Chapter 3
Title: The Year 3000
Author: joshtin4lyfe & spider_orchid
Fandoms: JONAS, Supernatural, Gossip Girl
Rating: R (language and adult themes) for now, NC-17 later
Genre: Slash, Het, RPF
Pairings: Joe/Nick, Kevin/Zac, Momma/Papa, Demi/Steven Strait, Jensen/Joe, JDM/Jensen, Misha/Jared, Chuck/Blair, Jenny/Dan
Characters:
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in this story. It's probably safer for them that way.
Word Count: ~4,000 words
Summary: The world has changed in the 994 years since America's most corrupt president started a nuclear war the likes of which no one has seen before or will ever see again. Having fled to various safe areas from the nuclear fall out, mankind vowed to never make the same mistakes again. In planning for the future they created a class system of free people and Auxiliaries (or AXs). AXs are the dregs of society, too corrupt and useless for anything but retraining as eternal servants to the free. After reclaiming the US once contamination levels lowered, the government seems to be repeating all of its old mistakes. This brings us to the story of Nick Jonas and his AX Joseph. Upon receiving Joseph on his 16th birthday our hero sets into motion a chain of events that can possibly bring justice to a confused and blinded nation, if only he can prevail over the corrupt forces working to thwart him. This Multifandom Crossover Fic promises to thrill, tease, and titillate even the most jaded fanfiction reader. Welcome to the Year 3000.
Warning: This is a slave fic and there will be all kinds of kinkiness, dark themes, and fuckery to be had in this fic. It starts out pretty tame though.
A/N: Previous Chapters can be found in the Master Post Sorry this took so long, had to work out all the kinks. but now all systems are GO!!!
As Nick and his guests enjoyed the party inside prior to joining them outside, the AXs entertained themselves in the back yard. Archie did his best to stay out of Steve's line of sight, not feeling up to his ridicule on what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. Whenever confronted about it, Steven insisted that it was all in good fun, but Archie knew that the older boy got a sick pleasure out of making him feel worthless. Archie didn't understand it since Demi took great care of Steven. Archie thought that Steven should be happy and grateful that he was loved, but not everyone had taken as well as Archie did to the AX lifestyle. Whenever Steven had a chance to exert any power at all, he didn't waste time before exploiting that opportunity.
Noticing that Steven seemed content just to watch the other boy who's name he learned was Joseph, Archie didn't fight against his innocent desires and delighted himself playing in the flower bed. On the other side of the expansive yard, Joseph was also avoiding Steven, but did so as nonchalantly as he was capable of. He surveyed the yard, taking in the large tree house and swing that looked like they had seen many a fun summer day. Joseph sighed, knowing that his carefree days were long behind him. He belonged to someone now and he grimaced knowing that his own pleasure would always come at most second, if it was even thought of at all.
Joseph walked over to the magnificent pool that had large rocks pulling off the waterfall and grotto architecture. Well, at least he'd hit the jackpot and landed with somebody rich, Joe mused. He looked up at the sprawling three story mansion. It was Georgian style with a large deck over looking the paradise Joe was currently surrounded by. He allowed himself to enjoy this moment and a smile spread out over his face, albeit small just in case anyone happened to be watching. Joe swept his eyes over the back sliding doors and didn't spy anyone coming so he quickly toed off his shoes and dipped his toes into the pool. The water was just the right coolness that would perfectly offset this lingering summer heat. If he was alone with just his master, Joseph would have stripped down to nothing and played in the water, claiming to be waiting to surprise and pleasure his owner. Nicholas struck him as the uptight type though, so he knew it was out of the question at this time.
Joseph sucked his teeth, and wondered if the two of them would be a good match. Sure, Nick was handsome beyond his years. Joe had been pleased that Nick reacted so positively upon laying his eyes on him since Joe himself was fighting not to get a hard on in front of everyone as he gazed at the gorgeous man-child. But the kid seemed not to be interested in any type of fun and definitely wasn't Joe's usual type. Joe wasn't into the preppy good boys. He usually went for guys who were broader shouldered, rougher around the edges, who'd forgotten what the word innocence even meant. Men. Like...
Joe nearly stumbled and fell into the water when he looked over to where Steven was sitting the last time he'd seen him and caught him leering at him. Joe's breath caught when he steadied himself. The victorious grin on Steven's face was hard to miss, even this far away. Poor Joseph couldn't tear his eyes away even though he desperately wanted to. If his new master knew what he was thinking, he wouldn't be surprised if he killed him on the spot. Adding to Joseph's distress, Steven spread his legs even further from his macho stance and leaned back, virtually exposing himself to Joseph. Joe's eyes widened and he found the strength to turn around finally, with the fear of death motivating him. Pride be damned, he wanted to go inside and find his master now before this situation escalated out of control. Joe scuffled over to where his shoes were and bent over slightly to put them back on. It couldn't have even been two minutes before he stood up fully again, but he was not alone.
"Hey," Steven rumbled, addressing Joe in his baritone voice while standing right behind him.
Joe shot up in the air and nearly had a heart attack. He could not believe this was happening right now.
Steven laughed at him as Joe turned to face him with his face red, half from embarrassment, half from anger. "No need to flip out, new guy."
Joe narrowed his eyes at Steve's condescending tone. He was too angry to remember to be scared of the larger boy. "You know what? What the hell is wrong with you?! You could get us both killed!"
Steven shook his head in disdain at Joe. "If you really believe that, then maybe you should lower your voice," Steven suggested. The fire in Joe's eyes dimmed and he took in a breath to say something, but knew that Steven was right so he just forced the air out in a rush and glared at Steven. "Much better, pretty boy." Steven grinned at Joe's eye roll. Steven decided that pet name was going to stick.
"And what's the big deal about us talking? We're allowed to speak to each other, you know. Two AXs isn't a suspicious meeting." Any gathering of four or more were strictly forbidden since they were denied the right to assembly.
"I know," Joe shot back, jutting his chin out in annoyance. "But I saw what you did over there, and if you think I'm going to jeopardize my position in the fucking governor's house of all people, then you've got another thing coming, genius." He spat out that last word because if they were handing out ill fitting nicknames then two could play at that game.
"So what, are you gonna tell me that you didn't like it?" Steven dared to take another step closer to Joe even though he was already way past the outer edge of Joe's personal bubble.
Joe gulped. He couldn't deny it and if he did it would make him look like a coward. He wouldn't be intimidated by another AX, not here, this was his house now. "That's not the point though, is it?" He held himself up to his full height, which was still shorter than Steven, but showed he was unafraid. "Let's just say that if I did, and we did, they would kill us if they ever found out. And if by some miracle they decided to be lenient, we would definitely be sent back to retraining! And they might not even want us back." Joe ranted in a hushed, but still incensed tone. He would be damned if he ever had to go back to training again, back to Jensen. He knew that if he ever went back there, he would never be coming back.
Steven mistook the way Joe got even quieter when mentioning the training as weakness and let out a hearty laugh. "You're that scared of a little retraining! I've been sent and come back..." Steven counted on his fingers for effect, "one, two, three... four times now!" He beamed at the thoroughly shocked expression on Joe's face. "That's right." Steven nodded and grinned, pleased with himself. "And don't worry, I never get caught. If Demi knew, she would flip her shit and kill me herself. She might be tiny, but I wouldn't underestimate that girl."
Joe could not believe his ears. Steven stepped out behind Demi's back, and so often that he felt comfortable in his methods. Joe's thick eyebrows were practically glued to his forehead. "How could you even do that? She seems like such a sweet girl..."
"She is. I love her to death. But she's lacking in certain..." Steven trailed his eyes down to Joseph's crotch and let his gaze linger for a moment before meeting Joe's his eyes again, "areas."
This reminded Joe of his question that he'd forgotten to ask because he was so shocked about Steven's cheating. "But... the training..." Joe stammered. Steven laughed. Joe took a deep breath and collected himself. "Who did you have?" He asked in a more confident voice, meeting Steve's eyes.
Steven looked at Joe a little confused. "I don't know, some guys... One of them was named Michael maybe. I don't know, what does that matter anyway? They're all the same."
Joe persisted and looked at Steven seriously, "never... Jensen?" Joe could barely get the name out of his former tormentor.
Steven thought about it since Joe seemed so spooked, but still nothing. "Doesn't ring a bell." Steven told him honestly while shaking his head.
Joe's eyes narrowed instantly with rage. No wonder this guy was such a full of himself asshole! He thought he was so tough, but he didn't know what punishment was, what real pain felt like. Joe was a very pretty boy until you stripped him down and turned him around and his scars told a whole different story. The physical ones were only an abbreviated version; the mental ones were a series of novels. Joe glared at Steven, now feeling superior to him since he had been the worst of all the Over Seer's personal chew toy and had somehow made it out in on piece. Steven was weak when compared to the likes of him.
"Then you don't know anything, prick. I'm not interested." Joe seethed and shoved Steven out of the way to storm past him.
Shock slowed down Steven's reaction time, but he did manage to shoot his hand out and catch Joe's wrist. This Jensen guy must have been a real nut job if Joe was acting this way and Steven could respect someone who had actually went through something and wasn't challenging him out of shallow bravado. Still, nobody turned their back and walked away from him. Nobody.
Joe glared and tried to shake Steven off, but when he couldn't he spat out, "the fuck?!"
"Hey man, relax. I get it." Steven gave him a genuine smile for the fist time since they met. He replaced his grip on Joe's neck instead of his wrist and pushed him towards where Archie sat undisturbed up until this point, mesmerized by the butterfly resting in his hand. The gesture was more friendly than domineering in a display of good will. "Wanna go fuck with the twerp?" Steven asked mischievously.
Joe smiled despite himself and agreed, "yeah that might be fun." Joe doubted that Steven really got anything, but decided that if he was going to back down, then he couldn't be too bad and Joe would rather have a friend than an enemy in his new home.
"Sup fairycakes?" Joe called out to Archie, startling the younger more effeminate boy. Both Joe and Steven snickered and Joe couldn't help but feel warm when he felt the slap on his back in approval.
~*~
Nick, followed by Demi and Keke, eventually came outside and spoiled Steven and Joe's fun. Archie was relieved of course and ran to his master's side. Keke didn't take it as anything other than Archie being excited to see her as she felt he should be instead of the salvation he saw in her arrival. Joe stood a little too close to Nick just so Steven would get the message, but Steven was too busy kissing Demi and getting his ass groped by her to notice. Joe laughed to himself because as tough as Steven was, he really was this tiny girl's bitch.
Joe turned to Nick with an open smile on his face. "So whadda ya wanna do now, birthday boy?"
'You,' is all Nick could think of, but he knew that had to wait. He wanted to get into Joseph and see what made him tick, but he still had guests and knew that his girls would never let him live it down if he tried to kick them out. They would hang around longer just to spite him. Nick wished he could play some baseball right now, but there weren't enough people over for all of that. Sure, he could have invited his teammates over, his whole class, and even all of New York if he wanted to, but he didn't want a huge party and he was thankful his mother knew him well enough to know better. A small get together of just his best friends was perfect.
"You know how to play volleyball?" Nick settled for that sport because at least the girls knew how to play it and he had a net set up in the back yard. There was also a basketball court, tennis courts, and a trampoline so Nick was never bored.
"Yeah, who doesn't?" Joe raised his eyebrows looking slightly offended. He thought you had to be some special kind of retarded not to be able to play that game.
Nick just laughed. "Well you better be good 'cause I'll be damned if I lose on my birthday."
Nick grabbed Joe's hand and yelled to everyone that they were heading over to the volleyball net. After Nick got the ball, it was time to pick teams. Joe really didn't want to be on Nick's team because he didn't want to disappoint his master in any way and get reprimanded for a slip up. He knew that if he was on the opposite team as Nick then he could throw the game and his master would win on his birthday. Majority ruled that Keke and Archie couldn't be on the same team because they weren't any good and nobody wanted to be stuck with the both of them. Demi also insisted on not being on the same team as her AX, and Nick couldn't understand why, but he obliged her all the same. Consequently, this left Nick and Joe against each other. Nick was a little distressed since he wanted to bond with his AX. He knew nothing built camaraderie better than team work, but Joe was secretly pleased. He pouted at Nick, pretending to be upset for his sake, and crawled under the net. Steven promised to make his teasing up to Archie, and the younger boy, wanting to feel that acceptance agreed to be on his team. Thus, the AXs were going to play against their masters. Nick frowned because he liked a good competition and knew they would feel obligated to lose. He was about to make a fuss about the team arrangements when the girls looked at him expectantly, Keke with her arms crossed and Demi raising an eyebrow. Nick sighed and settled on a threat instead. He looked directly at Joe and called over, "if you throw the game, I'll sock you in the face. Both of you." He then turned his attention over to Steven since he already knew Archie was gonna suck anyway. Joe shook his head nonchalantly even though he was insanely nervous at this point while Steven just grinned and gave Nick an "aye aye, captain!"
And so the game got under way and Nick took the first serve. They followed the archaic rules of playing to 15 points while only being able to score on a serve. Demi preferred rally scoring, but it wasn't her birthday and Nick wanted a real work out. Keke barely played, complaining about how she didn't want to sweat her hair out and when she broke an acrylic nail, she nearly quit. Archie did his best with Steven setting him up, and he was a surprisingly good player if he got a little help. Nick would have to remember that for next time. Before long it became clear why Demi wanted to oppose her AX. She wanted to taunt him and delighted when he took her bait and didn't hold back spiking the ball at her. It was a close game and Joe snickered as he watched Demi lift her arm just right to expose her midriff and hipbone to distract Steven.
If she could do it, then Joe knew he could do it better. Nick's team was in the lead and Joseph figured now was just as good a time as any to have some fun of his own. He peeled his shirt off and threw it aside. Demi slapped Nick's arm and giggled at his gaping and at Joe, and when Nick shook his head at Joe with his eyebrows pinched, Joe just shrugged. "What? It's hot!" He claimed pretending to be perfectly unaware of how tantalizing his chest was, and Steven just laughed at him, obviously knowing was he was doing.
Nick messed up, far too distracted as expected and Joe smirked at him. This pissed Nick off. He was not about to let some feisty AX get the better of him. He soon got the ball back in their possession and now they were just one point away from winning. Nick spiked the ball down at the last moment after they'd gotten it back from his serve and Joe had to dive for the ball, knowing his master would be upset if he just stood there and watched it fall. Steven tried to save it, but hit it too hard and out of bounds, losing the game for his team and signaling victory for Nick's.
Joe looked up accusingly from where he was kneeling on the ground, grass stuck to his chest and stains on his pants. "You did that on purpose." Joe knew that maneuver wasn't just about the game. He wanted Joe to get dirty. Kinky little bastard.
"I like to win," Nick answered with a smug grin and helped Joe up. He winced when he got a better look at the scars on Joe's back he thought he noticed when he saw Joe dive down. He denied making a sound though when Joe asked if he'd said anything. What the hell had they done to him?
Nick put his hand at the base of Joe's neck after he put his shirt back on and lead him back to the house, ignoring Demi's giggling at whatever Steven was doing walking behind her and Archie going through Keke's schedule to see when she could get the soonest hair and nail appointment. He just squeezed the back of Joe's neck and smiled at him a bit and Joe smiled back. Maybe he was wrong, maybe they would be a good match after all.
All of Joe's hopes shattered like broken glass when he went inside. There he saw his worst nightmare come to life. Jensen stood no more than ten feet away, in his own house! The meeting had concluded and SIR and Jensen came down the stairs. Since Jensen was always behind his master, he was the closest to the children, to Joseph. He gasped, unable to control his horror and Jensen turned around slowly upon hearing the noise.
Jensen's eyes lit up when they met Joe's terrified orbs. A grin broke out over Jensen's hard face, but the juxtaposition was grotesque. The boy's parents were upstairs, so Jensen knew he could do as he pleased since his master knew about and supported him having a pet, figuring it was better if Jensen took his frustrations out on someone else. He advanced on Joe and everyone in the room stood still in anxiety and the gross anticipation of whatever horrific thing was about to happen. Jensen raised his hand and ran the back of his fingers down Joe's soft cheek.
"Hello Joseph," Jensen said icily as his hand made its way to Joseph's neck. Joe shivered and turned his head looking away, trying to escape, but didn't dare running knowing the consequences of disobeying Jensen. Angered by his inching away, Jensen gripped onto Joe's chin tight and yanked his head so he was forced to face him. "You speak when spoken to, boy."
Joe desperately tried to fight the tears that were threatening to fall down. Jensen would have a field day with that, but Joe couldn't believe this. He had barely been gone and Jensen had already found him. He should have known it was too good to be true. Jensen promised him there was no escape, and Joe lowered his eyes in defeat. "Hello, Jensen."
Jensen smiled at Joe's submission and went back to stroking his face. "Aww, now don't tell me you didn't miss me. You don't wanna go and hurt my feelings," he mocked Joe.
This finally spurred Nick into action since he had been utterly confused at the complete breech of tradition and rules. Jensen was treating Joe like he owned him and something fiercely possessive rose up in Nick. Nobody could touch what was his, but him. "Hey, get your hands off him!" Nick demanded while knocking Jensen's arm away. He shoved himself between Joe and Jensen, shielding his AX and daring Jensen to take him on. Nick was obviously no match for the man, but he realized he would do anything to protect his own and it surprised him how strongly he felt for Joseph already.
Jensen laughed in Nick's face. "Huff and puff all you want, little boy. Doesn't change the fact that no matter what a paper says, he will always be mine. I am a man of my word, after all." Jensen winked at Joe when he chanced a look up at him. Joe regretted it immediately.
Jensen strode back over to his master who seemed to be beaming with pride. "Did you do this?" Jensen sounded like a little boy who was excited his father built him a tree house. SIR had nothing to do with Joseph being placed with Nick Jonas, but Jensen didn't know that so SIR took credit, knowing that his slave would be grateful.
SIR clapped Jensen at the back of the neck, "sure did, Boy. And if you're good I might even send you over here when his master's at school," he tempted leaning in so only Jensen could hear him. Jensen practically purred as SIR lead him to the door. He pretty much shoved Jensen out the door before turning around and looking back at the dumbfounded children. "Oh yeah, happy birthday, Nicholas." SIR wished him, his tone completely void of emotion and gave a salute before slamming the door shut behind him.
There was a stunned silence before Steven leaned in and asked in a whisper, "so that's Jensen?!" Joe only nodded. "Wow, I never knew his name before... I'd still let him hit it."
Joe spun around and looked at Steven outraged. "That's not fucking funny, you asshole!" Joe didn't hold back his anger any longer and unleashed it on Steven, shoving him so hard he fell to the ground. Joe rushed off, leaving him there, but he didn't have the luxury of being about to go cry in his room. Hell, he didn't even know where his room was. So he went into the living room and gathered up the dishes and took them to the kitchen.
Everyone left in the hallway exchanged looks before talking over each other all at once. The girls said they had better go and Nick was suggesting for them to leave. They laughed at saying the same thing and Archie and Nick helped Steven up and the girls said goodbye.
Nick sighed and scratched the back of his neck. Now he had to deal with his AX. What the hell had even happened back there? Nick wasn't sure, but he knew that he had to get to the bottom of it and there was only one way to do that. He had to talk to Joe.
(next)
Author: joshtin4lyfe & spider_orchid
Fandoms: JONAS, Supernatural, Gossip Girl
Rating: R (language and adult themes) for now, NC-17 later
Genre: Slash, Het, RPF
Pairings: Joe/Nick, Kevin/Zac, Momma/Papa, Demi/Steven Strait, Jensen/Joe, JDM/Jensen, Misha/Jared, Chuck/Blair, Jenny/Dan
Characters:
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in this story. It's probably safer for them that way.
Word Count: ~4,000 words
Summary: The world has changed in the 994 years since America's most corrupt president started a nuclear war the likes of which no one has seen before or will ever see again. Having fled to various safe areas from the nuclear fall out, mankind vowed to never make the same mistakes again. In planning for the future they created a class system of free people and Auxiliaries (or AXs). AXs are the dregs of society, too corrupt and useless for anything but retraining as eternal servants to the free. After reclaiming the US once contamination levels lowered, the government seems to be repeating all of its old mistakes. This brings us to the story of Nick Jonas and his AX Joseph. Upon receiving Joseph on his 16th birthday our hero sets into motion a chain of events that can possibly bring justice to a confused and blinded nation, if only he can prevail over the corrupt forces working to thwart him. This Multifandom Crossover Fic promises to thrill, tease, and titillate even the most jaded fanfiction reader. Welcome to the Year 3000.
Warning: This is a slave fic and there will be all kinds of kinkiness, dark themes, and fuckery to be had in this fic. It starts out pretty tame though.
A/N: Previous Chapters can be found in the Master Post Sorry this took so long, had to work out all the kinks. but now all systems are GO!!!
As Nick and his guests enjoyed the party inside prior to joining them outside, the AXs entertained themselves in the back yard. Archie did his best to stay out of Steve's line of sight, not feeling up to his ridicule on what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. Whenever confronted about it, Steven insisted that it was all in good fun, but Archie knew that the older boy got a sick pleasure out of making him feel worthless. Archie didn't understand it since Demi took great care of Steven. Archie thought that Steven should be happy and grateful that he was loved, but not everyone had taken as well as Archie did to the AX lifestyle. Whenever Steven had a chance to exert any power at all, he didn't waste time before exploiting that opportunity.
Noticing that Steven seemed content just to watch the other boy who's name he learned was Joseph, Archie didn't fight against his innocent desires and delighted himself playing in the flower bed. On the other side of the expansive yard, Joseph was also avoiding Steven, but did so as nonchalantly as he was capable of. He surveyed the yard, taking in the large tree house and swing that looked like they had seen many a fun summer day. Joseph sighed, knowing that his carefree days were long behind him. He belonged to someone now and he grimaced knowing that his own pleasure would always come at most second, if it was even thought of at all.
Joseph walked over to the magnificent pool that had large rocks pulling off the waterfall and grotto architecture. Well, at least he'd hit the jackpot and landed with somebody rich, Joe mused. He looked up at the sprawling three story mansion. It was Georgian style with a large deck over looking the paradise Joe was currently surrounded by. He allowed himself to enjoy this moment and a smile spread out over his face, albeit small just in case anyone happened to be watching. Joe swept his eyes over the back sliding doors and didn't spy anyone coming so he quickly toed off his shoes and dipped his toes into the pool. The water was just the right coolness that would perfectly offset this lingering summer heat. If he was alone with just his master, Joseph would have stripped down to nothing and played in the water, claiming to be waiting to surprise and pleasure his owner. Nicholas struck him as the uptight type though, so he knew it was out of the question at this time.
Joseph sucked his teeth, and wondered if the two of them would be a good match. Sure, Nick was handsome beyond his years. Joe had been pleased that Nick reacted so positively upon laying his eyes on him since Joe himself was fighting not to get a hard on in front of everyone as he gazed at the gorgeous man-child. But the kid seemed not to be interested in any type of fun and definitely wasn't Joe's usual type. Joe wasn't into the preppy good boys. He usually went for guys who were broader shouldered, rougher around the edges, who'd forgotten what the word innocence even meant. Men. Like...
Joe nearly stumbled and fell into the water when he looked over to where Steven was sitting the last time he'd seen him and caught him leering at him. Joe's breath caught when he steadied himself. The victorious grin on Steven's face was hard to miss, even this far away. Poor Joseph couldn't tear his eyes away even though he desperately wanted to. If his new master knew what he was thinking, he wouldn't be surprised if he killed him on the spot. Adding to Joseph's distress, Steven spread his legs even further from his macho stance and leaned back, virtually exposing himself to Joseph. Joe's eyes widened and he found the strength to turn around finally, with the fear of death motivating him. Pride be damned, he wanted to go inside and find his master now before this situation escalated out of control. Joe scuffled over to where his shoes were and bent over slightly to put them back on. It couldn't have even been two minutes before he stood up fully again, but he was not alone.
"Hey," Steven rumbled, addressing Joe in his baritone voice while standing right behind him.
Joe shot up in the air and nearly had a heart attack. He could not believe this was happening right now.
Steven laughed at him as Joe turned to face him with his face red, half from embarrassment, half from anger. "No need to flip out, new guy."
Joe narrowed his eyes at Steve's condescending tone. He was too angry to remember to be scared of the larger boy. "You know what? What the hell is wrong with you?! You could get us both killed!"
Steven shook his head in disdain at Joe. "If you really believe that, then maybe you should lower your voice," Steven suggested. The fire in Joe's eyes dimmed and he took in a breath to say something, but knew that Steven was right so he just forced the air out in a rush and glared at Steven. "Much better, pretty boy." Steven grinned at Joe's eye roll. Steven decided that pet name was going to stick.
"And what's the big deal about us talking? We're allowed to speak to each other, you know. Two AXs isn't a suspicious meeting." Any gathering of four or more were strictly forbidden since they were denied the right to assembly.
"I know," Joe shot back, jutting his chin out in annoyance. "But I saw what you did over there, and if you think I'm going to jeopardize my position in the fucking governor's house of all people, then you've got another thing coming, genius." He spat out that last word because if they were handing out ill fitting nicknames then two could play at that game.
"So what, are you gonna tell me that you didn't like it?" Steven dared to take another step closer to Joe even though he was already way past the outer edge of Joe's personal bubble.
Joe gulped. He couldn't deny it and if he did it would make him look like a coward. He wouldn't be intimidated by another AX, not here, this was his house now. "That's not the point though, is it?" He held himself up to his full height, which was still shorter than Steven, but showed he was unafraid. "Let's just say that if I did, and we did, they would kill us if they ever found out. And if by some miracle they decided to be lenient, we would definitely be sent back to retraining! And they might not even want us back." Joe ranted in a hushed, but still incensed tone. He would be damned if he ever had to go back to training again, back to Jensen. He knew that if he ever went back there, he would never be coming back.
Steven mistook the way Joe got even quieter when mentioning the training as weakness and let out a hearty laugh. "You're that scared of a little retraining! I've been sent and come back..." Steven counted on his fingers for effect, "one, two, three... four times now!" He beamed at the thoroughly shocked expression on Joe's face. "That's right." Steven nodded and grinned, pleased with himself. "And don't worry, I never get caught. If Demi knew, she would flip her shit and kill me herself. She might be tiny, but I wouldn't underestimate that girl."
Joe could not believe his ears. Steven stepped out behind Demi's back, and so often that he felt comfortable in his methods. Joe's thick eyebrows were practically glued to his forehead. "How could you even do that? She seems like such a sweet girl..."
"She is. I love her to death. But she's lacking in certain..." Steven trailed his eyes down to Joseph's crotch and let his gaze linger for a moment before meeting Joe's his eyes again, "areas."
This reminded Joe of his question that he'd forgotten to ask because he was so shocked about Steven's cheating. "But... the training..." Joe stammered. Steven laughed. Joe took a deep breath and collected himself. "Who did you have?" He asked in a more confident voice, meeting Steve's eyes.
Steven looked at Joe a little confused. "I don't know, some guys... One of them was named Michael maybe. I don't know, what does that matter anyway? They're all the same."
Joe persisted and looked at Steven seriously, "never... Jensen?" Joe could barely get the name out of his former tormentor.
Steven thought about it since Joe seemed so spooked, but still nothing. "Doesn't ring a bell." Steven told him honestly while shaking his head.
Joe's eyes narrowed instantly with rage. No wonder this guy was such a full of himself asshole! He thought he was so tough, but he didn't know what punishment was, what real pain felt like. Joe was a very pretty boy until you stripped him down and turned him around and his scars told a whole different story. The physical ones were only an abbreviated version; the mental ones were a series of novels. Joe glared at Steven, now feeling superior to him since he had been the worst of all the Over Seer's personal chew toy and had somehow made it out in on piece. Steven was weak when compared to the likes of him.
"Then you don't know anything, prick. I'm not interested." Joe seethed and shoved Steven out of the way to storm past him.
Shock slowed down Steven's reaction time, but he did manage to shoot his hand out and catch Joe's wrist. This Jensen guy must have been a real nut job if Joe was acting this way and Steven could respect someone who had actually went through something and wasn't challenging him out of shallow bravado. Still, nobody turned their back and walked away from him. Nobody.
Joe glared and tried to shake Steven off, but when he couldn't he spat out, "the fuck?!"
"Hey man, relax. I get it." Steven gave him a genuine smile for the fist time since they met. He replaced his grip on Joe's neck instead of his wrist and pushed him towards where Archie sat undisturbed up until this point, mesmerized by the butterfly resting in his hand. The gesture was more friendly than domineering in a display of good will. "Wanna go fuck with the twerp?" Steven asked mischievously.
Joe smiled despite himself and agreed, "yeah that might be fun." Joe doubted that Steven really got anything, but decided that if he was going to back down, then he couldn't be too bad and Joe would rather have a friend than an enemy in his new home.
"Sup fairycakes?" Joe called out to Archie, startling the younger more effeminate boy. Both Joe and Steven snickered and Joe couldn't help but feel warm when he felt the slap on his back in approval.
~*~
Nick, followed by Demi and Keke, eventually came outside and spoiled Steven and Joe's fun. Archie was relieved of course and ran to his master's side. Keke didn't take it as anything other than Archie being excited to see her as she felt he should be instead of the salvation he saw in her arrival. Joe stood a little too close to Nick just so Steven would get the message, but Steven was too busy kissing Demi and getting his ass groped by her to notice. Joe laughed to himself because as tough as Steven was, he really was this tiny girl's bitch.
Joe turned to Nick with an open smile on his face. "So whadda ya wanna do now, birthday boy?"
'You,' is all Nick could think of, but he knew that had to wait. He wanted to get into Joseph and see what made him tick, but he still had guests and knew that his girls would never let him live it down if he tried to kick them out. They would hang around longer just to spite him. Nick wished he could play some baseball right now, but there weren't enough people over for all of that. Sure, he could have invited his teammates over, his whole class, and even all of New York if he wanted to, but he didn't want a huge party and he was thankful his mother knew him well enough to know better. A small get together of just his best friends was perfect.
"You know how to play volleyball?" Nick settled for that sport because at least the girls knew how to play it and he had a net set up in the back yard. There was also a basketball court, tennis courts, and a trampoline so Nick was never bored.
"Yeah, who doesn't?" Joe raised his eyebrows looking slightly offended. He thought you had to be some special kind of retarded not to be able to play that game.
Nick just laughed. "Well you better be good 'cause I'll be damned if I lose on my birthday."
Nick grabbed Joe's hand and yelled to everyone that they were heading over to the volleyball net. After Nick got the ball, it was time to pick teams. Joe really didn't want to be on Nick's team because he didn't want to disappoint his master in any way and get reprimanded for a slip up. He knew that if he was on the opposite team as Nick then he could throw the game and his master would win on his birthday. Majority ruled that Keke and Archie couldn't be on the same team because they weren't any good and nobody wanted to be stuck with the both of them. Demi also insisted on not being on the same team as her AX, and Nick couldn't understand why, but he obliged her all the same. Consequently, this left Nick and Joe against each other. Nick was a little distressed since he wanted to bond with his AX. He knew nothing built camaraderie better than team work, but Joe was secretly pleased. He pouted at Nick, pretending to be upset for his sake, and crawled under the net. Steven promised to make his teasing up to Archie, and the younger boy, wanting to feel that acceptance agreed to be on his team. Thus, the AXs were going to play against their masters. Nick frowned because he liked a good competition and knew they would feel obligated to lose. He was about to make a fuss about the team arrangements when the girls looked at him expectantly, Keke with her arms crossed and Demi raising an eyebrow. Nick sighed and settled on a threat instead. He looked directly at Joe and called over, "if you throw the game, I'll sock you in the face. Both of you." He then turned his attention over to Steven since he already knew Archie was gonna suck anyway. Joe shook his head nonchalantly even though he was insanely nervous at this point while Steven just grinned and gave Nick an "aye aye, captain!"
And so the game got under way and Nick took the first serve. They followed the archaic rules of playing to 15 points while only being able to score on a serve. Demi preferred rally scoring, but it wasn't her birthday and Nick wanted a real work out. Keke barely played, complaining about how she didn't want to sweat her hair out and when she broke an acrylic nail, she nearly quit. Archie did his best with Steven setting him up, and he was a surprisingly good player if he got a little help. Nick would have to remember that for next time. Before long it became clear why Demi wanted to oppose her AX. She wanted to taunt him and delighted when he took her bait and didn't hold back spiking the ball at her. It was a close game and Joe snickered as he watched Demi lift her arm just right to expose her midriff and hipbone to distract Steven.
If she could do it, then Joe knew he could do it better. Nick's team was in the lead and Joseph figured now was just as good a time as any to have some fun of his own. He peeled his shirt off and threw it aside. Demi slapped Nick's arm and giggled at his gaping and at Joe, and when Nick shook his head at Joe with his eyebrows pinched, Joe just shrugged. "What? It's hot!" He claimed pretending to be perfectly unaware of how tantalizing his chest was, and Steven just laughed at him, obviously knowing was he was doing.
Nick messed up, far too distracted as expected and Joe smirked at him. This pissed Nick off. He was not about to let some feisty AX get the better of him. He soon got the ball back in their possession and now they were just one point away from winning. Nick spiked the ball down at the last moment after they'd gotten it back from his serve and Joe had to dive for the ball, knowing his master would be upset if he just stood there and watched it fall. Steven tried to save it, but hit it too hard and out of bounds, losing the game for his team and signaling victory for Nick's.
Joe looked up accusingly from where he was kneeling on the ground, grass stuck to his chest and stains on his pants. "You did that on purpose." Joe knew that maneuver wasn't just about the game. He wanted Joe to get dirty. Kinky little bastard.
"I like to win," Nick answered with a smug grin and helped Joe up. He winced when he got a better look at the scars on Joe's back he thought he noticed when he saw Joe dive down. He denied making a sound though when Joe asked if he'd said anything. What the hell had they done to him?
Nick put his hand at the base of Joe's neck after he put his shirt back on and lead him back to the house, ignoring Demi's giggling at whatever Steven was doing walking behind her and Archie going through Keke's schedule to see when she could get the soonest hair and nail appointment. He just squeezed the back of Joe's neck and smiled at him a bit and Joe smiled back. Maybe he was wrong, maybe they would be a good match after all.
All of Joe's hopes shattered like broken glass when he went inside. There he saw his worst nightmare come to life. Jensen stood no more than ten feet away, in his own house! The meeting had concluded and SIR and Jensen came down the stairs. Since Jensen was always behind his master, he was the closest to the children, to Joseph. He gasped, unable to control his horror and Jensen turned around slowly upon hearing the noise.
Jensen's eyes lit up when they met Joe's terrified orbs. A grin broke out over Jensen's hard face, but the juxtaposition was grotesque. The boy's parents were upstairs, so Jensen knew he could do as he pleased since his master knew about and supported him having a pet, figuring it was better if Jensen took his frustrations out on someone else. He advanced on Joe and everyone in the room stood still in anxiety and the gross anticipation of whatever horrific thing was about to happen. Jensen raised his hand and ran the back of his fingers down Joe's soft cheek.
"Hello Joseph," Jensen said icily as his hand made its way to Joseph's neck. Joe shivered and turned his head looking away, trying to escape, but didn't dare running knowing the consequences of disobeying Jensen. Angered by his inching away, Jensen gripped onto Joe's chin tight and yanked his head so he was forced to face him. "You speak when spoken to, boy."
Joe desperately tried to fight the tears that were threatening to fall down. Jensen would have a field day with that, but Joe couldn't believe this. He had barely been gone and Jensen had already found him. He should have known it was too good to be true. Jensen promised him there was no escape, and Joe lowered his eyes in defeat. "Hello, Jensen."
Jensen smiled at Joe's submission and went back to stroking his face. "Aww, now don't tell me you didn't miss me. You don't wanna go and hurt my feelings," he mocked Joe.
This finally spurred Nick into action since he had been utterly confused at the complete breech of tradition and rules. Jensen was treating Joe like he owned him and something fiercely possessive rose up in Nick. Nobody could touch what was his, but him. "Hey, get your hands off him!" Nick demanded while knocking Jensen's arm away. He shoved himself between Joe and Jensen, shielding his AX and daring Jensen to take him on. Nick was obviously no match for the man, but he realized he would do anything to protect his own and it surprised him how strongly he felt for Joseph already.
Jensen laughed in Nick's face. "Huff and puff all you want, little boy. Doesn't change the fact that no matter what a paper says, he will always be mine. I am a man of my word, after all." Jensen winked at Joe when he chanced a look up at him. Joe regretted it immediately.
Jensen strode back over to his master who seemed to be beaming with pride. "Did you do this?" Jensen sounded like a little boy who was excited his father built him a tree house. SIR had nothing to do with Joseph being placed with Nick Jonas, but Jensen didn't know that so SIR took credit, knowing that his slave would be grateful.
SIR clapped Jensen at the back of the neck, "sure did, Boy. And if you're good I might even send you over here when his master's at school," he tempted leaning in so only Jensen could hear him. Jensen practically purred as SIR lead him to the door. He pretty much shoved Jensen out the door before turning around and looking back at the dumbfounded children. "Oh yeah, happy birthday, Nicholas." SIR wished him, his tone completely void of emotion and gave a salute before slamming the door shut behind him.
There was a stunned silence before Steven leaned in and asked in a whisper, "so that's Jensen?!" Joe only nodded. "Wow, I never knew his name before... I'd still let him hit it."
Joe spun around and looked at Steven outraged. "That's not fucking funny, you asshole!" Joe didn't hold back his anger any longer and unleashed it on Steven, shoving him so hard he fell to the ground. Joe rushed off, leaving him there, but he didn't have the luxury of being about to go cry in his room. Hell, he didn't even know where his room was. So he went into the living room and gathered up the dishes and took them to the kitchen.
Everyone left in the hallway exchanged looks before talking over each other all at once. The girls said they had better go and Nick was suggesting for them to leave. They laughed at saying the same thing and Archie and Nick helped Steven up and the girls said goodbye.
Nick sighed and scratched the back of his neck. Now he had to deal with his AX. What the hell had even happened back there? Nick wasn't sure, but he knew that he had to get to the bottom of it and there was only one way to do that. He had to talk to Joe.
(next)