Howie and AJ sat on one side of the room, talking quietly. How did those two had become best friends with five years between them was beyond anyone's analysis. Sure, they had known each other for a couple of years already. Meeting every once and again in town competitions had made their friendship stronger.

Nick, a little kid of just twelve years old, sat by his mother's side.

"Do you think he's nice?" the kid asked his mother for the tenth time in just ten minutes.

Jane Carter couldn't help but smile at her son's impatience. "I'm sure honey. Richard said he's a good boy."

Nick sighed as he slumped in his chair. He was bored. AJ and Howie were nice to him, but they could be pretty closed up when they wanted to. And their usual 'This is not for kids' was starting to bother him. After all AJ was only two years older than him.

He had heard a lot about this Kevin guy. Richard, a friend of Lou Perlman, had told them about this guy that worked at Disney and could sing. So, since they had been looking for another two more voices for their group, they had accept to listen to him. And now they stood in the studio waiting for him. This new guy was supposed to have a very nice deep voice, just what they were needing. He was handsome, or so had Richard said, and could dance. He was even a professional ballroom dancer.

The young kid turned around to looked at his mother once again. She was talking with Mr. Perlman about God knows what and he didn't want to hear about it. He thought he was old enough to be in his own. Denise, AJ's mother, would only go with them when it was about signing something. But his mother was *always* with him. He had asked her about it more than once. She kept telling him that even though she trusted Howie, he was still barely nineteen and was sure that he would do anything just to be out of Nick's hair.

This kind of meetings were always boring for the twelve year old.

'If we could just sing!' he thought sadly. He had been thrilled when AJ and Howie had told him about their idea of forming a group. He had been more than thrilled! That very same afternoon he had talked with her mother and father about it, begging for them to let him in. After his parents had talked among them, they had accepted and Nick had never been happier in his young life.

Before he could think anything else, the door of the office opened and a young man stood in the door.

Nick's breath was caught in his throat. They had said he was good looking, but that had been an underestimated. The man looked like those guys who wore nice clothes for the companies. Models. His piercing green eyes and shining black hair suited perfectly to his tanned skin. His imposing figure was helped by his 6"1' stature.

The young blond couldn't help but swallow. He was afraid of him. Kevin could kick his ass with no effort whatsoever and was sure he better no mess with him unless he wanted to end up in the hospital with something more than a broken nose and a black eye.

"I'm looking for a Mr. Perlman?" the man asked.

His voice sure was deep but melodic at the same time. A complete contrast with Howie's high falsetto. AJ and Nick had almost the same range, if it wasn't that AJ could put a little bit more rock on the songs. Another medium range and a low one was what was needed and Nick was sure they had found it.

"I'm him son. Please, come in." Said Mr. Perlman as he stood up and walked over to where Kevin was - still by the door.

Kevin nodded and entered the room. Looking around, he couldn't help but feel claustrophobic for a minute. Richard, a guy he had met more than once while working on Disney, had told him about this big chance for him. A small group looking for two more members, and knowing about his fascination with the singing, he had thought about him. He had never been more ecstatic than in that moment. He had moved from Lexington hoping to find a way into the music business after his father's death, but had had to work in Disney as Aladdin to pay the rent.

The dark haired man started analyzing everyone in the room. There were two kids at one of the sides of the room. One of them looked about a couple of years younger than him, with nice curly hair; the other one had short brown hair, nice brown eyes and couldn't be more than fifteen at the time. From where Perlman had stood up was a nice young lady with blond hair, smiling at him. There was goofy kid half hiding behind his mother, half looking at him. He had blond hair and amazing blue eyes, but couldn't be even fourteen and Kevin hoped he was just the son of one of the secretaries, scared for a moment he would have to work with such a young kid.

"You must be Kevin Richardson, right?" Lou asked to the young man.

Kevin nodded as he walked over to where the man was standing. "Yes sir."

"Sir? Please call me Lou." He said with a smile.

Smiling half a smile, Kevin nodded once again.

"So you are the guy Richard has told us so much about."

"Yeah, I guess so." He said shyly. He had never been very good with estrangers and couldn't help but feel a little bit out of the group.

"Let me introduce you the rest of the guys first." Lou said as AJ and Howie started making their way to where they were standing. "This is Howard Dorough, or Howie."

Howie smiled at the older man and put out his hand for him to shake. "Nice meeting you."

Kevin nodded once again as he shook his hand. "My pleasure Howard."

"Howie, only my parents call me Howard." Placing a protective and on his friend's shoulder, he introduced AJ to their new friend. "This is AJ McLean."

AJ looked up at him, after all he was only 5"7', and extended his hand as well. "Hi." He said courtly.

"Nice meeting you AJ. What does AJ stands for?" This young kid seemed somewhat estrange and Kevin knew he'd have to spend a lot of time with him to actually feel comfortable around him. It was like... he didn't trust many people.

"Alexander James, but I like AJ better." His voice cold and steady, not showing any emotions at all.

"I see." Kevin found himself at lost of words with a fifteen year old? That was new. He was used to talking with different people, but his kid sure was different.

"And the last one of the group, and the youngest as well, Nick Carter." Lou Perlman turned around to looked at the small kid who was still hiding behind his mother's legs. "Come on Nick, say hi to this young man."

Nick looked up at his mother, who nodded in response, and only took one step forward so he was able to see the scaring man he had to meet. His ocean blue eyes showed fear while looking at the sapphire green ones.

"Nice to meet you Nick. My name is Kevin." The scary man said, however his soft and tender voice was a huge contrast to his frightening looks.

Nick looked at the taller man and tilted his head slightly to a side. His voice seemed very tender and couldn't help but smile. "Hi." He whispered.

Looking at the frighten kid, Kevin kneeled in front of him, hoping that by being the same height as his knew friend, he wouldn't be so scary looking. "Hi." He answered back. "How old are you?"

The young blond focus on the deep green color of the man who was kneeling in front of him, he had never seen eyes so green and sea-like. "Twelve." His voice seemed a little more confident.

"Twelve? Do you like Disney World?" Even though he dealt with kids in his part time job in Disney, he had never had to actually *work* with one, and thought that the best thing for him to do was become his friend, and what best way than to talk about things kids like.

"Yeah. I went there once with my mom." Letting go of his mother's hand, he took another step forward, coming closer to Kevin.

"Did you see Aladdin?" It was kinda silly of him talking like a ten year old, but didn't know how else to approach him.

"Yes. He was nice. Had a sworn and kill the bad guys." His voice was even steadier and smiled at the older man.

"Yeah. Would you believe me if I tell you that I was Aladdin?"

Nick tilted his head a little bit more and bit his lip in a thinking manner. "It couldn't be you."

"Why not?"

"You don't look like Aladdin." The kid stated.

Kevin smiled at him and couldn't help but question back. "Why do you say I don't look like Aladdin?"

"You don't have a sworn."

Kevin smirked and muffled the kid's hair. "That's because I can't bring it everywhere with me. But I play Aladdin in Disney."

"You do?" his eyes starting to sparkle with excitement. He had never met anyone who had anything to do with Disney.

"Yeah. I don't like lying, especially to young and special kids. Like you." Kevin said with a broad smile.

Looking at the older man thoughtfully, Nick nodded. "I believe you."

Kevin smiled at the young kid and nodded. He was happy to see that this very bright kid trusted him.

"Well, now that you've met our little group, what you say if we hear you?" Lou half questioned, half told Kevin.

The twenty-one year old nodded. Sitting by one of the chairs, he looked at his 'public'. It wasn't a big number, but the expectation sure was great. Taking a breath, he started singing one of his favorite songs by Elton John.

Three minutes later, everyone in the room was looking at Kevin. When he finished the song and realized this, the Kentucky boy couldn't help but look at the floor and blush slightly.

Lou Perlman was the first one to speak up. "Well, I think I speak on behalf of the rest of us when I say you're great son!" Walking over to the young man, he hugged him tightly.

Kevin was still a little bit surprised at their reaction, maybe because he had told himself not to have high hopes just in case this didn't work out just the way he was waiting for.

Jane Carter walked over the young man and, as soon as Lou released him from his 'death grip', she herself hugged him as well. After pulling away from the hug, she smiled at him. "I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Jane Carter, mother of Nick."

"It's a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Carter." He said pleasantry while extending his hand for her to shake.

"Please, call me Jane. When you say 'Mrs. Carter', I still look over my shoulder waiting to see my mother-in-law behind me." Instead of shaking the young man's hand, she pulled him in another hug. "Looks like from now on you'll be part of the family."

Still a little bit amazed at the outcome of the interview, he couldn't help but blush even more. "Yeah. I guess."

"Don't feel embarrass! You've got a beautiful voice. There was no need for you to worry about this!" she said while placing an arm around his shoulders. "Besides you're such a handsome boy!"

At the comment, the dark haired man blushed even deeper. It was like he couldn't help but still feel a little bit awkward with the whole situation. The only response he got from the nice lady was her laughter and the tightening of her grip on his shoulders.

Another lady, a little bit younger than Jane Carter walked over to where the young man was and introduced herself. "I think I haven't been very polite. I'm Denise McLean. Alex's mother." She extended her hand for the young man to shake.

Nodding at her, Kevin took her hand and shook it. "It's my pleasure Mrs. McLean."

"Denise, please." She requested with a smile.

Kevin nodded at her once again before Lou dragged him to one side of the room and started telling him about the ideas they had for the group.

AJ turned around and looked at his older friend. "What do you think D?"

"He's got good voice." The older man said while looking at the scene unfolding around him. Lou kept talking to the green eyed man, while he still looked at little bit out of place. "Where did Lou said he's from?"

"Kentucky." AJ stated. Looking at the 'new acquisition', he added. "A country hick. What does he know about singing besides the church choir?"

"Don't be like that Alex. At least lets give him a chance." Sure, he didn't seem very bright and kept blushing at most of Jane's comments, but he did deserve a chance.

The fourteen year old half smirked, half snorted. He didn't like the older man one bit. He seemed lost in the environment, how was he gonna cope with the touring and their hectic schedule? He'd quit within six months, tops.

"We're barely beginning, but we've got high hopes for the group." Lou finished said. He had told Kevin most of their ideas and expectations for the group.

Kevin nodded and made a couple of mental notes about specific things he needed to check out. "Sure. I understand."

A knock on the door interrupted the small reunion. A lady peaked inside tentatively. "Mr. Pearlman? Mrs. Wright is on the phone."

The old man nodded and, after excusing himself, he left the room to take the phone call.

"Mrs. Wright?" Kevin muttered aloud.

"Donna and Johnny Wright are the guys' managers. And your managers as well now." Jane said with a smile.

Kevin nodded and looked around. AJ and Howie were talking quietly within themselves. Jane and Denise had started talking about something he didn't quite understand. As he kept looking, he saw that Nick was sitting quietly in his chair, looking at the floor. Walking over to where the young kid was, he kneeled in front of him for the second time that very same morning.

"Hi." The dark haired man said quietly, hoping not to startled the young blond.

Nick looked up from the floor and found himself looking at an already familiar pair of green eyes. "Hi. You sing nice."

Trying not to blush, he answered. "Thanks. I try my best."

Nick kept looking back and forth between his mother and AJ and Howie chatting on one side of the room. It was pretty visible that he was bored out of his freaking mind.

Kevin, noticing this, decided to do something. "Would you like to buy something with me? Maybe some candies since this place is kinda boring?" He questioned with half a smirk.

The young blonde's eyes started to sparkle at the mention of candies. "Candy?"

Kevin nodded. "Yeah. Some candies and a coke. Would you come with me?"

Nick nodded and stood up, walking over to where his mom was talking to Denise, he tugged on her pants. "What do you want Nicky?"

"Can I go with Kevin to the store?" plea both in his voice and eyes. He wanted to get out of the room.

Jane looked at Kevin, who was standing behind the young kind, and nodded. Smiling at her son, she spoke, "Ok Nick, but be a good boy with Kevin, ok?"

Nodding, he started walking out of the room, Kevin walking by side. Silently, they made their way out of the building.

As they approached the street, Kevin took a hold on the young man's hand. "It's better if you hold my hand when we cross."

"Yeah. Mom does the same." The young kid said with a smile.

They walked the rest of the way, hand in hand.

When they got there, Nick let go of Kevin's hand and started walking through the hallways. With a smile on his face, Kevin went to the cooler and picked up a coke. Standing there, he looked at the young kid. He was only twelve but would be heart breaker when he was older, that was for sure.

Kevin walked over to the clerk and gave him the coke, just then Nick walked over to him.

"Can I buy this candy?" he asked as he showed the older man the bar of candy he was holding in his small hand.

Kevin took the candy and looked at it. $12. Twelve dollars for a candy? He wasn't bankrupt, but he didn't like spending money on things so expensive. He could barely afford his apartment with his Disney paycheck. But looking at the blond, he realized the kid wanted the candy and he wanted it bad.

"Sure."

"Thanks!" Nick said excited as he gave the clerk the piece of candy. Kevin was rewarded with the kid's most beautiful smile. A smile that could lit the room.

Taking a twenty dollar bill out of his wallet, Kevin paid for the candy and coke. Giving the kid both pieces, he took his small hand in his once again.

"Who's the coke for?" he questioned as they walked back to the building.

"You."

"Me?" he held the bag up to his eye sight for him to look at it. Coke. He loved coke.

"Yes. I thought you'd could use the sweet, you looked bored back in the room."

Nick sighed. "I don't like it when they get all business-like. They are boring."

The older man chuckled. Only a kid could put such a serious and important situation in so simple words. "Yeah, they are boring sometimes. But why don't you play with AJ, his around your age, right?"

"He doesn't like me very much. He only hangs out with Howie." his voice was a little bit low, like making a confession. "They think I'm a kid."

"But AJ's a kid as well." Stopping at a red light, they stood on the side of the street until it changed.

"Yeah, but he behaves like his a grown up." Pouting visible even in his voice.

They kept walking into the building. As they reach the door, Kevin kneeled down and looked at the baby blue eyes of the young man. "I liked going out to the store with you."

He smiled to him. "I did too." Hugging tightly, he ran into the room and to his mother. "Mom! Mom!"

Kevin laughed at the kids antics. So young and full of live.

"Nick, what?" she had been interrupted by her hyper kid when she was talking with Denise and Lou about the need of another band member.

"Look what Kevin got me!" he started jumping up and down trying to show her the bag he had in his hands.

"What is it honey?" Picking up the bag from his hands, she looked at it. "Candy and a coke?"

"Yeah." Said Kevin as he approached Jane. "He was bored and I thought some candy could do him so good. I just hope he can eat it."

Jane nodded. "Yeah, he can eat it. Thanks." Taking the candy out of the bag, she looked at the price of the piece of sweet. "12 bucks! Nick, what are you thinking asking this nice man for a candy so expensive?" Turning to see Kevin, she continued. "I'm so sorry. He has this fixation for this particular candy, but I've told him it's too expensive. Let me repay you." She said trying to excuse her child, picking up her purse.

"No, no please." He placed his hands on top of hers on her purse, stopping her from getting the money in question. "I'm glad he likes it. Really."

Smiling at him, she answered. "Thanks." She looked at Nick. "What do you say Nick?"

"Thanks Kevin." He said truthfully, showing him his white teeth in a bright smile.

Kevin only nodded.

"Well. I was telling the ladies here that we still need another member before things actually take off. I'm planning on calling a couple of friends of mine and see what I can find." Said Lou as he brought them back to the matters at hand.

"A cousin of mine sings as well. I think, if you want that is, I could call him and see if he can come." He remembered how many times both him and Brian would sing for their families and he knew the younger man had a very nice voice.

"A cousin. Does he sings good?"

"Yes, he's got a great voice. Maybe he could come and see if you like him." As far as he knew Brian was still in school and would probably have to skip classes a couple of days to be able to flight all they way from Lexington to Orlando. And if he was accepted, he could convince his aunt Jackie.

"Well, why don't you call him and we'll see." He didn't want to promise anything until he heard the boy sing.

Kevin nodded and Lou gave him his office phone to call the young man. Kevin started dialing the already familiar number of the Littrell household. He needed to convince aunt Jackie to let Brian come before anything. He checked his watch as the phone started ringing. It was close to two. He wondered if Brian was home back from school and, without even knowing it, Kevin was writing the first chapter of the group.