AN: Wow, after a LONG break due to writers block, moving, and an unstable internet connection I finally managed to update this story. Look for two more chapters and then that's it! Enjoy the craziness while it lasts... LOL On a more relevant note, this chapter deals with the Evil Pekinese of Death which has been alluded to in previous chapters. The exact incident between Joey and the dog was never explained. Be creative. I'm sure you'll think of something. :) ********************* Nightmare of a Lifetime: Chapter Twenty- Six ******************* “So, umm, did you really have to get *NSYNC arrested?” Nicole Perry looked up at a nonchalant Johnny Wright with a large grin and a wink that showed off her brightly dark eyes. “PR riding your ass about it?” she asked with mild sympathy. The older man groaned and nodded miserably. “Yes… you’d think they murdered someone or something.” “Well Malcom already gave me the lawsuit lecture so, you can skip that one.” Johnny Wright’s lips twitched with the beginnings of a small smile. “Did he spell it out for you?” She nodded vigorously, “Yup, twice even, literally, L-A-W-S-U-I-T… That was one very unhappy man.” “Unhappy until he gets the ratings back for this week’s episode, right?” Nicole laughed and had never liked *NSYNC’s manager more, “Exactly.” ****************************************************************************************** “What a good puppy, give your mummy a kiss…” “And I was worried about you destroying the dog’s life.” Nicole looked up and grinned cheekily as she cuddled her very own newly bought Pekinese. “Doesn’t Uncle Bill sound cranky? He’s such a sour puss. Cantankerous old ass. Should we send him a Christmas card?” “Are you seriously going to drag that animal on tour with us?” She paused and made the dog wave at the disgusted cameraman. “Hello Mr. Sour Puss. We’re only on tour for another week. Just one more. Then no more *NSYNC and no more cameras and we can go back to normal.” Bill rolled his eyes. “Nicole, you’re never normal.” She growled convincingly. “My name is Perry, NOT Nicole.” He grinned. “Point proven.” ****************************************************************************************** It was probably for the best that Joey was the last to notice the addition of his arch nemesis to the tour. Everyone else had pretty much accepted the presence of the canine to their traveling circus. The band and crew endured Nicole’s newest obsession with amused indulgence. JC adored Mr. Buttons, maybe more than Perry did. Or maybe he just loved having someone who patiently endured having their nails painted pastel pink. “What a good doggy woggy…” Josh cooed as the Pekinese sat with resigned dignity on the floor of the hotel room. JC was sprawled out, happily humming as he worked with careful precision. “This should really disturb me on Sir William Ellington the Fourth ‘s behalf but, I’m just glad it isn’t me.” “You’re getting a mud mask treatment after I finish this…” “Jayce!” Nicole whined crossly from the sofa. “You’re pores are a mess. If you didn’t wear so much make up and remembered to moisturize correctly…” “Moisturize my ass,” she snapped and self consciously rubbed the bridge of her nose. He arched one brow slowly. “I didn’t mean that!” Perry hastened to amend. Josh grinned slowly. “Dammit.” He laughed. “I liked you better when you were shy in front of the stupid camera.” Bill snorted from the bed and flipped Nicole off lazily as he filmed. “I’ve totally screwed you both up. You’re unfit for society…” JC smiled serenely. “And it’s all thanks to you.” They all looked up as the door snapped open and a somewhat disheveled Joey appeared in the doorway. “Hay J, can I borrow that hair crap you use to get the curls? Gigi, that girl I was telling you about, she digs curls… Whoa, dog, whoa, what the hell? That’s, that’s… That’s the Evil Pekinese of Death! I know that dog.” Mr. Buttons regarded his arch nemesis with a placidly level brown eyed stare. Joey stared back in shocked silence. “Umm, Joey, did I mention I got a dog?” Joey spluttered. “You got the Evil Pekinese of Death! You promise that you’d finish him…” Nicole shrugged and flipped nonchalantly through a magazine. “I did. No more doggy shows for him. Mr. Buttons has more fun on tour anyway.” Joey’s jaw worked. JC finished the front paws and moved to the back. “But… but… I won’t allow it! I won’t share my living space with, that, that, fiend!” “Joey, Mr. Buttons has been here for three days.” “Has not!” “He has too. If you hadn’t been so busy boning Gigi you might have noticed. As it is, everyone likes the dog better than they like you so you can deal with it for the last four days we’re on tour.” Bill snickered. Mr. Buttons yawned. “So,” Joey said slowly, “what you’re basically saying is ‘kiss my tattooed ass’?” She grinned hugely. “More or less.” Joey flipped them all off and left in a huff. There was a beat of silence. “If you all say anything…” Perry cautioned. “That’s three unfit members of society, thank to our esteemed host,” Bill cackled, amused. “You suck.” “You wish.” Nicole’s eyes widened. “That’s it! I’m leaving, if I wanted this kind of abuse I could have just stayed with Ozz Fest. Jack asses…” Mr. Buttons wagged his tail.