Remember Me This Way

Chapter Twenty

"My hair is GREEN!"

Nick snickered as he walked down the halls of the hotel building. He'd just passed by Brian's room, where Brian must've finally used that new shampoo he and Baylee had tampered with two weeks prior. He'd just gotten out of the meeting with Jenn and the executives from Universal. It felt freeing, having his album decisions made, knowing it wouldn't be too long before it was out. They weren't a hundred percent pleased with the idea that there would be virtually no profit from the album, but then decided the promotion alone would be worth it.

He knew he likely should've told them that he wasn't ever planning on touring for this album. That by that point, he wouldn't be able to handle it. As it was, there were slip ups now and then with the newer material just on the group tour. He knew it would've probably been worse if he didn't have the fellas helping and supporting him. But even with that, he didn't want them helping too much. He wanted to know he could still handle himself. He needed to know he could still keep a grip on things. They'd just landed in Japan the night before for their last leg of the tour. It felt too soon to Nick, a beginning to the end of everything that he didn't want to see.

Nick would tell them, just before he announced it to the world. Until then, he felt no need for them to know. There was just so much that had to be worked out first. Like his family.

Like his future.

"NICKOLAS GENE CARTER!" Brian yelled. It was rare for him to call him by his full name, and did cause him to turn around. A mischievous grin began to form.

It was so bright and vivid. His best friend looked hilarious as his balding green head poked out the door. Nick couldn't help it, he cracked up. He had originally opted for pink, but felt maybe trying to get the rest of the group to be an intense rainbow all the way would be better. The only tragedy had been that Baylee had gone back home before Brian finally used that new bottle of shampoo they'd "adjusted". They hadn't counted on the other bottle being over half full and taking two weeks to finally be used up.

"Hey, I like your hair." Nick said between guffaws, clutching his stomach. "Got jealous at how attention grabbing mine is?"

He could see Brian struggling not to laugh. "Hey now, I don't need you frying my hair the way AJ did his!"

Nick snickered. "Dude, I hate to tell ya cause I love ya bro, but you're already on the verge of Donald Trump's hairdo. I just spiced it up a bit."

Now where Brian lacked in height and bulk, he made up for in flexibility and speed. He lunged and Nick barely ducked out of the way, before bolting down the hall. Nick may not be as nimble as him, but his long legs were definitely coming to his advantage. He ran down the halls, picking up speed to get away from Brian

"Trust me Frack when I get a hold of you..." Nick beamed. At least he used the nickname, that was always a good sign. He felt no need to test that though, as he made another turn to double back to where their rooms were.

He ran for AJ's room, no real reason other than that Howie would immediately side with Brian. Hoping it was unlocked; he grabbed for the handle, just seconds before Brian could nab him, and burst into the room. He came to an immediate stop, frozen by the image before him. Nick could hear Brian suddenly do the same thing only moments later.

And immediately wished he had gone for Howie's room.

Now they all knew what went on during tours by now. They knew, they'd joke; they'd razz each other about it. Still, they never thought about it in detail. There were never any mental images attached. But when he stood there, the door wide open, he knew there would be after that. Then again, maybe not. It was the first time he wished for the alternative as he stood there gaping. Brian stood beside him, also staring.