Homeless AU part 5
Mar. 2nd, 2004 05:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsYou all know the drill, WIP, mistakes etc etc. Relating to that, this is a WIP and I have no problem at all about people telling me if something doesn't work. The comments I got from part 4 suggested that I need to think about the Lynn situation again, and that's great. I'd rather know now then when it's edited and posted to my site. So any reservations, let me know. Just tell me why you have reservations or I won't know how to change things.
A break from the angst today, because I need an angst free day and so do they.
Links to previous parts behind the cut.
Oh, and this part is dedicated to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
seiyaharris she knows why *g*
Part 1 is here
Part 2 is here
Part 3 is here
Part 4 is here
“So you sell the magazines and take a percentage of the cover cost for yourself and give the rest to the charity that provides them?” Lance asks. He’s flicking through one of Joey’s magazines as they wait for Justin to come out of the bathroom. “Not a bad deal.”
“It works for me.” Joey says before finishing his coffee with a loud slurp. “It’s regular money, as long as the buyers are out there anyway. Talking of which, I’d better go.”
Lance pushes the magazine into the bag and stands as JC and Chris get up. Chris gathers the mugs, glasses and plate, putting them on the counter, waving at Sally as he shouts for Justin. “Hey, kid. We’re going. Either get your ass in gear or we’ll leave you here to wash dishes.”
The bathroom door swings open with a crash, and Justin runs out, fastening his pants as he runs. “Hey, wait up,” he’s nearly to the door when he turns back to Sally. “Nice, to meet you, ma’am” Sally mock growls and Justin looks torn between being scared and amused, eventually deciding to just follow Joey out of the door. Lance waves and follows, leaving Chris and JC in the café.
“We’d better go. See you in two days?” Chris says. Sally comes close and he laughs, trying to duck her hand as she ruffles his hair.
“Not if I see you first.” It’s the usual farewell and Chris loves the familiarity of it as Sally ruffles JC’s hair before moving behind the counter again. “Go on then. You’ll loose your spots if you don’t go.”
Chris knows that’s true, so he picks up the sunflower bag, looping it over JC’s shoulder as they walk outside. Joey is standing apart from Justin and Lance, ready to run to his usual selling pitch. It’s getting late and Chris knows Joey needs to catch the commuters heading into the subway, but Joey’s not going anywhere until he knows where the others will be. It’s another of the morning rituals that Chris loves so much, as they make plans and get ready for the day.
“I’ll be at my usual spot, it looks like it’s going to be sunny and there should be people going to the park.” Chris says, he looks at Justin and Lance who are standing looking lost again. “I’ll take these two, they can sit and be amazed at my singing.”
“Amazed that someone that looks like you can sing like a girl you mean.” Joey grins wide as he fires the insult and Chris glares back, mouth twitching with amusement.
“Get yourself some new material, Fatone. Maybe we’ll laugh then.” Chris smiles sweetly then turns to JC. “You going back to Cross Street today?”
“No. I think I need to draw people today, Cross Street is a dragon place not a people place. I’m going to Wordsworth, the people vibes are amazing there.” JC smiles happily and Chris knows he’s already planning his first drawing. Picturing colours and shapes in his mind.
“You sure, C? Last time you were there that fucker threw a bucket of water on you for messing his sidewalk up.” Chris fumes, the memory of JC soaked to the skin and his drawing ruined still vivid in his mind weeks later. Chris had wanted to punch the shop keeper then, the only thing stopping him JC’s expression as he dried chalks on his t-shirt. But that didn’t stop Chris and Joey throwing a brick through the window later -- something JC would never know.
“I’m sure.” JC says, he’s all lit up and kisses Chris on the mouth before starting to walk away. “I’ll move outside the pet shop. I like hearing the animals anyway.”
“I’ll see you there then.” Chris waves as JC blows him a kiss before walking round a corner.
“Meet you at the usual place?” Joey asks as he starts to walk away.
Chris nods. “We’ll be there, have a good day. Don’t do nothing I wouldn’t do.”
Ignoring Joey’s crude comment, Chris laughs then indicates that Lance and Justin should follow him. “You’re coming with me. I’ll warn you you’ll probably be bored out of your mind but I’d rather you be bored than dead.”
“Come on, I think you’re being a bit over the top.” Justin scoffs. “Who’s gonna kill us? Some bag lady who wants our shoes?”
Chris walks faster, he wants to turn and grab Justin’s coat, then keep shaking him until he understands that he could be killed for something as little as shoes. Justin is still laughing softly and Chris repeats He’s fifteen, he’s fifteen in his head in time with his footsteps. But he can’t let the comment go totally and stops walking suddenly, stopping Justin with a hand to his chest.
“Look, kid. I’m not kidding about this. You’re not living at home now, people will and have killed over a pair of shoes, and you’re going to have to understand that. You’re not in your cosy safe world now. Either smarten up or get the next bus back, it’s your choice.”
Justin looks shocked, and the laughter drains from his face. Chris’ belly clenches at the sight, he hates that Justin looks like this. Fearful and scared, but he’d rather see him this way than dead on a dirty floor.
“I’m sorry.” Justin says. He’s looking at the ground again and Chris gently grabs his chin, making him look up.
“It’s okay, but kid, you have to listen to me, or Joey or JC. We know what we’re talking about. “Justin nods, so Chris lets go of his chin before flicking Justin’s nose. “Good. Now come on, you need to come listen to me perform. Maybe if you and Lance stand and watch you’ll encourage the rest. Hell, they might stop just to stand next to two hotties.”
Chris winks at Lance who blushes bright red and they all start walking again. It’s a short walk to the retail district and they’re soon at Chris’ spot. It’s still early and the shutters are going up at the grocers Chris stands opposite. It’s a good spot and Chris has worked it for the last two years. He doesn’t get bothered often, not like the last place.
“You can go where you want as long as I can see you, okay?” Chris knows how the words sound, but there’s no way he can sing knowing Justin and Lance are wandering alone, not when Elroy is out.
“Yes, mom.” Justin replies before he gracefully sinks to sit on the case Lance had placed on the sidewalk. Lance does the same and they sit, side by side, looking up at Chris.
Chris wants to laugh, the look so expectant that he wonders what they think he’s going to do. “Don’t expect much. I sing from memory, songs I’ve learned along the way. Some people stop and listen, most don’t, but as long as they throw some coins in the hat we’ll be fine.” He pulls a squashed hat from his side pocket, reshaping it before throwing it to the ground.
“You’ve no backup or mic or anything?” Justin looks surprised as he looks up. “It’s hard to sing like that.”
“Tell me about it.” Chris shrugs, he’s used to singing with no accompaniment, straining his voice to be heard. “I’ve got good lungs and a loud voice, it’s okay.”
“You sure do.” Chris thinks the muffled insult is from Justin, but it’s Lance who has the tell tale blush. Chris looks at him and raises an eyebrow, but Lance coolly looks back, eyes sparkling with amusement and clearly unrepentant.
“Glad we’re in agreement.” Chris has to laugh now and Lance grins too. “If you’re finished insulting me I have to warm up.”
Chris hates warming his voice up. It’s boring and people look at him strangely as he practices. It doesn’t help that both Justin and Lance are staring at him, but Chris won’t give them the satisfaction of turning away, just keeps on making noises that make him sound deranged. But at last he’s done, just in time for the first crowd of people that are waiting for the Starbucks to open.
“I’m going to have to start now, remember stay in sight.” Chris takes a deep breathe, and decides to start with an upbeat song. Opening his mouth he begins to sing, standing in place. People watch from the queue but none come over, but that’s okay, he’s used to that. What he’s not used to is the way Justin and Lance sit and watch him, eyes tracking his every movement, listening to every note. He sees their feet tapping and soon his are doing the same as the music takes over and he flies to his own world.
Chris keeps singing, one song after another as he moves in his small spot. Eyes closed he sings of lost loves and pain, at others his hips swing as he sings of balmy nights and sweet kisses. The real world retreats to the edges of his existence, he still sees Lance and Justin but he also lives the lives of those he sings about, feeling their every emotion.
When he starts another fast song he’s surprised to see Justin jump to his feet, pulling Lance up with him. Justin stands in front of Chris and starts dancing, body moving in time with Chris’ song. Justin pulls his sweater off and throws it behind Chris, and the sunlight makes his skin gleam. Chris almost stops singing at the sight. No one ever dances but Justin is, smiling as he moves in front of Lance.
Lance stands still at first, but as Chris keeps singing and Justin keeps dancing, he suddenly moves, hands and hips swaying. Justin grins at him, then winks at Chris as people stop to watch. Chris sings louder as the coins continue to fill the hat, it’s the most money he’s made for months.
Chris sings all day, only stopping to share a bottle of water and packets of chips with Lance and Justin when his stomach starts to growl. He feels guilty as he eats, knowing JC will probably have nothing, too lost in his own head to eat, even if he makes enough money to buy snacks. But he also knows that JC would never begrudge him food, so he lounges against the wall, sucking salt from his fingers after every chip.
Justin and Lance stay close all day, they dance at times, and at others sit together, bodies pressed close as they talk softly. Chris stops singing when his throat starts to hurt, he’s drained, but feels better than he has done for weeks. There’s extra money in the hat, not much, but enough to ensure they eat well tonight.
“I’m done.” Chris says, and he picks up the hat, twisting it so the coins stay inside.
“We going to the soup kitchen again?” Lance asks as he stands his case on end. He doesn’t look enthused about the idea and Chris doesn’t blame him. The hunger will be almost constant now, and soup’s never enough to satisfy it. Chris is used to that, they’re not.
“Not tonight, we only go there if we don’t have enough money for anything else. I think we’ll be able to splash out and get some fast food.” Chris drools at the thought. It’s been weeks since they could afford anything but snacks and he imagines the taste of a greasy burger or salty french fries. “We’ll go and get JC, then meet Joey.”
“Great.” Justin says. He grins then starts to walk and Chris has no choice but to follow. “Hey, by the way. You’re an awesome singer.”
Justin throws the compliment over his shoulder and Lance nods in agreement. Chris can’t help blushing, it’s been a long time since anyone but JC and Joey has complimented him on his voice. It’s one of the things Chris’ most proud of, that and his friends.
“Thanks.” Chris says softly, then hurries along the sidewalk, needing to see JC.
~*~*~*~
“Whoa.” Justin says, and Chris silently echoes him. He’s seen thousands of JC’s pictures, on sidewalks and walls, napkins and scraps of paper. But every time he sees something new he’s reminded of how talented JC is.
The sidewalk is a mess of faces, happy sad and everything in-between. Chris recognises John Lennon next to the President next to the old woman who begs at the corner of West and Bradley Street. Justin and Lance are pictured together, blissful smiles on their faces and Joey is laughing, eyes nothing more than slits. Chris keeps looking, he knows he’ll be there somewhere and he’s not disappointed. JC has drawn him singing, eyes closed, hand at his chest, JC has also drawn himself, watching Chris with so much love it hurts to see.
“You like it?” JC asks, and Justin almost bounces in place.
“It’s amazing.” But JC is looking at Chris, face calm as Chris mouths I love it, I love you . JC beams at that, hugging himself with delight, adding pink hand prints to his already dirty t-shirt.
“Chris got so much money.” Justin says and JC looks questionably at Chris so he nods his head.
“Yeah, we did good, C. I think it’s a Maccy D night.”
“Are you sure? I didn’t do that well.” JC says as he kneels, emptying a few coins out of his hat. “I think someone took my money again. There was more, then I started drawing Justin and he has all these curls and when I looked up my hat was empty.”
“It’s okay.” Chris keeps his voice level despite the anger he feels inside, then kneels next to JC. “We’re good today, really. It seems all I needed was two baby hotties and the money rolls in.”
“They were good?” JC questions. He passes chalks to Chris who puts them into the box.
“They were great. You should see the moves Justin has, I thought that woman from the bakers was going to orgasm on the spot.” Chris smiles as he remembers, then wipes a smear of white from JC’s cheek. “At least people see them, even if they don’t listen to me.”
“Hey.” JC grabs Chris’ arm, holding it as they stand. “None of that, you’ve got a beautiful voice, and one day the right person will come along, and then the world will be ours. You’ll sing and have a hit record and I’ll have my own gallery with my paintings on the wall, and we’ll live in a penthouse, you me and Joey. Oh and Justin and Lance can come too if they like.”
Chris sighs, he loves the world JC paints, but he’s also a realist, he knows the chance of being discovered is almost zero. But he lets JC dream -- one of them has to. “You’re right. I know. But why don’t we start with burgers and fries for now, leave the penthouse for later?”
“Sure, but it’ll happen Chris, it has to.” JC says as he puts the chalks in his bag, looping it over his head. “Now, you said something about a burger?”
“I did.” Chris says, smiling when JC, Lance and Justin all cheer. “But we have to meet Joey first, then we’ll go to the place on Westwood and hit the park, we haven’t been for a few weeks.”
“The park?” Justin sounds dismissive. “That’s kids stuff.”
“I like it.” JC looks Justin in the eye. It looks like Justin’s about to say more but JC continues. “It’s also free. You want to eat you come to the park with us.”
“We’ll come.” Says Lance, and he picks up his case again. “Lead the way.”
~*~*~*~
A break from the angst today, because I need an angst free day and so do they.
Links to previous parts behind the cut.
Oh, and this part is dedicated to
seiyaharris she knows why *g*Part 1 is here
Part 2 is here
Part 3 is here
Part 4 is here
“So you sell the magazines and take a percentage of the cover cost for yourself and give the rest to the charity that provides them?” Lance asks. He’s flicking through one of Joey’s magazines as they wait for Justin to come out of the bathroom. “Not a bad deal.”
“It works for me.” Joey says before finishing his coffee with a loud slurp. “It’s regular money, as long as the buyers are out there anyway. Talking of which, I’d better go.”
Lance pushes the magazine into the bag and stands as JC and Chris get up. Chris gathers the mugs, glasses and plate, putting them on the counter, waving at Sally as he shouts for Justin. “Hey, kid. We’re going. Either get your ass in gear or we’ll leave you here to wash dishes.”
The bathroom door swings open with a crash, and Justin runs out, fastening his pants as he runs. “Hey, wait up,” he’s nearly to the door when he turns back to Sally. “Nice, to meet you, ma’am” Sally mock growls and Justin looks torn between being scared and amused, eventually deciding to just follow Joey out of the door. Lance waves and follows, leaving Chris and JC in the café.
“We’d better go. See you in two days?” Chris says. Sally comes close and he laughs, trying to duck her hand as she ruffles his hair.
“Not if I see you first.” It’s the usual farewell and Chris loves the familiarity of it as Sally ruffles JC’s hair before moving behind the counter again. “Go on then. You’ll loose your spots if you don’t go.”
Chris knows that’s true, so he picks up the sunflower bag, looping it over JC’s shoulder as they walk outside. Joey is standing apart from Justin and Lance, ready to run to his usual selling pitch. It’s getting late and Chris knows Joey needs to catch the commuters heading into the subway, but Joey’s not going anywhere until he knows where the others will be. It’s another of the morning rituals that Chris loves so much, as they make plans and get ready for the day.
“I’ll be at my usual spot, it looks like it’s going to be sunny and there should be people going to the park.” Chris says, he looks at Justin and Lance who are standing looking lost again. “I’ll take these two, they can sit and be amazed at my singing.”
“Amazed that someone that looks like you can sing like a girl you mean.” Joey grins wide as he fires the insult and Chris glares back, mouth twitching with amusement.
“Get yourself some new material, Fatone. Maybe we’ll laugh then.” Chris smiles sweetly then turns to JC. “You going back to Cross Street today?”
“No. I think I need to draw people today, Cross Street is a dragon place not a people place. I’m going to Wordsworth, the people vibes are amazing there.” JC smiles happily and Chris knows he’s already planning his first drawing. Picturing colours and shapes in his mind.
“You sure, C? Last time you were there that fucker threw a bucket of water on you for messing his sidewalk up.” Chris fumes, the memory of JC soaked to the skin and his drawing ruined still vivid in his mind weeks later. Chris had wanted to punch the shop keeper then, the only thing stopping him JC’s expression as he dried chalks on his t-shirt. But that didn’t stop Chris and Joey throwing a brick through the window later -- something JC would never know.
“I’m sure.” JC says, he’s all lit up and kisses Chris on the mouth before starting to walk away. “I’ll move outside the pet shop. I like hearing the animals anyway.”
“I’ll see you there then.” Chris waves as JC blows him a kiss before walking round a corner.
“Meet you at the usual place?” Joey asks as he starts to walk away.
Chris nods. “We’ll be there, have a good day. Don’t do nothing I wouldn’t do.”
Ignoring Joey’s crude comment, Chris laughs then indicates that Lance and Justin should follow him. “You’re coming with me. I’ll warn you you’ll probably be bored out of your mind but I’d rather you be bored than dead.”
“Come on, I think you’re being a bit over the top.” Justin scoffs. “Who’s gonna kill us? Some bag lady who wants our shoes?”
Chris walks faster, he wants to turn and grab Justin’s coat, then keep shaking him until he understands that he could be killed for something as little as shoes. Justin is still laughing softly and Chris repeats He’s fifteen, he’s fifteen in his head in time with his footsteps. But he can’t let the comment go totally and stops walking suddenly, stopping Justin with a hand to his chest.
“Look, kid. I’m not kidding about this. You’re not living at home now, people will and have killed over a pair of shoes, and you’re going to have to understand that. You’re not in your cosy safe world now. Either smarten up or get the next bus back, it’s your choice.”
Justin looks shocked, and the laughter drains from his face. Chris’ belly clenches at the sight, he hates that Justin looks like this. Fearful and scared, but he’d rather see him this way than dead on a dirty floor.
“I’m sorry.” Justin says. He’s looking at the ground again and Chris gently grabs his chin, making him look up.
“It’s okay, but kid, you have to listen to me, or Joey or JC. We know what we’re talking about. “Justin nods, so Chris lets go of his chin before flicking Justin’s nose. “Good. Now come on, you need to come listen to me perform. Maybe if you and Lance stand and watch you’ll encourage the rest. Hell, they might stop just to stand next to two hotties.”
Chris winks at Lance who blushes bright red and they all start walking again. It’s a short walk to the retail district and they’re soon at Chris’ spot. It’s still early and the shutters are going up at the grocers Chris stands opposite. It’s a good spot and Chris has worked it for the last two years. He doesn’t get bothered often, not like the last place.
“You can go where you want as long as I can see you, okay?” Chris knows how the words sound, but there’s no way he can sing knowing Justin and Lance are wandering alone, not when Elroy is out.
“Yes, mom.” Justin replies before he gracefully sinks to sit on the case Lance had placed on the sidewalk. Lance does the same and they sit, side by side, looking up at Chris.
Chris wants to laugh, the look so expectant that he wonders what they think he’s going to do. “Don’t expect much. I sing from memory, songs I’ve learned along the way. Some people stop and listen, most don’t, but as long as they throw some coins in the hat we’ll be fine.” He pulls a squashed hat from his side pocket, reshaping it before throwing it to the ground.
“You’ve no backup or mic or anything?” Justin looks surprised as he looks up. “It’s hard to sing like that.”
“Tell me about it.” Chris shrugs, he’s used to singing with no accompaniment, straining his voice to be heard. “I’ve got good lungs and a loud voice, it’s okay.”
“You sure do.” Chris thinks the muffled insult is from Justin, but it’s Lance who has the tell tale blush. Chris looks at him and raises an eyebrow, but Lance coolly looks back, eyes sparkling with amusement and clearly unrepentant.
“Glad we’re in agreement.” Chris has to laugh now and Lance grins too. “If you’re finished insulting me I have to warm up.”
Chris hates warming his voice up. It’s boring and people look at him strangely as he practices. It doesn’t help that both Justin and Lance are staring at him, but Chris won’t give them the satisfaction of turning away, just keeps on making noises that make him sound deranged. But at last he’s done, just in time for the first crowd of people that are waiting for the Starbucks to open.
“I’m going to have to start now, remember stay in sight.” Chris takes a deep breathe, and decides to start with an upbeat song. Opening his mouth he begins to sing, standing in place. People watch from the queue but none come over, but that’s okay, he’s used to that. What he’s not used to is the way Justin and Lance sit and watch him, eyes tracking his every movement, listening to every note. He sees their feet tapping and soon his are doing the same as the music takes over and he flies to his own world.
Chris keeps singing, one song after another as he moves in his small spot. Eyes closed he sings of lost loves and pain, at others his hips swing as he sings of balmy nights and sweet kisses. The real world retreats to the edges of his existence, he still sees Lance and Justin but he also lives the lives of those he sings about, feeling their every emotion.
When he starts another fast song he’s surprised to see Justin jump to his feet, pulling Lance up with him. Justin stands in front of Chris and starts dancing, body moving in time with Chris’ song. Justin pulls his sweater off and throws it behind Chris, and the sunlight makes his skin gleam. Chris almost stops singing at the sight. No one ever dances but Justin is, smiling as he moves in front of Lance.
Lance stands still at first, but as Chris keeps singing and Justin keeps dancing, he suddenly moves, hands and hips swaying. Justin grins at him, then winks at Chris as people stop to watch. Chris sings louder as the coins continue to fill the hat, it’s the most money he’s made for months.
Chris sings all day, only stopping to share a bottle of water and packets of chips with Lance and Justin when his stomach starts to growl. He feels guilty as he eats, knowing JC will probably have nothing, too lost in his own head to eat, even if he makes enough money to buy snacks. But he also knows that JC would never begrudge him food, so he lounges against the wall, sucking salt from his fingers after every chip.
Justin and Lance stay close all day, they dance at times, and at others sit together, bodies pressed close as they talk softly. Chris stops singing when his throat starts to hurt, he’s drained, but feels better than he has done for weeks. There’s extra money in the hat, not much, but enough to ensure they eat well tonight.
“I’m done.” Chris says, and he picks up the hat, twisting it so the coins stay inside.
“We going to the soup kitchen again?” Lance asks as he stands his case on end. He doesn’t look enthused about the idea and Chris doesn’t blame him. The hunger will be almost constant now, and soup’s never enough to satisfy it. Chris is used to that, they’re not.
“Not tonight, we only go there if we don’t have enough money for anything else. I think we’ll be able to splash out and get some fast food.” Chris drools at the thought. It’s been weeks since they could afford anything but snacks and he imagines the taste of a greasy burger or salty french fries. “We’ll go and get JC, then meet Joey.”
“Great.” Justin says. He grins then starts to walk and Chris has no choice but to follow. “Hey, by the way. You’re an awesome singer.”
Justin throws the compliment over his shoulder and Lance nods in agreement. Chris can’t help blushing, it’s been a long time since anyone but JC and Joey has complimented him on his voice. It’s one of the things Chris’ most proud of, that and his friends.
“Thanks.” Chris says softly, then hurries along the sidewalk, needing to see JC.
~*~*~*~
“Whoa.” Justin says, and Chris silently echoes him. He’s seen thousands of JC’s pictures, on sidewalks and walls, napkins and scraps of paper. But every time he sees something new he’s reminded of how talented JC is.
The sidewalk is a mess of faces, happy sad and everything in-between. Chris recognises John Lennon next to the President next to the old woman who begs at the corner of West and Bradley Street. Justin and Lance are pictured together, blissful smiles on their faces and Joey is laughing, eyes nothing more than slits. Chris keeps looking, he knows he’ll be there somewhere and he’s not disappointed. JC has drawn him singing, eyes closed, hand at his chest, JC has also drawn himself, watching Chris with so much love it hurts to see.
“You like it?” JC asks, and Justin almost bounces in place.
“It’s amazing.” But JC is looking at Chris, face calm as Chris mouths I love it, I love you . JC beams at that, hugging himself with delight, adding pink hand prints to his already dirty t-shirt.
“Chris got so much money.” Justin says and JC looks questionably at Chris so he nods his head.
“Yeah, we did good, C. I think it’s a Maccy D night.”
“Are you sure? I didn’t do that well.” JC says as he kneels, emptying a few coins out of his hat. “I think someone took my money again. There was more, then I started drawing Justin and he has all these curls and when I looked up my hat was empty.”
“It’s okay.” Chris keeps his voice level despite the anger he feels inside, then kneels next to JC. “We’re good today, really. It seems all I needed was two baby hotties and the money rolls in.”
“They were good?” JC questions. He passes chalks to Chris who puts them into the box.
“They were great. You should see the moves Justin has, I thought that woman from the bakers was going to orgasm on the spot.” Chris smiles as he remembers, then wipes a smear of white from JC’s cheek. “At least people see them, even if they don’t listen to me.”
“Hey.” JC grabs Chris’ arm, holding it as they stand. “None of that, you’ve got a beautiful voice, and one day the right person will come along, and then the world will be ours. You’ll sing and have a hit record and I’ll have my own gallery with my paintings on the wall, and we’ll live in a penthouse, you me and Joey. Oh and Justin and Lance can come too if they like.”
Chris sighs, he loves the world JC paints, but he’s also a realist, he knows the chance of being discovered is almost zero. But he lets JC dream -- one of them has to. “You’re right. I know. But why don’t we start with burgers and fries for now, leave the penthouse for later?”
“Sure, but it’ll happen Chris, it has to.” JC says as he puts the chalks in his bag, looping it over his head. “Now, you said something about a burger?”
“I did.” Chris says, smiling when JC, Lance and Justin all cheer. “But we have to meet Joey first, then we’ll go to the place on Westwood and hit the park, we haven’t been for a few weeks.”
“The park?” Justin sounds dismissive. “That’s kids stuff.”
“I like it.” JC looks Justin in the eye. It looks like Justin’s about to say more but JC continues. “It’s also free. You want to eat you come to the park with us.”
“We’ll come.” Says Lance, and he picks up his case again. “Lead the way.”
~*~*~*~
