Pairing: Chris wants a little JC love (Why not everybody else is getting some.)
What is with that boy? I don't get it. Every time we do a photo shoot he's laying on someone or leaning against somebody. Usually it's Justin or Lance but
lately I've noticed he's been hanging on Joey allot. What the hell is going on? What is so special about them?
Chris puts the latest issue of "Teen Beat" down, looks up at Joey and asks to no one inparticular, "Hey guys? What's up with JC?"
"Huh, what are you talking about Chris?" Justin questions.
"Yeah, he seems the same as always," Joey puts in.
"I don't mean… never mind." Chris huffs and walks down the narrow hall to his bunk. "Man, they just don't get it."
"Chris," Lance mumbles from his bunk. "What's the matter? Who don't get what?"
"Nothing. I don't want to talk about it." Chris climbs up in his bunk and pulls out another magazine. I don't get it. He leans, hugs, and lays on everyone else but the minute I get near him he backs off and withdraws into his own little world. What the hell did I ever do to him?
Lance gets up and wanders to the back of the bus, "Hey guys? What's up with Chris? Why is he in his bunk mumbling? What'd you do to him Curly?"
"What? I didn't do anything. It wasn't me." Justin bumbles as he kills Joey's villian. "Ha, got you again man."
"Lance," Joey begins, turning to face Lance. "Chris asked us if we noticed anything different about JC. When we said no he got up and stomped off to his
bunk. We didn't do anything. He was looking at the magazine over there, threw it down on the couch, asked us about JC and then huffed off."
"Hmm. Well I don't get it. Oh, well. If he wants to talk he knows we're here. So, do I get to play yet?" Lance dismisses.
"Hey guys," JC mumbles, walking in with his hair sticking up all over everywhere. "What's up?"
"Nothing man," Justin laughs. "Dude, go look in the mirror. What'd you do, stick your finger in a light socket or something?"
"Huh? What ever J. Where's Chris?"
"He's in his bunk being a mumblypeg," Joey states.
"Being a what?" JC questions, puzzled.
"A mumblypeg," Joey reiterates. "Don't ask man, my mom used to call me that all the time when I would pout and mumble about shit."
"Oh, ooook. You really are strange, you know that right Joe?" Lance says with a sideways glance.
"Yeah, I'll second that." Chris comments coming back into the small living room and plopping down on the couch. He attempts to sit next to JC but as soon as he
sits, JC jumps up and heads for the bathroom. "See guys, I told you. He's acting weird."
"Huh. How is he acting weird? Justin told him his hair was sticking up so he went to the bathroom. What's so weird about that?" Lance asks.
"I don't know. It just seems that every time I sit next to him or get near him he backs away or tries to get as far away from me as possible." Chris grumbles.
"Have you asked him about it?" Joey suggests.
"Hell, no."
"Well, why not?" Justin presses.
JC comes back out and looks around for a minute and then heads to the small kitchen area. He doesn't return.
"See guys, I'm telling you, he's avoiding me."
"Well, what do you want us to do?" Joey asks.
"Nothing, I'll figure it out myself. Obviously I'm the only one that has noticed, so don't worry about it. I'll just deal with it myself." Chris gets
up and goes back to his bunk.
"Ok, guys. If those two don't get together pretty soon on their own, we're gonna have to do something. I don't get Jayce at all. Why is he avoiding Chris
so much? If I were in love with someone, I sure wouldn't be avoiding them. I'd be trying to get as close as possible. Instead he seems to be trying to
overcompensate by hanging on all of us during the photo shoots and stuff. He's just messed up, that's all there is to it." Lance babbles.
"Yeah, what he said," Justin agrees.
****Several hours later****
"Chris, JC get up we're here. Get up guys." Lance yells.
"Alright, I'm up," Chris and JC both grumble, rolling out of their bunks and into the narrow hallway at the same time.
JC looks up at Chris, glares at him, grabs his stuff and practically runs off the bus. "See Lance, tell me I was the only one that saw that glare."
"No, I saw it too Chris. I don't know what to tell you man. I have no idea why he's acting this way." Lance says solemnly, placing a hand on Chris' shoulder.
They make their way into the hotel and up to their rooms. Lance spouting off the rest of the day's schedule as they go.
"You have got to be kidding me," Justin hines. "Didn't we just do a photo shoot for that damn magazine?"
"Yeah," Joey joins. "I could have sworn we already did that one. Why we gotta do it again?"
"Oh, both of you just shut the hell up. We have to do the damn pictures and you both know it. Just get over it and deal with it." JC yells, storming off to his
room mumbling about whiny, snivelly people.
"Ok, that was fun," Justin observes.
"What the hell crawled up his ass?" Joey wonders out loud.
"Beats me, but if he don't get over it soon, I'm gonna beat him down but good." Justin states.
"Yeah, what ever J," Chris dismisses. "I think I'm gonna take the bull by the horns and see if I can figure out what his problem is. It seems to be partially because of me anyway. I don't know what I did but I'm gonna find out." He walks down the hall and knocks on JC's door. God, what the hell am I gonna say. He hates me and all I want to do is grab him and give him a big wet kiss and tell him I'm madly in love with him. Yeah, that'd go over really well, I'm sure. Right after he stops laughing he'll kick my ass. Nope don't think that's what I'm gonna say.
"What? What do you want?" JC growls, opening the door.
"I think we need to talk."
"Nope, I ain't got nothing to say to you."
"Well, maybe I got something I want to say to you."
"Tuff. Now leave me the hell alone. I got shit to do and we gotta leave here in a bit. Tell Lance to come get me when it's time to leave."
"Fuck you. I'm not leaving here until you tell me what the hell is going on."
"Suit yourself." JC slams the door in Chris' face.
Yeah, that went over really well. Ok, now what? Chris heads down the hall to his room. I gotta figure this out. It's driving me nuts. What the hell is wrong with him?
"Alright guys," Lance bellows in the hallway. "It's time to go. If I have to come get each one of you, I'm gonna kick some serious ass. Let's go."
"Ok," Justin mumbles, strolling from his room with Joey on his heels. "We're here. What about cranky and bitchy? They here yet?"
"Nope, guess I'm gonna get to kick someone's ass today after all." Lance snickers.
"Yeah, sure," Chris greets as he comes down the hall. "I'd pay money to see you kick JC's ass today. Snakeboy has got a serious attitude today."
"Snakeboy?" Justin and Joey both snicker and laugh. "Good one man."
"What the hell are you two laughing at?" JC snarls, approaching from the other direction. "Aren't we supposed to be leaving shortly? I've been waiting by the elevator for ten minutes already. Let's go. I don't have all day, damn it."
"Yes, Daddy." Lance sighs.
"Boy, this is gonna be a long afternoon," Joey whispers to Justin.
"You got that right. What the hell crawled up Jayce's ass anyway?" Justin replies.
"Beats me."
The limo ride was quite and uneventful. JC sat in one corner, Chris in the other with Lance in between them. Joey and Justin sitting across for them.
They arrive at the studio for the photo shoot. They all get out and Lance reaches out, grabs JC's arm and says, "Look, I don't know what your problem is
today, but you need to get over it for this photo shoot. And what ever your problem is with Chris, you need to talk to him about it. He's really upset
about it."
"Yeah, what ever Lance. Don't worry, I won't mess up the pictures and I'll be nice to Chris in public but when we get back to the room don't expect me to hang
with you guys. I'm working on something and I'd really like to get it done."
"Sure, Jayce. Why couldn't you just tell us that? You know we'd understand."
"Yeah, sure you would. Like you all even care anyway." That said JC walks over to the makeup area and sits down.
"Ooook. Well, what the hell was that all about?" Lance walks up to Joey and Justin. "Guys, this is getting bad. Jayce just made a comment that makes
absolutely no sense. I think there really is something wrong with him."
"Lance, what ever Jayce's problem is, you know he's not gonna talk until he's ready. I say we just leave him alone until he comes to one of us. You know
he's not gonna jeapordize anything. Now come on, we got pictures to take." Justin responds.
"I know, but I see a serious time bomb here. He's starting make me worry. He's never been 'this' agitated since I've known him." Lance worries.
"Jayce is just like that man, don't worry about it." Joey dismisses. "Let's get this shoot done so we can get back to the hotel. The sooner we get there, the
sooner I can get to a club. Come on J, lets go."
"Finally, we're all here," the photographer states. "Ok, I want to try a few different poses so you guys just let me know what works for you. Let's start with you guys just doing a group shot and see where we go from there ok? I'm sure you have some ideas."
"What, you want us to just pose. No direction?" Justin clarifies.
"Yes. You can do that can't you?"
"Of course we can. Come on guys." Chris smiles.
"Ok, can you smile please JC? Better, thank you. Ok. Now every smile, great. Alright. Joey could you put your arm around Justin, great. Now, Lance stand
between JC and Justin, Chris you put your arm around JC. JC stand between Lance and Chris. Perfect. Ok, now everybody smile. Yes! Perfect. Ok, thanks guys.
You're done here. (AN: I'm sure none of their photo shoots go this well or this short but I really didn't want to drag it out.)
"Damn, that was quick?" Joey jokes. "He must have someone really important coming in after us or something. I don't think we've ever had one go this
quickly."
"Yeah, whatever, Joe. Could you quit rambling and go change so we can leave? I thought you wanted to get back to the hotel so you could go clubbing?" JC
snarls, ducking from under Chris' arm and heading to the dressing room.
"God, is he bitchy or what?" Lance observes. "Chris, you ok man?"
"Yeah, I just don't understand why he hates me. What did I do to him?" Chris asks with tears in his eyes.
JC watches the guys quietly from his hiding place behind the curtain.
They ride back to the hotel in complete silence. JC staring out one window, Chris the other. The other three were glaring at JC.
"I say we lock him in a room with Chris and let them have it out," Justin whispers to Joey.
"Yeah, that always works in the movies," Joey responds with sarcasm.
"I bet it'll work with those two. You know how annoying Chris is." Justin suggests.
"Yeah, and that annoying behavior is why I'm not so sure that's a great idea. With the mood C's in we might open the door and find Chris dead in there." Joey
responds.
"I don't think he'll kill him. Maybe maime him a little but not kill." Justin giggles.
"Ok, so how we gonna do this?" Joey questions.
"I'll talk to JC for a little while, you go talk to Chris. At about seven bring Chris down to JC's room. I'll let you guys in and then we'll just leave, and
block the door somehow." Justin suggests.
"Well, that would be a great idea. IF THE DOORS DIDN"T OPEN INTO THE ROOMs instead of out." Joey says and then looks at the others to see if they noticed.
"I know. That's gonna be a problem. You got any suggestions?"
"Guys, could you keep it down? They're gonna here you. Wait til we get back to the hotel and then come to my room. I think I have a way to fix this mess."
Lance puts in.
They arrive at the hotel, go up to their floor. JC stops down the hall and into his room, slamming the door behind him. Chris walks dejectedly down the hall to his room. Joey, Justin, and Lance all watch their two friends until they disappear and then the three of them enter Lance's room.
"Alright Scoop. Let's hear that plan. Cause if I have to see pissy ass one more time, I'm gonna hurt him." Joey states angrily.
“Well, I was thinking,” Lance starts. “We aren’t gonna be able to do anything here at this hotel but we could lock them up on the bus together. We just gotta figure out how to get them both in the same section of the bus, hopefully the back of the bus, so they don’t bother James too much.”
“Ok, so we get them both ‘trapped’ in the back of the bus and then what? Wait to see who comes out alive? I mean, am I the only one that sees the anger here?” Joey questions.
“No Joe,” Justin rationalizes. “You’re just the only one that doesn’t see the love.”
“The what? You think they’re in love with each other? What have you been drinking? Tell him Lance.” He looks to Lance, who has the same smug look on his face. “Shit. Really? How the hell did I miss it?”
“Beats me. JC’s is so in love with Chris he’s driving himself mad, literally.” Lance explains.
“And, Chris is so upset about C’s behavior because it is directed directly at him. He sees C hugging us and shit and gets jealous. Then to top it off, JC ignores or avoids him. That has got to hurt.” Justin interjects.
“Yeah, I see what ya’ll are saying. So do you really think this plan is gonna work?”
“I’m sure it will.” Lance states smugly.
****In the meantime in Chris’ room****
Ok, what the hell did I do to piss him off so badly? I can’t get it. I must have pulled some prank or something that just set him off. But what? I haven’t done anything in months, at least to him. God, my head hurts. I wonder if Lance has any Tylenol ©? I know JC does but I’m not about to go into the lions den again tonight. Maybe I’ll just go to bed and hope it’s gone in the morning.
****The next morning****
JC’s room
ring, ring
“Yeah? Yeah, I’m up Scoop. I’ll be ready in a bit. No. I’m not gonna make it to breakfast. Yeah, I’ll have something brought up don’t worry about it. Yeah, I’ll see you in an hour. Bye.”
Chris’ room
“Yeah? Ok. I’m up. Yeah, I’ll be down in a few K? Yeah, I’ll be there Scoop, chill.”
Lance, Joey, and Justin
“Ok, they’re both up. Chris is coming down in a bit for breakfast. JC’s playing the hermit. He’ll meet us on the bus.
****Later on the Bus****
“Ok, let’s kick this plan into action.” Joey enthuses.
“I’ve got JC,” Justin states, heading to the back of the bus where JC is messing with his laptop. “Jayce? Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“What? I’m working on something? Make it quick.” JC huffs.
“Ok, just… Damn, I forgot what I was gonna ask. Hang on it’ll come to me.” Justin babbles gesturing for Joey and Lance to drag Chris in.
“Hey, Chris? Where are you man?” Lance yells.
“Dude, I’m right here. What do you want? I was just about back to sleep.” Chris grumbles from his bunk.
“Sorry, man. I thought you were in the bathroom. I was gonna ask you to bring me a bandaide. Never mind. I’ll just get it myself.” Joey rambles.
“That’s nice, thanks for waking me up man.” Chris grips.
“Hey, Chris can you come here and help me?” Justin screams.
“God, can’t anybody do anything for themselves around here? I’m coming hold on.” He gets up and ambles down the narrow hallway to the back of the bus. “What?”
“What is that on the wall over there? Is that a spider?” Justin questions, slowly inching his way out of the back of the bus.
Slam
“I don’t see anything. What are you…” Chris trails off as he realizes Justin isn’t in the back anymore. He makes his way to the door, tries to open it, realizes it’s locked and then proceeds to yell, “Damn it Justin. You better open this damn door before I get pissed.”
JC looks up from his computer and glares at Chris. He puts the computer down, walks to the door, tries it, walks back to his computer and proceeds to work on his ‘stuff’.
Chris follows him back, then decides to try the bathroom, realizes Joey is still in there, sits down on the couch in a huff. “So, looks like they want us to talk.”
JC ignores him.
“Well, this is fun. Sooo, what are you working on? Can I see it?”
Silence
“Hello. Anybody there? JaaaaaaaaaaaayCeeeeeeeeeeeee? Can I see what you’re working on?”
“No.”
“No, why not?”
Silence.
“Why not? Come on man. They aren’t gonna let us out of here until we start talking. You gotta say something.”
“No.”
“No? No what? What the hell is your problem? What the hell did I do to you to get you so pissed off at me?”
Silence
“Man, you need to start talking. I’m getting tired of being treated like the one with the plague. What did I do to you?”
“Nothing”
“Then why won’t you talk to me, look at me, sit in the same room with me. Why do you flinch every time I come within a few inches of you?
“Because.”
“Because why?”
“Because.”
“Jesus.” He grabs the computer off JC’s lap. “Talk to me or I’m gonna close this damn thing and you’ll lose whatever the hell this is.”
“Give me that. Damn it Chris. That’s my song on there. Don’t you dare close that. Damn it. Why can’t you just leave me the hell alone. All you guys ever do is bug the shit out of me. All I wanted was a little peace and quiet to finish this damn song for you and everybody has to keep pestering the shit out of me. Just give me my computer.”
Chris hands over the computer with a stunned expression. “Did you say you were writing me a song?”
“Yeah,” JC breathes.
“Cool. Can I hear it? Please?”
“No.”
“Oh, great. We’re back to the one word answers. Why not?”
“Because.” (small smile)
“Are you messing with me? Because why?”
“Because. It’s not finished yet. I can’t figure out how I want it. I just have these few words and I can’t get them to go any where. I don’t want you to hear it until it is finished.”
“Ok, that’s fair enough. Can you tell me what the words are? You never know. I might actually be able to help you?”
“No.”
Rolls his eyes, “Why not?”
“Because.” (another small smile)
“Because why?”
“Because, then you’ll see why I wrote them and I don’t think I could handle your reaction.”
“Oh for Christ sake, give me that (He swipes the computer again and looks at the screen.).
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And now my life has changed in oh, so many ways.
Wow, Josh, that’s amazing.”
“You like it? I was afraid you’d think it was really stupid.”
“Nope. I don’t think it’s stupid at all. In fact I think I understand a few things better now. Can I just ask you something?”
“No.” (Huge smile)
“Can I kiss you?”
JC looks up at Chris and meets his eyes. Chris closes the distance between them and places a light kiss on JC’s lips. “That was beautiful JC. There is no way I would have thought that was stupid. I have never considered anything you wrote stupid. Although I did wonder about Space Cowboy until I saw what you and Wade worked out with the correography. You have an amazing mind and I’m proud to know you.”
“Um, well that’s nice but that’s not what I want. I can’t be your friend any more Chris.”
Shock and fear cross Chris’ face, “What? What do you mean? You’re not leaving the group are you?”
“No. I’m not leaving the group. It’s just that I can’t be ‘just’ friends with you anymore.”
“Why?”
“Because… I’m … Shit… I’minlovewithyou. There I said it you happy. Go ahead hate me. I don’t care.”
“What? Why would I hate you? Did I not just kiss you?”
“Yeah, but I figured that was just because you liked the song.”
“Man, you really are weird. I’m in love with you too JC. Have been for quite a while now.”
“So, I’ve been stressing out and going through all this anguish for nothing. That’s great.”
“Nah, you got one hell of a song started out of all this. I wish I could help you with it but I think it sounds pretty good all on it’s own.
“Thanks. There is something you could help me with though.”
“What’s that?”
“You could kiss me again.”
“I don’t think I’d mind that too much. (He reaches out, puts his arms around JC neck, stretches up and places another gentle kiss on JC’s lips.) How was that?”
“That was nice, but not quite what I was hoping for.”
“Really, and what preytell were you hoping for?” (Smile)
“Hmm. Something like this. (He grabs Chris and crushes their lips together. They battle with their tongues for a few minutes and then JC pulls back.) Yeah, that was much better.”
“Yeah, it was.”
Joey busts out of the bathroom, “Sorry guys. Don’t mind me.” He makes his way up to the door, “Guys you can open up. They’ve made peace and made out. I think the cost is clear now.”
“Good, cuz we just pulled up in front of the office. We have another photo shoot so every body grab their stuff and come on.” Lance commands.
“Yes, master.” JC jokes.
Everybody stops and looks at him, “Well, it’s nice to see you again. I hope we don’t ever have to see that pissy ass guy again.” Joey interjects.
“Yeah, he was quite the jerk.” Justin smirks.
“I didn’t appreciate him, but I think he’s helped us a little.” Chris smiles at JC.
“Yeah, maybe a little.” JC agrees.
“Ok, Finally the ‘STARS’ have arrived. I hope you boys are prepared to be here for a while. I have several different ideas and we’ve got all day to shoot them.” The photographer states bluntly.
“Oh, great. Another long ass photo shoot.” Chris whines.
“Hey, at least we’ll have a reason to be close to each other in public,” JC whispers.
“True.” Very large grin.
“Ok, I want you all to sit on the floor. Ok. No Lance, I need you to kneel in the middle. Ok, good. Now, wrap one arm around yourself, place the other one on your knee. Good. Ok, Joey. I want you to sit Indian style in front of him, good, now lean back on your hands. Great. Ok, Now Justin. Could you lay down on your side, sort over Joey’s lap, just a bit. Good, now lean back on your elbow. Perfect. Chris? Chris? Where’s Chris? There you are. Ok. I want you to kneel by Lance. No that’s too close. Yes, right there. No on second thought sit down and bring your right knee up to your chest. Great, now drape your right arm over it and put your other hand on the ground behind you left leg. Bend your left knee and curl it towards you. Perfect. JC? JC? Somebody go wake that boy up. There you are. Ok, I want you to lay on the floor, lean your head on Joey’s right knee and your body in front of Chris’. Perfect. Now can I get a seductive look from you boys? Yes. That’s it. Now hold that pose.”
Flash
****Several weeks later****
Chris throws the latest version of ‘Teen Beat’ down on the table, walks down the hall and climbs into his bunk.
“JC, what’s up with Chris? He seems to be in a funk again.”
“I don’t know, but I’d be happy to go find out.” He gets up, wonders to the bunks, “Chris? You here?”
“Yeah, I’m in my bunk, baby. What’s up?”
“The guys seem to think your getting in a funk again. They wanted me to check up on you? Can I come in there with you?”
“Yeah, come on in. I’m not getting in a funk. I was just wondering why every time we have a group picture they have you leaning on someone or hugging someone. I guess I’m just jealous. You hug everybody else and lay on them or what ever. But that’s never me in those photos. I just wish once in a while they would put us together like that instead of you and Lance or you and Justin.”
“Well, baby. You could look at it that way or you could look at it like I do.”
“How’s that?”
“Well, they may put me in a pose where I’m hugging Lance or laying on Joey’s knee. But that’s just it. They ‘put’ me in those poses. If I were to chose, and I did, I’d choose you every time. You are the only one for me Chris. Please don’t get upset at what those photographers do. They’re just trying to make us look good. So what picture is it that has you upset this time anyway?”
“That one where you’re laying on Joey. It came out really well and I was just so jealous of Joey’s leg.”
JC smiles and says, “Yeah. I remember that one. My head might have been on Joey’s knee but I seem to remember someone rubbing my arm every time the photographer looked away.”
“Yeah, I did didn’t I? I can’t help it you’re just so touchable.” Chris leans in and kisses JC.
"I'm glad you felt the same way, cause I thought you were going to kick my ass if you found out the truth."
"Me too. Now come here."
Note: This story was written for the Pic Prompt for Nslashfic, the picture is the group1 picture (the one where JC is laying on Joey's knee). The song "Help" is by the Beatles.
I never needed anybody’s help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I’m not so self-assured.
Now I find I’ve changed my mind, I’ve opened up the doors.
And I do appreciate your being ‘round
Help me get my feet back on the ground.
Won’t you please help me?
My independence seems to vanish in the haze.
But every now and then I feel so insecure.
I know that I just need you like I’ve never done before.