Secret Lovers
Title: Secret Lovers
Author: Stephanie M wicciangirl51@hotmail.com
Pairing: Lance/AJ
Status: Complete
Part 1
As soon as Howie left the room, AJ sighed in relief, happy that he was finally alone. He knew that the others were concerned about his behaviour but how could he explain the situation if they knew it would be the end. The end of their friendship and the end of the Backstreet Boys. He couldn't do that to them, they were his brothers.
Looking at his watch AJ realised that he only had forty minutes before he had to be at the club. He hadn't told any of his bandmates about the club or about his date. He knew that they cared about him but he wanted to keep it a secret. If he had to, he would tell the others.
As soon as he was dressed, AJ grabbed his private mobile phone, for which only his boyfriend had the number. He didn't feel like hearing from any of the other Backstreet Boys not tonight, the one night when he could be himself.
Stealthy leaving the room, AJ looked around for the bodyguards. Once the coast was clear he quickly ran to the elevator. As soon as he stepped inside, he felt the phone vibrate.
"Hello baby. I won't be long," AJ said into the phone a smile appearing on his face at the low laughter that followed his statement.
"That's nice to hear. Same place as normal. I'll be wearing green and black," The man replied, his voice clearly showing a smile.
"I'll see you soon. Promise," AJ replied as the elevator stopped at his floor, hanging up he headed for the door and hailed a cab.
After giving the driver the directions, AJ sat back and remembered the last time they had met up. It had been in New York at one of the smaller bars on the east side. They had stopped for ice cream before going to the hotel were they spent the night talking. The stopping of the cab caused him to return to the present. Paying the driver, AJ got out of the car, smoothing down his black shirt. He had gone with his mood and was wearing black leather pants with a black shirt.
"Hey man. You here to see J again?" The bouncer asked as AJ approached the door, ignoring the line of people waiting to go in.
"Sure am Chase. Is he here?" AJ replied with a smile trying not to show his eagerness to see his lover.
"Inside. I'll catch you next time. Go in man," Chase replied seeing the way AJ was bouncing on the spot.
As he walked inside AJ took in the many couples dancing on the floor, there was a mixture of gay, and straight couples as well as groups dancing. That was the best thing about the club; no one cared about sexuality. You were free to just let go. Standing in the back, barely visible through a haze of smoke was his lover.
"Glad to see you could make it. What did you tell the others?" Lance Bass asked as AJ walked over and placed his arm around Lance's waist.
"I'm sick in my bedroom. What about you?" AJ replied, reaching over to capture Lance's mouth in a kiss.
The kiss was powerful and passionate causing each man to shiver with desire; Lance's tongue explored every cavity of AJ's mouth while AJ ran his tongue over the other man's teeth. The need to breathe became too much and the pair broke apart.
"I'm catching up on some paperwork. Do you want to get out of here?" Lance replied, realising that they needed to talk about their relationship and the two groups.
"Fine by me. Want to come back to my hotel?" AJ replied. Receiving a nod of agreement, AJ held onto Lance's hand and led the way out of the club.
"Want to get a cab or walk?" AJ asked seeing how beautiful the night was with the clear sky and the full moon.
"Walking is fine by me," Lance replied holding AJ's hand tighter, confident of the lack of press.
The pair walked in silence and their steps evenly matched, content to simply be together. Something that they hadn't experienced an awful lot of since meeting up five months ago.
On the way to the hotel, they came across a small coffee house that was still open. Walking inside, AJ ordered two coffees and sat down waiting for Lance to follow. The well-lit coffee house had an almost homely feel. The old jukebox in the corner playing Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden.
"So what did you want to talk about?" AJ asked as he took a sip of his coffee.
"Us, our relationship. I've been thinking that maybe I should tell the guys. What do you think?" Lance replied curious but nervous at the same time. What if AJ didn't feel the same?
"I love you, it's as simple as that. As for telling our bands, that's easy. We have too! Especially in light of the joint tour in a week," AJ said his voice distant as he considered the possible reactions.
"Don't worry. It'll be fine," Lance said, reaching out to lightly touch AJ's hand. "I can't wait for the joint tour. Finally I'll be able to see you every day instead of making do with phone calls," Lance continued smiling.
"I know what you mean. I'm not even going to tell you how much my last phone bill was and you've only got the number," AJ replied laughing as he remembered how much the other guys had laughed at him over the time he had spent on the phone during the last tour.
"Yeah I remember. Justin was sure that I was in trouble and Chris gave me a lecture on how they would be there for me no matter how much trouble I was in," Lance replied, remembering how serious they had all been.
"Maybe instead of telling them we should just let them find us in bed together," AJ said imagining the looks on his friends' faces.
"That wouldn't work. They'd probably think it was part of a joke and Justin's not awake until after breakfast," Lance replied.
"You're probably right but God imagine their faces," AJ said before bursting out laughing, soon after Lance started laughing. They managed to stand up but one look at the other and they started laughing again.
Neither one of them noticed a women in a black Taurus taking photographs of the happy pair as they talked. As they approached the door, the woman drove off smiling.
"Still want to come back to mine?" AJ asked his voice unsure. They had never spent the night together before.
"Yeah but I'm gonna call the others and ask them to met me at your hotel tomorrow at ten. Is that alright?" Lance said, looking at AJ.
"Yeah fine. Why don't you call them now that way you don't have to get up early tomorrow?" AJ said as they walked towards the hotel.
"That's the great thing about you. You're not only cute but you have brains," Lance said a laugh clear in his voice.
"Nice to know that you're not just after my looks," AJ replied, taking Lance's hand in his.
"Hey Joey! Call the others and go to the BSB hotel at ten tomorrow. It's about the tour so don't be late," Lance said into the phone after dialling Joey's number. He knew that he could rely on Joey to get the others sorted.
Ten minutes later AJ peered out of the elevator and, after checking for people, led the way to his room. Once inside the pair shared a long passionate kiss before undressing and getting into bed. AJ moved his body so that he was spooning Lance, the feeling of the other man's heartbeat lulling him to sleep.
Part 2
The sunlight streamed in through the small gap in the curtain, landing straight on Lance's face causing the younger man to nestle into AJ's body with a scowl. At the feeling of Lance moving closer, AJ smiled and tightened his embrace. The ringing of the phone disrupted both of their plans to just sleep until they had no choice but to wake up. Picking up the handle, AJ mumbled what he hoped was an intelligible
greeting.
"This is your 9 am wake up call Mr McLean as requested," The annoyingly perky voice came through the wire causing AJ to frown. How could anyone be so happy this early in the morning?
AJ put the phone down his attention caught by Lance. The younger man was tracing patterns on AJ’s chest causing AJ to groan in pleasure. AJ retaliated by dropping featherlike kisses on Lance’s neck, stopping too look up into Lance’s green orbs. The look on Lance’s face was enough to take his breath away; AJ had never seen his lover look more beautiful.
“Babe, we have to stop…we’ve go to meet the others soon and we still need to get dressed.” AJ said, kissing Lance before he could reply.
“Alright, work now, play later! I get it but we’re coming back early tonight.” Lance said, as he broke the kiss.
While AJ got out of bed and ran into the shower, Lance searched for his mobile. Finding it, he dialled Joey’s number with a wicked grin, the grin broadening at the snarl on the other end.
“WHAT? This better be important, Lance.” Joey practically shouted through the phone, clearly unhappy about something.
“Good morning to you too, Joey. I just wanted to check that you received my message.” Lance drawled, while trying to keep the laughter out of his voice.
“Yeah, I got it last night. Do you want us to pick you up?” Joey said his voice full of curiosity.
“That’s alright. I’ll see you at the hotel then, please don’t be late.” Lance said, as AJ came out of the shower wearing only a towel.
“Ok, Scoop see you later.” Joey replied shortly before hanging up.
******
“Are you trying to tease me, Alex?” Lance asked AJ as he placed his mobile on the dresser.
“Don’t know what you mean, babe. I simply forgot to take my clothes in with me.” AJ replied with a knowing smirk.
“I’m going to shower. Hurry up and get dressed, McLean or I won’t be responsible for my actions.” Lance replied with a grin.
“You do realise that you’re going to have to wear what you did last night.” AJ said, realising that his clothes wouldn’t fit Lance.
“Yeah. I’m going to look really out of place, right?” Lance shouted from the bathroom.
”No, I think you looked great last night. That shirt perfectly matches your eyes.” AJ replied as he decided what to wear.
Ten minutes later Lance emerged from the shower somewhat disappointed to find that AJ had already gotten dressed. Lance smiled as he noticed that AJ had laid out all of Lance’s clothes on the bed along with a pair of boxers and some black socks. Dropping the towel, Lance dressed quickly feeling AJ’s eyes on him the whole time.
“What do you think?” Lance asked as he twirled round, feeling the urge to act like a child.
“I think you look gorgeous as usual. Want to watch TV?” AJ replied, wanting to get his mind off the meeting.
“Sure, anything good on?” Lance replied moving to turn on the TV and sit on the couch, followed seconds later by AJ.
“No idea.” AJ replied as Lance moved so that he was practically on AJ’s lap.
The pair sat in silence as the news went on about the latest political scandal but they were no longer listening. Instead, the pair sat wondering about what would happen when they told the truth to their friends. Would their best friends hate them?
****
“Babe, we need to get moving its five to ten.” AJ said into Lance’s ear, causing the younger man to look up his expression a mix of fear and nervousness. Wordlessly Lance moved off the couch and reached out a hand to AJ.
Hand in hand, the pair left the room and walked towards Kevin’s room where everyone was meeting. The couple drew only a few raised eyebrows from the bodyguards.
Kissing Lance’s hand AJ let it go and opened the door, walking in first, instinctively putting his body between his lover and the potential threat. The room was noisy as always, Nick and Justin arguing over videogames while Howie, Chris, and Joey whispered about something.
“Hey, Scoop nice to see you. Did you manage to finish all your paperwork?” Joey asked as Lance sat down on the couch, AJ sitting next to him.
“That’s kind of what we need to talk about..” Lance started but before he could finish the door slammed as Kevin walked in and walked straight over to AJ.
“Want to explain what the fuck’s going on AJ?” Kevin asked his voice straining with barely controlled anger.
“What are you talking about, Kev?” AJ asked, while wondering if he had found out about his relationship with Lance.
“I’m talking about this!” Kevin said thrusting a magazine at the couple.
The headline screamed Backstreet Boy and Nsyncer in Gay Love Affair. The front page had pictures of the two of them taken at the coffeehouse the night before but that wasn’t what drew their attention. In one picture, Lance was holding AJ’s hand while the other man looked at him with an expression that could only be described as adoring. The other pictures showed the pair laughing while holding hands.
“Oh Fuck!” Lance shouted, surprising his friends who rarely heard him swear. He turned into AJ for comfort, knowing that he could rely on the other man to do his best to help him.
AJ simply opened his arms and gripped him in a fierce hug while their friends looked on. He glared at anyone who dared to look at them. A sob from Lance caused AJ to slowly rub his lover’s back while he whispered to Lance that he loved him and that it would be alright.
“Why did it have to happen now? I haven’t even told my mom about us yet.” Lance said half to himself before moving, so that he was sitting on AJ’s lap. He figured that it didn’t matter anyway and he knew that AJ needed the contact as much as he did.
“AJ and I are in love with each other.” Lance said needing to tell his friends.
“So are you gay, Lance?” JC asked his voice low.
“Yeah and before you ask AJ is bi.” Lance replied to the question, part of him wanting the others to say something.
“That’s okay with me, Scoop.” Joey said smiling at the couple causing Lance to relax a little.
“So? Its cool with me as long as you keep it down.” Chris said, his eyes flashing with humour.
“I can’t believe I lost the bet.” Justin said, shortly before handing a twenty over to Chris.
“What bet?” Lance asked, suspecting that he wouldn’t like the answer.
“Chris bet me that two years ago that you were gay and that you’d date one of the Backstreet Boys.” Justin explained, a little annoyed at losing the bet, even if it was only $20.
“Nice to know that you care (!) I take it that you’re okay with us then?” Lance said his eyes moving to JC when Justin nodded.
“I’m alright with it too Lance. Its just a surprise.” JC said, seeing how worried Lance was.
“How about you guys?” AJ asked looking at the rest of the Backstreet Boys.
“I kind of suspected that you might be bi. You and Lance might take some getting used to.” Nick said before talking to Justin.
“As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.” Howie said sincerely.
“No problem here as long as you don’t hit on me, Bone.” Brian said laughter clear in his voice.
“Why would I want you when I’ve got my James?” AJ said, his voice full of love.
“I have no problems with you two being in a relationship but what are we going to do about the paper.” Kevin said, causing everyone to look at the paper.
“Any ideas what we can do?” Brian said, wondering if there was any way to avoid telling the truth, knowing how badly it would affect the two groups.
Before anyone could respond there was a high ringing as Lance felt his mobile phone vibrate in his pocket. Looking at the number he was worried to see that it was his mom. Was she calling to tell him that he was no longer a part of the family?
“Who’s on the phone, babe?” AJ asked seeing the reaction in his boyfriend.
“Its my mom. I don’t know what to do. What should I do, Alex?” Lance said, sounding like a lost little child.
“You have to answer it, its alright, I’m right here love.” AJ said as Lance answered the phone.
“Hello mom.” Lance said, hearing the quiver in his voice, AJ squeezed his hand as a sign of support.
“James, I’ve just read the paper. How are you, son?” His mother’s voice came through full of concern and worry.
“I’m fine, I’ve only just seen it.” Lance replied, wondering why she hadn’t asked him if it was true.
“So when are you and Alex going to visit me?” Diane Bass said her voice happy.
“Visit you? You mean you’re not mad mom?” Lance said joyfully.
“Why would I be mad, you’ve found someone who loves you. I’ve talked it over with the people in my support group and we agree that it can’t be wrong.”
“Support group??” Lance questioned, wondering why his mom had a support group.
“I’ve been a member ever since I found out you were gay about two months ago. I’ll have to go now, give Alex my love.” Diane Bass said shortly before hanging up the phone.
*****
“You won’t believe it. She wants us to visit her, she sends you her love, and she has a support group.” Lance said in one breath, causing AJ to pause to figure out what he had just said.
“You mean that she’s okay with us? She’s okay with us!! That’s wonderful baby.” AJ said, catching Lance in a passionate kiss, full of happiness and love. As their hands started to wander the sound of coughing could be heard but they ignored it. The pair broke apart with a gasp when they felt cold water dropping on them. Looking over they saw Nick and Joey holding the ice bucket, ready to pour it over them.
“I’ve called management and they suggested a joint press conference saying that the photographs were taken out of context and basically denying it.” Kevin said, causing the happy mood to be broken.
Part 3
“Is there any chance that anyone would believe us if we went with that?” Lance asked, even though he knew the answer.
“Well the pictures are hard to ignore plus the fact that you guys are a couple.” Kevin replied, regret in his voice over his earlier behaviour.
“We could tell the truth.” AJ stated looking at Lance. If they told the truth, they wouldn’t have to worry about hiding.
“Are we ready for that, love? It’s going to be difficult. A lot of people are going to be against us.” Lance stated, worried that the world would destroy their relationship.
“We’re forever, we can handle it. The people that matter, our family support us, baby.” AJ replied, caressing Lance’s neck.
“Okay we’ll tell the truth but how do the rest of you feel about it?” Lance said, looking to the two groups.
“We’re behind you.” Chris said, answering for them all.
“I’ll call management and tell them the plan.” Kevin stated as he left the room.
“Can I talk to you alone AJ?” Joey asked, surprising the couple.
“Sure. How about in the bedroom?” AJ said, as he walked into Kevin’s bedroom, followed by Joey and JC.
****
In the bedroom AJ was fidgeting nervously, it felt like he was meeting Lance’s parents instead of his friends. Although in some ways that fact that they were his friends was far worse.
“AJ we just wanted to have a word with you about Lance. If you hurt him at all we will come after you. No one hurts one of us and gets away with it.” Joey said, his friendly tone bellying his strong words.
“You better not be messing with him. If I ever see him upset because of you I will kill you, got it? As long as you treat him right everything will be fine.” JC said, his eyes flashing dangerously.
“Don’t worry I won’t hurt him, I love him with all my heart. I’ll kill anyone that hurts him.” AJ said seriously.
“You might just be right for him with that attitude.” Joey said smiling at the look of surprise on AJ’s face.
“We best get back in there before Lance thinks we’ve killed you.” JC stated as he opened the door.
As the trio walked back into the room, Lance looked at AJ trying to make sure that his lover was alright. AJ just sat down next to him, holding his hand tightly when he saw how worried Lance had been
“The press conference is going to be in an hour. Do you want to call your mom, AJ?” Kevin said as he walked into the room
“She already knows about us. She overheard us talking on the phone.” AJ replied.
“I suppose you guys want the details on how we got together. I’ll tell you but no interruptions.” AJ said as he watched everyone make themselves comfortable.
*******
Flashback AJ’s pov
I took another sip of my drink and looked around the crowd of people. I was at one of the biggest parties in the music business and all I wanted was to leave. To go back to the hotel room where I didn’t have to be AJ the Backstreet Boy away from the curious looks.
“Hi, AJ you look like you’re having as much fun as I am.” A low voice whispered into my ear causing me to turn in surprise.
I found myself staring into the eyes of the most attractive man I had ever seen, losing myself in his green eyes. I wondered how someone who was supposedly a rival knew exactly how I was feeling.
“You’ve seen one party you’ve seen them all, know what I mean?” I replied shocked at how easy it was to speak to Lance.
“I know exactly what you mean. Do you want to get of here?” Lance replied, his low voice sending shivers down my spine.
End flashback
“What happened when you left?” Justin asked, wanting to know the whole story.
“I’ll tell the rest of the story, if you quit interrupting.” Lance said, mildly annoyed.
Flashback-Lance’s pov
“Do you feel like going for some coffee? I know this great little place nearby.” I asked wanting to talk to AJ privately.
When AJ nodded I led the way out of the club into the cool night air, the sudden change in temperature causing me to shiver. We walked in silence for a few minutes, with me still shivering.
“Here take my coat, man. The last thing I want is for you to freeze to death.” AJ said taking his coat off and placing it on my shoulders.
“Thanks, I didn’t think that it would turn so cold.” I replied as I opened the door to the small neighbourhood diner. Looking at the waitress I was pleased to see that she was in her early forties so she probably had no idea who we were.
As we sat down she walked over and we both ordered a coffee, not bothering to look at the menus. As soon as she was out of earshot, I smiled at opened my mouth while praying that he wouldn’t be upset.
“I’m gay and I’m attracted to you. Don’t worry, I’m not going to jump you or anything. I can understand why you wouldn’t be attracted to someone like me.” I said, looking at the table.
“Why wouldn’t I be attracted to you? You’re beautiful Lance. I’m bi although I tend to go for guys. What do you say we get to know each other a bit more?” AJ said his voice low.
“I’d like that, but I’d like to know stuff that I can’t get from a teen magazine.” I replied, lightly touching AJ’s hand.
Before AJ could reply the waitress came over with our desserts and smiled at our joined hands. I couldn’t help but wish that more people could be so accepting.
We started talking about everything and nothing, telling stories about our pasts. I felt completely at ease with AJ in a way that I’d never experienced before. It was like there was a bond between us.
“Guys we’re about to close. By the way you make a cute couple.” The waitress said as she walked over.
I paid and we walked outside, not holding hands simply because of the unfamiliar area. AJ walked me to my hotel, giving me his phone number and kissing me on the cheek as he walked away into the night.
End flashback.
“So you’re first date was coffee in a tiny diner?” Joey asked slightly amused.
“Yeah, the next morning AJ called and we talked for hours until JC dragged me off for the photoshoot. That was five months ago, since then we’ve had to rely on the phone. We’ve only seen each other seven times.” Lance said, remembering how they had treasured their days together.
“That explains why you were always on the phone, Scoop. I was so worried about you.” Chris said, remembering the way they had all panicked over Lance during the last tour.
“Sorry but we didn’t want to tell you about our relationship until we felt ready.” Lance replied, looking down at his watch he was dismayed that there was only ten minutes until the press conference.
“We’re going to come out but only if that’s alright with everyone.” AJ said as Lance stood, reaching down to pull him up.
“Are you sure about this?” JC asked, knowing what a big step it was.
“We’re sure, but don’t tell management. Let it be a surprise.” Lance said, giggling at the evil smirk on AJ’s face.
“Its alright with us, remember that we’re there for you.” Kevin said speaking for the group as he naturally adopted the role of leader.
”Group hug!” Justin shouted, as he lunged at the pair.
The two groups hugged each other for five minutes, giving their support to their friends and brothers. Each one knew just how hard it was for the pair to admit their relationship to the world.
The ten men made their way to the conference room. At exactly eleven thirty the two groups took their seats at the large table. Lance and AJ sat in the middle, holding hands under the table.
“We’re here to address the article and the pictures in today’s paper, if you don’t mind I’ll turn the question over to Lance and AJ as they are the ones it mainly concerns.” Kevin said, with a smile at the couple.
“Lance Bass and myself are in love and are dating each other. The pictures are true.” AJ said, knowing how nervous Lance was.
Immediately after this statement the room was silent before chaos erupted. The press officer for Jive immediately recovered and silence was restored.
“How long have you been dating?” A woman reporter asked.
“We’ve been dating for five months and seventeen days.” The couple replied together, Lance blushing when he realised what they had just done.
“How do you feel you’re fans will react?” A male reporter asked.
“We hope that they will continue to support our groups and enjoy our music.” Kevin answered.
“How does the rest of your groups feel about the relationship?” A man shouted the question, obviously eager to get his scoop.
“We are happy that they have found each other. Its great that our brothers have found someone who makes them complete.” Howie said, with a smile at the couple.
“How do your families feel about the relationship?” A woman asked, smiling at the pair.
“They support us and our relationship.” Lance replied remembering the phone call from his mom.
“This press conference is over.” JC said, as the two groups stood up to leave.
AJ placed his arm around Lance’s waist as they walked out of the room, stopping at the door when he saw the twinkle in Lance’s eyes. Lance smirked as he pulled AJ in for a passionate kiss, ignoring the camera flashes around them as the reporters hurried to capture the moment on film. The pair broke apart when the need to breathe became too great, each one feeling happier now that their secret love was no longer secret.
THE END
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