Chapter Text
October 2014. Los Angeles, California.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement, the air crackling with anticipation. A sea of eager fans raised their hands high, their voices echoing in a chorus of screams. The concert had been going strong for nearly two hours, yet the crowd’s energy surged with every passing song. They knew what was coming next, the iconic anthem that had dominated the charts for months after NSYNC released it two years ago. The stage lights dimmed, enveloping the venue in a hushed ambiance as the band members swiftly changed their costumes, preparing for the grand finale.
After a quick costume change, Vi positioned herself at the far right of the stage. She wiped the sweat from her brow, feeling the dampness on her skin as she used the soft towel provided by a stage hand, before casually tossing it back. The distinct black and red sneakers from her new Hound of the Underground line of Nike shoes adorned her feet. The sneakers emitted a faint smell of fresh rubber, adding to the energy in the air. Her baggy jet black cargo pants rustled softly with each step she took, contrasting with the white and dark blue tank top that revealed her impressive muscular arms. The sight of her arms made both the guys and girls in the audience go wild. As she moved, the sleeve tattoos on her arms caught the light, their intricate designs adding to her captivating aura. The tattoo covering her entire back blended seamlessly with her arm tattoos, creating a harmonious tapestry of art.
Several fans in the front row nearby go wild as Vi gives a cocky wave and winks at a stunningly beautiful girl in the front row with silky blond hair before blowing her a kiss. The girl was so excited by the small interaction that she faints into the arms of nearby friends who stop her from falling to the ground. Vi couldn’t help but grin, chuckling to herself. She felt on top of the world. Slicking back her messy, short reddish pink hair, Vi soaked in the crowd in all it’s glory. Who could’ve imagined they would be here when they released their first album just five years ago when they were all 17 years old and back in high school. It had been one hell of a wild ride so far. Now their songs were topping the charts, they were the number one band in the world, they were staring in moving and everyone wanted a piece of them. It was all a dream come true and Vi couldn’t be happier.
Finally, the song began to play and the fans recognised the signature opening instantly. This was the big one they were waiting for and everyone was going fucking nuts by this point.
By now, everyone in the band was in their place, laying in the shadows on the main stage waiting for their respective moments. Caitlyn took centre stage, her presence equally magnetic but far more composed. Her long dark hair pulled into a high ponytail, dressed in an elegant, form-fitting jumpsuit that sparkled under the stage lights.
Jayce stood to Caitlyn’s right with an auora of a young James Dean and was dressed blue jeans and a black leather jacket. Viktor was to Caitlyn’s left and wore a fitted grey suit but with no tie. Viktor was a scrawny fella with his messy brown hair and a unique member of NSYNC with his usual stage attire and socially awkward personality, but he was a good-egg and was a damn fine filmmaker to, directing all the bands music videos.
Then there was Ekko, with his smooth dark skin, medium length white dreadlocks and an athletic build that made the girls go wild, he wore dark green baggy cargo pants, adorned a white tank top and a dark blue bullet-proof vest with a white skull painted onto it. His movements were always fluid and sharp when he danced, unlike Caitlyn who danced with practiced grace and an elegance stemming from her high school years as a ballet dancer. Vi’s unique dance style and confident movements exuded a suave and cocky aura that captivated both girls and guys, making them swoon over her. And damn she loved it.
Finally their moment had arrived and the lights kicked on, illuminating all five of them.
CAITLYN
Hey, Hey.
ALL TOGETHER
Bye bye bye, bye bye
Bye bye
With Caitlyn confidently leading the way, the group of five began to dance in perfect synchronization, effortlessly executing the signature moves from their music video.
CAITLYN
I’m doing this tonight
VIKTOR
You’re probably gonna start a fight
JAYCE
I know this can’t be right
Hey baby come on
EKKO
I loved you endlessly
VIKTOR
When you weren’t there for me
EKKO
So now it’s time to leave and make it alone
Dancing her way seamlessly to the front, Vi took the lead now, with Caitlyn standing beside her up the side by side. Spurred on by the crowds wild energy, Vi threw herself into the choreography with reckless abandonment with each step matching the pounding beats.
VI
I know that I can’t take no more
It ain’t no lie
I want to see you out that door
Baby bye bye bye
ALL TOGETHER
Don’t want to a fool for you
Just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain’t no lie
Baby bye bye bye
Bye bye
Don’t really want to make it tough
I just want to tell you that I’ve had enough.
CAITLYN & VI
It might sound crazy but it ain’t no lie
Baby bye bye bye
VI
You just hit me with the truth
Now girl you're more than welcome to
So give me one good reason
Baby come on
I've lived for you and me
And now I really come to see
That life would be much better once you're gone
CAITLYN
I know that I can’t take no more
It ain’t no lie
I want to see you out that door
Baby bye bye bye
ALL TOGETHER
Don't want to be a fool for you
Just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain't no lie
Baby bye bye bye
Bye bye
Don't really want to make it tough
I just want to tell you that I've had enough
Might sound crazy but it ain't no lie
Baby bye bye bye
JAYCE
I'm giving up I know for sure
I don't' want to be the reason for your love no more
Bye bye
I'm checking out, I'm signing off
I don't want to be the loser, and I've had enough
VIKTOR
I don’t want to be your fool in this game for two
CAITLYN & VI
So I’m leaving you behind
Bye bye bye
EKKO & VIKTOR (CAITLYN & VI)
I won’t want make it tough
(Make it tough)
But I’ve had enough
And it ain’t no lie
(Baby!)
ALL TOGETHER
Don't want to be a fool for you
Just another player in your game for two
I don't want to be your fool
But it ain't no lie
Baby bye bye bye
Bye bye
Don't really want to make it tough
I just want to tell you that I've had enough
It might sound crazy but it ain't no lie
Bye bye
As the song finished and to celebrate the conclusion to their concert, fireworks shot up into the air as the crowd roared, their cheers so deafening it was bound to read on the richter scale.
After taking a bow at centre stage together, each one thanked the fans for coming out and how much they adored them. The No Strings Attached Tour had now completed all the United States concert dates. So far they’d already covered several countries including Japan, Poland, Sweeden, France, England & Australia, with just three more shows in Canada this week to round it all out.
Vi was the last to come off stage, choosing to stick back on stage for a brief moment to get up close with a few of their fans to make their nights extra special.
“Thank you Los Angeles! We love you all!” Vi bellowed, getting another roar from the crowd before she jogged off stage with a big grin on her face.
Retreating backstage, her whole body still buzzing from the show, Vi slipped past the assistants, security, tech-staff, managers and agents all buzzing around backstage. A stage-hand came over and helped removed the slim microphone headset Vi was wearing for the performance before handing Vi a towel and ducking away again.
“We fuckin killed it out there!” Vi exclaimed as she slipped into the band’s green room where they could be alone and unwind after the show.
“Damn right,” Ekko chuckled and gave Vi a strong Vi five.
“Jayce, come on bro, don’t leave me hanging,” Vi jested, patting him on the back before holding her hand out.
“Alright, it was pretty damn good,” Jayce laughed, still on a giddy high as well as he high fived her.
“Oi, Vik, chuck us one of those will ya,” Vi puffed, indicating to the chilled bottles of water laid out for them on the table near the couches.
With a gentle swipe, Viktor removed the sweat from his forehead with a soft white towel, then grabbed a bottle and effortlessly tossed it to Vi, all while reclining on the soft leather couch.
“Damn, that’s good,” Vi sighed contently as she sculled half the bottle in one go.
Vi was quick to notice that Caitlyn was sitting on a chair on the far side of the room and had been avoiding eye contact with Vi ever since she entered. Caitlyn was flipping through her phone and like a graceful princess sipping her chilled bottled water.
“Come on princess, you gotta admit that was good,” Vi said with a cocky smirk, but Caitlyn didn’t respond continuing to flip through her phone. “What, you’re not even gonna look at me now, huh? Are you still on this? Come on, we killed it out there.”
“You’re insufferable,” Caitlyn scoffed and shook her head, continuing to mindlessly scroll through her phone.
“Oh, come off it. The audience loved us out there. Can’t you just be happy? Or is that too much for you, princess?” Vi jabbed.
“I am happy. I’m just sick of you fucking up the routines,” Caitlyn hissed, still looking at her phone.
“What, because I changed my position on the stage? I nailed all the choreography perfectly, so don’t tell me I fucked it up. Or did I ruin your moment, princess? Hmm?” Vi teased.
“Oh shut up!” Caitlyn snapped, glaring at Vi as she rose from her chair. “All of our positions on stage and moves are planned out well in advance by the choreographer, not for you to fuck it up because you want the spotlight all the time. You can never just stick to what was planned! I’m sick of it!”
“Girls, let’s not do this again, please,” Jayce said, trying to be the voice of reason.
“Get over yourself. It’s called improvisation cupcake. The fans loved it and we fucking owned out there, so lighten up. I still nailed every dance move. All I did was take the lead earlier than usual and give it some flair. It worked for the song and the fans ate it up.”
“You don’t get to decide that! You always do this!” Caitlyn hissed.
“That’s enough, both you,” Viktor calmly interjected, only slightly raising his voice to get the point across. Viktor rarely ever raised his voice, always being calm, quiet and composed. Despite all of them being the same age, Viktor almost felt like the unofficial leader of the group, keeping everyone together and on the same page as much as he could. “We’re on the last leg of this thing. Can we just get through the next few days without tearing each other apart?”
“I’m a professional. I can keep it together, unlike this walking fuckgirl over here,” Caitlyn huffed, crossing her arms across her chest.
“Awe, poor princess, are you jealous? Don’t worry cupcake, I got plenty of room for you to, just gotta ask,” Vi winked.
“Not in a million years. I’d rather fuck a trash compacter. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to my hotel to shower and get a massage. It’s too cramped in here,” Caitlyn huffed and exited the room, heading off for the night.
“Vi,” Viktor said with a knowing look.
Viktor had already had the conversation with Vi numerous times. If they let their little feuds drag out, it affects their shows and makes everyone’s life miserable, including the crew. They’d been through so much together over the years and despite how much Vi and Caitlyn butted heads, it felt shitty to end the night this way.
“Alright, I’m going. God dammit,” Vi sighed and exited the room, heading after Caitlyn.
Caitlyn’s long legs and powerful stride meant Vi was practically having to jog in order to catch up to her.
“Caitlyn. Caitlyn, come on just hold up! Please,” Vi called out.
“What?” Caitlyn stubbornly stopped, avoiding looking at Vi with a small annoyed pout and her arms crossed.
“I don’t wanna fight. Can we not end tonight like this? I’m sorry I changed up the routine…I just…I dunno, the music took me and I got carried away. You were really great out there and I’m sorry that I changed things up a little. Are you still mad at me?” Vi said with the best apologetic puppy dog eyed look she could muster.
“I’m not mad,” Caitlyn sighed, finally looking at Vi and uncrossing her arms. “I’m sorry to. I didn’t mean to snap. You were great out there as well.”
“Do you wanna hug it out?” Vi said with a playful smile, her arms out-stretched.
“I guess,” Caitlyn replied, doing her best to hide hide the small smile creeping onto her face.
“Bring it here, cupcake,” Vi said as the two hugged it out. They butted heads a fair bit, but they could never stay mad at each other for long.
Vi and Caitlyn had been friends since their freshman year in high school and instantly clicked. Jayce and Viktor had also been friends with Caitlyn for over a decade. Meanwhile, Ekko had been Vi’s closest friend since elementary school. One day, Caitlyn had the idea to form a band because she was a big fan of The Backstreet Boys when she was younger. Vi didn’t dislike the idea, and since they were all good friends, they decided to participate in a local talent show together. Surprisingly, they ended up winning. When it came to choosing a name for the band, none of them could think of anything. However, since they all sang well “in-sync” with each other, Vi casually suggested NSYNC, and it just stuck. Little did they know, young, upcoming Hollywood record producer Mel Medarda was at the competition and was instantly hooked by their incredible performance and signed them to a record deal.
Their first album was released a year later when they were all 17 years old and charted number one. They were an instant hit and everyone wanted a piece. They rocketed up the charts with every song and each new album. Each of them began staring in movies and Vi was lucky enough to work with Caitlyn in two blockbuster Steven Speilberg films. Their rise to fame had been one hell of a wild ride. At 22 years old, they were on top of the world and Vi couldn’t have done it without Caitlyn, Jayce, Ekko and Viktor. They were almost like a family to her.
“Ya know, I’m way better than a trash compactor I’ll have you know,” Vi jested as the two continued to hug.
“You’re an idiot,” Caitlyn chuckled.
“You sure you wanna leave? We were gonna go to an afterparty and get some drinks,” Vi suggested as the two broke from their hug.
“No, thank you. I just need a quiet night to read a book. You have fun though.”
“Ok, well don’t go too wild then,” Vi smirked.
“No promises,” Caitlyn chuckled, shaking her head. “Try not to pass out on someones lawn this time if you can,” she jested.
“Hey that was one time and besides it was for a good cause. Girl challenged me a drinking game and couldn’t back down. Speaking of which I gotta get laid tonight.”
“Charming as always. Well, you have fun there Casanova. Good luck,” Caitlyn said in a playful tone before the two parted.
“Don’t need luck with muscles like these cupcake. They’ll be begging me to go home with them,” Vi playfully boasted, flexing her arms.
“Goodnight, Vi,” Caitlyn chuckled shaking her head as she walked away.
“Night cupcake,” Vi called back and started walking back to the dressing room to get ready for tonight.
Despite Caitlyn being a lesbian and Vi being a bisexual the two had never thought of each other romantically or sexually. They’d always just been friends and nothing more. Caitlyn always had some tragic romance going on and Vi had numerous girls and guys coming and going with a string of casual flings. They worked better as friends. Sure, Vi found Caitlyn very attractive and she was a sexy gal, no doubt about that, anyone with a pair of eyes could see that, but they just never thought of each other that way. Strange how that worked out, but that’s how it was between them.
For now, Vi wanted to continue riding the high of tonight’s performance and the buzz of the crowd still coursing through her entire body. She wanted to keep the night going. They’d earned a night to celebrate after all these shows they’d been doing one after another. Some booze and somebody to fuck was just what the doctor ordered.
Little did she know, her world was about to come crashing down far harder than she ever could have imagined.