A/N: Hey everyone! My first Big Time Rush fanfiction, hope you enjoy it!

Summary: When the boys' careers are in jeopardy after some bad publicity, they are willing to do anything to stay in the music business. Gustavo takes this as a golden opportunity to have a little 'fun' and make the boys look like complete idiots.

Disclaimer: I don't own BTR :'(

Tension was etched into every line on Kendall's face as he leant forward in his seat, eyes fixed on the television screen. His eyes flickered from side to side as he observed the same actions from his band mates. James' fists were clenched, Carlos' palms were shiny with sweat, and Logan's lips were bitten and raw. The news reporter on the screen was oblivious to the pain she was causing these four boys, as she rambled on through the headlines.

"Come on..." Kendall murmured, voice cracking slightly.

"And finally, Big Time Rush or Big Time Flush? Have the hottest boy band of the moment torn their own careers to shreds? Vanessa Jacob reports." Kendall's breath caught in his throat. He looked over at James, green eyes boring into brown ones, both sets asking the same question- 'What?' Kendall ripped his gaze from James' and turned back to the screen.

"...at an exclusive signing yesterday, the boys from Big Time Rush proved that they are not all that they seem. One fan claimed to have been snubbed and 'shoved out of the way' by the boys, whereas another said that the band 'refused to sign her book and tried to push her'. Big Time Rush haven't been around for long, but after this, all of their hard work could be right down the drain. Back to you in the studio, Sally." Kendall's green eyes stayed fixed on the television screen, but he didn't register the words coming from the broadcaster's mouth. He turned to his right, to find the other boys looking just as he felt. James gritted his teeth and slowly stood up. His fists were still clenched, knuckles white, chest rising and falling. Suddenly, James struck out at the coffee table in a blind rage. His foot connected with it, creating a loud bang.

"What on earth is she talking about?" James shouted, glaring around at the others. Logan blinked, looking slightly shocked.

"James, we have no idea. We're just as clueless as you are."

"I want to know what's going on." He growled, gritting his pearly white teeth. There was a colossal bang as the door was practically torn of f its hinges. A furious looking Gustavo stormed into the room, a crumpled magazine in his hand. The magazine was thrown onto the coffee table in front of the boys, the glossy pages flipping to a particular article.

"What is this?" Gustavo asked, voice thick with rage. Logan pursed his lips, Carlos' eyes widened, James' breathing became more rapid and Kendall pushed down the growing lump in his throat, but none of them could pluck up enough courage to answer their irate manager. "You know what, I'll tell you what it is. It's an article, slating the four of you, tearing down your reputations, turning your fans against you. Investors are not interested in backing hated bands, boys. I'm afraid your careers in the business may be over, although they've hardly even started."

"But-but, Gustavo, we've worked so hard to get where we are!" Carlos interjected, his voice cracking. Gustavo shrugged.

"I guess that's showbiz." Kendall stood up, shaking slightly.

"Gustavo, please. We'll do anything to stay in the music industry."

Pause. Tick. Tick. Tick.

"Anything?" a sly glimmer appeared in Gustavo's eye.

"Anything." Kendall replied, confidence beginning to grow again. Gustavo raised his eyebrows, rubbing his coarse hands together like a fly.

"Well, I suppose that could just make my change my mind." Gustavo backed out of the room, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. As soon as the front door had closed, the four boys let out a sigh of relief they had no idea they'd been holding.

"Kendall," Logan pulled his hand across his face, rubbing his weary eyes. "what on earth did you just sign us up for?"

"Knowing Gustavo, it'll be humiliating." James said, sitting down on the coffee table and dropping his head into his hands.

"Guys, would you rather go back home and live a flavourless life where we're destined to become nothing, or would you rather live life on the edge and continue our musical careers?" Kendall asked, green eyes sparkling, confident in his recent decision.

"Well, I'd like to actually be alive while continuing my musical career." James muttered into his hands.

"Guys, I know Gustavo can be tough, and we could be half dead by the time this is over, but surely nothing can be worse than almost our whole fanbase hating us for something we didn't actually do?" No sooner were the words out of Carlos' mouth had a rotten tomato hit the window, splattering everywhere. A girl's voice came floating up from the ground floor.

"...I don't know how you can live with yourselves, treating fans like that. We made you what you are today!" All four boys looked shocked. Kendall's mouth dropped open, eyes flickering from friend to friend. Logan turned to Carlos.

"... Maybe it won't be that bad."

Did you enjoy it? I hope it was okay! Thank you so much for reading, it really means a lot! :D

thebestoftimes11 x