Chapter 25:

 

Disagreement

 

Brian and Nick were still arguing as the walked down the corridor to the dressing room over who was the biggest scorer in Nintendo and AJ rolled his eyes dramatically at Howie, sick of listening to their constant one upmanship. He definitely was in a foul mood, still sore over Brian’s dissing and seeing everyone kissing up to Brian was enough to make him scream. His stomach rumbled and he wondered what there was to eat, hoping whoever brought the munchies also brought his request for McDonalds. He pushed the door open with his foot letting Howie pass through, then intentionally let the door close before Brian and Nick had a chance to slip by.

 

"Thanks a lot, AJ," yelled Nick, yanking open the door again to let Brian and himself in. Nick glared at AJ who shrugged innocently and Brian ignored AJ altogether, knowing full well that AJ was still in a fighting mood. Brian walked over to a corner and dropped his duffel bag on the ground then straightened up and immediately stiffened. There sitting next a large assortment of food was Xavier, slouched comfortably, his legs crossed. Kevin held up a fork and waved it at the guys, before taking another bite.

 

"Hey, look what X brought. Food for all of us. Not bad, considering."

 

AJ walked over to the spread, searching for his order. "Not bad, considering what?"

 

"Considering it’s all health food."

 

AJ stopped dead in his tracks and with a finger pushed his sunglasses up to reveal shocked eyes. "You’re shitting me," he said in disbelief to Kevin then looked at Xavier when Kevin shook his head. "Where’s my McDonalds?"

 

Xavier spread his large arms wide, a smile of apology on his face. "Sorry. No junk food for you when it’s my turn to get it. I saw you all last night. Pretty pathetic. You guys need to eat better, exercise more. Especially Brian."

 

Brian tensed, knowing instinctively that there was more to Xavier’s explanation that just what he was telling the guys. AJ snorted, pissed at Xavier, but pleased to get a jab in at Brian. "Yeah," he agreed. "Bri was pretty bad." He picked up a sandwich, sniffed at it, then shoved it in Brian’s direction. "Here. Xavier’s idea isn’t half-bad. Eat your spinach and maybe you’ll get muscles." AJ glanced at Brian and smirked.

 

"Sorry there isn’t anything here to help your voice."

 

"Okay, let’s just cool it," warned Kevin and Howie nodded in agreement, glaring at AJ.

 

Brian picked up the sandwich AJ had tossed and sat down next to Nick, knowing that it would drive AJ crazy by not responding to his taunt. He took a bite and then smacked his lips in exaggerated enjoyment.

 

Xavier glanced at AJ then at Brian in amusement. He wasn’t sure what was going on between the two, but he was determined to take advantage of it. He reached over to grab another wrapped sandwich and pushing it towards a fuming AJ. "Try this. A garden burger. Guaranteed to hopefully grow some hair on your chest."

 

Brian didn’t know what was funnier, Xavier making a half-decent joke or the look on AJ’s face, but a small laugh escaped from him and Nick joined in.

 

AJ turned towards Brian to give him a look then back at the bodyguard. He picked up the half-wrapped burger as if were poisoned, strolled over to the trash can, dropped it pointedly in, then sat down next to Kevin, a defiant look displayed across his face. "When I ask for McDonalds, I want McDonalds. I don’t give a fuck about what you want for me. You be may Brian’s bodyguard, but you’re not mine, got it?"

Any appetite Brian had quickly evaporated and he put his sandwich down, uneasy. He glanced nervously at Xavier then at Nick, Kevin and Howie. All three Backstreet Boy’s mouths were wide open in surprise, taken aback by AJ’s rude behavior. Brian could feel the tension radiate from Xavier, noticed the involuntary clenching of the bodyguard’s hands as AJ coolly stared at him, and felt himself begin to panic.

 

No, no, no! he thought, afraid. He jumped up, as if standing between the two would calm things down. Brian willed himself to relax and he walked over to Xavier, giving him a small encouraging shake on his massive shoulder. "Hey Xavier, see what happens when AJ doesn’t get his fries? Can’t live without ‘em." He turned to AJ. "Bone, Xavier’s just trying to help. I’ll go find Eric and see if he can get you some."

 

Xavier rose, waving Brian off. "No, no my mistake, I’ll correct it." Brian held his breath, wondering if he was the only one who caught the sarcasm. Xavier walked to the door, pulled it open, ready to leave. "I’ve got some things to check on first, so I’ll find someone to get the order," he informed the five, then gazed thoughtfully at AJ. "Can’t live without them, huh?" he remarked innocently and then gave Brian a wink before stepping out.

 

"Fucking bodyguard," AJ mumbled and Brian turned on him, worried and angry that Xavier might have heard AJ’s last remark. He walked over to AJ, his mouth pressed into a tight line, resentment building at the thought that Kevin and now AJ might be at the receiving end of Xavier’s sadistic little games.

 

"Dammit, you got a problem about Xavier, you come to me, not him. Stay the hell away from him, you got that, asshole?"

 

AJ, along with the other guys were astounded by his tone, but AJ made a quick recovery. "Oooh, choirboy just swore. I’m scared. I’ll be good."

 

Brian was shaking, more from frustration than anger at his inability to control the situation. Discouraged, he slumped into a chair, running a trembling hand through his hair. "Bone, just leave him alone. Please." His voice was drained, flat, and AJ was startled by his sudden change. Brian looked directly at AJ, pleading quietly with his eyes, and AJ, noticing the deep fatigue, became concerned.

 

"Oh, okay," he agreed slowly, feeling slightly uneasy. Brian kept staring at AJ, not believing him. AJ shifted uncomfortably, wanting to break eye contact from Brian’s intense gaze. "Alright, alright. Jesus! What? Do you want me to sign it in blood?"

 

AJ watched as Brian relaxed, a small smile touching the corner of Brian’s mouth at AJ’s melodramatic promise. AJ frowned inwardly, deciding to leave quickly, afraid to have Brian see what he was really thought. Brian trusted him. Only problem was, he didn’t trust himself.

 

He still disliked Xavier, now more than ever.

***

 

 

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