monday, 11:30pm, new york city

It was hard not to think about her all day. Every time I thought I caught a break, there was something that forced her back into my mind; a photo, an interview question, hearing her song on the radio. It was torturous. And yet, even at an event full of people, she had found her way to me and pulled us off into a hidden corner, away from everyone else. The lights danced from the other end of the hallway joined with the noise of conversation and music.

I was no longer tortured by my thoughts alone. But also by her presence.

My mouth ran dry as she pushed herself off the opposite wall and walked towards me with slow steps. I couldn't help my eyes scan over her body, taking in every inch her short dress showed off; the tight fabric, a daring slit on one side, dainty straps that looked as if they could slip at any second. Her hair, still vibrant in the dim light, was pulled back into a ponytail, allowing the features of her face to be on full display.

TJ placed her hand on my chest as she leaned forward, "Do you like my dress?" Her voice whispered into my ear.

"I love it," I managed to croak out.

I ran my hand up her thigh, my fingers dancing across the exposed skin that the slit provided, before placing it against her lower back, keeping her close.

"You should see how it looks on the floor," TJ whispered once more, her hand moving down slowly against my chest.

As she leaned back, I noticed the glimmer of amusement in her eyes, her lips twisting into a mischievous smile. I wondered if she knew the agony she was putting me through with just that comment alone.

I cleared my throat, "It's too bad we were just a one-time thing then, right?"

Three-time, I mentally corrected myself.

"Is that so?" TJ cocked her head to the side as her hand rested on my belt, "That's too bad, Young. I thought we were just starting to have some fun."

Just starting? I thought she wanted to keep it a one-time thing? To make sure none of the other bandmates found out? My thoughts had distracted me from realizing TJ had taken my hand in hers and had begun leading me further down the hallway.

"Where are we going?"

She turned her head over her shoulder, "I want to see if I can change your mind."

With her free hand, she pushed open a door and led the two of us inside a dingy bathroom. TJ released her hold on my hand as she locked the door and pressed her back against it. The lighting was poor but gave enough to see the look of hunger in her eyes. It was that look that made me realize she wanted me as badly as I wanted her.

TJ reached forward, grabbing hold of the material of my shirt, pulling my body towards her. It didn't take much effort for her to do. It was easy for me to give in.

As our lips connected, TJ wasted no time sliding her hands down to my belt.

Grabbing hold of her wrists, I pulled my lips from hers.

"Wait," I growled, pinning her hands above her head.

The sound of my voice appeared to ignite a look of desire in her eyes. Holding onto her wrists with one hand, I attached my lips to her neck, my free hand moving to her thigh. I pushed up the material of her dress, sliding my hand in-between her legs. Returning my lips to hers, I muffled the moan that begged to escape her.

TJ began to grind her hips against my hand. Releasing her wrists from my grasp, I moved my hand to grip her hip and slow down her movement. She broke the kiss, her impatient eyes glaring into mine. Her arms fell to her sides, causing the straps of her dress to follow. I dipped my head forward, kissing the newly exposed skin, and slowly worked my way up to her neck.

"Fuck, Carter," she panted, sinking her teeth into her bottom lip to conceal a moan.

TJ placed her hand on my chest, applying a small amount of pressure as a sign to stop. I pulled my head back and withdrew my hand from in-between her legs.

"I can't wait any longer," she whispered with heavy breaths.

I didn't fight back this time as her hands reached for my belt. Just as TJ pulled down the zipper to my dress pants, a sudden knock against the wooden door caused both of us to freeze.

"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Young," a familiar deep voice spoke from the other side of the door, "But, you might want to wrap things up. Jeff is running around like a mad man looking for you."

"Shit," I quietly mumbled before calling out, "Uh, yeah give me a minute."

"Who the fuck is that?" TJ whispered sharply, fixing the straps of her dress.

"Big Mike," I said quietly as I readjusted my pants, "He's part of my security team."

"And Big Mike just knows when you're at an event and about to have sex in the bathroom?"

I shrugged, giving her a cheeky smile, "He's very good at his job."

TJ swatted my shoulder with the back of her hand and rolled her eyes. "Hey, Big Mike?"

"What are you-" TJ pressed her finger against my lips to silence me.

"Yes?" The deep voice sounded slightly amused with his response.

"Think we could get ten more minutes?"

tuesday, 7:30am, new york city

I stumbled into the room, rubbing my tired eyes. It was early, way too early, for this right now. I was running on a maximum of three hours of sleep, and the idea of having a meeting right now was far from what I wanted to do.

"Morning, Carter. Sleep well?" Jeff asked, raising a suspicious brow.

I mumbled a response and went to the table to pour myself a coffee. I stopped and looked over towards the couch, surprised to see Silas, Weston, and Patrick.

"What are you guys doing here?"

Silas shrugged, "Don't know. Hank just said we had to."

I wondered where the fourth member was. It was only a few hours ago that she was leaving my room and sneaking back into hers.

"Hank had to go get TJ," Patrick said as he made his way over to the table, "Hash browns! Nice!"

I walked over to the rest of the group and sunk into a chair. I wrapped my hands around my coffee mug and took my first sip. The liquid was scolding hot but I needed the caffeine. If only there were a way I could get a coffee IV. That's what I truly needed right now.

Patrick returned to the couch with a plate piled with food.

"What?!" Patrick exclaimed, noticing Weston's judgemental look, "The suit dude said breakfast was here for us!"

Suit dude. That was a fitting nickname for Jeff.

The hotel door swung open. I turned my head to see TJ shuffling her feet into the room, being pushed from behind by Hank. TJ was dressed in black sweatpants and a matching sweater, her hair resting on the top of her head, fashioned into a messy bun. She collapsed onto the couch next to Weston. Her eyes caught mine. She smiled but looked away quickly. I did my best to hide mine too.

"Great, we are all here now." Jeff clasped his hands together.

Weston handed TJ a plate of food, which she immediately tried to shove away.

"Eat." I heard Weston whisper firmly.

TJ rolled her eyes and took the plate, picking away at some of the food.

"Alright, let's get started!" Jeff made his way to the center of the room. "As we all know, today is a big day for press and since we are now all part of the same family, musically, of course, I thought we should be on the same page about a few things."

"First, let's discuss radio. Obviously very-"

"Jeff," Hank interrupted, "It's fucking early. Why don't we just get to what you really asked us here for." The man gestured between TJ and me, "We're here to talk about these two, right?"

Ryan was right. Jeff was trying to keep a closer eye on them.

"Oh my god," TJ cried, rolling her eyes. "Seriously?"

"TJ..." Hank warned.

TJ looked at Hank. "No, you made me hold it in last time." She turned her attention back to Jeff. "We had to get up this early just so I have to be told once again not to say I'm fucking him? Jesus. Don't worry, Jeffrey. I don't want to and will not be having sex with your money maker. Okay?"

"TJ," Hank repeated, "Watch it."

"Sorry. My bad." She forced a fake smile, "For the millionth time if I am asked if the rumours are true, I will say no. Not yes... not maybe... not we will see... I will say no."

I knew it was wrong to think this right now but was she ever hot when she got fired up. I raised my cup to my mouth in an attempt to conceal my amusement.

Jeff cleared his throat, "I am glad to see your media training has been going well." Jeff turned his attention to me, "Carter, I'll see you in the lobby at nine. The rest of you, enjoy the breakfast." He made his way to the door before stopping, "Oh, and TJ, just a tip. They don't particularly care for swearing on live radio. You better be careful with that."

"You better be careful with that," TJ mimicked once the door had closed.

"Boys, get some food before we go," Hank said, "And TJ-"

"Don't tell me that was too much. You know he's an ass."

Hank sighed, "I know... but..." I quickly caught the glance he threw in my direction.

"You know he's an ass, too," TJ whispered to me once Hank was out of earshot.

"I know. He's just doing his job."

TJ rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

It was silent between the two of us as she continued to pick at her plate of food. I took another sip of my coffee, smiling as I thought about the interaction that had just occurred. Suddenly something had hit my forehead. I looked down at my lap and picked it up.

"Stop it!" TJ hissed.

"Did you just throw a grape at me?"

"Yeah, because you look like the fucking Cheshire cat right now."

"Sorry, I can't help it." I dropped my voice to a whisper, ensuring no one else would hear, "Do you know how hot you are when you're angry?"

"I swear to-"

"TJ!" Hank called out from the door, "Come on, let's go. I hear you need more media training."

wednesday, 2:25am, new york city

"You alright?"

TJ nodded, playing with the sleeve of my button-down shirt that she had slipped on, "Yeah... it's just-" She cut herself off, shaking her head, "It's nothing. I'm fine."

I walked towards the window she stood beside and cracked it open. "Come on. Tell me," I said, placing a cigarette in-between my lips.

TJ leaned against the glass. "You don't think I'm using you... right?"

I raised a brow as I lit up. I took a long drag and blew the smoke out of the hotel room. "Of course not," I told her honestly, "Why? Did someone say something?"

TJ shook her head. "No... I just wouldn't want you to think that."

"Where is all of this coming from?"

"Nowhere. Just my own head," She said, but there was something in her tone that didn't leave me entirely convinced.

I tapped the cigarette against the rim of my used glass, letting the ash fall. "I mean, I'm not sure how you could be using me anyway. You know, considering it's been forced into your head that you can't mention my name in an interview," I teased.

TJ rolled her eyes, "Don't get me started on that again."

"Why?" I leaned forward, kissing her neck, "You're so hot when you're angry."

Her hand pressed against my chest, creating some distance between us. "If someone ever says anything to you, you would talk to me about it... right?"

I nodded, my suspicions starting to grow. "Of course."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

TJ instantly appeared more relieved. "Good," she said with a smile, pulling me in for a kiss.

thursday, 1:13am, new york city

"I always forget you have so many tattoos," TJ said softly as she gently ran her finger along my side, "They're all so small and hidden."

"Well, when I was in the band, management thought tattoos would ruin our image and didn't let us get any. So, I got them in spots I thought I could get away with."

TJ rolled onto her side, propping her elbow onto the pillow and resting her head against her hand, "You're so rebellious," she teased, tracing her finger along the ink mark on my chest, "I can't believe they thought a tattoo would ruin your image."

"It was annoying. But, it stopped sixteen-year-old me from getting a giant dragon tattooed on all over my back."

"That would have been horrible." She tried to hold back a laugh. "I think Pat has the worst. Well, they're not bad... just random. That boy will let anyone doodle on him."

"Guy likes what he likes."

TJ's eyes scanned over the upper half of my body, "What are these initials for?" She asked, pointing to inside on my forearm.

"My family. S is for Simon, my dad... M is for Mary, my mom... A is for Aiden, my older brother... and the other A is for Aurora, my niece."

"You have an older brother? And a niece?" TJ seemed surprised, "I feel like I don't know anything about you, Carter Young."

I shrugged, "Probably because you haven't asked."

It was humorous to think that I knew more about her - the one who kept everything under lock and key - than she knew about me.

"Alright... Fair enough." She raised a hand in defence. "Guess I better start asking then."

friday, 2:56am, new york city

"You know what's weird?" TJ asked as she rested her head against my chest.

"Tell me."

"Ever since I was little I dreamed about the day I would get to visit this city," she said softly, her eyes focused on the window, "Now I'm finally here and all I've been able to see has been from a car or hotel window. And in seven hours, the boys and I will be leaving on a bus."

I stayed silent, following her gaze towards the window. The sheer curtains allowed for some view of the dark city. I remembered my excitement from visiting different cities for the first time and quickly learning how to deal with the disappointment that followed when there was no time to explore. I looked back towards TJ as an idea began to form. Before I could talk myself out of it, I slipped out of bed.

"What are you doing?" She sat up in the bed, wrapping the bed sheet around her.

"Get changed," I said as I grabbed my clothes from the floor, slipping them on as quickly as I could without tripping over myself.

"Are you really kicking me out of your room this fast?"

I rolled my eyes. Spotting her jeans crumpled on the floor, I tossed them in her direction. "No, we're going out."

"Out where?"

"To see the city. There's nothing like it at night, you know."

"Are you being serious? Carter, it's almost three in the morning."

I rummaged through my suitcase and pulled out the item I was searching for. "Your point?" I asked, walking towards the bed and handing her a hooded sweater. "You wanted to see the city, right?"

As TJ nodded her head, I could tell she was trying to hide her excitement. The glimmer in her eyes was impossible to disguise.

"So, let's go see it then."

friday, 9:00am, new york city

As the elevator doors opened, I bit the inside of my cheek to stop that laugh that wanted to escape. TJ sported the same look as she shuffled in, dragging a small suitcase from behind. The two of us stood silently next to one another, as the bell chimed and the doors slowly closed.

"Long night?" I innocently asked as we made our descent to the lobby.

"Yeah." TJ kept her eyes forward. "Worth it though."

I smiled, stealing a quick look at her from the corner of my eye.

"Thank you, again," she said softly.

"Anytime."

There was a brief pause of silence.

"Your new song comes today," she stated.

"It does. Are you going to listen?"

"Of course."

The elevator slowed once again, the doors opening to the lobby. As the two of us exited, I wondered how this goodbye would play out. It would only be a week apart; TJ and the band were travelling to a few more places for promotional work, while I stayed in the city for a few more days before heading home. I couldn't help but wonder, however, what would happen when she returned to LA. Would anything be like it was this week?

TJ cleared her throat as the two of us walked down the hallway, inching towards the open space. "Well, I guess I'll see you when I'm back," she whispered.

"I'd like that," I whispered back, relieved to hear her words. Maybe this meant this week wouldn't be the last for us.

"Um..." she chewed her bottom lip, "Or I could text you or something?"

I nodded, noting the hint of nerves she was exposing. "Yeah, I-"

"TJ!" A voice interrupted.

Silas hastily walked towards her side. "We-" he cut himself off as he glanced in my direction. Silas quickly smiled, adding a short wave, "Hey man, sorry, gotta borrow her for a second." Silas grabbed TJ's arm, pulling her towards the rest of her bandmates and Hank. Just before they were out of earshot, I heard him say, "TJ, we have a problem."

CHQ1: Aww, cute TJ/Carter moments. Which night was your fav?

CHQ2: Why do you think TJ's worried about Carter thinking she's using him?

CHQ3: What do you think the problem Silas brought up was??

<3

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