Skylar: [Corey's note: I don't know if Brian surfs or not, but for the sake of the story he does.]
It's 4:07 a.m. and I cannot sleep. In fact, I am just about as wide awake as I could possibly be. I just keep remembering what has happened between Brian and I. Are we headed towards a 'more-than-friends' relationship, or is that all a nice delusion of mine? Sometimes, especially in the last few days, he gives me looks that lead me to believe that we could have something. I remember past conversations that we've had and repeat them in my mind until it's all one endless stream of babble. I can't take it anymore. This is ridiculous. My mind has been completely taken over by thoughts of him. Throwing off my covers, I hopped out of bed. There's no point in staying in bed if I can't fall asleep. I'll at least do something semi-productive. Anything is better than just laying there. I threw on my bright green and blue boy-cut bathing suit and a blue lightweight long-sleeve cardigan, and quietly made it down both flights of stairs. I hate it when everyone can sleep but me. It's just doesn't seem fair. I grabbed a banana and my wetsuit and headed out the back door. Hey, the sun will be up in an hour or so, I can just take a peaceful walk until then. I set my wetsuit next to my surfboard (which was resting against the side of the house) and began walking along the shore. I let my thoughts drift from one thing to the next with no clear destination in mind. After about twenty minutes, I felt a little bit calmer and I headed back towards the house. I sat down on the back porch and rest my head against the railing. Staring out at the still black beach, a wave of serenity passed over me. Never before had such peace consumed my body. Around five-thirty, I saw the sun beginning to peak over the great ocean. Noticing that the waves were perfect height and condition, I quickly put on my wetsuit and headed for the water. The sea was cool, but it felt refreshing on this morning. I laid down on my board and glided out. When I saw the right wave coming, I prepared and caught it. As I loomed over the water, I felt that I was once again in control of my life. Surfing did that for me. It made me feel free and independent and... powerful. Again and again, I rode the waves. After about half and hour had passed, I noticed someone come out of the house, grab a board and head for my direction. I instantly knew that it was Brian. Only he would get up and surf at six o'clock in the morning. Everyone else waited for the hot hours of the day, but not him. He laid on top of his board and glided out as I caught a wave in. Once I was into shore, I paused and waited for him to ride in. Suddenly, I was not afraid to face him. Too much has gone unsaid, now is the time to talk about this thing between us. He glided in and noticed that I was waiting for him. Willing to meet him halfway, I paddled my self out towards him.
"Hey." I said.
"Hey. Thought I might find you out here." he said.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"I heard you get up this morning and I thought that you might get up and surf." he answered. "I couldn't sleep so I was just lying there when I heard you finally get up." He noticed that I was staring at him in bewilderment. "The walls are paper thin. I heard you tossing and turning for hours. I was going to come and talk to you, but I thought that you might need your space. That's why I waited to come outside."
As we began drifting in, I looked at him and said, "Thanks."
"For what?"
"For being such a great guy. I'm sorry if I've been sending you mixed signals or, or..." I trailed off.
"No, it's me. I don't always know when to just... just..." he stumbled.
I realized that it was my turn to speak, but I was unable to find the right words. It took a split second to figure out that words weren't enough. I rolled off my board and into the water, and then came up to him. He searched my eyes for a moment and then I came out of the water enough so that I could kiss him. Shocked, Brian rolled off of his board and came beside me. He put his arms around me, reconfirming his own feelings for me. At the hotel, he'd been the one to kiss me. Now I'd kissed him and everything became crystal clear. At that point, it became obvious that no words were needed. We didn't know where this thing was going, but at least we knew that it was going somewhere. We weren't stuck anymore. Together, we rode waves for a few hours. It seems like a long time, but the hours flew by like days. Besides, no one else was crazy enough to be on the beach at that time of day, so we had the whole atmosphere to ourselves. We were in our own little world of happiness. For now, we don't need words or titles, just having eachother is enough. ~~~~
Dakota:
Nick and the guys were out front playing basketball....oh joy. I'm not really the athletic sporty type, so when Nick invited me to play with them.....I regretfully said no. Instead I decided its maybe best to work on my tan, I mean after all I am in Florida and what kind of person would I be if I wasn't tan. I know I know....total blonde moment. Grabbing a towel out of the washroom, I stepped onto the beach wearing my purple bikini. Finally some me time. It's kind of hard having time to yourself when you're living with six other totally fun people. Finally some time to relax. The wind was blowing lightly which made it the perfect temperature outside. Before laying down for awhile, I decided to take a quick swim in the ocean. To make sure my hair wouldn't get all tangled in the water, I tied my hair back with a rubber band and then eased into the water. It felt so good against my skin and it was so relaxing. After swimming for a few minutes, I walked out and saw Nick standing over by my towel. Smiling, I ran over to him and gave him a kiss.
"Wow, that's better then Baywatch," Nick laughed.
"You haven't seen anything yet," I joked and put my arms around my neck.
"How was basketball? Did you lose to Brian again?"
"Yeah, what's new? I don't know why I even bother trying to beat him."
"Poor baby." Nick put his arm around my waist and then led me up to the house.
"I know. I need someone to make me feel better," he pouted and I just laughed.
"Well, I guess I could help." I pulled his face to meet mine in a heated kiss. We stood there for quite some time just kissing and touching each other.
"Get a room! Some of us don't want to see that," Howie joked and AJ followed him, making a gagging noise.
"You're just jealous because you don't have a girl," Nick smirked and then went back to kissing me. His lips tasted so sweet and they felt so soft against my own lips. I could kiss Nick for hours......ahhh! We broke away from the kiss and we were both soaking wet. AJ and Howie were standing there, holding a bucket and laughing hysterically.
"We thought you both needed to cool down." My eyes widen and anger rose within me.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
"Oh shit," both Howie and AJ said in unison as I started to run after them.
When I finally cornered them in the family room, Nick ran up behind me with a bucket of water balloons.
"I thought these would be fun," Nick said with an evil grin.
"Let's get them." The two guys had a look of horror come to their face as Nick and I bombed them with water balloons. After we ran out of balloons, both AJ and Howie were dripping wet and the room was slightly damp to say the least. Sky walked into the room after obviously hearing the commotion and almost died. She looked at Nick and I then she looked at AJ and Howie.
"What the hell?"
"Don't ask," Howie said shaking his head lightly then he walked away. I turned to Nick and almost fell down laughing in his arms
"We make a great team, Carter," I said, out of breath.
"You will be cleaning this up. I'm not going to touch this mess!" Sky stated and then left.
"Yes, mother!" I screamed out at her. ~~~~
Skylar:
I feel like all that I ever do with the guys is run and workout. I mean, I haven't become real friends with anyone besides Brian. I wish that I was better friends with everyone, like Kota is. I'm trying to make the effort to really get to know each guy so that we can be closer. It sounds so corny, but I want that kind of relationship with them.
The next day, I came in the back door, sopping wet from head to toe. I looked into the back room and saw Howie watching t.v.
"Hey, Howie!" I yelled. "Could you grab me a beach towel? There should be some in the closet right there." I said pointing. Howie moseyed over to the closet, picked out a towel, and slowly walked towards me with it. "Hurry up!" I yelled. "I'm freaking cold here!"
A smile crossed Howie's face. "Why didn't you take a towel out with you if you were going for a swim?" he asked, walking slower now.
Standing there in my little two piece swimming suit shivering half to death, I was ready to kill Howie. "I didn't plan on taking a swim, I was walking around and spontaneously decided to go for a swim. It was so nice out and all, but then the wind picked up which is why I'm standing here shivering." Howie looked more amused than sympathetic towards me. "Come on. I'm so cold and I don't want to track water through the house. Please... please give me the towel." I begged.
"Alright, alright, but only because you begged." he said.
"Ugh! I did NOT beg! I merely asked you to bring me a towel. Was that such a gigantic favor to ask from you?" By now, we were kind of enjoying this playful, sarcastic fight.
"Oh, come on, Skylar! You were begging me for it!"
"I was not begging you for anything!" I shouted back.
Just then, Brian walked in. "Is this something that my ears weren't meant to hear?" he asked, almost scared. I looked at Howie and we both cracked a smile.
"Yeah." we said in unison. Then A.J. and Nick walked in. Seeing me standing there dripping wet in a bikini next to Howie, they both wore looks of complete and utter confusion.
"What's this?" Nick asked. Brian quietly said, "They're having some fun, I guess. When I walked in, they were begging eachother for something." The look on all their faces was of classic shock. I realized the joke was just not that funny to me anymore.
"I was trying to get Howie to give me a towel." I said.
"Uh, huh." said A.J. in sarcastic nonbelief. "Is that all it was?"
"I'm walking away." I muttered with a smile as I headed towards the stairs. I looked back at Howie and jokingly said, "Thanks for... everything." With that I walked up the steps leaving the boys laughing hysterically downstairs. ~~~
Nick:
"Mail Call!" Kota yelled, walking into the house with a bunch of stuff in her arms. I went up to her and gave her a peck on the cheek.
"Anything for me, Baby?" I asked, peeking at the mail in her hands.
"Um....yeah. A few bills and a magazine. Enjoy." She passed out the mail to everyone else and then she went up to her room to take a nap. With my magazine in hand, I walked into the family room where AJ, Kevin, and Howie were all sitting around.
"Hey guys!"
"Hey Frack," Howie greeted and the others quickly did the same.
"Is anyone really doing anything today?" I asked and then flopped down on the couch.
"Nope we're basically bored," AJ said while flipping through a magazine, but then quickly stopped on one of the pages. "Damn! These girls are fine."
"What girls?" Kevin asked.
"These girls in this Gap Ad." AJ set the magazine down on the end table and all the guys gathered around to look at it.
"They are hot! I mean they are just prancing around in bikinis," Nick laughed.
"We should thank the Gap Corporation for this one. That red head has a great body and so does the blonde..." Kevin added.
"Is it just me or does the blonde look familiar?" Howie pointed out.
"Yeah, she does," AJ said in astonishment. We were all silent for a moment and then we all looked at each other in realization.
"Oh my god!" we said in unison.
"Hi guys!" Kota said cheerfully. We all looked at each other and then at her.
"Kota!" we stated at once.
"I...I...I...thought you were taking a nap," I managed to get out while trying to change the subject.
"I couldn't get to sleep. Why are you guys acting strange?"
"Acting strange how?" Howie asked.
"Um it looks like you're hiding something," she pointed behind our backs where we were trying to cover up the magazine.
"We are not!" AJ defended. Kota started to walk around behind us to see what we were hiding. Quickly, she snatched the magazine out of our grasp.
"You were hiding Entertainment Weekly? You guys are strange," she laughed and then walked out onto the porch with the magazine.
"The hot blonde in the ad.....that...that was Kota! That girl is FINE!" AJ exclaimed finally.
"AJ! Keep your eyes in your sockets. She's my girlfriend, Man!" I said with a slightly angry tone.
"Well.....I mean.....you're one lucky guy, Nicky." Howie stated patting me on the back. I knew I was lucky before.....they're just now realizing this? Ignoring their statements of amazement, I walked out onto the porch to talk to Dakota.
"Hi, Baby," I said, sitting next to her.
"What was all that about in there?" she asked with a curious expression and I just merely smiled.
"Oh....they just discovered something that I knew the whole time," I explained and then gave her a sweet kiss on the lips.
"What would that be?"
"Uh...that you're really hot," I said, blushing furiously.
"Why does everyone think that all the sudden?" Kota asked and then started blushing a little herself.
"We saw your modeling Ad in the magazine..."
"Oh my god....It's in this magazine?" she said slightly shocked
"Yeah..." She quickly flipped through the magazine and put her head in her hands when she saw the picture.
"I can't believe that picture of me is in a national magazine that's on newstands everywhere...."
"What are you worried about? You look drop dead gorgeous in it."
"But you're my boyfriend so you're suppose to think that," Dakota sighed and then an idea dawned on me.
"Come here. This will prove it..." I said grabbing her hand and then we walking back inside where Kevin, Howie, and AJ were still sitting around.
They all just sat there and stared with their mouths practically wide open.
"See..." I pointed out. She smiled a little and then kissed my cheek.
"Thanks for making me feel better." ~~~~
Brian:
"When I walked in and heard them saying something about begging, I was a little bit taken aback. I mean, I know that they were just joking, but I... I have feelings for Skylar. Real feelings, and I don't want them to get lost in the shuffle of just being friends. I want more than that with her. I want her to... I want her to... I just want her." I let out a frustrated sigh. "So what should I do, Gabe?" I asked my only real girl friend in the world over the phone.
"Well, Brian, I'd go for it." I smiled, thinking it funny that Gabe was just about the only person in the world who actually calls me Brian. That's only because she knew me long before people started calling me B-Rok. Gabe continued, "I mean, you obviously have deep feelings for her. Why not? She probably likes you, too. And if she doesn't, then A: you haven't laid on the charm yet, or 2: she's just stupid. What do you think?" she asked me.
"I don't know, with all of us living here together, she's probably trying to be friends with each of us. But how do I let her know that I want to be more than just friends?" I questioned her.
"Um..." Gabe muttered.
"Come on, Gabe. You're the only person in this world that I can talk to about this. If I told the guys, it would probably find its way back to Skylar. You're the only person I can turn to. Besides, you've been my best friend of the opposite sex since, like, forever. You know what girls, women, like. I just need you to pass a little bit of that knowledge in my direction."
The other line was silent for a moment. "Well, if the only alone time that you can get with her is when you guys are working out or whatever, then start with that. Just let her meet the real you, separate from the smartass you can be when you're with the guys. Take her out some night, just as friends and let it turn into more. Come on, Brian. You've never had any trouble getting the ladies to like you. Why are you so stressed out over this girl?" Gabe asked. I thought about it for a second.
"She's just different. I don't know how to explain it. And, we're already friends, I'm just afraid that she won't want more than that. I mean, I want her to be MY girl, you know?"
"Well I personally think that you are on your way. Just wait for the right moment to make your move. I'm sure that the two of you will "fall together" on your own if this is meant to be," Gabe quickly answered back.
"Thanks, Gabe. I just needed to get all that off my chest. I can't talk to the guys about this, not yet. You're such a great friend to me. What can I do for you? Any guy problems?" I asked.
"Nope. Jeremy and I are still going strong. You should come visit us sometime soon. We'll get the whole gang back together and go clubbing or something. Maybe even bring this girl so that we can meet her." Gabe said.
"We'll see. Hey, I've got to go 'cause we're recording some songs today. So, I'll talk to you later?" I could feel her happy smile across the phone wires.
"You bet, Brian."
"See ya, Gabe." I hung up, feeling happy, too. Maybe this will work out. ~~~~
Dakota:
It's Nick's birthday and everyones been trying to keep it low profile so we can surprise him later. Well if it isn't the birthday boy. It's hard to believe that he's actually 19. I mean looking at him sitting there watching cartoons, he looks like a little boy. Grant it a very hot boy, but....nevermind....He's 19.
"Guess who?" I went up behind Nick and covered his eyes. He laughed a little and started to try to tickle me. It didn't work though, I wouldn't give in
"Um one very friendly mugger?"
"No....."
"Rebecca?"
"REBECCA?!?" I said in shock, turning him around.
"Got ya," he smiled.
"You suck!" I laughed and started hitting him. He gave me a puppy dog look and then wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Oh come on. You have to forgive me, its my birthday!" I gave him a shocked look even though I know its his birthday.
"It's your birthday? Oh my god! I totally forgot." His eyes widened and he got this disappointed look on his face. "I'm kidding!" I laughed at the confusion on his face, but then started running when I saw that his face was getting red. Nick chased me all the way into my bedroom and I fell onto my bed in a fit of laughter. "You should've seen your face. You looked so sad!"
Joining in my laughter, Nick flopped down on the bed next to me and pulled me into his arms.
"You're evil," he whispered and then kissed me. Running my hands through his hair, I kissed him back and rolled on top of him. I was basically straddling him, which I must say was a quite interesting position. We were kissing for awhile when someone clearing their throat made me jump.
"Well my birthday present to Nick definitely pales in comparison to that,"
Brian laughed.
"I'm sorry Bri. I'll get him a present more like what you got him.....where was that whoopie cushion store again?" I asked innocently. Brian looked at me with a mock surprised look but then cracked a smile.
"B-Rok, stay out of this. I was enjoying her present a lot," he said with a sly grin. I looked at him with almost the exact same expression and we went back to kissing; basically ignoring the fact that Brian was in the room.
"Fine Nicky! I see how it is, see if I buy you another birthday present,"
Brian said, acting like he was mad. We knew he was just joking around so we didn't pay any attention. Things were getting really hot between us and I knew we needed to break apart or we would never make it to the restaurant.
"Nick....uh....we....should....probably....stop," I managed to get out, but instead of breaking apart, Nick rolled us over so he was now on top of me.
"Can't you make me a very happy birthday boy?" Nick asked with a huge grin.
"Soon....just not now. Now we have to get dressed for dinner," I smiled and then pushed him off of me.
"Wait! Who's going to dinner?"
"Just me and you. Kinda romantic don't you think?" He smiled for a bit but then the smile turned into a distant look. "What's wrong? You don't want to go to dinner?"
"No of course I do! It's just......everyone but Brian and you seem to have forgotten my birthday. I was kinda hoping that they would've at least said Happy Birthday," he said sadly and I just kissed his forehead. If he only knew.....he'll be really happy when he sees everyone at dinner. ~~~~
Skylar:
As Nick's birthday approached, everyone was busily(and secretly) trying to figure out what to do for him. We decided that we would all go out to a nice fancy restaurant to celebrate, and then the guys and I would go home while Kota took Nick out for the rest of the night. Nick had not the slightest clue that we were planning anything. Kota told him that she was taking him out for a nice 19th birthday dinner and I think he was really excited. But he was also kind of downtrodden because the guys didn't say anything about his birthday and I think that Nick thought that they had forgotten him. Of course, Brian didn't forget to say "Happy birthday!" and all, but that was just because Brian was his best friend and it would look suspicious if he forgot. As for the rest of us, the surprise of seeing us at the restaurant will be great. Until then, he'll just have to feel neglected. ~~~~
Kevin, Howie, AJ, Brian and I all sat excitedly around the restaurant's circular table. It was so nice that I was afraid to touch anything. The klutz that I am, I'd probably break something and feel really dumb. I was so bored and nervous sitting there in such an expensive place. We'd come about half an hour early to ensure that we were there before Nick and Kota. But now, I was so god damn bored that the silverware was looking like fun toys. I was sitting next to Brian and he noticed me fidgeting with my fork and knife, scraping them against each other. Brian placed his hands gently on mine, stopping them from fidgeting. My hands let go of the silverware as I gave him an apologetic look.
"It's okay. Just relax. Why are you so nervous?" he asked.
"I don't know. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just not used to this elegant lifestyle." I answered.
AJ, Kevin and Howie noticed our conversation and started laughing quietly amongst themselves. I must've looked pretty stupid when I was sitting there playing with my silverware. AJ gave a special nod to Brian who then picked up my silverware and placed it out of my arm's reach saying, "We'll just take that." Instantly, all four guys started busting up with laughter.
"Well gosh, it's not like I was going to hurt you with those!" I murmured.
"We're just kidding with ya." AJ said.
"Yeah, ignore us, we're in our own little world over here." Kevin added.
"You're three seats away!" I said.
"Don't worry about them." Brian laughed. "They're just being asses, it's a lifestyle."
"Oooohhhhh!" The other three said in unison.
"That was harsh, man!" AJ said.
"Man, you know I was just joking." Brian said as he hit him in the arm.
"Yeah, we cool." AJ answered back. Then the three guys went back to their own conversation as Brian looked back to me.
"It's okay, don't worry about this thing. You're not going to embarrass anyone here." He looked over at the others and then jokingly said, "Look at them, they embarrass all of us without trying to."
I cracked a smile. "Thanks, Brian."
"No problem." he said. He must've thought that I was still nervous and would start fidgeting with my two hands, so he took one of my hands in his and just held onto it.
"Thanks again." I whispered in reply to his holding onto my hand. He just smiled, making my heart melt. ~~~~
Dakota:
I stepped out of my room wearing my sky blue dress with little white flowers at the bottom. My hair was curled a little and hung loosely down my back.
"Nick! Come on, we're going to be late!" I paced up and down the hallway; nervous that we weren't going to get there on time. With my back towards his door, I jumped a little when I felt Nick wrap his arms around me. He was sure quiet coming out of his room. Smiling to myself, I closed my eyes and just let his scent envelop me.
"Hey Gorgeous," he whispered and then started kissing my neck.
"We've got to go....." I said with a little gasp because his lips felt so good against my skin. Prying myself away from Nick, I turned around and was greeted by Nick's smiling face. He was wearing a pair of khakis, a white shirt and a navy blue sports coat. "Looking good, Mr. Carter," I smiled and pulled him to the door. ~~~~
Skylar:
A few minutes later, a waiter stopped by the table and informed us that Kota was on her way, she'd just called. Expectantly, we waited until the waiter again stopped by our table. "They just pulled into the parking lot." he said. "They'll be in, in a moment."
"Thanks." we all said, and then prepared for Nick's arrival. Quietly, we all opened our books and held them in front of our faces. As Nick walked in holding Kota's hand, his face showed the shock as he realized who was behind the "Heart and Soul of Nick Carter" books. We all started laughing hysterically and wishing him happy birthdays. Hugs were exchanged and Kota was just delighted. She was the primary planner of this whole shindig and it was a great surprise. After he repeatedly said thank you to the group of us, Nick turned around to Kota and whispered something in her ear as he hugged her. They shared a passionate kiss as AJ, Kevin, Howie and Brian scoffed in the background. I just sat there quietly, I though it was cute. I mean, what I wouldn't give to have Brian kissing me like that right now. I'd give everything. At that moment, Brian's and my eyes locked and I swear I saw something, some kind of magic spark fly. ~~~~
Dakota:
Well he was surprised! I'm so glad my little plan work. Plus Sky and Brian seem to be hitting it off pretty well. Please let them get together! Nick kept on touching me lightly ever so often which just sent chills down my spine. Finally not being able to contain ourselves, we started kissing which was followed by a collective groan from the table.
"You're just jealous!" I said with a laugh
"That's right I am jealous!" AJ smiled. "Why does Nicky here get to have you as a girlfriend? What's so special about him?" He smirked at me and Nick.
"Cause he keeps his hair one color," I joked back and AJ looked at me with a stunned look.
"I'm gonna hurt you in your sleep," he shot back and Nick quickly pulled me into his seat with him.
"Not if she's with me," Nick laughed.
"Well I'll hurt you too!"
"Uh huh....sure you will," I said. Everyone at the table busted up laughing which caused a loud commotion into the restaurant, making people stare at us.....Oh well. ~~~~
Skylar:
Just then, the waiter appeared and handed us our menus. Kota and Nick pried themselves away from each other, though still gazing into each other's eyes. They were so lovey-dovey, it was adorable though. Brian was still clutching my hand and I leaned over to whisper in his ear, "I'm going to need my hand back now."
He loosened his hold, "Only if you promise to give it back." he smiled.
Wow, this man is an angel!, I thought. He suddenly let go of my hand, probably thinking that he was being too forward. Either that, or his wings were beginning to show. Whatever it was, he pulled back.
I scooched my chair closer to the table and consciously moved closer to him in the process. Then I again leaned to whisper into his ear. "I promise." I said with a seductive smile.
Brian's face instantly lit up, no longer clouded with doubt. ~~~
Everyone ordered and then the waiter brought out some champagne. Even though Nick and Kota were underage, we of course let them have some, but not without a few kid jokes tossed in. There were a lot of lines ending with "...only two more years!" which Nick took offense to at first. But Kota settled him down, kissing him every few seconds and just generally making him feel loved. It was amazing how much they pacified eachother. When she was in a fit of rage, one kiss from him was all it took to calm her down, and vice versa. We poured glasses of the bubbly champagne and toasted to Nick's 19th birthday. "Hey, buddy! You made it! You've got just about everything." he said as he motioned to Kota. "Here's to many more years filled with happiness."
"Here, here." we all said, clinking glasses. Kota clinked Nick's glass and then kissed him. Of course, he kissed back and they kept going at it."
Howie cleared his throat several times, trying to politely tell them to stop, but it didn't work. So the rest of the guys chimed in, loudly clearing their throats as well. Nick looked across the table and laughed to see Kevin, Brian, AJ and Howie staring at him. "You guys okay?" he asked.
"Yeah," AJ said quietly, "Just a little stuffy in here."
"Yeah," Kevin added, "Just a little stuffy. By the way Kota, thanks for saying no dates tonight. Yeah, I agree that would've made this dinner less...group-ish."
We all just laughed. Kota looked over at me and wiggled her eyebrows. Since we share so many secrets, I of course told her about my feelings for Brian. She slyly planned the dinner with no dates so that we would be forced to be together. I didn't want to imagine Brian asking another girl out. And besides, it really would have made it less family-like. All I can say is thank God that Kota is so tricky because this is turning out to be so much more fun than I thought it would be. Anyways, the rest of the night flowed smoothly and we all enjoyed the food and eachother. When we were finished, the guys and I left Kota and Nick alone. "See ya later!" I said, and then whispered "Have fun tonight!" into Kota's ear.
A smile spread across her face and she said, "Oh believe me, I will!" ~~~~
Dakota:
Nick was being abnormally happy, but I'm not complaining. Walking up behind me as we walked out the door, Nick wrapped his arms around my waist and laid his chin on my shoulder. For other people walking into the restaurant we probably look disgustingly affectionate.
"You planned all that?" he smiled and I just simply nodded. "You're amazing. I can't believe you went to all that trouble and actually kept everyone quiet."
"Well I'll admit it wasn't the easiest thing to accomplish, but seeing the surprise on your face made it totally worth it."
"It was a great night. Thank you," Nick said and turned to give me a kiss.
We stood kissing in front of his car for awhile, but then I pulled back.
"Who said the night is over?" I said with a sly grin.
"It's not over?"
"Oh no, dear. The night has only begun!"
We hopped in the car and I directed him where to go. To begin with, we went to one of the hottest clubs in Orlando and danced for hours. Just being in Nick's arms and watching everyone give me jealous stares, made me love being with him even more. After the dance club was starting to get old, I told him to drive home.
"So now the night's over?"
"Nope. Come on, right this way." I grabbed his hand and we went for a little walk. We ended up sitting on the beach, where we had our first date. Neither one of us wanted the night to end, so we just sat up and talked. Eventually our eyes met and we began kissing passionately. He lowered us down so we were now laying on the sand and we just made out for what seemed like hours.
"Do you want me?" I whispered into his ear and he just looked at me wide eyed.
"You...you mean you're ready?" he stuttered.
"It's your birthday....consider it a birthday present."
"But...are you ready?" Nick asked again. I tried to avoid his gaze and I sighed quietly.
"That doesn't matter.....I'll put my feelings aside...."
"No baby. If you're not ready, I'm not ready. Why would you even think of something like this?"
"Well...your a guy and I know you don't want to wait forever for your virgin girlfriend to get over her fear...."
"Stop thinking so low of yourself and of my feelings towards you. I love you. Sex or no sex. It doesn't matter to me, now. I want to make you happy and when you're happy, so am I." I closed my eyes and tried to prevent any tears from falling.
"You have to be the sweetest, most caring guy I know. I'm ashamed that I did this.....basically throwing myself at you....."
"Don't worry about it," he said gently and then kissed my forehead.
"Let's head back to the house. It's getting late and most likely we'll get asked 100 questions tomorrow about why we were out so late." Nick helped me off the beach and then held my hand all the way back to the house. ~~~~
Skylar:
Anyways, we, everyone but Nick and Kota, were supposed to go to see the latest comedy at the movie theater tonight after dinner. Kota had a romantic evening planned for Nick's birthday, so I wanted to get everyone out of the house just in case they came back to the house. But now everyone has bailed out. Howie decided to go visit a friend, and Kevin and A.J. just decided to do something else. Brian's probably out with them, how should I know? I haven't seen him since we got back from Nick's birthday dinner. So now I, ever the pitiful socialite, am lying here on my bed crying. Maybe it's getting close to that time of month or something, because I am severely emotional. Why'd everyone leave? Was it something I said or did? Am I so repulsive that no one wants to be seen with me? Is it...
Knock! Knock! Knock! What the hell? Maybe Kota or one of the guys forgot something. I sniffled and said, "Come in." without looking up.
"You okay?" Brian's voice rattled me to my core.
"Brian! Hi!"
He heard my voice shake and came closer to me. Looking into his eyes, I swear he was seeing straight through to my soul. The corners of his eyes turned down, showing that he felt my pain. "Is there anything that I can do to make you feel better?"
I smiled and let out a little "Ha! I'm fine, honestly, I think I'm just having a hormonally-challenged day." Normally, I wouldn't have said something like that to a guy, but there was no awkwardness here.
"How about a hug?" he said with genuine charm. I smiled and he put his arms out. As he enfolded me in his arms, I knew I'd never been more safe. I rested my head on his shoulder for a moment, still hugging. Then we simultaneously drew our heads back a little. He looked down at me and leaned forward, coming in for a kiss. It was just as, let's say, well performed, as the "sleepkiss", but meant so much more because now he was awake. When we'd kissed at the hotel, I was a ditz, but now I opened up to him and freely kissed back. This wonderful man was consciously choosing to kiss me which was the best feeling in the whole entire world.
"Do you want to go out and dance or something?" I smiled at him sheepishly and he added, "I know, not exactly the best transition, was it?"
"Can we take a raincheck? I would love to dance with you, but I feel like I look like shit." I said honestly.
Brian gazed into my eyes again, "You look beautiful, but that's okay, we don't have to go out. I'm creative. Don't move, I'll be back in a minute." He abruptly left the room and I could hear that he was doing something in his room.
"You okay?" I yelled out from the bed.
With that, Brian jolted back into the room. He scooped me off the bed effortlessly and into his arms. He deposited me on the floor standing up once we reached his room. I noticed that the room was slightly cleaned up, that must have been what he was just doing. He turned on the radio and walked back over to me. "I've been wanting to dance with you since I got here."
"I must admit, I've had my eye on you since you first tried to sneak off the bus with that giant chocolate chip cookie."
"Which you quickly took from me!" Brian playfully yelled.
"Hey, it's in my job description!" I teased back.
"I know, but," he kissed me, "you could have," he kissed me again, "done something besides take it," another kiss, "away from me."
I played along. "Like what?" I kissed him, "Let you," I kissed him again, "get away with it." We put our arms around eachother and kind of swayed to the music. We weren't really dancing, but we were still moving.
Then Brian spoke up in a childish voice, "There's always," he kissed me, "torture." Gradually, we began exchanging fiery passionate kisses until we'd stopped dancing. Together, we slowly dropped to the floor in sitting positions. I quickly wrestled him until he was lying all the way back. Then I moved on top of him and we continued "playing."
That night, it was obvious that there were a lot of feeling out in the open. But nothing was established, except for some great sex. Yeah we had a bunches of fun, but it was still a kind of an emotionally disconnected evening. We both admitted feelings and desires, but it wasn't as, let's say romantic, as I would've liked it to be. Don't get me wrong, I am as much to blame as Brian for not making those emotional connections, but we had fun with our desires and seductions. Maybe we can make this thing into more, I hope so.