Page 4 of Busted String

“Yes. I never have so much fun that I don’t come home.”

“So you noticed?”

“I noticed when I went to your room to wake you up for practice.”

“I see.”

“We didn’t even have a gig. So where did you go?”

“To a club.”

“You know, in two days we have a gig in Bakersfield, then on to Black Rock City. Those are big gigs for us.”

“I know, and I won’t disappoint you.” Jace leaned his head on Nico’s shoulder.

Jace had no idea what he did to him when he leaned on him or touched him. Jace was a touchy person. No one turned him down except Nico. It was tempting, but Jace was too unstable, and the group was more important at this point. At least, that was what Nico told himself.

After Nico packed his suitcases, he walked into Jace’s room, his eyes landing on Jace sprawled on the bed, lazily directing Sammie as he packed a suitcase. Nico’s irritation flared in his chest.

“Jace, what the hell are you doing?” Nico snapped, his voice sharper than he intended. “You’re using Sammie like he’s your personal servant.”

Jace barely lifted his head, a smirk playing on his lips. “Relax, Nico. Sammie offered to help.”

“That’s not the point,” Nico shot back, stepping closer. “You can’t just lie there and let him do everything. It’s not fair.”

Sammie glanced between them, sensing the tension. “It’s really fine, Nico. I don’t mind and I offered.”

Nico shook his head, his gaze never leaving Jace. “No, Sammie. You shouldn’t have to do this. Jace can pack his own damn suitcase.”

Jace sat up, his expression hardening. “Why are you making such a big deal out of this? It’s just packing.”

“Because you need to start taking responsibility for yourself,” Nico retorted, his frustration boiling over. “You can’t keep relying on everyone else to clean up your messes.”

Sammie slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.

Jace’s eyes followed Sammie’s departure before turning back to Nico. “What’s really going on here, Nico? Why do you care so much?”

Nico took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. “I care because I want you to be better, Jace. I want you to stand on your own two feet. And…because I care about you.”

Jace’s expression softened slightly, but he still looked confused. “Then why are you pushing me away?”

“Because I’m not ready for this,” Nico admitted, his voice quieter now. “I’m not ready for us. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you to be better. So, pack your own suitcase, Jace. Show me you can.”

Jace stared at him for a long moment before nodding slowly. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Nico watched as Jace got off the bed and started packing, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He wanted Jace, but he needed him to be stronger first. And maybe, just maybe, this was a step in the right direction.

“Is there something going on?”

“Nothing that I know of.”

“Don’t lie. I know something is off.” He inched closer to Jace.

“Nothing is going on.”

“You’ve got to get your head straight. You’re the lead singer and guitarist! If you fuck up, we are all fucked. This is way too important to me and the guys for you to fuck around.”

“I’m sorry.” Jace continued packing while Nico stood watching him.

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