Part 10 of homeless AU
Mar. 8th, 2004 05:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsHere we go again, WIP, mistakes, blah blah blah ;)
Seriously, as ever I'm willing to answer questions, have mistakes pointed out.
Part 1 is here
Part 2 is here
Part 3 is here
Part 4 is here
Part 5 is here
Part 6 is here
Part 7 is here
Part 8 is here
Part 9 is here
“You shouldn’t do this.” Chris says looking at Lance as he ducks into the shelter, but Lance doesn’t reply, just sticks his hand down into his magazine bag and pulls out tins of food and small bottles of soda. Lance shoplifts everyday now and Chris worries every time, the worry settling next to the guilt Chris carries for not being able to stop him.
“I have to,” Lance says, and he methodically stacks tins at the side of the shelter. “You can’t sing, JC won’t leave you. What are we supposed to do? I’m not gonna let us starve when we can eat.”
“It’s wrong.” Chris says weakly, because he knows Lance is right. They can’t exist on the money that Joey and Lance make, and JC hasn’t left Chris’ side in weeks.
“Maybe it is. Doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop.” Lance kneels and looks at Chris. “Justin smiles when I give him trashy magazines, JC doesn’t look like a walking skeleton anymore. That’s why I do it. Anyway, you can’t tell me you’ve never stolen anything. What about when your mom left?”
“I didn’t steal then either.” Chris says as he rubs at his belly trying to conquer the maddening itch that never seems to leave. Lance looks disbelieving and Chris waits for the inevitable questions.
“You were what, thirteen when she left? And you’re trying to tell me you came here and didn’t steal. What did you eat?” Lance asks, and Chris sighs softly, unwilling to dredge up memories that he prefers to be hidden. But Lance is still looking, so Chris decides to tell him something, maybe one of the memories that don’t scar so much.
“You know I hitched here, it was easy to take food from the trashcans at truck stops, and sometimes people would buy me food. It’s no big deal, when you’re hungry you’ll eat anything.” Chris says then wants to look away from the look on Lance’s face.
“You ate from the trash?”
“Well, yeah. If you’re starving you’ll do anything.” Chris says, then holds up a hand as Lance starts to speak. “Anything but steal anyway. It’s not something I can do or agree with.”
“Well I do.” Lance says, he looks sorry but Chris knows he won’t stop or change his mind. “I don’t take much. Food and medicine, I’m hurting no one Chris.”
Lance walks out and Chris stares at the pile of food, trying to remember the Lance of months ago, but that Lance is long gone, sacrificed for food and survival.
“Chris?” Chris looks up and sees Justin crouching in the doorway. “Can I talk to you?”
“You are aren’t you?” Chris says, then laughs when Justin looks blank before realisation hits him. “Yeah, sure, come in and sit.”
Justin sits next to Chris and starts twisting his t-shirt in his hands, he looks nervous, looking anywhere but at Chris. “I wanted to ask. It’s just. You and JC. When, you know. How, when you need, you know, things.”
“I haven’t got a clue what you just said, kid.” Says Chris, and he puts his hand over Justin’s stopping him twisting the material more. “Take it slow and ask me again.”
“You and JC, you sleep together, right, in that way I mean.”
“If you mean we fuck, yeah we do. Not for a while though, he seems to think he’ll hurt me if he fucks me. I keep telling him we're not that energetic but he still won’t.” Chris is relieved to see Justin laugh a little, a smile replacing the frown he’s been wearing.
“So where do you get your, uh, supplies? Justin blushes and Chris bites at the inside of his bottom lip so he doesn’t laugh. “I’ve got one rubber, but I’ve been carrying it around a few years so I don’t know how good it’ll be.”
“How many years?” Asks Chris curious. Justin blushes even redder.
“Four.” He replies and glares when Chris bursts out laughing. “I just wanted to be ready. But if you’re going to laugh at me I’ll ask JC.”
“No, I’m sorry.” Says Chris, and he forces himself to stop laughing. “Me and JC were tested at the free clinic a couple of years ago so we don’t use rubbers now. But the clinic gives them out, ask Joey to take you, he goes there for his supplies. They give out sample tubes of lube too, you need that if you’re going to sleep with Lance.”
“Who said I’m gonna sleep with Lance?” Justin says and he buries his head in his hands. “I could have slept with him already.”
“Remember that day you kept bitching that me and C kept you up all night?” Chris asks and Justin nods his head. “That works both ways.”
Chris feels bad when Justin’s ears turn bright red, but Justin shakes his head a little then takes his hands away from his face. “So I haven’t slept with him yet, I was waiting for a special time and it’s his birthday soon so I thought we’d do it then, but if you’re not going to help.”
“Hold on there, Kid. I never said I wouldn’t help. I think that’s the best present you could give him, he’s a lucky man.” Justin smiles wide and Chris scratches at his belly again before getting comfortable. “Now what do you want to know? And tell me about Bass’ birthday.”
~*~*~*~
“Do you think he’ll like it?” JC asks, and Chris hugs him from behind, linking his hands across JC’s belly.
“He’ll love it.” Chris looks at the picture JC has just finished, with its brilliant colours and painstaking details. JC has been painting it for weeks, sitting up late at night, eyes squinting in the dim light of a torch that Chris held. Now it’s finished, a picture of them all watching a fireworks display, standing shoulder to shoulder as they look at the sky.
“Is Justin ready?” JC smiles and Chris knows he’s thinking of Justin, who’s been jumpy all day.
“I think if he was any more ready he’d burst. He’s gonna come in ten seconds if he doesn’t calm down.” Chris says and laughs as he remembers how excited Justin is. “He’s checked his supplies about fifty times and reminded me double that we all have to get make an excuse and leave after the celebration dinner. I’m sure Lance thinks he’s insane.”
“That’s because he is insane.” Joey looks down from the milk crate he’s standing on. He’s stringing a happy birthday banner made of pizza lids between the two walls, garish letters printed on each lid. “At least you didn’t have to take him to the clinic. He didn’t ask you what size condom you wear in the middle of a crowded waiting room.”
“I’ll swap you for the are you sure it’ll fit questions if you like.” Chris says, and Joey hurries to decline.
“Naw, that’s alright, but I’ll pass thanks. I’ll just be glad when this is over with and he talks about something other than sex.”
“Like you’re any better.” JC say as he carefully props the picture against the shelter. “Who was it talking about that hot young thing you took out last week? How good their fingers were and how they hit that spot, just right.”
“It’s not my fault I’m such a stud,” Joey says, and he winks as he jumps down from the crate. Then his expression turns serious and he looks from Chris to JC. “I’ve some news too. Just don’t tell the kids in case nothing comes of it.”
Joey looks into the distance, foot tapping against the ground. “I was asked if I wanted to apply for a paid position in the place I sell magazines for. They said if I get that there’s a chance I could get one of the assisted housing scheme flats.
“That’s wonderful news.” JC says and flings his arms round Joey. Joey nods his head and hugs JC back, but he doesn’t look happy.
“What if I apply and get the job, and I go back to how I was before.” Joey says. He looks miserable and JC hugs him again. “I mean, last time I had regular money I drank it all away. It could happen again.”
“It could.” Chris says, and he moves close to JC and Joey, leaning into both of them. “But it wouldn’t. You wouldn’t do that. You’re a different person to who you were then.”
Joey has his mouth open to reply, when they hear the fence move. “We’ll talk about this later, Chris says, and Joey nods as they look to see who’s coming.
“He’s coming, he’s coming. Is everything ready?” Justin shouts as he races around the corner. He’s panting, and points back to the fence with one hand. “I told him I needed the bathroom. Whoa! You’ve done a great job.”
Chris feels proud, they’ve worked hard to decorate and paper chains made from newspapers hang next to the banner. Chris’ hands are stained by the newsprint but it’s worth it for the look on Justin’s face.
“Justin? Are you okay?” Lance shouts and they all shuffle into a line, and shout happy birthday when Lance walks into view. He jumps, hand to his chest then grins as he looks about.
“Whoa, you did this for me? Thank you.”
Justin springs at Lance, holding him tight. “Happy birthday, I’ve got a present for you later but JC’s got one for you now. Show him, JC.”
Justin is almost jumping on the spot as he turns Lance so he can see the picture. JC picks it up and hands it to Lance. “It’s us, on that night with the fireworks. Remember, it was so cold and Justin was bitching about his hands and we were going to go home. Then the display started and it was so beautiful. You smiled so much that night.”
“I love it.” Say Lance, and he keeps looking at it, holding the square of cardboard as if it’s the most precious painting in the world. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” Says JC, and he kisses Lance on the cheek. “Just promise me one thing. When you look at it you remember you used to smile, and used to have fun.”
Lance stays silent, then nods as he wipes his hand quickly across his eyes. Chris takes that as his cue and gestures to Joey who goes into his shelter. “Hey, Bass. We’ve another present for you.”
Lance looks at Chris, then past him to Joey and his mouth drops open when he sees what Joey has in his hands. It’s a small cake, decorated with chocolate frosting and a lit candle flickers from the middle. Chris starts to sing happy birthday and they all join in as Lance stands mute. As they finish Justin leans into Lance.
“Make a wish.” And Lance blows out the candle before shutting his eyes. His lips move slightly and Chris wonders what he’s wishing for, not that he’ll ask. Some things have to be private.
“You ready to go?” Joey says and Lance looks at him with surprise. Joey hugs him, holding him tight then pulls back. “Not you hot shot, we’re going to the park you’re staying here.”
“But the cake, and Chris, you can’t walk that far yet.” Lance says and he looks from Chris to the cake that Joey’s passed to Justin.
“The cake’s for you and Justin, as for me, I’m fine. Really.” Chris says and hugs Lance. He reaches for JC’s hand, linking their fingers together and slowly starts to walk before calling back. “Enjoy your present.”
They’re almost to the fence when Justin runs to Chris, bending he whispers are you sure It’ll fit? and Chris nods, laughing when Justin gives him a thumbs up and runs away.
“I’ll bet a packet of chips he blows before he gets a rubber on.” Says Joey, Chris thinks about it then shakes his head.
“I don’t do sucker bets.” They all laugh then fall silent when they hear a deep groan. Within seconds they’re on the other side of the fence.
Seriously, as ever I'm willing to answer questions, have mistakes pointed out.
Part 1 is here
Part 2 is here
Part 3 is here
Part 4 is here
Part 5 is here
Part 6 is here
Part 7 is here
Part 8 is here
Part 9 is here
“You shouldn’t do this.” Chris says looking at Lance as he ducks into the shelter, but Lance doesn’t reply, just sticks his hand down into his magazine bag and pulls out tins of food and small bottles of soda. Lance shoplifts everyday now and Chris worries every time, the worry settling next to the guilt Chris carries for not being able to stop him.
“I have to,” Lance says, and he methodically stacks tins at the side of the shelter. “You can’t sing, JC won’t leave you. What are we supposed to do? I’m not gonna let us starve when we can eat.”
“It’s wrong.” Chris says weakly, because he knows Lance is right. They can’t exist on the money that Joey and Lance make, and JC hasn’t left Chris’ side in weeks.
“Maybe it is. Doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop.” Lance kneels and looks at Chris. “Justin smiles when I give him trashy magazines, JC doesn’t look like a walking skeleton anymore. That’s why I do it. Anyway, you can’t tell me you’ve never stolen anything. What about when your mom left?”
“I didn’t steal then either.” Chris says as he rubs at his belly trying to conquer the maddening itch that never seems to leave. Lance looks disbelieving and Chris waits for the inevitable questions.
“You were what, thirteen when she left? And you’re trying to tell me you came here and didn’t steal. What did you eat?” Lance asks, and Chris sighs softly, unwilling to dredge up memories that he prefers to be hidden. But Lance is still looking, so Chris decides to tell him something, maybe one of the memories that don’t scar so much.
“You know I hitched here, it was easy to take food from the trashcans at truck stops, and sometimes people would buy me food. It’s no big deal, when you’re hungry you’ll eat anything.” Chris says then wants to look away from the look on Lance’s face.
“You ate from the trash?”
“Well, yeah. If you’re starving you’ll do anything.” Chris says, then holds up a hand as Lance starts to speak. “Anything but steal anyway. It’s not something I can do or agree with.”
“Well I do.” Lance says, he looks sorry but Chris knows he won’t stop or change his mind. “I don’t take much. Food and medicine, I’m hurting no one Chris.”
Lance walks out and Chris stares at the pile of food, trying to remember the Lance of months ago, but that Lance is long gone, sacrificed for food and survival.
“Chris?” Chris looks up and sees Justin crouching in the doorway. “Can I talk to you?”
“You are aren’t you?” Chris says, then laughs when Justin looks blank before realisation hits him. “Yeah, sure, come in and sit.”
Justin sits next to Chris and starts twisting his t-shirt in his hands, he looks nervous, looking anywhere but at Chris. “I wanted to ask. It’s just. You and JC. When, you know. How, when you need, you know, things.”
“I haven’t got a clue what you just said, kid.” Says Chris, and he puts his hand over Justin’s stopping him twisting the material more. “Take it slow and ask me again.”
“You and JC, you sleep together, right, in that way I mean.”
“If you mean we fuck, yeah we do. Not for a while though, he seems to think he’ll hurt me if he fucks me. I keep telling him we're not that energetic but he still won’t.” Chris is relieved to see Justin laugh a little, a smile replacing the frown he’s been wearing.
“So where do you get your, uh, supplies? Justin blushes and Chris bites at the inside of his bottom lip so he doesn’t laugh. “I’ve got one rubber, but I’ve been carrying it around a few years so I don’t know how good it’ll be.”
“How many years?” Asks Chris curious. Justin blushes even redder.
“Four.” He replies and glares when Chris bursts out laughing. “I just wanted to be ready. But if you’re going to laugh at me I’ll ask JC.”
“No, I’m sorry.” Says Chris, and he forces himself to stop laughing. “Me and JC were tested at the free clinic a couple of years ago so we don’t use rubbers now. But the clinic gives them out, ask Joey to take you, he goes there for his supplies. They give out sample tubes of lube too, you need that if you’re going to sleep with Lance.”
“Who said I’m gonna sleep with Lance?” Justin says and he buries his head in his hands. “I could have slept with him already.”
“Remember that day you kept bitching that me and C kept you up all night?” Chris asks and Justin nods his head. “That works both ways.”
Chris feels bad when Justin’s ears turn bright red, but Justin shakes his head a little then takes his hands away from his face. “So I haven’t slept with him yet, I was waiting for a special time and it’s his birthday soon so I thought we’d do it then, but if you’re not going to help.”
“Hold on there, Kid. I never said I wouldn’t help. I think that’s the best present you could give him, he’s a lucky man.” Justin smiles wide and Chris scratches at his belly again before getting comfortable. “Now what do you want to know? And tell me about Bass’ birthday.”
~*~*~*~
“Do you think he’ll like it?” JC asks, and Chris hugs him from behind, linking his hands across JC’s belly.
“He’ll love it.” Chris looks at the picture JC has just finished, with its brilliant colours and painstaking details. JC has been painting it for weeks, sitting up late at night, eyes squinting in the dim light of a torch that Chris held. Now it’s finished, a picture of them all watching a fireworks display, standing shoulder to shoulder as they look at the sky.
“Is Justin ready?” JC smiles and Chris knows he’s thinking of Justin, who’s been jumpy all day.
“I think if he was any more ready he’d burst. He’s gonna come in ten seconds if he doesn’t calm down.” Chris says and laughs as he remembers how excited Justin is. “He’s checked his supplies about fifty times and reminded me double that we all have to get make an excuse and leave after the celebration dinner. I’m sure Lance thinks he’s insane.”
“That’s because he is insane.” Joey looks down from the milk crate he’s standing on. He’s stringing a happy birthday banner made of pizza lids between the two walls, garish letters printed on each lid. “At least you didn’t have to take him to the clinic. He didn’t ask you what size condom you wear in the middle of a crowded waiting room.”
“I’ll swap you for the are you sure it’ll fit questions if you like.” Chris says, and Joey hurries to decline.
“Naw, that’s alright, but I’ll pass thanks. I’ll just be glad when this is over with and he talks about something other than sex.”
“Like you’re any better.” JC say as he carefully props the picture against the shelter. “Who was it talking about that hot young thing you took out last week? How good their fingers were and how they hit that spot, just right.”
“It’s not my fault I’m such a stud,” Joey says, and he winks as he jumps down from the crate. Then his expression turns serious and he looks from Chris to JC. “I’ve some news too. Just don’t tell the kids in case nothing comes of it.”
Joey looks into the distance, foot tapping against the ground. “I was asked if I wanted to apply for a paid position in the place I sell magazines for. They said if I get that there’s a chance I could get one of the assisted housing scheme flats.
“That’s wonderful news.” JC says and flings his arms round Joey. Joey nods his head and hugs JC back, but he doesn’t look happy.
“What if I apply and get the job, and I go back to how I was before.” Joey says. He looks miserable and JC hugs him again. “I mean, last time I had regular money I drank it all away. It could happen again.”
“It could.” Chris says, and he moves close to JC and Joey, leaning into both of them. “But it wouldn’t. You wouldn’t do that. You’re a different person to who you were then.”
Joey has his mouth open to reply, when they hear the fence move. “We’ll talk about this later, Chris says, and Joey nods as they look to see who’s coming.
“He’s coming, he’s coming. Is everything ready?” Justin shouts as he races around the corner. He’s panting, and points back to the fence with one hand. “I told him I needed the bathroom. Whoa! You’ve done a great job.”
Chris feels proud, they’ve worked hard to decorate and paper chains made from newspapers hang next to the banner. Chris’ hands are stained by the newsprint but it’s worth it for the look on Justin’s face.
“Justin? Are you okay?” Lance shouts and they all shuffle into a line, and shout happy birthday when Lance walks into view. He jumps, hand to his chest then grins as he looks about.
“Whoa, you did this for me? Thank you.”
Justin springs at Lance, holding him tight. “Happy birthday, I’ve got a present for you later but JC’s got one for you now. Show him, JC.”
Justin is almost jumping on the spot as he turns Lance so he can see the picture. JC picks it up and hands it to Lance. “It’s us, on that night with the fireworks. Remember, it was so cold and Justin was bitching about his hands and we were going to go home. Then the display started and it was so beautiful. You smiled so much that night.”
“I love it.” Say Lance, and he keeps looking at it, holding the square of cardboard as if it’s the most precious painting in the world. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” Says JC, and he kisses Lance on the cheek. “Just promise me one thing. When you look at it you remember you used to smile, and used to have fun.”
Lance stays silent, then nods as he wipes his hand quickly across his eyes. Chris takes that as his cue and gestures to Joey who goes into his shelter. “Hey, Bass. We’ve another present for you.”
Lance looks at Chris, then past him to Joey and his mouth drops open when he sees what Joey has in his hands. It’s a small cake, decorated with chocolate frosting and a lit candle flickers from the middle. Chris starts to sing happy birthday and they all join in as Lance stands mute. As they finish Justin leans into Lance.
“Make a wish.” And Lance blows out the candle before shutting his eyes. His lips move slightly and Chris wonders what he’s wishing for, not that he’ll ask. Some things have to be private.
“You ready to go?” Joey says and Lance looks at him with surprise. Joey hugs him, holding him tight then pulls back. “Not you hot shot, we’re going to the park you’re staying here.”
“But the cake, and Chris, you can’t walk that far yet.” Lance says and he looks from Chris to the cake that Joey’s passed to Justin.
“The cake’s for you and Justin, as for me, I’m fine. Really.” Chris says and hugs Lance. He reaches for JC’s hand, linking their fingers together and slowly starts to walk before calling back. “Enjoy your present.”
They’re almost to the fence when Justin runs to Chris, bending he whispers are you sure It’ll fit? and Chris nods, laughing when Justin gives him a thumbs up and runs away.
“I’ll bet a packet of chips he blows before he gets a rubber on.” Says Joey, Chris thinks about it then shakes his head.
“I don’t do sucker bets.” They all laugh then fall silent when they hear a deep groan. Within seconds they’re on the other side of the fence.
