" How do you figure that? " Nick asked a little shocked by my revelation.

" Well I figure in everyone in this world has something more to give than they are willing to admit. Like the line from the Elton John song, " My gift is my song..." Your gift is your song Nick, the power in your voice, that's your greatest asset but also from the admiration of your loyal fans give you, and as much as some people are obsessed, they truly believe that you have helped them in some way. Stopped someone from committing suicide, even just getting through the day to day activities of life, a serious relationship break-up, a loss of a loved one. All these factors could be apart of your fans thanking you for singing a certain song, either with the Backstreet Boys or as a solo artist. You have HELPED them, and they are eternally grateful Nick, they are eternally grateful to YOU " I emphasised the "YOU" by pointing to his heart. The true self he portrays. Nick sat surprised.

" Geez I mean I never thought about it that way before....I mean I know my fans appreciate me and thank me that I have helped them but..." I looked into his eyes and he was truly lost. I still held his hand and gave him a reassuring smile.

" You haven't looked inside yourself Nick, what truly is you...you ask me what matters? Sincerity, peace, fulfilment, content, feeling that mutual contentment with your fans without even realising it Nick, they give something to you, just as much as you give something to them, peace and the dream that you are born to do this, Perform. Loving your fans and receiving love in return, that's the greatest achievement to possess and call your own. You didn't even know you had....fancy that! " Nick just looked dumbfounded, he did realise that yes he wouldn't be in any position without his fans, and he knew that but he had been so caught up in Grace's death and Tony's manipulation that he hadn't realised what truly was important. What he had and didn't even acknowledge it and Skye was here to remind him, that he had found mutual contentment in receiving that love over and over again, knowing he would be continually loved even if his solo success didn't go so well....just knowing someone still loved you was a treasured moment in itself.

" How do you know all this stuff? Have you seen me perform? " I nodded smiling, hoping he had remembered me that time back in 2000 on the Millennium Tour.

" When you did the Millennium Tour with the guys in Florida that time and I moved down to Tampa. Brian called me to come and see the show and it blew me away...." Nick's eyes bulged out like they were gonna fall out. He remembered!

" Oh yeah you were in the crowd...um....let me think...front row centre and that's where AJ kept doing his pelvic thrusts at you and he was making you all embarrassed, that Brian rescued you. Yeah I remember...you were watching me then? " I had to admit, I was even watching him way back then....

" And to be honest I did....the way you expressed yourself towards your fans...the way you reach them is amazing, even the ones in the nosebleed section. They get shitty seats but still a fantastic show because you gave it your all. You give it up for them, everything for them. 100% every night. Living up to their expectations, showing them who you are, not just Nick Carter the Backstreet Boy but Nick Carter the boy inside the man, yearning to be noticed in the light, exploring and learning as he goes, dares to step out into the spotlight knowing you own that crowd. Feeling the passion and emotion as you sing and dance, and your appreciation is not only given to you through gifts and signs but the smiles on their faces, the satisfaction of being there, seeing you in person and to them that's a personal fulfilment in itself. They love you and you love them and that keeps you alive, that keeps you going....that keeps you complete..." Nick smiled, Grace was so right, she was the one to help him through this....help him learn, yearn and to some extent....Love.....

" She's good isn't she? " Aaron asked his elder brother as the two of them played basketball.

" Yeah, I mean it's weird, I barely know that much about her, but it feels like I have know her all my life. She strives for the people she cares about to be happy. I'm just afraid if I get too close to her that I'll lose her just like I lost Grace...." Nick threw the ball down and sat on the chaise lounge near the pool, Aaron joining him.

" I dunno Azza I feel like I'm falling and I'm losing control yet she's keeping me from falling if that makes any sense...I wanna get her out of her box, let me in a little, show a bit of scars like I have with her. But I think she's waiting for me....to talk first....she's helped me so much, I'm afraid that if she does leave or if I'm on tour, everything will go back to the way it was before she came into my life. But somewhere inside me is telling me she's not going anywhere and that comforts me a little..." Nick sighed and took a swig of his water. Aaron patted him on the shoulder.

" Dude, you have made so much progress over the last 6 months, that she's been here and seriously I wouldn't try and think that you would go back to your old ways and I know old habits die hard but do you seriously want to die with them? " Nick looked into Aaron's brown eyes and gave him a warm smile.

" No...coz I have Skye...."

That night while I was trying to get some sleep felt the bed dip and someone beside me, ontop of the covers.

" Skye can I stay in here? I couldn't sleep..." Nick whispered, sensations going through me as I tried to form a sentence together.

" Yeah sure hon..." I lifted the blanket up so Nick could climb in beside me. A moment later I felt Nick's hands on my tummy and his arms around me.

" Is this okay? It's not too awkward for you? " Nick hoped I wouldn't mind the close contact. I turned to face him.

" You okay? Wanna talk? " I yawned and Nick shook his head.

" Nah it's okay...I just needed someone to hold me tonight. I'm a little lonely..." I looked into his eyes and shared the same loneliness that had overcome my life also.

" Tell you what...whenever you feel lonely or just need a cuddle...bunk with me...we can comfort each other..." I kissed his forehead and managed to turn my face away from him with his arms still around me.

" I was hoping you would say that....comfort I like that....I'm glad we can be open like that...." Nick kissed the top of my head and settled into the pillow. Nothing prepared us for what happen next and I only hoped our closeness and friendship could be saved. Nick depended on me and he had no idea how much depending I needed and he was about to find out.....

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