Rhythm | JATP

(3) Sharing Is Caring

"You also a part of the alphabet mafia?"

"The what?"

     JUSTIN was beyond happy when Jess appeared in his car that afternoon on his way to Julie's house. He was, however, quite annoyed when she told him she wasn't feeling up for dealing with the ghost band. He didn't want to explain everything alone, let alone to three guys she seems terrified of, despite how cute they all are—objectively speaking, of course. Granted, he knows why but still.

     As he knocks on the garage door, he hears a chorus of voices welcome him in. As he looks inside, he finds the three bandmates lounging around the couch. "Hey, know where Julie is?" He asks as he fully steps into the room.

     Reggies eyes light up as he says, "I think she's in the house with her dad. Something about moving?"

     "We can go tell her you're here if you want?" Luke offers as he stands.

     Alex frowns. "We're not supposed to be going into the house—"

     "But I want to see if I can open her dream box!"

     Justin shakes his head. "Yeah, that's not a good idea."

     "But I've been practicing," Luke grins. "Reggie, you distract her while I try, ok?"

     Reggie shoots to his feet. "I'm so down. Let's do this!"

     "Guys, wait!" Justin shouts, but it's too late. Both poof out of the building. "They are so going to be yelled at later."

     "Oh, yeah," Alex replies. "I almost want to be around when Julie finds out. But I also don't want to be yelled at with them."

     "Girl's got power, that's for sure," Justin chuckles as he sinks into a nearby chair.

     The two sit in awkward silence for a moment, giving Justin the chance to look over the blond as subtly as possible. He lets his eyes trail down the ghost's outfit, almost grinning at the sheer 90s of it all. His heart warms despite himself when he runs his eyes down Alex's face. He just hopes he isn't blushing.

     Jess wasn't kidding. These boys are something else.

     "So, a medium?" Alex asks suddenly, jolting Justin out of his trance.

     "Yeah, I guess that's what people would call it," Justin says as he runs his hands over his jeans. "I've been able to see ghosts pretty much my whole life. It's nothing new. Summoning ghosts is new but not seeing you."

     "Summoning?"

     "Yeah," Justin clasps his hands together. "Like when Julie played your CD or when I opened Jess' notebook. You know, she has a really got sketch of you guys somewhere in those stacks of books. It's actually the one that brought her to me."

     "I could tell she was a fan," Alex chuckles. "Not very subtle."

     The smile falters on his face. "Fan is one word for it," he says. "One of the first things she said when she realized what happened was that she missed some concert. She was so upset about it."

     "Concert?"

     "The Orpheum," Justin's eyes trail back to Alex's to find the boy looking down at his feet. "She really loves your music. Made me get a vintage CD so she could listen to it."

     Alex shakes his head. "Something tells me she wasn't listening for the music."

     "It's not just Reggie," Justin replies with a small smile. "I sort of feel weird talking about her, though. If she wants you to know, you'll know. If you manage to get her to open up."

     "Actually, we met her at the pier this morning. Scared her off of it," Alex says as he leans back on the couch. "Does she normally just start saying random words instead of cursing?"

     "Oh, absolutely," Justin laughs though he finds himself constantly looking back at the blond. "She's never been good with words."

     Alex looks him up and down before glancing away and chuckling. "So, um, you and her?"

     "Best ghost friend a guy could ask for. I've only known her for a year but I don't know what I'd do without her. She keeps me sane, weirdly. And, contrary to what you might think, she has a good eye."

     Alex raises a brow. "What do you mean?"

     Justin shrugs. "Well, when I go to parties, she looks out for me. Sort of like my wing woman. She'll spot a cute boy or girl and tip me off. Nine times out of ten, the person's great."

     Choking on his breath, Alex rasps, "Sorry, what?"

     Justin frowns. "What? Did I say something? Are the guys back?"

     "No, sorry. I just..." Alex stares at him. "I've never, um..."

     "Oh, right. You're a nineties kid," Justin nods almost uneasily. "You're not really used to people talking openly about their sexuality, are you?"

     "No, not really. Sorry."

     "Nothing to be sorry for. Just so you know, I'm pansexual." Justin meets his gaze. "You also a part of the alphabet mafia?"

     "That what?"

     "Not straight?"

     "Oh. Oh, yeah. I'm gay."

     Justin smiles and bites down on his lip. "Good to know." He blinks, surprised by his own boldness.

     Luckily, he is saved by the door to the garage squeaking open. Both he and Alex jump to their feet as Julie peeks in while Reggie and Luke just walk through the door. "Hey, sorry," she says as she steps in. "We were just finishing up something. I'm ready for science though."

     "Great!" Justin says, flashing two thumbs up in the girl's direction.

     Julie frowns. "Where's Jess?"

     "She wasn't feeling great," he replies. "Which honestly sucks because she's a genius. She may hate stem, but she knows it."

     "Can ghosts even get sick?" Luke asks with a frown.

     Reggie shakes his head. "Is she ok?"

     Justin waves a hand with a small laugh. "She's fine. Probably tired from getting scared off a pier." All three boys look down as Justin laughs again. "Just don't get yourselves into trouble. I'll see you around." Justin glances back at Alex before he follows Julie out of the garage. For some reason, his smile never goes away. 

✿ ✿ Author's ✿ Note ✿ ✿

I do wanna preface this with this is the first time I've really written an in-depth male original character, so I'm trying. For people who identify as male, I just wanna ask if you think this is slightly realistic? Most of my friends identify as female as do I, so I'm more comfortable writing female characters, but I really want to do Justin justice (huh, sounds cool), so I'd love feedback as long as you're not mean about it. 

Also, I've been told by some friends that the "alphabet mafia" is supposed to be a secret code. Is that true? 

Hope you enjoyed!

-L