Nick and Brian walked into the rehearsal hall, late, as usual for Nick. Nick had picked Brian up, and Brian was none too pleased that Nick showed up late again.

"Tomorrow, I am driving myself," he told Nick quietly as they approached the rest of the guys and Fatima. Brian looked at the others, eyebrows raised, shaking his head, pointing at Nick. "Wasn't me!"

Kevin frowned at Nick, "Oh believe me, we KNOW it wasn't you."

"God, I'm driving in from Tampa, give me a break!" Nick exclaimed.

"Leave earlier!" Kevin snapped.

AJ stepped in and added his two cents, smirking at Nick, "Nicky can't leave till his clears his overnight buddy out of the house, isn't that right?"

Nick rolled his eyes. He was in no mood to deal with AJ's comments. He was tired, he had just driven over an hour in traffic, and yes, he had trouble getting the girl he had picked up the night before up and out of his house.

"Can we just get started?" Nick asked Fatima impatiently.

"Oh, if you're sure you're ready to begin Mr. Carter," Fatima mocked. "We DO have all day if you would like to leave and come back at your convenience."

"I'm ready!" he snapped at her.

"Good!" she clapped her hands together. "We have one more week till the real thing boys; let's get this sloppy show tight!"

The Black and Blue World Tour was about to begin. They had been in rehearsals in Orlando over the last three weeks, beginning right after the New Year. The routines were starting to come together nicely, but the finishing touches needed to be polished up.

After a few hours, Fatima finally gave them the OK for a half hour break. All five guys laid on their backs panting on the stage, exhausted.

"Fuck, I need to get in better shape, or I am never gonna get through this tour!" Nick said.

"Hey, I'm in shape and I'm still beat!" Howie reminded Nick. "Rehearsals are always more exhausting than the actual show, cause we rehearse longer than the show actually lasts."

A cell phone began ringing in one of the guy's bags. All five of them picked up their heads to listen to the ring. They all had their own distinctive rings in order to tell them apart.

"That's you, Nick," AJ said and laid his head back down on the stage.

Nick shot up and darted to his bag. "What time is it? What time is it?" he frantically asked the other guys.

"What?" Brian asked.

"What time is it?" Nick repeated.

"Look at your watch, Frack," Brian calmly told him.

"Oh yeah," Nick found the phone and stopped for a moment to look at his watch. He flipped the phone open, "Yel-lo?"

"Am I going to be late for my next class?" he heard Danielle's voice on the other end.

Nick smiled and told her, "You've got 15 minutes. It's 10:45am."

"Great, thanks, bye!" she said and hung up.

Nick stood there and looked at the phone. Since he still had Danielle's watch, she would now call him whenever she needed to know what time it was. Her logic was that he would get sick of her calling him all the time and finally "remember" to give her back her watch.

Nick loved that she was constantly calling him for the time. He knew that she was just playing a game. He knew full well that she always knew what time it was when she would call. He just loved playing along. As long as she was calling, he would play along. Over the past weeks, he had grown to learn her entire class schedule by heart. They had also grown to know each other better. They would talk daily, and Nick would occasionally bring her dinner while she studied at night. Sometimes he would help her study by quizzing her, other times he would just drop off the food and go back home.

"Are you ever going to give her back her watch?" AJ asked.

"Nope," Nick snickered. "I've got a beautiful girl calling me everyday, why would I give that up?"

"You've got a hundred beautiful girls standing outside, why waste time on one?" AJ asked.

"This is the same Danielle that is dating Joey Fatone, isn't it?" Kevin asked.

"DATED Joey Fatone. They broke up remember? He hasn't even called her since they broke up," Nick corrected him.

"Just what is going on with you two?" Kevin asked.

"Nothing. We've just become friends. She's a good gal," Nick answered.

"Nothing, my ass!" Brian chimed in. "He's smitten. Ever see him run to answer his cell phone for anyone else? Frack, you got to be careful with this one. You're getting yourself too close to her. You're gonna end up being her rebound."

"B, I know what I'm doing. Besides, she really doesn't have anyone else down here. No Joey, no Britney. Her family is in Minnesota, I don't like to see her sad and lonely."

"Did she move here just for Joey?" Kevin asked.

"No, she was already living here when she met Joey. She was living with her mom. Her mom was a voice coach for the Mouseketeers way back when. That's how she met Britney and Justin and JC."

"Well, that makes sense," Howie added. "Did her mom go back to Minnesota then?"

"No, her mom was killed in a car accident a year ago," Nick said quietly. "Her parents were divorced a long time ago. Her dad and brother live in Minnesota."

"Well, well, you certainly know a lot about her," AJ said sarcastically. "Getting pretty close are we?"

"I don't know, I guess," Nick answered.

"Well, for what it's worth, this friendship is really going to chap Fat One's ass," AJ laughed. "Does he know you two are talking?"

"I don't think so," Nick said with a semi-puzzled expression.

"The last thing we need is a war with those guys," Kevin reminded them.

"There already IS a war, Kev," AJ told him. "So, Nick's giving us some ammo."

"Age, I have told you a hundred times, that's not what this is about," Nick told AJ in frustration.

"Whatever, Nicky. I know you. I know how you like to play 'em," AJ patted him on the back and walked away to the rest rooms.

Nick looked at the rest of the guys and tried to convince them, "It's not like that! Really!"

"Sure Nicky, we believe you," Brian rolled his eyes.

January 22, 2001 - Opening Night of the Black and Blue Tour

Danielle was just opening the door to her apartment when she heard the phone ringing. She tried pulling the key out of the door quickly, and found that it was stuck. She spun it around until it broke free. Her backpack got hung on the doorknob and she tripped herself trying to get it off her shoulder and the doorknob. Why is it, when I need to get into the apartment quickly, I have road blocks all of the sudden?

She ran into the kitchen to grab the phone and low and behold it wasn't there. She heard the answering machine pick up. She ran into the living room and to the couch where the cordless must be.

BEEP! "Yo, Danielle! Are you there?" It was Nick. "Yes! I'm here!" She yelled at the machine, "Just trying to find the stupid phone!"

Nick continued his message, "Daannnniellllleeeeee, are you there?"

Just then she found the phone and pressed the 'talk' button. "Hello? Hello? I'm here," she said quickly.

"Lost the phone again, huh?" Nick snickered.

"Don't ask, and don't start," she warned him.

"I figured you would just be getting home from class, I wanted to catch you before we got too crazy here," he told her. Nick was in South Florida with the rest of the Backstreet Boys kicking off the Black and Blue tour.

"You didn't have to, I could have just talked to you tomorrow," she smiled. "How are things going down there?"

"Crazy," he laughed.

"I thought you were calling me before it got crazy?" she laughed with him.

"You should know by now, it's always crazy!"

"Yeah, I know," she agreed. She knew all too well what touring was like. Especially day one. Everyone is so excited and anxious and nervous all in one. "Did you eat anything yet?"

"Nah, too nervous. I'm drinking plenty of water though, so don't worry. We're gonna go out to eat after the show," he mentioned casually.

"You should eat some pretzels or something before you go on stage, otherwise you'll be puking before you get through the first set."

Nick loved how she was worried about him. He chuckled and replied, "I'll try. Thanks."

She listened to his soft laugh and closed her eyes and smiled. She was actually going to miss having him around. She had gotten pretty used to his presence around her place and talking to him on the phone. She knew once the tour started that they probably wouldn't talk very much. When Joey was on tour, it was hard enough to keep in touch with him and they were dating.

"Whatcha thinking about, Danielle?" Nick asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Honestly, I was just thinking about how much I am actually going to miss having you around here. You've kinda grown on me."

"You can't get rid of me that easily," he told her. "I ain't going nowhere. It will take more than a tour to keep me away."

Danielle smiled, that's what she wanted to hear. "I was hoping you would say that. Except, it sounds like you need to get going now." She could hear one of the guys calling Nick's name.

"Yeah, I do."

"Have fun tonight. Good luck." She told him.

"Thanks. I'll call you later, okay?"

"Nah, I'll be sleeping," she told him. "Call me tomorrow."

"Okay," Nick paused for a second. "Oh! I remember what I was going to ask you!"

"What?"

"You going to the Superbowl?"

"I WAS, with Joey, but obviously I'm not now," she told him, her voice becoming bitter.

"Well, you're going now. You're coming with me. It's my birthday that day and we're gonna celebrate afterward."

"Your birthday?" Danielle was shocked.

"Yeah, why? Oops, hang on," Nick put his hand over the receiver and yelled at Kevin, "I'm coming! Can't you see I'm on the phone?"

He turned his attention back to Danielle on the phone. "Ok, I'm back." She was silent. "What's wrong?"

Danielle took a deep breath, "You're not going to believe this. But, that's Joey's birthday too."

"Are you serious?" he laughed, then quieted himself quickly. "Well, that's OK. Why should you sit at home while he's out enjoying himself? Besides, I want you to celebrate MY birthday with ME."

She was quiet for a long moment, and he spoke up, "Dannnielllllee? Stop doing this to yourself."

"I know. You're right," she answered him softly. "I can't mope around forever."

"Good, it's settled. You're coming with me."

"Yeah, Nick. I'm going with you. You know this isn't a good idea, don't you?" she asked him.

"Of course it is! Screw Joey! This isn't about him anymore, this is about YOU," he told her pointedly.

He was right. She needed to move on. And how often is the Superbowl in Tampa? Plus, it's Nick's 21st birthday, how could she miss that?

"Alright, I'm there. You better get going now, or Kevin is going to eat you alive," she laughed.

"Yup, I'm going now. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Have fun!"

"I will!"

"Bye, Nick."

"Bye, Danielle."

No sooner did Danielle hang up the phone then it started ringing again. Danielle quickly picked up, "What did you forget?"

"Forget? Dani?" she heard a female voice on the other line.

"Brit?" Dani asked.

"Yeah! What are you talking about?"

"I thought you were someone else," she laughed. "Brit! How are you? How are things?"

"I'm good, girl! How are YOU? I know I haven't really had a chance to talk to you too much lately, I've been soooo busy," Britney told her apologetically.

"It's OK, Brit, I understand," Danielle said.

"No, it's not OK. My best friend gets shit on by her boyfriend, and I've barely been around to help her through it," Britney reminded her.

"No, really, it's OK. I'm doing fine. I've had my moments but I've been doing OK. Really throwing myself into my schoolwork, so that is helping," Danielle said reassuringly.

"Well, I'm glad. I'm gonna be in Tampa within a couple days to start rehearsing for the Superbowl. I will make sure I have a few hours set aside for just me and you."

"That sounds great Brit. I miss you so much. It's going to be weird, not being able to see you as often." Danielle said.

"Why do you say that? Just because of Joey?"

"Well, yeah. I mean, we used to get to see each other so much more because of that. All that has changed now."

"Dani, just because you and Joey aren't together anymore, doesn't mean our relationship has to change," Britney told her.

"I hope you are right. I just have a horrible feeling that this breakup is going to cause even more trouble. For everyone."

"Don't worry, I can take care of Joey," Britney said. "But, anyway, I was calling to ask you something."

"Shoot," Danielle said quickly. "Ask away."

"I still want you to go to the Superbowl, as MY guest. There is no reason why you have to sit at home while everyone else is having fun there," she said.

Danielle closed her eyes tight. Awwww, Brit! You're too late! She thought.

"Brit?" Danielle began. "Brace yourself, ok."

"What?" Britney's tone turned serious.

"I'm already going to the Superbowl," she said.

"With who? Not Joey?" Britney asked.

"No, not with Joey," Danielle took a deep breath and exhaled. "With Nick Carter."

"WHAT?" Britney exclaimed. "Dani, why? What are you doing?"

"He JUST asked me, Brit. Seriously, like minutes ago."

"What do you mean, minutes ago? What is going on?"

"He just called from Miami to ask me," Danielle told her.

"Dani, I know that I have been out of touch a little this past month, but what in the hell have I missed?" Britney asked. "I know you guys ran into each other on New Year's and all, but when did this happen?"

"Nick and I are friends. I don't know, ever since New Year's we've just kept talking. He still has my watch."

"He STILL has your watch? Why hasn't he given it back to you?"

"I don't know, I think he thinks that I won't talk to him anymore if he gives it back or something," Danielle replied.

"Dani, why did he ask you to the Superbowl?"

"I don't know! He just did! But, I decided I'm going."

"Dani," Britney's voice softened, "If Joey sees you there with him, he is going to go ballistic."

"He won't see me there," Danielle replied quickly. "And even if he does, that's too bad. He's the one who didn't want me anymore."

Britney sighed, "Are you doing this to get back at him?"

"NO! I'm doing this because I enjoy Nick's company, and he asked me," Danielle said. "And, you are never going to believe this. . . but, that is Nick's birthday too."

"Oh God! Dani, this is not good!" Britney exclaimed.

Just then, Danielle could here Justin in the background, "What's not good?"

Britney put her hand over the phone, "Dani. She's asking for trouble."

"Brit! Don't tell him!" Danielle yelled.

"Dani! I have to! I can't NOT tell him. You can trust Justin."

"What?" Justin yelled in the background.

"Dani is going to the Superbowl with Nick Carter!"

"Oh no she's not!" Justin yelled grabbing the phone from Britney.

"Dani?" Justin said.

"Yeah?" Danielle closed her eyes waiting for the next round of yelling.

"This ain't happening. You tell him that you are going with Britney and that's that."

"Jus! I can't! It's his birthday! He asked me!"

"I don't care!" he yelled. "Dani, you can NOT do this. Are you out of your mind? I know you and Joey are on the skids right now, but THIS?"

"Justin! Nick has been there for me this past month! I enjoy spending time with him, he's not a bad guy!" Danielle exclaimed.

"He's one of THEM, Dani," he reminded her.

Danielle rolled her eyes. "He's been there for me, Justin. Where has Joey been?"

Justin was silent.

"Ah ha. Just what I thought," Danielle started to tear up. "He doesn't give a damn about MY feelings or what he has done to me. He couldn't wait to get me out of the picture so that he could screw anyone walking by, without having to have a conscience!"

"Dani," Justin began.

"No! I don't want to hear it Justin," she cut him off. "I'm going to the Superbowl with Nick. You guys can either support me and be my friends, or be Joey's friends. I need to start taking care of myself."

"I'm sorry, Dani," Justin said softly. "I know Joey is a shit."

"Yes, he is."

"Brit wants to talk to you again, hang on."

Britney took the phone from Justin.

"Dani, honey? Whatever you decide to do, you know that Justin and I will support you. We just worry about you. Nick has never been on any of our good lists, you know that."

"I know, Brit. But, I have really seen a different side to him. He's not like what you think. He's a good guy, really."

"Okay. I gotta go. I will call you when I get to Tampa on Friday. Justin will be there on Thursday." Britney told her.

"Alright, Brit."

"You take care of yourself, ok?"

"I will. I miss you, Britney." Danielle said softly, her tears finally starting to dry up from her outburst on Justin.

"I miss you too, girl. I'll see you soon."

"Bye." Danielle said.

"Bye, Dani."

Chapter 4
Chapter 2
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