~June 9, 2003~

"We want to thank everyone for coming out," Kevin spoke through the microphone propped in front of him, trying to get the attention of the media and select special fans.

Their newest album was just about complete and would be released in the coming weeks.  That's when things would get super crazy.  Album signings would start, the months of practice they'd been putting in, all their hard work would finally show.  The press conference was being held to hype up the release of their album.

The boys each said a quick hello and the floor was opened up for questions.

"Is this album going to have the same Backstreet sound as your previous albums, or can we expect a new and different sound from you guys?"

The Boys looked at each other and Howie decided to speak up first, "We've all been growing and changing.  We took larger part in the creation of this album in everything from lyrics to producing and instrumentals.  I think the fans will enjoy what this album has to offer."

"It still has the BSB sound...just a little more matured," Brian added.

"Did any of you ever think this album wouldn't make it?  That the Backstreet Boys wouldn't ever see this album or any others released?"

"Sure we did.  Everyone has their bad days.  We're not invincible.  We get at each other and sometimes we just spend too much time working together and it's just like ‘aahhh!'" Kevin answered.

"You've all reached this amazing new height of fame and popularity.  What do you miss most from the days before you were recognized on the street?"

"I think we'd all agree we miss being able to go to the market for a gallon of milk without being mobbed," Howie offered up.

The rest of the guys nodded their agreement.

"I just never thought it would be so hard to walk out my front door.  You always have to be on," Nick added.

"The Backstreet Boys have had a pretty busy schedule these last few months, and it appears to only get busier.  What do you look forward to doing on your days off?  What's your favorite simple pleasure?"

Nick grinned, speaking up first, "I love to be able to just chill with my Nintendo.  I've gotten really into reading though, too.  It's nice to be able to sit down with a good book without having to re-read the same sentence fifty times because there's so much going on."

"I love being able to sleep in late.  Wake up to coffee and spend the day chillin' with my wife," Kevin continued.

Howie continued, "I love spending a few hours on my computer.  I check out the message boards to see what's going on with the fans, what they have to say about everything.  Checking out new music, too.  I love finding new, unheard of bands."

Brian was next in line, "Leigh.  I love having that time to spend with her.  We both have such hectic schedules sometimes, I just love being able to pretend we're not in the spotlight."

"If you'd have asked me that a few months ago, I can almost assure you my answer woulda been different.  I love having the opportunity to spend hours of uninterrupted time with my fiancé, just sitting together, getting things prepared for our upcoming arrival," AJ finished out the question.

"Speaking of the arrival," a particular nosey reporter spoke up, "I notice Kevin and Brian's wives are here.  Where is your fiancé AJ?"

"She's at home resting," AJ answered, not wishing to delve any deeper, "Any other BSB questions?"

That nosey reporter persisted, "Is everything okay?  I understand that Katie hasn't been seen out with you at any events or outings for several weeks now."

AJ groaned inwardly, trying to formulate the proper response-one that didn't include the ways he wanted to maim and torture the reporter-but Nick beat him to it.

"I don't think that's-"

AJ quickly cut him off before Nick got himself into trouble, "It's okay Nick.  They want to know what's going on, personal lives aren't personal when you're famous.  Katie has been taking it easy.  It isn't good for her or the babies if she's on her feet for long periods of time."

The rest of the press joined in on the questioning, obviously enjoying the path it was going down, "So the babies are healthy?"

"Everyone is doing great," AJ was beginning to get agitated, but he tried to keep his cool, "Any more questions about the album or the Backstreet Boys?  That is why we are all here."

They ignored AJ's not-so-subtle push back on topic, "Do you know the babies genders?"

"If there are no more BSB questions, we're going to say good-bye.  We thank you all for your time," Kevin tried to speak over the crowd, attempting to put an end to what had started out as a successful press conference.

Questions were still being thrown out as the Boys waved good-bye and stepped off the small stage where they had been sitting.

"What are the babies' genders, AJ?"

"Do they have names?"

"Are Brian and Kevin going to start families any time soon?"

The Boys made no attempt to comment as security led them off to the side, Kristin and Leighanne following close behind.  They ignored any further comments and questions as they were led out of the building and into their waiting limousine.

*****

"I'm sorry guys," AJ spoke up once the group was safely on the road.

He scrubbed his hand over his face and closed his eyes in frustration.  This wasn't supposed to be about him.  It was supposed to be about the Boys and their album.  Things were supposed to have gone much differently.

"No worries man.  It's not like you told them to ask about Katie.  You didn't offer up the information," Nick patted AJ on the back.

"Some of those people are just sharks.  We can't help it when they set their mind on something.  It's their job to delve into our personal lives," Brian added.

"We should've expected that," Kevin growled and he was rewarded with a glare from his wife.

"You did the right thing, answering the questions like you did," Howie assure AJ.

AJ shook his head, "If I hadn't mentioned Katie or the babies..."

"You were just being truthful," Kristin offered, "I don't think you could've answered that question about your days off any better without lying."

"I just wasn't thinking," AJ groaned, "I can't wait to see what they all say about this whole situation."

Kevin regretted his growly comment.  He looked to the other guys for any ideas on how to fix this.  He knew AJ hadn't done it on purpose, he'd just hoped they would have been more prepared for a situation such as this.

It was times like these that they all wished their private lives were a little more private.  Sometimes the benefits of fame just didn't outweigh the costs.