all things must pass » the beatles, queen and the backstreet boys

18- AJ McLean

"Alexander James McLean, are you high?" I gaped at him with folded arms as he grinned manically from the couch, where he was dangling upside down.

"Nope," he popped the 'p' as he his fingertips danced on the floor, which didn't really help in proving that he was anything otherwise.

"Then you're definitely piss-drunk," I countered, causing his smile to grow wider, nearly splitting his face in half.

"Wrong again," he shook his head, seemingly enjoying my growing exasperation.

"Then you've taken a blow to the head. I hope it was Kevin. He's got a nasty punch."

An immaculately manicured hand reached to pat his now-bleach-blonde hair, "Perfectly fine, no aches. So no."

"Sleep-deprived then," I shot back, approaching him and causing him to sit up straight and kick his feet up on the armrest, "And I've told you a million times, get your dirty socks off my couch!"

His smile apparently stuck on his face, he oh-so-kindly dropped his legs, "If I was sleep-deprived, I'd have been too tired to even blink."

"Then you're on a pill of some sorts."

"Isn't that basically being high? Which was your first accusation?" he chortled, eyes trailing after me as I sat beside him.

I narrowed my eyes at him, inching impossibly close to him so I could count every hair on his chin if I wanted to.

"Uh, what are you doing?" he asked, backing off a little.

"Checking to see if your pupils are dilated," I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"And now you see I'm telling the truth," he spread his hands out, cracking a smile again.

"But what's with the crazy smile?" I frustratedly asked as he grinned even wider, "Yes, that one!"

"Wanna know why I'm so happy?"

"For christ's sake, yes AJ!" I facepalmed, "Why would I be asking if I didn't?"

He shrugged, "You're nosy. Anyways," he paused for a dramatic effect, "I've discovered that I'm in love."

Arching my eyebrow at him, I folded my arms, "Being high seems more believable, if you ask me."

"Would I be lying to my best friend?" he placed a hand over his heart, "Besides, it's not like I'm heartless, you know."

"I know you're not," my voice took a gentler tone, "You're too sweet for that. But really, you haven't been in love in, like, ages. It seems sketchy," I admitted.

He nodded, "It's not the usual, but you know me. I fall pretty damn hard when I do," his smile was now a little calmer, more serene, and the sight alone gave me heart palpitations, which only grew more erratic as his arm lazily draped around my shoulders and pulled me closer to his chest.

"Tell me more about her," I smiled, 'And I'll try not to burst into tears as you do,' I silently added in my head.

"I'm not very good at descriptions, honestly," he chuckled, a hand resting on my arm as he gently rubbed the skin there, "But she's an absolute stunner. I think she's the most beautiful girl in the world."

"I thought that was Nick in drag," I teased him with a pointed look, causing him to shake his head.

"Looks like he's got fierce competition," he warned, his hand moving up to play with my hair and twist it around his finger, "And anyways, it's more her heart that matters above all. She's the sweetest woman ever, and I've never seen her do any wrong. I know she'll keep me in line," his lips curled in another love-sick smile, and it took all my willpower not to burst in tears then and there.

"Do you see yourself marrying her?" my voice came out barely audible, as I didn't trust it not to crack while I searched his face.

"If she'll have me, yeah. She don't even know I'm into her," AJ rolled his eyes, his other hand running through his locks, "And I don't even have the guts to tell her."

Clearing my throat, I had to try and help, "You gotta, before someone else comes and nicks her. She's more than lucky to have your love, because there's no man as genuine and caring as you are," at that, a reddish hue dusted his cheeks, "But she could get into another relationship and end up breaking your heart."

Silence ensued.

"Do you think it's easy to love me?"

"More than easy. How can any sane person not?" I swallowed thickly, "I should know."

'Stupid!' my brain nearly screamed as I squeezed my eyes shut following my more than obvious confession. The quietness that followed wasn't all too comforting either, as even his hand movements had stilled.

Then he laughed breathlessly, "Fucking finally."

My eyes snapped open, "What do you me---"

And then the heavenly and blissful feeling of his lips against mine came, reminding me of how wonderful he was. Truly something else. My brain went haywire as his fingers deftly held my chin up, as the electricity that tingled throughout my entire body ensued while his mouth carressed mine, and I jumped at the very chance to kiss him back with just as much ardour .

Heaving a minute later, as we reluctantly let go, those beautiful brown eyes twinkled back at me.

"Honestly woman, does it take you that long to take a hint?"

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