Title: Something’s gotta give

Rating: PG-13

Summary: You could never be his cure… you could never rescue him… (M/M The Sequel to “Not Enough”)

Disclaimer: I own the Characters and the story line but in all events please remember that this is F I C T I O N and that none of it is real. All bands mentioned, TV programmes and possibly Countries or Cities are real and I do not own them, any quotes used are owned by their author but have been labelled accordingly.

Please note: No characters were hurt in the making of this story, however by all legal rights the author will not take responsibility for the actions of some members. The actors in this story are professionals and have been trained to perform these stunts. Please do not attempt to re-enact anything you have seen today. Also in this case, the characters used were based on real people but seeming as I don’t use last names or any particular references to them I’m not technically do anything wrong.

Enjoy the Show.

Something’ Gotta give

“I submit no excuse. If this is what I have to do I owe you every day I wake. If I could I would shrink myself Sink through your skin to your blood cells Remove whatever makes you hurt but I am too weak to be your cure…” Brand New “Guernica”

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You never liked the type of parties Jade made you go to, it wasn’t because you were an anti-social bastard, it was just that these parties were full of pretentious people and you would only know a few people like the other few bands that would dare turn up. Tonight your band and two others are the unlucky victims of this party, and what’s worse is you knew that like you they would have been forced to go this occasion that would be nothing but a slow and painful torture of the same old questions and the same plastic and fake people you can hardly stand to look at let alone talk to.

But Jade said you had to go, that you’ve been wriggling your way of these things for too long and besides, when was the last time you two had gone out as a couple? He had gotten you there so you agreed, deciding to put the effort in to it just for tonight, after all you might have some fun, but that was unlikely.

So there you were, entering the expensive Hotel bar donned in black leather pants and a black long sleeve, simply oozing the essence of a feminine man with your long black raven hair, its light curls falling over your shoulders and your enchanting brown eyes surrounded by the shine of black glitter dust that you bought in London one time. You hadn’t bothered with lip-gloss; you decided that your light pink lips made enough of a statement and besides you knew you’d feel uncomfortable in a room full of people all staring at you the way they did even if you did love the attention. A few people noticed you on arrival, noticed how Jade held your hand, standing taller and prouder than you like the true man of your relationship whilst you stayed a little behind him with that shy boldness in your eyes, staying close to his strong and possessive frame. Someone came over to say hello, someone you don’t know and you’re sure Jade didn’t know but still your love strikes up a conversation with them leaving you to stand there listening with a dulled interest.

“This is Dave, the vocalist of our band, and my boyfriend.” Jade finally announced your presence to the man before you, clearly smiling proudly.

“How nice to meet you Dave.” The man smiled with an over exaggerated politeness that makes you feel sick. “So you’re the singer hey? You must enjoy the attention it brings.”

“Only to a degree.” You replied modestly before choosing to look around, to see if you could spot the other bands around, praying it’s someone you know so you have a reason to escape this man.

You spot a group in the corner towards the bar, full of one or two blondes and a lot of dark haired men wearing bright colours and blue jeans, nothing like you would wear. Your heart sinks at the thought of being someone you don’t know, no one you know dresses in such a, daring way and for a moment you thought that maybe they were some pop stars meaning the torture would be oh so more painful for you to endure. Sighing you gave up on any hope of something good happening this evening and you let Jade lead you to the bar, ordering yourself an orange juice.

At least Jade was understanding of your hate of these occasions and he offered you sympathetic smiles occasionally, even took to stroking you back and kissing your cheek and the corner of your mouth every now and then as you stood at the bar, talking to anyone who came to speak with you. You felt comfort in Jade’s being there but that was soon to change, you just weren’t sure for the better or for the worse.

“Jamie!” Jade suddenly announced with a brilliant and friendly smile, one that would always make you safe and secure.

You looked to where your man was calling, spotting the dark haired man heading your way, his jaw square and harder and his eyes harder. You vaguely recognised his face, you remembered the piercings at least and the hair that was currently shaped into a Mohawk. But despite it, you could hardly place him, or place the small blonde man he was pulling along with him.

“I heard you were invited but I didn’t think you were coming.” This Jamie man smiled when he was finally standing with you at the bar. “Change your mind?”

You noted the Welsh Accent, the full and lazy voice that was softer than the face before you but only just. Already something about this man had you disliking him, not with a passion, just with a mild uneasiness, something told you that this man, as a good a friend as he could be, was far from the perfect lover and had broken too many hearts already. But you dare not voice your opinions so instead you stood listening to your lover speak with this man remembering him as someone from the crowd you had seen over in the corner.

“…Yeah so with the tour finished we came back to California before we start the new album and also so we could spend some alone time together.” Jamie finished smiling as his arm wound around the small blonde’s waist and gave it a light squeeze. “What about you guys?”

“Working on the album.” Jade answered giving a small nod and glanced at you with a loving smile. “Dave’s been coming up with so many brilliant ideas for the album, so we’re spoilt for choice.”

“Well you’ll have to let us listen to it some time, when you’ve got something put together that is.”

“Oh we’ll be sure to.” Jade replied nodding again before flashing another one of his award winning smiles. “Are the others here?”

“Oh yeah, the whole band’s here and so’s Chris and Joe, Branden couldn’t make it this evening though.” Jamie replied and chuckled. “Come over and say hi to them.”

“Sure okay.” Jade replied and glanced at you once again giving the same care he always gave when it came to you. “You wanna come honey?”

“No, you go, I’m gunna stay here and order another drink.” You replied giving him one of your soft and loving smiles in return before you leant against the bar.

Jade nodded and gave you a light and gentle kiss before he and Jamie disappeared. You couldn’t but sigh softly feeling disappointed that Jade had left but somewhat glad to be alone, well as alone as someone could be in a room full of people. You turned slowly to the bar and ordered another drink of cola and ice before you turned your head, a brilliant flash of blonde catching your eyes.

In the commotion of Jade and Jamie leaving you hadn’t noticed the small blonde that Jamie had dragged over with him, staying behind with you and now was perched on a stood carefully, his long and lightly tanned arms folded over the counter top and his head down to hide his features. The small and blonde creature had you curious though, why something so small and innocent looking would be in the arms of someone like Jamie, who clearly held no regard for broken hearts.

“Jamie seems nice.” You finally spoke studying the blonde beside you. “Are you two an item?”

You knew that it was obvious already but still you were compelled to ask, already wondering how something as simple and innocent as this could be with someone so tarnished with guilt and no care.

“We are.” He replied in a soft and husky voice that was sensual and warm yet sad and lonely all at once. “Have been for nearly two years.”

“That’s a long time.” You replied tilting your head so your black hair fell around your neck. “You must love him.”

“I do.” He replied and finally lifted his head to look at you, letting your gaze fall on his boyish beauty.

He was indeed almost your opposite with short and messy blonde hair and lightly tanned skin. His eyes were chocolate brown and at one time you were sure they had been full of joy and love and happiness but now you saw tiredness and hurt and turmoil. His lips were much more lush than yours, unpierced and dusty pink. He looked so young but you were sure he was older than he looked even without the bruise that marred his left cheek.

“And I suppose he loves you.” You spoke more quietly, your eyes on the purple bruise longer than it should have been before you looked into his eyes.

“He loves me enough.” This blonde creature replied looking away slowly as if to hide the bruise that shamed his face.

You nodded and glanced over to where your Jade was, seeing him chatting to some people, laughing and looking happy. Then there was Jamie, all over another blonde with a lip piercing and darker skin and a goofy and chirpy smile. You some how knew right then, that this blonde right beside you was already aware of what was going on behind him and you felt saddened by it, broken hearted even as you once again looked at him, this time with sadness welling up in your eyes.

“I’m Dave.” You finally introduced yourself, holding out your hand.

“Quinn.” He replied taking your hand in his and shaking it once, your eyes glancing over those long fingers and your skin tingling from the feel of his soft warm skin.

You vaguely recognised the name and offered this small and friendly smile. He noticed it, you were sure but you knew he wouldn’t offer one back, something told you he had forgotten what smiling was. Instead he drew a cigarette from his cheap packet and put it to his lips. You were surprised he smoked, but then again something told you that it was something that only started recently and was probably frowned upon by his friends.

“I’m sorry sir, but no smoking at the bar.” A waiter stopped the blonde from lighting his cigarette. “The smoking area’s out on the balcony.”

“Okay.” The blonde sighed and set his lighter down looking for the balcony doors, having located them he looked to you. “I’m gunna go have a cigarette.”

“Then maybe I’ll join you and keep you company.” You replied smiling again and stood up with your drink. “Perhaps you could tell me more about Jamie and you.”

You knew that’s not what you wanted to hear, but you wanted to hear him talk more, hear his voice, something simply compelled you be near this blonde wonder. He nodded a little and led the way, his smaller frame slicing through the crowds of people practically unnoticed, especially by Jamie. You followed with more boldness and more confidence than Quinn seemed to show leaving the lights and noise of talk behind you both as you stepped out onto the balcony. It indeed was a warm evening, the palm trees surrounded the grounds below you and small lights were dotted around to light the small area up. No one else was out with you, making it seem more private, intimate. The second he stepped out he lit his cigarette drawing on it quickly before letting the smoke flow out of his mouth slowly, his small yet lithe frame settling onto a stone bench. You followed, sitting next to him, closer than you normally would but then again you had a tendency to crave human contact, to touch people, to give and yearn for affection.

“So tell me, how long have you and Jade been together?” He asked glancing at you, seemingly unaware of how close you were, or at least not bothered by it.

“Eight years.” You replied smiling freely.

“That’s a long time.” He murmured clearly overwhelmed by the amount of years you and Jade had shared.

“Do you think you and Jamie will last that long?” You asked.

He didn’t answer and you knew he wanted to say yes but knew he couldn’t, that really he believed otherwise and perhaps it was too painful to admit it, almost as painful as to admit that the man he loved was a cheating and abusing asshole.

“For someone so in love, you seem far from happy about it.” You murmured studying the side of his face, the one not marred by the bruise wanting to reach out and touch that soft looking skin.

“I’m as happy as I could be.” He replied truthfully and dragged on his cigarette once more.

“And that is it?”

He nodded and dropped his gaze, his long brown lashes cuddling his cheeks and hiding his beautiful brown eyes that you were slowly falling in love with. You let out a sigh and looked down too, to the plant beds behind you both not seeing much of interest there but feeling somewhat broken hearted by the story that sat beside you. You lifted your head once more and shuffled closer to him, bringing a hand up to rest on his back lightly, almost close enough to feel the very tips of his hair, brush your hand. He barely flinched, didn’t even move despite how close you had drawn yourself and practically how much you were touching him.

A small sigh escaped his parted lips and for a moment you caught a glimpse of his pink wet tongue brushing over those rosy petals for lips. Then you noticed the silvery tears that began to creep their way down his lightly tanned cheeks, glimmering in the light around you and looking like ice. If your heart could break anymore, it did and your face wore the mask of sadness as you tilted your head to try and catch his gaze.

“I must have done something bad.” He murmured, his lower lip trembling making him look so young and so lost. “I ask myself every night if I could do better for him.”

“Surely you give him all the love he needs.” You argued softly, wanting so badly to brush his tears away but too scared and too enthralled with his light and spicy scent. “You’ve done nothing wrong, it is him who has, he’s hurting you, clearly you see that.”

He nodded a little but dared not to look at you. “I feel like I’m being punished.”

“You are, but wrongly so.” You nodded and finally found the will to brush away a few of his tears, feeling the contrast of warm dry skin and cold wet skin that made up his cheeks. “You are so beautiful…”

You hadn’t meant to say it; it had just come out on its own, using your tongue and voice to free itself into the night air. You felt somewhat embarrassed, even let a pink tint flush your pale cheeks as you looked down. But then you looked back to him again only to find that you weren’t the only one blushing. You couldn’t help but smile softly, once again bringing your hand up to stroke his soft cheek watching his silence and his stillness and yet breathing in his scent. You Almost felt like you were a part him, almost one with him as a soul, you couldn’t describe it but it was like you could feel what he felt and hear his thoughts.

“When was the last time someone told you that?” You whispered into his ear softly not entirely sure when you had gotten this close.

“Nearly a year ago.” He replied softly looking so ashamed, so utterly ashamed that it hurt you and angered you all at once.

“It should be said to you more often.” You replied, cupping his chin lightly, tilting his face to look at you. “Because it’s so painfully true.”

“I haven’t felt anything in a long time let alone beautiful.” He admitted looking at you sadly before casting his look away.

You fought to find words to explain what you felt, how angry you were, how heartbroken yet so touched and mesmerized by his story but no words found their way into your mouth and in the end you took to the only other way of expressing your feelings…

Leaning in slowly you once again tilted his face to look at you, letting your lips and his remain apart ever so slightly, his soft and shallow breath on your skin like a caress. You felt no resistance in him, no fear or confusion, which only made your movements bold. But you were never one for brash and haste, you took care in your work, made the simplest touch art, which was what you did as you let your lips brush over his delicately, feeling his soft rosy lips against yours, stirring life into you in a different way from Jade. You felt no guilt in it, no pity, you didn’t pity him after all.

Cupping his jaw softly, you let your fingers run up into his soft silky hair once more as you parted his lips with your tongue to deepen the skin, sliding your tongue in slowly, with care, experiencing that amazing but unusual mix of cigarettes and strawberry sweets. Another sigh left him, one of what sounded like pleasure and inside you smiled, whilst physically you swirled your tongue over his, slowly exploring his mouth, feeling his shiver against your embrace as you showed him just how beautiful he was…

Finally you pulled back, slowly, keeping your fingers in his hair as you let the kiss linger on both of your lips his breath coming out in a slow puff of a sigh.

“Now do you see?” You asked him studying his face, wanting so desperately to see his eyes and kiss away his fears.

You knew he wanted to answer with someone direct but you also knew it would take more than a kiss for you to prove how right you were. You wished you had more time, how this blonde had capture your heart and let you embrace him, you felt you needed more time, that you could rescue him from his nightmare. But you knew there would be no such luck, he was someone else’s, he was Jamie’s prisoner, and you had Jade, if only Jade could see what you had seen.

A soft sigh escaped as you slowly withdrew your hand from him, returning to your positions of two men sitting out on the balcony, watching the night sky and hiding so many emotions. You wanted to say so much to him but your time had run out, far too quickly.

“Dave.” Jade’s voice cut through the silence, his protective and reassuring gaze upon you, beckoning you. “Come on, time to go home.”

You nodded slowly, freezing when you saw Jamie behind your man, his gaze still hard, so cold and hurtful, not seeing what you did.

“I think Quinn and I are gunna do the same.” He spoke up and grin splitting across his face making you want to hit him. “What do you think kitten?”

He didn’t reply, he didn’t smile or nod, he just glanced at you with those eyes, those beautiful eyes, his gaze worn and broken before he slipped away from your safety and let his boyfriend take him by the hand. You had no choice but to follow, taking Jade’s hand in yours and watching with a broken heart as Jamie bid you a good night.

“Good night Jade,” Quinn spoke up finally looking at you for a long moment. “Good bye Dave.”

“Good bye Quinn.” You replied softly unable to pull your gaze from his.

Then he was gone, Jamie pulling your beautiful blonde away from you, and something told you in your heart, you’d never see him again.

Not in this way anyway…

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A/N: the last stand alone in this series is coming soon I'm just thinking of what Angle I want to go for with it.

FINALLY for one last time, I am British so dear sweet American Readers if there are any "grammar" or spelling mistakes or worse still inconsistencies in use of language, that's because I'm not American and I don't use American slang....this applies to all my stories so don't expect another explanation.