Message Board Meetings - 98 Degrees Fan Fic

[Raevengeance]

<span style="font-family:Arial">©2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Rae</span>


OK - if you notice the copywrite on this story - It was started in 2002 - I pretty much left the story alone in 2003 although some writing was done on it - and I just recently picked the story back up again. I started this when I was going through a "Nick" phase as opposed to my typical "Jeff" phase.


The first 3 chapters are done in the form of postings on a message board (the 98 Degrees official board in particular) and conversations between friends on AOL Instant Messanger® so you understand how the story is set up.


The following are the main characters in the story:
Character/Screen Name (AIM/MB)/Abbreviation for screen names in story:
Rachel ~ SlidersAngel ~ SA
Jade ~ CookieMamma ~ CM
Diamond ~ DrewsGem ~ DG
Alexa ~ TimmonsAngel98 ~ TA
Nick ~ MiamiU73 ~ MU
Justin ~ BearJ98 ~ Bear
Drew ~ RadarDrew98 ~ RD98
Jeff ~ JBT98D or Massillon_JBTimmons ~ JBT

[Raevengeance]

**sorry - the formatting of this probably is not what I was hoping for as I typed it originally**</span>

Chapter 1 ~ Trip Planning

Four friends who originally met on the 98 Degrees message boards decided to actually meet face to face after a year of chatting and posting on the message boards and having conversations on AOL’s Instant Messenger (AIM). After much consideration, the foursome decided that a trip to Ohio, the home state of all four members of 98 Degrees was the perfect destination.

***CHAT ROOM CONVERSATION 12/2001***
DrewsGem: So, when are we going to go??
CookieMamma: Summer is probably best…
TimmonsAngel98: Sounds like a great time to me, just let me know so that I can be sure to have plenty of funds available.
SlidersAngel: Same here, and so that I can make sure I have the time off of work…
DG: Of course, now how do we want to do this???
TA: When in the summer?
DG: How about June, before it gets to be too hot?
CM: Sounds like a plan to me…
SA: Sounds good to me. I’m going to be driving or bussing it in, what about the rest of you?
DG: I’ll be flying.
CM: Flying for me too.
TA: I’ll be driving. It’s not too far from here to Cinci.
SA: Where are you at again, Alexa? Maybe we could meet up and car pool from your place the rest of the way??
TA: I’m in Indiana. Not too far from the Ohio border.
SA: How reliable is your car?
TA: Been pretty good so far, only a couple years old.
SA: Let’s talk and we can meet up and then drive your car the rest of the way together, unless you’d rather not?
TA: Sounds like a good plan to me…don’t like road trips by myself too much.
SA: Jade, Diamond…let us know when your flights will be in, and we’ll meet ya both at the airport…maybe we could try to get you guys in at close to the same time??
CM: What weekend is going to work for everyone??
SA: How long were we planning on staying??
DG: I almost think we need more than a weekend to do everything we’re going to want to do…maybe a full week…or a little over a week…get into town on Friday afternoon, and leave again Sunday, 9 days later?
TA: Sounds like a plan to me. Let me double check the PTO schedule at work, and see when exactly I can get that kind of time off…
SA: Me too.
CM: As soon as anyone finds anything out, let the rest of us know so we can all make sure we’ve got time that works for each of us.
***END CHAT SESSION***

***CHAT ROOM ~ 2 DAYS LATER***
DG: Hey, what’s up ladies?
TA: Not much here, how about with you?
CM: Nothing
SA: Getting ready for an early Christmas get-together with my family.
DG: Nothing much here either. How do the schedules look for our trip?
SA: Most of June looks bad for me…but if we run it late May-early June, I should be able to swing it.
TA: Late May looks better for me too.
CM: OK, let’s plan for late May…like when to when??
DG: Let me know and I can book the hotel and my flight.
SA: Do we want to do just Cinci or a trip to M[arse]illon too?
TA: M[arse]ILLON!
DG: I take it we need the extra stop?
TA: Please??? I wanna see where Jeff grew up…
SA: Jade, what do you think?
CM: Works for me.
DG: I’ll book the hotels ~ do we have a preference for hotel chain or amenities?
SA: I just want an indoor pool, maybe a fitness center…
CM: I don’t have any preferences as far as hotels go…but I think we need a spa day while we’re there.
DG: I was thinking the same thing. Lex, Rach, you two up for it?
SA: Sure
TA: Sounds like a plan.
SA: Diamond, do you want me to help take care of any of the arrangements? So it’s not all on you?
DG: It’s ok, let’s just figure this out as far as activity days…and the exact dates of our trip.
SA: Good idea…I would say 1 night in M[arse]illon, and we should be able to see what we want to see the next day, then head back to Cinci in the evening?
TA: I agree, I mean, I know there isn’t much there.
CM: Will that be enough time though…are we sure?
DG: Yeah, we don’t want to short-change you at all, Lex…
TA: No, you’re not…1/2 a day should be plenty of time, and if there is other stuff I want to see, I don’t live that far away that I can’t go see it on my own some other time…really…itâ↚¬â„¢s a good plan.
DG: If you’re sure…when do we want to do that? Maybe meet there instead of Cinci and do the first day there, then head down? So we aren’t changing hotels a couple of times?
CM: Sounds like a plan to me.
TA: Good idea.
DG: Rachie?
SA: We’ve got a plan, Stan.
TA: ROTFLMAO
CM: Funny, Rach.
SA: :-D I try

<span style="color:blue">***END CHAT SESSION***

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 2 ~ Spying on the Fans

As the guys from 98 Degrees were enjoying their break at Drew’s new home in California, they decided to see what was being said about them on the message boards on their official website. “GOOD GRIEF! Can’t they just let us have a few moments to ourselves???� Drew asked as they read the posts pleading with them for just a word about what was going on while they were on their break.
“Why should we get time off??� Nick asked sarcastically. “Maybe so we can grow as individuals, a group, and musically.�
“Did we ASK you all to travel cross-country to see us perform 10 concerts?� Justin added, “I think NOT. It’s not our fault you all are that crazy and have no lives.�
“Jeff, do you have anything to say?� Nick asked.
“It’s amazing there are some fans who understand what we’re doing…and are saying the same things we all just said.�
“What?�
“See these four replies?�
“DrewsGem? We’ve got some creative screen names on the board, that’s for sure.�
“Ignore the names, Drew…read what they’re saying.�
“Let the guys have some time for themselves and their families….they’ll come back with stuff that is just as good if not better than what they have already given us…because they’ll have had a chance to grow,� Drew read. “Wow…�
“Some very deep thoughts,� Nick commented.
“I think we need to get to know those four,� Justin added, being extremely curious about the fan going by the screen name COOKIE MAMMA.
“I think so too,� Drew replied, picking up the phone and dialing long time friend, and gracious web-designer, Devon to set up some secret message board aliases for the guys to use to get in touch with the girls in question, needing to go through him since the web club on the site had been closed for six months for various reasons.
“How do we get them to notice us?� Nick asked.
“We make a post directed to them,� Justin answered.
“Do we all make one, or just one of us?� Jeff asked.
“I’ll make it…then you all can post replies in the thread,� Drew answered as he logged in under the name Devon had set up for him : RADARDREW98, immediately setting up a user profile so his email address at yahoo would be shown…he could soon let DREWS GEM have his true email if she contacted him. Then he set to work on creating the first post.
<blockquote>

TOPIC: SLIDERSANGEL, TIMMONSANGEL98, DREWSGEM, COOKIEMAMMA
AUTHOR: RADARDREW98

Hey, just saw your post defending the guys’ right to have some free time that fans don’t know what they are doing…Wanted to let you all know that despite the attacks you’re getting for taking that stand, others agree with you too. If you want to talk off the board, email me at the addy in my profile. Hope to hear from ya :)

RD98</blockquote>

“OK, guys, I’ve got the first one posted…you can reply now, or wait for one of them to answer us.�
“Hit refresh…I know I had just seen SlidersAngel post,� Nick said.
“OK,� Drew said, hitting the refresh button on his web-browser.
“Yes! She saw it,� Nick exclaimed as he read her reply.

<blockquote>

TOPIC: RE: SA, TA98, DG, CM
AUTHOR: SlidersAngel

Thanks, RD98…I’m happy to hear/read that others agree with my (and my friends) thoughts on the break the guys in the group are taking being a good thing.
My email is in my profile. Watch for a note from me.

Rachel</blockquote>
“We were happy too,� Nick said as he logged Drew off the site, and himself onto it. He too, created his profile quickly so that Rachel (his angel according to her username) could find it before replying to her post.

<blockquote>

TOPIC: RE: SA/TA98/DG/CM
AUTHOR: MIAMIU73

Rachel (SlidersAngel)
Those are very sweet thoughts, and I’m sure there are others who agree with you, your friends, and myself as well.
If you don’t mind, can I email you too?? Post back a yes/no. I don’t want to email you and bother you if you don’t want email from a stranger.

MU73</blockquote>
“There, I hope she doesn’t mind me emailing her.�
“ME NEXT!� Justin said quickly, pushing Nick from the keyboard and setting his own profile up before replying to the messages Drew and Nick had already left. “Nick, she replied back that it was alright with her if you emailed her…she wouldn’t have her email in her profile otherwise.�
“Thanks, J,� Nick said as he powered up his laptop to get back online and hopefully talk to his angel.

<blockquote>

SUBJ: RE: SA/TA98/DG/CM
AUTHOR: BEARJ98

Hey, just wanted to say that I agree with RadarDrew98, it’s not a common thought for people to care about the artists (singers, actors, etc) personal lives, and wanting to let them have their personal, private time. I think you all deserve big :)’s.
Ohhhhhh…and COOKIEMAMMA ~ interesting name…how did you come up with it?

BEAR J 98</blockquote>
“Nice post, J,� Nick commented as he typed his email to Rachel.
“Timmons, don’t go [freak]ing this up. We want to keep it a secret who we are,� Drew warned, as Jeff set up his own profile.
“J, check this post out. CookieMamma replied to ya,� Nick said after sending the email to Rachel and checking on the message board post.
“Come on, Jeff…get to the post!� Justin urged.
“Alright, I finished my profile anyway,� Jeff said, clicking through to find the post Drew had started.

<blockquote>

SUBJECT: RE: ORIGIN OF SCREENNAME
AUTHOR: COOKIE MAMMA

Hey, thanks for the support of our opinions! Nice to know others out there can accept that the guys are humans and deserve their privacy too.
BearJ, my screen name started out as a joke between one of my friends (SlidersAngel) and myself, because she found it funny, in nearly every appearance the guys did that was more than them singing…he had a cookie at some point….then when the MuchMusic special that was taped during the first leg of the Revelation tour came out, and he had his INFAMOUS COOOOOKIEEE line. She started calling him Cookie Monster…and, since he was my favorite, I became his “cookie-mamma�.

Thanks again :)

§~ Jade ~§</blockquote>
“SHE LIKES ME!� Justin exclaimed, grinning.
“DUH!� That was obvious,� Jeff said. “Time for my post.�

<blockquote>

SUBJECT: TIMMONSANGEL98
AUTHOR: M[arse]ILLON_JBTIMMONS

Email me. I’d like to talk to you. My addy is in my profile.

Hope to hear from you soon,

JBT </blockquote>
“Dumb[arse]! First, you were supposed to stay in the same thread! Second, you were supposed to pick a name that wouldn’t be COMPLETELY obvious! Third, you could have come up with something different for your sig!� Drew sputtered.
“Sorry,� Jeff said, sheepishly, hoping he hadn’t blown the cover they were trying to create, and hoping that he’d soon hear from Timmons Angel 98. Justin quickly took the keyboard back during the lecture to Jeff, so he could reply to Jade.
“Drew, DrewsGem replied!� Nick called as he waited, rather impatiently, for a reply to his email for Rachel.
“J, go get your own laptop! I’m gonna use mine,� Drew said.
“One quick reply…then I’ll get mine, ok?�
“Fine…just hurry,� Drew said, as Justin typed as quickly as possible.

<blockquote>

Subject: RE: ORIGIN OF SCREENNAME
AUTHOR: BEAR J 98

Hey, Jade…that’s a cool background for your screen-name. Your friend sounds very creative.
Well, if you want to continue talking with me ~ off the boards that is ~ feel free to email me. Since your email isn’t in your profile. Hope to hear from you soon.

Bear J</blockquote>
“Sweet sap there, J,� Drew commented as he read Justin’s post.
“Shut up, Drew-boy!� Justin spat as he hooked his own laptop up.
“Diamond ~ that’s such a beautiful name,� Drew said softly as he read the reply DrewsGem, real name Diamond, had posted.
“DAMN!� Jeff shouted.
“What’s wrong?�
“Rachel replied to my post to TimmonsAngel98. She’s gone for a week. I won’t hear from her…and she won’t see this!�
“Jeff, relax…she’ll see it,� Nick said, trying to re[arse]ure his friend.
“But…�
“Jeff, I’m sure that her friends will…and we will…keep that post from falling off the boards. Just calm down.�
“I’ll try…but it’s not fair…you all get to talk to the other three girls!�
“Jeff, relax. It’ll probably make it all the better because you did have to wait,� Justin said as they all continued their conversations via email or on the message board.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 3 ~

GIRLS IN CHATROOM 1 WEEK LATER
TA: Hey, girlies, what’s happening?
SA: Not too much here…how was your trip?
DG: Going alright, you?
CM: Having fun.
TA: My trip was lots of fun…got questions from my entire family about why I’m still single, but hey…other than that…it was a blast.
SA: I know that feeling…I get it all the time from my family too.
TA: Anything new going on? I haven’t checked on the boards yet.
DG: Check them out NOW! There are two posts we’ve kept bumped up for ya.
CM: Yeah, we need to talk to you about them after you read them.
TA: Why…is there something bad there?
SA: Not bad…if they were bad, we would have let them fall away to the recesses of page 25. LOL
TA: True…soooooo what are they???
DG: Read them and find out.
TA: I’m going to…but how will I know which posts?
CM: One is addressed to all four of us by our screen-names…the other one is addressed to just you…they are both on page 1.
TA: RadarDrew98?
SA: Keep reading…
TA: MiamiU73? Didn’t you use that in one of your fan fics, as Nick’s screen name on AIM?
SA: Yeah, but keep going…
TA: BearJ98 ~ cute name, you’d almost think it was Justin.
CM: He does seem to act a lot like Justin.
TA: M[arse]illon_JBT…talk about a Timmons poser!
DG: Or…could it really be Jeff??
SA: What do you mean?
DG: When you checked their profiles, and I know you did since you emailed with MiamiU and RadarDrew at least, didn’t you notice their “Member since� date?
CM: No, why?
TA: OH MYY! They JUST became members the day they started these posts!
SA: What??? Just a second…I’m talking with MiamiU in IM…do you mind if I bring him in the chat room with us?
TA: No
DG: I’ll bring RadarDrew in too, since I’m talking to him at the moment.
CM: I’d offer to bring in Bear J too, but he said BRB a while ago, but hasn’t made it back yet. You girls don’t really think it’s the guys do you?
DG: Who else would have access to join the webclub now??
SA: It does make some of the things I’ve been told make more sense.
**MiamiU73 has entered the room**
**RadarDrew98 has entered the room**
MU: Hi.
RD: Hey.
DG: Miami, Radar, we’ve got a question for you both…does your friend M[arse]illon_JBT98 have AIM?
RD: He does, but he’s not online right now.
MU: He’s here with me, actually.
**BearJ98 has entered the room**
Bear J: Hi everyone!
SA: Would it be possible for JBT to log on? We have something we want to talk to all four of you about.
MU: He’ll be on in a minute…he’s booting up his laptop right now.
TA: HE???
RD: Yes, he…
DG: I think the others are guys as well, correct? We have established that fact, haven’t we? The four of you are all males?
Bear: Yes, we have/are.
**JBT 98D has entered the room**
JBT: Hi
DG: Hi
SA: Hey
CM: Hello
TA: Thanks for the post. ::Blushes::
JBT: You’re back!!!!!! HEY!!!!!
DG: Now that you are all here…we wanted to ask you all something…and we’d like an honest answer…
RD: Alright.
CM: No matter what the answer is…it won’t leave this chatroom, right girls?
TA: Right
SA: Yep
DG: Of course…so…well, we noticed you all just joined the message boards the day you all posted your messages to us…
MU: And…??
SA: What we’re asking is…who are you really?? No one is allowed to join anymore…
Bear: I think you all know…and are just looking for confirmation?
RD: My name is Andrew…but my friends all call me Drew…NOT Andy.
MU: Rach…I’ve told you, I’m Nick…and Drew is my younger brother.
Bear: Justin
JBT: Jeff
TA: 98 Degrees?!?!?!?!?!?!
RD: Yes, we are 98 Degrees
MU: This isn’t going to change anything, is it???
TA: Change anything??
JBT: I think he meant more between himself and Rachel…
MU: Yeah…I did sort of…so…Rach???
SA: What??
MU: Does it change anything between us??
SA: What was there between us, NICK?
MU: Can we take this convo to IM? Please…I don’t think it needs to be done with the rest of the group, do you?
SA: Alright…it was nice meeting the rest of you guys…in case you’re gone from the chat before I get back.
***IM Convo ~ MIAMIU73 AND SLIDERSANGEL***
MU: Rachel?
SA: Why didn’t you tell me??
MU: I…I didn’t think you’d believe me.
SA: So you sat there listening to me ramble on and on about Nick Lachey – YOU – and you never bothered to even hint that you knew him at least.
MU: Would it have made a difference?
SA: I probably wouldn’t have believed you…but you still should have told me…hinted to me.
MU: I wanted to…honestly, I did…but I wanted to tell you face-to-face…not on the internet…not on the phone even…From what you’ve told me face-to-face is the only way you’d believe me.
SA: You’re right…but it doesn’t change the fact that you LIED to me!
MU: I never lied…other than by omission. Hell…I tried dropping hints to you, but you never took them.
SA: You’re right, you’re right…I’m sorry for acting like a [nice person] right now, will you forgive me?
MU: You’re not a [nice person]…and you are forgiven. Ready to rejoin the rest of the group?
SA: Not quite yet…Nick…areâ₠¬Ã‚¦are you and I ever going to get the chance to meet…face-to-face?
MU: Tell me where to find you…and I’ll be there, baby…I really have wanted to be able to meet you since that first day, when we all started posting on the message boards. Just so you would know…without a doubt that I am who I say I am…and my friends are really the rest of the guys.
SA: I’m glad we’re going to eventually meet…but don’t get scared if I go through some teenie-moment, ok?
MU: I won’t…just don’t start acting like the possessive twits who have never…and never will have a chance with me…and we’ll be just fine.
SA: Deal…you belong to all your fans, at least part of you does.
MU: Ready now?
SA: I think so…
***End IM Conversation***
***Chatroom, during Nick/Rachel’s private chat…they eventually come back in the room***
RD: What’s going on??
DG: Drew ~
CM: Rach just doesn’t like surprises thrown at her is all…
RD: Well…she’s not upset with us is she??
CM: Knowing Rach, she’s not…she was just stunned…and needs to sort through some things in her brain.
BearJ: And the rest of you?
TA: Well, I’m not…but then again…I just met you all…so you haven’t been lying to me at all…or covering the entire truth at least.
DG: Not really…I understand your need to keep your identity private.
CM: And we want you to know that it’s safe with us…we won’t tell anyone else who you all are.
JBT: Thanks…we thought you all would be understanding about it.
MU: We’re back!
CM: Rach…are you alright?
SA: I’m fine…a little startled yet…but fine.
MU: But we’re ok, right?
SA: Yeah, we are, Nick.
CM: Good…
RD: So…when are we going to get to meet all four of you?
TA: Meet us??
MU: Yes, meet you.
SA: But…
MU: Rachel…I really want to meet you…all of you…and I know the rest of the guys do too.
DG: You do??
CM: We’re all meeting at the end of May, first part of June.
BearJ: When…can we meet you all then too??
DG: It sounds cool to me, but I can’t speak for the other three…
JBT: TimmonsAngel?
TA: My name is Alexa, or Lex…and it’s fine with me.
MU: Rach??
SA: Does it matter what I say? The other three have all agreed…so would it really matter if I said NO?
MU: Yes, it would…do YOU want to meet me…or the four of us??
SA: Yes…and no.
CM: Rachel…what are you saying?
SA: Well…I want to meet them…hell, I’ve dreamt of it so many times…but…I don’t want my fantasy images of the guys to be destroyed, because they don’t live up to them…so no, I don’t wanna meet them.
MU: I think we’re gonna be better than your fantasies, personally ;)
SA: I know…I really do…go ahead…join us.
JBT: You don’t have to sound so happy about it.
SA: Jeff, I just found out that I’ve been talking to one of my favorite groups…give me some time to get used to all of that, ok?
MU: One of your faves?? Who is ahead of us?
SA: The Beatles.
RD: At least it isn’t O-Town ::Rolls Eyes:: from the way that Message board reads, you would think we were on their website.
SA: Naaaaa…they’re way down on my list…after they got picked…they got way too [friend]y.
MU: You like us?
SA: Nick, I wouldn’t spend as much time on your message boards if I didn’t like your music.
MU: OK, so when is this trip exactly?
CM: Next May and June
BearJ: When in those two months?
CM: We’re meeting on the last Friday of May, spending that weekend in M[arse]illon, then heading to Cinci, until the following Sunday…so it’s last week of May, first week of June.
Bear: You’re coming to Ohio???
CM: Yes, Justin…we’re going to Ohio…it seemed like a good destination.
BearJ: We’ll be your tour guides.
DG: Thanks, Justin.
RD: J…there may be a slight problem with that…
TA: Problem??
MU: Drew??
RD: We’re supposed to be starting our tour around that time…come on guys…you know that…
MU: How about we bring you girls on tour with us…all expenses paid?
Bear: Could we do that?
DG: Guys…it’s a sweet offer…but I don’t think it would really be a good idea. I mean, wouldn’t your girlfriends get jealous/upset?
RD: No.
Bear: What Drew is trying to say is that we’re all single…and ready to mingle with four of the coolest fans on the message board.
SA: All of you??? But what about….
MU: We broke up…she’s ancient history.
TA: Jeff??
JBT: I see my kids on a regular basis…but I am NOT with their mother any more.
RD: So, will you come with us??
SA: Girls?
DG: I think it’s a great offer…but how would you be able to explain the four of us being there with you?
RD: You’re all part of the website…you could be like road correspondents…do like the road reports, only do them on a more regular basis and from a fan’s perspective.
SA: While I’d love to…I have to agree with Diamond on this…It would seem extremely strange to have four of us go with you on the same week.
MU: So come with us for the entire tour.
SA: And what about our real jobs? Nick…we aren’t high school or college students who work part-time jobs during the school year and summer…we are grown women who have careers!
RD: Well, we could hire you all for the entire summer.
CM: And what happens when the tour is over?? Then what, Drew?
MU: Hopefully…
RD: Nick…they’ve got a point. Well…since you probably wouldn’t be able to go back to your old jobs, we’ll help you until you find new jobs?
TA: And my apartment? What about that? I’ve got too much stuff to put it into storage…and I doubt that you’d want to pay the rent on it for however long the tour lasts.
RD: Ummm…well…
JBT: Drew…couldn’t we…
MU: Postpone the tour until after their vacation? And wasn’t it supposed to start in late June anyway?
RD: Let me look at my calendar…just a minute.
MU: We’ll just join you all on your vacation…if it’s ok with you…
RD: We’re in rehearsals in LA at that time.
MU: So, we either start them earlier or we move them to Ohio. We are going to be spending time with the girls, Drew.
Bear: Maybe we could open the tour in Cinci…so the girls could all be there for opening night?
JBT: Great idea, J. I’ll call and check with management about it.
RD: I’ll call…or it won’t be done. We can make it work girls…
MU: Drew…
DG: If it’s a problem, just forget it. It’s not like we asked…YOU all offered.
MU: It’s not a problem, really. Drew is just being his anal self, and not wanting anything entered into his precious calendar to change.
RD: I’m NOT anal.
JBT: And the Pope is Jewish! You are too, Drew.
Bear: You really can be sometimes, Drew.
RD: Fine! And, girls, we really do want to spend time with you…
DG: We don’t want to put you out at all.
RD: You’re not…I…I just like sticking to my schedule.
***IM CONVO~ BearJ98 and CookieMamma***
Bear: Jade, we really do want to meet you all.
CM: It isn’t sounding like Drew does.
Bear: He DOES! He’s just extremely anal sometimes. And he doesn’t want to disappoint the fans by making them wait any longer.
CM: There isn’t a release date for the next CD yet, even…let alone tour dates announced…how can he be disappointing the fans?
Bear: It’s all tentative so far…Drew just keeps forgetting that…he puts stuff in his planner in ink…the gets pissed when it gets changed so he has to cross it out. So…well…anywayâ↚¬Â¦what did you want to do while you were in Cinci?
CM: Well…I’d like to go to Skyline for some chili…I keep hearing such great things about it.
Bear: Did you want to go just the two of us…like on a real date, or with the whole group, I mean, I’m sure everyone is going to wanna stop there.
CM: A date? You really want to go on a date with me??
Bear: Yeah, I do…unless there is a boyfriend back home who wouldn’t like it…
CM: No boyfriend to oppose it…but why would you want to go out with me?
Bear: Because I think you’re beautiful…and you respect me and my privacy…and my desire to have a private life.
CM: There are others that do too.
Bear: And I remember the cards you’ve sent…it did take me a little while…but I did figure it out…and connect them to you. Thank you for your kind words and support.
CM: WOW!
Bear: Dang…looks like the others bailed on the chat…guess we can keep talking, huh?
CM: I’d like that.
Bear: What's your number? I want to actually TALK to you, not just read what you’re saying.
CM: 615-555-9898
Bear: I'll be calling, talk to you soon.
BEAR J 98 HAS LOGGED OFF
***END OF IM CONVERSATION***

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 4 ~ M[arse]illon Meeting (The "Family Friendly" version :P)
(end of chat room/mb conversations for the time being at least) ;)

As the months p[arse]ed, the girls all became accustomed to chatting with the members of 98 Degrees, although Alexa secretly doubted that the guys were truly the members of 98 Degrees. It had been agreed on, at Alexa’s insistence, that the guys would meet the girls in Canton, Ohio at the Pro-Football Hall of Fame. She figured this would provide them (the girls) with some ‘security’ to deal with the psychos who were toying with their emotions.
Alexa and Rachel met up Wednesday night at Alexa’s and they left for the Canton-M[arse]illon area early Thursday morning. Jade and Diamond were going to be flying into the Canton airport about 9 Friday morning, and then the girls were going to be meeting the guys at the Hall of Fame. Wednesday night and Thursday were spent with Alexa and Rachel getting to know one another. “So, Lex…how are things for you and Jeff?�
“We’ve talked a few times online, but nothing much, why?�
“You haven’t talked to him on the phone???�
“NO! Rachel, I’m not giving my personal information out to some poser-wannabe!�
“You don’t believe it’s Jeff???� Rachel asked surprised.
“Come on…you can’t seriously tell me that you believe that the guys from 98 Degrees don’t have better things to do with their time than talk to four girls from their message boards. Do you really believe you’ve been talking to Nick Lachey??�
“I know I have been, Lex…�
“HOW??�
“He surprised me on my birthday…he flew in, picked me up from work, took me out to dinner and a movie…then serenaded me when he dropped me off.�
“How did he know where to find you??�
“I gave him my number, cell only at first, but after talking to him on the phone a couple of times, and the other guys too, I got his number…and I gave him my home phone and address. It was so sweet…he sent me a dozen sweetheart roses for Valentine’s Day…then another THREE dozen for my birthday a week later.�
“You’re lucky.�
“Lex…you could be too, Jeff would have totally knocked your socks off, I’m sure…�
“IT’S NOT JEFF!!!!!!!�
“Yeah, so Nick, Drew, and Justin all hang around with someone who impersonates Jeff Timmons.�
“Rachel!�
“You’re in for a big surprise tomorrow…that’s all I’m going to say,� Rachel said, thinking about the surprise she had planned for Alexa later that night…if she could get the other girl to agree to go out to a club with her that is.
The pair arrived at the hotel that they were staying at until Sunday when they would leave for Cincinnati, checked in…and then decided to head out for dinner. After getting the recommendation of a good reasonably priced restaurant nearby from the desk clerk, the girls make their way to the diner. “I wish Diamond and Jade were here already,� Alexa comments as the girls finish their deserts.
“Tomorrow will come soon enough,� Rachel replies. “So, what did you want to do with the rest of the evening?�
“We could find a club or something…just hang out and relax after that long day of driving?� Alexa suggests.
“Sounds good to me…I had found one online that sounded pretty interesting…wanna see what’s there?� Rachel asked, grateful that Alexa had suggested they go clubbing…since Nick had plotted a way for them to spend time together on Thursday.
“Cool. So, where are we off to??�
“It’s called MYSTICAL. According to the internet, it’s one of the most happening clubs in the area.�
“We’ll have to come back tomorrow, and try to find some guys for Jade and Diamond too, especially if we have any luck tonight.�
“Or maybe we’ll just have to come with some guys,� Rachel said, referring to the fact that they were supposed to be having 4 very HOT guys from Ohio as tour guides for the next week.
“RACHEL!�
“ALEXA!�
“Let’s get going and not mention the posers, alright?�
“Fine, I won’t talk about Nick.�
“Whatever…thank you.�
The girls entered the club and Nick immediately spotted Rachel. “They’re here.�
“I can’t believe you dragged me here, bro…Diamond isn’t coming in until tomorrow.�
“And she’s going to be cumming until they leave, won’t she?� Nick joked.
“NICK!!!!!!!!!�
“Yes, trying to deny that those are your plans, little brother?�
“Well…�
“Sprout, I saw that box of condoms you brought with you…Don’t try to deny it.�
“Alright! Yes, I want to move our relationship ahead…but I’m not pushing, just going to be prepared if it does happen…and you’re really one to talk.�
“Yes, I happen to have some very, very big plans for the next couple of weeks…DON’T interfere with them, Drew!�
“When am I going to have time? I was recruited to play tour guide, remember?�
“Guys…maybe we should go say hi?� Justin suggested wanting to stop the fight between Nick and Drew before it got out of hand, disappointed he wouldn’t be seeing his girlfriend until the next day. He wanted to spend all his time with her, but ever since they met in January, he’d been forced to settle for a stolen weekend here and there…but he had enjoyed being able to go on ‘normal’ dates, like any non-famous person would.
“J is right,� Nick said, never taking his eyes off of Rachel.
“So…that is the mysterious Alexa,� Jeff commented.
“You haven’t seen her yet??�
“No…hell, the only way we’ve talked is the message boards or IM. She thinks we’re all posers…and has told me as much in email.�
“Well, let’s go introduce ourselves,� Nick said after the girls found a table.
“Isn’t this table a bit big for the two of us??� Lex asked.
“Nope, I have a feeling we’re going to be having some company,� Rachel said smiling, scanning the crowd for any of the guys or their body guards.
“Well, you wait here for the company, I’m going to go dance.�
“I’ll get out there eventually,� Rachel called as she felt two strong arms go around her waist.
“Hey, Rach,� Nick said, before kissing her below her ear.
“Hey, Nicky…guys…howâ↚¬â„¢s it going?â€ÂÂ�
“Where’s Alexa?� Jeff asked immediately.
“She just went to do some dancing. Don’t go find her though…I want to see her expression when she sees it is YOU she’s been talking with since December.�
“Alright,� Jeff replied before heading to get the group all something to drink.
“I’m glad you’re here,� Nick said softly as he pulled Rachel onto his lap.
“I can tell,� Rachel replied, squirming on his lap to get more comfortable, as his ‘happiness’ was poking into her backside.
“Yeah, Junior wanted to meet you,� Nick laughed.
“Hey, Rach, who are your friends?� Alexa asked, coming off the dance floor when she saw that there was a small crowd of guys around the table where she had left her friend.
“You know them all…Nick, Drew, Justin…guys, this is Alexa, also known as TimmonsAngel98.�
“It…it really was you guys??? Where’s Jeff???� Alexa asked scanning the crowd.
“I’m right here, baby,� Jeff answered, setting down the drinks he had brought with him. “Wanna go hit the dance floor with me?�
“Sure,� Alexa answered as Jeff pulled her back onto the dance floor.
“J, let’s go work off some of our energy,� Drew said, sensing his brother wanted to be alone with Rachel.
“Yeah, I could definitely stand to get rid of some energy.�
“So, can I get my own chair now, Nicky?� Rachel asked when they were left alone at the table.
“Nope, you’re staying right where you’re at…it’s just too bad you don’t have a skirt on…we could have some real fun,� Nick joked.
“NICHOLAS SCOTT LACHEY!� Rachel exclaimed, causing Nick to lower his head. “We could always take off and leave Alexa with the other three guys…I’m sure they’d take good care of her.�
“You mean it?? Really???�
“If it’s ok with Alexa, yes. But did you guys have a car?�
“We brought two…figured it would help with the traveling we’re going to be doing for the next week. The three ding-dongs can get back to the hotel in one of them, and we can take the other one…so Alexa doesn’t need to worry about driving with them.�
“OK, when her and Jeff get back here we can check with her. Are you sure the guys won’t mind?�
“Naaaa…theyâ₠¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ll understand,â€ÂÂ� Nick said, realizing they all knew he wanted to spend time alone with Rachel. “And we can check right now,â€ÂÂ� he added, as he tried to get Jeff’s attention and bring him off the dance floor.
“Hey, what’s up?� Jeff asked, as he and Alexa reached the table.
“Lex, will you be alright if I take off??�
“I can go back with you if you’re not feeling good,� Alexa offered.
“No, you’re having fun,� Nick interjected. “I’m not feeling the greatest either, so I’ll take her back, and we’ll find something to do to keep us busy.�
“Well, I’ll see you back at the hotel then,� Alexa replied as Jeff pulled her back to the dance floor.
“There, home-free. Let’s go,� Nick said excitedly, grabbing Rachel’s purse from the table.
“Nicky…†�
“Yes, baby?�
“Take me back to the hotel. But, let’s go slow tonight, alright?�
“Why?� Nick asked, quickly adding, “Not that it’s a problem.�
“I…Iâ€℠¢m just not very experienced is all…and I don’t want to end up hating sex and everything because of that…I’m just nervous.â€ÂÂ�
“Are you sure you’re ready, princess?�
“I’m sure…I…I wanted it to happen the first time we met…but I knew that you would think I wasn’t worth your time or that I was just after the famous Nick Lachey, and not interested in the real you. Just promise me we’ll go slow.�
“Anything for you, baby. Now, just how far did you think we’d go? Not that it matters, I just want an idea of just what the boundaries are for us tonight.�

[Raevengeance]

**Author's Note: There was more to chapter 4 - but I just couldn't 'downgrade' the rating on it to make it to a PG-13 - sooooo moving along to Chapter 5**


Chapter 5

After ending the shower escapade, Rachel and Nick both agreed that it would really be better if she returned to the room she was supposed to be sharing with Alexa for the night. "I feel tacky."
"Why, Rachie?"
"Just feel like I should be staying with you...instead of leaving after what happened between us earlier....I just...I feel like it's a one-night stand or something."
"Baby, you are going to be back in my bed tomorrow night...and every night you're in Ohio if I can find a way to convince you to stay with me...it's NOT a one-night stand."
"But..."
"Make sure it's ok with the girls first...I know you came here to spend time with them...but does it matter if you're going to be sleeping? Not like you'd be missing out on anything."
"We'll see, Nicky..." Rachel replied. "I mean...it was supposed to be 'girls week' so I'd like to spend time with them too."
"It will all work out, Rachie...Just don't forget dinner with my family one night, alright?"
"How could I forget that? It's going to make me sick...what if Cate doesn't think I'm good enough for you?"
"Angel...I've told mom all about you...she already loves you...because I love you."
"Thanks for saying that...but I still have my doubts."
"Sweetie, it is true...now go get some sleep. We've got lots to do tomorrow," Nick said, gently kissing her goodnight outside the door to her room.
"Hey, the lovebirds are in public," Jeff joked as he walked Alexa back to the room.
"Please tell me I will be able to sleep in here," Alexa said, extremely tired.
"Yes, I was just bringing Rachel back and saying goodnight," Nick replied, glaring at Jeff for his comments, before kissing Rachel one last time before heading back to his own suite...and a LONG COLD shower.
"It was really nice meeting you, Jeff. I'm sorry I doubted you while we were talking online."
"It's alright, Lex. I think it's better that you had some doubts than you were completely trusting of me," Jeff replied. "Good night, and sweet dreams," he added kissing her gently on her cheek before heading towards the elevators which would take him back to his own suite.
"So, what have you and Nick been up to all evening?" Lex asked as the two girls settled down for the night.
"It was...damn...so damn hot."
"So you slept with him?"
"Well...technically, no...he didn't hit a homerun - but well - we both went south on the other. I wanted us too go further...but Nick wanted to wait, to make it more special for me."
"Hold up...when we've been chatting...you said you wouldn't ever give a guy head..."
"Well...I have said that...but...well, after the way Nick made me feel...I wanted to do something for him...soooooo, I took him into the shower with me......then I went down on him."
"Damn...girl you are too freaky."
"Just you wait til you and Timmons get there...You'll change your mind, but...be careful...I almost bit Nick because he startled me."
"Ouch...that would not have been enjoyable."
"Definitely not...but..."
"But what?"
"Well...Nick admitted, he liked a little feel of teeth."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning the girls were awoken by the sound of knocking on their door. After making sure she was 'decent', Rachel went to the door to find 'four bums from Ohio' on the other side. "Hey, what's up, Rach?" Drew asked as they let themselves into the room.
"What are you all doing here?"
"Playing tour guide," Nick answered, as Alexa held the blankets close around her body. "Doesn't look like you're ready for today. Let's go take a shower and get you dressed," he said, leading her towards the bathroom.
"NICK! I can shower by myself!"
"But last night was so fun," Nick whispered in her ear. "I was hoping for an encore."
"Nick, if you want me to bite you, fine...but we are NOT getting it on in the
shower while four of our friends are in the next room."
"Alright," Nick said, pouting slightly. "Can I at least stay while you take your shower?"
"OUT, NICK!"
"See you in a few minutes," Nick called through a now shut and locked bathroom door.
"Ummm...guys...it's really nice seeing you all, but...ahhhh...would you mind leaving until we're ready?"
"Yeah," Justin and Drew reply, turning towards the door. "Sorry to have intruded on you like this."
"Nick...she asked you to leave," Jeff said, trying to get Nick out of the room.
"You too, Timmons. NO men allowed til we say so!" Alexa called from the bed.
"But, Lexie," Jeff pouted.
"Not going to work, Timmons! Out while I get ready!"
"Way to go, Nick!" Jeff said as the two stood waiting in the hall.
"Man, this is NOT my fault!" Nick countered.
"Guys..." Rachel said, opening the door. "It's neither of your faults...it's our modesty. Alexa took her change of clothes into the bathroom, so well...you can wait in the room. Where did J and Drew go?"
"They went back to their rooms."
"Call and tell them to be ready to hit the road in 10 minutes," Rachel said as the two men followed her into the room.
"10 minutes?"
"Yeah...Lex and I are both pretty low-maintenance girls who don't take much time getting ready to go somewhere."
"Ahhh I see," Nick said smiling as Rachel bent over her suitcase, enjoying the view he was getting of her [arse] as the mini-skirt she was wearing rode up.
"Hey, where are the other two?" Alexa asked, coming out of the bathroom, fully dressed, and brushing her hair.
"In their rooms. Let's go get them and then get to the airport," Jeff said.
"I can't believe I'm going to finally be able to put a face and a voice with their names," Alexa commented as they stopped first to get Drew and then Justin on their way to the elevators.
"You haven't talked to them either??" Jeff asked, surprised.
"No, I hadn't," Alexa said, not understanding why people were shocked she was so protective of herself.
"We're all here, so what time does their flight land...and where are we going for breakfast?" Drew asked.
"They land here about 9:30...and we'll meet you all at the Hall of Fame, then head for brunch," Alexa replied.
"Or, we all go to the airport...then for breakfast/brunch after they land," Justin suggested, wanting to see his Jade the minute she landed in Ohio.
"But..."
"Lex, you've met the guys...I don't think it's going to be a problem for Jade or Diamond if they are at the airport with us when we get there. Hell, Timmons brought you 'home' last night...why bother with the 'safety of a public place' we had planned before you met them? Besides, I think the airport is quite public anyway."
"But, what if they really wanted to see the Hall of Fame?"
"Lex, I'm the football nut, not Diamond or Jade...and we can hit the Hall of Fame after we eat...otherwise, I can always come back sometime by myself."
"But..."
"Lex, I've already met, Jade," Justin admitted.
"And I've met Diamond," Drew added.
"Soooo..."
"I'm the only one who wasn't given the chance to meet the girl who captured my attention on the message boards," Jeff said as they worked on figuring out the carpool arrangements for the ride to the airport.
Finally it was decided that Nick and Rachel would take the convertible, Drew and Justin would ride in the sedan they had rented, and Jeff would drive with Alexa.
"Rach, can't we just meet everyone somewhere?" Nick asked as they got into the car they were traveling in.
"NO! We are ALL going to the airport, then out for a late breakfast/early lunch."
"But baby....I just wanna show you a great time," Nick pouted.
"NICHOLAS SCOTT!"
"Alright, alright," Nick replied, as he followed the other two cars to the airport parking lot.
Once everyone was out of the cars, Justin raced ahead to see how his princess's flight was doing. "DAMN! They're delayed 20 minutes," he sighed as the others reached him.
"It'll go quick, J," Drew tried re[arse]uring him, disappointed himself that there would be a delay before seeing Diamond again.
"I Know...I was just really hoping they'd be early," Justin said softly as the group made their way to the airport gift shop to browse until the flight they were waiting for finally arrived.
"Now arriving, Flight 9801 direct from New York's LaGuardia airport at Gate 7," the PA system announced.
"That's them...let's go find out where we'll be able to meet them," Rachel said, somewhat surprised that Justin and Drew hadn't already run towards Gate 7. As Justin followed the others, he stopped at the self-service flower display, surprised when he spotted a bouquet of peach roses. He quickly purchased them before running to catch up with the rest of the group.
"Diamond...what if Rachel's plan didn't work....and the guys aren't waiting for us??"
"Then we go with how things were 'officially' planned for the trip, meeting them at the Hall of Fame," Diamond answered, praying silently that Drew...and the other guys....would be waiting for them near the security checkpoint.
Much to their delight, they saw their friends, including the members of 98 Degrees, waiting for them as they neared the checkpoint. "IT WORKED! THEY'RE HERE!" Jade said excitedly before picking up her pace to get to Justin quicker.
The minute Justin saw his lovely lady, his eyes began sparkling with a shimmer the others had never seen before, and his smile grew 20 times brighter. The minute Jade was through the secure area, she and Justin began hugging and kissing like they had been separated for 10 years. When they finally pulled apart, Justin handed her the roses he had purchased, which had been squished during their greeting. "I...I'm sorry..."
"Justin, it's alright. I love them," Jade said, as she smelled the wonderful aroma of the flowers mixed with the scent of Justin's cologne.
As soon as Drew and Diamond finished their touching reunion, the group made their way to the baggage claim area. "So...how are we traveling from here?" Diamond asked.
"I'm riding with Alexa, and we'll be the lead car," Jeff offered quickly.
"Rachel's riding with me," Nick answered just as quickly. "If one of you wants, we can make room, but it's a sports coupe, so it may be crowded."
"So..."
"You girls get a choice...the four of us can go in the second car we rented, or two of us can go with Jeff and Alexa, and the other two get the second rental car...and all the luggage."
"I think the four of us together is a better idea," Jade suggested, "that way Jeff and Alexa can have some time alone. So, who gets to drive?"
"We can alternate," Justin suggested as Drew shoved the keys into J's hand.
As the group drove towards their destination in M[arse]illon, Jeff did everything he could think of to help pull Alexa out of the shell she seemed to be in, since she seemed extremely reserved around him. Drew, Diamond, Jade, and J all chatted amiably between themselves, trying not to let things get too carried away in the car. "So, Jade how are you doing?"
"Pretty good, Drew, how about you?"
"I've been missing Diamond like crazy, but other than that...not too bad," Drew answered causing Diamond to blush.
"Did you really like the flowers?" Justin interjected.
"I loved them, thank you. Did Rach tell you that peach roses were my favorite?"
"Actually, you did," Justin admitted.
"I did?"
"Yep, the first time I came to see you, we stopped at the florist, because I wanted to buy you flowers...and I let you pick them out, remember?"
"Oh yeah...I've still got them," Jade said, slightly embarr[arse]ed she didn't remember that.
"You do? Didn't they die??"
"Flowers don't die, Justin...they are dried out, but still beautiful. I have them sitting on a shelf with a few other things that remind me of you."
"I'll remember that line...one of my high school girlfriends yelled at me once for giving her flowers because they die."
"I remember where you mentioned that once...I can't believe anyone would be upset at getting flowers from someone as wonderful as you are," Jade answered.
Once the group reached M[arse]illon, Jeff gave them all the grand tour: his former homes, schools, hangouts, everything...then they all went back to the hotel where they decided they would go out for dinner as a group before splitting up by couple for the rest of the evening. "So, where are we eating, Timmons?"
"It's a nice, ROMANTIC, Italian restaurant. I think everyone will enjoy it."
"I think you're right...just don't forget that Sunday night, Drew and I are taking Rach and Diamond to dinner with our family," Nick commented having found out that Drew had wanted to take Diamond home to meet mom also.
"That's cool, always good to introduce the future daughters-in-law to the mom BEFORE the engagement," Jeff joked. "How close are you, Nick?"
"Close?"
"To popping the big question..."
"Well...I actually was thinking about doing it tonight...if the time seems right anyway. I've had the ring for a little while now."
"Wow! Are you sure, Nick? You did just meet her a couple months ago..." Justin asked, wondering if maybe he and Jade should be moving their relationship to the more permanent phase soon.
"Come on guys...it feels right, ya know?"
"We know, bro...good luck!"
"Meet ya all back here in a few," Nick called as he went to his room to take a shower.
At 5:45 the guys met up outside the girls' suite. "So, you going to ask her?"
"I'm not sure yet, J...I want to...but I want it to be really special too. I do have the ring with, in case the time seems right though."
"Hey...we were wondering where you all were..." Diamond said as she opened the door. "Come on in, Jade's just about ready."
"Where's Rach?" Nick asked as the guys said hello to Alexa.
"Actually...she wasn't feeling well," Jade said coming out of the bedroom area, hoping Nick would be a gentleman and offer to keep her friend company. "She said she'd be ok, for us all to go ahead without her and she'd just order room service if she felt like eating anything."
"Which is her room?"
"This one," Jade answered.
"Thanks, Jade...guys go ahead. I'll stay here with her," Nick replied as he made his way through the door to find his Rachel under the covers of the bed.
"Go with them, Nick," Rachel said as Nick sat on the edge of her bed. "I'll be fine alone, really."
"You coming or staying, bro?" Drew asked, having heard Rachel tell Nick to go with the rest of them.
"Staying," Nick replied as Rachel answered "Going."
"Which is it?"
"I'm staying," Nick answered again, looking towards Rachel to let her know not to try to argue with him about this as the others left.
"You didn't need to stay!"
"I wanted to. What do you want for dinner?"
"Actually...I was going to run across the street for pizza after everyone left."
"Get yourself dressed, and we'll go together...I can't believe you lied to your friends like that though."
"Well...Jade knew I just wanted time alone," Rachel admitted as she crawled out from under the covers of her bed, fully dressed.
"Damn, girl...you really were planning on heading out as soon as we left, weren't you?"
"Yeah..."
"Can't wait to get a chance to take those clothes off of you," Nick said with a wink.
"Nick...tonight is for us girls."
"We'll see...so let's go," Nick said as he took her room key from her.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 6 ~ Dinner Dates

The group of six arrived at Bella Rosa just before 6 o'clock which was the time Jeff had set their reservations. "Did we want some kind of an appetizer?" Jeff asked trying to keep conversation going.
"I'm all for some mozzarella sticks," Jade answered.
"And I think some veggie/shrimp dip looks pretty good," Diamond added.
"Lexa, anything look really good to you, appetizer-wise?" Jeff asked, knowing that Justin and Drew both liked the appetizers suggested by Jade and Diamond.
"Whatever you all decide is find with me," Alexa answered.
"Excuse us for a moment," Diamond said as she and Jade took Alexa to talk in the restroom.
"What the hell? Is there a reason you're acting like you don't want to be anywhere near us?" Jade asked.
"One of us should have stayed at the hotel with Rachel!"
"One of us DID – NICK! Lex, I'd be very surprised to find Rach in our room when we get back tonight," Diamond shot back.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean – I think that Rachel just needed an injection from Nick to feel better."
"Injection…from Nick?" Lex asked.
"She's [freaky] and Nick will take care of that for her."
"She's sick!"
"Grow up, Alexa. I think she needs some good, GOOD loving and Nick is the one to give it to her," Jade replied. "Now I am going back to the table to enjoy dinner with Justin. I strongly suggest that you start being a little more receptive to Jeff or you're going to end up mighty lonely while we're in Cinci," she added before leaving the restroom.
"What does she mean?"
"She means that Drew and Justin were both talking about some things we could do – as couples."
"You just met them!"
"Lex, YOU just met them. Drew has come to New York to see me, Justin has been in Tennessee visiting Jade, and Nick has spent quite a bit of time with Rachel in Wisconsin. I'm sorry you didn't feel like you could trust Jeff to even talk to him on the phone, but don't hold it against the rest of us because we've all moved past the 'get-to-know-you' phase."
"Jade, welcome back," Justin said standing up to help her with her chair.
"Where are Diamond and Alexa?" Drew asked.
"Still talking, I guess. Jeff, I'm sorry for everything that Lex is putting you through. I don't know why she is so uncomfortable with you."
"It's ok, Jade. Hopefully she'll get over it soon."
"Guys, I'm sorry, but I really shouldn't be here. Our vacation has turned into one big date or something, and I'm not comfortable with that idea."
"Alexa – why??"
"I'm just not ready to date you, because I just met you – and my friends all want to be alone with the other guys."
"We never said that!" Diamond protested. "We just said that we did want to spend some time alone with them!" she added as Jade turned red.
"So why the hell aren't Rachel and Nick here? And why did they ditch me last night at Mystique?"
"You didn't seem to care last night," Jeff replied, wondering if there wasn't more behind Alexa's outburst than she let on.
"I was NOT going to spoil their fun…and I didn't want to go to the table and find them sucking face all night either!"
"Why can't you loosen up and have some fun of your own?" Jade asked.
"I…I don't know. I'm afraid to open up and…let Jeff in. What happens to me when he finds someone new or goes back to Trisha? Where would I be when he decides that he wants to make their family work?"
"Lexi, I'm never going back to Trisha. She was a conniving, money-grubbing [nice person]. As far as me finding someone new, it's a possibility, but if you don't give me a chance – I'll have to find someone else because I want to get custody of my children, but I'm not going to take them from their mother, not when I am single and need to spend a good amount of time on the road. I want to find someone who will love them and who would be willing to help me raise them."
"You want to be with me so you can take your kids from their mother?"
"Let me finish, will you? I was going to say that I can understand and respect your decision to try to protect yourself from being hurt physically and emotionally by someone on the internet, but you need to remember one thing…it was your decision that kept us from knowing each other prior to last night…I would have given you my phone number to call me so you could talk to me. We have a little over a week to get to know each other and decide what kind of relationship we want to have."
"Relationship?"
"Yes, relationship – are we going to be friends or do we want to try to have something more than friendship between us? All I want right now is a friend, and if something more happens, great. If not well, I'm hoping I'd still have a great friend."
"I…I'm sorry. I've been acting like a real [nice person] since I met you guys last night. I…I was just trying to keep myself from being hurt…and in the process, I've hurt seven great people who I do enjoy spending time with. One request though, can we please limit the "couples time"? This was supposed to be our girls' week."
"Of course," Diamond answered quickly.
"And Jeff…I would like to see what could happen between us."
"I want to too," Jeff replied, smiling happily.
"And we promise we won't take away all of your girl-time," Justin interjected.
"Thank you."
"So, shall we continue with our dinner plans?"
"Of course," the girls all answered as the group decided to change the plans to split into couples following dinner.

[Raevengeance]

CHAPTER 7 ~ CANDLELIGHT DINNER FOR TWO

"I can't believe the wait to get in there."
"Me neither. Must be extremely popular," Nick agreed. "Well, it will be nice for just the two of us anyway."
"Yeah, I'm sure it will be," Rachel answered feeling a little guilty for lying to her friends. "Maybe we should just go join the others?"
"Afraid of me tonight, Rachie?"
"No – I just regret lying to the girls about not feeling well."
"Well, let's have dinner, just the two of us, then we can meet the rest of them somewhere, how does that sound?"
"Sounds fine to me…I just hope the girls aren't too upset with me," Rachel answered as Nick led her back to his suite.
"I hope you don't mind, but…well, I kind of set it up for the restaurant across the street to be 'too busy' for us to eat there when I found out we weren't going with the others…so we could have a very romantic, very private dinner for two," Nick confessed as he opened the door and Rachel stood speechless as she saw his room lit solely by candles.
"Nick – it's beautiful. No one has ever gone to this much trouble for me before."
"It wasn't any trouble, and baby, you deserve it."
"Thank you," Rachel repeated as she kissed him gently.
"Would you care for a drink?" Nick asked as he stepped back from the kiss after they entered the room.
"Champagne?" Rachel asked, seeing the bottle set chilling near the table. "Just a little bit."
"Here you go," Nick said, handing her a champagne flute after pouring them each a drink.
"Oohh…the bubbles tickle."
"Rachie…sweetie, I want to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Well…we're having dinner with my family on Sunday…"
"All your family?"
"Mom, Dad, Iris, and Grandma, yeah…and well…I want to know how I should introduce you to them."
"I'd [arse]ume by my name, dork."
"No, I mean should I say this is my friend – girlfriend – fiancée – wife?"
"Excuse me…did you just say fiancée?"
"Yeah," Nick admitted, wondering why it was fiancée and not wife that had caught Rachel's attention."
"Are you asking me…I mean…shouldn't you…hold on! You said WIFE?!?!"
"Rachie…I want us to be married. I…I was hoping that maybe we could do it tonight…if not, well, will you agree to marry me at least?"
"Oh My God!"
"I've got a ring – I have thought about this…it's not just a spur of the moment decision to ask you," Nick said, going to his bag to get the engagement ring before realizing he had put the ring into the hotel safe.
"Tonight? But…we don't have time to plan it…"
"Will you marry me though?"
"Of course, Nick. And…well, I would like to do it tonight."
"Really??" Nick asked, surprised, thinking most women would want a big ceremony.
"But don't we need a license?"
"Well…we do have one," Nick admitted shyly.
"How??"
"I'm a notary public – so you signed the paper work when I was in La Crosse last month."
"Wow!"
"So…we can do this tonight?"
"Yes, Nicky…but I would like the girls to be there…maybe wait until tomorrow?"
"If that's what you want…and we could wait until late in the week, so your parents could be there for you."
"My parents will understand…eventually. Let's plan a more formal ceremony – to renew our vows – for our 1st anniversary, so all our friends and family can be there."
"Thursday night?"
"Yeah…I'm going to need to go back as far as Alexa's on Sunday though…"
"Why?"
"To get my car. I drove to Alexa's then she drove the rest of the way here."
"Oh…well I'll come with you."
"Nick – I will need to go home to take care of everything there."
"But…we'll send a check to cover your rent expenses and we can take care of moving it when we get a break."
"NICK! I have to go back…and give my two-weeks notice…and tell my parents about us being married."
"Baby, I want to be there when you tell them – but I can't next week. We really are heading into our rehearsals and I can't miss them."
"Nick, it's ok…I'll just tell my folks we're engaged – and when you can come home with me for a visit, we can tell them we are actually married so we'll both be there."
"I know you don't want to keep anything from them though."
"Well – maybe – could you come to La Crosse Friday or Saturday?"
"I should be able to, why?"
"I'll join you after next weekend, but I'm afraid to fly alone…and then we could tell my family together before I come out to join you."
"I think that's a great idea, angel. I'll check our rehearsal schedule with Drew when he gets back tonight and make the arrangements. So you're not going to give any notice at work?"
"I'll call my supervisor and let her know on Monday. They'll have two weeks, it's not my fault I was scheduled to have that time off of work anyway."
"True. I can't believe you're agreeing to this idea," Nick commented.
"Nicky, call one of the guys – let's spend the evening with the rest of them."
"I will – after we eat. But I want us to enjoy our dinner alone," Nick replied.
"Alright," Rachel got out before Nick leaned over and captured her lips in a p[arse]ionate kiss. The two enjoyed the spaghetti dinner Nick had ordered from room service, kissing between bites.
"Baby, I'll be right back," Nick said as they stepped off the elevator.
"Where are you going?"
"To get something from the front desk," Nick called. When he returned, he dropped to one knee and officially asked Rachel to become Mrs. Nick Lachey, placing the engagement ring on her finger with a shaking hand as she said yes.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 8 –

"Hey, Rach is feeling better. Nick's bringing her to the club," Drew said as he hung up his cell phone, while Jade and Diamond tried to stifle their laughter at their friend's remarkable recovery.
"Great friend she is," Alexa muttered under her breath.
"Lex, give her a break. She wants to get to know Nick," Jade whispered.
"OK, I guess we should get going then," Justin said softly, not wanting another disagreement to ensue.
"Yeah, I told Nick where we were going and that we'd meet the two of them there," Drew said as Jeff went to pay the bill for the group.
Justin thought about how badly he wanted to spend time alone with Jade…they hadn't seen each other in three weeks between both of their schedules being crazy, and hoped that she would go along with his impromptu plan to get the two of them alone. "Guys, I'm really not feeling all that well. Do you mind dropping me off at the hotel?"
"We can fit in Alexa's car," Jeff offered. "Why don't you take the rental car back to the hotel."
"I'll drive you and stay to keep you company," Jade offered, wondering just how 'ill' Justin felt or if he was suffering from the same problem that had made Rachel and Nick stay at the hotel instead of going out for dinner with their friends.
"Are we ever going to do something – the four of us?" Alexa asked, getting frustrated.
"Four? Don't you mean eight?" Jeff asked.
"I meant us four girls," Alexa replied.
"Lex, we will – one night it will be just us girls – no guys allowed," Diamond promised.
"Yeah – you and Drew will be the next two who suddenly 'get sick' and ditch the rest of us."
"J – are you really sick?" Jade asked. "Or did you just want to spend time alone?"
"I'm not feeling the greatest, I'm getting a headache. But if we stop somewhere and I get some aspirin I'll be alright."
"OK. We are all going dancing. Is that better, Lex?"
"I…I just wish I wasn't feeling like I'm going to end up abandoned."
"Unless we are literally sick, none of us will be leaving the dance club. And we will make sure unless it's arranged ahead of time that none of us will skip out on the others, alright?"
"Yeah…thanks, Diamond."
"Come on then…let's go get Justin his aspirin and go dancing."
Nick and Rachel made it to the club first, and found a table for their group of eight. When the rest of the group arrived, Nick and Rachel were discussing arrangements for her imminent move to be with Nick, touring, and trying to come up with an idea for something that Rachel could do during the tour to make herself feel 'useful' and like she wasn't living off of her soon-to-be husband.
"Glad you're feeling better, Rachel," Drew said.
"Thanks," Rachel said as she quickly hid her hand hoping no one would notice the engagement ring she had received from Nick.
"What is that?" Alexa asked, having seen the quick attempt to hide the ring.
"What is what?" Rachel asked, trying to play it off.
"On your left hand – on the ring finger…"
"It's a ring…Nick gave me tonight…when he asked me to marry him," Rachel said, wondering what everyone would think about their quick engagement, especially Drew since he was soon to be her brother-in-law.
"Congratulations!" Diamond and Jade both said, rushing to congratulate their friend while Nick accepted hugs and pats on the back from his bandmates.
"Lexa, what's wrong?" Rachel asked, noticing that she was the only one who seemed sad by the development.
"I'm just disappointed that I won't be able to spend more time with you, getting to know you."
"Lex, there aren't any changes in our plans – other than a wedding on Thursday night, and I had wanted the three of you to stand up for me as my bride's maids," Rachel said.
"And you guys as my groom's men," Nick added.
"Alexa, us girls are definitely going to be spending time together…we need to find dresses for all of us to wear…and we need to have a bachelorette party for me."
"But it's not going to be the same!"
"I'm sorry you don't appear to be happy for me. Nick and I almost found a judge to marry us TONIGHT – without you all there, but we chose to wait so my friends could be there with me…now I wish I hadn't," Rachel said, leaving the table and going towards the bathrooms at the back of the club.
"Alexa, I'm sorry we seemed to destroy your plans, but you could have told us NO when we mentioned joining all of you on this vacation. You were all for it when we started out chatting in December," Nick said before going to find Rachel and see what she wanted to do now.
"Lex, she is trying to accommodate us and Nick both…give her a break, will you?" Diamond said, following Nick and Rachel in case Rachel wanted a woman to talk to instead of her fiancé.
"Alexa, you owe both Rachel and Nick an apology. They are trying to spend time alone and with the rest of us."
"But…"
"Lex, I thought you were cool, but turning on your friends is just not good."
"But I thought it was all a joke! I didn't think you guys would really be here!"
"If you would have let me come to see you, you would have known…or even if you would have called me."
"I…I…"
"Do you see how wrong you were?"
"Yeah. I really am sorry you guys."
"I think we all accept your apology, but you still need to talk with Nick and Rachel."
"I will."
"You will what?" Rachel asked as she went to sit down.
"Apologize to you and Nick. The way I've been acting is inexcusable, and I'm sorry."
"Do you honestly think that's all you need to do – say you're sorry?" Nick asked.
"What else do you want me to do? Give you my first born child?"
"No, but you could at least act like you were happy for us," Nick replied.
"I am. Really, I am, but…"
"But what?"
"But…why didn't anyone tell me what was going on?"
"You wouldn't listen, Lex. We did try," Diamond replied.
"Lex, take the changes in stride for the rest of our trip, and you're forgiven. If you can't, well…I'm sorry," Rachel replied.
"I will…as long as we still have our 'girl time'."
"We'll have it, but you need to understand, Nick and I have things that we need to talk about between now and next Thursday and we won't necessarily want the rest of you around for those discussions."
"Rachel, let's go dance," Nick said, hoping that there wouldn't be more problems during the rest of the vacation.
"Jeff, I'm sorry I doubted you," Alexa said, seeing how hurt Jeff looked because she didn't trust him.
"You can make it up to me by dancing with me," Jeff said, pulling her towards the dance floor.
"OK."
"Nick, can we switch partners?" Jeff asked as he and Alexa danced near Nick and Rachel.
"Ummm…sure," Nick replied before Jeff danced off with Rachel. "So, Alexa…"
"Nick, I am sorry for the way I reacted when you and Rachel told us about your engagement. I honestly hope you two stay as happy as you appear to be tonight."
"We will," Nick answered. "What about you and Timmons?"
"We're at an awkward point. The rest of you have already p[arse]ed the 'get-to-know-each other' phase, but that is where he and I are at right now."
"Just be open with him…you'll get past it too."
"Do you think Rach will understand?"
"Yeah, I'm sure she will, but you need to realize, she wanted you to be there for her, and your initial reaction hurt her – because you weren't happy for her when she tried to include you in our special day."
"I understand…but when am I going to have a chance to apologize?"
"Tonight – we talked and she's staying with you girls. It's going to be hard, but this way our wedding night is going to be special."
"That's sweet, Nick," Lexa said kissing his cheek.
"Moving in on one of my friends already, Lachey?" Rachel joked.
"It's not what it looks like," Alexa quickly interjected.
"I know, Lex. Just giving my future hubby a hard time," Rachel said laughing.
"Can I have Alexa back, Nick?" Jeff asked.
"Lex, do you want him back?" Nick asked, feeling better about being able to joke around with her now.
"Yeah…I think I do," Alexa admitted.
"Well, alright then," Nick said as Jeff quickly took Alexa further into the dance floor.
"So…what did Lex have to say?" Rachel asked.
"Talk to her tonight. I told her we had talked and decided we wouldn't be staying together until after the wedding so our wedding night would be more special."
"But Nick…" Rachel said, pouting, wanting to experience everything with Nick every night.
"Baby, it'll be ok. We can still have some time alone together."
"I know…it just won't be the same."
"After next week, we'll be together all the time baby – and you're going to be Mrs. Nick Lachey."
"I can't believe this is happening."
"It is baby, it is."

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 9

"Jade, can we maybe have some time alone tonight?" Justin asked hopefully.
"Yeah, but let's stay here a little bit longer."
"Definitely, we can dance some more then go back and have some fun of our own."
"Sounds like a great idea to me," Jade answered.
"As the group danced the night away, several fans noticed the four singers and wondered what they were doing in Ohio. Several women asked the guys for autographs and tried coming between them and the girls who were there with them. "I'm sorry," Justin told one pushy woman who he vaguely remembered meeting outside his mother's home once before, "but I'm here with someone and I am not planning on spending time with anyone but her."
"Fine! You're nothing but a drug-user anyway! Why did I ever think you were something special?" she spat out.
"He is NOT a user!" Jade interjected, "and he is VERY, VERY special!"
"I've made mistakes in my life, I can't and won't deny that, but I do NOT use drugs!"
"Fine, whatever you say," the woman said before walking away upset that she had been rebuffed by Justin (again).
"J-bear, it's ok," Jade said, trying to comfort her boyfriend (although no one knew that the couple was dating exclusively).
"I…I just wish I could go back in time and change some of the decisions I made when I was just out of high school."
"You can't change the past, but you do have control over the future."
"Thanks, Jade…I do love you, let's get out of here."
"Yeah, I'm starting to get tired."
"Guys, I think we're ready to head out," Justin said as he and Jade found their way back to the table they had been seated at all evening.
"Just a minute, I think we're all tired of the fans," Drew replied as the other members of the group got their things together to go back to the hotel.
As the group made their way to the three cars, decisions needed to be made as to how they would split up for the ride to the hotel. "How about us girls go together – and you guys divide up between your two cars," Alexa suggested.
"That would work," Nick said, slightly disappointed because he had wanted to spend as much time as possible with Rachel before they went to their separate rooms for the evening.
"And it would give us some time for some girl-talk," Alexa added.
"Yeah, it will, then we're having a slumber party tonight, right?" Rachel asked.
"Actually…I had been planning on spending the night with Justin," Jade admitted shyly.
"And well…Jeff did mention something about spending more time together tonight to help speed up our getting-to-know each other," Alexa said.
"Diamond? Do you and Drew have similar plans?"
"Well…he had mentioned something, but I can tell him not tonight."
"No, spend time with your Lachey, it's ok."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'll be alright alone. I'm a big girl."
"Aren't you and Nick going to…"
"No, we weren't so that our wedding night will be more special," Rachel answered the question that was never completely asked.
"Oh, well, I'm sure J will understand," Jade offered, not wanting to leave her friend alone.
"Drew will too."
"Jeff, well, he'll just have to understand."
"Lex, Diamond, Jade, no…I don't want to interfere with your plans."
"How about we take tonight and tomorrow with the guys, but from Sunday night until Thursday we stay together?" Diamond suggested.
"Why not until Saturday?" Alexa asked.
"Because someone is going to be on her happy honeymoon from Thursday night until she leaves with Nick."
"That's right…I'm going to be driving alone when I leave on Sunday."
"Actually, I was still planning on going home with you Sunday, Lex. My car is at your place, and I need to go home to do some more packing and everything…unless you'd rather I didn't," Rachel questioned. "But the idea of us using next week as bonding week sounds good," she added, wondering if Nick would be willing to spend the next two nights with her in spite of his decision to abstain from being involved with her until after the wedding.
"Rach – what's on your mind?" Jade asked, sensing that her friend was distracted.
"Just wondering if Nick will keep me company for the next couple of nights or not," Rachel admitted.
"I'm sure he'll keep you company – I think he was just trying to let us spend time together," Alexa replied.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Rachel said as the three cars pulled into the hotel parking lot.
~~~~~Guys Convo~~~~~
Nick and Drew rode back in the convertible that the guys had rented while Jeff and Justin took the other car. "Drew, man, how am I going to get through until Thursday?"
"Why?"
"Not seeing Rach at night."
"What do you mean, bro?"
"Rach and I aren't staying together until after the wedding on Thursday."
"She is going to be extremely uncomfortable then."
"What do you mean?"
"J and Jeff are sharing a room, remember?"
"Yeah, so…what does that have to do with Rach?"
"One of them will be in the girls' room with his girl, Nick. We all really figured you and Rachel would want to spend the time together, especially since you announced your engagement and all."
"But…man…"
"Once we get to Cinci we each have rooms, can't you wait until then to be all noble?"
"Drew – "
"What?"
"Nothing – I'll have Rachel stay in my room…I'll sleep in the living area of my suite."
"Why? Why can't you all stay in the bedroom?"
"Because…I…I want us to wait until after the wedding to have sex, and if we stay together, I don't think I'll be able to hold back."
"And you said that I was bad!"
"Drew – I'm marrying her! I just want to wait until we make it official to actually make love to her."
"And…"
"And if we're in the same room, I don’t think I'll be able to keep my resolve. Rachel, she wants to go all the way, but she's been waiting, and I don't want to spoil it or feel like I'm pressuring her."
"That's honorable, man, but if she wants it…"
"It's not like I'm saying a year, Drew…it's a week."
"Yeah…I guess you're right. Just seems odd that you're saying no."
"It's not like I'm Timmons or something! I do have self-control," Nick replied as they all arrived at the hotel. "Rach, change of plans, you're staying in my room," Nick said as they all went towards the hotel entrance.
"But…I thought…"
"I was informed of a change in plans for the others. You're room is going to be in use by either Jeff and Alexa or Justin and Jade."
"So?"
"So, if it's Jeff, he'll stay true to form, and try to convince Alexa to sleep with him, and if it's Justin, well, I know he wants to get down and dirty with Jade, and I seriously doubt that you want to see and/or hear everything that happens between them."
"So we're going to…"
"No…I'm in the suite. You'll get the bedroom and I'll stay in the other room."
"But Nicky…"
"No, Rachel. You have waited this long to have sex, another week won't make that much more of a difference to you."
"But…"
"Rachie, it's not that I don't want to…hell, after last night you should know that isn't true!"
"Alright."
"Baby, I do want you, and you should be able to tell how much," Nick said as they stopped to get her things.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 10 - removed by author due to content

CHAPTER 11 ~ Meeting the Family Nerves

The group spent Saturday seeing the sights in the M[arse]illon area, and again Saturday night ended the nights in their romantic pairings with Nick holding firm in his resolve to not consummate his relationship with Rachel until after they were man and wife, no matter how much she persisted. Nick also talked to her parents after they called to let them know about the engagement – to see if they would possibly be able to make it to Cincinnati for the wedding of their only child, since he knew he couldn't keep either his mother or grandmother away from the ceremony. Sunday morning the group began their four hour drive from M[arse]illon to Cincinnati. "Rach, what's wrong?" Nick asked as they led the other two vehicles in their mini-convoy.
"Nothing. Everything is fine," Rachel said, absentmindedly.
"Rachie, something is bothering you, I can tell that much – talk to me, it's the only way I can make things better for you."
"I'm just nervous about meeting Grandma Leigh and your mom."
"Mom and Grandma are going to adore you, baby. I've told them all about you already, and they've been disappointed I couldn't convince you to come to Cinci to visit before now. When they found out you were going to be in Ohio, they insisted on the family dinner…and I'm glad they did since we're going to be getting married at the end of the week."
"But…"
"Listen to me, alright? Don't worry about them. Be yourself – and you have nothing at all to worry about, ok?"
"I'll try. Who else is going to be at dinner?"
"It's going to be Drew, Diamond, you, me, mom, Grandma, Dad, Iris, and my younger brothers and sisters."
"Full-family? Man, this is not going to be good for me."
"Rachie, listen to me, alright? My entire family already LOVES you because you've made me so happy since we first started talking online. Just be yourself, don't try being someone you aren't. They know you're a more quiet person, especially when you're first meeting people…so they aren't going to think anything bad about you if you're not extremely talkative."
"You're not going to leave my side, right?"
"If you need me next to you, that's where I'll be, angel."
"OK…I'll get through this," Rachel said before changing topics so her nerves wouldn't return during their drive.
The group arrived in Cinci at noon and immediately checked into their rooms at the Millennium Hotel, the girls sharing one suite and the guys each having their own suite. "Yo, Nick – are we giving you a bachelor party this week?" Drew asked.
"It's up to you guys," Nick answered wondering when he would find time to get a wedding present for his bride.
"Then leave Wednesday night open, man. We need to give you a good party for your last night as a free man," Justin said as he and Jeff joined the conversation.
"Fine, but guys – no strippers," Nick replied.
"Why not?"
"I don't want to see anyone other than Rachel naked, alright?" Nick answered, as the other guys tried to contain their laughter at how 'whipped' their lead singer seemed to be.
"Can we do a couple videos at least, Nick?" Drew asked, wondering exactly Nick wanted to do at his bachelor party if naked women was out.
"Tasteful ones, yes. None of that cheap porn crud though."
"Man you are just going to make this difficult, aren't you?" Jeff asked.
"I love Rach too much to hurt her by doing some of that junk, guys. I'm sorry."
"It's cool, Nick," Justin replied as he remembered some of the stuff Nick had done even while dating former girlfriends – including quickies in the back of strip clubs or with groupies while on the road.
"I cannot believe how whipped you are, man," Jeff muttered under his breath.
"Stow it Timmons!" Nick snapped, having heard the comments.
"Sorry, Nick, but nothing has stopped you from indulging in porn and strippers before, unless your girl was on the road with us so you didn't need the porn and strippers."
"It's different with Rach. You guys, I honestly don't want to do anything that could possibly hurt her or make her lose her trust in me."
"That is cool," Jeff answered, wondering if and when he'd find the woman who would turn him around in that way.
"Ok, Wednesday night – bachelor party, Thursday night – wedding, Friday and Saturday – leave the newly weds alone because they aren't going to leave their hotel room," Drew joked.
"Shut up, Drew! Rachel and I will still be spending time with you during the weekend."
"Man, you and her won't even leave the room to get your meals after the wedding, it's all gonna be room service because you two will be busy getting the nookie."
"That's a load of crap and you know it!"
"Care to make a wager on that, Nick?" Drew offered.
"I'm not betting on my wife and our sex life!"
"That's the way it should be, Nick," Rachel added from the door.
"Rachel!"
"Drew, I do NOT appreciate you making [arse]umptions about my life!"
"We were just joking around," Drew sputtered.
"Joking or not, you have absolutely no right to talk about what Nick and I may or may not do following our wedding."
"Rach, sweetheart…"
"Nick, it's alright. I've said what I needed to say to your brother. Drew, think before you speak, please."
"I'm sorry…so are we all going to mom's together or are we going to take 2 cars?"
"We're having dinner at Cate's??" Rachel asked
"Yeah, we are, Rach. Mom insisted," Nick answered his fiancée. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, I just thought we were gong to be eating at a restaurant."
"Rachie – baby, relax. No one is going to judge or dislike you, I promise."
"Nick, can I skip this?" Rachel asked hopefully.
"You know you can't. Please, don't worry, my mom already adores you…because you make Nick happy – and I don't mean in the pants," Drew said, trying to help his future sister-in-law. "Di – you ready to head out?"
"Rach, you'll be alright…and I'll be there with you too," Diamond said trying to re[arse]ure her friend one last time before leaving for Cate's house with Drew.
"Di, why is Rach so nervous about meeting our family?" Drew asked as they made the short drive to his mother's home.
"I'd be nervous too, if I was Rachel. She's meeting people for the first time, who as of Thursday, are going to be part of her family. She wants them to like her. I don't blame her, I'd be extremely nervous meeting your mom and Grandma for the first time within a week of the wedding."
"But they already love her!"
"You and Nick know that, Drew. We don't. And Nick's met her family – well most of them – already. She's in a situation where, when she's introduced to them, it's as part of the family."
"I see what you're saying, but Nick hasn't been able to convince her to come visit our family in Ohio until now."
"Drew, she's just nervous is all. She'll be fine as the evening progresses."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Rach, you ready?"
"Yeah…I'll be fine. Just promise me you won't leave me when your family hates me."
"Rachie, baby, they won't hate you. They already love you…and they'll love you even more after they meet you."
"That's easy for you to say. How do I look?"
"You look so good I wish I wasn't being honorable about waiting until after the wedding to make love to you."
"Great! I look like a *****. I'm going to change."
"Rachel – stop!" Nick said, grabbing her arm before she could disappear into the bedroom of the suite. "You don't look like a *****! You look fabulous, and seeing you, no matter what you're wearing, makes me wish I wasn't being honorable."
"No one said you needed to be, Nick."
"Rachie, you have always – since the day we met – declared your desire to wait for your wedding day. I'm not going to let you give up that easily."
"So you don't want me sexually."
"Quit twisting my words around! The past two nights have been torture for me because I wanted you so bad – I was so hard with desire for you – I could barely sleep. Rachel, right now my hormones are telling me to rip your clothes off and show you just how much I do want you, but we are going to wait for the wedding."
"You really want me?"
"YES!" Nick replied as he pushed his pants and underwear down to his knees. "Does this prove to you how much I want you?" he asked as his erection was revealed.
"NICK!" Rachel said, turning around and blushing.
"Look at me, Rachel! You can't stand there and look at me, yet you think you're ready for sex? Girl, if we had made love while we were in M[arse]illon you would have run scared from me. I want you to be ready for us to be together."
"But…"
"Listen to me, please? We will have sex when you're ready, and even if it isn't our wedding night, it's ok."
"But…"
"Rachie, let's just continue this discussion after we get back? Or we're going to end up late."
"Alright."
"Let's go, then."
"Nick!"
"Yes?"
"You may want to pull your pants up – I don't think your mom or grandmother need to see you aroused."
"You don't? Why not?" Nick asked, glad that Rachel seemed to be lightening up a little bit.
"NICK!"
"Alright, I'll quit joking about it," Nick said, pulling his pants back up. "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I can be to meet my doom."
"RACHEL!"
"Sorry…sorry."
"Drew, hi, where's your brother, and who is the beautiful young woman?"
"Hi, Mom. Mom, this is Diamond, Diamond, this is my mother, Cate."
"It's so nice to meet you, Ms. Fopma."
"I'm happy to finally meet you, Diamond. My son has said nothing but great things about you, and please, call me Cate or mom, Ms. Fopma is too formal."
"Alright, Cate."
"Drew, where are your brother and Rachel?"
"They're on their way. Nick was just being a slow-poke when he was getting ready, like usual."
"OK…well go introduce Diamond to the rest of the family."
"Yes, mom," Drew said, giving Cate a kiss on the cheek before going to introduce Diamond to Grandma Leigh, his dad, step-mom, and younger siblings.
"Mom! We're here, Nick called as he and Rachel walked in the back door of the family home.
"Nick, it is great to have you home for a little bit. And you must be Rachel," Cate said, pulling Rachel into a hug. "I am glad that Nick was finally able to get you to Cincinnati so we could meet."
"It's nice meeting you also, I've heard so many great things about you," Rachel said, hoping she didn't appear as nervous as she felt.
"Mom, where are Dad, Iris, and Grandma?"
"They're in the living room, why?"
"We have something we need to tell all of you – so can you join us there for a minute or two?"
"Sure," Cate said following the pair.
"Dad, Iris, Grandma, Mom," Nick started. "I'd like to introduce you to my fiancée, Rachel. Rachel – this is my dad, his wife Iris, Grandma Leigh, and I already introduced you to my mom."
"Fiancée?" Cate repeated, slightly surprised by the sudden announcement.
"Mom…" Nick started.
"Congratulations! When is the wedding?" Cate asked.
""Welcome to our family," Grandma Leigh said coming over to hug Rachel and John and Iris congratulated Nick before moving to hug Rachel and welcome her into the Lachey family.
"Nick, are you going to answer my question or not?"
"We're getting married Thursday night," Nick answered.
"Nicholas…"
"Mom, we just want to get married – right away before the tour starts. There's no other reason we're doing it so quickly," Nick said, before his mother could make the pre-marriage pregnancy accusation.
"Well – this doesn't leave us much time to plan a wedding or invite the guests."
"Mom, it's going to be an extremely small wedding – just the guys, Rachel's friends who are in Cinci visiting with her, and our parents."
"Our parents?" Rachel questioned. "My parents aren't going to be able to make it out here in time for the wedding, Nick."
"Actually, they are. After we decided on the date, I phoned them and asked them if they would be able to get here – because I knew you'd want them here and that they wouldn't want to miss their only daughter's wedding. They're getting into town on Thursday morning."
"NICK! You are so wonderful!" Rachel said, throwing her arms around his neck to embrace him for thinking of how she would really feel when she hadn't said anything about that to him.
"Nick, go ahead and show her around the house – and introduce her to the rest of your siblings."
"Did Drew and Diamond get here yet?"
"Yes, they did – they should be out back with the rest of the family."
"OK, thanks. Rach, you coming?"
"Yeah, I am."
Once the two were out of the hearing range of Nick's family, Nick turned to his beautiful bride-to-be and said, "See, they love you."
"Your mother thinks we're getting married because I'm pregnant!"
"She does not. Rachel, no matter what – you aren't pregnant and even if people think you are – the truth will be there when there aren't any little Lacheys running around in less than 9 months."
"But…"
"No – stop that. Everything is going to be fine for us."
"Nick, what did my parents say when you called them?"
"You know they said congratulations when we told them we were engaged – and when I asked them to come out – they were surprised by the suddenness of the wedding, but they are happy that you're happy."

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 12 ~ Party Poopers ;)

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the group spent their time exploring the city which would soon be Rachel's home. Wednesday, all the girls were treated to their first 'official' taste of Skyline. Alexa, Diamond, and Jade all loved it, while Rachel wasn't really enjoying the taste of it. "How can you not like this?" Alexa asked.
"Lex, stop!"
"No, it's ok, Jade. I didn't say I didn't like it…but it doesn't taste like the chili sauce I'm used to eating on hot dogs."
"Do you want to stop somewhere else to get something, sweetheart?" Nick asked.
"No, it's ok – we've got some busy plans for the rest of the night – can't change our schedule because of me."
"Speaking of schedules…"
"What is it, Drew?"
"We're going to be late if we don't get going soon."
"Late?" Nick questioned, not understanding his brother.
"Wedding parties – remember, Nick?"
"Oh – yeah – the wedding is tomorrow," Nick answered smiling at the thought of making Rachel his bride…and finally giving her the full love-making experience she had been begging him to do anytime they were alone.
"I can't believe this is happening to me," Rachel said softly.
"It is, baby. I do love you so much – and I can't wait until tomorrow night and you become Mrs. Nicholas Scott Lachey."
"So…what are the plans for the rest of the night anyway?"
"Well – we could split up here – and head our separate ways for the bachelor and bachelorette parties," Drew answered. "Us guys are partying at the hotel."
"And us girls?" Rachel asked.
"We have the night planned, Rach, no worries."
"What are we doing?"
"You'll find out," Jade answered cryptically.
"Jade?"
"Yes?"
"What are we doing?" Rachel asked.
"You'll find out – let's get going," she replied as the girls stood up to leave.
"I'm not going until I know where and what we're doing."
"You are coming with us – and not getting those questions answered right away," Diamond replied.
"NO – I am NOT!"
"Rachel – go have fun with the girls," Nick said, interrupting the argument that was beginning.
"Nick…"
"Rachel – you're coming with us."
"Give me a clue about what we are doing at least?" Rachel said looking from Jade to Diamond to Alexa.
"You'll enjoy yourself with them, baby. Now please – go have your girl-time," Nick said, wanting her to get a chance to really let loose with her friends, something she hadn't done while they were together as a group of eight.
"Alright – but I still want to know what the plans are," Rachel said, reluctantly giving in to her friends.
The group returned to the hotel, where the girls climbed into a limo that was waiting to take them around Cinci during their night of fun. Once in the limo, the girls blindfolded Rachel so as to keep her from finding out their plans before they were ready to tell her about the plans. "Jade – where are we?" Rachel asked as her blindfold was removed after they were dropped off at what was to be the first of many stops that evening.
"You'll see," Jade answered, laughing as a red light began flashing.
"Ladies – let's give it up for our favorite firefighter," the announcer said as a man dressed in a fireman's uniform came out from behind the curtain and the music began playing.
"Oh my God!" Rachel said as he began removing the coat that he was wearing. "Let's get out of here," she added as she turned crimson.
"Rach – just enjoy the night."
"Here, give the good fireman a tip," Jade said handing Rachel a handful of singles to stuff into the dancer's g-string as she signaled for him to come over to their table.
"You guys – I can't do this. The only man I want to see stripping is Nick!"
"You'll see enough of him after tomorrow night, Rachel. Broaden your sights for tonight," Alexa said, as she took a couple of ones and stuffed them near the front of the dancer's g-string.
"I can't…I feel like I'm cheating on him. You all stay and enjoy yourselves. I'll just go back to the hotel and get some sleep."
"Rachel Elizabeth! YOU are NOT leaving your bachelorette party early!"
"And I'm not staying here when I'm feeling like I'm cheating on my future husband!"
"Do you honestly think Nick is worried about cheating on you by seeing strippers tonight?" Diamond asked. "I know for a FACT that they have at least 2 girls coming to dance in their hotel room tonight – and plenty of porno movies to watch too."
"I can't control Nick or what he and the guys do tonight. I can only control myself," Rachel said, leaving the table.
"But…" Jade started to say.
"Let me go talk to her," Diamond offered quickly following Rachel. "Rachel…please loosen up just a little alright? Just have fun with us tonight."
"Di – I don't mind having fun, but I can't do it in a strip club."
"If we were just to go out dancing at normal clubs?"
"I would stay for that – I thought that was what the plan was – just going out and getting drunk and dancing. I didn't expect the strippers."
"OK – I'll go get Alexa and Jade, and we can go somewhere else and have some fun, alright?"
"Thanks for understanding, Diamond."
"Hey you two – Rachel agreed to stay out with us – on one condition."
"What is it?"
"We leave the strippers and find a club where we can drink and dance."
"But…"
"Lex – yes, I know that the guys have strippers – but we do need to respect Rachel's wishes since this party is for her. Besides, Drew doesn't think that the strippers will make it very far in the room – because Nick didn't want them hired at all."
"Nick Lachey doesn't want strippers at his bachelor party?" Jade said, extremely surprised considering some of the stories she had heard from both Justin and others who had met the guys during their various tours.
"From what Drew told me – Nick said that the only woman he wanted to see naked anymore was Rachel."
"Can't wait to hear what happens there," Jade said, knowing that Justin would give her more details about the guys' Stag night.
"I'm sure you'll hear about it."
"Yeah – and we'll hear the newlyweds tomorrow night too, I'm sure."
"Come on, let's go spend time with our friend."
"Man – this really sux – why can't we have any fun?"
"Lex – we'll take you to a strip club when you and Jeff decide to tie the knot."
"We won't be getting married."
"When you move in with him then," Jade replied.
"Gals – Jeff and I talked about it last night – we aren't together as a couple. We're working on staying friends with each other, but romantically – there aren't any sparks."
"But…"
"It was a celeb crush – I've realized that. I'm glad that I did."
"I'm glad you both figured that out too – but did you give him a fair chance?" Diamond asked.
"Yes – and he gave me quite a ride too," Lex said smiling remembering the sexual encounter she and Jeff had shared before deciding that there wasn't any romantic chemistry between them.
"You two…you" Jade said astonished.
"Yes – we had sex, but that was ALL it was – sex no love, no p[arse]ion, nothing but wild animal sex."
"You slept with him – but you're not involved with him? Who made that decision?"
"We both did – although – I had originally planned on screwing him then dropping him so he could feel as used as so many groupies feel."
"LEX!"
"I'm just surprised that you would have that plan."
"Yeah, well – I was surprised that Jeff wasn't upset when I told him I didn't think we had that 'spark' that's so important in a relationship."
"Well, let's go anyway. The three of us can come back Friday or Saturday while Rachel is enjoying Nick's company – in every way possible," Diamond said, hoping the other two would follow her to the entry way of the club.
"I was about to get a taxi," Rachel said as the trio finally arrived.
"We just needed to get our things," Jade offered.
"So where are we off to now?" Alexa asked.
"I don't really know – any ideas?"
"We could just go back to the bar in the hotel," Rachel suggested.
"You just want to see Nick tonight," Alexa snapped.
"What's wrong with that? I'm about to marry him!"
"Rach – it's ok. We do understand – and since none of us really know Cinci very well – I think that's probably the best idea."
Once the group returned to the hotel, it was difficult to keep Rachel from going up to see Nick or calling him. "Rachel – this night is supposed to be about YOU!"
"So why can't I see Nick?"
"Because it will be even more special tomorrow if you don't see him."
"Can I at least call him?"
"NO! He's having fun with the boys."
"But…"
"RACHEL!"
"Alright – alright – I give up."
"Rachel – we just don't want to see you get too possessive of Nick – to the point he starts to resent the way you treat him."
"I'm not – I just want to hear his voice."
"Who's voice?"
"NICK! What are you doing here?" Rachel asked as he pulled her onto his lap.
"I snuck out of the bachelor party…I wasn't enjoying myself – but I didn't want the guys to know."
"Nick, I'm sorry…"
"For what, princess?" Nick asked, interrupting her.
"For…making you not be able to enjoy your time with the guys."
"Racie – there is NOTHING to be sorry about. I have just fallen head-over-heels in love with you – and seeing other women naked just doesn't interest me in the least."
"But…"
"Girls – I hope you understand, but I am going to steal my wife away for the rest of the evening."
"But you're not married yet!" Alexa retorted.
"We're close enough. Rachel – will you come with me?"
"Gals, I'm sorry I dragged you away from the club and I'm ditching you all now."
"We understand," Diamond and Jade both replied as Nick escorted Rachel to the front desk to get another room for the pair to share for the evening.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 13 ~ Wedding Day

The next morning, Nick kissed Rachel quickly as she slept before slipping from the room, trying to hold to the traditions. Before leaving, he left her a short note so she wouldn't think that she had screwed up and scared him away during their evening of conversation.
Rachel,

I love you and last night was extremely special to me – to us and our future relationship with one another.ÂÂÂ* I would have stayed and woken you up, but I didn't want to risk jinxing us or our live together by spending too much time with you today.ÂÂÂ* I'm going to pick up your parents at the airport this morning while you and the other girls enjoy some pampering at the hotel spa.

I love you, and am anxiously waiting for 6pm when we officially become Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Scott Lachey.
ÂÂÂ*
I have a little something for you – as part of the something old, new, borrowed, and blue tradition.ÂÂÂ* I left it at the front desk for you – I hope you like it.ÂÂÂ* I'm going to be at mom's most of the day – so I will see you at 6 tonight.ÂÂÂ* I'm sure you'll recognize me – I'll be the one shaking like crazy waiting for you to say 'I do'.ÂÂÂ*

Love you and please, don't back out on me.

Nick
[/b]

"That's so sweet," Rachel said to herself as she read the note. "Guess I can call and get breakfast sent up – I'll see if the girls want to join me," she thought as someone knocked on the door.
"Where is he, Rach?" Jeff asked as he and Drew came into the room.
"Who?"
"Nick – the groom in the wedding tonight."
"He left already. His note said he'd be with Cate most of the day – other than to pick up my parents at the airport."
"How did you get him away last night?"
"What?"
"From his bachelor party – how did you get him to leave and why did you get the new room?"
"I ran into him at the bar downstairs, Jeff, and he decided to get a new room since I was sharing a room with the other 3 girls and you all were having stag night in his room."
"Rach," Drew said as Jeff stomped out of the room."
"Yes, Drew?"
"Thank you for making my brother happy. He deserves the best – and I think you are the perfect woman for him."
"Thanks Drew – I appreciate that."
"See you later," Drew said, walking out of the room and following Jeff.


This Chapter is TBC - I have more written - just need to get it typed but I have to go to work now - YUCK!

[Raevengeance]

After a leisurely breakfast alone, Rachel met up with her friends who then joined her for the day of pampering at the hotel spa. After their m[arse]ages and facials, the girls stopped at the hotel restaurant for lunch and were met by Cate, Grandma Leigh, and Rachel's parents. Following lunch, everyone went to get ready for the big event. On the way upstairs, Rachel remembered the gift that Nick had left her, so she stopped by the front desk to retrieve it. On the elevator, Rachel shook the box trying to figure out what exactly it was that Nick had given her. Once she made it to her room, she sat down to calm her nerves and ripped open the box and was surprised to find another note from Nick.

Rachel,

I hope you like the gift.ÂÂÂ* This belonged to Grandpa Fopma.ÂÂÂ* When he p[arse]ed away, it was given to me – and I hope you can find a way to incorporate it into your attire for the wedding as we begin our lives together.ÂÂÂ*

I love you, Rachie – and this time apart is going to drive me insane, but it will make tonight even sweeter for both of us.ÂÂÂ* I hope you're prepared for a long night of lovemaking, baby.ÂÂÂ* After last night, I know I won't be able to control my urges to love you over and over again.ÂÂÂ*

Love you,

Nick [/b]

Rachel blushed as she read the last part of the note, knowing that she wanted Nick to fill her completely all night.
"Rach, what are you blushing for?" Jade asked walking into the room.
"Nick – and the note he left for me."
"Oh boy – so what was the gift?" Jade asked, noticing the small package sitting on the bed next to Rachel.
"I'm not sure – haven't opened the present yet – just finished reading the note that was with it. I do know that it was something that had belonged to his grandfather though. He mentioned that much in the note."
"Wow – that could be an interesting gift."
"You're telling me – look at this," Rachel said having opened the box.
"That is amazing, Rach…" Diamond said.
"I know – totally amazing. You gals are going to have to help me figure out a way to include this in my outfit for the wedding."
"We'll find a way – no problems there," Alexa said.
"One thing though."
"Yes?"
"I don't want Nick to see it until after the ceremony."
"That can definitely be arranged," Diamond said with a wink.

Shortly before six o'clock, the girls left their suite to head to the church for the wedding ceremony, and found a limo waiting to drive them there. "Wow, why didn't you mention the limo, Rachel?"
"I had no idea that we had one for tonight. Nick must have done this to surprise me. Do I have everything?"
"You're here – that's all Nick cares about – so I'd say you do," Jade joked.
"Funny – I meant did I cover all my bases according to that old saying – something old, new, borrowed, and blue?"
"Old is the gift you got from Nick this morning that had belonged to Grandpa Fopma," Jade answered.
"And your 'new' item is your dress," Alexa interjected.
"Blue is your garter," Diamond offered. "And don't wimp out – make Nick take that off of you tonight – without using his hands."
"What about borrowed? I don't have anything that's borrowed."
"Yes, you do," Jade answered, trying to calm down her friend, "you borrowed my hairclips when I did your hair."
"Thank you – now, how do I stay calm until the ceremony is over?"
"Breathe – and focus on Nick. Then you come enjoy dinner with us and your families before going to begin your lives together."
"After dinner I get to freak?"
"No – after dinner you get to enjoy the love that you and Nick share."
"Oh God!"
"What?"
"I just realized what Nick and I are going to be doing during our 'honeymoon'," Rachel answered.
"And what is that?"
"It's gonna be their tour and rehearsals!"
"Why is that a problem?" Alexa asked.
"So, it could be extremely embarr[arse]ing if Nick isn't too tired from their shows."
"Girl, I'm sure he'll be tired after their concerts so you won't need to worry too much about that."
"I hope so, because I really don't know if I could tell him no."
"So, what's the big deal if you don't tell him no?" Alexa asked.
"I may not mind being with Nick intimately, but I can't do that on their tour bus, unless it was just the two of us as the p[arse]engers."
"Ahhh – you don't want the others hearing you two making noise, but won't the others have a similar problem?"
"I sure hope not – unless Diamond or Jade are visiting Drew and Justin. If they do, I'm gonna be opening a can of whoop-[arse] on those boys."
"What do you mean?"
"I know – just from chatting with both Jade and Justin they've become 'exclusive' and since Diamond met the family on Sunday with Drew, I'm guessing that she and Drew are also exclusive or very close to it at least."
"Why not mention Jeff – and me?" Alexa asked.
"Lex, Nick told me that you and Jeff had decided that it would be better if you had the freedom to see other people – at least that was what Jeff had told Nick – and if he lied, I'll kick his [arse]."
"No – it's true – we realized we aren't supposed to be together romantically. I was just wondering why you didn't include us in your list – since I hadn't mentioned it to you at all."
It was a small, informal ceremony with Drew and Jade standing up as witnesses for Nick and Rachel. As the pair exchanged vows, both had tears in their eyes and everyone present could tell that each truly intended to honor the vows until they were separated by death. Their first kiss as husband and wife seemed to never end, although neither the bride nor the groom thought it was truly sufficient. When the ceremony was over, John and Iris Lachey insisted on taking everyone present out for dinner to celebrate the wedding.
Finally, the happy couple was able to leave the restaurant – after many toasts and well-wishes from their friends and families. "Nick…"
"What is it, Mrs. Lachey?"
"Damn – say that again."
"Say what again?"
"My name."
"Rachel?"
"No – the other way."
"Mrs. Lachey?"
"Yeah – I like the sound of that."
"I do too – so what were you saying before I interrupted you?"
"Ummm…where are we staying?"
"We're still at the Millennium – in their penthouse-honeymoon suite."
"Wow! Ummm…Nick – what about when we're in California for your rehearsals and then when the tour is over?" Rachel asked, realizing those were probably questions that should have been discussed before jumping into the marriage.
"In Cali, I've got a condo – actually each of us has a condo there – it lets us get our work done without spending an arm and a leg on hotels, since we do spend a pretty fair amount of time out there."
"And after the tour is over?"
"That is up to you – I'd like to stay in the Cinci area – or maybe somewhere between here and Wisconsin if you'd prefer – or if you have someplace else you want to settle down, just say it and we can look into it. I want you to be happy with our home, and we will be able to go wherever we need to for the group."
"Ummm…well…"
"Rachie – it's not a choice we need to make today. We'll be in California for about a month yet – then we've got a 4-month tour of the US and Canada and then we are possibly heading to either Europe or Asia for a month, so we don't need to have a decision made for 6 months. And baby, if we want – we can have more than one home."
"Oh my…we're going to have a rushed Christmas!"
"Rushed Christmas? What are you talking about?"
"Decorating and that kind of thing. It's June now – and after what you said about the schedule it's gonna be late November or early December when the tour finishes – which means – rushing to get everything done for Christmas."
"We'll have a month, how is that rushed?"
"Nick – it's our FIRST Christmas together – I mean – we weren't even talking last year at Christmas. I want it to be special."
"It will be special – because we're together."
"But…"
"No buts, baby. We are going to enjoy ourselves the next few days. Don't go worrying about the future right now – just concentrate on enjoying yourself – and all the pleasure that I am going to be giving you."
"I'll try."
"You will do more than try," Nick said as he stopped their car at the valet parking stand. "I already had our bags moved and checked us into the suite," he added seeing Rachel's confused look as they went straight past the hotel desk.
"Oh…"
"Don't worry, baby. I only did it so our things would be there and waiting for us when we got back tonight – instead of us having to go move our things upstairs from the rooms we had been in before tonight."


Dang - this is a long chapter - more to be added *hopefully tomorrow*

[Raevengeance]

"I know. Nick, don't laugh at me, alright, but I'm a little scared right now."
"Why would I laugh at you? It's natural to be nervous. I'm glad that we were together last night though. Did that help you today?"
"Yeah, it did - I just wish we had..."
"Angel, stop. You had wanted to wait - so you did, maybe not for all aspects of a sexual relationship, but for the most intimate bonding experiences you have."
"Yeah, but...what if I can't handle those intimate experiences?"
"Angel - look at me. If you can't handle that, we will just keep moving slowly towards them until you can handle them. Nothing happens until YOU are ready for it to happen, ok?"
"Nick, why are you so understanding of me?"
"Because I love you, and that love has changed me in ways some people never thought possible."
"Changed you? How?"
"I care more about just spending time talking with you - even if we aren't making out or making love - than I ever did with previous girlfriends."
"But...I know you need more."
"Angel, you're more important than sex. I spent last night with you, right?"
"Yeah."
"I think that alone proves how much I've changed. I know the girls told you that there were going to be stag films and strippers at my bachelor party, right?"
"Yeah - they mentioned that."
"And I chose to leave the other three to their porn and go sit in the bar instead - because I wasn't interested in anything like that if it didn't revolve around you. All I wanted last night was to spend time talking with my bride, and we did get to do that."
"But..."
"Rachel! Listen to me, please. You need to have faith when I tell you that you are the only woman who will be involved in an intimate relationship with me from today forward. If you keep questioning me - our relationship may not work."
"I just don't know if I can believe that you wouldn't want a sexual relationship with someone if I wasn't giving you what you needed."
"RACHEL LACHEY! I only need YOUR LOVE and YOUR TRUST! When you are ready for sex, that's when we'll move forward on that portion of our relationship - until then we will only be doing what YOU can handle."
"But what about you - and what YOU need? This relationship can't be only about me."
"All I need is you, baby, and NO ONE else can give me that."
"But..."
"No buts, it's true. So, are you ready?"
"In the hall??"
"No - to go into our suite. Once we cross that threshhold, we are not going to continue this argument. Only happy thoughts and actions are permitted there."
"No fighting, I promise."
"Good - now get over here."
"Why?"
"Because I am carrying you over the threshhold. We can't break tradition now, can we?"
"No - but don't hurt yourself."
"Baby, you are light as a feather," Nick said as he lifted her into his arms
"Yeah, sure..."
"No fighting, remember?"
"Sorry, but you shouldn't be lying either - it isn't polite."
"Yes, dear - although, I wasn't lying."
"So - what..." Rachel started before Nick cut her off with a p[arse]ionate kiss that lasted until both came up gasping for air.
"I had been waiting to kiss you that way all night - glad I finally got to give you a proper kiss."
"Ummm...wow."
"Now, what were you saying when I couldn't control the urge any longer?"
"What are our plans for the rest of the evening?"
"Well - I was thinking a nice warm jacuzzi bath for us to help ease our tense muscles."
"Sounds nice."
"Good, glad you agree with the plan. I am going to go get it started so it will be nice and warm when we get in - don't go getting undressed though - I want to help you get out of your wedding attire."
"OK," Rachel answered softly as she blushed at the thought.
"My fair wife is embarr[arse]ed. You do look beautiful when you blush," Nick said, kissing her gently before going to start his first task.

**still more on the way eventually**

[littleprincessj]

Awww...how sweet! Can't wait for more :popcorn:

[CeeCee]

Really cute add. I'm loving this! :)

[Raevengeance]

As Nick returned, he found his bride standing near the window, looking out on the city. "Hi, Mrs. Lachey."
"Hi, Nick."
"Ready?"
"Honestly, I'm a little nervous."
"Why?"
"You..."
"What about me?" Nick asked before she could finish the thought.
"You - you said you wanted to help me undress."
"Yeah, I did - why does that make you nervous?"
"I'm just - it's just that, other than our first night in Ohio together, I've been in bed and in the dark before you joined me. Tonight you're really going to see me."
"Angel, I have a small confession to make to you - I've watched you getting ready for bed every night that we've spent together."
"But how?"
"I never fully shut the door - so I watched through the crack. Baby, you are everything I want you to be. May I help you get ready for the bath now?"
"Yes, Nick, but..."
"Yes?"
"Make love to me tonight - I need for us to take our relationship to that level."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, even if I am nervous."
"Alright - but it won't be traditional. I'll make love to you during our bath together. It will probably help with some of the..."
"Discomfort?" Rachel asked when Nick didn't finish the thought."
"Yeah - that is a much better word than the one that stayed in my mind. All I could think of was pain - and I really didn't think that was the correct word."
"Thanks for thinking of it, Nick."
"I love you - and I don't want you to become scared or frightened at the thought of making love to me - and if all you could remember was pain from your first time, I thought that might be the result."
"Nicky, you are the best."
"Well, I try."
"Nick..."
"Yes, baby?"
"What...what drew you to me - made you want to be with me when you could have anyone in the world?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why me - why not some actress or singer or model?"
"You know I've done the singer thing - and was used to further her career and then dumped when they thought my usefulness was at an end."
"Yeah - but that still doesn't answer the why me question."
"You are a beautiful, caring, comp[arse]ionate, considerate, p[arse]ionate, fun woman - and I love you for each and every reason I just stated."
"But..."
"Rachie, please don't question me - just accept the fact that I HAVE chosen YOU to spend the rest of my life with, alright?"
"I'm trying, really, I am."
"I know. Now are you ready?"
"As ready as I can be," she replied.
"Rachel Lachey!"
"Yes, Nick?"
"Why are you so tense?"
"I'm just afraid, no nervous, about you helping me undress tonight. The last time - it wasn't 'planned so I ddn't have time to think about it."
"Well, let's get your mind off of that then," Nick suggested as he began m[arse]aging her shoulders before turning her to face him and kissing her. When he felt her relaxing in his arms as they made out, he began the task of helping her get ready for their joint bath, breaking their kiss every so often to caress other parts of her body which permitted him to remove the dress that she was wearing. "Oooh, wearing a wedding garter I see. Guess I will have to throw that to the fellas tomorrow to see who's gonna be next in line to get settled down," he joked as he sat Rachel on the edge of the bed to remove the garter and her stockings.
"STOP!"
"What is it, Rachie?" Nick asked concerned that things were going too fast for his new bride.
"The garter - you...Di told me to have you take it off - with your teeth."
"Is that all? I definitely think I can manage that, princess," Nick said placing gentle kisses up her leg until he reached the garter. He then grabbed it between his teeth and pulled it off her leg. "Still nervous?"
"A...a...little."
"How about this - you help me get undressed now - and then I will let you take care of your bra and panties when we get into the bathroom. Will that help?"
"Ummm..."
"Can I just strip for you, baby?" Nick asked making a mental note to have Rachel feel his body both naked and clothed so that she could become more comfortable helping him get ready to make love to her.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 14

Following their bath together, Nick helped Rachel from the tub - carefully drying every inch of her body. After towelling her off, he quickly helped her into a robe provided by the hotel before crying himself off.

"So, Rachie, was it good for you?" Nick asked as he carried her into the bedroom of the suite.
"I feel funny - and sore, Nicky," she answered as he gently laid her on the bed.
"I will be right back, princess. Don't move a muscle." When Nick returned, he found Rachel asleep on the bed. The robe she was wearing had fallen open, giving him an excellent view of her entire body. As he gently sat on the bed, he took the warm washcloth he had gotten and used that to hopefully ease some of the discomfort she had been feeling earlier. As he completed his task, Rachel stirred slightly, but never woke up.

The next morning, Rachel woke up and found Nick asleep in one of the chairs located in the room, and she wondered why he hadn't slept in the bed with her. Trying not to think of it, Rachel went to the bathroom to take care of getting cleaned up for her first full day as Mrs. Nick Lachey, although - doubts were creeping in about how long the marriage would last considering Nick hadn't shared her bed the previous evening. As she returned to the bedroom, she grabbed a blanket off the bed and placed it over Nick, which caused him to awaken.
"Hey - you aren't supposed to be up yet," Nick said as he stretched.
"Too bad," Rachel snapped as Nick grabbed her and pulled her into his lap.
"You're right - it's too bad for you, because I am just going to have to put you back in bed."
"What difference does it make to you if I'm in bed or not, Nick? You obviously didn't care enough to be in bed with me on OUR WEDDING NIGHT!" Rachel said, trying to pull free of his embrace.
"Hold on, Rach - I slept in this chair for one reason only - and that was to keep myself from hurting you more than I already had by making love to you."
"Quit lying, Lachey! Admit the truth - you found out I suck at sex and you couldn't stand the thought of being with me again in that way."
"Little Nickers here begs to argue that point, my dear wife. After you fell asleep I had to take an ICE COLD SHOWER so I wouldn't molest you in your sleep."
"A likely story."
"Why are you making me sound like a jack[arse]? That is Jeff's department."
"I'm just prepared for the inevitable - I know you'll leave me for someone better looking and who is better at sex than me."
"What the hell do I need to do to convince you that I don't want anyone besides YOU? You are the PERFECT woman for me!" Nick asked as there was a knock on the door.
Since Rachel was still wearing nothing but her robe, Nick went to answer the door and a few moments later pushed a room service cart into their bedroom. "The guys thought we would enjoy some breakfast and would need some food to continue our activities from last night."
"Yeah - we really need food and energy to sleep," Rachel said rolling her eyes.
"Just put your [arse] in that bed and enjoy breakfast! It's not a luxery that we are often afforded when we are on the road. Usually they'll just set up a buffet for everyone travelling with us and it's a quick grab and go because we either need to get back on the road to get to our next destination or we need to get to a location for media interviews."
"ohhhhhh I'm so scared."
"Rachel - I know you're disappointed that we didn't make love more than once last night, but we've got the rest of our lives to enjoy each other physically - and believe me, once your body is used to little Nickers visiting you intimately it is going to be nearly impossible for you to keep me off of you. I should warn you - I'm always extremely [freaky], especially after our concerts."
"ummm...Nick - about that..."
"What is it?"
"Would you actually have sex on the tour bus - with the other guys right there?"
"I have in the past - it's not an issue for any of us guys, why?"
"Just - well - I don't think I can do that - what if the other three were to overhear us?"
"They won't be that considerate of your feelings when they're getting some action."
"If we hear them - Diamond or Jade had damned well better be here with Drew or Justin."
"Agreed, but my point was the other three won't worry about us overhearing them - or offending you if their girls are with them."
"Quite frankly, Nick - what they do is NOT my concern, well unless they break the heart of one of my friends - but I'm not an exhibitionist - and I want what we do together to stay between the two of us - not the two of us and the other three bums from Ohio."
"So, I'll still be giving Rosie and her 5 friends a good work out while we're on tour, even though my wife is with me?"
"The only way we are going to be intimate - sexually active - while on tour and on the bus is if we have the bus to ourselves, well and the bus driver."
"But..."
"Making out is fine, Nick. I can even agree to body caressing - if we aren't doing it in front of the other guys - but sexual intercourse is out if the others are on the bus."
"And how do you cl[arse]ify our oral activities?"
"They're in the no-go catagory. If you want me to give you a handjob, I can do that."
"What about at the venue - backstage?"
"If you can guarantee privacy, we can discuss it - otherwise I think it's going to be similar restrictions to the tour bus."
"So what good is being married?"
"We'll be together - and we'll have time to get to know one another."
"Rachel - we need to talk more about this whole thing. There has to be some sort of compromise that we can make here."
"We'll see."
"You are infuriating, do you know that?"
"I think that has been mentioned to me before, so what are we doing today?"
"First, we are eating breakfast since the other guys were so kind to send it up for us. Then we are going to enjoy our honeymoon some more - doing what married couples enjoy doing the most. After we wear each other out, we are meeting up with our friends and spending the day at King's Island."
"Sounds like a good day."
"It's gonna be a great day, especially the honeymoon part," Nick replied with a smirk.
"Maybe we should just forget that part, I mean, you did decide to sleep in the chair last night - you must not want it that badly."
"No need to worry about me not wanting to make love to you, baby. I can't live without your sweet nectar for more than seven hours, so you better eat breakfast before I eat mine."
"What?"
"You, Mrs. Rachel Lachey, are going to be my breakfast - lunch - and dinner today - and everyday until you leave me. So eat up so I can hear you scream my name in ecstasy again, baby."
"Nick - maybe that isn't the best idea...I mean what if the guys come by - or someone else?"
"They won't. Drew was the one who brought our breakfast tray up and he knows that we will meet the others in the lobby at 9:30. I also told him that we weren't to be disturbed by anyone for any reason."
"And what if someone besides the guys comes up here?"
"The Do Not Disturb sign is on the door, we won't be bothered."
"Then screw breakfast! Make love to me, Nick, I NEED to feel that way again!"
"Are you sure you don't want to eat first? You may need the extra energy."
"NICHOLAS SCOTT LACHEY! If I have to tell you to make love me me one more time, I may start to believe the rumors that you're gay."
"I am sooooooooo far from being gay."
"Yeah, well, we're newly married and you don't seem to want to have sex with me - how would I know?"
"Girl, I am using self control so you don't get oversexed the first few days we're married."
"Well, I'm UNDERSEXED right now - so fix that problem instead of worrying about something that isn't happening!"
"Rachie, sweetheart, let's eat first - then we can make love for dessert."
"Nope - I want it NOW, Nick - I NEED IT NOW! I was shortchanged last night - and you're going to make up for it NOW!"

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 15 ~ Fun Day At King's Island

At exactly 9:30, Nick and Rachel entered the hotel lobby to meet with their friends for the short drive to the amusement park.

"One time even, that's hard to believe," Jeff mumbled seeing them get off the elevator.

"Jeff..."

"I won't say anything to them, Drew," Jeff answered wondering where Alexa had hidden herself.

"You better not."

"Hey guys, are we ready to go?" Nick asked.

"Where's Alexa?" Jeff asked.

"She said she wasn't feeling too well, so we should go without her," Jade replied.

"Great - odd man out again," Jeff muttered.

"Oh..."

"Come on, we'll bring her back something," Nick said, knowing that Rachel wondered if they should go.

"Just a minute...let me go make sure she doesn't need anything before we go," Rachel said, turning and heading towards the elevators.

"You've got a good woman there, Nick," Justin said as Nick watched Rachel walk away.

"I know...it's just hard to believe that she actually loves me sometimes, J...and that she was willing to marry me."

"Don't hurt her, Nick - I can tell she's nervous."

"Yeah, she is nervous. She keeps telling me that she's afraid I'm going to leave her - but I just couldn't do that. She is the world to me."

"Keep showing her how important she is to you - she'll eventually believe it."

"Lex..." Rachel called as she knocked on the door of the room her friends were sharing.

"What?" Alexa snapped as she threw the door open.

"I just wanted to make sure you were going to be alright and to see if you wanted anything," Rachel answered.

"I'll be fine - now go be with your husband," Alexa hissed.

"Lex, please - what's wrong?" Rachel asked confused.

"Nothing that being left alone won't cure."

"Fine, I'm sorry I cared about you," Rachel said, storming off before Alexa would see how much the words had hurt Rachel.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Nick asked, as Rachel got off the elevator.

"Let's go!"

"We were just waiting for you."

"Well, I'm here now - so let's go!"

"OK," Nick replied following her, wondering what exactly had happened to upset Rachel so much.

Once the group arrived at King's Island, everyone headed towards the roller coasters and other 'thrill-seeking' rides. "Have fun on The Beast," Rachel said, as everyone else got into line to ride the old roller coaster.

"Get over here - you're coming with us." Nick said, pulling her into line with them.

"No, I'm not. I don't do roller coasters - or ferris wheels - or anything else that takes me that high in the air."

"You're coming with us," Nick repeated. "I won't let anything happen to you."

"You want me to end up sick?? Guess who won't be getting any lovin tonight if that happens."

"Rachie - come on - for me?"

"Nick, NO. I am DEATHLY terrified of heights - so I will NOT go on this thing with you or anyone else for that matter."

"Fine - guys, we'll see you when you get off the ride," Nick said, taking Rachel out of the line.

"Nick - you don't need to sit with me, really. I know most people enjoy those types of rides - so you go with your friends and I'll wait by myself."

"I wanted to wait with you, it'll give us time to talk. What rides WILL you go on with us?"

"Ummm...well - anything that is relatively 'tame' - tilt-a-whirl, scrambler, and the water rides, even though most of them have some form of a drop - at least it's only one and at the end of the ride."

"Why did you agree to come here then?"

"Because everyone else wanted to come and enjoy the park."

"Why didn't you say you didn't want to?"

"Because everyone else wanted to."

"RACHEL LACHEY! Start telling us, or me at least, what YOU want!"

"Nick - my being here isn't a big deal - seriously."

"But if there is something you'd rather be doing..."

"There isn't, Nick! Well - besides enjoying the first full day of our life together - but I know you're getting old so it's hard to get it up again so soon after enjoying our married status."

"HEY! You're older than me!"

"But, my dear husband, a woman's sexual peak is in her 30's - so I'm just reaching my peak. You, on the other hand are long past your sexual peak...but I still love you."

"I'll show you who's reaching his peak tonight, Mrs. Lachey."

"I can't wait," Rachel said smiling.

"Maybe we should leave the others now - and I can show you all afternoon."

"Nick - no - but we don't have plans for tomorrow do we?"

"No, why?"

"Let's make tomorrow a day for the two of us - so we can enjoy being married before we get split up for a couple of weeks."

"Are you sure? I mean - you had planned on spending this time with the girls."

"We need time alone together too, Nicky - and considering our discussion earlier - we definitely need to talk about that some more."

"OK, we won't plan on doing anything with the rest of them tomorrow. So, are you going to tell me why you were so ticked off after going to check on Alexa before we left the hotel?"

"She just hurt my feelings. I only wanted to make sure she was going to be alright - and she told me she'd be better if she was left alone."

"Baby, I'm sorry."

"It's ok - I shouldn't let it bother me. I'll just try to talk to her on the way back to her house to pick up my car this weekend."

[Raevengeance]

*~*Chapter 16*~*

When the group returned from the amusement park, Diamond was called over to the front desk. "Guys, I guess it's just us until we leave," she said as she returned to where the others were waiting for her.

"What?"

"Alexa left this morning while we were at King's Island."

"She what?"

"She left for home. According to the note she left for me, this wasn't the vacation she had agreed to when we were planning it so she's sorry, but she felt like she needed to leave."

"I'm screwed!"

"Baby, it's ok," Nick said, trying to comfort, Rachel.

"Nick, you don't get it. My car is at Alexa's. I was supposed to ride back to her place with her to pick it up again."

"Rachie, it's ok. We'll get you a new car tomorrow before you head back to Wisconsin to take care of getting your things together to come join me in Wisconsin."

"And what about the things I have in my car that I want? And why should I leave that car in Indiana with her anyway?"

"Alright, baby. I'll drive you back to Alexa's tomorrow so you can pick up your car, and then I'll come back to Cinci to fly out to California with the guys while you head home."

"Sure, I'm going to lose a day with you because she had to be a little brat."

"Baby, it's ok, really. We'll get through it."

"I never said we wouldn't. It just pisses me off - and it's not like she didn't know we were planning on meeting and spending time with you four lunkheads!"

"I know, but it's done and over with now. We can't change the past."

"No [bad word], sherlock. Are you sure about that? I mean - people seem to think you four are gods who can do anything."

"Rachel!"

"I'm sorry - but in case you hadn't noticed, I get sarcastic when I get pissed - learn to deal with it."

"I think we all noticed," Drew mumbled.

"Drew - stop it - you're not helping," Diamond said softly.

"Come on, let's go get our stuff and head out," Nick said.

"She better hope that I don't actually see her," Rachel muttered following Nick to pack up for an early departure.

"I can't believe she did that," Jade said to Diamond and the other three members of 98 Degrees.

"Me either, but considering her actions, maybe it isn't so surprising."

"Guys, do you think we could get by without Nick at rehearsals this next week?" Jeff asked as Diamond and Jade continued their discussion about the actions of Alexa since meeting the guys online in December.

[Raevengeance]

"Maybe, but why?" Drew asked.

"I'm going to offer to go with Nick and Rachel - and I'll bring Nick's car back here - and let Nick spend the week with Rachel."

"That's a good idea, Jeff. And it will probably make Rachel feel better too," Justin replied.

"That was kind of my point. I know she's been having doubts, even though she hasn't said anything - you can see it in the way she acts."

"I'll call our manager and see about cancelling a week of rehearsals."

"Don't cancel it for everyone - I better start learning our choreography during the next week."

"Yeah, we should have had you there two weeks ago to start learning that," Justin joked.

"Funny man, you aren't," Jeff said scowling.

"Hey, I was just agreeing with you man."

"Sure, Justin," Jeff said shaking his head. "I'm gonna go call up and make the offer."

"Offer what?" Nick asked now that he and Rachel had returned to the lobby.

"Well, we all know the first week of rehearsals is always dedicated to trying to teach me all the dance routines - so, I'm going to ride with you and Rachel to get her car, and then I'll drive your car back here while you take Rachel back to Wisconsin and spend some time with her alone. Meet us a week after we were scheduled to start the rehearsals."

"I can't miss a week of rehearsals!" Nick protested.

"Sure you can - you always pick it up quick, I'm the one who needs the extra time learning everything."

"Nick, maybe it wouldn't need to be a full week. I mean, I was waiting for the weekend to come out so that you could come pick me up. If you drive to La Crosse with me, we could probably be out in California by Wednesday."

"Nick - take Jeff up on the offer. I'm calling management now to make the arrangements for you to have the extra time off," Drew said.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive! And you're taking the full week off. I don't care if you spend it with Rachel in Wisconsin or in California or New York for that matter, but you're spending time with your new bride. Enjoy the time," Drew answered.

"Alright, where is my little brother? This can't be the real Drew. Where did you find his long-lost twin?"

"Smart [arse]! I am your brother!"

"My brother would NOT encourage schedule changes - so who are you?"

"I am your brother, now shut up before I change my mind!"

"Alright, alright! Jeff, thanks man - you don't know how much I appreciate this."

"Actually, I think I do," Jeff replied.

"Jeff, I really appreciate it too," Rachel said, kissing him softly on the cheek. "I wish there was something I could do for you in exchange."

"Don't worry about it, really. So are you two ready to leave?"

"Yeah - but you may want to go grab a change of clothes, you'll probably be gone overnight," Nick replied.

"Be right back," Jeff said, heading towards the elevator.

[Raevengeance]

"I'll be back too - gonna go check us out, princess. Drew, can you please let mom and the rest of our family know? They had originally planned on taking us all out for supper tomorrow night."

"Sure. Now get out of here and don't let Jeff go and spoil your fun."

"Like I'd give him that chance," Nick said as he went towards the front desk.

"Rach, are you alright?" Diamond asked.

"No, I'm not, but I am TRYING to keep my anger in check so I don't do something that I will end up regretting later."

"That isn't good for you," Jade interjected.

"I know it's not - but it also wouldn't be good for me to go and kick Alexa's butt. It would reflect poorly on the guys, and I can't do something out of anger that is going to tarnish their image. I'll find some way to get my anger out - without actually hurting someone else."

"You have our numbers. Call if you need to talk about anything, ok?"

"I will - the only good thing about this is that Nick and I are going to get some extra time alone now."

"There you go, just look at the positive things that are happening because of it."

"Thanks girls, but it's still pissing me off."

"We understand, but the important part is that we enjoyed ourselves during the vacation - and thank you for including us in your special day with Nick."

"You're welcome. It feels so weird. I mean, I knew that somewhere down the road, Nick may ask me to marry him, but I sure as hell hadn't expected it to happen this week, but I am leaving town a married woman."

"And I'm sure getting married was the best part of this vacation for you."

"Well - the sexual of part of that with Nick is at least. But, I'm still glad the three of us got to spend time together...well four of us actually, even though someone turned out to be a real brat."

"I did NOT need to hear about the sexual relationship with Nick, Rachel!!"

"Sorry, Drew. But don't worry, you won't be hearing us on the tour bus."

"What?"

"Just something I had explained to Nick. I won't have sex with him on the tour bus. You don't need to know the reasons, but you can rest [arse]ured that there won't be any hanky panky between us on the bus."

"You don't have to do that. You're newly married, you should be having fun whenever you want."

"I know I don't need to do that for YOU or Justin or Jeff. I needed to make that a policy for Nick and myself because of how I feel. It wasn't something I decided to keep you three happy."

[Raevengeance]

~*~Chapter 17~*~</span>

"So, are you sure you can find Alexa's house?" Nick asked as the trio made their way to Indiana.

"I hope so...if not I do have her number to get directions."

"You guys, I'm sorry," Jeff said from the backseat. "If I had done things differently, you wouldn't need to do this."

"Jeffrey Brandon Timmons! This is NOT your fault. Alexa was in the chat room everytime we mentioned this trip - including when you all were there discussing it with us. If she didn't want you all included, she could have very easily said so and plans could and would have been changed. I know I mentioned Nick's gifts and visits when I was talking with her on AIM so she is NOT getting sympathy from this woman because her expectations were not met."

"Ok," Jeff replied hesitantly.

"Jeff, nothing anyone of us did caused this. She was pissed from day 1 about you all being here. It's all caused by her pettyness."

"Are you sure?"

"100 per cent positive."

"She's right, Jeff. And seriously, how do you get upset with someone who wants to spend time with their fiancé?"

"We all thought we should expect it."

"Yeah, and neither Jade nor Diamond said a word either, but Alexa was always upset about me wanting to spend time with Nick," Rachel added.


The group then completed their drive in silence until they reached Alexa's apartment complex. "I should go give her a piece of my mind," Nick said softly, upset at how a so-called friend could hurt his new wife.

"Baby, you really don't have any to spare, so you better not," Rachel said laughing, glad that Nick had done something to help lighten the mood.

"No, it's actually Jeff that doesn't have any extra brain cells," Nick replied.

"HEY! I am here you know!"

"Why do you think I said it, dork," Nick answered.

"Don't worry, Jeff. I know neither of you has any brain to spare."

"HEY!" both guys protested.

"What? It's true. If you had a mind you never would have dated Jessica, Nicholas, because it was obvious when looking closely that the two of you weren't the 'happy couple' that you were claimed to be."

"But I was smart enough to marry you," Nick countered.

"Actually, it's probably more a case of you were so [freaky] you married me. I don't think smarts has much to do with it," Rachel said laughing. "Well, I am gonna get my car - and I'll follow the two of you to the hotel so we can get some sleep tonight before heading our separate ways tomorrow."

[Raevengeance]

"Hey! I resent that!" Nick protested as Rachel climbed out of his car.

"Nick, man, I know that she doesn't feel that way. I think she was just trying to yank your chain."

"I know, Jeff, I just needed to argue that point so she doesn't start thinking that was the reason I married her."

"Just wanted to make sure," Jeff said as they made their way to the hotel they had noticed on their way into town.

"Guys," Rachel said, coming out of the lobby. "There is a minor problem."

"What do you mean, baby?" Nick asked.

"They only had one room available," Rachel replied.

"It's ok. I'll just head back to Ohio," Jeff said.

"Jeff, NO! The room available is a suite - so there is definitely room for you to stay, and you've had a long day. I don't want to see you driving back - and getting into an accident and hurt," Rachel argued.

"Jeff, she's right - you need your rest too. It's alright - all any of us really want to do is sleep anyway," Nick agreed.

"Are you sure? I mean, I can go find a different hotel if nothing else."

"You're staying with US!"

"Better listen to her, Jeff. She'll make ya do what she wants."

"Alright - but guys, you just got married, go ahead and enjoy yourselves tonight. My earplugs are in my bag - I'll sleep with them in so I won't hear anything."

"JEFFREY BRANDON TIMMONS!" Rachel said, shocked at what he was implying.

"Rachel Lachey!" Nick countered.

"What?"

"We are technically on our honeymoon."

"So what? We are sharing a hotel room with Jeff."

"Guys, don't argue, please," Jeff interjected.

"Who's arguing? I'm stating a fact..."

"So am I."

"Get the bags and let's go you two."

"You heard her, Timmons," Nick said, grabbing the bags he and Rachel had brought with them as Jeff grabbed his own overnight bag before following her in the side door of the hotel.

[Raevengeance]

The next morning, the trio got up early and went for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. While there, Rachel's cell phone started to ring. "Hello....what do you want, Alexa?...No kidding my car isn't there, I took it last night...Why would I want to go tell you? I wasn't in the mood for an argument, so I felt I had better just take it and leave...what do you mean, why would we argue, you [freak'n]ing abandoned me in Cinci, knowing full-well I needed a ride here to pick up my car. Alexa, drop it - I have it so there is no need to file a stolen vehicle report. Goodbye," Rachel said, closing the connection on her cell phone before turning it off.

"She realized your car was gone, huh?"

"Yeah, she did, Jeff. And she accused ME of being wrong for not telling her I was picking it up last night - after she leaves me stranded in Cinci," Rachel answered, rolling her eyes.

"You weren't exactly stranded, baby. You were with your husband," Nick interjected.

"Yeah, I was with my husband who was supposed to be getting on a plane and flying back to California in a couple of days - leaving me with NO CAR to get back to Wisconsin...unless of course, I took YOUR Expedition, which would still leave my car in Indiana at her place...and then us with no car here when we did come back."

"You have a point, but please, don't get overly excited, alright," Nick said, hoping to have a calm and peaceful day with his wife.

"I know I have a point, and I would have called her eventually - after I cooled down. Anyway, Jeff, thank you again for coming up with this plan so Nick and I could get some more time together. I do appreciate it."

"Yeah, you appreciated it so much we didn't do anything last night," Nick mumbled under his breath.

"I really should have found somewhere else to stay though. You didn't get to enjoy last night the way you should have," Jeff said, having heard Nick's comment and NOT hearing any sexual activity the previous night.

"I told you before..."

"I know, I know, really. But, I think I'm going to hit the road. Nick, take your time getting to Cali, show your wife your romantic side."

"Nick?? Romantic?? Timmons, I think you have him mistaken for someone else...he's just a [freaky] old man."

"And you are my beautiful, [freaky] wife," Nick countered.

"Ummm...I really need to go," Jeff said, quickly getting up from the table, sensing the anger in Rachel's eyes after Nick referred to her as [freaky].

"Nicholas Scott!" Rachel seethed.

"What? It's true - you just don't want to let anyone else realize you ARE a sexual woman, grow up! It's natural - we're married. The guys all KNOW we're having sex, there's no problem with them realizing we both WANT IT."

[Raevengeance]

"What happens in our bedroom is between US, Nick - not the entire world! If you can't understand that, maybe we shouldn't stay married."

"Rachel - of course we're staying married. We love each other. We WILL get through this," Nick countered, wondering if maybe they hadn't 'jumped the gun' a little bit with their quick wedding.

"Let's just get out of here. We need to talk, and a public place is NOT the place for this conversation."

"You're right, it isn't," Nick agreed, taking the bill and paying as Rachel went to get their things from the hotel room.

When Nick left the restaurant, he found Rachel standing in the lobby with their bags waiting for him to finish. "OK, let's get going then."

"Nick, you need to pay for the room," Rachel said, handing her room key to him.

"But...didn't you put it on a credit card last night?"

"Yeah - I guess I did. But you still have a room key - so I can't exactly check out."

"Well, since you registered, can you take care of this? I'll go get your car and meet you at the door."

"Alright, but I'm driving."

"We'll see."

"It's MY CAR!"

"Our car, princess. Everything we own is now OURS, not yours or mine, but ours together."

[Raevengeance]

~*~Chapter 18~*~

During their trip from Indiana to Wisconsin, Rachel and Nick were able to work through the disagreement that had occurred during their stay in Indiana. After a couple of days in Wisconsin to pack Rachel's belongings and put them into storage, the newlyweds flew out to California.

Nick took the first couple of days in California to show Rachel around the area they were staying before deciding he really should be at the group's rehearsals for the upcoming tour. The first week, Nick was quick to go home as soon as they finished for the day to spend time with his new wife. The following week, Rachel noticed however that Nick was returning home later and later - and she always smelled alcohol on his breath as he crawled into bed with her, never seeming interesting in the physical aspects of their relationship. Sunday, thankfully, the guys were taking a day off, and she knew that there was a planned group outing at Jeff's home which would include everyone that was travelling with the group during the tour. Before she and Nick left, she tried asking him about the actions of the past week. "Nick, is there something wrong?"

"What? Why would you think that?"

"You don't seem to be interested in spending time with me ever anymore. For the past week, you've been coming home later and later - and always drunk. You don't seem like you want sex when you do come home, what else should I think?"

"I..."

"Nick, are you regretting our marriage?"

"No, but...well, I'm surprised you haven't asked me about this before. Have you talked to the girls since we left Cinci?"

"No, I haven't found any of them online when I've been surfing the web. Why?"

"Baby, Drew and Justin both told me that Diamond and Jade decided after we left that a long distance relationship wouldn't work for them."

"So because my friends broke up with your friends, you're treating me like you don't want to be with me?"

"Well, I just wasn't sure how you'd handle that news," Nick answered.

"So, you intentionally stayed away until I'd be in bed, making me feel like you didn't want to be with me, and then leaving before I got up in the morning so you wouldn't have to face me then either?"

"I'm sorry, baby. I just didn't know what else to do."

"Talking to me would have been a start, Nicholas! I have been stuck here - all day for the past week with no way to get anywhere to even window shop."

"You had keys for the car, you could have gone anywhere you wanted."

"Nick - I know you took me around sightseeing the first couple of days we were here, but I don't know my way around yet - and I really don't feel comfortable driving out here."

"Well, we're getting out today, and we can go shopping anywhere you want after we spend some time with the guys and crew today. And I'm going to make you drive. You need to be comfortable driving out here, because we are going to be here frequently."

"I don't know, Nick."

"Come on, time to get ready. You'll enjoy yourself."

[Raevengeance]

**Note from the Author: A reminder - THIS STORY IS A WORK OF FICTION! What I am 'depicting' in the story here is not how I feel the members of 98 Degrees have truly acted in their romantic relationships. This is being used ONLY for some interesting twists in the story I'm writing. The term "swingers/swinging" was popular in the late 70's/early 80's for couples who chose to participate in 'open' relationships where partners were interchangable.

Adult Content Implied - Do not read if it offends!
If Non-Traditional relationships offend - do not continue reading. **







When the pair finally arrived at Jeff's, all the other guys were there. After introducing Rachel to some of the techs who would be travelling with them during the tour, Nick was pulled away for a private conversation with his bandmates.

"So, Nick - is she going to go for it?"

"Yeah," Jeff add hoping that they would soon be restarting their groups previous 'swinging' lifestyle of partner swapping.

"I haven't really talked to her about it guys."

"You better mention it soon. I'm surprised that she hasn't heard about it from Jade and Diamond yet," Drew interjected.

"She told me yesterday that she hasn't seen the girls online since we left Ohio," Nick admitted.

"You better thank your lucky stars. I'm guessing that you didn't tell her that the girls left - because we mentioned swapping around partners."

"No - I told her that they called it off because they didn't think a long distance relationship would work for them and you two."

"Nick - talk to her about it."

"I will - when I think she's ready to hear about that part of our past - or if she gives an indication that she may be willing to do it."

"Nick, man, you really need to tell her - before someone else says something," Justin warned.

[Raevengeance]

"I know, Justin...I know. But who knows that would say anything - if her friends don't tell her?"

"Nick, you do remember who agreed to do our choreography, don't you?"

"What? Why?"

"Because, she's been part of the sharing process. Lea is touring with us - and if she mentions what happened in the past to Rachel - you may end up in over your head."

"Oh crap! Is Lea here today? Is she coming?"

"No, she had something else she needed to do today," Drew answered, "but you aren't going to be able to keep her away from Rae for very long."

"Damn, damn, damn."

"Nick - are you sure you want to continue with the partner swapping?" Justin asked. "I mean - all the other girls were just girls we were dating - or groupies who wanted any or all of us anyway."

"I don't know - I mean, if Rae isn't into it - I'd be fine with not doing it - but..."

"You know I want a chance with her if she's willing," Jeff interjected.

"Well, yeah - you haven't exactly kept that fact quiet," Nick agreed.

"Well, you are going to HAVE TO find out what her thoughts are."

"I will - eventually."

"All I'm going to say is you dang well better talk to her about it SOON," Drew said.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 19 ~ The Tour Begins

Finally, the tour was set to begin, and everyone involved found their way to the venue for the first show. While the guys were on stage for their sound check, Rachel found herself talking with Lea. "So Rachel, are you ready for this?" Lea asked.

"As ready as I can be, I guess," Rachel answered, not fully understanding the meaning behind Lea's words.

"I hope you don't mind being with Nick and Jeff on the road."

"Naa...No problem being with my husband, and Jeff has always seemed like a decent guy."

"Glad you're ok with it. I definitely prefer being with Justin and Drew."

"Hey, there you are. I was looking for you," Nick said, coming in and hoping that Lea hadn't told Rachel anything yet.

"Well you found me. What's the schedule look like for today?"

"Well, we have our group meal in about 20 minutes - then we have our meet and greet. Then it's show time. After the show we're hitting the road to get to our next tour stop, and we should pull in around 2 or 3 am. Then we can get a bit of sleep before having some radio interviews there."

"Cool. I'll make sure that I am on the bus before the show is over then - so I don't slow you down at all."

[Raevengeance]

Warning: Adult Content/Sexual Innuendos in the following posts! Do not read if underage or it offends!








As the guys went to meet their fans, Jeff asked Nick about Rachel's knowledge of the swapping.

"She hasn't said that she's heard about it from anyone else - and I still haven't brought it up with her," Nick answered.

"Nick - why haven't you?"

"I don't want her to leave me because of it."

"Nick, she loves you. If you make sure that she realizes it's HER choice to make if either of you participate in the swap - I'm sure that she'll be fine."

"But will she let me?" You know how great Lea is in bed - and boy, I definitely want another piece of her before too long."

"The only way you're going to find out is by talking to Rachel about it - and believe me, I definitely know what you mean about Lea, but I really, REALLY want a night with your wife."

"Well, when I DO talk to her about it - IF she agrees - she gets to pick her first swap partner, but my guess is that you would probably be the one - other than me who she would want to sleep with."

"You really think so?"

"Hell ya! I mean - I've seen the way she looks at you."

"Nick - you HAVE TO talk to her about this. I'm trying to save myself for her - so it IS the best possible for her - but with Lea here..."

"I understand, Jeff - but I can't just throw this info at her. And I don't think she's ready to hear about it just yet."

"Just remember - it's common practice with us - and I know that BOTH Drew and Justin plan on hitting Lea's [arse] regularly - and that doesn't mean only on the bus or in the hotels."

"I know - believe me, I know. I already caught her going to town on Drew - and I almost exploded just seeing it - and thinking it was ME she was doing."

"Nick, man, if it's that bad, you better pull her aside and talk to her about it - BEFORE the show. Who knows, maybe we can BOTH get lucky and enjoy your wife's sexual side tonight while we're travelling."

"If you're that [freaky], maybe you SHOULD go with Drew and Justin. I know their bus is going to be orgy central tonight."

"I already told you - I'm waiting for a chance with your wife - so she can get the ride of her life - with someone other than her husband."

[Raevengeance]

After the meet and greet, Nick was the first one back to their dressing room. "Hey, Lea, where's Rachel?"

"She took her ticket and went to see the opening acts."

"OH…"

"What's the matter, Nick?" Lea asked.

"I wanted to talk to her about something."

"Well – unless you go out into the audience you aren't going to get a chance right now."

"Damn it! I can't go talk to her about this out there. The fans – they wouldn't understand it…hell, I don't even know if Rae will understand."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean – she doesn't know about how we tend to share partners with each other."

"She sounded like she did – when I was talking to her earlier today. Cuz I asked her about sharing a bus with you two – and she said she didn't mind."

"Lea, I think she was talking about just staying on the bus – not being involved sexually with both of us because I haven't mentioned that topic to her at all."

"Hmm…well, when are you going to tell her about it then?"

"Well, Jeff – maybe you can stay on the other bus tonight? I'll get her to open up with me – then slowly introduce the idea to her before we have to get you and Andre on our bus before pulling into the hotel."

"I guess – but you better get your [arse] in gear and talk to her about it – or I'll bring it up – when I ask her if we can sleep together."

"What? You aren't going to be satisfied with me anymore, Jeff?" Lea asked.

"Come on – you know you prefer being with Drew and Justin…besides, this will give you a bit of a break – you can't take all four of us on all the time."

"Guys – 10 minutes until you go on!" the stage manager said poking his head in the door.

"Well – better get ready. And Lea, please, don't say anything to her – until I let you know that I've talked to her about it – and try to keep the activities out of her sight until then as well, please."

"I'll try – but you know your brother and Justin both love getting freaky at the drop of a hat."

"Yeah, well you can stop them – or pull them into a private room or something instead of it happening out in the open."

"I'll do my best."

[Raevengeance]

REMINDER: ADULT CONTENT IMPLIED/DISCUSSED - DO NOT READ IF UNDERAGE OR IT OFFENDS!










Chapter 20 ~ Important Discussion

After the show, Nick quickly changed and ran onto the tour bus he was set to share with Rachel and Jeff. "Hey, what did you think of the show tonight, baby?" he asked after greeting Rachel with a kiss.

"It was great. I'm glad you didn't know quite where I was sitting though – it was fun watching you flirt with all the fans in the front row before you spotted me."

"You don't mind me flirting with other women?" Nick asked, wondering if this was the way he was going to introduce the whole partner swapping topic to Rachel.

"I know I'm the only one who is going to get you in her bed, so flirting with the fans while you're onstage is alright."

"Oh…"

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing. I just remembered, Jeff and Andre are going to be on the bus with the other guys tonight – so we can enjoy ourselves. So I was trying to figure out why we were talking – instead of making love."

"They are? Isn't that going to be rather crowded for them?"

"It's ok – they understand," Nick said, not mentioning the fact that it gave all 4 of the guys the chance to enjoy some sexual activity, since Rachel had previously said she wouldn't do anything if anyone else was on the tour bus with her and Nick.

As the pair lay enjoying the afterglow of their sexual activity, Nick again tried broaching the subject of partner swapping. "Baby, is there anyone – other than me – that you'd like to have sex with?"

"What kind of question is that, Nick?" Rachel asked, confused and wondering if she wasn't satisfying her husband's needs.

"I just know – I'm the only man you've been with intimately…and it's common to wonder what it would be like with someone else…is there anyone else that you've wondered what it would be like to have sex with?"

"Not really. I mean – I'm still getting used to having sex with you – and I love it – why would I even wonder about being with someone else?"

"Baby, come on – I see the way you look at Jeff. You want to know what he's like in bed, don't you? Don't be embarr[arse]ed – it's perfectly natural to wonder about those things."

"I…I don't think like that."

"Princess, it's alright. You can admit it. I won't be upset by it."

"Nick – why do you want me to be interested in having sex with someone else?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"Nick, you're being so persistent, you have an ulterior motive for this topic – now what the hell is behind this discussion?"

"Angel – don't get upset…"

"Then explain yourself, Nicholas!"

[Raevengeance]

"OK – this does NOT affect us, unless you say it's ok. You need to know that first and foremost. But in the past, we – us four guys – have…well…been involved in partner swapping. Always with the consent of our partners – we've never forced someone to be intimate with someone they haven't wanted to be with sexually. And – actually, that's the reason that things didn't work out for Drew, Diamond, Justin, and Jade. The topic was mentioned and the girls said no – and then told the guys they weren't going to try to keep things working for them."

"So you decide to marry me without telling me the truth about your previous sexual activities?" Rachel said, becoming upset at the revelations that were being made.

"Baby, we had stopped – but…well…"

"Is that what Lea was talking about – me sharing with you and Jeff?"

"That is what she was talking about. She didn't realize you had no knowledge of the partner swapping. Baby, the choice is yours – if you want to, the guys have all told me that they'd enjoy spending time with you…but if you say no, than that's the final word, and they won't try anything."

"What about you?"

"What?"

"If I say yes, you'll be sleeping with other women?"

"If you say yes – I will be enjoying some sexual activity with other women, yes. If you say no to your participation, you have a choice – you can either say yes or no to my being allowed to participate."

"Nick – how can you even consider this? Do you remember the vows we took – only about a month ago?? We vowed to cling to eachother – FORSAKING ALL OTHERS! That means that we will ONLY be having sex with one another. If you honestly think that partner swapping is acceptable behavior – I think we need to rethink our relationship."

"Alright…I take it that's a no-go for both of us."

"Damn right it's a NO! Now get away from me! I really need to rethink being with you – completely!"

"Well, Jeff will be extremely disappointed. He's been saving himself in hopes that you'd go along with the swap, and he could enjoy you sexually."

"Well, he's tough out of luck, I guess…and who did you want to spend time with while your best friend was [freak]ing me?"

"What?"

"Come on, Lachey. You wouldn't have brought this topic up unless there was someone YOU wanted to be screwing."

"What are you talking about?"

"Who is it, Nick? Who are the guys taking advantage of right now?"

"Lea…right now – she's the only one that is involved with us who is agreeing to the swap – which basically means she's taking care of the sexual needs of the other guys."

"And you wanna screw your former sister-in-law? Hold it – you said this was happening before – so you HAVE had sex with her?"

"Yes, I've been with any girl who has accepted the swapping idea."

"How many girls is it, Nick?"

"What?"

"How many girls have you [freak]ed as part of this screwed up game you and the other idiots have played?"

"I…it's not a game!"

"Nick – I want a number. And let me tell you – we are NOT having unprotected sex again – until you have tested clean for STD's for at least a year!"

"But…"

"You heard me! You are going to find a way to get tested for EVERY possible STD – and for at least the next year – YOU WILL BE using condoms if you EVER wanna have sex with me again! Now how many girls has it been?"

"I don't know – it was probably around 20."

"20 girls?? NICK!"

"What? Not everyone is the pure little prude that you are!"

"Ohhhhhhhhh – you did NOT just go there!"

"What? Jessica even gave all the guys blowjobs while we were dating."

"You want her skanky [arse] back – fine. Go find her see if she can find a new way to use you. I believe that sex is meant to be saved for a marital relationship – and since I am only married to ONE man – that's the only man who's going to be having sex with me. And if YOU don't like the fact that I'm demanding you use condoms from now on, you just won't be getting ANY for the next year!"



**That's it until I finish writing the next chapter**

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 21 ~ The Aftermath

The next morning when they were only about 20 minutes from their hotel, the busses pulled over to allow Jeff and Andre to get on the bus with Rachel and Nick, and both were surprised to find Nick sitting in the front lounge waiting for them.

"How'd it go last night, man?"

"You better enjoy Lea, Jeff. Rae told me in no uncertain terms – she wasn't agreeing to the swapping of partners."

"Do you blame her?" Andre asked.

"Yes – I KNOW she wants to be with Jeff, but she's too much of a prude to admit it."

"Nick, what did she say when you brought it up?" Dre asked.

"She…she accused me of forgetting our vows to remain faithful to one another. I remember them! I just also think if we both agree that it should be alright to loosen the vows a bit."

"Nick, let me talk to her," Jeff said. "Maybe I can convince her that she does want and need to be with some in addition to you, and then she'll agree to take part in the swaps."

"Good luck, Jeff."

"You two are idiots!"

"No one asked for your opinion, Dre," Nick said, glaring at his long-time friend and bodyguard.

"Too bad, because you got it anyway. Nick, man, you should NOT have let Jeff go try to convince her. It's just gonna get you in deeper [crap] with the woman you claim to love."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Rachel…Rachel…wake up," Jeff said, leaning into the bunk that Nick indicated she had claimed as her bed – after their fight the night before.

"Get away from me, Jeffrey! If you don't – you'll be castrated – and then I'll do the rest of your friends."

"Why are you so upset? You have four guys who would do ANYTHING to be with you."

"I'm upset because obviously neither my husband nor his friends respect the marriage vows that Nick and I took."

"But we all LOVE you."

"Get away from me or I WILL cut your [friend] off."

"You don't mean that. Nick and I both see how much you want to be with both of us…why can't you admit it to yourself – and agree to do this?"

"Right now, I want to be ALONE. Now [freak] OFF Timmons! If you're so damn insistant on having me as a sexual partner – go [freak] Nick."

"What? That doesn't make any sense."

"Why doesn't it? When you sleep with someone you're sleeping with all their previous partners – so screwing Nick means that you're having me as a partner as well."

"Neither one of us is gay, Rachel."

"Then I guess you'll have to either kill my husband or hope he dies of natural causes or as the result of an accident, because I will not sleep with any man who isn't my husband – or fiancé at least. And since I wouldn't sleep with a murderer, you had danged well better hope it's natural causes or an accident that causes Nick's death. Good Bye Jeffrey!"

[Raevengeance]

REMINDER!
ADULT LANGUAGE AND CONTENT INCLUDED!

IF UNDERAGE OR IT OFFENDS - DO NOT READ!

THANKS

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 22 ~ Plotting and Planning

"How did it go?" Nick asked when Jeff re-emerged.

"She told me I should screw you."

"What?!?" Nick asked, confused as Andre made his way towards the rear lounge where Rachel had retreated after Jeff left the bunk.

"She told me that if I wanted her as a sexual partner that badly, I should [freak] you, because you become partners with all your current partner's previous partners, so in that way, I'd have her as a partner."

"But neither of us is gay!"

"I told her that – so she told me that my only hope of ever having sex with her would be if you died, because she's only going to be sleeping with her husband or her fiancé."

"Damn."

"Yeah – and that was after threatening to castrate all four of us."

"Jeff, we'll find a way for you to be with her – without my dying or getting divorced."

"Good luck, man. Cuz I'm gonna have to steal Lea when we get to the hotel – I can't take this pressure anymore."

"I envy you, man. All I want from Lea is a good suck – and it isn't happening until Rachel opens her mind to us playing games with the rest of you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Rachel, can we talk?"

"Andre? You aren't going to be able to bully me into sleeping with Jeff."

"I don't plan on trying to convince you to do any such thing. I promise. I'm glad you're taking a stand on this – and refusing to accept that it's 'normal' behavior."

"You are?"

"Yes, I am. Don't act so surprised. The guys are all decent, and I've known them for years, but they all got caught up in 'groupie fever' as I call it."

"I guess."

"Hey, look at me. Lea is like a sister to me, but she ALLOWS the guys to use her as their sexual plaything. Yes, the guys respect her when it comes to being a dancer and their choreographer, but off stage – she's become nothing but a sex-slave for the guys. She gives each of them what they want, when they want it – whether she wants to or not. She's no better than a hooker, other than the guys know exactly who she has been with sexually. I'm glad you aren't allowing them to treat you the same way."

"Thanks, Dre. I feel bad for her, I mean, why would any woman allow guys to treat her that way – or go along with the whole idea in the first place?"

"Drew asked her to originally – and she loved him and was willing to do anything he asked her to do."

"Or anyone else, obviously."

"Not just anyone, Rae. Only the four lugheads from Ohio who were all like family to her."

"Alright, so she's slightly selective."

"Yes, but I think it would be easier for her to get out if it wasn't these four boneheads. She could get away from these antics and get her self-respect back."

"Maybe. Why did she come back to work for them – and this situation?"

"She wants to work things out with Drew – but with all the games, I don't think it's going to happen."

"Well, maybe we should find a way to end this game for these guys, forever."

"What are you thinking?"

"I'll come up with something."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Nick, how are you planning on getting me with your wife?"

"Give me a bit, Jeff. I do need to think this through – to keep her from getting TOO pissed at me."

"Well, hurry and I may forgo kidnapping Lea when we get to the hotel."

"You better enjoy Lea's company – because if Rae catches us – you aren't going to be a man any more – and I'll be dead and buried."

"But…"

"Believe me, I know you want things to be great for Rae when you do get your wish to [freak] her brains out…and I know that you'll give Rae a night she won't ever forget – even if you do get it on with Lea first."

"Saying you're not good in the sack, Lachey?"

"Nope – but I know my wife, she'll remember it – as a terrific night once it does happen."

"Wanna come 'talk' to me in my room when we get to the hotel while I'm with Lea so you can get some suction from her?"

"No, I better stay straight with Rae until she finally agrees to permit the playing."

"Yeah, you're probably right about that."

"I may be [freaky] as hell, but I'm not stupid."

[Raevengeance]

**After an Early Morning Radio Interview**
"Jeff – you and I need to talk."

"We can talk in my room at the hotel. What's up, Nick?"

"Good – I'll tell ya when we get there," Nick replied as they boarded the van that was transporting the four of them from the radio station back to their hotel for a short rest period before they needed to get to the venue for the show that night.

"So, did you enjoy your time with Lea this morning?" Nick asked as they enterred Jeff's room which visibly showed that he and Lea had indeed had a fantastic round of early morning sex.

"Hell yes – can't you tell?"

"Yeah, I can actually. Now where is it safe for me to sit down?"

"Try a chair. We kept it on the bed – or close to it anyway," Jeff said remembering the tumble they took onto the floor. "Anyway, what did you want to talk about – and I'm sure it wasn't my encounter with Lea this morning."

"Well, I think I have an idea about how you can get with Rae – tonight."

"What is it?" Jeff asked, intrigued at how it could happen so quickly.

"Tonight – after the show, you and I convince Dre to go on the bus with Drew and Justin – leaving only Rae, you, and me on our bus, but as far as Rae is concerned, it's only the two of us – her and me. You'll need to hide until the plan gets implemented completely, but I'll slip her a little something to help lower her inhibitions – and when she's ready for some action – you'll pretend to be me – and screw her until you're too exhausted to do anymore to her."

"While that sounds great to me since I want to [freak] her so much, isn't that just a tad criminal? I mean, she wouldn't be consenting, so legally it would be considered a rape – and if you were to give her anything – that usually makes the punishment even worse."

"Come on, who's gonna know? And even if she does try saying anything, you'll have me as a 'witness' that she was very willing to let you screw her…and she's only claiming rape because she feels guilty after the fact."

"We'll know – and as much as I want to know what it feels like to explode inside your wife, I am NOT willing to rape her to do it. I want her to willing come to me – to give her the experience of a lifetime."

"It's your loss, man."

"Actually, no it isn't – because I'm not taking the choice away from her. Nick, remember – we've all always said that it was the girl's choice to make if they wanted to play or not? You're trying to take that choice away from Rachel – and I can't figure out if it's because you want ME to get a piece of her [arse] – or because you just wanna get Lea's mouth on your [friend]."

"You're right…I think it's a combination of the two, honestly. I really wanna be with Lea so bad that I can taste her already."

"Well, hopefully you can change Rae's mind – and you won't be tasting Lea only in your mind."

"You're telling me. And now, I gotta send Dre to go buy me condoms so I can at least get a piece from my wife between now and when she finally gives in to the playing."

"What? Why?"

"She's worried about STD's – and I have to find a very confidential clinic – and test clean for any and all STD's for the next year if I wanna be able to screw her without the rubber glove coming between us."

"She's probably right, Nick. I mean – for all of us. We haven't exactly been super selective about the groupies we've [freak]ed in the past. We really should ALL get tested – and take more precautions to protect ourselves – especially when we're with the groupies cuz who knows who else they've screwed to get with someone famous."

"Can YOU bring it up with management to get someone to do the testing on while we're on the road? Or maybe get Drew to do it? I mean – it is better for all of us if we know, you're right about that."

"Sure…so you better get back to the drawing board as far as a plan to get Rae to participate in the partner swap."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Rachel, did you come up with an idea to try to get the guys to stop the games they insist on playing?" Dre asked finding her in the lobby of the hotel while they had some down time after the guys got back to the hotel.

"I think I did…but I don't know if it will work or not."

"What is it?"

"Well – Nick is insistent that I participate, but I don't want him breaking his vows to me…so, I was thinking maybe I give in – and 'agree' to play their games, uner the condition that Nick has too NOT participate – so we can both get what we want from our wedding vows."

"Oh wow – so you'd actually sleep with someone else?"

"Nick won't go for that – he wants to screw Lea again, which is why he's pushing the issue…but if he can't do that, he won't let Jeff screw me."

"Are you sure?"

"You honestly think Nick would let Jeff sleep with me even if I said he had to remain monogamous?"

"I'm not sure – but I honestly think he'd end up too jealous to let it go all the way. You may end up naked – and in the beginning stages of sex, but I don't think Nick would let Jeff actually penetrate you – not if he wasn't allowed to be playing the game."

"Well, I guess I'll agree to ONE attempt at this – to see if I 'enjoy' it, with my conditions in place – and if Nick doesn't go balistic, the worst thing that is going to happen is that I'll feel guilty about Jeff screwing me, but I'll be able to get Nick and Jeff off my back about joining the 'fun' they have."

"Are you sure? I don't want to see you ending up hurt because of this, Rachel."

"I just have to have faith that Nick isn't going to want me to break my wedding vows – the same way I don't want him to break his…I'm just hoping that Jeff doesn't get too far in the foreplay department before Nick puts a stop to it."

[Raevengeance]

Once again - I need to write more before I add - so not sure when this will be updated next ;)


DISCLAIMER:
THIS IS NOT THE WAY I BELIEVE 98 Degrees/NICK/DREW/JEFF/JUSTIN would act in real life - this is FICTION. FICTION=NOT TRUE!

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 23 ~ Plans in Action

Even with Jeff's argument against using Nick's plan, he intended to find a way to lower his wife's defenses – while avoiding the criminality of forcing her to do something. He had never intended to drug her – just get her drunk, and let nature take it's course. So – he found Dre and sent him on a run for both the condoms AND alcohol for the bus ride to the next town, before Rachel found him – and asked him if they could talk.

"What's up, sweetheart?"

"Well – I've been thinking about…what we talked about last night. Are you POSITIVE you want me to be with another man?"

"Baby, I know you want it – you're just not willing to admit it right now."

"I didn't ask what you thought about what I wanted. I asked if YOU wanted me to be with someone else."

"Because I know you want it – even if you're not admitting it – yes, I want you to be with Jeff."

"Well – I thought about it – and since you don't mind me breaking my vows, I'll CONSIDER it – ONE TIME ONLY!"

"Great – how about I get Dre to go on the bus with Drew and Justin tonight – and Jeff and Lea travel with us?"

"What do we need Lea on here for?"

"Well – if you're gonna be with Jeff, I figured Lea could keep me company while you were busy with him."

"Nick – there's a condition to my agreeing to this."

"What's that condition? That Jeff use condoms? He won't mind that."

"Well – ok – there's 2 conditions then. And yes – that is one of them – and the one I hadn't even considered. But – I don't want our marriage vows broken Nick – and since I don't want them broken – you need to honor them, because I am NOT accepting of you being with anyone other than me now that we are married."

"That's not fair!"

"It's the only way it's gonna happen, Lachey. I'll agree to sleep with Timmons one time – to make you happy, but you have to promise me you won't be screwing around with anyone behind my back – because I do not find it acceptable. I'm only agreeing because it's what YOU want."

"Let me think about this, ok?"

"Alright – and this is NOT happening on the tour bus. It will happen ONLY when we have a COMPLETE NIGHT in a hotel."

"Rae..."

"Nick – those are my terms – if you can't agree to them, fine…but if you honestly want me to screw your friend, it's happening MY way."

"Alright. I'll let Jeff know."

"So you're agreeing to my conditions?"

"Yes – but if you enjoy being with Jeff, and want to continue a relationship with him, I get permission to be with Lea."

"What is it with you and being with Lea?"

"You won't be offended when I answer this, will you?"

"Try me and find out."

"Well…honestly, she gives an AWESOME blowjob."

"So that's all you want from her – blowjobs? You don't want to actually screw her?"

"Well, it's great sex with her too, but she does such a great job – and she tastes so great – I want to have her blow me – and to be able to eat her out as well."

"So if I choose to continue a sexual relationship with Jeff – and that is a BIG if – all you'll be doing is oral sex with Lea – or sex with me – nothing else?"

"If that's what you want me to agree to – that's fine. I don't need anyone other than the two of you."

"Alright – but that ONLY happens if I decide to continue a sexual relationship with Jeff."

"Fine. And the night you're with Jeff, I'll stay in our room, and give Rosie and her friends a good workout just thinking about you with him…and wishing I was there with you two."

"What?"

"What do you mean, what?"

"I mean – what do you mean you are going to be wishing you were with us?"

"I just think it would be great to be there with you and Jeff…"

"You want us to have a three-some?? NICHOLAS SCOTT!"

"What? Most men fantasize about having a menage-et-trois, although – I will admit that usually the fantasy involves two women, but to ensure that you get all the pleasure you deserve, I'm willing to share my time with you with Jeff – because I know he loves you as much as I do."

"You are unbelievable. But you are NOT going to be in the room with us when it happens."

"That's fine – I understand."

"Good. So when are we going to be spending the night in a hotel?"

"Tomorrow night – we've got a show tomorrow night – then we're off the next two days, so we get to stay overnight."

"Well, let Timmons know – and don't forget to tell him about the condom rule."

"He'll be really glad to hear about this."

[Raevengeance]

"Jeff, she broke down," Nick said, excitedly as the group made their way to their dressing rooms at the venue for the show that night.

"She did? So I get to enjoy her company tonight?"

"No – tomorrow night – when we stay in a hotel overnight. There are a couple of conditions though."

"What are they?"

"Well, first – you have to use a condom when you're [freak]ing her…she's insisting on that."

"Not a problem – although, I'd rather be able to feel her directly on my skin, but in the future that may happen."

"Well – that's the other thing. She's saying this is a ONE TIME deal – to appease me since I'm so insistent that she wants to have you [freak] her."

"Wow – so I really need to make this good, eh?"

"You need to make sure it is fan-[freak]ing-tastic. If she decides she's willing to enjoy the pleasure of sex with you beyond this experiment, only then do I get to enjoy Lea's oral minstrations."

"So in other words, even though I'm gonna be doing the horizontal mambo with her – you don't get to taste Lea?"

"Nope – only if it continues beyond the one night."

"Wow – so the pressure is on me."

"That it is…I'm just glad that she gave in on this – because, if she hadn't told me this – I was going to get her drunk – and let you have your fun with her."

"NICK!"

"What? It's true – and just a word of warning – you may want to make sure you take advantage of the mini-bar in the hotel room that night…it'll help loosen her up a bit for your pleasuring."

"I'll remember that. Are you sure that you're ok with this? Are you going to be there with us?"

"Yes, I'm sure I'm ok with this – I know you love her as much as I do, and I want her to experience more than just me in her bed. And no, she said I can't be there for that first night."

"Wow…Nick – I don't want you mad at me about this…if she says that's it – just the one night."

"I won't be…and besides, I know you'll make it so awesome for her that she won't want to give up riding you."

"But what if she decides to divorce you – to be with me?"

"You wouldn't agree to that…I know you."

"But Nick…hypothetically, what if it would happen?"

"It won't."

"Fine – forget I mentioned that."

"I will. Now let's go get our soundcheck done and meet our fans."

[Raevengeance]

After the meet and greet, Rachel met Nick outside the dressing rooms. "Hey, how did it go, Nicky?"

"Don't call me that, please, Rae. But the meet and greet went as good as it usually does."

"Good. So, are we getting another night alone tonight?"

"No, Jeff is riding with us, although, Dre is going on the other bus."

"Oh…well, I guess we'll just have to suffer through no action tonight."

"We wouldn't have to. It's not like you're not going to be with Jeff tomorrow night, so we could always have our fun tonight even though he's there…because he's gonna see and hear you anyway."

"I'll think about it – during the show tonight…IF you have condoms you can use."

"I sent Dre to pick some up for me – and Jeff earlier. We're both ready to take you to the summit."

"Fine – I'll let you know after we get on the bus tonight. Are we heading out right away again tonight?"

"Yeah, we are."

"Alright, I'll head back there when you come out for the encore again tonight."

"If you're going to let us have our fun tonight, how about you meet me wearing that sexy nighty I bought you last week?"

"I'll think about it, Nick."

"Hey, Rae. Heard about tomorrow night. I'm really looking forward to it – and so is junior here," Jeff said, coming up behind Rachel and making sure she felt his arousal.

"Well, I can't exactly say the same – but I hope that you don't regret it after finding out that I'm a dud in bed."

"But angel, you're anything but a dud in bed," Nick interjected.

"You have to say that – you married me and if you said anything else, you know that you would be without sex until who knows when."

"But angel…"

"You know it's true, Nick. Anyway, I truly hope I'm not a disappointment to you, Jeff…and don't forget the condoms tomorrow night. Or it's not happening."

"Already have them in my suitcase," Jeff said smiling realizing that she hadn't pulled away from his embrace – and one of his hands was brazenly m[arse]aging her breasts through her shirt while the other had found it's way between her legs and was gently rubbing her there. In fact, he realized she was – instinctively he [arse]umed – encouraging the act – a fact that was not missed by Nick.

"Well, have another great show, guys," Rachel said.

"We will. Do I get a kiss from my wife before I go on stage tonight?" Nick asked.

"Probably, since I'm staying back here tonight."

"You are? You aren't going to watch us perform?"

"Ehhh…I've seen one concert – and they're all the same, why take the seat that another fan could use?"

"You do have a point," Jeff said, feeling emboldened by the embrace which Rachel had only just broken. "Do I get to kiss you before the show too?"

"Not unless you're willing to settle for a kiss on the cheek."

"No, Rachel, I want to TASTE your mouth – and get you ready for the kissing we'll be doing tomorrow night."

"And who said we're going to be doing any kissing tomorrow?"

"I did – you are MINE tomorrow night and you're going to experience EVERYTHING with me."

"Nick – Jeff – get ready – we're supposed to be on stage in 10 minutes!" Drew yelled from down the hall.

"We'll be right there," Nick called back.

"Kiss me, Rachel," Jeff said, pinning her against the wall, to which Rachel responded by quickly giving him peck on the cheek before ducking under his arm.

"Break a leg, both of you," Rachel said, kissing Nick quickly on the lips before going towards the busses, keeping Nick from putting his plan of kissing her until she was overly turned-on into action.

[Raevengeance]

While the guys were performing, Rachel spent the evening on the tour bus, trying to figure out some sort of job that she could do to 'earn her keep' while the guys were on tour, instead of just travelling with them as 'Nick's Wife'. As the time came for the end of the concert, she still hadn't come up with anything that she saw as 'useful' to the guys – and realized she better decide if she was going to allow Nick to enjoy 'marital activies' on the tour bus as they travelled that night or if, because Jeff was going to be on the tour bus with them, she was going to make him (Nick) suffer.

"Hi, Rachel," Jeff said as he and Nick boarded the tour bus following the show. "Guys, I'm gonna be in the back lounge – so don't worry about me overhearing anything that happens between the two of you tonight."

"Thanks, man. I owe ya one," Nick replied.

"You're paying me back tomorrow, by allowing me time with Rachel," Jeff answered, causing Rachel to blush. "And Rachel, I promise nothing will happen tomorrow that you aren't comfortable with having happen."

"You mean you are backing out of tomorrow night?"

"What?"

"You said you'd only do what I was comfortable with doing – and honestly – I'm not comfortable with it."

"Rachie – you agreed to this. You can't back out – and claim it was Jeff who backed out of the agreement."

"You two work this out. And I'll see ya when we get to the next hotel."

"Later, Jeff," Nick said, as Jeff went to the back of the bus and pulled out a video to keep himself occupied – and maybe give him a few ideas for ways to ensure that Rachel would be willing to continue their sexual encounters beyond the next evening.

"Nick – are you positive that you want this to happen?" Rachel asked, when they were finally alone in their bunk.

"Baby, I know it seems weird, but I do know that you need to spend time with someone other than me – just to make you realize that you didn't make a mistake by marrying me."

"But, Nick – I don't think I made a mistake…and…and what happens if…well…if something 'sparks' with me and Jeff? Won't you be upset if I end up leaving you for him?"

"Baby, I want you to be happy – and quite frankly – I don't think I need to worry – we spark enough when we're together, that I'm not worried about some little tingle you may get from him – when we have an inferno between us."

"Nick…"

"Baby, it's ok – whatever happens, happens, alright? But I trust what we have between the two of us – so I'm not worried."

"Are you upset you're going to be left with Rosie tomorrow night?"

"I do wish you'd change your mind – about letting me spend time with Lea tomorrow night while you're with Jeff – but I have a feeling that after tomorrow night – you and I will be sharing our love with both Jeff and Lea on a semi-regular basis."

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 24 ~ A Night with Timmons

The following night Rachel decided to remain at the hotel during the concert, much to the disappointment of both Nick and Jeff who had wanted to use the concert to increase her sexual desire in an effort to ensure that she wouldn't be ending Nick's ability to swing with the other guys after her night with Jeff.

"Nick – I hope I can succeed in drawing Rachel into this…" Jeff commented as the group made their way back to the hotel after the show.

"Jeff – don't worry. I know what you're capable of in the bedroom – and I know that you are going to rock her world – and she's going to want both of us at the same time."

"Nick – I know I'm good – I've had several women comment on that after I gave them the best rides of their lives. But even if I knock her socks off, what if she says no to the playing?"

"She won't…Jeff, I know my wife…and she's gonna be so far into it after tonight, I think that she'll be begging to have you and me together…and she may even agree to allow Lea in with the three of us."

"Nick – man – you're asking an awful lot if you think that she's gonna not only go for a non-traditional relationship with you and I sharing her – but to think that she's going to let it turn into something that could potentionally put her into a bi-sexual relationship?? You are nuts."

"Jeff – I never once said her and Lea would do anything together – just that they'd both be with both of us – so we could all be enjoying sexual pleasure at the same time."

"I still say you've lost your mind. Anyway – did you want me to leave the adjoining doors open – so that you could get a glimpse of your wife in a state of extasy she hasn't yet experienced?"

"Yes – I want to be able to sneak peeks at the two of you – I'll definitely have a good jack-session watching it."

"Nick – we aren't some cheap-[arse] porn show. I want you to know that I'm respecting your wife – and treating her properly. I didn't offer so you'd get a free peep-show."

"Whatever – you know what I meant – and I know you'd never demean Rachel."

"You just better be a tad more careful when you speak – because if you aren't – man, Rae is gonna end up hearing you – and dump your [arse] because you're mistreating her – and yes, I do know you love her."

"Just remember, she may need a few drinks to help put her at ease."

"It's already been arranged."

"Guys – watch the convo. We're here and the fans don't need to hear about your unconventional lifestyle," Tommy said.

"Got it, T."

As the group made their way through the lobby, Nick noticed a buxom blonde who obviously didn't care about the fact that he was married, and he was definitely giving some thought to having either Dre or Tommy bring her up to his room after he knew that Jeff had Rachel occupied. "T – see that chick there?" he asked, pulling Tommy to the side as they waited for the elevator.

"Yeah, what about her?"

"I want her in my room tonight."

"What about Rachel?"

"She's with Timmons for the evening, and I don't want to get lonely."

"Alright – are you going to include either Drew or Justin?"

"Nope – she's gonna be all mine. That [arse] looks way too fine to ignore – even if I am married."

"I just hope you know what you're doing."

"Believe me – no one is going to know what happened – other than you since you're the one bringing her up."

"Do you want her in one of the spare rooms tonight?"

"No – she won't be here too long – bring her to my room."

"You are taking her to the room you are sharing with your wife??"

"Tommy – your job is to do what I ask – isn't it?"

"Yes – but I don't want to see you in the hospital later tonight because your wife opts to cut your [friend] off for doing this."

"Just do what I tell you to do."

"Nick – what are you two talking about?" Jeff asked once they got on the elevator, having overheard part of the conversation.

"Just having T fix me up for tonight."

"Man – you told Rae you werne't gonna do that stuff anymore."

"Shut up – you're gonna [freak] my wife tonight – so don't worry about what I'm going to be doing."

"Alright," Jeff said, hoping that Nick's activities of the night wouldn't get back to Rachel. "But you're starting to sound jealous - and weren't you planning on watching us?"

"Man - believe me - that piece of [arse] won't be there very long - so I won't miss much of what happens with you and Rae."

"Nick - are you POSITIVE you're ok with me spending the night with Rachel?"

"Absolutely. I wouldn't have asked her to do it if I wasn't."

"Alright - just checking."

[Raevengeance]

When the guys made it back to their floor, Lea came over to Jeff and Nick. "Nick – Drew told me what's happening tonight – do you want me to spend some time with you?"

"Thanks for the offer, Lea – but no. Although – hopefully after tonight, I'll be able to get some time with you on a more regular basis."

"Alright – if you're sure."

"Positive."

"OK," Lea said returning to where Drew and Justin were waiting for her.

"So, are you going to spend a little time with us before leaving me to seduce Rachel?" Jeff asked, unsure how exactly the night was going to progress.

"Nope – it's all about you and Rachel tonight. So go get ready in your room – and knock on the adjoining doors when you're ready."

As Jeff walked into his suite, he was astonished to find Rachel sitting on the bed waiting for him. "Hi."

"Hi, Jeff. I hope you don't mind, but I figured that it would be better if I was here when you got back."

"It's fine. I just…I was surprised to see you here is all. I thought you may want to talk to Nick before spending the rest of your night with me."

"Oh – well – I just – if I see him now, I may not be able to do this…and I know it means a lot to him – for some odd reason."

"Is it ok if I let him in – so he can just re[arse]ure you about this?"

"If you want – but I don't think it's really necessary."

"Let me see if he wants to talk to you quick – before I show you how much I love you, ok?"

"Fine," Rachel said, nervously twisting the bottom of her shirt.

"Come here," Jeff said, going to Rachel instead of towards the door that connected his suite to Nick's. "Listen – if you are having second thoughts, tell me. If you don't want to do this – we don't have to, no matter what Nick thinks is best."

"I can't back out – Nick will push the partner swaps until I agree to do this at least once…and I want that talk finished between us."

"What if you don't want to stop sleeping with me after tonight though?"

"Jeff – I know you're a great guy, but no matter how good you are in bed, I made a commitment to Nick – and I'm going to honor that until he proves that he doesn't respect me the way he should."

<Damn it, Nick!> Jeff thought, hugging Rachel, wondering how someone who supposedly was so in love with this woman – who was going against her personal beliefs in an attempt to make her husband happy – could make arrangements on the sly to [freak] a groupie who obviously was nothing better than a common *****. "Rae – I'm going to go get Nick – let you get some re[arse]urance from him, ok?"

"OK – just – don't tell him I'm acting like this – please? I feel like I'm a virgin on her wedding night again."

"Don't worry. He's only going to hear how much I appreciate and enjoy his willingness to allow me to show you how much I love you."

"Jeff – thank you."

"Don't thank me yet," Jeff replied, hoping that Nick was not already enjoying the groupie he had called up to service him while Jeff enjoyed the company of Rachel. "Nick – you there?"

"Hey – sorry, Jeff – but Rae isn't here right now."

"She was waiting in my room when I got back. Nick – I don't know if this is the right thing to do – she only wants to do this because you want her to do it."

"Jeff – we talked about this. She is going to enjoy this – and then you'll be able to enjoy her company more frequently."

"Why? So you can [freak] Lea? Nick – you don't realize how much Rachel loves you. How can you do this to her?"

"It's for her own good, man. Why are you suddenly so obsessed with it not happening?"

"I just talked to her – and damn it – it's not what SHE wants right now. She's only doing this to make you happy!"

"Are you going to do this or not, Timmons?"

"You're an [arse]hole, Lachey! How can you treat your wife this way – and not show any interest in how SHE feels about this situation?"

"I know what's best. Now answer my question!"

"Fine – but you know something – I hope you get caught cheating on her some day – because she deserves so much better than you."

"Shut up – and go take care of my wife's needs, damn it!"

"I want you to go re[arse]ure her that she has a choice about this – and that it would be alright if she changed her mind."

"Timmons – get out of my face!" Nick said as Tommy opened his door.

"You ready?"

"Yep – Goodbye, Jeff," Nick said, snapping at his friend.

"Alright – I'll go find her for you," Tommy said as Jeff walked out shutting and locking the adjoining doors.

"Rae, Nick doesn't think he can come in here right now – but if you don't want to go through with this, say the word and we won't."

"No – it's ok. But…before we get things going too hot and heavy – can…could we just talk a little bit?"

"Whatever you want, angel. Would you like a little champagne – or something else to drink while we talk?"

"No – but ummm…maybe – I noticed you've got a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom – could we – well – relax in there first while we're talking?"

"Sure…I'll go get it started – and Rae – can you pour us each a gl[arse] of champagne? We can enjoy it while we're talking in there, alright?"

"OK," Rachel said as Jeff went into the bathroom to fill the tub for them.

[Raevengeance]

As Jeff came out to see if Rachel needed help, he heard Nick through the connecting door. <God, it would serve him right if Rae heard him and nailed his [arse] here and now – but that would destroy my chance to be with her even once – but can I settle for only one time? God – why did she have to fall for Nick?> he asked himself. "Rae, can I help you with that?"

"I've got it, but thank you. I was just on my way in by you," she answered. "Jeff, you don't mind if I wear my swimsuit while we're in the tub, do you?"

"Whatever you feel comfortable with, angel. Remember that – if you aren't comfortable with it – it isn't happening, alright?"

"Jeff – thank you for being understanding about tonight."

"Hey – if all I worry about is my libido, it's not going to be good for you – and then you definitely wouldn't want to be with me again. Even though you are denying the possibilty of it happening in the future right now – if I want a chance in the future, I gotta make it good for you."

"Jeff, this isn't going to happen again. It's a strictly one-time event."

"I'm just saying – if you have a possibility of changing your mind."

"As long as you realize that."

"I do," Jeff said as Nick suddenly groaned as if he had just climaxed.

"Jeff – what's going on in there?"

"Nothing that I know of."

"Jeffrey – don't lie to me."

"I honestly have no idea what Nick is doing next door. He was sitting on the bed when I went in to talk with him."

"Open that door."

"Rae – don't do this," Jeff pleaded, not wanting to see her hurt by his friend.

"DO IT!"

"Alright," Jeff said, praying that the groupie had already left the room. "Nick, Rae needs to talk with you," he called hoping to prevent the inevitable from happening."

"I told you, I was busy!" Nick called back, not realizing that Jeff was trying to give him time to get rid of his un-paid hooker.

"Nicholas Scott Lachey! How can you not have time for your wife?" Rachel asked, unable to see the couple on the bed as Jeff was trying to block the site.

"Rae!" Nick said, suddenly, trying to push the girl off his [friend], but not being successful.

"Yes – it's me," Rachel said, finally getting around Jeff, and seeing what exactly was happening in her room. "You…you…" Rachel stammered before turning and retreating to Jeff's room.

"Nick – I tried to stop her, I swear," Jeff said, hoping that Nick wasn't going to be mad at him. "But don't say I didn't warn you," he added before going to attempt to comfort Rachel.

"Damn you, [nice person]! When I push you back – that means get the [freak] off of me! Now get the hell out of here!"

"But you didn't take care of me yet," the groupie protested.

"Listen you damn [nice person] – you may have just spoiled my marriage – now get the [freak] out! TOMMY!"

"Yes, Nick?"

"Get her out of here – NOW!"

"You got it."

"Rachel! Rae!" Nick called throwing on a pair of shorts before going into Jeff's hotel room.

"You bastard! How could you?" Rachel fumed, and Jeff tried to calm her down.

"You know I have needs. What did you expect?"

"You TOLD ME you wanted me to spend the night with Jeff! You TOLD ME the only person other than me who you wanted to be with sexually was LEA! You LIED TO ME! I'm staying here when you leave tomorrow – when you're ready to actually be in a committed relationship – I hope you find someone who can trust you."

"I am – but…"

"NO! You're not. You're too concerned with what your [friend] is telling you! And you can't even be honest with me! I'm supposed to be your wife, Nicholas – but I don't know you – and I never did. We screwed up getting married so quickly – but I trusted you! I LOVED you!"

"Baby, it was a fluke – and I didn't do anything. It was just a blow job. I never touched her!"

"GO TO HELL!" Rachel said, finally pulling away from Jeff and going back to the room she had been supposed to share with Nick to pack her things.

"Damn it, Nick! I told you!"

"[freak] you, Timmons! If you would have done like I said, she wouldn't have known about it because she'd be too busy being [freak]ed by you!"

"Jeff – tell me you didn't lie when you said you didn't know what was happening next door," Rachel said, having overheard the conversation.

"Rachel – honestly, I thought Nick's common sense would kick in before he did anything. I'm sorry – but I couldn't hurt you by telling you. I couldn't…and I'm sorry you ended up being hurt by him this way."

"Jeff – can I steal your room tonight, please? I can't stay in that room – not after what happened in there."

"You're my wife!" Nick countered.

"You didn't care about that before – when you let some [nice person] at your [friend] or when you pushed me to let Jeff screw me – so why the hell should I care about the fact that we got married?"

"Damn it!"

"[freak] off, Lachey! You'll have the divorce papers as soon as I can figure out where I need to file them."

"You won't get it."

"Watch me! Now get out of my sight – before I go find a butter knife to cut your [friend] off!"

"Nick – come on – let's go and get some sleep."

"You're not staying with me!"

"Fine – I'll get Andre to stick me in a different room," Jeff said, as Nick walked back into his room.

"Jeff – lock that door, please."

"Sure. Let me grab my stuff and I'll get out of here so you can have your privacy."

"Jeff – don't go, please."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I need to feel loved right now – and you've shown me tonight that you do at least care for me – even if it isn't love."

"Come on then, let's get to bed, and hopefully things will be clearer for you tomorrow."

[Raevengeance]

"Jeff – do you…did you still want to…"

"Rachel? Are you asking me to sleep with you?"

"Well…if you honestly wanted to…and this wasn't just something that Nick lied about…"

"Rachel, listen to me, please. Yes, I would love to make love to you all night long – but only if it's what YOU want to have happen. And I don't mean you want it to happen so that you can get back at Nick."

"Jeff, I need to feel loved right now," Rachel admitted. "I feel so used by Nick – I just need to know that there is someone who cares about me the way that I deserve to be loved."

"So you want to follow through on the original plans for us tonight?"

"If you honestly love me – yes."

"Do you still want to use the jacuzzi to start our night?"

"Do you mind if we do?"

"Baby, tonight is about you and making you feel like the princess that you are, so anything that you want to do is what we'll do. Do you mind if I carry you into the tub room?"

"If you want to…"

"Oh girl, you don't know how badly I want to," Jeff said, scooping her into his arms before heading towards the bathroom and the jacuzzi tub. "Did you still want to wear your suit in the jacuzzi?" Jeff asked, remembering the conversation they had had before Rachel found out that her husband was a lying – cheating [arse].

"Actually – I think it's ok – I mean, we're going to be having sex tonight – so it's not like you wont see me naked eventually anyway…just…can you leave for a few minutes so I can get in the tub first?"

"Sure…just call for me when you're ready for me, alright?"

"Yes – Jeff, thank you for this."

"Just remember, if you change your mind – at any time – tell me, and that's where we'll stop, ok?" Jeff said, through the bathroom door as Rachel slowly got ready for the night she was spending with someone other than her husband.

"Jeff – I'm ready for you," Rachel called after taking a few breaths to make sure that she was indeed ready to spend the night with someone other than the man she had married.

"Rachel, you're beautiful," Jeff said, as he saw Rachel sitting rather uncomfortably in the jacuzzi.

"Thank you," Rachel said blushing at the compliment.

"Would you like a little champagne?" Jeff asked, having brought the bottle and two gl[arse]es with him when he came into the bathroom.

"That may help ease some of my nervousness," Rachel admitted, taking the gl[arse] that Jeff was offering her.

"Stop – before you drink – we need to make a toast," Jeff said before Rachel could put the gl[arse] to her lips.

"Oops. Sorry."

"It's ok – so what should we drink to?"

"To my [arse]hole husband who obviously married me only to get in my pants."

"Rachel – that isn't true. Nick does love you – in his own way…he…well†¦he just doesn't know how to show it because you're genuine in your affections – but his previous girlfriends used him for whatever they could get from him."

"Fine – then you decide."

"To a wonderful woman who deserves better than what she got herself into when she got married."

"Thank you."

"It's the truth," Jeff said, leaning over and kissing her gently.

"Jeff," Rachel said as he pulled away. "Make love to me now."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. I need you to fill me."

"OK – let me get you a robe and I'll take you into the bedroom."

"No – now – here. I need you right now!"

"Let me go get…"

"Jeff – no. I want it now. I need it now."

"But…the condom…"

"Don't worry – one time is alright. Jeff – I need this, please."

"Alright – if you're positive?" he said, wanting to make sure that she realized what she was saying.

"I'm positive. Please Jeff, I need you in me now."

"Come here, Rachie," he said, pulling her closer, greatful that he had been hard for her from the moment he walked into that bathroom. "Have you ever…"

"Nick and I had sex in the tub on our wedding night – before…before he left me alone in the bed to sleep in the chair."

"Rae, I'm sure he had his reasons."

"Jeff – I don't want to talk about this – just make me feel loved, please."

"Alright – do you want to be facing me or the other way?"

"I…I don't know."

"Then face me – I want to be able to make out with you while we're having our fun."

"Jeff – I don't even remember how this…"

"Don't think about anything. Just turn around and look at me," Jeff said, as she turned and faced him. "Now – just sit down on my lap – with one leg on each side of me," Jeff said, helping to guide her into the correct position. Once they were situated, he looked to Rachel to make sure she was still ok with what was happening. "Rae – are you sure this is what you want?" Jeff asked, having never felt this way when having sex previously.

"Positive," Rachel answered, as Jeff slowly began moving inside her.

"Rae, you need to help with this. Slowly go up and down – it'll feel better for both of us," Jeff said, hoping that this experience would be great for Rachel.

"Jeff, this feels…you're incredible."

"Thanks. I'm glad it's good for you," Jeff said feeling her ready to climax. When she finally had regained her composure, he looked at her wondering if they would be continuing or if that was the end of the night for him.

"Jeff – you…" Rachel said, realizing that while Jeff ensured that she had achieved a climax – he hadn't cum himself.

"Don't worry about it."

"But…you didn't…"

"It's ok. Tonight was always supposed to be about you…I'm fine."

"No – it's not alright. Let's go to bed – and screw me until you're satisfied."

"Rachel…"

"Jeff – I mean it."

"We'll see – ok. The important part is for you to be satisfied though."

"Let's go for mutual satisfaction instead, since we can't seem to agree on who needs to be the one satisfied."

"Alright – but if you want to stop – just tell me. Remember – it's all about you," Jeff said, as he helped her from the tub, wrapping her in a fluffy towel before carrying her to the bedroom where the activities resumed until they both fell asleep.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 25 ~ Attempting to Reconcile

The following morning, Rachel watched as Jeff packed his bags as the group got ready to make the trip to their next destination. "Come on – you need to get your stuff so you can go."

"Jeff – I said I wasn't going with you guys anymore. I'm sorry, last night was great, but I just can't go with you all when I am going to file for a divorce from Nick," Rachel tried explaining as there was a knock on the door connecting Jeff's and Nick's rooms.

"Who is it?" Jeff asked, wondering if it was Nick – or one of the group's body guards.

"It's me," Nick called.

"Rachel?" Jeff asked, wondering if she wanted to see him.

"Let him in, Jeff," Rachel said, hoping she could stay strong and not let her husband treat her like some plaything.

"What do you want, Lachey?" Jeff asked.

"I came to talk things out with Rachel."

"It's not going to work, Nick. You lied to me one time too many."

"Princess, please…let me try to make this up to you."

"How, Nick? How do you make up to me for letting some groupie come up into OUR ROOM and suck your [friend]? How do you make up to me for pushing me to have sex with your best friend – so you can screw your former sister-in-law?"

"Please – come with us, and let me show you how much you mean to me. If you want your own room in the hotels just say the word – and you can have it – but I can't prove my feelings to you if you leave me."

"Jeff??"

"Rachel, you need to do what you think is best," Jeff answered, wanting to tell her to kick Nick to the curb for good – while begging her to accept his own bid to win her heart.

"Why are you asking him?" Nick asked, upset that she had turned to Jeff when her own husband was trying to work things out with her.

"I trust his judgment, Nick – and where you are concerned, I don't trust mine anymore."

"Sure – listen to someone who just wants to get a piece of your [arse]."

"Listen – I'm asking his opinion – just because he gives it to me doesn't mean that I'm going to be taking it!"

"What are you going to do, Rachel?" Jeff asked wondering if he would get more opportunities to show her how much he cared for her.

"Fine – I'll come with you guys – for this leg of the tour only! But I want a job so I can earn my own way – and yes – I am demanding my own room in hotels."

"How are we supposed to get you a job?" Nick questioned.

"I think our stylist mentioned wanting some help – I'll check with her later – and let her know that you're willing to help her out."

"Thanks, Jeff," Rachel said, surprised that her husband - the man who wanted her to stay - wasn't the one who came up with the suggestion.

"No problem," Jeff said, glad that she would be around for a little while longer at least providing him an opportunity to possibly win this woman's heart, as Rachel walked out of the room.

"TIMMONS!" Nick bellowed.

"What?"

"You are NOT going to steal my wife!"

"It seems to be that she doesn't see herself as your wife anymore, Nick."

"She is still married to me."

"Nick – don't push her or she'll leave your [arse]."

"You wish! She loves me!"

"She may love you – but if you keep cheating on her like you did last night – you are going to lose her. You can't go treating the woman you supposedly love like [crap] and expect her to stay with you."

"In your dreams, Timmons. I know you want her."

"Actually, Nick – they're your nightmares – and you know I'm right," Jeff said, before pushing Nick out of his room so he could get everything packed up to head to the next town.

[Raevengeance]

**Later that Day at their destination hotel**

"Rachel!" Jeff called, seeing her pacing in the hallway.

"What is it, Jeff?"

"I just talked to Jenny. She would LOVE to have you help."

"Thanks, Jeff…I guess…"

"What??? What's wrong?"

"It's just…well…Nick says he wants me to stay to work things out – yet it was YOU who found something that I could do to pay my way."

"Hey, I want you here too," Jeff said.

"I know you do – but…"

"Come on, you know we had fun together."

"Jeff, that was a one time thing. I'm still married to Nick – and until I divorce him, there is no chance for me to become involved with anyone else."

"Well, I'll be here waiting for you to get the divorce," Jeff replied.

"Jeff – I shouldn't even think about being with you."

"Why not?"

"Jeff – you're one of Nick's BEST FRIENDS! I can't leave him to be with one of his friends! Just think about how that would look to everyone."

"Rae! Please, don't worry about what others think. Worry about your own feelings."

"Too late for that – seriously – and do you honestly think that my idiot of a husband wouldn't end up going and talking about the 'swinging' lifestyle you all have lived up until now if we were to end up together."

"So what? Who cares if people find out about that."

"Jeff – I know you do, or you all would discuss it in public, not hide it from the fans. And even if you all don't – I do. What the [freak] did I get myself into??"

"A tangled mess. Rae, please, give me a chance to truly win your heart."

"I'm sorry, Jeff – I can't. Not right now at least. Maybe at some point in the future it won't be so complicated."

"So – just based on our time together last night – if you weren't so pissed at Lachey – do you think you would have agreed to continue our partner swaps?" Jeff asked, hopefully.

"No, Jeff. Even thought last night was…awesome, I made a solumn vow to only get down and dirty with one man, my husband – and even though he doesn't care, I do. It kills me even to contemplate a divorce, but obviously the wedding vows mean nothing to Nick."

"So, it was good for you? You enjoyed our night together."

"Yes, Jeff – it was an evening filled with good to great sex."

"Glad I was able to be there for you when you needed to be."

"Jeff – how can I make sure that Nick doesn't pull this [crap] again? In case I do decide to give him a second chance."

"I'll talk to both Tommy and Dre – tell them that Nick isn't allowed groupies with him."

"Thanks – I just wish I could trust him."

"He'll figure it out soon enough. So why are you pacing in the hall?"

"Because there are no spare rooms here – and Andre won't allow me to get a room that isn't in the secured area of the hotel."

"Could you maybe double up with Lea?"

"She was booked in the room with Drew already."

"How about I ask Justin about either him staying with Drew and Lea – or sharing a room with me?"

"He's with Drew and Lea already," Rachel answered, and seeing the confused look on Jeff's face continued, "they are sharing a suite with two bedrooms – so they're already together – and NO I won't consider sharing a room where the three of them could be…well…you know."

"Oh…well take my room – and I'll share Nick's room."

"You'll do what?" Nick asked coming out into the hall.

"Stay in your room – so Rachel can have her own room – which is what convinced her to come on the road with us even though she's pissed at you."

"She can stay with me – we are married – and there's a king size bed in my room."

"I told you before – I'm NOT staying with you, Nicholas!"

"But…"

"You heard me!"

"Well HE isn't staying with me!"

"Why not? Have another groupie on her way up to blow your mind, Lachey?" Rachel asked.

"What if I do?"

"If I EVER catch you with another woman sexually – until we get divorced – you're going to become NICOLE!"

"You don't have the guts to do anything like that."

"Don't test me, Lachey – because you'd be surprised at what I am willing to do when I get hurt."

"Come on, Nick. It's only for a few hours," Jeff said, trying to get the conversation back on track.

"NO!"

"Fine, Rae – here's my key. Go ahead and use my room – I'll just go catch a nap on the bus."

"WUSS!" Nick called.

"At least HE'S a gentleman! How the hell did I end up married to such an [arse]hole?"

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 26 ~ Disappearing Act

The tour continued – and before anyone realized it – they were 5 weeks into the current 12-week leg of the current tour. Rachel enjoyed working with Jennifer as an [arse]istant stylist to the group. The only problem seemed to be that for the past three weeks she had seemed to pick up some sort of virus that was affecting only her.

"Rae – are you sure you're alright?" Jenn asked as Rachel again returned from her ritual trip to the bathroom to throw up whatever she happened to have eaten for breakfast that particular morning.

"Yeah – I'm fine. I'll be good as gold for the rest of today if this virus follows the normal course."

"Are you sure? This has been going on for almost a month now."

"I know, Jenny, believe – I'm well aware of that. But – I am going to head to the walk-in clinic down the street while the guys are doing their soundcheck and local media interviews this afternoon. Hopefully get something I can take in the morning to keep from this daily ritual."

"Good. Do you want me to go down there with you?"

"You don't have to. You better stay here, get some rest – and hope that we only have a few quick mends to make to their outfits tonight."

"Already checked the costumes for the show out – they're fine – not a mend to be made, thankfully."

"Well – if you really want to come with me, you can."

"Good – we're done here – so let's go get you taken care of right now."

Rachel was greatful that they had come at a time when the clinic was not extremely busy so she was able to get back to an exam room almost immediately. After becoming a pin cushion for the lab staff and being examined by the staff physician, Rachel sat and was waiting impatiently to find out the diagnosis. Finally the doctor returned saying, "Congratulations."

"What?"

"The reason that you've been feeling sickly lately is that you are pregnant. Do you remember when your last period was?"

"Oh [freak]!" Rachel thought before answering, "I haven't had one in probably 3 or 4 months. I'd been on Seasonale™ as my birthcontrol – so…"

"Ahhh…well, I want to send you up to our OB department so they can do an ultrasound to help establish your due date."

"Thank you."

"I've also written a basic prescription for some meds to help curb the nausea you've been experiencing."

"Thank you."

"Just go up to 3rd floor and they will be expecting you."

"Thank you again," Rachel said, as she got up and followed the doctor out of the room.

"So what is it," Jenny asked when Rachel appeared in the waiting area.

"We've got to go see someone else – well, I do – you can head back. I'll be alright on my own."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive – someone has to get there to get their costumes lined up for tonight."

"If you need anything – call me."

"Will do," Rachel said, heading towards the elevator pulling her cellphone from her purse and calling her bank hotline to see how much she had left in her checking account.

"Hi – come on back."

"Thanks."

"So, are you ready?"

"As ready as I can be."

As the OB Doctor joined the pair in the ultrasound room, she explained exactly what they were looking for in the ultrasound to help determine date of conception – and ultimately the estimated date of confinement (aka due date). "Well, it seems that you're about 5 weeks along. So you've got about another 35 weeks before you'll be welcoming a little bundle into the world – unless you're considering termination."

"Oh no – I won't be having an abortion. Is there anyway to find out exactly WHEN I got pregnant?"

"Unfortunately, there isn't. We can set up your prenatal care at the desk if you'd like."

"Actually, I'm just p[arse]ing through town right now. But thank you. I'll get everything set up as soon as I'm home," Rachel answered, wondering where exactly home was to her – and which of the two men she'd been intimate with was the father of her unborn child.

[Raevengeance]

Rachel returned to the venue to pack her things. She couldn't tell either Nick or Jeff about the pregnancy since she wasn't sure which of the pair was the father – and she was NOT ready for the fight that she was sure would ensue when they did find out. Glad that she had saved her earnings, she quickly packed up the things of hers that had been taken into the venue before heading to the tour bus to get the last of her belongings – and to write a note explaining her sudden disappearance, without stating the complete reason she was leaving. Included in the note for the guys was the instruction to not make any effort to find her – because when she was ready to see them all again – she would get in touch with them. As she put the note in a place she was sure they would find it, Andre came up the steps into the bus. "Hey, what's with the luggage, Rae?"

"Need it for travelling, don't ya think?" Rae joked.

"Yeah – but most of that was in the storage compartment UNDER the bus – not in it. So what are you doing?"

"I'm getting ready to leave, alright? I need to do some thinking – and dumb and dumber just aren't giving me the space I need to do it."

"I understand – so where are you heading?"

"I'm not sure just yet. I may stay here until I figure out what I need to figure out – or I may go and visit some of the friends I've made online because of these idiots."

"Just remember – you're always welcome here too, ok? So how are you going to get to wherever you decide to go?"

"We'll see just how welcome I am when they find out…" Rachel mumbled under her breath.

"Hey – answer my question – don't make me wonder what the hell you're hiding from us," Dre said, not wanting to pry, but realizing that Rachel was hiding something that she probably should share with someone.

"Well – I hadn't much thought about getting out of here. But we do have a car here right?"

"Yeah, we do. Now where can I drop you off?"

"Just take me back to the hotel we stayed at this morning. I'll get a room for myself – and figure out where I'm going from there."

"Alright – but don't you think you should tell the guys face-to-face that you're leaving?"

"I can't – they'll try talking me out of leaving – and I really need to do this – for my sanity."

"I understand – but…"

"I left them a note saying goodbye – and that I won't be back until I have the answers to some questions I need to think about."

"You have my cell number too, right?"

"Yes, Andre."

"Good – if you need anything – you call me – and I'll do anything I can to help you out, alright?"

"Thanks – it has been great knowing you," Rachel said as the pair climbed into the rental car and made their way towards the hotel she would be calling home for at least that night.

"Can I ask you something?" Dre asked – as they neared the destination.

"What is it?"

"What's making you run away? Did Nick hurt you?"

"Other than breaking my heart by bringing a groupie into our room to pleasure him – no."

"Did Jeff – or one of the other guys – or one of the crew?"

"No – no one hurt me. Andre, can you keep a secret from the guys?"

"Depends on what it is – and how bad I think the info needs to be kept from them."

"I'm leaving because I'm pregnant, Andre."

"Wow – I bet Nick's excited. He's always wanted to be a dad and have a family."

"That's the problem – he doesn't know – and I don't want him finding out yet. Dre – I don't know if the baby is his – or Jeff's."

"No wonder you're leaving to think."

"I know – and I don't want either of them finding out until I have a better idea of who the father is. I don't want to get their hopes up about becoming a father – only to find out later that they're just an 'uncle' to the little one."

"I do understand what you're saying – but don't you think that whichever one is the father has the right to be there with you – and should be there with you to help you through the pregnancy?"

"I knew it – you're disappointed in me."

"I'm not disappointed in you – I just want you to think about how either Nick or Jeff would feel if he isn't able to be there for you while you're carrying his child. And yes – I'm disappointed in both of those lunkheads. You be especially careful – and you call if you need anything – I'll get it from one of the prospective fathers for you – without telling them they could be a father. But you do need to tell them as soon as you possibly can. They deserve to know."

"I know, Dre – really I do – but…"

"I know – you already explained it to me – I'm just reminding you."

"Thanks, Dre – love you man – keep taking care of the boys for me."

"Always," Dre answered before the door slammed and he returned to the venue, hoping to find someway to tell the guys what was really going on with Rachel – but not wanting to break her confidence in him.

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 27 ~ Surprise Announcement

Three months p[arse]ed, and Rachel – while keeping in touch with Andre – had still not figured out how to tell Nick and Jeff about her pregnancy since she still didn't know which one of the pair was the father. She had spent the time she was gone working with a lawyer to write up papers to finalize a divorce from Nick, leaving the settlement out until the pair could sit down and work out the final details. She had decided it needed to be done so that if she was carrying Jeff's child – the baby wouldn't be legally considered Nick's because he was her husband. She thought about all she had been through in the previous six-months as she sat waiting for her ultrasound appointment where she would hopefully be able to find out the sex of the child she was carrying.

"Rachel, are you ready?"

"Yep – and if possible, I really do want to know the sex of the baby."

"OK, we'll see what we can see."

"Thanks, Dr. Gensen."

"Well, let's see what we can determine here," Dr. Gensen said as she started the ultrasound. "We do have the results from the initial ultrasound which they did when you found out you were pregnant, and…it looks like your due date based on that is still pretty accurate at March 28. It looks like…"

"Dr. Gensen?" Rachel questioned when she stopped mid-sentence.

"Sorry, there's just something a little surprising here."

"There's nothing wrong is there?"

"Oh – no – nothing like that."

"Well, what is it?"

"You are having twins."

"Twins???" Rachel repeated, surprised and shocked.

"Yes – twins – and – it looks like you've got two little gentlemen on the way," Dr. Gensen said as she looked at the pictures on the machine again.

"It…it can't be," Rachel said.

"Well – it is."

"Is there…anyway to tell if they're identical?" Rachel asked.

"Well – from what I can tell here, they're diamniotic twins, which means…"

"They are in separate bags of water," Rachel said interrupting.

"That's right. I keep forgetting you have a medical background."

"OK – other than that?"

"Well, the only way to know for sure would be to do a DNA test – and we can schedule an amniocentisis to do that if you'd like. It may take up to a week to get the results back though."

"And this would tell me…"

"It would answer your question by analyzing the Y chromosome of each of the babies."

"Then let's do it. I'm sorry my pregnancy is so confusing."

"It's ok – things like this happen – and I will get you the results as soon as I get them on my desk."

"Thank you."

Three days later, Rachel answered the phone, surprised to hear her doctor on the other end of the line – with the results of the DNA testing. As soon as she got off the phone with Dr. Gensen, Rachel immediately contacted Andre to set up a meeting with Nick and Jeff so that the divorce could be finalized at the very least and hopefully she'd be able to inform them of their impending fatherhood.


The following week (last concert of the tour):

"What are we doing here?" Nick asked as he and Jeff were led into a meeting room at the venue for the show that night.

"I already told you, Nick – you and Jeff have an important meeting right now," Andre answered.

"Why only the two of us?" Jeff asked.

"Because that's the way I wanted it," Rachel answered, drawing their attention to the end of the table where she was sitting, still hiding her pregnancy.

"Rachel! You're back!" Nick said, glad to see his wife again for the first time in 3 months.

"Hold it! Nick – sign the divorce papers in front of you, with Jeff and Andre serving as witnesses."

"Not until I read them to make sure I'm not being screwed over."

"Sign it, Nick – it only dissolves our marriage – and says that settlement details will be completed at a later date – when you and I have a chance to actually discuss them while you're not on the road touring."

"Can I at least verify that?" Nick asked.

"Fine – but I wouldn't try screwing you, Lachey!"

"Alright, it's signed," Nick said after quickly skimming the document. "Let's get going then, Jeff."

"Hold it! That wasn't the only thing you two were sent her to deal with doing."

"Fine, then what else did you drag us here to do for you?" Nick asked, upset that he had just signed a paper that ended his marriage.

"Congratulations – you're both about to become fathers in March," Rachel said, standing up so they finally got a view of her very pregnant stomach.

"What?" Both Nick and Jeff exclaimed.

"You heard me – and you can obviously SEE what I'm saying."

"How can we BOTH become fathers in March?" Jeff asked.

"I'm pregnant with twins – boys – and they did a dna analysis on their Y-chromosomes when I had an amnio done to make sure there weren't any potential problems. When comparing the Y-chromosome, they realized they were different – and since each of you ONLY has one possible Y to give your children, they are obviously only half-brothers."

"Is that why you left?" Nick asked.

"In part, yes. I would have stayed longer if I hadn't found out I was pregnant, but when I found out, I knew I couldn't stay not knowing which of you was the father. Now that I know it's BOTH of your faults that I'm pregnant, well, I decided it was definitely time to tell you both."

"What do you want?" Jeff asked.

"I want you BOTH to be there for the birth of your sons – and I want you to be part of their lives, even though I'm not listing either of you as the father on the birth certificates."

"What? Why not?"

"Because, Jeff – birth certificates are public records, and quite frankly, it would not look good for either you two or me to have two different fathers listed on my twin sons' birth certificates."

"So what – we're just going to pick a kid and say he's ours?" Jeff asked.

"NO! You will BOTH have a full DNA test done to get the match correct between you and your child – who will have your name as his middle name in recognition of their father."

"And if we refuse to have the DNA testing done?"

"I will do what I don't want to do – go to court and have them order it. While I expect nothing from either of you for myself – I do expect you to support your son and take part in his life. If you choose to not be part of his life – that's your own decision – but I will have a court order for child support."

"And what happens if neither of us is a match as the father for one or both of the babies?"

"[freak] YOU, Timmons! I have ONLY been with TWO men intimately – you and Nick so it would be impossible for either of you to rule out as a father for one of the two boys."

"Rae, sweetheart, calm down," Nick said. "This isn't good for you or the babies."

"I am calm, Nicholas!"

"Good – now our last show is tonight. Can I stay with you – and help until you have the babies?" Nick asked, hoping he could re-prove how much he loved her before his son was born.

"Yes – and Jeff, you can too if you want," Rachel answered.

"What? Stay here and get nailed with responsibility for something else? Thanks, but no thanks," Jeff said, storming out of the room.

"What…is he ok?" Rachel asked, confused at the sudden change in the two men she had been torn between when she left.

"When you left – it tore him apart," Nick answered. "I think he thought that you would divorce me and marry him."

"Not while he's acting this way – that's for sure."

"Well – come on – let's go and see the rest of the gang."

"Nick – thanks for being so understanding. I mean…"

"Hey – you were right. I ignored something important – and broke your trust. I'm just…surprised that you and Jeff actually did anything."

"I needed to feel loved that night…and he was there for me when it looked like all you wanted was a body to screw."

"I understand. Rae, do you think there's a chance we can make things work between us? And not get the divorce you had me sign the papers for?"

"Nick – we may be able to get back together, but not until after I have these children. If we were married – you'd automatically be listed as the father on the birth certificates – and no matter how badly Jeff is taking the news, he doesn't deserve to have his friend listed as the father of his son. That's why the divorce papers needed to be signed now."

"I understand – and Rae, thank you for giving me another chance."

"Nick – no matter what – I do love you."

"I love you too – and I'm sorry I [freak]ed up before you left."

"Nick – we can work that out later – go have a great show – and I'll leave my address for you – so you can come over when you are ready, alright?"

"OK. Rae – thank you again."

[StargateGirl]

WOW! .......
Ok.. here's a stupid question.... Can that really happen?

[Raevengeance]

Originally posted by StargateGirl@8/2/05, 05:07pm
WOW! .......
Ok.. here's a stupid question.... Can that really happen?
<div align="right">29667
[/quote]

I think it can (although - not completely positive) - but if 2 eggs could be fertilized by sperm from one man on their way to the uterus - if there was sex between a woman and 2 men before the first egg implanted itself and the cervix closed - I don't see why both men couldn't have sperm who do the trick ;) I highly doubt that there's much research into this area of OB medicine because how many woman would want to admit to their extreme promiscuity. ;)

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 28

The next week, Nick and Rachel sat discussing the future. "Rae - honestly, I want to make things work with you."

"Nick - how can I trust that? You hurt me in the worst possible way!"

"I learned my lesson - I swear! I haven't been with anyone since that night!"

"You weren't supposed to be with anyone that night!"

"But..."

"You know something - if it had been Lea, I may not have been as ticked off at you for it because you had told me you would give up sex with anyone besides her and me."

"Lea did offer that night - but I said no."

"Because you already had the groupie coming up?"

"Honestly?"

"Yes - if you want a chance for us to get back together in the future."

"Yes - I figured I'd have her blow me - and you wouldn't ever find out."

"Too bad you let your [friend] think for you that night."

"I do regret it - but honestly, I think this seperation was good for me."

"Why?"

"I realized how much you meant to me - and I really grew up. You can ask anyone on the tour."

"I'm glad you grew up."

"Me too - and I'm sorry that Jeff's acting like an [arse] right now."

"Ehh - I am sure he'll eventually come around."

"I don't know. He...he asked if I'd adopt his son with you if he agreed to sign away his parental rights."

"He did what?" Rachel asked shocked to hear that knowing how important family - and children - were to Jeff.

"He thinks the boys would have it easier if they had the same father - in the legal sense. Can you imagine the teasing that would go on if other kids found out they have 2 different fathers?"

"You have a point, I guess, but why you? Why isn't he offering to adopt your son if you sign your parental rights away?"

"Honestly? He knows how much I love you and that I won't give up until you are my wife again."

"And what if I say that isn't ever going to happen?" Rachel asked.

[StargateGirl]

Jeff needs to get his butt kicked. Great add, Rae. :)

[Raevengeance]

Originally posted by StargateGirl@8/12/05, 07:42pm
Jeff needs to get his butt kicked. Great add, Rae. :)
<div align="right">29970
[/quote]

Maybe - maybe not - you'll see what I have in mind shortly.

[Raevengeance]

"I'll be disappointed, but I won't stop trying to show you that I have changed - and that I want to make things work with you," Nick answered.

"Nick - if you can prove to me that you can remain faithful, I will consider getting back with you in the future."

"Thank you," Nick answered happy to hear that he may still have a chance.

"Nick - I don't care how you do it - but get Jeff here - I want to discuss all of this with him."

"I'll try..."

"Don't try - do it!"

"OK - I will do my best."


~ a couple weeks later ~

"Why did you want to see me? I already asked Nick to take responsibility for both boys - so they wouldn't have the teasing about having the same mother and birthday - but different fathers," Jeff asked when he and Rachel met to have a little talk.

"I want to know why you aren't the one offering to take responsibility for both boys."

"I know you love Nick – and he loves you."

"Yeah – some way to show he loves me – tell me to [freak] his friend while he [freak]s a groupie."

"You know that's not what he meant to have happen."

"Maybe not – but it sure is what happened…and what happened to your feelings for me? I thought you wanted us to be together?"

"To be honest, I still care for you, but I've realized, it's not the 'love of a lifetime' feeling I have for you. Rae, since you left, I started seeing Jennifer. She knows the truth about what has happened in the past with all us guys – and she's accepting of our past lives – as long as it stays in the past."

"Does she know that you are the father of the child I'm carrying – or one of them anyway?"

"Yes, I told her about that."

"Jeff – I want you to be part of your sons life – you deserve that."

"I will be – I'll be his 'Uncle Jeff'. Come on, Rae – you know damn well that was all that I'd be the way you described your expectations when you told Nick and I about your pregnancy. I'm just allowing our sons to have a father listed on their birth certificates, instead of leaving it 'unknown' – particularly since you do know who the fathers are."

"Are you going to submit to a DNA test – to determine which one of the boys is yours?"

"No – there's no need for that."

"I'm going to find out – and he will have Jeffrey as his middle name. You will be acknowledged in that way at least."

"Whatever you want, Rae. But I am not going to take my place as his natural father – as long as Nick has agreed to take responsibility for both your children."

"Will you be the god-father to the boys?"

"If you and Nick BOTH want me to – yes, but I have a feeling Nick may want Drew to take that role."

"I don't care what Nick wants – I'm not married to him anymore – even if he is going to insist on being listed as the father on their birth certificates – I am going to make this decision because I'm the one who will be raising them."

"Come on – all of us know that you're letting him stay here – and sleep in your bed. You won't go through with the divorce – even if you do – you'll remarry him before the boys are born."

"No, Jeff, I won't. I need proof from him that he's not going to decide to go [freak] some groupie whenever the mood hits him."

"Rae – don't you realize, since you left, Nick hasn't been with anyone – including Lea," Jeff said, surprised at her statement. "He grew up when you walked out on him. He never thought you'd actually leave him – and when you did – he changed his ways, because he wanted to find you – and prove to you how much you meant to him. Actually, after you left – the 'game' we were playing, pretty much ended – Justin hooked up with one of our dancers, I got with Jenny, and Drew and Lea went back to being exclusive – and are actually getting remarried next month."

[StargateGirl]

Ah.. I see what he's doing, but still. Good for Nick to finally grow up.

Great add, Rae. :D

[Raevengeance]

Originally posted by StargateGirl@8/13/05, 08:58am
Ah.. I see what he's doing, but still. Good for Nick to finally grow up.

Great add, Rae. :D
<div align="right">29982
[/quote]


But still what???


I think I have about one add left - maybe two - depends on if I can get this part back from my sub concious from last night - otherwise - it's just what I wrote up this morning for it - and this is FINALLY FINALIZED!!!!!!!

[Raevengeance]

Chapter 29 ~ 18 Years Later ~ Graduation Day at CSCPA

"Rae, we did a good job with the boys, didn't we?"

"Yeah, we did – I just…"

"I know – but he was always there for both the boys while they were growing up – and for our other kids."

"But…it's high school graduation day!"

"Rae! You know he's busy with his acting career."

"I know – I know, but…"

"Rae – come on – his not being here is also good because it means that all the grandparents are going to be at the graduation ceremony."

"But it's his son's graduation – he should be there for it."

"And how would you explain to your family or mine the fact that the godfather is getting a graduation ticket instead of a member of the immediate family."

"I…"

"Exactly – our families don't know that Jeff is Brandon's father, and they wouldn't understand the need for him to be there instead of the 'real' family."

"I know – I know. But Nick, we need to tell the boys the truth…and our families."

"Why? Why tell them now?"

"The boys deserve to know the truth."

"Do you realize how that is going to make Brandon feel?"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it – he's going to feel like his father didn't want him."

"But…"

"I know it's not true – but Brandon is going to feel that way. You know it."

"There has to be a way to explain it – while making sure he doesn't feel that way."

"If you figure that out – more power to you – but come on – be realistic. AND don't you think Jeff deserves to be there when the secret is finally revealed?"

"You're right – I can't tell Brandon, unless Jeff is here."

"And Jeff has promised to be here next weekend for the boys' graduation party. So after everyone else has left, you and Jeff can – if he agrees, talk to Brandon about his real father – together."

"Alright – I'll wait until Jeff is here to talk with Brandon."

"Thank you – and Rae, thank you for giving me a second chance."

"Nick, I couldn't help myself – you always did make my heart race – even when I was mad at you for that groupie incident."

"Well, I'm just glad that we have been able to make a difference in Cinci. Giving up music for a political office was definitely worth it."

"I'm just glad that no one ever released the information about…well…you know."

"I was young and a pop-star. It would be expected of me – but I proved myself as a solid family man after that."

"Yes, you did – even raising your friend's son as your own."

"If I hadn't been an [arse], that wouldn't have even been a consideration, but our family wouldn't be complete without Brandon either."

"You're right. Things happen for a reason – and we needed both Brandon and Scott and the only way to have both of them was to have happen that night I spent with Jeff."

"There – see…I do wish I hadn't screwed around on you that night though."

"Nick – if you hadn't had that girl giving you head, I wouldn't have gone through with having sex with Jeff. But after catching you in that situation, I needed to feel loved by someone – and Jeff was there for me."

"Well, then I guess, I'm glad I was such a sex-addict back then – so that Brandon was able to be part of our lives."

"Brandon and Scott – Angel and Christian – our four wonderful kids – all of whom are following their Dad and Uncle Drew through the School for Creative & Performing Arts."

"You're just as artistic, I've read your stories…very creative. I still say you should try to get published."

"Nick – what I write is for me – and anyone who manages to find my website. I don't do it for a profit."

"I know – but you could make some good money on it."

"Nick – we don't need money."

"No, we don't – but the money could all go to a scholarship fund somewhere – or to some other charitable organization."

"We've had this argument before, Lachey – I'm content with what I'm doing and the way I'm doing it. Stop trying to push me to do or be something I'm not."

"Yes, ma'am."





~ The End ~
Unless I come up with an epilogue to add to it - but that would be extremely short
**yay - I finally finished this - after 3 years of writing!**

[StargateGirl]

WOOHOO!!!!! :D I'm sad that it's done (supposedly), but yay!!!!!

Great endng!

[CeeCee]

I just read the few chapters I hadn't read yet, and I loved it! Great story, Rae :)

[Forever_Lost]

See Rae, people read your stories. :D This story was GREAT!

[Raevengeance]

Thanks, CeeCee.

Les - PFFFFFFTTTT :P

[Forever_Lost]

Don't pfft me :P

[Raevengeance]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Forever_Lost @ 2/3/06, 07:14pm) 35334</div>
Don't pfft me :P
[/b]

**looks back a post**

Too Late - I already did :P :tease: :tease: :tease: