Guys My Age ~ Christopher Velez

Ecuador Approved

"So, do you think he's going to talk to me anytime soon?"

Zoe was in the wardrobe and makeup trailer applying a layer of red lipstick. A blue beanie covered her head to entrap some of her body heat that tried to escape. Ripped skinny jeans clung to her legs, a loose white tank tucked into them. Her black bra was on next to full display, a red flannel tied around her waist. Lastly, a pair of black high-top converse were laced on her feet.

"He will, Zoe. Just give it time," Alyson finished loosely curling the ends of her friend's hair. "Do you think maybe you guys should just tell him what's going on?" She went silent as soon as Madison entered the room. As far as Madison knew, Christopher and Zoe were just flirty friends. Zoe and the other girls had stopped entrusting their redheaded friend with secrets, especially this one. "You're ready, just go on out. The boys are waiting," Zoe flashed her a smile, exiting the metal contraption.

All five boys were standing in a circle talking with their director when Zoe walked up in an outfit that wasn't something she'd usually wear. It forced them to do a double-take, Christopher gulping thickly. She actually kinda liked her fit for the day and planned on wearing stuff like it more often. He had absolutely no objection to that. It was as if she was wearing a girl's version of his current style.

"Well, are we gonna do this?" Zoe motioned toward the abandoned building they were about to make their way through. The director forced the boys to go and find their girlfriends for the video. Christopher stepped up, producing a single red rose from behind his back. "Cariño," Sweetie. She grinned, carefully taking the plant from him. "Gracias," The tips of his ears burned red, tucked under a snapback as usual. They'd already filmed the parts that had to do with them being in the adorable orange van that Zoe fell in love with.

Christopher was already inquiring about what they were doing with the van after filming.

"You know, I really enjoy having you here to do music videos with me. Then, I can do this." His arm slipped around her shoulders, hers winding around his back. Christopher led the couples on camera as soon as the director said action. Soon enough they'd reach a catwalk, his hand slipping into hers. "Hermosa," Beautiful. He whispered in her ear, twirling her under his arm. Before she knew it, they were in a tower overlooking Ecuador.

One thing that should be mentioned about Zoe was that she didn't care for heights. So, looking out at the land as they approached the railing, she felt her body start to tremor. Christopher drew his eyebrows together in confusion, carefully watching her as they got closer. Zoe clamped onto the front of his shirt, turning so her face was buried in the crook of his arm. That's when he finally understood what she was so upset about.

"Mi niña," Christopher whispered lowly in her ear, sliding his hand under the back of her shirt. "Focus on my breathing," Zoe screwed her eyes shut, trying to do as he suggested. "Trust me, Princesa," She did, with everything in her. Slowly but surely, Zoe allowed him to turn her head to look outside once more. The view took her breath away, from the mountains to the sky.

"It's gorgeous," Zoe gasped, relinquishing some of her grip on Christopher. He smiled down at her, continuing to rub her side. "I'm sorry I freaked out," She choked out embarrassedly, her face turning red. Christopher clicked his tongue in disapproval, tugging her back toward the group seeing as they were about to leave. "I looked like such a baby," Zoe chuckled humourlessly, Christopher rolling his eyes.

"No, you didn't. You just needed someone, and I have no problem being there to help you." He crouched down in front of her and basically yanked her onto his back. Zoe yelped in surprise, arms tightening around his neck. Christopher chuckled with his hands on her thighs, carrying her across the rocky ground. "How are you so light?" He mused aloud, quickly surpassing their friends. Zabdiel and Madison shot them a glare, but they were too focused on one another to pay attention. She was just about to open her mouth when all of a sudden his ankle rolled to the side.