Title: Colours of the World (Spice Up Your Life) by gala_apples
Pairing: gen, mentioned Show Pony/Doctor Death Defying and hinted Spice Girls GSF
Length: 2,120 words
Author on LJ & DW: gala_apples & gala_apples
Author on AO3: gala_apples

Why this must be read: Ghoul doesn't like getting visits from other resistance groups, but it's a necessary evil. - The one where the Spice Girls is another of the resistance groups in the Killjoys universe.

This is a fascinating story. It's the kind of scenario that could easily be played for laughs but gala_apples really makes it work. I love the subtle way we're shown that this isn't only trading for goods, it's also an exchange of knowledge and an opportunity to see other points of views. Even Frank, for all his reluctance and suspicions, realises how important it is, particulary for Grace and her future.

( Excerpt from the story... )

Colours of the World (Spice Up Your Life) (on LJ) or here (on DW)

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Brian/Nick
Length: long
Author on LJ: zoicite
Author Website: Commoner's Tales
Why this must be read: This one was actually written relatively recently, for the Make the Yuletide Gay exchange. Normally I'm not fond of AU's, but this one is really more of a mixture.

By day, Nick Carter is a kindergarten art teacher, and Brian is the new hire. At night, in his dreams, they're rock stars. And our dreams can hold the key to our subconscious. Zoicite blends lovely characterization with excellent storytelling, and this is one not to miss!

...In the sketch Brian’s hair is longer than it usually is in Nick’s dream and his fingers are touching Nick’s skin beneath his untucked shirt. In another sketch they’re at the zoo surrounded by children holding cotton candy and Brian is laughing, an arm around Nick’s waist.

Brian studies the sketches for a while and says that it looks like a nice fantasy world.

“Honestly. These are really great. It’s almost too bad real life can’t be like this,” Brian says. In the real life of Nick’s dream he knows that they can never have everything that they want....

Construction Paper Canvas

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: AJ/Nick
Length: short
Author on LJ: bubbleforest
Author Website: Yours-Completely.org
Why this must be read: Throwing in some AJ/Nick for variety!

This was written for the Don We Now Our Gay Apparel exchange back in 2005. When Nick starts hanging out with Denise, AJ's a little uncomfortable. Maybe a lot uncomfortable. But when they finally manage to work through the tension, they both learn a few things about each other. This is a really sweet story with great characterizations!

Cookie Batter Crazy

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Chris-centric
Length: poem
Author on LJ: pensnest
Author Website: Pen's Nest
Why this must be read: When someone models a popslash poem on Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha, you know it has to be good. And I'm so glad I get to rec this!

This is by far the best ode to popslash I have ever read, perhaps even one of the best poems I've ever read, oddly enough. Pen enshrines in artful language the legend of Chris Kirkpatrick and his sparkly mates, ingenious characterizations and wittiness abound! There are so many lines I wish I could quote from this, but you'll just have to read it!

Long ago, but not forgotten,
in the days of pop and sparkle
in the days of mesh and glitter
In the days that are behind us,
lived the mighty Chris Kirkpatrick...

The Song of Chris Kirkpatrick

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: gen
Length: long
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Backstreet Fan Fiction
Why this must be read: This has been one of my favorite stories for a long time. The plot is pretty simple; while traveling on tour, back in earlier days, Brian and Nick find a dog and decide to keep it. The only problem is keeping it hidden from the rest of the group. This story isn't particularly flashy, but there are some truly wonderful group interactions. I've read this story countless times, and it grows on me every time.

A Little Thing Called Puppy Love

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Brian/Nick, Howie/Nick
Length: multipart
Author on LJ: tainted_velvet
Author Website: Touched by a Boy(fic journal)
Why this must be read: Firstly I should warn that this story is unfinished, but that should not in the least prevent you from reading it! I would recommend everything tainted_velvet has written actually. I guess this could also be called one of those stories where "not much happens," but it totally makes up for the lack of plot in gorgeous characterizations and group interaction. Brian sees something that makes him remember his past relationship with Nick. And I apologize for this rec's incoherent-ness, as my brain is muddled with fever, but have an excerpt! And then go read!

...Brian remembered a lot from back then. He remembered two young boys searching for comfort, acceptance and even...love, in each other's arms - as they passed through foreign towns with strange names. He remembered soft skin, firm touches and whispered pleas, and wanting things that he shouldn't have, because he wasn't raised to want those kinds of things....


Letting Go

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: gen, Nick's POV
Length: short
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Archived at Backstreet Bauhaus
Why this must be read: Sort of continuing with the Brian/Nick theme here, this one is actually gen but it's a really great read. It's also rather unusual because it's told in first person with Nick as narrator, and we get to hear all of the ramblings that go through his head. It's not very often that I really enjoy first person narration in popslash, but Cecilia really does an excellent job of blending Nick's voice with skillful storytelling.

The story begins way back when marriage was an imminent revolution in the world of Backstreet, and Nick is having a hard time dealing with all of the changes. Nick and Kevin go out for some male bonding, which doesn't go exactly as planned, and the sentiment seems to follow them through to Brian's wedding day. It's a humorous yet touching look at group dynamics from a really great author.


So Long

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Brian/Eminem
Length: very short story
Author on LJ: nopseud
Author Website: No Pseud Attached: A Popslash Fiction Archive
Why this must be read: Since today is crossover day, I think this counts as a crossover? Either way, this one is hilarious. I don't want to say too much and ruin it, but this was originally posted at fic_requests in response to a request for some Brian/Eminem. Basically, Brian Littrell starts collaborating with rapper Eminem, to the surprise of his fellow group members. Speculation ensues, but it seems Brian has a trick for all of them.

This is a well-written little piece by a great writer, and will keep you highly amused throughout. You may want to read this alone though, because you will be laughing out loud!


Brian/Eminem

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Brian/Nick
Length: short story
Author on LJ: zoicite
Author Website: Commoner's Tales
Why this must be read: I know I've been reccing the Brian/Nick a lot (because a few people have asked for it) but this will be the last one this month. This one by Zoicite presents what I think is a different and somewhat unusual take on Brian and Nick's relationship. The days of Frick and Frack are now passed, and they're both adults with different interests and values.

Nick's, ahem, lifestyle makes the rest of the group uncomfortable. So Brian fixes it, in a way that's very characteristically Brian. There's understated tension here as well as quite a bit of nostalgia. It's not the typical happy ending, but it shows what has remained constant amidst the change and I think it highlights what is really fundamental to their relationship.


Fixed

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Brian/Nick
Length: short story
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: J. Rebels Against BigNames
Why this must be read: I am eternally fascinated by stories that depict the Boys’ early days of touring Europe; I just love the whole atmosphere of being in a strange place, on the cusp of fame, and the friction of a bunch of young boys thrown together trying to navigate adulthood. And this story captures these feelings perfectly.

I also particularly like second person narration employed here. Told from Brian's point of view, we see the beginning of his relationship as Nick's "older brother," rather than the Frick and Frack that we're more familiar with. Combining gorgeous prose with astute characterizations, this is a fic not to be missed.

…It is warm here, so warm that you have to strip down to a wife beater and boxers and the sweat is pouring down your flesh like rain. But the kid is loving it. With toothpaste in his mouth he tells you of how this reminds him of home, of hot days in Ruskin when the sun pours off your skin just like this. You decide then - hearing him rave about humidity for at least seven minutes - that you will never move to Florida….

Germany in November

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Brian/Nick
Length: short story
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: I Got You
Why this must be read: Everything the title says it is. Nick is sweet sixteen, although perhaps not in the traditional sense of that phrase, and Brian just can't stop thinking about him. Nick though, ever perceptive, is rather encouraged by Brian's fumblings, leading to some less-than-chaste relations.

This is another shivery-good piece of slash, featuring characteristically spot-on interactions between Nick and Brian and wonderful descriptions. I can almost taste the cherry popsicle... or, wish I could, anyway.

"Sixteen and already a damn tease."

Sweet Sixteen

Hello! I'm citruslover, back to drive the Popslash van for September. And I bring more BSB recs!

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Howie/Nick
Length: short story
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Lose Yourself
Why this must be read: Nick Carter has an amazing mouth. Is it any wonder we're so inspired by it? This story is just perfect, in so many ways. Fantastic characterizations of both Nick and Howie, beautifully poetic narration, and sex that is sweet and sensual and delicious. A wonderful read.

Howie decided that he liked Nick's mouth.

He liked how, when it was closed or in a pout, it was like a perfect, pale strawberry. But more often than not, his mouth was moving -- stringing along words as quickly as they could be thought....

Kiss Me with Your Mouth

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Chris/Joey
Author on LJ:?
Author Website:http://www.waxjism.org/vanitas/fics.html
Why this must be read:

A story set back before the guys were famous. Chris watches Joey get turned down by a girl at a club, and is amused. He takes Joey home and somehow, things change.
( Read more... )
There are a couple of peculiar typos, but it's a well-written and funny story, with Chris's ability to chatter incessantly *whatever* is happening providing the title. Lighthearted and fun.

Big Mouth

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Nick/Justin
Author on LJ:fluffontop (I think)
Author Website: (currently unavailable)
Why this must be read:

This is the Groundhog Day scenario that Nick Carter lives through on Christmas Eve. First time round, he wakes up in bed with a girl, after she leaves he has to go to a TV studio appearance, and Justin Timberlake kisses him.

Obviously, something is wrong in this scenario.

Nick goes through the Groundhog Day stages of self-indulgence and self-destruction. Eventually, though, he gets it right. An elegantly written story, with lots of little details that make for a very good read.

( Read more... )

I know I'm really late, but real life has intervened more than I had hoped for during my crack van month.  I know that if I don't post this now, I'll never be able to post it so please accept my apology for the late posting.

Title: I Hate Flip Flops
Pairing: Justin Timberlake/Jason Castro
Length: 3102 words
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Author is currently working on her personal website, but in the meantime, you can find author's fics can be found here.
Why this must be read:  Tabi and I are from the same fandom, 'Nsyncslash. As everyone knows 'Nsyncslash is one of the best fandoms ever. So, Tabi brings forth that strong lineage.  In this fic, she brings together my two muses in a very real setting. You can see and feel everything that is going on. Oh, and there's plenty of hot sex, too.

I Hate Flip Flops

                Jason sat cross legged on the beach.  He looked over the water and felt very calm.  Bodies of water made him at peace naturally.  It had been weeks since he had been voted off and he was due back for rehearsals.  He had done the press junket like he had been advised and had gone home for a few days.  He had been welcomed back with open arms by his town and he appreciated it.  He just was not ready to be back to normal.  He had told his family they had needed him back earlier than expected so he could leave without the guilt.  He needed time to transition.  He knew he would do the tour and then it would be over.  He would work on his own career but it would not be full speed ahead like AI was.  It had all been unnerving and overwhelming to go back home as a celebrity he wanted some time from the normal and the lime light.  He picked up a shell and threw it to the water where it skipped then sank.

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: AJ/JC
Author on LJ: nopseud
Author Website: http://www.nsa.slashcity.org/nsa/index.html
Why this must be read:

I seem to make a habit of reccing nopseud's stories, but I enjoy them so much that it's the obvious thing to do.

This is a very interesting Letterboys story set last autumn during the period when the Boys, and (separately) AJ, were doing concerts in the UK. JC, of course, had produced for BSB and co-written a song with AJ, so naturally, he drops by to say hello since he's in the same country.

AJ is very tense at the prospect of his solo concerts (and with the after-effects of sleeping badly), so JC offers him a massage. And one thing leads to another, as things are wont to do.

Except that it turns out JC has no previous experience in this particular line of action. So there's a bit of freaking... Lots of charming characterisation, and the freaking is entirely reasonable and adult, which I approve of. And the fascination the rest of the Boys have for what is going on is very funny indeed.

( Read more... )

looking at the stars

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Chris/Lance
Author on LJ: rainbeaux
Author Website:http://rainbeaux.livejournal.com/
Why this must be read:

This fic, written for last year's MTYG challenge, never fails to make me smile. Chris, disgruntled that Lance is 'deserting' him to spend Christmas with his family, is surprised to find that he's the recipient of a sequence of presents that starts with a box of pears and a Partridge Family video. Joey, meanwhile, is gleeful in anticipation of the invasion of unwanted birds and other inconvenient stuff, and increasingly frustrated when the presents don't turn out to be as much of a nuisance as he had expected.

It's a lighthearted and frothy little fic, but the conversations between Chris and Joey are just wonderful.

And eventually, it becomes clear who actually sent the gifts.

( Read more... )

... And Some Parts to a Mustang GT

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: JC/Joey
Author on LJ:
Author Website: http://www.waxjism.org/vanitas/fics.html
Why this must be read:

Well, it is JC's birthday today, and really, what better way to celebrate than by putting on a dress and having Joey fuck him?

Yeah, anyway. Not a long story, but well done. Joey, who's having some problems of his own, persuades JC to tell him about a fantasy. Joey's reactions are wonderful, and the eventual sex is very hot.

( Read more... )

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: JC Chasez/Nick Carter
Author on LJ:
Author Website: http://www.waxjism.org/burymedeep/index2.html
Why this must be read:

This is a quiet little gem of a story, atmospheric and full of lovely characterisation. JC is stranded somewhere in the Florida Keys. To his great embarrassment, Nick Carter (who can skipper his own boat) turns up. Beautifully written, with lots of intriguing little questions and discoveries turning up as you read.

( Read more... )

And with this I shall take a back seat in the popslash van! I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have!

Vidder: Mette
Musical Artist: Backstreet Boys
Pairing: BSB gen
Vidder on LJ: bubbleforest
Vidder Website: Youtube Channel
Why this vid kicks ass: Mette's vids have been recced numerous times here, and for very good reason. It's rare to find decent videos in popslash, but this one is really wonderful and deserves to be recced!

Last year, 2008, was the Backstreet Boys' anniversary celebrating fifteen years as a group. Fifteen! That certainly warrants a tribute, right? Mette delivers with this warm, energetic video which skillfully blends clips from recent performances with old footage and interviews (including some of those unforgettable outfits!) Mixing friendship, emotion, and great music, a great way to commemorate a fandom. Go watch!

You Can Let Go

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: AJ/Nick
Length: short story
Author on LJ: visionshadows
Author Website: Sparkly Dance Boys.com
Why this must be read: Conventional wisdom says that youth is the time to try out new things, broaden our horizons. If you're a Backstreet Boy that probably includes a much broader range, but we're not getting into specifics here.

Told from AJ's point of view, this is an emotional look back at a human experiment, the results of which are still open to interpretation. Bittersweet memories blend with excellent dialogue and poignant self-realizations to make a wonderful narrative.

...I was his experiment. He was my first. And when his experiment was over, he moved on.

Sometimes I’ll catch myself watching him and I’ll remember little things; the way his eyelids fluttered when he slept, the fine blonde hair on his upper thighs, or the way his fingers plucked at the blankets when we would talk.

Then I’ll shake my head a little, blink, and force myself back to the present, force myself to see Nick now and remember that he’s not mine. He never really was. Even when we were together, he never gave himself to me really. Sure, he gave me his body but he never gave me his mind or his heart....

The Experiment

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Lance/Howie
Length: long
Author on LJ: arsenicjade
Author Website: Most Delicious Poison
Why this must be read: Today is Lance day! Lance is awesome! So awesome that Howie can't keep his hands off him! Well, in my imagination anyway. This one has been a favorite of mine for a long time. When Howie decides to come out of the closet his relationship with Lance begins to bloom, bringing with it good times and hard choices. Wonderful dialogue and lovely characterizations make this a story not to miss.

..."Do they really call you that?"

"Which one?"

"Either, both."

"Sweet D, yeah, sometimes, mostly Nick and Brian. Latin Lover, that's all AJ and only when he's being facetious."

"Hmm. Thanks for bringing me out here. I appreciate you trusting me like that."

The sun was starting to rise, so Howie didn't say anything, just let his chin rest on Lance's shoulder and watched. When the sky was fading from near-neon pink to pastel tinged blue, Lance whispered, "Would you mind if I kissed you?"

Howie was barely able to form the word "no," but Lance heard and understood and didn't waste a minute before twisting around and touching Howie's lips to his. Howie let go of the sleeping bag in favor of grabbing onto Lance and both men fell backwards onto the released cushioning. The sky was a bright, cloudless blue by the time either of them thought about moving....

Change My Everyday

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Howie/Nick
Length: short story
Author on LJ: bard_mercutio
Author website: Verona: Mercutio's Stories
Why this must be read: This was actually written for the Don We Now Our Gay Apparel popslash secret santa exchange back in 2004. All of the stories that have come out of that exchange are wonderful, some truly talented writers, and I would recommend all of them. But this one really stole my heart.

It's an AU, which normally I'm not fond of, but it's well done. Howie is a psychologist who finds himself growing increasingly cynical about the world we live in, and for good reason. He is sent to evaluate a juvenile delinquent, Nick; but there's something different about this case. Through interviews and court documents Nick's story takes form, and it turns out to be the key to the answer that Howie is searching for. This is a story for anyone who has ever found themselves dissatisfied, questioning, and hoping for something better.

.02; a story of the Uphere

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Brian/Nick
Length: short
Author on LJ: eponymous
Author Website juppy.org
Why this must be read: I love, love, love this story! It is just absolutely adorable. Brian and Nick have an odd way of communicating, if you can call it that. Three short scenes give us a glimpse of their relationship, the camaraderie, the excitement, and the nostalgia. Lots of story in very few words, proving that less definitely is more.

...They never did talk about what they were doing, a fact that seemed strange in retrospect but perfectly natural at the time. They didn't talk about the way they finished each other's sentences, either, or the way they kept an eye on the other's candy stash and topped it up when it was low.

That gleam Brian would get in his eye that meant Nick would soon be clutching at him, coming for him, mindless -- Nick thinks he still sees that gleam sometimes, when he's peeling out of leather pants at a photoshoot, when he walks out of the shower in waterdroplets and a towel, sees it there but muted.

Mostly, but not always, he turns away....


Lost

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: gen, AJ-centric
Length: short story
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: backstreet fan fiction
Why this must be read: In honor of this month being AJ month in the popslash fandom. Yes, more genfic, but I promise it's the last one! Izzy is another author whom I very much admire; this was one of the first Backstreet fanfics I ever read, and I fell in love with it. It's an extended AJ character study, who is a pretty complicated character to attempt, and it's so spot-on it almost hurts.

The only constant in life is change. For AJ McLean, no truer words had ever been spoken. AJ meditates upon these words, and watches Shark Week with Nick. And comes to some conclusions. It's creative, concise, and makes you read between the lines and listen for what isn't being said, which we so often have to do--particularly in this fandom--just to grasp at the truth.

...In school the following year I told everyone that my father was a mercenary overseas and that I was actually in the witness protection program, while my mother was in the FBI and working undercover. My real name wasn't Alex, it was Antonio, but if you called me that you might be in trouble. I carried a briefcase for a couple of weeks. I didn't have many friends.

I changed my handwriting frequently in school. Almost as often as I changed my story.

I seemed to have a problem expressing myself.

Flash forward. Had things changed?

Less than ten years later I was going by AJ and was surrounded by four guys who seemed to want to accept me for who I was. That was another sort of escape for me, only I wasn't really too sure who that me was that I was supposed to be showing them. I was a little too big to be playing Zorro, magic didn't work, and the last time I had tried to be Superman I had sprained my wrist.

It seemed like AJ was going to be something a little new. Something to escape to, not escape from. And retiring AJ wouldn't be as easy as taking off the cape or throwing away the mask. AJ was a little more permanent. AJ was a tattoo....

Me, Myself, and I

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Kevin/Nick
Length: long
Author on LJ: enoughoflove
Author Website: iheartsam
Why this must be read: I cannot believe no one has recced this story yet! I am sure you have all read it and reveled in it already, but for posterity's sake. In the author's words, a self-indulgent, melodramatic saga. It's a Kevin/Nick epic, from the initial turmoil of forbidden love to their first kiss, all the highs and lows of their relationship, the painful ending and rebirth. Melodramatic, and wonderfully saccharine, and so, so good! One of my favorite popslash stories that I have ever read, by far. Really, just, go read.


Drop in the Ocean

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: AJ/Brian
Length: short story
Author on LJ: cjmarlowe
Author Website: The Studio
Why this must be read: Nick Carter can do algebra! Who knew? Just kidding! This is one of the most adorable stories I have ever read. Set in the early days of Backstreet, when young Brian and AJ both find significant others, things get shaken up in the Backstreet camp. Eventually Brian and AJ find each other, and Nick just wants things to get back to normal.

I am particularly fond of stories where the main plotline is portrayed from an outside perspective, oftentimes calling into question the narrator's own perception, and this is a classic example. Through Nick's eyes we see the exploits of the rest of the Boys, but his naiveté keeps him from seeing what everyone else can see. Brian and AJ's fumbling toward a relationship is adorable, as well as creating the perfect environment for Nick's own growing up. Lots of great dialogue and interaction among all five of them, and just all-around fun.

Law of Averages

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Brian/Howie
Length: short stories
Author on LJ: jain
Author Website: A Wild Surmise
Why this must be read: Nick has a crush on Brian. Brian is uncomfortable. In order to cope, Brian... seduces Howie? Amusing premise, and brilliant execution. In Surprise Brian needs a distraction from Nick's advances and turns to Howie for help, which Howie willingly gives. Hot sex ensues, and Brian's plan works.

In the sequel, Some Sort of Future, they realize that Brian's "plan" has developed into something more. I love this story because, firstly, it's somewhat of an unusual pairing (which I think there should be more of). It's sweet, sexy, will tug at your heart strings and leave you wanting more.


..."Wait, wait," he said. "You want to sleep with me?"

Brian looked at him slantwise, looked down, blushed, nodded.

"Because you want Nick."

The blush grew deeper; he nodded again.

Surprise and Some Sort of Future

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: gen
Length: long
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Archived at Bauhaus Classics
Why this must be read: Alright, yes, it's genfic--but wait! Come back! I promise this is good. Jennifer is another of those authors who I would rec everything of theirs if I could. Her writing, to me, represents classic Backstreet Boys fanfiction. Firmly planted in reality, it depicts a day in the life of the Backstreet Boys as popstars: the overnight flights, the performances, the family dramas, the controlled chaos, all of it narrated in artful prose.

In the midst of internal strife, Howie and AJ decide to take a personal day and abandon their responsibilities in the machine that is the Backstreet Boys. And in doing so, they are all reminded of what is most important. Wonderful characterizations that make canon spring to life in clear, masterful narration. Simple, yet achingly beautiful. You will not be disappointed.

As It Is In Heaven

Hi everyone! I'm citruslover and I will be driving the Popslash van for July! The stories that I will be reccing this month have all been around awhile, but they are some of my favorites and the ones that I keep coming back to. So I guess a theme might be oldies-but-goodies, perhaps? Also, I freely admit that I have read much more Backstreet fanfic than NSync, so there will be a noticeable bias. Which I think is alright, because there's a lot of good BSB material, and they seem like a neglected stepchild here! So, please buckle up, keep all limbs inside the vehicle, and enjoy the popslash!

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: Kevin/Nick from Brian's POV
Length: short story
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Private Indulgences
Why this must be read: Bry was the first slash author that I ever read, and it was her writing that really pulled me into the fandom. I would rec everything of hers if I could. Not only does she write sex, really hot sex, but it's set amongst intriguing, spot-on characterizations, making it so much more.

This story explores the paternal aspect of Kevin and Nick's relationship, through Brian's observations. Kevin is the mature older brother comforting a needy Nick; squint a little, and it's almost believable. Using Brian as the lens gives it a voyeuristic feel, viewing the relationship from an outside perspective almost at the level that we as fans view it. It's an approach that Bry truly excels at, and makes for some provocative reading.

If Kevin Hadn't