"Okay just breathe."
Jaymy muttered to herself as she stood outside the house. It felt like a fairy tale still, winning the contest that got her here. Six months ago, much to the chagrin of her family and friends, she had entered a song-writing contest sponsored by a very popular European rock band. The ultimate prize was to have the song as the band's new single, and meet them in person to record it. As luck would have it, Jaymy had won. This is why she was now standing outside a brick house in Germany, teaching herself to breathe again. "You can do this. Just knock you chicken shit!" Sighing, she reached up and just as she was about to knock the door flew open.
"See! I told you she was here!" the guy at the door said with a laugh. Jaymy lowered her arm and her eyes.
"Hi," she said shyly, "I'm Jaymy."
"Hi! I'm Bill. Come on in, we've been waiting to meet you." With a smile in his voice, he added "We don't bite, you don't have to be so shy." Blushing a little, Jaymy raised her eyes, and for a moment was struck dumb. Bill was... something, all black hair and amber eyes surrounded by black eyeliner. Those eyes had a mischievous twinkle in them at the moment, and a spark of interest. It made her wish she'd dressed better. Somehow jeans and a tank top seemed too casual.
Another voice, eerily like Bill's emerged from behind him. "Don't hog her Bill, let the rest of us meet her." Bill grinned. "Wait your turn, Tom. I saw her first."
Now she really felt self-conscious. Glancing over, she realized Tom and Bill were twins. While Bill had big black hair, Tom had left his a soft brown, up in dreadlocks that hit about the middle of his back. He leaned casually against a door-frame, looking utterly relaxed.
Brushing back the stray strand of her long, jet-black hair that had slipped free of her ponytail, she quickly checked her reflection in the window. Her face was clear of make-up, and her green and gold eyes were slightly terrified. A red tank top and dark blue jeans that hugged her curves and flip-flops completed the look. What HAD she been thinking?
Smiling ruefully, she tried to meet both pairs of amber eyes in turn. "I feel a little under-dressed."
Both boys burst out laughing, Bill slung a friendly arm around her shoulders and guided her into the living room. "Georg, Gustav, this is Jaymy, our newest band member."
Tom plopped himself into the nearest armchair as Bill pulled Jaymy to the love-seat. The blonde on the sofa introduced himself as Gus, the smiling brunette on the floor was Georg.
"Hi," she said tentatively, as Bill laid his arm on the back of the love-seat behind her, "This is going to sound lame, but until my friend told me about that contest I had no idea who you guys were."
All four burst out laughing, and after a few comments the ice was broken and all of them chatted like old friends, with Bill being the social ringleader. When the talk turned to significant others, Georg and Gustav both said "Shit! The girls!" and trailed off to other rooms with cell phones attached to their ears."So, how about you, Jaymy? Anyone special?" Bill asked.
"Nah, at least, not right now. How about you two? Famous as you are..." she let her statement trail off with a wink.
Bill laughed. "Nope, neither of us... at least nothing that's ever lasted." He stuck his tongue out at Tom.
Jaymy missed the gesture as she raised an eyebrow in Tom's direction. With a saucy grin she asked "He always talk for you? I know twins are close, but still!"
Tom grinned. "I let him do the talking. His voice needs the workout. He is a famous singer you know." Laughing he dodged the pillow Bill threw at him.
"So, onto business, Jay. Your song - we love it. Any ideas on harmony, tune, key, anything?" Bill asked as he settled back, draping his legs across her lap.
"Well... it's sort of a duet. I figured you'd know someone to sing the girl's parts. But I do have a tune in mind. Needs work though." Jaymy said thoughtfully. She glanced over at Tom as he reached for an acoustic guitar, and was surprised to feel her stomach tie in a knot. 'Well shit' she thought. She was developing a crush.
"So sing it for us" Bill encouraged. "I'll see if I can pick up the tune."
"Me? Oh no way, I'm not in your category. Besides, you know professionals at this sort of thing, and -"
"Jay? Shut up and sing." Tom cut in with a gentle smile. She looked up at him, and realized he was watching her. Their eyes met, and the bottom fell out of her stomach. 'Oh boy' she thought.
Taking a deep breath, she looked at Bill and said faintly "Okay, I'll try." She pulled some dog-eared papers out of her backpack, and handed a page to both of them. Then, trying to relax, she began to sing. Softly at first, then louder as she closed her eyes and lost herself in her song. When the last note left her lips, she nervously opened her eyes. Both Tom and Bill were studying her with serious expressions.
"I know it's rough. But that's what I've got." she trailed off, and looked at her hands. Bill looked at Tom, who nodded, then started picking the tune on the guitar quietly, finding and weaving a harmony to compliment her melody. Bill touched Jaymy's shoulder. She looked at him. "Where does it split exactly? You sing the girl's part."For the next hour they worked tirelessly, until the song flowed around them easily. Finally, Tom put the guitar down and stretched. Bill asked him something quickly in German, which he answered just as quickly, Then Bill turned to Jaymy.
"You have to sing with me." As she opened her mouth to protest, he held up his hand. "We both agree. Your voice is beautiful, and suits mine well. It's your song. You can stay here with Tom and me while we record, there's more vocal work we can use you for. And, if you'll let us, we'd like to help you record an album. Do you have any luggage you need picked up from the hotel? Or anything in Canada that needs your attention or input?"
Jaymy stared at him speechless. Tom walked over and touched her other shoulder. "We'll take care of everything, we just need a yes or no." he said gently.
"Umm... okay?...sure. I mean, yes, I'll stay, if you're sure?" she stuttered, far too aware of Tom's hand.
"Great!" Bill said, and bounced out of the room to make the arrangements, Tom smiled at her and offered to show her around.
An hour later she had moved into a large bedroom across the hall from Bill's and connected to Tom's by a huge bathroom. She was handed a laptop to use for her stay, and enough money to get anything else she might need. She was also terrified.
Glancing around "her" room, she shook her head and settled down with the laptop to e-mail her best friend back home.'Shida - dream come true! Surrounded by AMAZING looking guys, and moved in with the sexiest twins in the universe. Mail me back, lots to share!! XOXO, Jay'
A light tap at her door startled her, but she calmly called for whoever it was to come in. Tom strolled in and sprawled across the foot of the bed. "How are you holding up?"
"Well for someone who's whole life just changed, I'm peachy." she answered, carefully avoiding the sight of him on the bed. "A little shell-shocked, but okay. Are you okay with sharing a bathroom with me?"
"I'm the one who picked your room. Figured you'd like having someone nearby. And besides, it's never a hardship to have a beautiful girl in the room next door." he answered with a teasing smile.
"Beautiful, eh? My, you Europeans have a way with words." she shot back, blushing a little. Tom got up and walked over, touching her cheek gently. Surprised, Jaymy looked up into his eyes. the ring in his lip caught the light, shining softly, and she said without thinking, "I've never kissed anyone with a lip ring before."
Clapping a hand over her mouth, she lowered her eyes. "I'm so sorry, that just slipped out. I didn't mean -"
She was cut off when he lowered his head and kissed her softly, his hand still on her cheek. Her head spinning, she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
When he pulled away he smiled. "Now you have. And don't apologize, because I certainly won't. Bill wants us downstairs, band meeting. You up for it?" The rapid conversation change startled her a little, but she took his offered hand and headed downstairs, all the while thinking ruefully that she'd always had a thing for guitarists.
Once they got downstairs Tom let go of her hand with a gentle squeeze and a whispered 'later'. He lead the way into the music room where everyone waited."I was starting to think you were seducing our beautiful Canadian" Bill teased as they walked in. Tom just grinned and headed for a guitar. "You get settled in okay Jaymy?" Bill asked, turning towards her.
"Yup. Even e-mailed home."
"Good! So Gus and Georg want to hear what we've come up with. You mind?"
"Nope. Though I still don't agree I should sing with you," she said with a small smile. Bill waved away her comment.
"Tom, give us an intro."
Three hours later the song had an intro, a bass riff, and drums, and everyone was exhausted. After ordering in lunch they all headed off to unwind.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Back home Rashida was carefully alphabetizing her computer games for the third time, glaring at her silent laptop.
"Come on, Jaymy," she muttered, "24 hours and no e-mail? After I told you about the contest? You never even heard their mu-" She was cut off by the cheerful ping of her computer and Wolverine's voice informing her she had a new message. Dropping the jewel cases into a messy pile, she plopped into the chair and opened her inbox. If this was another piece of junk mail she was going to screech... but it wasn't. It was a revoltingly short message from Jaymy, but at least it was a message. She read it three times before opening a reply window.'Jaymy-kins, are they really cute? I never noticed before. I bet they went nutso over your lyrics too... I need DETAILS!!! Don't leave your friend in the dark, I'll die! Luv ya hunny! -R'
With that she shut down her computer and got up to head out to the grocery store, until she noticed the messy pile she had left. Sighing she took down all the computer games and reorganized again, not leaving the house until they were perfect.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Laying on her bed, Jaymy was vaguely aware of murmured voices outside her door, then the door across the hall closing gently. Shortly after that the door leading to the shared bathroom opened quietly and Tom slipped in, closing the door behind him.
"Hi" he said quietly. "Is this okay?"
"Sure" she said nervously, watching him walk to the main door and lock it, then come stretch out on the bed next to her. Her heart was pounding so hard she was afraid he'd hear it.
"The song is so good. I'm glad we chose it." he said. "I'm glad you agreed to stay."
"For the band?" she asked softly.
"Well yeah, but for me too." he moved closer and put his arm around her. "All I can think about is how it felt to kiss you. I wanted to kiss you as soon as I saw you." Leaning over he did so, softly pressing his lips against hers. "I still want to kiss you." He slid a hand down her arm. "I want to touch you, but I don't want to push you into anything."
Meeting his eyes, she smiled at him. "I felt the same way. Still do, actually." His eyes darkened a bit, and then he kissed her again. Really kissing her this time. She pulled him half on top of her, opening her mouth to him, gliding her hands over his back. His hand slid up her shirt to lightly cup her breast, and she could feel him hardening against her hip. He slid his mouth to her neck, leaving a trail of kisses there. Her hands seemed to act on their own, one tangling in his hair, one slipping down to his hip. He made a soft sound against her mouth, and began to move his hand downwards. Arching in anticipation, they both froze when a knock sounded at the door.
Tom cursed softly and with feeling before pressing a quick kiss to her mouth and dashing off to the bathroom. Jaymy took a minute to collect herself, then answered the door. To her surprise there stood Bill, hair slightly damp and falling past his shoulders, face scrubbed clean of make-up.
"I'm not disturbing you, am I?" he asked, studying her face closely.
"No," she blushed.
Bill burst out laughing. "Are you really this shy? Or did Tom make a move on you?"
Startled, she met his eyes. He was smiling, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "What? Did you honestly think I didn't notice? I AM his twin you know."
"Oh," she said, "I didn't think anyone noticed - myself included."
"Well, Tom does like beautiful women and I always know. In this case, I even agree with his taste."
Surprised, she raised an eyebrow.
Bill grinned. "It's the Canadian accent," he teased. Then, without warning, he leaned over and kissed her. "Don't give all your heart to my brother just yet. Save some for me, okay?" She stared silently after him as he left the room."Wow," she muttered to herself, as she sat back on the bed. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she glanced at the clock, gave a little shriek, and started getting ready for dinner. Sitting down at the vanity, she yanked the tie still holding her hair in a ponytail, freeing her hair to fall in tangled waves to her waist. Grabbing a brush she began the laborious task of brushing out the tangles when Tom tapped lightly on the door frame. She watched him walk over to her, his gaze roaming over her. He looked good enough to eat, though a little casual for the fancy place the band was insisting on taking her to.
"Let me help with that," he said, gently taking the brush and starting to work it through her hair. "Bill wants to do your make-up. We want to show off our newest band member, so he wants to work on your stage 'persona' a little."
"Oh, okay." she said, watching him concentrate on her hair, half wishing he'd look at her again, the other half still reeling from their constant referrals of "new band member". Then Bill bounced in. She had to smile as she watched his reflection, his hair all spiked up and make-up back in place.
"Made yourself pretty again I see," she teased. He grinned.
"I like to keep them guessing. Wow, your hair is longer then I thought! Tom, don't do a boring pony like yours. Here, let me." With one more breath Bill had her hair half pulled on top of her head, leaving a sheet of curls spilling down her back and over her shoulders. "Perfect! now, lets see what I can do with those gorgeous eyes of yours..."
What felt like just minutes later, Jaymy studied her reflection in surprise. Black eyeliner with a hint of green shadow made her eyes pop, a little lip gloss and foundation was all she wore otherwise. The combination of hair and make-up make her skin look like porcelain. Bill looked pleased with himself. Tom looked like he wanted to taste the lip gloss. Black leather pants that fit like a second skin and a red and black corset style top completed the look.
"Well, now that I look like a vixen, I suppose we should go and meet the boys," she said, turning to face the twins.
"Okay, lets go!" Bill said, grabbing her hand and pulling her from the room. Tom followed, looking slightly put out. Gustav met the at the bottom of the stairs, and said something quickly in German. Bill answered, and Tom turned to look at Jaymy."The press is already here. Think you can handle it?"
"Sure" she said bravely, hoping the fear wasn't showing on her face. Tom smiled at her.
"Relax, you look amazing! They're all gonna be wondering how we got so lucky." Exchanging a look with Bill, he reached for her hand and Bill took the other. Georg opened the door, and she went blind as the world exploded into flashes of light.
Questions were shouted from all sides in rapid-fire German. Bill started fielding them, smiling and flirting as they walked towards the waiting car. Jaymy caught her name mentioned a few times, and the band's name as well, before someone finally asked a question in English.
"Miss Anton, are you dating either of the twins?"
Bill smiled and winked at the reporter, raising his and Jaymy's linked hands. On her right Tom did the same.
"Neither of us can lay a claim to her heart alas," Bill said. "But it's good we share so well!" Smiles and laughter followed that statement. They reached the car, and just as Tom opened the door for her Jaymy heard a girl scream something. Judging by Bill's face and the sudden tension in Tom, she gathered she had just been insulted. Glancing towards the voice, she saw a girl of about 15 glaring hatefully at her. A fan. Acknowledging the girl, she turned and simply got in the car. She heard Bill talking again as Tom, Gus and Georg climbed in. Finally, Bill joined them, and the car pulled into traffic.
"Well that went well," Jaymy said dryly. "I take it I won't be popular with your fans." Bill sighed.
"You will be. It's just that right now all they see is a beautiful girl stepping out with us. I'm so sorry for that."
She reached over and touched his face. "It's okay, I'd be jealous of me too!" It earned her a smile, and the rest of the ride flew by. They were met with more press at the restaurant, and when the boys turned to look at her, Jaymy grinned.
"Lets give them something to gossip about boys," And she was the first one out of the car, followed closely by the twins. Once they were standing together in front of all the flashing cameras Jaymy turned, pulled Bill to her, and kissed him full on the mouth, pressing as close to him as possible. Letting him go, she turned to Tom, and jumped up so he was forced to catch her. Wrapping her legs around him she kissed him just as hard, them slid down his body as the cameras went crazy. Then she smiled at the reporters, waved, and strolled into the restaurant on her own as she listened to the boys struggle to answer all the questions.
Once they were all seated in a VIP room, all four boys turned to face Jaymy. "What?" she asked innocently.
Tom fought back a smile. "Need help translating the menu?" he asked, shooting Bill a quick look as he moved his chair closer to her.
Leaving the restaurant two hours later was just as crazy, but other then posing for a few band photos, they got to the car quickly and without incident. After dropping Gus and Georg off at the flat they shared, Jaymy, Tom and Bill headed home. The impromptu make-out session was all over the news, even back in Canada. Jaymy just laughed it off. Her family had never approved of her anyway, and most of her friends would just make suggestive comments. Bidding the boys good night, she headed up to her room, where she snuggled into the massive bed and promptly fell asleep.She was up with the sun the next day, and typing away at the computer when Bill knocked on her door and walked in. She smiled up at him, strategically positioning herself to block his view of the screen. "Morning sunshine, what's up?"
"Nothing," he yawned, forcing a hand through his tangled hair. "Just decided to see what you were up to, seeing as the light was on."
"I'm not doing anything important," she said blushing a little and moving to close the laptop. Bill stopped her with a gentle touch to her arm and started reading.
"This is really good," he said seriously, after perusing for a few minutes.
"It's still rough. Needs a lot of work..." she murmured, avoiding his eyes.
"You don't give yourself enough credit, I think," he answered, studying her face intently. "A song about choosing between loves works well with the publicity you drummed up last night. The net is buzzing with the story of Tom and I fighting for your heart."
Jaymy laughed. "I didn't know it was that serious! I thought you guys were fighting over my body!"
"As lovely as your body is, your love is the ultimate prize." He shot back.
Raising an eyebrow, she looked questioningly at him. "Love is all fine and good, but it takes more than a few kisses or a roll in the hay to earn mine."
"As it should," he answered, "Ready to hit the studio?"
Panicked she looked at him. "Umm... NO!! I can't sing with you. I'm going to do horribly!" She started to pace, muttering to herself.
Tom walked in, without knocking, and looked at Jaymy. He turned to Bill, "You told her we're recording today, didn't you?"
"Yup, she's cute when she's riled."
"Oh yeah," he answered, and plopped himself down on her bed. Jaymy paused by the window, looked outside and whispered, "Shida, I need you. Why didn't I bring you with me?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Meanwhile, back in Canada, Rashida did her own version of Jaymy's pacing. "I'm gonna kill that girl!" Idly the thought that Jaymy was certainly coming into her own crossed Rashida's mind. She banished the thought with a frustrated tug at her hair.
"Twins, Jaymy?" She watched the video footage playing again on the news. It was a little much, even for her free-spirited friend. Not knowing what else to do, she sat at her laptop and booked a morning flight to Germany. That done she dragged out her barely-used luggage and began throwing random things into the suitcase. She hoped that the weather was nice overseas, because Jaymy and those nasty boys were about to get some company. Her packing became more haphazard as her mind went spiraling down roads filled with horrid thoughts as to what the rockstars were up to with her best friend.
The flight was wretched, and as soon as Rashida debarked the plane she hired a taxi to the hotel and took a shower. Discarding her wrinkled clothes onto the floor in the bathroom and just enjoyed the hot water for awhile. When she emerged from the shower she threw open her suitcase and stared forlornly at the assembled wardrobe. She was going to armor herself to rescue Jaymy with this? Right.
She sighed in defeat and pulled on a men's black muscle shirt and a pair of pale green capris. She checked her image in the mirror and, frowning, pulled her curly, red-brown hair back in a ponytail and threw on a black and white checkered cap. She slid on her black and white skully flipflops as she headed out the door. It was hardly the gear of an avenging soldier, but she was finally ready to face Jaymy's new males.