And That's The Way It Is

From the prompt: "The way things are..."

"And That's The Way It Is"

As he headed backstage, the screaming still rang in his ears. He claimed one of the showers first, taking his black duffel bag into the bathroom with him. He showered quickly - he was already running late. He pulled on his black uniform, slipping on his jacket. He smirked to himself in the mirror, smoothing back his damp hair.
"Je suis beau," he told himself sarcastically. Then he pulled the beanie hat on over his hair, grinning when he saw the tattoo. He stared down at his left wrist, unbuckling his wristwatch and putting it into the front pocket of his bag. Then he reached into the bag and drew out two guns - the only two from his arsenal that he brought on the road. He checked that they were loaded, affixed silencers and slid them into the holsters against his sides.
Zipping the bag shut, he dug his wallet out of his back pocket and exchanged ID's. He was Joshua Scott Chasez turned Chase Joshua Scottsdale, adopted American turned orphaned French-born Canadian. He lifted the bag off the counter and turned to go when there was a knock at the door.
"Hey JC, you coming out with us tonight?" It was Joey.
Mon Dieu! Josh panicked. "Um...naw, not tonight, man. Maybe tomorrow."
"You said that last time," Joey protested through the door.
"I wanna sleep!" Josh offered his standard excuse.
"You sleep too much." Joey groaned.
"I wish," Josh muttered. He had a meeting that night, and a job after. "Sorry, man." He tried to be sincere, but failed.
"Later." Joey's footsteps retreated.
Josh waited until he was sure that the other man was out of the room before venturing out of the bathroom. He set his duffel bag on a chair, adding a post-it note requesting that Jade (Justin) take the bag up to the room they shared and that he hoped Jade had a good time with Britney (ha ha).
It wasn't difficult to slip out of the arena - most of the crew wore black, and he blended right in. The Atlanta night was warm, but then again it was summer. Whistling to himself, he sauntered down the sidewalk, smiling widely. There was a Taco Bell on the corner, golden light glowing like a warm beacon. He pushed open the door and was met with a cool blast of air. He laughed when he saw the flustered girl at the counter surrounded by nineteen people.
Nora turned and saw him first. "Josh! You made it!"
Eighteen other heads turned, and greetings were called out.
Josh crossed the room, grinning. "What, you thought I'd bail?" He pulled Luke into one of those macho one-armed bear hugs. He stepped back, looking the other man up and down. The redhead was in sailor whites.
"What are you inland this far, sailor?" he teased.
Luke rolled his eyes. "I'm on a fortnight's leave, Commander."
"Is Jade coming?" Kenny asked, breaking through the group, hazel eyes lit up hopefully.
"I'm sorry, man," Josh answered sympathetically. "Date with Britney."
The rest of his Sector closed around him.
"We waited for you before eating," Todd called out.
"You have so got to try the Quesadillas," Iain added.
Josh held up his hands for silence, laughing. It had been six months since he'd last seen his Sector, and he knew why they were excited.
"Easy, troops, easy," he chided. He wove through the group and over to the counter, fishing his wallet out of his back pocket. He flashed a practiced charming, calming smile at the girl behind the counter.
"Dinner's on me tonight," he said.
"Aw, Commander," Darien teased. "You spoil us."
"What'll it be?" Josh asked, glancing over his shoulder at his Sector.
He felt a presence behind him. "I'm using your back," Gina said. In a slightly louder voice she added, "I'm taking orders, people."
Josh smiled at the girl, lowering his head slightly. He liked his Sector. They were his family. He loved them (correction to two thoughts previous). He'd die for any of these men and women. Sure he liked his group in the real world, but he was Dagaz. That's the way it was.

STORIES

HOME

NEXT

BACK