to stay the night with me," Nick said. "I don't know how I'm going to survive without seeing you everyday."

"We did it every day before we knew each other. It can be done...but it's going to be very hard," Nichole looked like she was going to cry.

"Aw, honey, don't cry," he dropped her bags on the floor and enveloped her into his crushing embrace. Tears were soaking through his shirt and he couldn't help but shed a few tears as well.

*At The Same Time*

*A T S T*

"AJ, man," Dennis swayed. "I'm ready to go. I'm fixin to pass out."

"Yeah, me too," AJ bumped into a table. "Whoa! That just jumped out of nowhere, man."

"Heehee! AJ, you're so funny!" Dennis wrapped his arms around AJ's neck and breathed tequila in his face. "Let's go."

"Alright."

They made their way carefully back to the hotel and went to their floor. They said goodbye at the elevators and parted ways. Swaying down the hall, AJ started to sing "I Need You Tonight". I should have gotten to sing that. I'm a way better singer person than Nick, he muttered under his breath. He looked up at the door looming in front of him and decided that that was his room. He waltzed in since it was unlocked and wove through the tables and chairs. He thought he saw Nick's blond hair so he shook his head to clear it and looked again. Indeed, it was Nick and his new girlfriend. They were sitting on the couch talking and laughing. It appeared that he was tracing circles on her upper arm, but AJ wasn't sure, so he decided to get closer. Damn, that girl is pretty, he thought. He liked the way she smiled sideways and how her highlights gleamed under the bright light. He saw her touch Nick's cheek lightly and smile...and he decided that he'd like to have her touch him as well. So, he straightened up and ambled toward the couple.

"Hey ya'll," he spoke, making sure he didn't slur his words. "How ya'll doin?"

"Hi, AJ! We're doing great. How are you?" Nichole asked cheerfully.

"AJ, how'd you get in here?" Nick asked.

"The door was unlocked. I just thought I'd pop in and say heeey!" AJ took a step toward Nichole. He was directly in front of her now. "And I thought I'd do this as well since I was here."

With that said, he leaned forward quickly and grabbed Nichole's shoulders and kissed her forcefully. She didn't know what had happened...it happened to fast for her to comprehend. A few seconds later, she realized what he intended and tried to shove him away. Nick was already on his feet pounding AJ's back and cursing colorfully. AJ's grip became tighter and tighter until Nichole's shoulders felt like they were on fire. His mouth was pressed against hers so forcefully, they began to bruise. Nick finally knocked AJ in the head with a lamp and he went crashing to the floor.

"Nichole! Oh God! Are you okay?" Nick fell to his knees in front of her. "I don't know what's gotten in him."

"He's drunk. That's what's wrong with him!" she put her fingers to her lips and felt them swell. "I need ice."

She pushed past Nick and went to the freezer to get some ice to go on her mouth and arms. She saw Nick pull AJ's feet until he was at the door. He opened the door and shoved AJ out, closed the door and locked it. He came back and went to the kitchen to see how Nic was holding up.

"I'm fine Nick. Trust me," she winced as he took the cloth from her and pressed it to her lips. "Be careful, okay?"

"Are you mad at me? I didn't do it! I tried to get his ass off of you! He wouldn't budge!" Nick wrinkled his brow and sighed. "I'm sorry Nikki. I should have had the door locked."

"Nick, I'm not mad at you. Honestly. I guess I'm just scared about tomorrow," she said after she pushed his hand away. "AJ was just icing on the cake. Come on, let's go sit back down and relax."

Nick obediently followed her and sank down on the plushy couch beside her. He watched her fiddle with her fingernails, her bracelet and her rings. She was making him antsy. He was going to be squirming on the couch before she was finished playing with her stuff. He reached over and put his hand over hers and grinned.

"Would you please quit? You're making me nervous."

"Sorry. Hey, you know what? We are so comfortable with each other, yet we don't know what each other's favorite things are," she commented after she ceased her fidgiting.

"You're right. I'll go first. What's your favorite color?"

"Green. I know yours is green also."

"No, it's not. They just make us say that. It's actually red."

"No way. Are you serious?"

"No."

"Psycho," she swatted him playfully. "What's your favorite piece of art?"

"The Mona Lisa," he grinned. "What's yours?"

"Hm...I really like Starry Night by Van Gogh. Alright, which do you prefer- The Rolling Stone or Entertainment Weekly?"

"That's easy. We're big people in the Rolling Stone. They just print little pictures in ET," He laughed. "Okay, we know enough about each other. Let's get up close and personal now."

Her eyes widened and she took in a deep breath. He saw her do that and asked her what was wrong.

"Nick, I'm just going to come out and say it. I'm waiting until I'm married. I was raised that way, you see. I'm sor-"

"Nikki, don't start apologizing. I totally respect your decision. I wish I was still a virgin so we could be each other's firsts," he gazed sweetly at her.

"What makes you think we're going to get married?"

"I just know."

"Okay, Mr. Know-It -All, what am I thinking right now?" she raised an eyebrow.

"I love you."

"Well, then...I love you too!" she smiled and laughed.

"I seriously love you Nichole. And I believe we're going to get married and have a life together," he said while stroking her shiny hair. "Me and You. Mr. and Mrs. Nickolas Carter. We're going to have a huge house, a huge bed, cute children, and love. Lots of love."

"Sounds nice Mr. Carter," she snuggled into the crook of his shoulders. "I can't wait."

"Neither can I," he breathed in her shampoo scent deeply. "Let's get some sleep alright? Tomorrow is going to come too soon and all I want to do is hold you in my arms."

"I love you Nick," she smiled. "Just thought you wanted to know."

"Oh, I know," he snickered. "I've known for a while. Just waiting for your slow ass to get a move on and realize it yourself."

They both laughed and moved on into the bedroom where they held each other all night, spoke of dreams, and remembered the time they met. Tomorrow would come too soon, so they stayed awake the whole night.

*The Next Morning*

She opened the door on the third ring and was surprised to see a body with a head of roses. The roses moved and a face appeared. He cleared his throat and asked if she was Tracy.

"Yes, I am. Are those for me?"

"Yes. From a Mr.-" he broke off to check his notepad. "Littrel. Brian Littrel sent these to you. If you'd just sign here..."

"Thank you," she signed and took the roses. She opened the card and read what it said. Tracy, I'm terribly sorry for the way I treated you. I hope you will be able to forgive me in time. Please remember the good times and forget about the bad. I hope you have a safe trip home. Sincerely yours, Brian.

Tracy sighed, but did not cry. She took the flowers, set them on the kitchen counter and went into her room to pack. She was supposed to meet Nichole at the airport at noon, so she didn't have much time left. Today was a brand new day. Today she was going home.

*A T S T*

"Nick...wake up," Nichole whispered. "It's almost time."

"No, I refuse to let you go," his embrace became tighter.

"Nick," she protested. "Let go, I have to go get ready."

"How can you be so calm about this? I feel like a part of me is being ripped apart!"

"Nick, don't make me cry. I refuse to cry today," she looked away.

"You are going to cry, dammit, because I am too," he muttered. "I'm not going to cry alone. It's not manly."

"Are you ordering me to weep?" she asked, surprised.

"Yeah."

She laughed instead and bounded over the side of the bed. She looked back at Nick and he was looking the other way, fighting back tears.

"Oh, Nick," she crawled back into bed with him. "Please don't cry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I laughed. I'm sorry I'm leaving you. I'm going to cry so long and hard when I leave you. Nick, look at me."

He looked up and tears were streaming down his face. "What if I lose you again? You're my dream come true. I'm going to always treasure every kiss and every single one of these days that we've shared."

"We're going to see each other again, sweetheart," she said, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. "It's just going to take a while. Are you worried that I'll find someone back home?"

His head jerked up at her question. "What if I am?"

"No one else comes close to you," she turned his song back to him. "You're all I want...all I need. Don't worry. I love you. Only you."

He wrapped her into his arms and held her tightly while weeping softly. After a few minutes, he felt tears on his neck and held her back a little so that he could see her. He saw a red nose, quivering lips, and puffy eyes that had all the love in the world shining in them. He then knew that he had nothing to be worried about. He drew her back to him and kissed her breathlessly, one of their last kisses before they saw each other again next month. It was a bittersweet moment, full of promises and heartache. He let her go after a few minutes and watched her walk to the bathroom to get ready. He shook his head at himself for being so paranoid, but that's what love will do to you, he reasoned. He ran around the room, getting dressed and packing the rest of her stuff for her. She came out of the bathroom, ready to go at 11:20 AM. He took a deep breath and suggested they take her stuff out to the awaiting limo. He didn't care that they were going to make a scene when they went to the airport. He didn't want to go in disguise...he wanted everyone to know that he had a girlfriend. The paparazzi follows them around everywhere they go, so hopefully they'll get pictures of Nick and Nichole together. That's what he's counting on.

Brian, Howie, and Joanna were going to ride with them to the airport. They were sad to see Nichole leave also. They had accepted her with open arms, and now she's leaving them too. AJ had gracefully declined the offer since he knew Nick would kick his ass when he saw him again. They rode to the airport in silence, tension mounting and emotions escalating. They arrived at the airport and cameramen and women were standing around waiting since they had heard the BSB would be at the airport for some reason. They exited the car and plastered smiles on their faces. The reporters looked in question at Nichole and Nick. They had their arms around each other and making gooey eyes. The reporters thrust microphones into their faces, but they just hurried past them. Nick was going to give them an interview later after he got his baby on the plane safely. They ran to her gate and found Tracy and Dan waiting on them.

"Nichole, I just want to tell you that I'm sorry for everything!" Dan rushed out before Nichole had a chance to get there. "I wasn't thinking straight. Please forgive me. Come back next summer okay? I'll call you and send you emails. Your flight leaves in 10 minutes and I'm late for work. I just wanted to come up here and tell you that."

"Thank you Dan," she hugged him tightly. "I'll look forward to next summer."

Dan left them and Tracy turned to Nic. "Same here, Nikki. I'm sorry. And I'm really glad for you and Nick. I've been focusing on myself lately and hurting everyone else," she said, directing the last comment to Brian.

"I'm sorry Tracy," Brian said. "I'll call you later okay? I promise."

He reached out and gave her a hug. Tracy said bye to everyone else and made her way into the walkway. Nichole turned to Nick and began to cry. She threw herself into his arms and held on for dear life. Her body was racking with violent sobs, making him want to cry fiercely. His heart won over his mind and he too began to weep. Watching the both of them cry, Howie, Joanna and Brian started to get teary too. They broke away from each other and placed fast, furious kisses on each other's faces.

"I love you Nick. I love you so very much," her eyes widened. "It's not enough time! I need time to do this!"

"I love you too, Nichole," Nick held her. "We've got all the time in the world. Just wait. This isn't goodbye forever. I'll see you soon. Very soon. Just remember that I love you and think of me everyday. I'm going to think of you constantly."

"Flight 1567 is boarding the last passengers. If you're on this flight, get on the plane now." a voice blared out.

Nick and Nichole clung to each other helplessly. They didn't want to let go. Finally Brian pulled Nick apart from her.With their hands outstretched, a gap was forming between them. A stewardess came and pulled Nichole to the walkway opening. They were completely broken apart and looking pitifully at each other. Nick's face was crumpled with unshed tears shining in his beautiful blue eyes. Nichole was sobbing, her body shuddering with despair. She stood in front of the walkway door, waving to her beloved and promised to see him again soon.

"I love you," they whispered.

Nichole turned her back and walked down the decline. She paused in the middle, smiled at Nick's smiling face and waved the last time.