Part 7 of Homeless AU
Mar. 4th, 2004 03:43 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsI've serious reservations about this part, it'll be interesting to see if anyone else picks them up. I'm also nervous about posting for other reasons *nibbles fingernails*
But I give it up anyway with the usual WIP, mistakes etc warning, and that I don't bite if you see anything you think is wrong.
This is also for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
tallories who described a scene so close to what I had planned I thought she'd crawled into my mind.
As usual, links to earlier parts behind the cut.
ETA: Angsty part with cliff hanger that won't be resolved until tomorrow, be warned.
Part 1 is here
Part 2 is here
Part 3 is here
Part 4 is here
Part 5 is here
Part 6 is here
It’s the kind of night that Chris loves the most as they walk back to their shelters, almost silent with stars shining brilliantly in the sky. JC’s hand brushes Chris’ and ahead Joey talks intently with Lance. Justin is walking slowly, almost stumbling at times so Chris hurries his pace until he’s walking in the middle of JC and Justin.
“Hey, kid.” Chris says, and Justin looks at him and smiles. Chris doesn’t smile back, Justin looks exhausted and the smile is obviously fake. “I’d ask if you’re okay but I know you’re not.”
“I’m fine,” replies Justin and he walks a bit faster as if to prove that point.
“You don’t have to pretend with us.” Chris says, and Justin’s shoulders slump as he lets out a deep sigh.
“I know. It’s just…I’m tired that’s all. It’s been a long few days.”
“That’s for sure.” JC sounds sympathetic and he reaches past Chris to pull Justin into a quick hug. Justin doesn’t return it at first, but as JC squeezes him with both arms he hesitantly loops his arms round JC’s waist and rests his head against his shoulder. Chris can hear JC whisper words it’s okay, you’ll be fine, we’ve got you and Justin turns his head so his face is hidden in JC’s t-shirt.
A thud distracts Chris and he turns to see Lance standing looking at them, face set in an expression of anguish. He’s dropped his case to the sidewalk and Joey puts his bag on it as he moves in front of Lance, saying soft words that Chris can’t hear. Lance doesn’t answer, just keeps looking at JC and Justin and eventually Joey shrugs his shoulders and pulls Lance into a hug too.
Chris is torn, he doesn’t know if he should go to Joey, who’s standing perfectly still, Lance frozen in his arms, or JC who’s patting Justin’s back as Justin tries to hide his tears.
“Sorry,” Justin says as he pulls back from JC. He wipes at his eyes and nose with the sleeve of his sweater then looks away, seemingly ashamed. “I’m tired and I’m hungry and I want some candy and a mug of cocoa that my mom makes with those little marshmallows. She uses the white ones because they’re my favourite, they look like tiny ice burgs in a sea of chocolate.”
“She sounds nice.” JC half smiles and Chris knows he’s imagining moms who make cocoa and little white marshmallows.
“She is. She let Lance stop over this summer sometimes, and we watched movies all night. She makes the best cookies with chocolate buttons and lets me stay up late when it’s not a school night.” Justin stops talking, wiping at his eyes again. “I miss her. Just don’t tell, Lance. He already feels bad about letting me come. Not that he could have stopped me, even if he’d sneaked away I’d have followed.”
“We won’t.” Chris promises, and JC nods. Justin smiles again, more genuine this time.
“Thanks.” He says then runs to Lance, hugging him as Joey moves away.
“I miss my mom, Chris.” JC’s words are so soft that Chris hardly hears them, but he does and turns to JC, kissing him quickly on the lips.
“I know. You can always go back.” The words hurt to say, but Chris means them. He wants JC to be happy and if that means him going back to his family he’ll let him go, even if it would break his heart to do so.
“Why would I want to do that?” JC sounds puzzled. “My family’s here, with you. I’m going nowhere. I’m never leaving you, Chris. Ever.”
Chris believes him; JC’s never let him down.
~*~*~*~
“We do the same thing everyday, why can’t I go with Lance? Or JC?” Justin scowls as he talks and Chris scowls back.
“You know why. You’re too young to do the magazine thing, Lance just got a place on the scheme and the last thing he needs is you hanging around.” Justin starts to protest but Chris talks over him. “I know you’d try and keep out the way but face it, Justin. You’re a distraction.”
“So I go with JC. I’d make sure no one took his money.” Justin says, and Chris sighs. He feels old and tired this morning. It’s cold and all his joints ache after days of unending rain. Food is scarce because no wants to stop and listen to him sing when it’s wet and JC’s pictures wash away as fast as he draws them. It’s only Joey’s -- and now Lance’s -- money from selling magazines that keeps them going, and even then the money they make doesn’t stretch far between five people.
Justin paces in front of Chris. He’s changed since Chris first saw him, face drawn and his eyes sunken and shadowed, but he’s still a kid, Chris never forgets that, not that he can when Justin pouts when he can’t get his own way.
“How many times do I have to say?” Chris says as he ducks into his shelter and starts to angrily push things aside, looking for something to tie his hair back. “You know Elroy’s been seen, he’s dangerous, Justin.”
“Says you.” Justin kneels so he can see inside Chris and JC’s shelter, ignoring JC as he sketches on a pizza box lid, blankets bundled round him. “It’s been months since I saw him. You’re paranoid, just because you’ve some kind of history with him.”
“I’d rather be paranoid than…” Justin cuts Chris off.
“Than dead, I know. You say it often enough. But you know what, Chris? I haven’t seen one thing that suggests Elroy’s this bogey man that you say. You might be frightened of him, I’m not.”
Justin stands and Chris grits his teeth. He wants to beat his fists against the ground, or better still against Justin’s head.
“He doesn’t understand.” JC puts down the box and Chris sees he’s drawn the beach, complete with sunshine and sparkling sea, no rain in sight. “If he can’t see it he doesn’t know it’s there.”
“I should have made them go home.” Chris sits so he’s resting against JC, letting JC take all his weight.
“They wouldn’t have gone, and better with us than on their own.” JC lets the chalk he’s using drop and drapes his arm over Chris’ shoulder. His fingers are bright blue and Chris laughs when he sees JC’s hand print on his forearm.
“You putting my mark on me?” Chris asks, and JC smiles.
“I marked you a long time ago, you just never saw.” JC wipes his hand on his blanket then uses it to turn Chris’ head, so they’re face to face. “Everything’s going to be fine. Lance loves selling magazines and Justin will grow up eventually.”
“I just hope I can last that long.”
“Course you can.” JC says then kisses Chris before pushing the blankets from his knee and standing up in one fluid movement. “Come on. We’d better go before our little businessman gets antsy. I’d hate for him to miss a sale.
“I heard that, “Lance yells from outside, and Chris smiles for the first time that morning, the argument with Justin forgotten for now. But only for now, he knows it’s just a matter of time before it’s brought up again.
~*~*~*~
“Come on Chris. We haven’t done anything fun for ages. All I ever do is come here with you, go to the soup kitchen then back to the shelter.” Justin says, he shoves the flyer at Chris again, who shoves it straight back.
“What part of no don’t you understand?” Chris replies, feet splashing through the puddles as he paces, unable to stand still as Justin reads the flyer again.
“There’s rides and side stalls. There’ll be cotton candy and toffee apples. Do you know how long it is since I’ve had stuff like that?” Justin says, and he looks at Chris.
“We can’t afford it, Justin.”
“So we’ll go to look at the rides, and I’ll steal some cotton candy. Fairs are always crowded, no one will see.”
“No.” Chris says. He’s horrified by how casually Justin mentions stealing but also angry. Justin won’t listen and Chris can’t make him understand how dangerous it is. “Elroy and his kind hang out at fairs like that.”
“Elroy. Elroy. Elroy. I don’t know what your obsession is with him but it’s getting old. But you know what, screw this. I’m not spending another day listening to you sing. I’ll see you when I get home.” Justin yells and he turns and runs along the street.
Within seconds Chris is running after him, but Justin’s faster and soon disappears in the crowd. Chris keeps running, he’s furious and adrenalin mixed with fear keeps him running long after his legs start to burn and he gasps for breathe.
Chris hears the fair long before he sees it. The sidewalks are crowded with people and Chris shouts sorry as he pushes past them. He needs to find Justin before Elroy or someone like him does, and they will, Justin’s too much of a target, obviously alone and young.
“Sorry. Excuse me. Coming through.” Chris says as he runs past side stalls and rides. Knowing Justin could be anywhere, Chris walks quickly, looking at every person. But Justin’s nowhere to be seen, so Chris moves away from the main area, looking behind rides, searching the places that usually remain unseen.
“Kirkpatrick. Fancy seeing you here.” Elroy steps from behind a caravan, sneering at Chris. He looks bigger than ever, and the rings on his fat fingers gleam in the light as he pushes back his greasy hair. “I told you I’d pay you back one day, and it looks like that day has come.”
Chris backs away slightly, he looks around but they’re in an almost deserted area, and the people that do see them quickly look away. Chris knows he’s on his own and he prepares to fight as Elroy moves closer, brown teeth showing as he smiles.
“I can still beat your fat ass.” Chris says, and Elroy laughs as he pulls something from his pocket.
“I’m sure you can, but see I’ve got an advantage. In a way you did me a favour snitching on me to the police. While I was inside I met some, how shall we say, interesting people. They taught me the best way to fight, and you know what? It isn’t with fists.” Elroy holds something in the air, and Chris prepares to run when he sees the wicked looking knife in his hand. “I don’t think so. Dan, get him.”
Chris tries to run at Elroy’s words, but it’s too late. He’s held by someone who holds him painfully round the chest, trapping his arms at his side. Chris kicks and bites but he can’t escape and Elroy moves close. He’s not smiling now, instead he stands inches from Chris, then spits in his face.
“I’ve waited for this day a long time.”
“You’re still a pervert who can’t even take me on his own.” Chris yells back, he’s furious, for himself for being stupid enough to get caught but also scared, thoughts of his friends in his mind.
“True. But who cares? This is payment for the time you kicked me in the balls.” Elroy brings his hand back and smashes his fist into Chris’ jaw. “And this is for prison.”
Chris doesn’t feel the blade sink into his belly, but he sees his blood on the blade when Elroy holds it in the air. Then his legs buckle and he falls to the ground when the arms round his chest let go.
“Hey, stop!” Someone yells, and Chris hears someone running toward them. He shivers, feeling blood trickle down his chin, but tries to stand when Elroy bends over him.
“That’s one down, one to go Kirkpatrick. That freak you fuck is next.”
Elroy runs and Chris keeps trying to stand. His head pounds, his jaw nothing but white hot pain, but he keeps moving, standing on wobbly legs. Hands try to stop him, shouting about ambulances and police, but all Chris can think about is JC and he starts to run, gasping with pain at every step.
Chris’ only focus is JC. He’s scared – terrified – and it’s that fear that keeps him running when all he wants to do is drop to the ground and surrender to the darkness. Something wet drips on his neck and Chris wipes at it with his arm, then swallows hard when he sees blood smeared across JC's handprint, red mixed with blue.
“JC!” Chris yells when he reaches the street JC’s working, then yells again. Chris prays he’s got the wrong street when he doesn't see JC, but as he looks down he sees a half finished unicorn, rearing in a sea of flames. Chalks are crushed in the sidewalk and JC’s sunflower bag lies on its side, contents spilling out. Chris falls to his hands and knees as he collapses on the unicorn, JC’s name on his lips.
But I give it up anyway with the usual WIP, mistakes etc warning, and that I don't bite if you see anything you think is wrong.
This is also for
tallories who described a scene so close to what I had planned I thought she'd crawled into my mind.As usual, links to earlier parts behind the cut.
ETA: Angsty part with cliff hanger that won't be resolved until tomorrow, be warned.
Part 1 is here
Part 2 is here
Part 3 is here
Part 4 is here
Part 5 is here
Part 6 is here
It’s the kind of night that Chris loves the most as they walk back to their shelters, almost silent with stars shining brilliantly in the sky. JC’s hand brushes Chris’ and ahead Joey talks intently with Lance. Justin is walking slowly, almost stumbling at times so Chris hurries his pace until he’s walking in the middle of JC and Justin.
“Hey, kid.” Chris says, and Justin looks at him and smiles. Chris doesn’t smile back, Justin looks exhausted and the smile is obviously fake. “I’d ask if you’re okay but I know you’re not.”
“I’m fine,” replies Justin and he walks a bit faster as if to prove that point.
“You don’t have to pretend with us.” Chris says, and Justin’s shoulders slump as he lets out a deep sigh.
“I know. It’s just…I’m tired that’s all. It’s been a long few days.”
“That’s for sure.” JC sounds sympathetic and he reaches past Chris to pull Justin into a quick hug. Justin doesn’t return it at first, but as JC squeezes him with both arms he hesitantly loops his arms round JC’s waist and rests his head against his shoulder. Chris can hear JC whisper words it’s okay, you’ll be fine, we’ve got you and Justin turns his head so his face is hidden in JC’s t-shirt.
A thud distracts Chris and he turns to see Lance standing looking at them, face set in an expression of anguish. He’s dropped his case to the sidewalk and Joey puts his bag on it as he moves in front of Lance, saying soft words that Chris can’t hear. Lance doesn’t answer, just keeps looking at JC and Justin and eventually Joey shrugs his shoulders and pulls Lance into a hug too.
Chris is torn, he doesn’t know if he should go to Joey, who’s standing perfectly still, Lance frozen in his arms, or JC who’s patting Justin’s back as Justin tries to hide his tears.
“Sorry,” Justin says as he pulls back from JC. He wipes at his eyes and nose with the sleeve of his sweater then looks away, seemingly ashamed. “I’m tired and I’m hungry and I want some candy and a mug of cocoa that my mom makes with those little marshmallows. She uses the white ones because they’re my favourite, they look like tiny ice burgs in a sea of chocolate.”
“She sounds nice.” JC half smiles and Chris knows he’s imagining moms who make cocoa and little white marshmallows.
“She is. She let Lance stop over this summer sometimes, and we watched movies all night. She makes the best cookies with chocolate buttons and lets me stay up late when it’s not a school night.” Justin stops talking, wiping at his eyes again. “I miss her. Just don’t tell, Lance. He already feels bad about letting me come. Not that he could have stopped me, even if he’d sneaked away I’d have followed.”
“We won’t.” Chris promises, and JC nods. Justin smiles again, more genuine this time.
“Thanks.” He says then runs to Lance, hugging him as Joey moves away.
“I miss my mom, Chris.” JC’s words are so soft that Chris hardly hears them, but he does and turns to JC, kissing him quickly on the lips.
“I know. You can always go back.” The words hurt to say, but Chris means them. He wants JC to be happy and if that means him going back to his family he’ll let him go, even if it would break his heart to do so.
“Why would I want to do that?” JC sounds puzzled. “My family’s here, with you. I’m going nowhere. I’m never leaving you, Chris. Ever.”
Chris believes him; JC’s never let him down.
~*~*~*~
“We do the same thing everyday, why can’t I go with Lance? Or JC?” Justin scowls as he talks and Chris scowls back.
“You know why. You’re too young to do the magazine thing, Lance just got a place on the scheme and the last thing he needs is you hanging around.” Justin starts to protest but Chris talks over him. “I know you’d try and keep out the way but face it, Justin. You’re a distraction.”
“So I go with JC. I’d make sure no one took his money.” Justin says, and Chris sighs. He feels old and tired this morning. It’s cold and all his joints ache after days of unending rain. Food is scarce because no wants to stop and listen to him sing when it’s wet and JC’s pictures wash away as fast as he draws them. It’s only Joey’s -- and now Lance’s -- money from selling magazines that keeps them going, and even then the money they make doesn’t stretch far between five people.
Justin paces in front of Chris. He’s changed since Chris first saw him, face drawn and his eyes sunken and shadowed, but he’s still a kid, Chris never forgets that, not that he can when Justin pouts when he can’t get his own way.
“How many times do I have to say?” Chris says as he ducks into his shelter and starts to angrily push things aside, looking for something to tie his hair back. “You know Elroy’s been seen, he’s dangerous, Justin.”
“Says you.” Justin kneels so he can see inside Chris and JC’s shelter, ignoring JC as he sketches on a pizza box lid, blankets bundled round him. “It’s been months since I saw him. You’re paranoid, just because you’ve some kind of history with him.”
“I’d rather be paranoid than…” Justin cuts Chris off.
“Than dead, I know. You say it often enough. But you know what, Chris? I haven’t seen one thing that suggests Elroy’s this bogey man that you say. You might be frightened of him, I’m not.”
Justin stands and Chris grits his teeth. He wants to beat his fists against the ground, or better still against Justin’s head.
“He doesn’t understand.” JC puts down the box and Chris sees he’s drawn the beach, complete with sunshine and sparkling sea, no rain in sight. “If he can’t see it he doesn’t know it’s there.”
“I should have made them go home.” Chris sits so he’s resting against JC, letting JC take all his weight.
“They wouldn’t have gone, and better with us than on their own.” JC lets the chalk he’s using drop and drapes his arm over Chris’ shoulder. His fingers are bright blue and Chris laughs when he sees JC’s hand print on his forearm.
“You putting my mark on me?” Chris asks, and JC smiles.
“I marked you a long time ago, you just never saw.” JC wipes his hand on his blanket then uses it to turn Chris’ head, so they’re face to face. “Everything’s going to be fine. Lance loves selling magazines and Justin will grow up eventually.”
“I just hope I can last that long.”
“Course you can.” JC says then kisses Chris before pushing the blankets from his knee and standing up in one fluid movement. “Come on. We’d better go before our little businessman gets antsy. I’d hate for him to miss a sale.
“I heard that, “Lance yells from outside, and Chris smiles for the first time that morning, the argument with Justin forgotten for now. But only for now, he knows it’s just a matter of time before it’s brought up again.
~*~*~*~
“Come on Chris. We haven’t done anything fun for ages. All I ever do is come here with you, go to the soup kitchen then back to the shelter.” Justin says, he shoves the flyer at Chris again, who shoves it straight back.
“What part of no don’t you understand?” Chris replies, feet splashing through the puddles as he paces, unable to stand still as Justin reads the flyer again.
“There’s rides and side stalls. There’ll be cotton candy and toffee apples. Do you know how long it is since I’ve had stuff like that?” Justin says, and he looks at Chris.
“We can’t afford it, Justin.”
“So we’ll go to look at the rides, and I’ll steal some cotton candy. Fairs are always crowded, no one will see.”
“No.” Chris says. He’s horrified by how casually Justin mentions stealing but also angry. Justin won’t listen and Chris can’t make him understand how dangerous it is. “Elroy and his kind hang out at fairs like that.”
“Elroy. Elroy. Elroy. I don’t know what your obsession is with him but it’s getting old. But you know what, screw this. I’m not spending another day listening to you sing. I’ll see you when I get home.” Justin yells and he turns and runs along the street.
Within seconds Chris is running after him, but Justin’s faster and soon disappears in the crowd. Chris keeps running, he’s furious and adrenalin mixed with fear keeps him running long after his legs start to burn and he gasps for breathe.
Chris hears the fair long before he sees it. The sidewalks are crowded with people and Chris shouts sorry as he pushes past them. He needs to find Justin before Elroy or someone like him does, and they will, Justin’s too much of a target, obviously alone and young.
“Sorry. Excuse me. Coming through.” Chris says as he runs past side stalls and rides. Knowing Justin could be anywhere, Chris walks quickly, looking at every person. But Justin’s nowhere to be seen, so Chris moves away from the main area, looking behind rides, searching the places that usually remain unseen.
“Kirkpatrick. Fancy seeing you here.” Elroy steps from behind a caravan, sneering at Chris. He looks bigger than ever, and the rings on his fat fingers gleam in the light as he pushes back his greasy hair. “I told you I’d pay you back one day, and it looks like that day has come.”
Chris backs away slightly, he looks around but they’re in an almost deserted area, and the people that do see them quickly look away. Chris knows he’s on his own and he prepares to fight as Elroy moves closer, brown teeth showing as he smiles.
“I can still beat your fat ass.” Chris says, and Elroy laughs as he pulls something from his pocket.
“I’m sure you can, but see I’ve got an advantage. In a way you did me a favour snitching on me to the police. While I was inside I met some, how shall we say, interesting people. They taught me the best way to fight, and you know what? It isn’t with fists.” Elroy holds something in the air, and Chris prepares to run when he sees the wicked looking knife in his hand. “I don’t think so. Dan, get him.”
Chris tries to run at Elroy’s words, but it’s too late. He’s held by someone who holds him painfully round the chest, trapping his arms at his side. Chris kicks and bites but he can’t escape and Elroy moves close. He’s not smiling now, instead he stands inches from Chris, then spits in his face.
“I’ve waited for this day a long time.”
“You’re still a pervert who can’t even take me on his own.” Chris yells back, he’s furious, for himself for being stupid enough to get caught but also scared, thoughts of his friends in his mind.
“True. But who cares? This is payment for the time you kicked me in the balls.” Elroy brings his hand back and smashes his fist into Chris’ jaw. “And this is for prison.”
Chris doesn’t feel the blade sink into his belly, but he sees his blood on the blade when Elroy holds it in the air. Then his legs buckle and he falls to the ground when the arms round his chest let go.
“Hey, stop!” Someone yells, and Chris hears someone running toward them. He shivers, feeling blood trickle down his chin, but tries to stand when Elroy bends over him.
“That’s one down, one to go Kirkpatrick. That freak you fuck is next.”
Elroy runs and Chris keeps trying to stand. His head pounds, his jaw nothing but white hot pain, but he keeps moving, standing on wobbly legs. Hands try to stop him, shouting about ambulances and police, but all Chris can think about is JC and he starts to run, gasping with pain at every step.
Chris’ only focus is JC. He’s scared – terrified – and it’s that fear that keeps him running when all he wants to do is drop to the ground and surrender to the darkness. Something wet drips on his neck and Chris wipes at it with his arm, then swallows hard when he sees blood smeared across JC's handprint, red mixed with blue.
“JC!” Chris yells when he reaches the street JC’s working, then yells again. Chris prays he’s got the wrong street when he doesn't see JC, but as he looks down he sees a half finished unicorn, rearing in a sea of flames. Chalks are crushed in the sidewalk and JC’s sunflower bag lies on its side, contents spilling out. Chris falls to his hands and knees as he collapses on the unicorn, JC’s name on his lips.
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no subject
Date: 2004-03-04 12:02 pm (UTC)You bet I am! lol