Dear Travis, count me in [1/2]
Title: Dear Travis, count me in [1/2]
Author: 23a_j10
Pairings: Jack Barakat/Alex Gaskarth. Jack Barakat/Travis Clark. Travis Clark/Josh Franceschi.
Rating: R
Warnings: Unintentional and playful violence
Summary: It all starts with a Down But Not Out shirt...
Disclaimer: I don't own/know or claim to own/know the characters in this story.
P.O.V.: Third
Author's notes: I wrote this because I'm awaiting repose on which fic to continue with first and my beta hasn't replied to me yet :) Also I didn't know if I could post this on ATB or ATS because Travis and Josh are the main pairing. Hence why it's only posted here :)
“How do I look?” Travis asked aloud to anyone listening as he tried to flatten out his new t-shirt over his thin frame.
“Hot, but why are you wearing Josh Fransexy’s clothes and not mine?!” Jack demanded with a pout.
“You know everything on tour get’s wrecked, I wouldn’t do that you to you man” Travis grinned reassuringly as he continued to twist his body in the new fabric.
“I HATE SHARING!” Someone yelled exasperatedly, both Travis and Jack turned to see Alex crashed out on the floor for no obvious reason.
“What’s the matter baby?” Jack cooed to his boyfriend who simply groaned loudly into the dirty tour bus floor.
“I let Danny use my straighteners and now I can’t find them!” Alex continues to speak to the carpet as Jack giggles in amusement.
“My Danny?” Travis asks trying not to laugh at the boy’s despair.
“Yes. I hate sharing this stupid bus” All Time Low’s frontman complains as Jack tries to get him standing.
“I’ll go find him for you if you like?” Travis offered, not wanting to get in the way of Jalex sexytime.
“Nah, stay here Clark he can use mine” Jack waved Travis back to his seat in front of his laptop.
“Go into the back longue, you know which bag is mine, my straighteners are in there, count to ten and calm down, straighten your hair and count to one hundred really loudly so I can hear you and I’ll come surprise you, okay?” Jack combs his long fingers through his boyfriend’s hair as he gives out clear instructions. Alex’s eyes blow wide at the thought of a surprise from his lover, he nods quickly before practically skipping away leaving Jack smirking playfully.
“You know I coulda’ just text Dan and-” Travis started but Jack interrupted him by grabbing his hands and pulling him to his feet. Unprepared for the sudden change in gravity Travis stumbled forward into the taller boy’s chest, his checks flushing at the close contact. Travis tried to sink back into his seat but Jack held him uncomfortably close as he whispered,
“I lied earlier. You don’t look hot in that shirt, you look fucking sexy in that shirt. I mean, don’t get me wrong you’d look better in some JAGK but this works for me too”
Travis swallows the panic building in his throat but can’t think of anything to say as he tries once again to break Jack’s grip on his body, but Jack just holds on tighter to his upper arms.
“Jack you’re hurting me...” Travis almost whimpers, bowing his head of orange hair against Jack’s chest in defeat.
“Sorry, kiss better?” Jack tilts his head to one side faking innocence before he swiftly moves his hands from the smaller boy’s arms to entangle his long hair. Travis doesn’t have a second to think before Jack’s pressing his warms lips against his, for just a moment Travis forgets himself, forgets that Jack has a boyfriend and forgets about his major crush on Josh Franceschi...
“One!” Alex shouts out loudly from the back longue of their bus, bringing Travis back to earth.
“J-Jack what are you doing?” Travis pulled back far enough to look straight at the guitarist who was grinning with delight.
“Kissing you” He answers smartly before moving in to steal another kiss. Travis pulls away harder this time causing him to fall back into his seat bringing Jack down with him.
“Okay, we can do it your way” Jack shrugs with a stupid smug smile gracing his lips as he pulls a bit on Travis’ wavy hair making the smaller of two gasp in surprise, giving Jack the chance to taste him. Jack pushes his weight down on to the older boy holding him in his place, his tongue rolling in the unfamiliar flavour of We The King’s lead singer. Travis tries to squirm away but the wall of the bus is trapping him, he lays his hands on Jack’s shoulders and pushes half-heartedly as he starts to enjoy the alcohol tinted kiss...
“Thirteen!” Alex yells another number breaking the almost silence.
“Count slower Alex!” Jack breaks the kiss to shout back to his boyfriend. He looks down at Travis who’s breathing is fast, with his checks tinted red.
“We’ve got just over a minute to kill, how do you suggest we tackle that problem?” Jack asks, leaning forward, making sure his breath his tickling the elder’s lips as he speaks.
“Uh...” Travis exhales too quickly and tries to shake off the attraction; his head spins as he blinks trying to compose himself. Before he’s managed to regain his compose and catch his breath Jack is grinding their bodies together creating an offbeat friction that Travis can’t help but whimper at. Smirking, Jack leans down and starts to peck at the singer’s lips, teasing him shamelessly.
“Twenty four!” Alex sings happily.
Jack dives his tongue into Travis’ mouth once more and this time the red head kisses back, adrenaline rushing through his veins. The singer’s heart raced as Jack’s tongue twisted with his. The sound of Alex’s counting putting them both on edge of the cliff of danger, making the kiss that much better, that much more exciting. Both boys quickly drowned contently in each other’s tastes, blood rushing in their ears clouding Alex’s calls.
“One hundred!” The frontman bellows out the last number he’s been instructed to count to. When he gets no reply he stands from the sofa and tries again,
“Jack Barakat! One hundred, dammit you fucker!” Alex pouts to himself wondering what is keeping his boyfriend.
Travis whines as Jack kisses his lips one final time before leaving his line of sight.
“Catch you later Clark!” Jack’s already straddling his boyfriend as he calls back to Travis who’s red faced and dizzy. Slowly he stands up, not daring to look back into the longue as steps off the bus into the cool air.
“Are you okay? You didn’t walk in on dumb and dumber did you?” Rian pats Travis roughly on the back laughing lightly.
“Yeah, you might wanna leave it a while before going in there. Have you seen Hunter?” Travis manages to smile back, glancing around the parking lot for any signs of someone who’s not part of All Time Low’s band or crew.
“I think he’s on You Me At Six’s bus but I’m not sure, sorry” Rian shrugs and turns to talk to someone else All Time Low related. Sighing Travis almost regrets agreeing to the last minute offer of support You Me At Six with All Time Low on the condition both bands share a bus made for one band and crew. We The King’s had already sacrificed leaving their own crew behind and now Travis was considering if he could somehow lose or sell off some members of All Time Low to a fan or something. Save that he’d simply conveniently get left behind at a gas station...
Without warning Travis felt the earth move as gravity once again shifted underneath him. A squeal of surprise left his mouth before he heard the friendly laughter of Zack Merrick underneath him. Apparently All Time Low had little to no respect for personal space as the bassist threw the singer over his shoulder with ease.
“Why are All Time Low so energetic I’m worn out and in need of We The Kings members! You out number us dude” Travis complains into Zack’s leather jacket as he allows himself to be carried wherever. Zack continues to laugh before he replies,
“Stop being such a grouchy killjoy Travis! The rest of your beloved band are on You Me At Six’s bus”
“Sorry Zack. I like you, but I don’t like walking in on Jack and Alex-”
“Ah!” The bassist exclaims loudly, “That explains your mood, feeling left out dude?”
Far from it, thought Travis...
“Yes. Yes I secretly want Jack for his virtuosic guitar talent”
“Hey! I taught that kid everything he knows man!” Zack joked as he set Travis back on his feet before walking on to a bus that had its doors wide open. Straightening his clothes out Travis followed the well muscled frame of Zackon to the bus he assumed to You Me At Six’s.
“Travis!” Someone shouted his name before he’d managed to get onto the vehicle. Looking up just in time Travis saw the culprit of his possible eardrum damage running toward him, tackling him to the floor with a tight hug. Travis returned the now horizontal greeting, a smile on his face before he complained about people knocking off his balance.
“Why does everyone who isn’t a We The Kings band member want to kill me and make me dizzy!”
“Because we’re all out to get you!” The English boy grinned pulling Travis back up to his feet, hugging him again just for good measure. Travis tried not to blush as Josh’s fingers pressed into his back and sides.
“You’re wearing my shirt!” Josh practically squealed in delight letting go of Travis to admire his figure clad in a Down But Not Out t-shirt.
“I am and Jack isn’t happy about it so thanks Franceschi, I have to share a bus with that guy and he’s probably gonna poison me or something now!” Travis smiled as he took in all of the younger boy’s features once again.
“Stay on our bus instead?” Josh suggested hopefully, grinning widely.
“I don’t think your band and crew would-“
“We don’t mind we need another ginger!” Dan called from somewhere not too far away.
“I’m NOT ginger!” Matt insisted loudly from somewhere else.
“You’d have to share my bunk though, ‘kay?” Josh’s eyes are wide with excitement as Travis can’t hold back a blush,
“Sure, anything to get away from Jack and Alex’s constant love fest” The red head agrees, he really needs a break from the ADHD kids of All Time Low. More than that, he really needs some more time with Josh.
All three bands and various crew members are sat out in the parking lot waiting for their managers and tour managers to call them to sound check. The venue’s nothing but a few feet away from where their buses are parked so the band can make no excuses.
“Where’s Alex?” Matt Flyzik calls out from the backstage door.
“With Jack!” Travis watches as the All Time Low members giggle as Evan answers, well all but one laugh,
“Well then where’s Jack?” Flyzik looks flustered as he asks the unhelpful crew he’s managed to get landed with.
“They were on the bus a few hours ago, I haven’t seen either come off since” Travis stands up and walks over to the slim tour manger who gives him a polite smile.
“Thank you Travis, would you go and tell Alex to get his butt inside before we replace him with you please?” Travis nods at the request, smiling slightly at the dark haired boy before turning back to their bus. Cautiously he opens the door and call’s inside, looking at the floor to avoid any potentially embarrassing situations.
“Alex, Matt is looking for you!”
Out of nowhere both All Time Low members take down the red head roughly to the asphalt of the car park. Travis curses out as his body smashes awkwardly into the unforgiving ground. Black out for a moment Travis is confused as he hears shouting around him.
“What the hell guys!”
“We thought the door was closed behind him!” Okay, that’s Alex, Travis groaned at the pain beating through his brain.
“Are you okay?” Hunter sweeps his own hair from his face before he repeats the movement to his injured friend. Travis opens his mouth to reply but blackness engulfs him once again. While Hunter and Danny start up a fierce argument with Jack and Alex, Flyzik reappears looking more stressed than before,
“ALEX FUCKING GASKARTH!” Flyzik screams to the parking lot of ruckus.
“YES JAMES MATTHEW FLYZICK!” Alex screeches in response just as loud.
“SOUND CHECK NOW!” Matt scowls at the frontman who jumps on his boyfriend’s back to be carried to the venue’s door. Hunter and Josh fall silent and exchange worried looks over Travis’ unconscious body. Josh makes his way over, as Danny follows Jack to continue the argument.
“Do you think he can sing tonight?” Josh worries.
“I have no idea...” Hunter admits.
“We better get him in a bunk” Josh suggests biting his lip with concern.
“Good idea” Hunter agrees, trying to get Travis positioned comfortably in his arms. Once he's almost certain he’s not going to drop his best friend he stands up,
“Door please Franceschi”
“He’s staying in ours tonight, didn’t he say? He’s had enough of Jack and Alex’s sex antics” Josh bowed his head, nervous Hunter would deny him a night with his band mate.
“Haven’t we all! Okay, help me with him will you?” Josh breathed a sigh of relief and helps take some of Travis’ weight into his arms.
After some swearing and struggling both boys had Travis lying safely in Josh’s bunk.
“Can you stay here with him till he wakes up? I gotta go tell the guys” The guitarist said before standing straight to leave.
“Sure thing” Josh nodded to him before looking back to Travis. You Me At Six’s front man sat cross-legged next to the bunk Travis was laid in, waiting and watching for the other boy to move or say something.
“Travis?” Josh asks the unconscious boy, feeling rather stupid while doing so. He gets no reply and after a few minutes the younger boy climbed into the bunk opposite is own, where Max slept. Laying down Josh noticed how tired he was, yawning he closed his eyes, just a moment...
“Alex... You fucker...” Travis opened his eyes staring up at a bunk. “And Jack, you cheating asshole. I won’t forget this.” The singer curses the couple responsible for his horrendous headache. A giggle startled him, too quickly the older boy rolled over to see Josh curled up looking completely adorable with a lazy smile hanging on his mouth.
“Oh, hi...” Travis said, massaging his head cautiously with his hand trying to ease the dull ache.
“Hi yourself, are you okay? Those two tackled you pretty hard” Josh rubbed his eyes feeling better for his nap.
“I think so... My head hurts” Travis groaned and rolled back onto his shoulder blades, stretching nosily.
“You want some paracetamol?” Josh offered,
“Is that the same thing as aspirin?” Travis asked the English singer
“Uh, sure. Wait there.” Josh dragged his eyes away from the other singer’s flexed out body as he stood up and made his way to the “kitchen”. Josh tried to shake out the thoughts of him and Travis together out of his head. What chance did he have? Sighing gently the youngest traipsed back to his bunk where he found Travis sitting up on the edge looking dangerously pale. More so than usual.
“Take these” Josh knelt down in front of Travis who nodded slowly. After swallowing the white pills Travis attempted to stand up,
“Take it easy Clark you’ve just been knocked out for an hour” Josh warns the elder who stumbles sideways. Josh quickly catches him before he can collide with the bunks.
“Lay down, please?” Josh pleads with the unstable Travis who nods again in agreement. Slowly Josh manages to get him back in his bunk, curling up next to him just because he wants to. After a few minutes Travis is starting to doze again in the safety of Josh’s arms. The English singer can’t help but smile. Travis looks so content drifting in slumber, chest rising and falling decreasingly slower with each breathe. But then something crossed Josh’s mind, and he nudged the almost sleeping Travis,
“Dude, I forgot you’re not supposed to sleep after you’ve hit your head...”
Travis replies with a muffled groan into Josh’s chest,
“M’fine”
“No way, Hunter looked wary of me just because I wanted you to sleep on our bus. If you die on my watch I can see him doing terrible things to me...” Josh sees a smile on the long haired singer’s face.
“I’m tired though...”
“I don’t care bro, you’re staying awake even if I have to slap you every three minutes” Josh grins at the increasing smile creeping to Travis’ lips.
“Can’t you keep me awake with nicer tactics?” Travis complains sleepily. At this Josh raises an eyebrow,
“Yes, but I doubt you’d approve”
“Why would you think that?”
“Because... They’re the kind of tactics that Jack and Alex endeavour in” Josh finds their tour friends the only comparison that comes to mind. Travis begins to giggle into his chest.
“In that case I definitely approve Fransexy” Josh giggles this time at the nickname, a happy sound of higher pitch than usual as he scoots a little lower in the bunk, bring his face close to Travis’. The older boy is watching him through tired eyes, lids threatening to close indefinitely with each blink. Before Josh could think too much or talk himself out of it he leant forward connecting their lips. Travis instantly moved his lips which made Josh feel a bit better as he drew back waiting for a reaction of some sort. Being so close to Travis made Josh realize something,
“Have you been drinking already dude?” Josh asked warily.
“No, Jack practically jumped me earlier and kissed me” Travis admitted feeling his brain shutting down slowly.
“What!?” Josh exclaimed too loudly making Travis recoil, his head banging. “Sorry, what?” Josh lowered his voice but pressed the question.
“I was just on my laptop and Jack came over we were talking and Alex was complaining Danny had his straighteners so Jack told him go use his in the back longue and count to one hundred while he was there. Then he wouldn’t let me go and kissed me.”
“You kissed him back?” Josh sounded a bit hurt...
“No, I mean... I didn’t really have a choice he’s stronger than he looks, but no. I didn’t want to but he pulled my hair and yeah...” Travis tried to explain. He really hoped Jack hadn’t ruined this for him, he’d steal every article of his clothing for the rest of tour if he did.
“Oh, okay then...”
“I want to kiss you” Travis blushed deeply, as the words tumbled from his mouth. Josh looked just as surprised as the other singer but grinned, confidence taking over. In one movement the English frontman was on top of the pale American, kissing him deeply. Travis gratefully accepted the kiss letting Josh win dominance over his worn out body. Travis decided Josh tasted much more exciting than Jack, much more. And the fact that he wanted to? Yeah that helped.
“I’ve kinda wanted that to happen for a while” Travis smiled shyly looking up Josh who was breathing heavily.
“Why do you think I made such a fuss about We The Kings coming on tour with us?” Josh laughed breathlessly. Travis chuckled and pulled Josh down to meet his lips again. Running their fingers through each other’s hair and exploring the tastes and sensations of each other’s mouth kept them entertained until Josh heard the tour bus door being opened. In moments Josh had moved into what he thought looked like an innocent position, laying next to Travis barely touching him while they both tried to breathe normally.
“Is Travis okay to perform? It’s sound check time we’ve left him till last already.” Someone asked and Travis replied,
“Yeah I can sing”
“No you can’t dude, you nearly passed out again earlier”
“No I didn’t I was just tired I’m fine” Travis protested and pushed his way out the bunk to see Matt Colussy looking almost as frustrated as Flyzik was earlier. Before Travis could get very far Josh had his arms wrapped around his middle from behind.
“I can’t wait till later, I’ll keep you awake all night” Josh promised in a whisper to the older boy who shivered slightly as he took a deep breath to follow Colussy to sound check.
Next Chapter
Author: 23a_j10
Pairings: Jack Barakat/Alex Gaskarth. Jack Barakat/Travis Clark. Travis Clark/Josh Franceschi.
Rating: R
Warnings: Unintentional and playful violence
Summary: It all starts with a Down But Not Out shirt...
Disclaimer: I don't own/know or claim to own/know the characters in this story.
P.O.V.: Third
Author's notes: I wrote this because I'm awaiting repose on which fic to continue with first and my beta hasn't replied to me yet :) Also I didn't know if I could post this on ATB or ATS because Travis and Josh are the main pairing. Hence why it's only posted here :)
“How do I look?” Travis asked aloud to anyone listening as he tried to flatten out his new t-shirt over his thin frame.
“Hot, but why are you wearing Josh Fransexy’s clothes and not mine?!” Jack demanded with a pout.
“You know everything on tour get’s wrecked, I wouldn’t do that you to you man” Travis grinned reassuringly as he continued to twist his body in the new fabric.
“I HATE SHARING!” Someone yelled exasperatedly, both Travis and Jack turned to see Alex crashed out on the floor for no obvious reason.
“What’s the matter baby?” Jack cooed to his boyfriend who simply groaned loudly into the dirty tour bus floor.
“I let Danny use my straighteners and now I can’t find them!” Alex continues to speak to the carpet as Jack giggles in amusement.
“My Danny?” Travis asks trying not to laugh at the boy’s despair.
“Yes. I hate sharing this stupid bus” All Time Low’s frontman complains as Jack tries to get him standing.
“I’ll go find him for you if you like?” Travis offered, not wanting to get in the way of Jalex sexytime.
“Nah, stay here Clark he can use mine” Jack waved Travis back to his seat in front of his laptop.
“Go into the back longue, you know which bag is mine, my straighteners are in there, count to ten and calm down, straighten your hair and count to one hundred really loudly so I can hear you and I’ll come surprise you, okay?” Jack combs his long fingers through his boyfriend’s hair as he gives out clear instructions. Alex’s eyes blow wide at the thought of a surprise from his lover, he nods quickly before practically skipping away leaving Jack smirking playfully.
“You know I coulda’ just text Dan and-” Travis started but Jack interrupted him by grabbing his hands and pulling him to his feet. Unprepared for the sudden change in gravity Travis stumbled forward into the taller boy’s chest, his checks flushing at the close contact. Travis tried to sink back into his seat but Jack held him uncomfortably close as he whispered,
“I lied earlier. You don’t look hot in that shirt, you look fucking sexy in that shirt. I mean, don’t get me wrong you’d look better in some JAGK but this works for me too”
Travis swallows the panic building in his throat but can’t think of anything to say as he tries once again to break Jack’s grip on his body, but Jack just holds on tighter to his upper arms.
“Jack you’re hurting me...” Travis almost whimpers, bowing his head of orange hair against Jack’s chest in defeat.
“Sorry, kiss better?” Jack tilts his head to one side faking innocence before he swiftly moves his hands from the smaller boy’s arms to entangle his long hair. Travis doesn’t have a second to think before Jack’s pressing his warms lips against his, for just a moment Travis forgets himself, forgets that Jack has a boyfriend and forgets about his major crush on Josh Franceschi...
“One!” Alex shouts out loudly from the back longue of their bus, bringing Travis back to earth.
“J-Jack what are you doing?” Travis pulled back far enough to look straight at the guitarist who was grinning with delight.
“Kissing you” He answers smartly before moving in to steal another kiss. Travis pulls away harder this time causing him to fall back into his seat bringing Jack down with him.
“Okay, we can do it your way” Jack shrugs with a stupid smug smile gracing his lips as he pulls a bit on Travis’ wavy hair making the smaller of two gasp in surprise, giving Jack the chance to taste him. Jack pushes his weight down on to the older boy holding him in his place, his tongue rolling in the unfamiliar flavour of We The King’s lead singer. Travis tries to squirm away but the wall of the bus is trapping him, he lays his hands on Jack’s shoulders and pushes half-heartedly as he starts to enjoy the alcohol tinted kiss...
“Thirteen!” Alex yells another number breaking the almost silence.
“Count slower Alex!” Jack breaks the kiss to shout back to his boyfriend. He looks down at Travis who’s breathing is fast, with his checks tinted red.
“We’ve got just over a minute to kill, how do you suggest we tackle that problem?” Jack asks, leaning forward, making sure his breath his tickling the elder’s lips as he speaks.
“Uh...” Travis exhales too quickly and tries to shake off the attraction; his head spins as he blinks trying to compose himself. Before he’s managed to regain his compose and catch his breath Jack is grinding their bodies together creating an offbeat friction that Travis can’t help but whimper at. Smirking, Jack leans down and starts to peck at the singer’s lips, teasing him shamelessly.
“Twenty four!” Alex sings happily.
Jack dives his tongue into Travis’ mouth once more and this time the red head kisses back, adrenaline rushing through his veins. The singer’s heart raced as Jack’s tongue twisted with his. The sound of Alex’s counting putting them both on edge of the cliff of danger, making the kiss that much better, that much more exciting. Both boys quickly drowned contently in each other’s tastes, blood rushing in their ears clouding Alex’s calls.
“One hundred!” The frontman bellows out the last number he’s been instructed to count to. When he gets no reply he stands from the sofa and tries again,
“Jack Barakat! One hundred, dammit you fucker!” Alex pouts to himself wondering what is keeping his boyfriend.
Travis whines as Jack kisses his lips one final time before leaving his line of sight.
“Catch you later Clark!” Jack’s already straddling his boyfriend as he calls back to Travis who’s red faced and dizzy. Slowly he stands up, not daring to look back into the longue as steps off the bus into the cool air.
“Are you okay? You didn’t walk in on dumb and dumber did you?” Rian pats Travis roughly on the back laughing lightly.
“Yeah, you might wanna leave it a while before going in there. Have you seen Hunter?” Travis manages to smile back, glancing around the parking lot for any signs of someone who’s not part of All Time Low’s band or crew.
“I think he’s on You Me At Six’s bus but I’m not sure, sorry” Rian shrugs and turns to talk to someone else All Time Low related. Sighing Travis almost regrets agreeing to the last minute offer of support You Me At Six with All Time Low on the condition both bands share a bus made for one band and crew. We The King’s had already sacrificed leaving their own crew behind and now Travis was considering if he could somehow lose or sell off some members of All Time Low to a fan or something. Save that he’d simply conveniently get left behind at a gas station...
Without warning Travis felt the earth move as gravity once again shifted underneath him. A squeal of surprise left his mouth before he heard the friendly laughter of Zack Merrick underneath him. Apparently All Time Low had little to no respect for personal space as the bassist threw the singer over his shoulder with ease.
“Why are All Time Low so energetic I’m worn out and in need of We The Kings members! You out number us dude” Travis complains into Zack’s leather jacket as he allows himself to be carried wherever. Zack continues to laugh before he replies,
“Stop being such a grouchy killjoy Travis! The rest of your beloved band are on You Me At Six’s bus”
“Sorry Zack. I like you, but I don’t like walking in on Jack and Alex-”
“Ah!” The bassist exclaims loudly, “That explains your mood, feeling left out dude?”
Far from it, thought Travis...
“Yes. Yes I secretly want Jack for his virtuosic guitar talent”
“Hey! I taught that kid everything he knows man!” Zack joked as he set Travis back on his feet before walking on to a bus that had its doors wide open. Straightening his clothes out Travis followed the well muscled frame of Zackon to the bus he assumed to You Me At Six’s.
“Travis!” Someone shouted his name before he’d managed to get onto the vehicle. Looking up just in time Travis saw the culprit of his possible eardrum damage running toward him, tackling him to the floor with a tight hug. Travis returned the now horizontal greeting, a smile on his face before he complained about people knocking off his balance.
“Why does everyone who isn’t a We The Kings band member want to kill me and make me dizzy!”
“Because we’re all out to get you!” The English boy grinned pulling Travis back up to his feet, hugging him again just for good measure. Travis tried not to blush as Josh’s fingers pressed into his back and sides.
“You’re wearing my shirt!” Josh practically squealed in delight letting go of Travis to admire his figure clad in a Down But Not Out t-shirt.
“I am and Jack isn’t happy about it so thanks Franceschi, I have to share a bus with that guy and he’s probably gonna poison me or something now!” Travis smiled as he took in all of the younger boy’s features once again.
“Stay on our bus instead?” Josh suggested hopefully, grinning widely.
“I don’t think your band and crew would-“
“We don’t mind we need another ginger!” Dan called from somewhere not too far away.
“I’m NOT ginger!” Matt insisted loudly from somewhere else.
“You’d have to share my bunk though, ‘kay?” Josh’s eyes are wide with excitement as Travis can’t hold back a blush,
“Sure, anything to get away from Jack and Alex’s constant love fest” The red head agrees, he really needs a break from the ADHD kids of All Time Low. More than that, he really needs some more time with Josh.
All three bands and various crew members are sat out in the parking lot waiting for their managers and tour managers to call them to sound check. The venue’s nothing but a few feet away from where their buses are parked so the band can make no excuses.
“Where’s Alex?” Matt Flyzik calls out from the backstage door.
“With Jack!” Travis watches as the All Time Low members giggle as Evan answers, well all but one laugh,
“Well then where’s Jack?” Flyzik looks flustered as he asks the unhelpful crew he’s managed to get landed with.
“They were on the bus a few hours ago, I haven’t seen either come off since” Travis stands up and walks over to the slim tour manger who gives him a polite smile.
“Thank you Travis, would you go and tell Alex to get his butt inside before we replace him with you please?” Travis nods at the request, smiling slightly at the dark haired boy before turning back to their bus. Cautiously he opens the door and call’s inside, looking at the floor to avoid any potentially embarrassing situations.
“Alex, Matt is looking for you!”
Out of nowhere both All Time Low members take down the red head roughly to the asphalt of the car park. Travis curses out as his body smashes awkwardly into the unforgiving ground. Black out for a moment Travis is confused as he hears shouting around him.
“What the hell guys!”
“We thought the door was closed behind him!” Okay, that’s Alex, Travis groaned at the pain beating through his brain.
“Are you okay?” Hunter sweeps his own hair from his face before he repeats the movement to his injured friend. Travis opens his mouth to reply but blackness engulfs him once again. While Hunter and Danny start up a fierce argument with Jack and Alex, Flyzik reappears looking more stressed than before,
“ALEX FUCKING GASKARTH!” Flyzik screams to the parking lot of ruckus.
“YES JAMES MATTHEW FLYZICK!” Alex screeches in response just as loud.
“SOUND CHECK NOW!” Matt scowls at the frontman who jumps on his boyfriend’s back to be carried to the venue’s door. Hunter and Josh fall silent and exchange worried looks over Travis’ unconscious body. Josh makes his way over, as Danny follows Jack to continue the argument.
“Do you think he can sing tonight?” Josh worries.
“I have no idea...” Hunter admits.
“We better get him in a bunk” Josh suggests biting his lip with concern.
“Good idea” Hunter agrees, trying to get Travis positioned comfortably in his arms. Once he's almost certain he’s not going to drop his best friend he stands up,
“Door please Franceschi”
“He’s staying in ours tonight, didn’t he say? He’s had enough of Jack and Alex’s sex antics” Josh bowed his head, nervous Hunter would deny him a night with his band mate.
“Haven’t we all! Okay, help me with him will you?” Josh breathed a sigh of relief and helps take some of Travis’ weight into his arms.
After some swearing and struggling both boys had Travis lying safely in Josh’s bunk.
“Can you stay here with him till he wakes up? I gotta go tell the guys” The guitarist said before standing straight to leave.
“Sure thing” Josh nodded to him before looking back to Travis. You Me At Six’s front man sat cross-legged next to the bunk Travis was laid in, waiting and watching for the other boy to move or say something.
“Travis?” Josh asks the unconscious boy, feeling rather stupid while doing so. He gets no reply and after a few minutes the younger boy climbed into the bunk opposite is own, where Max slept. Laying down Josh noticed how tired he was, yawning he closed his eyes, just a moment...
“Alex... You fucker...” Travis opened his eyes staring up at a bunk. “And Jack, you cheating asshole. I won’t forget this.” The singer curses the couple responsible for his horrendous headache. A giggle startled him, too quickly the older boy rolled over to see Josh curled up looking completely adorable with a lazy smile hanging on his mouth.
“Oh, hi...” Travis said, massaging his head cautiously with his hand trying to ease the dull ache.
“Hi yourself, are you okay? Those two tackled you pretty hard” Josh rubbed his eyes feeling better for his nap.
“I think so... My head hurts” Travis groaned and rolled back onto his shoulder blades, stretching nosily.
“You want some paracetamol?” Josh offered,
“Is that the same thing as aspirin?” Travis asked the English singer
“Uh, sure. Wait there.” Josh dragged his eyes away from the other singer’s flexed out body as he stood up and made his way to the “kitchen”. Josh tried to shake out the thoughts of him and Travis together out of his head. What chance did he have? Sighing gently the youngest traipsed back to his bunk where he found Travis sitting up on the edge looking dangerously pale. More so than usual.
“Take these” Josh knelt down in front of Travis who nodded slowly. After swallowing the white pills Travis attempted to stand up,
“Take it easy Clark you’ve just been knocked out for an hour” Josh warns the elder who stumbles sideways. Josh quickly catches him before he can collide with the bunks.
“Lay down, please?” Josh pleads with the unstable Travis who nods again in agreement. Slowly Josh manages to get him back in his bunk, curling up next to him just because he wants to. After a few minutes Travis is starting to doze again in the safety of Josh’s arms. The English singer can’t help but smile. Travis looks so content drifting in slumber, chest rising and falling decreasingly slower with each breathe. But then something crossed Josh’s mind, and he nudged the almost sleeping Travis,
“Dude, I forgot you’re not supposed to sleep after you’ve hit your head...”
Travis replies with a muffled groan into Josh’s chest,
“M’fine”
“No way, Hunter looked wary of me just because I wanted you to sleep on our bus. If you die on my watch I can see him doing terrible things to me...” Josh sees a smile on the long haired singer’s face.
“I’m tired though...”
“I don’t care bro, you’re staying awake even if I have to slap you every three minutes” Josh grins at the increasing smile creeping to Travis’ lips.
“Can’t you keep me awake with nicer tactics?” Travis complains sleepily. At this Josh raises an eyebrow,
“Yes, but I doubt you’d approve”
“Why would you think that?”
“Because... They’re the kind of tactics that Jack and Alex endeavour in” Josh finds their tour friends the only comparison that comes to mind. Travis begins to giggle into his chest.
“In that case I definitely approve Fransexy” Josh giggles this time at the nickname, a happy sound of higher pitch than usual as he scoots a little lower in the bunk, bring his face close to Travis’. The older boy is watching him through tired eyes, lids threatening to close indefinitely with each blink. Before Josh could think too much or talk himself out of it he leant forward connecting their lips. Travis instantly moved his lips which made Josh feel a bit better as he drew back waiting for a reaction of some sort. Being so close to Travis made Josh realize something,
“Have you been drinking already dude?” Josh asked warily.
“No, Jack practically jumped me earlier and kissed me” Travis admitted feeling his brain shutting down slowly.
“What!?” Josh exclaimed too loudly making Travis recoil, his head banging. “Sorry, what?” Josh lowered his voice but pressed the question.
“I was just on my laptop and Jack came over we were talking and Alex was complaining Danny had his straighteners so Jack told him go use his in the back longue and count to one hundred while he was there. Then he wouldn’t let me go and kissed me.”
“You kissed him back?” Josh sounded a bit hurt...
“No, I mean... I didn’t really have a choice he’s stronger than he looks, but no. I didn’t want to but he pulled my hair and yeah...” Travis tried to explain. He really hoped Jack hadn’t ruined this for him, he’d steal every article of his clothing for the rest of tour if he did.
“Oh, okay then...”
“I want to kiss you” Travis blushed deeply, as the words tumbled from his mouth. Josh looked just as surprised as the other singer but grinned, confidence taking over. In one movement the English frontman was on top of the pale American, kissing him deeply. Travis gratefully accepted the kiss letting Josh win dominance over his worn out body. Travis decided Josh tasted much more exciting than Jack, much more. And the fact that he wanted to? Yeah that helped.
“I’ve kinda wanted that to happen for a while” Travis smiled shyly looking up Josh who was breathing heavily.
“Why do you think I made such a fuss about We The Kings coming on tour with us?” Josh laughed breathlessly. Travis chuckled and pulled Josh down to meet his lips again. Running their fingers through each other’s hair and exploring the tastes and sensations of each other’s mouth kept them entertained until Josh heard the tour bus door being opened. In moments Josh had moved into what he thought looked like an innocent position, laying next to Travis barely touching him while they both tried to breathe normally.
“Is Travis okay to perform? It’s sound check time we’ve left him till last already.” Someone asked and Travis replied,
“Yeah I can sing”
“No you can’t dude, you nearly passed out again earlier”
“No I didn’t I was just tired I’m fine” Travis protested and pushed his way out the bunk to see Matt Colussy looking almost as frustrated as Flyzik was earlier. Before Travis could get very far Josh had his arms wrapped around his middle from behind.
“I can’t wait till later, I’ll keep you awake all night” Josh promised in a whisper to the older boy who shivered slightly as he took a deep breath to follow Colussy to sound check.
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