Homeless AU part 12
Mar. 11th, 2004 07:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsOkay, I have reservations about this. One being it's a lot of dialogue which isn't my strong point at all. Also, I'm not sure if it's too rushed.
Another thing, I've been researching shoplifting and US police stations but my perceptions are still based on TV. Lets just say I was picturing Lance sitting at Jim Ellison's desk *g* Anyway, I have a feeling I may be way out. However, I did find a site with shoplifting tips if I ever decide to try it ;)
And if anyone still wants to read after that, here it is.
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
Part 10 is here
Part 11 is here
Justin holds onto Chris’ t-shirt as they walk, hand fisted into the material. People stare but Chris stares back until they look away, if Justin needs to hold onto him he can, the same way no one is going to take Lance’s bag from him. Not that they’d be able to, Justin has it slung over his shoulder and keeps touching the strap with his free hand.
JC walks with Joey, and Chris can hear him whispering, that it wasn’t Joey’s fault and Lance will be fine. Words that are hard to believe, but words that soothe anyway.
“Chris.” Justin doesn’t look at Chris, just keeps looking ahead. “They won’t lock him up will they? He doesn’t take much, that’s okay right?”
“It depends. He could get a caution I guess. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway.” Chris replies.
“I don’t want him to go to jail, Chris.” Justin says, his hand twists in Chris t-shirt again, pulling the material tight and Chris puts his hand on Justin’s.
“Neither do I.” Chris wants to say more but the police station is in sight and the words don’t want to squeeze through his dry throat. He tries not to walk past the building if he can. There’s too many memories contained inside its walls.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” JC moves next to Chris, bodies close as they all look at the station. “If you get detained…”
“I won’t.” Chris replies then quickly squeezes JC’s hand. I’ll be careful, wait for me, okay?”
“As long as it takes.” JC tries to smile, but only the corner of his mouth rises before he walks away. Joey follows him after clapping Chris on the back, leaving Justin who still stands holding Chris’ t-shirt.
“If you see him, tell him I love him.” Justin says, then hurries away, leaving Chris standing alone.
Chris takes a deep breath, then looks at the other three who’re watching from the other side of the road, he waves once then walks to the station. He feels edgy and uncomfortable as he approaches, as if everyone is watching him, wondering what this grubby man dressed all in black could want. Chris wants to lower his head and look at the floor, instead he straightens his shoulders and walks along the sidewalk with his head held high.
No one stops him as he walks up the steps to the station, but with each step Chris expects to feel a heavy hand on his shoulder. His skin itches and it’s an effort not to run, but he pushes open the door and steps inside.
The building is hot and noisy, uniformed officers roam the floor and everyone seems to be talking at once. Chris looks to see if he can see Lance, but it’s not that easy -- he doesn’t expect it to be. Seeing the nearest policeman is busy at the desk, Chris quietly walks past, no one watches him and he hopes he’s slipping under the radar as he walks the length of the room.
“Chris.” Turning quickly, Chris sees Lance sitting next to a desk. His hands are cuffed in front of him and he smiles fleetingly as Chris looks at him.
“Are you okay?” Chris asks then moves so he’s closer to Lance.
“I’m fine, just, you know.” Lance holds his hands up and shrugs. Chris hates seeing them, and wants nothing more than to get Lance and run. But Chris also knows that’s an incredibly bad idea, so he looks around again, checking if anyone is looking his way before moving so he’s standing next to Lance.
“Have they said what they’re going to do?”
“I’ve got to pay for what I stole, about two Dollars plus a hundred Dollar fine.” Lance looks at Chris, disgust clear on his face. “Busted for some candy bars. I’m so stupid.”
“Not going to disagree with you there.” Chris says, but he smiles as he says it. “So we need 102 Dollars, we can do that. Or I could ask Sally, I’m sure she’d help…”
“Chris.” Lance cuts Chris off. He’s looking at Chris blankly, no expression on his face. “It’s over, I can’t go anywhere.”
“What? It’s a fine Lance, I’ll get the money and you’ll be out of here. I promise you.”
“No. It’s not that, I know you could do it. It’s just…” Lance squeezes his eyes shut and Chris touches his hand, fingers resting on cold metal and warm skin. “They phoned my parents, Chris. They ran my name and a missing person report came up, he’s phoning my momma now … and Justin’s.”
Chris feels sick and his fingers dig into Lance’s hand. Lance is going home, Chris knows that for a fact. He could convince him to run, but that’s not the right thing to do. Lance needs a warm bed and good food. He doesn’t need a cold shelter and a criminal record. The facts run through Chris’ head at lightening speed. Homeless against home. Food against hunger. Chris would tell Lance to wait for his mom in a heartbeat except for one thing -- Justin.
It’s the biggest reason Lance should try and stay, so they can be together, laughing and talking. Or play on the swings and eat hot soup, Justin’s laughter filling their lives. Chris can’t imagine life without Lance, no more groans in the night and good natured teasing in the mornings when Lance and Justin emerge from their shelter, stiff legged, Justin’s curls standing on end and hickies scattered on their bodies.
But Justin’s also the biggest reason Lance should go. Chris has heard too many stories about Justin’s mom, spent too many nights listening as Lance comforts Justin as he cries for what he left behind. Chris sees the kid disappear from Justin a little more each day, and he knows he has to stop it.
“I’m going to miss you.”
Lance doesn’t contradict him, just looks at Chris with eyes that shimmer with unshed tears. “I’m going home, Chris.”
”I know, so’s Justin.”
Lance looks up sharply. “No. Justin can stay at the shelters, they’ll never find him.”
“They won’t have to. He’ll be here.” Chris says, the words hurt, but he knows he’s right. Justin and Lance have a chance and Chris is going to make sure they take it. “Justin needs to be with you. It’s why he’s here, and it’s why he’s going home. Let me do this last thing for you.”
Lance slowly nods his head, and Chris looks around again then hugs Lance briefly. “Look us up one day.” Then walks away before his luck runs out, he doesn’t look back just keep going until he’s outside then stands frozen on the sidewalk.
“Chris. Chris. Did you see him?” Justin asks and Chris blinks, wondering when he got there. “Did you see him?”
“Yeah.”
“And, when’s he coming out?”
“He’s not.” Chris can’t look at Justin, has to turn and address JC who’s standing close. “They ran his name and a missing person’s report came up for you and him. They’re calling your moms now.”
“My mom’s coming here?” Justin asks, and Chris turns to him. “She knows where I am. She’ll take me back, Chris.”
“I know. It’s time you went back, kid.”
“No. I want to stay here, with you all and Lance.” Justin starts to yell, and Chris hopes no one comes to see what the fuss is. “You can’t make me go back.”
“I know. But do you really want to be here without him?” Chris hates the way Justin looks at him and it’s only JC’s hand on his back that stops him charging back for Lance.
“No. No I don’t.” Justin whispers, and he looks from Chris to the station and back again. “I love him.”
“And he loves you, very much.” JC says, he reaches for Justin with one hand, pulling him close until he can whisper It’s time to go . Chris feels his heart break as Justin looks at them all, expression stunned.
“My mom’s coming?” Justin asks, voice so quiet Chris can hardly hear.
“They were phoning her, do you think she’ll stay away?”
“I miss my mom.” Justin says, and he rubs at his eyes. “I miss her so much.”
“We know.” Joey puts a hand on Justin’s shoulder. “I’m going to miss you like crazy, but I agree. You need to go home.”
“Will you come in with me?” Justin looks at Chris, but Joey answers.
“I’ll take you. I can watch until you’re with Lance at least.”
“Okay.” Justin says, then he grabs at Chris and JC, pulling them into a tight hug. Chris can feel Justin’s hand on his back, and curls against his cheek. He can also feel tears on his face, even if he doesn’t know who’s they are. “Thank you, for everything.” Justin pulls back at last, he doesn’t say anymore, just walks to the steps, Joey walking behind him.
Chris hears him say I’m going home , and watches until the door swings shut behind them. It’s only JC’s murmured oh honey that stops him bawling on the floor like a baby.
Another thing, I've been researching shoplifting and US police stations but my perceptions are still based on TV. Lets just say I was picturing Lance sitting at Jim Ellison's desk *g* Anyway, I have a feeling I may be way out. However, I did find a site with shoplifting tips if I ever decide to try it ;)
And if anyone still wants to read after that, here it is.
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
Part 10 is here
Part 11 is here
Justin holds onto Chris’ t-shirt as they walk, hand fisted into the material. People stare but Chris stares back until they look away, if Justin needs to hold onto him he can, the same way no one is going to take Lance’s bag from him. Not that they’d be able to, Justin has it slung over his shoulder and keeps touching the strap with his free hand.
JC walks with Joey, and Chris can hear him whispering, that it wasn’t Joey’s fault and Lance will be fine. Words that are hard to believe, but words that soothe anyway.
“Chris.” Justin doesn’t look at Chris, just keeps looking ahead. “They won’t lock him up will they? He doesn’t take much, that’s okay right?”
“It depends. He could get a caution I guess. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway.” Chris replies.
“I don’t want him to go to jail, Chris.” Justin says, his hand twists in Chris t-shirt again, pulling the material tight and Chris puts his hand on Justin’s.
“Neither do I.” Chris wants to say more but the police station is in sight and the words don’t want to squeeze through his dry throat. He tries not to walk past the building if he can. There’s too many memories contained inside its walls.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” JC moves next to Chris, bodies close as they all look at the station. “If you get detained…”
“I won’t.” Chris replies then quickly squeezes JC’s hand. I’ll be careful, wait for me, okay?”
“As long as it takes.” JC tries to smile, but only the corner of his mouth rises before he walks away. Joey follows him after clapping Chris on the back, leaving Justin who still stands holding Chris’ t-shirt.
“If you see him, tell him I love him.” Justin says, then hurries away, leaving Chris standing alone.
Chris takes a deep breath, then looks at the other three who’re watching from the other side of the road, he waves once then walks to the station. He feels edgy and uncomfortable as he approaches, as if everyone is watching him, wondering what this grubby man dressed all in black could want. Chris wants to lower his head and look at the floor, instead he straightens his shoulders and walks along the sidewalk with his head held high.
No one stops him as he walks up the steps to the station, but with each step Chris expects to feel a heavy hand on his shoulder. His skin itches and it’s an effort not to run, but he pushes open the door and steps inside.
The building is hot and noisy, uniformed officers roam the floor and everyone seems to be talking at once. Chris looks to see if he can see Lance, but it’s not that easy -- he doesn’t expect it to be. Seeing the nearest policeman is busy at the desk, Chris quietly walks past, no one watches him and he hopes he’s slipping under the radar as he walks the length of the room.
“Chris.” Turning quickly, Chris sees Lance sitting next to a desk. His hands are cuffed in front of him and he smiles fleetingly as Chris looks at him.
“Are you okay?” Chris asks then moves so he’s closer to Lance.
“I’m fine, just, you know.” Lance holds his hands up and shrugs. Chris hates seeing them, and wants nothing more than to get Lance and run. But Chris also knows that’s an incredibly bad idea, so he looks around again, checking if anyone is looking his way before moving so he’s standing next to Lance.
“Have they said what they’re going to do?”
“I’ve got to pay for what I stole, about two Dollars plus a hundred Dollar fine.” Lance looks at Chris, disgust clear on his face. “Busted for some candy bars. I’m so stupid.”
“Not going to disagree with you there.” Chris says, but he smiles as he says it. “So we need 102 Dollars, we can do that. Or I could ask Sally, I’m sure she’d help…”
“Chris.” Lance cuts Chris off. He’s looking at Chris blankly, no expression on his face. “It’s over, I can’t go anywhere.”
“What? It’s a fine Lance, I’ll get the money and you’ll be out of here. I promise you.”
“No. It’s not that, I know you could do it. It’s just…” Lance squeezes his eyes shut and Chris touches his hand, fingers resting on cold metal and warm skin. “They phoned my parents, Chris. They ran my name and a missing person report came up, he’s phoning my momma now … and Justin’s.”
Chris feels sick and his fingers dig into Lance’s hand. Lance is going home, Chris knows that for a fact. He could convince him to run, but that’s not the right thing to do. Lance needs a warm bed and good food. He doesn’t need a cold shelter and a criminal record. The facts run through Chris’ head at lightening speed. Homeless against home. Food against hunger. Chris would tell Lance to wait for his mom in a heartbeat except for one thing -- Justin.
It’s the biggest reason Lance should try and stay, so they can be together, laughing and talking. Or play on the swings and eat hot soup, Justin’s laughter filling their lives. Chris can’t imagine life without Lance, no more groans in the night and good natured teasing in the mornings when Lance and Justin emerge from their shelter, stiff legged, Justin’s curls standing on end and hickies scattered on their bodies.
But Justin’s also the biggest reason Lance should go. Chris has heard too many stories about Justin’s mom, spent too many nights listening as Lance comforts Justin as he cries for what he left behind. Chris sees the kid disappear from Justin a little more each day, and he knows he has to stop it.
“I’m going to miss you.”
Lance doesn’t contradict him, just looks at Chris with eyes that shimmer with unshed tears. “I’m going home, Chris.”
”I know, so’s Justin.”
Lance looks up sharply. “No. Justin can stay at the shelters, they’ll never find him.”
“They won’t have to. He’ll be here.” Chris says, the words hurt, but he knows he’s right. Justin and Lance have a chance and Chris is going to make sure they take it. “Justin needs to be with you. It’s why he’s here, and it’s why he’s going home. Let me do this last thing for you.”
Lance slowly nods his head, and Chris looks around again then hugs Lance briefly. “Look us up one day.” Then walks away before his luck runs out, he doesn’t look back just keep going until he’s outside then stands frozen on the sidewalk.
“Chris. Chris. Did you see him?” Justin asks and Chris blinks, wondering when he got there. “Did you see him?”
“Yeah.”
“And, when’s he coming out?”
“He’s not.” Chris can’t look at Justin, has to turn and address JC who’s standing close. “They ran his name and a missing person’s report came up for you and him. They’re calling your moms now.”
“My mom’s coming here?” Justin asks, and Chris turns to him. “She knows where I am. She’ll take me back, Chris.”
“I know. It’s time you went back, kid.”
“No. I want to stay here, with you all and Lance.” Justin starts to yell, and Chris hopes no one comes to see what the fuss is. “You can’t make me go back.”
“I know. But do you really want to be here without him?” Chris hates the way Justin looks at him and it’s only JC’s hand on his back that stops him charging back for Lance.
“No. No I don’t.” Justin whispers, and he looks from Chris to the station and back again. “I love him.”
“And he loves you, very much.” JC says, he reaches for Justin with one hand, pulling him close until he can whisper It’s time to go . Chris feels his heart break as Justin looks at them all, expression stunned.
“My mom’s coming?” Justin asks, voice so quiet Chris can hardly hear.
“They were phoning her, do you think she’ll stay away?”
“I miss my mom.” Justin says, and he rubs at his eyes. “I miss her so much.”
“We know.” Joey puts a hand on Justin’s shoulder. “I’m going to miss you like crazy, but I agree. You need to go home.”
“Will you come in with me?” Justin looks at Chris, but Joey answers.
“I’ll take you. I can watch until you’re with Lance at least.”
“Okay.” Justin says, then he grabs at Chris and JC, pulling them into a tight hug. Chris can feel Justin’s hand on his back, and curls against his cheek. He can also feel tears on his face, even if he doesn’t know who’s they are. “Thank you, for everything.” Justin pulls back at last, he doesn’t say anymore, just walks to the steps, Joey walking behind him.
Chris hears him say I’m going home , and watches until the door swings shut behind them. It’s only JC’s murmured oh honey that stops him bawling on the floor like a baby.
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no subject
Date: 2004-03-11 11:36 am (UTC)I don't think it was too rushed, though I noticed one or two Britishisms--in this state at least, a 'caution' would be a 'warning'. And Jim Ellison was in Canada, wasn't he? Hehe.
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Date: 2004-03-11 12:24 pm (UTC)Sorry about the hands in front of face thing...eep!
I'm glad it didn't seem rushed to you, though it figures about the Britishisms *g* As for Jim, he was filming in Canada but he was supposed to be in Cascade in America so it's half and half ;)
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Date: 2004-03-11 12:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-03-11 12:44 pm (UTC)Thank you!
no subject
Date: 2004-03-11 12:57 pm (UTC)Ok.. glad that they are going home, but wondering if Lance will be safe or if he'll run again if the bigots threaten him, his family or Justin again.
But, with them home and joey possibly getting a place to live, maybe Joey will insist that JC and Chris move in with him.
this is so good, heartwrenching but good.
no subject
Date: 2004-03-11 01:11 pm (UTC)Not rushed at all.
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Date: 2004-03-11 01:32 pm (UTC)And poor Chris has no home to go to. I get the feeling that at some point along the way, each of the others has made a choice to walk away from their family, somewhere along the line. But that Chris didn't choose, it was forced on him.
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Date: 2004-03-11 01:34 pm (UTC)I'm sure you're going to figure it out :-). Can't wait.
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Date: 2004-03-11 01:42 pm (UTC)you'll fix them, right? right? please? *looks at you with giant puppy eyes*
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Date: 2004-03-11 02:29 pm (UTC)Poor Chris!
Poor Everybody!
Well, Lance's parents love him, and I'm sure they can afford the 100 dollars to free him... ..and Justin is still a kid in many ways, even if he had to give some of them up too early, and he needs his mom/family.
Although I worry the guys are his family now.
And technically, Lance is an adult. He can choose to leave again if he wants to, to be with Justin (if Lynn lets him) or come back to the guys or whatever.
All very interesting, sad to see it ending.
no subject
Date: 2004-03-11 03:14 pm (UTC)*hugs fictional!chris*
*hugs non fictional new friend writer person*
no subject
Date: 2004-03-11 09:03 pm (UTC)I can just see the epilogue to this story now... Lance and Justin come back hand in hand six months later, cleaned up, looking good - life has settled down for them; their parents have moved, or something, and they're able to be together and things are better now. They come back to find the others and see how they're doing. They find the fence, slip into the alley - and everything's gone. No sign that JC, Joey, or Chris were ever there at all, and... it's an illustration that part of their life, an experience they had together, is just a memory, and we all choose our paths in life and there's no going back. Of course, if you did end it this way and didn't give your readers a heads up on what happened to Chris, JC and Joey, you might have a minor riot on your hands, but I like the image that leaves. The existence of the homeless is so fleeting anyway, in more ways that one. Fading shadows, you know?
Good job with this.
no subject
Date: 2004-03-11 09:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-03-12 02:15 pm (UTC)Don't worry hon, when I do your birthday story it'll be romantic and sweet with an ending that's guaranteed to be happy.
no subject
Date: 2004-03-12 02:17 pm (UTC)Chris needs a hug *nods*
And I loved mine, thanks hon *hugs you back*
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Date: 2004-03-13 01:18 pm (UTC)I'm happy the youngsters are going home, but it's Chris's pain that just grabs at the heart. Well done.
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Date: 2004-03-14 04:29 am (UTC)But they did have to go home somehow. It's just a shame the others have to hurt so much when they do so.
Thank you.
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Date: 2004-03-14 08:01 am (UTC)You know what happened at the end by now, I think he would have been threatened if he'd stayed, which is why his mom agreed to let him move away. But he's going to be happy in his own place in the city.
Thanks as usual for the comment.
no subject
Date: 2004-03-14 08:02 am (UTC)I was relieved that Lance was going home too. As much as I would have loved him to have stayed with the others, it just wasn't the right thing for him. He needs his family.
Thank you.
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Date: 2004-03-14 08:04 am (UTC)You've got good instincts. I've a background for all the characters and you're right, Chris doesn't have a home to do back to. He had to leave, the others chose to.
Thank you for the comment.
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Date: 2004-03-14 08:06 am (UTC)But they are happy, believe me.
Thanks for the comment, and the puppy eyes, they were beautiful.
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Date: 2004-03-14 08:08 am (UTC)I knew they needed to go home and to be honest I thought for a long time how I was going to do that. I knew they wouldn't just walk away, so it would take intervention from someone to make that happen. I'm glad it worked for you.
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Date: 2004-03-14 09:26 am (UTC)But yes, I do know they were split up, but I think it was for the best and they knew it and they're happy and you're going to tell me more stories, so i'm going to sit here and gaze at you adoringly and wait for you to tell me it's snack and story time.
*gazes adoringly. . .fidgets. . .pushes annoying Johnny Whathisname. . .shifts. . .raises hand for pass to the bathroom. . .goes back to gazing adoringly*
no subject
Date: 2004-03-14 10:59 am (UTC)*hugs*
you should have my comment on the last part now too.