So this is my response to suburb's awesome challenges. I've never done one before, and I'm super excited. This is also my first fic in the JONAS fandom and a Nick/Macy because the pairing has a special place in my heart. Please tell me what you think! I feel it's too cliché, but I liked it enough to post it anyway. I'm actually worried about characterization, so if you've got comments on that PLEASE share. Hope you like! I was actually inspired by two quotes, so I'll put them both up.
"True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked." - Erich Segal
"The expected's just the beginning; the unexpected is what changes our lives."- Grey's Anatomy
Disclaimer: I own nothing. It's probably better for the world this way, but it leaves me very unhappy.
Nick was standing at his locker with his brothers and Stella, when they noticed something unusual: Macy Misa walking by without a smile on her face or an enthusiastic greeting for her best friend or her favorite band.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think she didn't even see us standing here."
Kevin scoffed. "That's impossible, Joe. Macy!"
She snapped out of her trance. "Hey, guys. Sorry, I didn't see you standing there."
Nick looked at her, eyebrows raised. "A little low on the enthusiasm today, Mace. What's up?"
She sighed. "My guidance counselor thinks I need to be more well-rounded if I want to get into a good college, so she wants me to do something not athletic or academic. I was trying to think of activities to join, but I've got nothing."
"What about your JONAS fan club?"
She grinned at the good-natured teasing and gave Joe a light shove. "You know that I'm not the president of the club anymore. And besides, she said it showed a great deal of initiative, leadership, and dedication." She paused before continuing. "She also said it was slightly creepy."
Stella shook her head. "What about art or music?"
"My best drawings are stick figures. And I think we can all agree that music is not my thing."
Kevin leaned against his locker, a thoughtful look on his face. "No, that's not true. We know that singing is not your strong suit. What about an instrument?"
She bit her lip, unsure. "I don't know about that…"
Joe jumped in. "Who knows, you might turn out to be good at it."
"I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar," she admitted shyly. "But where am I going to find a teacher who can work around my sports schedule?"
"I'll do it."
Macy turned slowly, eyes wide. "Really, Nick?"
"Sure. The tour's over, so we've got a little break before we have to start recording for the new album. But I'm not gonna take it easy on you." He added, winking at her. She stuck her tongue out at him, hands on her hips.
"Well, Lucas, don't forget that I'm a nationally ranked athlete in 10 different sports and a straight-A student. I can take a challenge."
A slow smile broke over his face. "Well then, this should be fun." He stuck his hand out, and they shook on it, completely oblivious to the stunned looks on the faces of their friends. Stella managed to shake it off faster than the other two. A high-pitched squeal escaped her, startling the group. Joe clapped his hands over his ears.
"Stella, did you have to do that in my ear?"
The stylist fixed him with a death glare and opened her mouth to reply when the warning bell raing. . "Um Macy, we're going to be late."
Macy's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "I have first period with Nick."
"I know. Let's go." Stella dragged her friend away, tossing a knowing smile over her shoulder at Nick.
"We'll meet up later to set up a schedule," he called out. Baffled, he turned to see his brothers smirking at him. "What?"
Joe shook his head. "I never thought I'd see the day."
Kevin. "Me neither, Joseph." Pause. "Wait, are we talking about the same thing?"
"I'm talking about Nick letting Macy near his guitar."
"Ok, good. Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page."
Nick rolled his eyes. "Guys, it's no big deal. She's our friend, she needed help, I offered. That's it." He closed his locker began to walk down the hallway towards his next class.
Joe and Kevin trailed behind him. "Nick, you winked AND smiled at her."
"I've been known to smile on occasion."
Kevin pulled out a notebook. "Let's see. According to my latest tally, you've smiled a total of 5 times."
"Since last week?" Joe asked.
"Since last year." Kevin consulted his notes again. "And while most of those smiles were for girls, you definitely have never both winked and smiled at the same girl in one minute."
Joe shook his head, tossing an arm around his brother's shoulder. "Face it, bro, you've got it bad for little Macy Misa."
Nick shook his arm off. "I think by now I'd know what it feels like when I have a crush on someone. Trust me, those are not the feelings I get when I look at Macy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some lessons to set up." He grabbed the book out of Kevin's arms. "And this is mine, thank you."
He hadn't lied to his brothers. He didn't have the same feelings for Macy that he did for his other crushes. There were no instant connection, fireworks, no butterflies in the stomach, no urge to write a love song or paper his locker with her photographs. Yes, the admiring look in Macy's eyes made him stand up a little straighter. Yes, her hand had fit just right in his. He couldn't deny that she was pretty and smart and funny with enough of a competitive spirit to actually challenge him without being irritating.
But that didn't mean anything. Macy was just a very good friend, and he was helping her out like he would for any friend.
Satisfied, the rock star found a seat in his classroom and began mentally planning out his lessons with Macy, unaware of the slight smile growing on his face as she raced into the room panting seconds before the bell rang.
A/N: To be clear, I don't want to imply that Nick's already in love with Macy, just that he's starting to develop feelings for her. This could actually be expanded into a fic, and I've got some ideas, but we'll see what people think. My dialogue felt really stiff, but if I don't post this now, I'm never gonna get time. Please review?