10,000 Kisses
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by: Suzanne
copyright: 1998-99
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10,000 Kisses Chapter 60

Suz went back to the table and sat down.

Rachel ran over to her, "Are you ok?"

Before she had a chance to respond, Kevin walked up to Suz and engulfed her in a hug. He started to feel her shake against him. "Oh baby, don't cry," Kevin said.

Suz pulled away, "I'm not crying."

Kevin looked at her as she started to laugh hysterically, "Did you see that guy's face when I yelled at him?"

"Oh god, I thought he was going to shit his pants," Brian said as he grabbed onto the table to keep from falling because he was laughing so hard.

Suddenly, Suz became very quiet.

"Baby, what's wrong now?" Kevin said as he saw tears well up in her eyes. He thought that what had happened to her was finally hitting her until she spoke.

"What did you say?" Kevin asked because he couldn't hear her.

"Everyone's going to know," Suz whispered.

"Huh?"

"Kevin, she means that it is going to be in all the papers tomorrow," Val said laying a hand on his shoulder.

"Oh," Kevin said looking at Suz blankly.

"They are gonna know about us, Kev," Suz said looking up at him, "Oh shit, they're going to hate you now."

Suz started to hysterically cry gasping for some much needed air.

"Come on, lets get you out of here," Kevin said pulling Suz up and cradling her in his arms.

Brian ran to all the gang telling them that him and Joy were leaving with Kevin and Suz.

As Suz walked through the club, everyone started to clap and cheer again.

"Kevin?" a tall, slender, blonde woman said coming up to him.

Kevin narrowed his eyes slightly, "Yes?"

The woman glanced over at Suz quickly.

"You've found yourself quite a woman. Don't ever let her go," the woman said letting the couple pass her.

"Thank you," Kevin whispered appreciatively.

"Oh," the woman shouted as they walked away.

'Here comes the remark' Kevin thought to himself.

"Congratulations on your baby," she said smiling then walked away.

Suz and Kevin stepped out into the night air.

10,000 Kisses Chapter 61

Suz groaned as she stretched leisurely. Her whole body ached slightly from the rigorious dancing she did all night with Kevin. Or was it the sex, either at the club or when they got home? She smiled as she could feel the heat from Kevin's body, which was spooned against hers, radiate from him. She listened to him talk inaudibly in his sleep. It was so cute how he talked in his sleep.

She continued to lay there letting her mind wonder about the wonderful and terrific year that was ahead. She knew that the Boys' new cd had probably went platinum several times over. She knew they were each secretly hoping it would beat Garth Brooks' 1.09 million sales mark from November 1998. She had no doubt that they would reach that mark by the end of the week. Suz was even more excited that this week they were going to MTV for some CD promoting. Carson had invited them on Total Request Live and MTV had asked them to do a 2 hour Backstreet special.

But Suz quickly frowned as she thought of last night's incident. She hoped that she didn't put the Boys' image in danger. She wanted people to like her...but most especially she wanted the fans to still love Kevin. And after last night, she didn't know if that was possible. It was useless to try to stop her tears of frustration and fear. She tried to compose herself before she woke Kevin up from her sobbing but she wasn't quick enough.

"Baby?" Kevin murmured as he stretched quickly and hugged Suz to him softly.

"Morning," she replied huskily.

"Oh, baby," Kev said turning Suz over to face him. He gently brushed the wisps of hair out of her eyes. His eyes searched her face as his hand traveled down to rest on her stomach.

Suz tried to smile underneath her tears but ended up giving a straggled laugh.

"Don't tell me that what happened last night still bothers you?" Kevin said, "Honey, don't listen to what that guy said to us. You are beautiful to me, even more so since you are carrying our child."

Suzanne sniffled as Kevin handed her a tissue, "I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about you and the guys."

"Suz, I told you..." Kevin started but was jolted by Suz as she jumped out of bed and raced to the bathroom slamming the door.

"Oh shit," he whispered as he slowly got up to approach the door. He tried the doorknob finding it unlocked. Slowly, he swung it open surprised to see her retching in the toilet.

"Oh honey," Kevin said bending down to her side, "Morning sickness?"

Suz slowly nodded as she closed her eyes.

"Are you finished?" he said gently cradling her.

"Yes"

Swiftly, he picked her up and took her back to bed. He carefully laid her down watching as she sighed deeply and snuggled into the bed. She opened her eyes to find him watching her and laughed, "I'm not going to break, darling. This is normal with pregnancy."

"I know. You just made me nervous when you bolted like that"

"Well, the feeling of nausea came on so quickly that I couldn't think"

"Oh, ok"

"But now I'm starving. Can we go down and get something? What time is it?" Suz asked.

"You're starving? After throwing up?" Kevin said with a bewildered look, "And it is almost noon."

"NOON? Damn, guess we could have lunch," Suz said getting up, "I want a turkey and cheese sandwich. Oh, and some pickles! And potato chips."

She got up to dress herself. Kevin stood there still stunned.

"You coming?" Suz said walking out of the room.

"Uh, yeah," he said running to get dressed.

"OH, and hotdogs, I want hotdogs, burnt. And macaroni and cheese. Think Bri-Bri will make it for me?" Suz shouted as she went downstairs.

Kevin shook his head in amazement.

~In the Kitchen~

Suz was in the kitchen getting coffee ready for Kevin and soda for her when she heard the doorbell ring.

"Hey, guys," Suz said swinging the door open to greet them, "Where's Brian?"

"Hi Suz," they said coming inside the house, "He's out buying a paper. Lord only knows why?"

"Never knew he could read," Howie joked.

Suz laughed.

"Follow me. I'm just making something to eat," she said leading them to the kitchen.

"Where's Kevin?" Howie asked.

"Oh, getting dressed," Suz volunteered.

"You just got up?" Nick asked in disbelief.

"Uh, yeah," Suz said blushing slightly.

"Oh...OH!" Nick finally realized.

"EVERYONE!" B-Rok shouted walking into the house.

Brian walked into the kitchen holding the newspaper, "I think you should see this, Suz." Brian handed her the newspaper, "Where's Kevin?"

"Right here," Kevin said walking into the kitchen as he saw Suz take the paper from Brian. Her eyes slowly began to read the article but filled with tears leaving her unable to continue.

"Oh shit," Kevin murmured softly sitting down next to Suz and grabbing the newspaper.

'The worst has come true,' Kevin assumed.

10,000 Kisses Chapter 62

"What's the matter?" AJ asked Brian.

"Just wait," Brian whispered into AJ's ear, "It isn't bad."

AJ sighed with relief as he watched Kevin read the article.

"Read it out loud, Kev," Nick whined.

"Ok, ok," he said holding his hand up as he started:

'The Hollywood Scoop' by Lyndsay Connors

Hello, dear readers. It's that time again.....time for me to bring you the scoop on what's going down in the Hollywood scene. This week I bring exceptionally good news.

As you may or may not know, I make my rounds to all the New Year's Eve parties, and this year I found myself at the Pier69, which turned out to be a good decision on my part.

Howie held his breath as Kevin continued:

It looked to be an uneventful night until the Backstreet Boys, whose already-gone-platinum sophmore album was released New Years, showed up with entourage in tow.

"Our CD has gone platinum already?" AJ asked in disbelief.

"Wow," Kevin sighed as he looked up at his bandmates then continued on:

Kevin Richardson, the oldest Boy, brought along his new fiancee, Suzanne. The couple seemed very much in love, which works to Richardson's benefit, who you may remember was suffering from depression last year. After some much-needed help from bandmate Nick Carter, it appears our dear Kev is back in good spirits.

Kevin looked up at at Nick as his eyes started to tear.

"Don't say anything," Nick said holding his hand up, "Having you here is thanks enough."

Smiling gratefully, Kevin tried to continue but couldn't as he was all choked up. So, Howie grabbed the paper from him reading on:

But back to the story at hand..... One of the many smashed clubgoers decided to make a comment about Kevin and Suzanne after seeing their energetic (and dare I say, somewhat sexual) dancing on the floor. Saying something to the effect that Kevin must be desperate to go out with a large woman, he made it clear that he did not approve. Angered, Richardson lunged for the drunk, but was held back by friends. However, it wasn't over then. Suzanne preceded to give the guy one of the best bitching outs this writer has witnessed, and believe me, I've seen quite a few.

"She's right, you know," AJ said looking at Suz, "I don't think that guy knew what hit him."

Brian laughed as he recalled the evening before, "AJ's right, Suz. You're one tough lady."

"Thank you," Suz said as she took the paper from Howie and continued on:

Afterwards, it was evident why exactly Kevin cares for her so much. (Might I add that the not-so-smart man who made the rude remark DID get his - a friend of the couple decked him later.)

"Who know Jon had it in him?" Kevin mumbled as they all laughed.

"I know," Nick added, "I would have never thought!"

"Well, he also know he had the least to lose punching that guy," Brian pointed out, referring to Jordan, Donnie, and Joe's entertainment careers.

"Suz, go on," Howie probed.

In conclusion, I would like to say "Bravo" to Kevin and Suzanne. They defy the stereotypical rock star-dates-model relationship Hollywood has grown so accustomed to. I wish them all the best and am sure we'll see them together a long time from now.

Suz looked at Kevin as she finished reading that line and smiled.

"And you were worried," Kevin said hugging her.

"You were too," Suz said playfully.

"Yeah, but I was worried about you. What it would do to you...not me or the rest of the guys," Kevin said as he kissed her.

"I love you," Suz said leaning her forehead on his.

"I know you do. I love you too," Kevin said as they kissed again.

"Oh gross!" Nick said gagging as the couple kissed.

"You're just mad that you don't have anyone," Brian joked.

"Hey, wait," AJ said, "There's hope for Nintendo Boy over there. Listen to this. It is the end of the article."

On a side note - it seems all the BSB are taken except for AJ and Nick. So hurry up, ladies. Now's your chance. Although lay off of Mr. Carter, I've got my eye on him. Until next time.....

"OOOOOhhhhhhhhh...Someone likes Nick!" Howie teased.

Nic blushed.

"Hey, Kevin, did you see who this reporter is?" AJ asked as he handed the paper to him.

Kevin looked at the picture next to the byline that read Lyndsay Connors.

"Oh god," Kevin said.

"What?" Suz asked leaning over his shoulder, "Oh my!"

"What?" Brian said.

"It is that girl from last night that approached us as we left," Suz explained.

"We thought she was going to come up and say something mean, but instead she congratulated me and Suz," Kevin said.

"Oh my," Suz said again as she thought of something.

"What, honey? You feeling nauseous again?" Kevin asked.

"No..no...I just realized. She knows about the pregnancy"

"Yeah?"

"And she didn't say anything about it. She had that knowledge and choose not to use it in the article," Suz said gratefully.

"Finally, a reporter that understands the meaning of privacy," Howie said sighing.

"You learn something new every day, don't you?" AJ added, "I never knew one existed till now."

"I think I'm going to go thank her some day," Suz said, "But for right now, I'm fucking starving."

She watched as all 5 guys scrambled, bumping into each other, trying to get her something to eat.

'I can certainly get used to this,' Suz thought.

10,000 Kisses Chapter 63

~End of January~

"So, Kevin, what are we doing for Nick's birthday?" Suz asked.

"And AJ's too," Howie added.

"I say we throw them a surprise party," Suz finally said.

"Huh?" Kevin looked at her in disbelief.

"A surprise party?" Howie said.

"Suz, you do know AJ was 21 last year that Nick isn't 21 yet," Brian continued.

"So why would we give them a surprise party?" Donnie finished.

"Uh, to be different?" Suz said with a hurt look on her face.

"I think we hurt her feelings," Howie whispered to Brian.

"Well, she is pregnant," Brian offered. Kevin shot him a look as he turned back to Suz catching her wince slightly.

"Suz? Are you ok?" Kevin asked as he pushed her hair back from her face.

She smiled slightly, "I'm fine. Just feeling a bit uncomfortable."

"Your stomach?" Donnie said.

Suz nodded yes.

"I'm sorry," Donnie said.

"Don't be because I'm not," Suz said laying her hand on her stomach, "Now back to the party, I just thought a surprise party on a year that they weren't expecting it would be fun."

"Suz is right," Howie said after thinking, "They wouldn't know a thing!"

"Alright, lets do it!" Brian said clapping his hands together, "Who's going to hire the exotic dancers?"

Suz shot him a look.

"Oops, sorry," Brian said looking down but trying not to laugh.

"Hey, I've got something better," Suz said.

"Really?" They all asked.

"Well, you know how Nick drooled all over Lyndsay's picture in the newspaper? How about if I invite her?" Suz said.

"Oh man, Nick would die!!!! You gotta invite her," Kevin said laughing.

"Wait until you see the stunned look on his face!" Howie laughed.

"Ok, you guys plan the party, I'll worry about Lyndsay, ok?" Suz said.

"What about AJ?" Donnie shouted as she left to go to her room.

"Figure something out for him," Suz said laughing.

~The Next Day~ ~Orlando Inquirer~

"Hi," Suz said walking up to the receptionist, "I'm looking for a Lyndsay Connors."

"Do you have an appointment with her?" the receptionist, Eileen, asked pleasantly.

"Uh, no, actually, my name is Suzanne and I was hoping that she'd talk to me. She did an article on my fiancee and I about a month ago and I wanted to talk to her, if I may," Suz said.

"Your fiancee?" Eileen asked cautiously.

"Yes, Kevin Richardson," Suz added to clarify more.

"OH! I knew you looked familiar, Suzanne. My name is Eileen," Eileen said holding her hand out, "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Suzanne said smiling.

"Let me call Ms Connors. I'm sure that she will see you," Eileen said as she buzzed Lyndsay office announcing that she had a visitor out here.

"I'll be right out," Lyndsay said to Eileen.

Suz went to wait, sitting on a chair, until she saw Lyndsay walk in the lobby.

"Eileen?" Lyndsay said.

"Over there," Eileen pointed as Suz got up approaching Lyndsay.

"Oh my god," Lyndsay said.

"Hello, Ms Connors, it is a wonderful pleasure to meet you," Suz said holding her hand out.

"The name is Lyndsay," Lyndsay said ignoring Suz's hand and hugging her.

Suz was a little startled at first but then hugged her back, "Thank you."

"For what?" Lyndsay said pulling back and looking at Suz.

"For that wonderful article...for not mentioning the pregnancy," Suz said.

"Come on," Lyndsay said pulling Suz to her office.

Soon, they were settled inside on the creme colored leather couch and chatting away like old friends. Suz told Lyndsay about how she met Kevin and the guys trusting Lyndsay with everything she was telling her.

10,000 Kisses Chapter 64

"Oh, Suz," Lyndsay said, "Your story sounds like a fairy tale!"

Suz raised her eyebrow, "Far from it."

She proceeded to inform Lyndsay about her medical condition and that miracle that she was going to have a baby.

"Oh, Suz," Lyndsay said again, "you and Kevin have been through alot, haven't you?"

"More then anyone has ever know," Suz said. "You know the funny thing?" she continued, "I sort of used to think that the guys, before I know them personally, and only as the Backstreet Boys, could never have problems as bad as mine in their lives. But after learning about Kevin's depression and just how severe it was, I realize that we are all the same."

"Indeed we are," Lyndsay said getting a pained look on her face but it passed quickly.

"Anyways, I can't thank you enough for that wonderful article. The reception of me since that article has been amazing," Suz said, "Though there have been the fair share of not so nice articles about me. But for the most part, everyone has been wonderful."

"Suz, I've NEVER seen a woman stand up to a man as well as you did," Lyndsay said, "I really thought Kevin was going to beat the shit out of him until the guys grabbed him back. I think you even surprised Kevin on how passionate you were."

"I don't know what came over me," Suz giggled, "I felt so free...so amazing...and that guy picked the wrong time to mess with me. Usually, I DO NOT confront people like that!"

Lyndsay was ready to comment when Suz's cell phone rang.

"Shh," Suz said holding her finger up to Lyndsay.

"Hello?" Suz said into the phone.

"Whoa, whoa, Aaron...slow down, honey, I can't understand you!" Suz said laughing.

"When are you going to be home? I bought something for the baby," Aaron said, "And I want to give it to you!"

Suz could hear Nick in the background asking for the phone, "Aaron, I told you not to call her. Did you call her?"

"I only wanted to tell Aunt Suz something," Aaron said whining.

'Aunt Suz?' Suz thought as tears filled her eyes. She never knew 2 little words like that could mean so much to her.

"Hello, Suz?" Nick said into the phone.

"Hi Nick," Suz said looking up at Lyndsay and seeing her eyes light up at the mention of Nick's name.

"Hey, I'm sorry about that. I told him not to call you," Nick said apologetically.

"No harm done," Suz said, "Just tell Aaron I'll be home soon. And if you happen to see Kevin, tell him too...oh, and that I love him."

"Will do. See ya later," Nick said hanging up the phone.

Suz looked up at Lyndsay. She almost started laughing at the goofy look on Lyndsay's face. She had it BAD!!!!!

"Spill it, girl!" Suz said.

"Spill what?" Lyndsay said innocently.

"Nick!"

She watched as Lyndsay blushed, "Oh man, you have got it bad for the man!"

"I do not!!!!" Lyndsay said.

"Actually, Nick is the main reason I'm here, besides to thank you."

"He is?"

"Yep, we are having a joint birthday party for Nick and AJ and we all wanted to invite you."

"Does Nick know?"

"No, the party is a surprise," Suz said.

"A surprise?"

"Yeah, we figured it would really surprise them since they REALLY wouldn't be expecting one this year!"

"Good idea"

"So, will you come to the party?"

Lyndsay hesitated. She didn't want Nick or Suz to think she was after Nick because of him being a Backstreet Boy. She had had too many celebrities think things like that of her.

"Lynds," Suz said softly looking over at her, "Don't worry. He likes you too."

"How do you know?"

"Well, besides that fact that he cut your picture out from the paper, he constantly wants to go back to Pier69 to see if you are there," Suz said.

"Really?"

"Yes, really...now come to this party!"

"Ok, ok, I'll come," Lyndsay said.

"And Lyndsay?" Suz said noting her slight hesitation, "He's not going to hurt you, ever."

Lyndsay smiled gently.

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