Like An Open Book

Chapter 1

AN: Happy Valentine's Day! This was supposed to come out on Christmas, but well, life got in the way, so I decided to move it to this lovely holiday instead. This story is Buckin, AU, and dear to my heart.

Dedicated to LiquidDreams. ♥ With thanks to O.

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''We are supposed to be there at 8, so we're early, I think.''

Breathing out slowly, Jonny nodded and turned his head. Even for London standards it was cold tonight. Nevertheless, the streets seemed to be filled with people: tourists trying to find their way, families doing their last Christmas shopping, people getting ready to go out... They were a blur to Jonny, only the Christmas lights being a constant: sparkling and bright they seemed to be everywhere.

I can't believe we're doing this.

Was it even the right decision? For the millionth time the question popped up, even though he knew the answer. Jonny would almost compare the process to skydiving: he could go through all the planning in the world, investigate every detail, and even make a plan of where to land, but sometimes parachutes don't work. Even if you take every possible precaution.

He closed his eyes, and breathed in again.

''You can switch the channel, you know.''

''What?''

''The radio. Like, if you don't like it and stuff.'' Chris waved his hand. It was slightly shaking and he didn't look Jonny in the eyes. ''It's a pop station.''

''It's fine. I didn't even notice, really.''

Chris' nerves broke for a second as he chuckled. ''You don't notice anything, Jay.''

Jonny rubbed his hands together, grateful for the opportunity to distract himself. ''I wouldn't say that. I am great at noticing... everything.''

''Everything?''

''Everything.''

''So what you're saying is,'' Chris leaned in a bit, ''if I stole one of your hats, you would immediately find out?'' Not giving Jonny time to answer, he followed: ''I bet you wouldn't. You don't even know where we're going right now. Or who I am. I'm Chris Martin, by the way.''

''Very funny.''

Chris smirked. ''I'm in this band, we're trying to make it, and we have sold 5 copies across the UK.'' He widened his eyes. ''The local pubs are taking an interest in us. We are very famous.''

''Oh yeah... I think I read an article about you causing mayhem at a McDonald's. You didn't get your Happy Meal, got very upset.''

''True. I'm a very demanding man.''

Both of them tried to keep their back-and-forth going, but eventually went silent, as their minds were just too occupied. The air felt thick as they drove, the pressure in the car was increasing, and as they entered the street where they were supposed to go, Jonny's mind seemed to shut down.

That is, until an almost inaudible sound shook him awake.

Chris was humming along to Ariana Grande.

His hands were tapping the steering wheel.

Jonny smiled at the sight.

''I wouldn't make it through to X Factor,'' Chris joked, noticing Jonny staring. ''Do you have everything?''

''What do you mean?''

''Your keys and stuff, we're... we're nearly there.''

''Oh. Yeah, I think I've got everything.''