Title:The Duet

Feedback:Hate it? Love it? So-so? Wish I would stop writing and get a life? Whatever it may be, I would absolutely love to know what you think.

Rating: Goes from Rated PG-13

Warning: Slash.

Disclaimer: FICTION. [Look it up if you don't know what it means!]

Summary: What a duet can do.

Author's Note: The song and lyrics in this story belong to Daniel Bedingfield but for the sake of the story please humor me and play along. Thank you. *I did my best to proof read this story. So, if you find any mistakes, it's all my fault. Sorry!*

"I can't believe they're asking me to do this!" Nick exclaimed pacing the same six feet of space in front of Brian's bed. Brian was seated at the foot end watching Nick walk back and forth mumbling something incoherent.

"Nick, if you keep this up you'll walk your way right through this floor and into the 15th floor." He was getting a headache. "Will you please tell me what's gotten you so worked up? Who's asking you to do what?"

Nick ran his hand through his hair as he continued to pace. "IjustgotafuckingphonecallfromJohnnytellingmeJivewantsJustinandItodoafuckingduettogetherandifIdon'ttheywon'tletusdoanotheralbum." Nick stopped, took a deep breath, turned around, and continued to pace.

"In english... please," Brian pleaded.

Nick stopped mid-pace and turned to look directly at Brian. "Jive...called...and...told...me...to...do...a...song...with...Justin...or...WE...won't...be...able...to...do...another...album."

===============================

Kevin was on the phone talking to Kristin when Brian stormed in frantically mumbling something that sounded like..."I've cold Rick to elaborate anna thong with jetson or we dondo nether bum."

*Kevin, honey? Are you listening to me?* His wife's voice came through the ear piece. Shaking his head Kevin put the phone back to his ear.

"Kris, I'm sorry. Something's wrong with Bri... he just barged into my room mumbling something about thongs and bums."

*What?*

"I don't know and I'm going to find out. I promise I'll call you later tonight. Love you, take care."

*Love you, too, sweety. Keep me posted. Bye*

Kevin hung up the phone and turned around so that he was now facing his cousin. "Brian, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong? What's wrong!?" Brian exclaimed as he grabbed his hair and then roughly ran his hands through it.

"Yea, what's wrong?" Kevin got up and slowly approached Brian. "Did you have that dream again... the one where you were, Violet, the stripper?"

Brian stopped and turned his narrowed eyes to Kevin. "No, I did not," he said through clenched teeth.

"Okay, care to explain all this," Kevin gestured towards Brian and then the door Brian had barged through.

Sighing, Brian sat down on the bed and told his cousin everything.

===============================

As soon as AJ and Howie stepped off the elevator, shopping bags in tow, they heard someone who sounded a lot like Brian yelling all the way down the hall.

"Is that Brian?" Howie asked.

"I don't know, Brian never yelled before..." AJ trailed off as they walked closer to where the yelling was coming from. They stopped right in front of Kevin's wide open door and saw Brian seated on the bed, Kevin beside him, and they were talking. From the grim expression on Kevin's face and the occasional clenching of his jaw they assumed it had to be something bad.

"Hey guys, what are you doing back early?" Nick asked from his doorway startling AJ and Howie. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay, Junior. Yeah, we're back. The stores didn't have anything we liked,” he paused, “What's going on?" AJ nodded his head towards Kevin's room as he and Howie walked towards Nick.

"You look like hell," Howie said taking in Nick's appearance. Nick's hair was... it was a cross between spiked and flattened and his face was slightly flushed.

"Gee, thanks." Nick rolled his eyes. "You look wonderful, too Howard," He finished sarcastically.

Ignoring Nick's comments, Howie reached his hand up and used the back of his right hand to feel Nick's forehead. He was somewhat warm to the touch. "Are you sick?"

Nick narrowed his eyes. "No, I'm not."

"What's going on with Brian and Kevin?" AJ asked his previous ignored question.

Nick sighed. "Why don't you guys put your stuff away and we'll all go to Kevin's room."

===============================

"It's not like it can hurt me. What do I have to lose anyway, right?" Nick asked them with a pleading tone.

"Nick... but Justin? Can't you like call them back and say you'll do it with JC or, heck, even Joey?" Brian asked, concerned about Nick.

Nick gave him a 'this-is-Jive-we're-dealing-with' look. "I mean, If I don't we won't be able to do another album and if we put up a fight they'll take us to court, again." Nick sighed.

"Nicky is right, it won't hurt him and from the looks of things it'll probably give both of them a lot of publicity," Howie reasoned. "I'm sure that's all Jive cares about... that and the money it'll bring in."

"I fucking can't believe they're doing this to you... to us. First, forcing you to do a solo album just so it could be released near Justin's, then accidentally leaking his first single on the same day as your album, then they support him more than you, and now THIS!" AJ was furious. If he could just get his hands on their necks and squeeze just so. Yes. If murder was legal he'd get rid of Jive and Justin, maybe Lance, too.

Kevin was quiet as he listened and reasoned everything out in his head. He wasn't too keen on the idea but doing a duet with Timberlake would be quite possibly... interesting. He sighed. "Go for it."

===============================

A week later Nick pulled up into the parking lot of the studio. His palms were sweaty and for some reason he was nervous. The last time he and Justin had actually talked to one another was in a semi-private conversation about three years ago at one of the industry parties. Even then it had been slightly awkward.

The rumors that were printed by the media were not true. They are not rivals. They don't hate each other. How can he possible hate someone he doesn't even know much about? Frankly, Nick doesn't see the point of competition. Both groups do different types of music and the same goes for Justin and Nick. Nick was more into rough, rock edged music whereas Justin was more into smooth, R&B type music. Two completely different things. Why couldn't people understand something so simple, no one knows. It's one of those life's great unsolved mysteries, Nick supposes.

It was 9:30 in the morning and he could feel his breakfast trying to make it's way back up. He got out of the car, took in the fresh crisp air to calm his nerves down, and leisurely walked into the studio.

Justin was seated on the couch in the small living room area right outside the sound booth reading a magazine that had a picture of Nick on the cover. Nick couldn't make out the name of the magazine but figured that it must be several months old since he hadn't done any photo shoots recently.

"Nick!" Justin noticed him and quickly buried the magazine under the other ones and stood up walking towards him all before Nick could blink. "Good to see you," Justin greeted taking Nick's hand in his and giving the taller blond a half hug.

"Hey man," Nick cleared his throat. It was suddenly dry and Justin smelled really good. "How've you been?"

"Good. Good." Justin nodded his head, his left hand still resting on Nick's upper right arm. "How 'bout you? You alright?"

From the tone of Justin's voice Nick knew what the other man was asking him. Usually, Nick would have been pissed or upset but he could hear sympathy and understanding in it. "Same old. Same old. I've seen and lived better days."

Silence enveloped them, neither knowing what to say or do to break the sudden awkwardness. Thankfully, they didn't have to wait long. Jimmy, the man who owns the studio and as well as the same guy who's going to produce their song walked in.

"Hello gentleman, is everything alright?" Jimmy asked them.

"Everything's fine, Jim." Justin stated, smiling.

"That's great. Give me a few minutes to go and get my papers and we'll begin." He walked back out the door once again leaving Nick and Justin alone.

"So, what do you think of the song?" Nick asked.

Justin finally moved away and sat back down on the couch. "I think it's beautiful. Jimmy did an awesome job putting our lyrics together."

"Yea, I know. I can't wait to hear just how it sounds in the end." Nick walked over to the control panel and picked up the papers that were on top of it. He read the neatly printed lyrics and smiled.

"Me neither. I can't wait till it's finished." Justin then realized how that must have sounded and quickly corrected himself. "I bet it's going to be an awesome ballad. You know... with your husky and powerful yet gentle voice and my... uh, my voice. It's gonna sound awesome."

Nick laughed and blushed. "Thanks, but your voice is pretty good too, J. It's smooth and... distinct."

Justin blushed.

===============================

Nick closed his eyes as he let the melody sink in. Letting let the words flow from his mouth, he put every emotion he had in him into the versus.

I feel like a song without the words//A man without a soul//A bird without its wings//A heart without a home...
I feel like a knight without a sword//The sky without the sun//‘cause you are the one.

I feel like a ship beneath the waves//A child who's lost its way//A door without a key//A face without a name...
I feel like a breath without the air//And every day's the same//since you've gone away.

Justin was seated across from Nick intently watching as Nick brought the words and music to life. He was in awe. Nick's voice was beautiful, so powerful, so passionate. He could hear the pain and sadness etched in that voice and he felt tears beginning to form in his own eyes. More than anything, Nick sounded so lost and he hated her with a passion. He couldn't believe she would hurt Nick the way she had. She was inhuman...no heart, she had to be. How could she hurt a man so innocent and loving. Justin just prayed that when Nick closed his eyes he wasn't seeing that... that... THING. Justin would definitely put his foot down if Nick ever forgives or takes her back. There was no way he was going to let that happen. Albeit, he and Nick aren't that close of friends just good acquaintances, though Justin wanted more. Taking a deep breath Justin closed his eyes and sang his part.

I gotta have a reason to wake up in the morning//You used to be the one that put a smile on my face//There are no words that could describe how I miss you//and I miss you everyday//yeah.

And they joined their voices together to sing the chorus.

And I'm never gonna leave your side//And I'm never gonna leave your side again//still holding on girl
I won't let you go//‘Cause when I'm lying in your arms//I know I'm home.

It was Justin's turn to sing his verse. Sure, he'd had a shitty public breakup with Britney but it wasn't anything compared to Nick's and Paris' break up. It was horrible. Justin recalled the footages he saw of Nick being escorted outside some bar with Kevin's arm around him, comforting him, Nick nearly in tears at the accusations thrown in his face. Justin's heart had not only gone out to him but had broken for him. He wanted nothing more than to just take all the other man's pain away. Taking all of those feelings and combining it with his own pain Justin sung his verse.

They tell me that a man can lose his mind//Living in the pain//Recalling times gone by//The crying in the rain...
You know I've wasted half the time//And I'm on my knees again//'till you come to me//yeah.

Justin opened his eyes to see that Nick's were still closed. He watched as Nick's pink lips parted to make way for his pink tongue to slip out and lick them. He wanted nothing more than to lean over and kiss the other man's lips and demand that they do an entire album together. He longed for that, for quite some time now. Yes, Justin Timberlake was gay and yes, he was crushing, big time, on none other than Nick Carter. Surprised? He had been since he'd first laid eyes on the blond back when they both auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club.

Everything was going perfectly until the second he'd fallen in love with a MAN who was probably straight. Now the one thing he wanted more than anything was sitting right next to him, so close, that Justin could not only smell the cologne but also the shampoo and hair gel. Justin sighed. He should have known falling for Nick Carter would be a dead-end road. His feelings would never be returned.

I gotta have a reason to wake up in the morning//You used to be the one that put a smile on my face//There are no words that could describe how I miss you//and I miss you everyday//yeah.

And I'm never gonna leave your side//and I'm never gonna leave your side again//still holding on girl//I won't let you go.

‘Cause when I'm lying in your arms...

I know I'm home.

===============================

The room was silent as soon as Nick's last sentence of the song trailed off. He opened his eyes slowly and the first thing he saw was Justin's big blue eyes staring right at him... into him. They were filled with awe and sadness. Nick frowned a bit uneasy with the way Justin was looking at him.

"Do we need to redo the song or anything?" Nick spoke in to the headset turning his head away from Justin to Jimmy who was staring at them, mouth opened.

"What? Oh. No. Unless you guys want to change anything, if not, I don't see a reason for it to change." Jimmy nodded. "It's wonderful, gentlemen. Absolutely breathtaking."

"Really?" Justin asked as he took his headphones off and stood up. "Let's check it out." Justin turned towards Nick and then walked out of the booth, Nick following close behind.

===============================

Nick and Justin sat there staring at the control panel. Was that really them? They couldn't believe that they had sung that song. Together. It wasn't anything like they'd expected. It was much better.

"Wow," Justin breathed out. They were the only ones in the room now. Jimmy had left to give them some time to listen to the song. "That was amazing."

"Yea, our voices really blended in the chorus, you can't even tell that it's two people singing much less who's who," Nick said sitting back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. It's true, their voices really complimented one another. Nick was amazed and giddy at the same time. They sounded really good. Together. Nick Carter and Justin Timberlake. Nick and Justin. Justin and Nick. Either way it's said it had a nice ring to it. Nick smiled.

He couldn't help the fluttery, butterfly type feeling he got in his stomach. He'd never felt like that before, at least not towards a guy. Come to think of it, Nick's never felt like this for a girl either. Hmmm. Oh boy, if Brian ever got wind of this he was sure the other man would have him committed in the monastery and do some sort of exorcism on him.

He felt a pair of eyes on him and turned his head towards the left to catch Justin's eyes. For some reason this felt all too familiar. He got the same feeling as he did in the studio while he was singing his lines. Justin must have been watching him then too. Nick sighed.

"It's perfect, Nick," Justin said looking right into Nick's eyes and frowned when he noticed the other man's eyes were slightly glazed as though Nick wasn't even on this planet.

"Yea, you are," Nick said not really realizing just what he'd said.

Justin on the other did and he froze. What? Did he just say I was perfect? No, of course not. I must be hallucinating or something. Justin shook his head. He just wasn't that lucky to get the man of his dreams to feel the same way as he did about him.

===============================

Later that night found Justin sitting across from his mother.

"Well..." Justin trailed off, his legs bouncing up and down, his hands in a tight grasp, as he chewed on his bottom lip.

Lynne blinked and nodded her head slowly. "What can I say?" She responded. "There's nothing that I could say to describe how wonderful, beautiful, amazing, bitter-sweet, and just 'wow' this song is, honey!"

"So, you like it...?" Justin questioned slowly, wanting to make sure.

"I love it!"

Justin beamed. "Me too."

"So, did anything happen between you two?"

"Oh, mama," Justin rolled his eyes. "Nothing, he's as straight as they come!"

"Turn on your charms," she shrugged.

===============================

Nick sat on the sofa in his hotel room, elbows perched on his thighs, hands clasped together, intently awaiting some type of response from his brother. It was only a few minutes ago that Nick had played the song to them and convinced them that Justin wasn't out to get him. That everything will be okay. They were all just listening to the crap the media was printing about Justin and that he wasn't anything like that.

"It's going to arise questions. Lots of questions about the meaning behind the words and also, just who you two were singing the song about... or to whom," Howie said thoughtfully.

"I honestly had my doubts but after hearing this it's just amazing," Kevin said.

"You guys really sound great together. The song is awesome, Nick. Just, wow." Brian said quietly. The song had such a power behind it... so much meaning. And Brian couldn't help but agree with Kevin. He smiled. Nick and Justin really did sound great together. If they ever were to join forces... they would be unstoppable. Though he didn't like to admit the latter bit out loud. He gave Nick a wink.

Nick smiled. Brian was the only one that knew about how he truly felt about Justin or didn't feel or somewhat felt... hell. There was some type of feelings involved that Nick wasn't quite sure what they were and what the hell to do about them.

"Yea, really great." AJ said distractedly. He didn't like the way Justin and Nick had sounded so good together. He didn't like the fact that their voices were perfect and how it fit perfectly with the music. He knew for a while now that Justin had been crushing on Nick and he also noticed that Nick didn't seem to notice Justin most of the time. He was just worrying about his kid brother. Jive was up to something. He felt it.

===============================

The next day found Justin and Nick seated in the conference hall waiting patiently for Johnny and the other representatives of Jive to say something. They all just finished hearing the song and the room was completely silent. They looked at each of the faces in the room trying to decipher their feelings.

A few minutes later one of the reps spoke up. Justin and Nick held their breaths. "I say, they should start picking out a single cover... and determine just what kind of video they would like to make and have everything done by the end of this month."

"Definitely... they should do a surprise guest appearance on TRL to not only air the video but introduce the song. You guys come up with how you're going to go about it." Another rep said.

"Maybe a photo shoot or something." Johnny said. "For the cover..."

===============================

Nick gently kicked the door shut, walked to the fridge, and grabbed a can of coke. The aftermath... the only bad thing of having a good meeting was the amount of work they had to do before the month's end which was three week away. He walked up to his room, grabbed a note pad and his sketch book, and made his way up to the roof where he sat down to concentrate on just what he wanted to say in the 'thank-you's' section.

Nick closed his eyes and let the cool breeze caress his face. He looked out at the beautiful afternoon sky, looked at all the red roof tops that were oh so similar to his, looked at the green trees, and looked out at the horizon. He felt really tiny... small. He put his pencil to the paper and let it take a mind of it's own. As soon as he was done free-writing he took out his sketch book and thought of the words in the song. Thought of the ballad and the meaning behind it, and again, let his pencil armed hand have it's way.

Eight pages of drawings and five hours later Nick stopped as the cramp in his wrist made it's protest. He grabbed his things, then looked out at the horizon, and gasped. It was already evening and he'd just stopped in time to see the sunset. Placing his things back next to him Nick bent his knees and hugged them to his chest. For the first time in a long time he let his mind clear and look out at God's beautiful masterpiece.

A few minutes later his cell phone rang bringing him out of the tranquil state he was in.

"Hello?"

"Hey Nick, is that you on top of the roof facing the sunset?"

"Uhh, yea,... Justin?"

"Got it one, man."

"How did you get my number?"

"Oh yah, I called Johnny and he gave it to me. Hope you don't mind."

"No, not all. It's fine. Where are you?"

"Well, if you look behind you, a few houses away, you'll see a guy on the roof, cell phone in the right hand, and a binocular in the left hand." Justin laughed.

Nick did just that. He looked behind him and saw a guy standing on a roof waving frantically at him. Nick laughed. "You're crazy Timberlake. What the hell are you doing with the binoculars?"

"I came up to watch the sunset and I saw something on the roof a few houses up front. I went back in and got my binoculars. I couldn't tell if it was you or not so I called Johnny for your number and then I called you."

"You always watch the sunset?"

"Uh, no. This is my first time in a long ass time. Been real busy, never had the chance."

"I hear ya. It's the same with me." Nick waved back.

"What are you doing tonight?" Justin asked, sounding nervous, something Nick wasn't used to hearing.

"Nothing really. I just finished my first draft for the 'thank you's' and drew some stuff. I was gonna re-read it and get it all ready to give it on Friday. I have nothing better to do anyways, so might as well get this out of the way." Nick sighed. "Why?"

"Oh, no reason. I was just bored. The house feels empty and... it doesn't seem like... it's my house. I don't know. I should probably get started on that 'thank-you' stuff too. I usually hold things off till the last minute and then I spend the night before trying to do everything." Justin laughed and then sighed.

"Hmm, you're alone, huh?" Nick asked thinking and then before he could lose his confidence he continued. "Why don't you come on over and maybe we can discuss the cover design and the video or something."

Justin covered his mouth piece and squealed. Taking a deep breath he answered. "That sounds cool. Did you eat dinner yet?"

"Oh, no. I haven't."

"How does chinese sound?"

"Hmm," Nick could practically smell and taste it. His stomach growled. "I don't think my stomach has any protests." Nick chuckled.

"Great, I'll just pick some up on my way over." Justin paused. "Uhh, Nick...can I have your address I mean, I can see where you are right now and it would be easy to get there if I were a bird but I think driving won't be so easy."

Nick laughed and rattled off the directions to his place. After he ended the call he gathered his things and went back in the house.

===============================

"Wow, Nick. These sketches are amazing." Justin said. They just finished their dinner and were now sitting in the living room looking at the sketches Nick did a few hours prior.

"Eh, they're all just doodles. It's nothing much." Nick shrugged.

Justin smiled. "Don't be so modest, Nick. I bet if you clean THIS one up a bit it'll be awesome for the cover design." Justin said pointing at the third sketch. "And I definitely like the idea you have behind this sketch for the video. This is awesome." Justin then pointed to the sixth page.

"You really think so?" Nick bit his lip. For some reason, the thought that Justin liked his art meant a lot to him and he was happy to know that Justin loved his work.

"Hell ya. Let's work more on the video idea, though." Justin smiled.

===============================

On Friday, early in the morning, both Justin and Nick handed in their 'thank-you's' as well as the cover design for the single to Johnny, their manager. Then they proceeded to the set of their music video. They had spent the last two days drawing and coming up with a story plot for the video and they even went back into the studio to record a new extended version of the song so that it could be suitable for the video. Nick had fooled around a bit and make a rockish-remix to the song and taking Nick's cue, Justin made a hip-hop, R&B-ish remix. They were going to make two versions of the CD. The first version would be the limited one with all four songs [the original song, the video extended version, and both of their remixes], the video, and behind the scenes footage, bloopers, and interview with Nick and Justin. The second version will just have the songs and the video.

They spent all of Friday and the next three days shooting, editing, and perfecting the video to their satisfaction. Managing to keep all of this on low-key because they wanted to surprise everyone. They couldn't wait.

===============================

The week after was spent with Nick and Justin in the graphic designs studio working on the cover design as well as the insert booklet. Nick had scanned his sketches into the program and had started experimenting with the colors and shadings while Justin sat behind him and watched everything unfold.

"Hey," Justin said getting an idea. "I just thought of something."

Nick stopped what he was doing and swirled around his chair to face Justin. "What's up?"

"You know how we like came up with a story line for our video?" Justin asked and continued speaking when Nick nodded his head. "Okay, so I was like thinking, why not, like, write a story in the insert. We could use the other pictures you drew to decorate the pages and it would be in our handwriting." Justin got up and started pacing in front of Nick. He was all excited and hyped up with his idea.

Nick watched as Justin waved his hands around in his excited state, pacing back and forth. He couldn't help but smile at how adorable Justin was acting.

Justin stopped pacing when Nick didn't respond to his question. Looking over at Nick he frowned. "Nick?"

Nick was lost in his own thoughts, thoughts that he wasn't aware off, but the sound of his name brought him out of it. "Huh?"

Justin ignored the way Nick looked like he was off in space somewhere. "We could like put snaps of us playing basket ball or working in the studio in it. What do you think of it?"

"Oh," Nick said as he slightly blushed. "Okay, sure. That sounds great."

Justin frowned. Tapping his foot and resting his hands on his hips he asked, "Do you even know to what you're saying sounds great?"

Nick stuttered. "Uh, pictures of us playing basket ball and us working in the studio," Nick said as he ran a hand through his hair.

"That's what I just told you, what did I say before that?" Justin questioned as he raised an eyebrow.

Nick tried to think of what Justin had been telling him but when he came up with nothing he sheepishly shrugged. "Sorry."

Sighing Justin sat back down in his seat. "If I can't hold your attention with the ideas I had then it was probably not a good one to begin with."

"No no, I'm sure they were great," Nick quickly assured Justin feeling bad for spacing out when Justin had been so eager to share his ideas with him. "Just tell me again, I promise I'll give you my honest opinion. I was just thinking about someo... something, that's all."

"Uh huh," Justin said. After a few minutes of silence he finally relented. "We should write like a story to go along with the lyrics and video. We could stick that in the insert along with the other pictures you drew."

Nick smiled. "That's an awesome idea, really. But what kinda story are we gonna write?"

"You sure you're not just saying that?" Justin questioned and smiled when Nick shook his head. "Okay, well, I don't know. Something. I'm sure if we put our heads together we'll come up with something."

"Huh," Nick said as he brought his head closer to Justin's and rested their temples together.

"What are you doing?" Justin questioned. He liked the close proximity and nearly melted at how wonderful Nick smelled.

"Putting our heads together. You getting any ideas?" Nick questioned. "'Cause I'm not."

Justin chuckled. "Funny," he said as he turned his head to look at Nick but froze just as Nick turned his head to look at him.

They were looking into each other's big wide blue eyes, neither sure about what was going on and why they weren't pulling away. Before either of them knew what was happening their eyes were closed and their lips slowly, tentatively touched as jolts of electricity shot down their spines. Quickly pulling away they ran their hands through their hair and looked at everything and anything that wasn't the other.

Justin couldn't believe he'd just kissed Nick while Nick couldn't believe he'd just kissed Justin. Though his mind was screaming at him that this was wrong his heart was telling him that it was right.

The both looked at the other and quickly looked away when their eyes connected. It was Nick who spoke first. "Well, we should get this cover design finished before we do any story or something."

Justin nodded his head eagerly as he leaned forward in his seat but keeping distance between himself and Nick and watched as Nick worked the graphics. Justin's heart and mind was racing. Why did Nick kiss him? Most importantly, why didn't Nick pull away when it was quite obvious they were going to kiss?

===============================

By the end of the month, everything was set. The video was done. The CD cover and insert was finished.

Jive had decided to go ahead and have 500,000 copies of the single, a minimum amount just in case, already made to be released to the public. They were hell bent that the single was doing to be a hit and in high demand.

All that was left was the debut of the video and song.

TRL.

"Hey Justin," Nick said as he opened the door and stepped aside so Justin could enter his room.

"I'm nervous," Justin replied walking in and pacing in front of Nick's bed.

Nick closed the door and walked back to his suitcase that was opened on his bed. "Me too," he said grabbing a black medium sized t-shirt and putting it over his black wifebeater.

Justin stopped pacing to look at Nick. "What if they don't like the song?" He questioned. "What if they start throwing tomatoes at us?"

Nick's right hand froze from where it was attaching his wrist watch to his left wrist. He was amused. "Tomatoes?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow. He'd never seen Justin this worked up and nervous. Usually he was confident and knew what he was doing. Nick wasn't used to this present Justin but he wasn't complaining. It was a nice change, for once.

"Yes, tomatoes," Justin nodded his head. "This is New York City, man... TRL! They can make us or break us, dwag!"

Nick finished putting his watch on and grabbed his wallet, attaching the chain to it and then attaching the other end of the chain to his pants before sticking it in his pocket. "Dude, we already made it," he said walking past Justin into the bathroom to fix his hair. "You're acting like this is our first visit to TRL, with out the guys!"

"I know it's not," Justin said, frowning as he wondered why Nick was so calm and collected about this.

"And it's not like this is your first time doing it alone," Nick continued.

Justin walked to the doorway of the bathroom desperately trying hard not to lock the door and do naughty things with Nick in the shower. "Okay, what the hell are you on?" He questioned as he paused for a second. "And may I have some too?"

Nick finished styling his hair in spikes and washed his hands before drying them on the hand towel. "I'm not on anything, J," he said looking at Justin in the doorway. "I just don't see why I have to get worked up..." He trailed off. The truth was that Nick had already gotten worked up. So worked up that after his breakfast he'd rushed into the bathroom and threw up everything in his stomach. He then went back to sleep only to wake up at noon to have some lunch but again he ended up flushing it all out down the toilet... and that had been about ten minutes before Justin showed up. "Again."

Justin wrinkled his forehead in confusion. "Again?" He questioned. "You mean to tell me that you got worked up before?"

Nick nodded his head and indicated for Justin to move over so that he could walk pass him and into the bedroom.

"What the hell does that mean? Worked up?" Justin questioned following Nick.

"It means," Nick said sitting on the bed and pulling his socks on. "It means that I'm sick of getting worked up... the food doesn't want to stay in my stomach... so I gave up on that as well as thinking about what we'll be doing in an hour."

"Oh," Justin said, catching on to what Nick was saying. "I see."

===============================

*Loud screaming and clapping continues*

"...And that was the ever so lovely Britney Spears coming in at number eight with 'Toxic,'" Carson semi-yelled into his microphone, his other hand holding his ear piece in his ear as he read the cue cards. "We have a special surprise for you right after this short break, so stay tuned."

**And we're off** the camera man said signaling Carson as all the clapping and screaming died down.

"What's this surprise I'm hearing about?" Carson questioned, frowning as he walked over to the show's manager.

"I have no clue," Sheila replied looking down at her clipboard. "All I know is that this guy from some record company had called and told me to leave room for a new video premiere and two special guests. He even told me what to write on the cue cards for you to read off of." She shrugged as she put her headpiece back on.

"Well," Carson said with a sigh as one of the make-up girls came over and touched a bit more of the powder on his face. "Are these 'special guests' here?"

"They might be," Sheila said nodding over at the guarded guest stars wardrobe room. "Just a few minutes ago a bunch of these dude came in... they were hiding and covering two people with black coats or whatever... No one knows what's going on but I was assured it was something really good!"

Carson looked over at the door and noted the two big strong muscled black men standing guard at the door. "I swear," he said shaking his head. "These celebrities are all full of it!"

"Whatever, I don't really care," Sheila said adjusting her head piece. "As long as we are getting ratings I don't give a damn if it is Christina Aguilera and Eminem in that room! Get back out there... you're on in twenty!"

===============================

"I think I'm gonna puke," Justin said pacing as his make-up artist was having a tough time applying the makeup to his face.

Nick rolled his eyes. "Well, it'll be better if you do it now and not while we're on TV," he said with a small smile and then sneezed when some of the powder got in his nose. "Yeeeuck," he said moving his head away from the brush that was coming at his face. "I don't want anymore makeup!" He then got up and away from the guy who was fussing at him. "Seriously, no!"

A few minutes later their make-up artist and other people that were fussing over them had cleared the room and sent back to the hotel, no longer of need to them.

"Nick," Justin whined. "I'm serious. I think I'm gonna puke."

"What the hell you want me to do about it?" Nick questioned, fixing his jeans.

"I don't know," Justin pouted. He just wanted some love and comfort.

Just then there was a knock at the door as Lonnie, one of the bodyguards stuck his head inside. "You guys are on in thirty seconds."

"Thirty, thirty, th...thirt.... thirty," Justin stuttered with his eyes wide.

"Are you always like this?" Nick questioned walking over to Justin and grabbing his arms, making him face him. "Justin, look at me!"

Justin shut up as he gulped and did what Nick asked him to do. He looked at Nick.

"Breathe with me now," Nick said as he took in a deep breath. "In..." he let it out slowly. "And out..." He did it again and smiled as Justin followed along. "Good. Now come on you're out there first!" He turned Justin around and opened the door before gently pushing him out.

===============================

*Loud screaming and clapping begins before it slowly dies down*

"And we're back," Carson smiled brightly into the microphone. "And it's crazy in this place. Okay, now I know a lot of you are wondering what this surprise is all about," He said looking around the room at all the nodding heads. "Well, so I am, actually. But anyways, I'm dying to know as I am sure that you all are as well. And without further ado I give you... our guest number one." He raised his arm towards the curtains by the far back waiting for the guest to come out.

*Screaming and clapping starts up almost to deafening levels*

Justin was literally nudged through the curtains by his body guards and he ducked his head when the screaming got really loud. He was now all game. No more nauseating feelings. He'd done this before. No big deal! "Hey Carson," he shouted into his microphone shaking the older man's hand. "How you doing?"

Carson stood there, surprised for a few moments before shaking his head and smiling. "Wow," he yelled into his microphone. "This certainly is a surprise. Justin Timberlake, everyone!" He looked into the camera as he put his other hand over Justin's shoulder.

Justin smiled as he looked at the audience who were still screaming and clapping their hands. "This is crazy yo," he said shaking his head.

"Why don't you introduce everyone to the number seven song, yeah?" Carson questioned.

"Okay," Justin said as he looked at the cue card. "Here's your next requested song," he read. "She's beautiful, she's funny, and she was the first American Idol. Here's Kelly Clarkson at the number eight spot with 'Breakaway,'" he finished, clapping his hands.

"So Justin," Carson whispered in Justin's ear. "What the hell is all this surprise stuff about?"

Justin smirked as he shrugged his shoulders. "You'll see," he said as his body guards headed over. "We're gonna take over TRL for today... sit back and relax, okay?" Then Carson was escorted off the main area and over to the backstage area.

"Shhhh," Justin said as he made the hand notion for everyone in the audience to quiet down. "Alright and now we're back," he spoke into the mic, relieved that he didn't have to yell over the noise to be heard. "Today is a very special day with a very big surprise for everyone."

*What's the surprise?* Someone from the audience yelled out.

*You gotta kid?* Another person questioned.

*You and Britney back together?*

*N'sync's back!?*

Justin shook his head for each one of those questions. "Nope," he said smiling big. "Ya'll are gonna have to wait until after the number one video is played. "Number six was Linkin Park ft. Jay-Z with 'Numb Encore' and coming in at number five is Eminem with 'Just Lose It!'"

===============================

Nick took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. He'd heard the audience's reaction to Justin appearing. And now he was nervous. He didn't know how he would be welcomed. Maybe he should start worrying about having tomatoes thrown at him?

He paced the floor for a few moments trying to get his nerves to calm down. He had less than a minute before he would have to go out there and do the skit they practiced with Jive.

He could now hear the screaming and that could only mean one thing. They just finished showing the video and it was time.

Walking over to the door he opened it and smiled weakly at the body guards before slowly making his way towards the curtains, waiting for his cue from Justin.

"...And that was number five," Justin said.

Nick took in a deep breath and ran out through the curtains and into the room where Justin was.

"Hi, I'm Justin Timerberoooofff!" Justin was cut off by Nick jumping on his back.

*The crowd is in a screaming hysteria!*

Nick laughed as he got off of Justin and waved at the camera. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said looking at the crowd. "You heard it from his own mouth... he ain't no 'lake'... he's a 'roof'!"

"Damn it Nick," Justin said playing along as he shoved him playfully. He frowned when Nick didn't budge. He then took in a deep breath and put all his weight in to moving Nick.

Nick took a step to the right, looking bored as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Hi, I'm Nick Carter," he spoke very loudly into the microphone so that he could be heard. "And you might be wondering just what I'm doing here with," he paused to look down at Justin who was still trying to come up to ways to move him. "Timberweak." He stopped to grin at the camera.

"You know," Justin grunted giving Nick one last push but to no avail. "You CAN cut down on some Mickey D's." He sighed as he shook his head and ran his hand over his buzzed head, looking at the camera. Tired.

"Whatever," Nick said rolling his eyes and reached his hand out and gently pushed Justin, who in turn ended up moving a few feet away. Nick laughed. "Maybe you should take up some Mickey D's!"

"You diet, I eat, how's that?" Justin questioned, walking back next to Nick, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. That was not scripted but Justin just wanted to be close to him.

Nick put his arm around Justin's shoulder. He then went about introducing the number four song.

A few minutes later Nick smiled into the camera. "And we're back," he yelled over the screams. "Do you hate me?" Nick questioned with a serious expression on his face as he looked at Justin.

Justin raised his eyebrow as he shook his head. "Of course not," he said. "Do YOU hate me?"

"Hmmm," Nick paused.

Justin sneered.

Nick chuckled.

*The crowd screamed*

"Nope," Nick finally replied. "Like I have a choice!" He winked.

"Jerk," Justin said, smacking Nick's chest.

"Awww, but you love me!" Nick stated.

"I never said that!"

"You implied it when you said you didn't hate me!"

"It could imply many things but love isn't one of them," Justin paused. "Think about it... it could mean that I don't like you... that I despise you... that I would personally mutilate you and kill you... that I would rath-"

"Okay, okay. I get the picture... geez! You joke around with the guy and he goes into graphic detail of how he'd rather see you dead!"

*Nick, I love you!*

*Justin, I love you!*

*I'll be the mother of your kids!*

"I think she's talking to you," Nick said to Justin.

Justin shook his head.

*Nick, can we have sex on the beach?*

"Now, that's for you," Justin said to Nick.

*Kiss him*

"Who me? Him?" Nick and Justin pointed at themselves and then at the other before looking at each other. Then they took a step in the other direction and pulled away from each other.

"Okay, folks. We're on a tight schedule here and instead of playing the rest of the top requested videos we're gonna read it out."

"Number three, 50 Cent. Number two, Christina Aguilera. And Number one Nelly," Nick said.

"And now for the surprise," Justin said, grinning.

"Everyone sit back and relax," Nick continued.

"And enjoy the song," Justin added.

"And the video, 'I'm Never Gonna Leave Your Side.'" Nick and Justin step off the main stage and let the camera zoom in on the TV monitor.

===============================

'Well, what ya'll think?" Justin questioned once the video finished.

*Dead Silence*

"I think we killed them," Nick said with wide eyes.

"Really?"

"Dwag, we're gonna be arrested for killing people by making them watch our video."

"Are you guys really dead?"

"Hello."

"I think they're in shock!"

"Well unshock them!"

"Okay, you asked for it."

"Asked for wh-ammmppphfffffff"

Justin had grabbed Nick's waist and bent him backwards before planting a big kiss on his mouth.

*Loud screams, whistles, and clapping.*

Justin pulls back and grins at the audience. "Oh, NOW ya'll are alive. I see how it is." Forgetting that he was holding Nick he lets go so he could speak in the microphone properly.

**THUD!**

Justin looks down on the floor and realized that he had just dropped Nick.

Nick looks up at Justin, lips closed, eyes wide... he's in shock.

"Oh, now what?" Justin questioned. Sure, the kissing part was NOT part of the script but every actor took up artistic silence, right? Right? "Now, they're alive and you're in shock?"

"Why the hell did you do THAT for!?"

"You TOLD me to un-shock them!"

"Yes, but I didn't mean to KISS ME!"

Justin rolled his eyes.

Nick pushed himself up off the floor and dusted the seat of his pants, looking at Justin like he'd lost his mind. Sure, they've kissed that one time in the studio and sure Nick didn't mind to kiss Justin at all...BUT in front of people, on live television, which no doubt will be played over and over again for those who missed it. It was going to another Britney/Madonna/Christina VMA's kissing thing all over again except it was now Nick and Justin on TRL!

"Well, it worked, didn't it!"

Nick looked around the audience who were still screaming, standing up and applauding. "Whatever!"

"Awe, look at his face... he's soooo red!"

"Shut UP, Justin!"

"I don't get it," Justin said with a thoughtful look on his face. "You don't have a problem with kissing Howie or anyone of your guys... but you gotta problem with kissing me?"

Nick continued to look at Justin like he was from another planet. "I DON'T kiss them on the LIPS!"

"Lips, cheek, forehead," Justin waved his hand around. "Same thing."

"I'm not talking to you," Nick said as he looked away from Justin and then stepped as far away from him as he could and still be on the stage. "And you guys say the Backstreet Boys are gay," he muttered under his breath before putting a big smile on his face as he looked directly into the camera. "And thank you for joining us today on TRL."

Justin smiled as he walked closer to Nick.

Nick walked around Justin to the other side.

"Hope you all enjoyed the song and video," Justin said following Nick.

"Stop following me," Nick whined.

"I'm not following you. You just happen to be walking the same path that I wanna walk down on."

"Humph!" Nick abruptly stopped and crossed his arms.

Justin walked right into Nick and fell to the floor on his butt. "Hey!"

Nick turned around and looked down on the floor. He started laughing.

"You did that on purpose!"

"I did NOT!" Nick continued to laugh.

Justin narrowed his eyes as he got up off the floor and pounced on Nick. Tickling him!

"Get off of me you MONKEY!" Nick yelled spinning around in circles trying to get Justin off of him.

*The crowd laughed*

"Um," Carson said as he carefully walked to the stage, making sure to stay clear Nick and Justin. "Talk about boyband rivalry... those two seem to be more like brothers than anything else, don't you folks think so?"

*The crowd screamed in confirmation*

"And that was for today. We had Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys and Justin Timberlake of N'sync drop by unannounced today to debut their video 'I'm Never Gonna Leave Your Side,' I'm sure it will be number one by tomorrow!" Carson shook his head as he moved out of the way of Nick and Justin. "See you tomorrow everyone!"

===============================

"He kissed you," Brian said point blank as soon as Nick opened the door for him.

"Huh?" Nick questioned, still half asleep.

"He kissed you!" Brian repeated as he pushed his way past Nick into the hotel room.

"Brian, no," Nick quickly said grabbing his arm to keep him from going any further into the room and seeing things that his heart wouldn't be able to handle.

"What?" Brian questioned, jerking his arm from Nick's hold and continuing into the room. "He kissed you on national television. Please tell me that was scripted!" He turned around and looked at Nick.

Nick stood nervously by the entrance, shifting from foot to foot, biting his lower lip nervously. "Um, okay."

Brian's eyes widened for the first time noticing the bite marks and hickeys on Nick's shoulders and neck. "What the..." He then turned around and looked on the bed. He fainted.

"Shit," Nick said running his hand through his hair.

"Hey Nick," Kevin said walking into the room behind Nick. "Is Brian in h...Justin?" His eyes went wide as he looked on the bed.

"No," Justin said yawning as he sat up in bed, the sheets falling down around his waist. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he was naked under there. "Brian's not in me, he's on the floor. But Nick was in me." He grinned.

Nick blushed bright red.

Kevin looked from Justin to Brian to Nick and then back again. "I'm getting too old for surprises! First kissing him on TV and now THIS!"

"Hey what's everyone doing in here?" Howie questioned walking into the room and peering over Kevin's shoulders only to frown. "I can't see what you guys are looking at!" He then looked between Kevin's arm at the bed. "Oh."

Justin smiled and waved at the guys.

"Okay, show's over," Nick said with sigh. "Everyone out!"

"What show?" AJ questioned bouncing into the room. "How come I wasn't told about any show going on in your room?" He dodged Nick's hands that were trying to get him to turn back around. "What's going o- for crying out loud!" He spun on his heels as soon as he took in the sight on the bed. "NICK!"

Nick's shoulders slumped as his head dropped down. "Yes?"

"Justin's in your bed," AJ exclaimed. "And he's only wearing your sheets... he's naked under there!" He lowered his sun glasses and looked behind to make sure that it was indeed what he saw. He looked back at Nick and gasped. "Why the hell do you look like you've got a serious disease?" He walked towards Nick only to trip over something on the floor. "What the fuck?"

Nick reached out to grab a hold of AJ so that he wouldn't fall and squish Brian on the floor. "He fainted."

"I don't blame him," AJ retorted as he straightened himself up.

"Okay, everybody out," Nick said as he bend down and picked Brian up, handing him over to Kevin to drag out. "Out, out, out!" He grabbed everyone and started to push them out the door and once they were all out he slammed the door shut and put on all the locks. "Phew!"

"That went well," Justin said patting the empty bed beside him.

"If you say so," Nick said shrugging out of his boxers and climbing into bed.

"What are you doing all the way over there?"

"Trying not to freak out."

"Why would you be freaking out?"

"I just slept with a guy who I thought hated my existence for the past couple of years."

"I never hated you. I just had to play up with all the rumors and shit."

"Hmmm."

"We should do a whole album."

"Why?"

"If this is what happens after we premiere a video and song imagine what we would do if we actually did a whole album and release it?"

Nick grinned. "We can pretend we just got back from the album release party."

"And try out the different scenarios of what all we'll do?"

"Uh huh," Nick nodded his head.

"I like the way you think Carter."

"I'm glad."

"So, when we starting?"

"Just as soon as you shut up."

Justin yelped and chuckled as Nick attacked his neck.