"Shh!" hissed Brian. He looked over his shoulder to see if anyone could overhear them. He continued. "You guys ready for this?" The others looked at each other, but finally nodded. Brian took in a deep breath and said, "Let's see who can kiss Nicole for 5 seconds first." The table was quiet.
"What are you, CRAZY?" whispered AJ.
"No man, I can't do that," said Kevin backing away.
"Brian haven't you even thought some of us might have girlfriends? Just a question," said Howie, angrily.
"That is the STUPIDEST idea I've ever heard," growled Nick. "Don't you realize we can lose a lot of fans with this?"
Brian crossed his arms. "I guess you guys are chicken."
"DON'T you go there....," warned AJ.
"What is your problem? Is something wrong here?" asked Howie, worriedly. He's never seen Brian so grouchy and insensitive in his whole life. Not even in the mornings!
"Listen, it's just a little bet! As long as we don't say any of this stuff out in the open, we're fine," protested Brian.
"What if Colleen see's me? What if ANYONE see's us?" Kevin asked, still in shock because his own cousin had such a mind.
"That's why we have to be SNEAKY and CAREFUL. Are you guys up for it or not? If you aren't, I guess I won't be able to do dares with ya'll anymore." They all sat in silence. AJ was worried what the price would be if he objected while Kevin, Nick, and Howie were worried that their girlfriends would dump them. None of them were worried about the BIGGEST problem though.
"What exactly are we betting?" AJ asked. Brian shrugged.
"I guess our most precious possesions. Whoever wins, will get everything. I'm willing to give up my puppy, since I know I'll win."
AJ sighed and shook his head. "I guess I'll do it. And I'll give up my....my...my...shades."
"Your WHOLE collection of shades," corrected Brian. AJ opened his mouth to say something, but he closed it, not very worried. Since he was the biggest flirt, he was sure he'd win. "So, what about the rest of you?"
Howie gulped. "I...I...I don't know."
"Come on, D!" begged AJ. "I can't do this alone!"
"What about Noelle?" he asked quietly.
"There are thousands of girls out there, don't worry about it."
"But I really like her."
"Just don't let her find out."
Howie was silent. He glanced at Nick and Kevin, and then sighed. "Fine, I give in. What should I bet?"
"How bout that autographed picture of Alicia Silverstone?"
"I don't know....."
"You man or chicken?" Howie hmphed then nodded his head. Brian turned to look at Kevin. "And you?"
"Geez, Cuz! Why do you have to do this?" Kevin complained.
Brian smiled. "I just want a little fun right now."
"Fine, I'll do it. But if me and Colleen break up....," he began.
"What are you gonna bet?" AJ quickly asked.
"Um...I don't have anything you guys want," he lied, hoping they won't scan through his room in their minds looking for an object they adore.
"How bout your recording equipment? I really want that," said Howie.
"Trust me, you won't get it," Kevin sneered.
"Ok, all that's left is Nicky. Well, Frack? How about it? Can't wait all day now."
"I can't lose Katie," said Nick softly. "I love her." The boys were quiet, they didn't know what to say about Nick's first love. Brian sighed.
"We know you do, but guys need some fun sometime, right? We'll tell Katie about it later, we'll make her understand."
"But what if she takes it all the wrong way?"
"Well, we're just going to have to take the risk." After a few minutes of persuading and soft chatting, they all got Nick to bet his Playstation.
"Ok, we all know the rules, correct? We have to kiss Nicole for exactly 5 seconds without letting go ON THE LIPS, and there HAS to be a witness," Brian explained carefully.
"Who's gonna be the witness?"
"Aaron?" suggested Nick. "I don't know if he can keep secrets, but I'll make him. He's so small he can hide anywhere and with that new watch of his, he'll love to time anything."
"It's settled then. Oh yeah, we can't tell ANYONE about this except Aaron. Remember, this is a bet so you can't chicken out. You either lose or win - no exceptions." Brian held out his hand at the center of the table and glanced around. AJ nervously laid his hand on top of Brian's, so did Kevin and Howie. They all turned to Nick.
"Nick? You ready?" Nick took in a deep breath and slowly stretched out his arm. He sighed as he laid his hand on top of the pile and made a little prayer in his mind.
'Please, God. Don't let this stupid bet make me lose Katie.'