The Group Chat Fic

41

"Is this really what New York City looks like?"

Mark took Jack's hand, nodding. "Yeah. It's bigger than what I imagined."

"That's what she said." Anti muttered.

"No, that's what Mark said a week ago-" Jack smacked Felix's arm. "What was that for?"

"Shut the hell up about it already."

Felix groaned. "Fine, I'll listen to you."

"For once." Dark muttered.

Chase ran ahead of the group, standing in front of the theatre. "Guys, this is it!"

"Someone's excited." Wade said, grinning.

Chase turned to him. "Fuck off, I just want to support my boyfriend."

Mark opened the doors, and everyone piled in, walking into the large, empty auditorium. The group saw Thomas standing on stage with another man. Thomas was holding a ukulele, and he began playing it. The other man began to sing.

I don't wanna drive a fancy car today
I don't wanna ride in a red corvette
I don't wanna jog my Saturday away
But I don't wanna go home yet

Thomas joined in as the group took their seats at the front of the audience. Chase stared up in wonder, entranced by the sound of Thomas' voice.

Today is not the day to jump out of a plane
I don't wanna parasail or play roulette
I don't wanna risk it all or go insane
But I don't wanna go home yet

The two on stage looked at each other, smiling, as they sang the rest of the song together.

I just wanna watch the birds go by
From my handy foldable, blue canvas throne
I wanna watch them from my chair
And see them soar up into the unknown
But I'd feel just like a nerd
Watching birds
Watching me here all alone

I don't wanna breakdance or learn tae-kwon-do
I don't wanna fish 'til all the fish are gone
I don't wanna roller skate, even if it's slow
I don't wanna pass out in a marathon

I don't like soccer, baseball, track or field
I'm not up for a match of polo
I don't wanna seek or try to stay concealed
I'm also not up for... water polo

I just wanna watch the birds up there
Track the migratory patterns that they flow
I wanna watch them from my chair
With my binoculars, my latte and my phone
Trying to spot a lark
In the park
Parked in nature all alone

Alone here with the doves
The sparrows, the ospreys
The owlets, the eagles, and my list
It's just me and Mr. Finch
The robins, the kingfishers, the snipes
Though I heard they don't exist

Each little species
And it's little way can teach me
What awaits you
If you can get away
I wanna watch the birds do what they will
Sorry if I'm ornithologically prone
I wanna watch them from somewhere undisturbing
Quiet, calm, still
Sit right here and gaze into the unknown

I don't wanna fly in the sky

I just wanna be alone

The man shrugged at Thomas. "It's not a big deal, or anything." Thomas nodded, strumming his last chord.

I just wanna be alone

The song ended, and Thomas smiled at the man. "Great job, Terrance. That was perfect for the show."

"Thanks, man. I'm sorry, I just get so nervous singing in front of everyone."

Thomas shook his head. "Don't be nervous, you'll be great. You have a better voice than I do by a long shot."

"Hey!" Chase yelled at him. "I take offense to that!"

Thomas looked up, his eyes hopeful. "Chase? Virgil, house lights!"

The auditorium brightened, just as Chase sprinted onto the stage, tackling Thomas in a huge hug. The group laughed, and Terrance stood in shock. "I'm... just gonna go..." He quickly walked off.

"I didn't know you guys were coming today!" Thomas yelled at them. "And you didn't have to show up here."

"Of course we did." Jack sat on the edge of the stage. "We all wanted to see you."

"Plus, Chase wouldn't shut up about it." Wilford added.

"Shut up, guys." Chase groaned.

Thomas laughed. "No, no, it's fine! I just wish you would've given me a heads-up."

"Nah, it's more fun this way." Jack smiled. "If we did, we wouldn't have been able to hear you sing."

"Which was really good, by the way." Felix spoke up. "Do you have a vocal coach or something?"

"Nope, just choir in high school."

"That's hard to believe." Dark muttered.

Virgil appeared behind everyone, smirking at Chase, who was all over Thomas. "Okay, guys, let's go to the hotel or something, so we can all catch up."

"Or have sex." Anti coughed, earning a smack from Jack.

"Sounds like a plan." Mark tugged on Jack's arm. "Come on, guys. We'll order a pizza when we get to the room."