A Hook-Up Story
by Annie

So, it was pretty simple.

They liked each other. It was obvious, but most obvious to me, because I'm just good like that.

I mean, Justin never got yelled at during rehearsals. Wade was always asked to work on Justin's projects. Dude, it doesn't take like... smart people to figure it out.

And you would think that the next logical step for two people who like each other "like that" (quotes for emphasis, folks) would be to hook up, right?

Oh, I laugh in the face of your wrongness.

Justin didn't have the guts to tell Wade, because he didn't want to "damage the friendship". Wade didn't want to tell Justin because it would "make work difficult".

Yeah, right.

So I said to myself, "Christopher, you've single handedly kept this band together, made the world a better place, and saved those children from that canoe accident. I think it's time you give your friends a good push in the right direction."

Or maybe I exaggerate, but my intentions are good!

So, back to Wade and Justin. I decided that I would study them for a couple weeks. See how they acted around each other. See how they acted when they were apart.

Justin. Around Wade, he put on his "Mr. Cool" act. Tried to act, well, cool. And charming. And funny. And make himself look perfect. And I got it, because Justin, and here's a shocker, really isn't that secure. So it makes sense. Too bad Justin didn't realize Wade probably wanted to know the real him, which was the Justin that came out when Wade wasn't around. Justin didn't have to impress us.

Wade. Around Justin, he grilled the rest of us more. Gave off an air of authority. Said "I'm the boss and I get off on making myself look big and powerful for Justin" with his eyes. Too bad Wade didn't realize Justin didn't like him because of his job. He wanted to get to know fun, laid back Wade, who only came out when Justin went to go get a drink or grab something to eat.

So, after watching them, I came to this conclusion.

That was a big waste of two weeks, man.

And I'm still stuck with the problem of hooking them up.

Maybe giving them tickets to something I just "couldn't go to". Yeah, that might work. I decided I'd try that. Bought some cheap tickets to a basketball game, then casually mentioned to Justin that I had two spare tickets.

Hook, line, and sinker baby!

Or so I thought.

Justin took Britney.

Oh God, why must you punish me so?

 

Ok, so, new plan.

I call up Wade. Tell him we need to have an emergency rehearsal. Call Justin and tell him Wade called an emergency rehearsal.

Alone together.

The best kind of alone.

So, I do it. And does it work?

Of course not.

Justin calls Joey for a ride. Like he doesn't have six cars. And I kind of called Justin first. Wade couldn't even make it. So let me tell you, I'm still explaining that one.

I'm beginning to think maybe they're just not meant to be.

 

Sigh, man. Just... sigh.

 

Breakthrough! Breakthrough!

Christopher Alan Kirkpatrick, you are a genius. Why thank you, I'd have to agree.

Anyway, yeah. After rehearsals, I was running a little late because I'd taken a long shower, and I'm walking for the dressing room, and I hear voices.

And not like, you know, "I see dead people" voices, or schizo voices. More like they were coming from the dressing room.

So, being the wonderful (*cough*nosy*cough*) person that I am, I stopped outside the door, and listened.

Justin. "I just... thanks."

Wade. "No problem." Then I can hear someone's feet shuffling.

Justin. "So..."

Wade. "Yeah... um, see you tomorrow?"

Justin. "Yeah."

Then I hear Wade coming and I make a mad dash down the hall, turning around and walking oh-so-casually in my suave manner towards the room.

"Hey Wade," I say. He gives me a not and leaves. I get to the dressing room and Justin is standing there looking flushed.

Oh, they were so kissing.

 

Turns out Wade helped Justin on a dance move Justin wasn't able to get down all the way. Hence the flustery face.

Bah.

 

That's it. They can hook themselves up.

But now I have nothing to do.  

It's kinda boring.  

Maybe I'll go save some more kids from canoes.

...

Still bored.

Yeah. Ok. This sucks.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I rock beyond rock. I am rock. Do you smell what I'm cooking? Or is it know? Hmm.

Anyway! Yes! Justin and Wade. Hooked up.

All me, man.

All me.

They're doing the "look at each other and look away when the other person sees you looking" thing all through rehearsals, and finally it's just like... dude, come on.

So after JC, Joey, and Lance go back to the showers, I go up to them, and I just let them have it.

"You two have been dancing, and I don't mean literally here, around each other for weeks. You like each other! For the love of God, just get together already!"

And Justin kind of looked at me with this little smile and he said, "Um... thanks Chris."

And Wade... I don't know, I think he might've just been confused. He looked like he was on the verge of laughing or something.

But I think he was confused. I know, because I've seen his expression on my face quite a lot.

But anyway, yay me! I hooked 'em up! Woo!

 

Turns out they were secretly together all along.

Just didn't know how to tell us.

God hates me.