The Things That Keep Me Alive (Keep Me Alone) by garnetice (M)

[queenitsy.livejournal.com]

Fandom: BIG TIME RUSH
Pairing: Kendall/James
Length: ~12,000
Author on LJ: garnetice
Author Website: Fic master list
Why this must be read: Kendall and James have a fascinating dynamic on the show -- they're best friends who fight, who sometimes hate each other, and the show is practically founded on the idea that Kendall has just been given something that James has always wanted. Their relationship is intense, and it isn't too hard to imagine it as a ticking time bomb. This fic is fantastic look at what happens after that bomb goes off, ending their relationship (and taking the band with it), as well as a look back at exactly how they ended up this way. The emotions in this fic -- guilt and anger, especially -- are palpable and feel very true to the characters.

James plugs the order into the touch screen computer near the wall and brings the girls their drinks. The first girl is still smiling at him so hard he’s a little worried that her face might break when she says thank you. The second barely looks up from the table but throws out a precursory thanks before returning to her conversation, which seems to be a vivid blow by blow of the most recent action in Palestine.

James doesn’t have time or the interest to eavesdrop. He makes his way back towards the kitchen, ready to deliver orders to other tables when-

“Diamond,” a voice snaps. A tiny Asian woman totters towards him in five inch heels. The Dragon Lady. His boss. She says, “Our floor show cancelled, and I’ve heard you have a voice on you.”

James blinks.

“I can sing?”

“I don’t know,” she drawls, “Can you?”

“That’s what they tell me.”

James grins, tries to make a joke out of it. No one has asked him to sing an actual gig in at least five years.

The Things That Keep Me Alive (Keep Me Alone) . There is also a companion piece, Save Your Ammunition For Somebody Else.