I do not own Big Time Rush

Chapter 7 – Of Interviews and Intents

Beta: UnlockedPotential

"What are you doing?" Logan asked with a raised brow. He glanced at a particularly eager Carlos who looked as if he were close to launching himself off of the couch and towards the radio.

It was almost 9 am. Carlos usually slept in 'til 10 – especially when they weren't required to be at Rocque Records early.

"D4LA with Radio DJ Drew is on" Carlos cheered.

"Why are you so loud?!" James yelled as he walked out of his room, his blindfold still on. "How am I supposed to get my beauty sleep with all this noise!?"

Logan rolled his eyes and decided not to point out that he was making much more noise than either he or Carlos had been.

Ignoring James' groan as he seated himself beside Carlos, Logan pointed out his observation, "You don't usually listen to the morning radio, what's so special about today?"

"I'm glad you asked," Carlos grinned, pleased, as he sat up in the couch, "DJ Drew has two very special guests today – the voice stars of Lucy & Ava!"

Now it was Logan's time to groan. He should have known that it had something to do with that ridiculous show.

"Stars do guest appearances on all sorts of shows," James gripped – hmm, his crankiness was wearing off – as he sat on Carlos' free side. "What's so special about this interview?"

"Alix almost never does any interviews," Carlos revealed and it was clear that he was curious as to why that was. Logan had to admit that he too was curious. Alix Vermont wasn't the most open person. But he did think that she was warming up to them.

Carlos continued, "And on this program both of the voice actors are gonna be on. Rebecca Dinkely – she plays Lucy – is always busy. She goes to a lot of charity dinners, benefit concerts – she's the one that goes out to promote the show the most."

"You know a lot about the show and its cast," Logan couldn't help but point out. He would have continued had Carlos not shushed him when the music, signalling the return of the DJ began to play.

"Welcome back my wonderful, beautiful people!" DJ Drew's voice blasted through the radio. "Thanks for staying with us as we return to our –"

It was at that point that Kendall strolled out of his room, clad in his shorts and tee, speaking over whatever the DJ was saying. "Hey guys what are you –"

"Quiet!" Carlos yelled tossing a pillow at Kendall, which hit him squarely in the face.

"Oh boy," Logan winced at the look on Kendall's face, before he subtly (not) moved further from Carlos. And it was a good thing he did, because in no time flat, Kendall had launched himself over the couch and towards Carlos.

Well now, none of them would get to listen to the interview.

His friends were so…childish.

"Come on guys," he began beseechingly as he watched Carlos and Kendall wrestle each other, pillows in hand, "Can we be a little more mature? This i–"

He never got to finish his sentence, because it was at that point that James sprung up from the couch – bell in hand.

"Wait, where did you get that bell?" he asked confusedly.

"Internet," James answered brightly.

Logan's next questions were when and how, but he was interrupted from answering when James hit the bell.

"Pillow Wrestling Match!" he announced as he tossed the bell to one side (Logan heard a crash and the sound of a cat, of all things, screeching) and brought up a bulky pillow of his own, before he launched himself at Kendall and Carlos.

"Guys, it's too early for t –"

All Logan got was a pillow to his face for his efforts.

"Alright that's it!" he announced as he grabbed the pillow that was thrown at him. "You're all going down!"

The interview was soon forgotten.

Alix's time was generally split between two areas – Rocque Records and the Palm Woods. There were the few instances in which she had to go somewhere other than those two places – on behalf of her show of course.

She only went to interviews – be they TV interviews, radio, podcast – when the higher ups got tired of her excuses and running around and demanded her to attend.

Alix wanted to avoid as many questions about her person as she could. She was a voice actor, so not as many persons cared for her as much as they would someone whose actual face was on their TV everyday – but she was a celebrity nonetheless.

She knew that the only reason that she had been allowed to shirk the many…celebrity 'obligations' was because of Griffin – but he would only allow her so much distance before he yanked her back by the rope he had around her neck.

"So what is it about your show that you love?"

Which was why she was currently going 'wuff' for an obnoxious Radio DJ. Then again he was only doing his job – pry, pry, pry.

At least it wasn't a television appearance.

"What's there not to love?"

The only upside was that she had Rebecca with her.

"I mean navigating the sea of teenage-dom is difficult when you're a regular teen. Now imagine that if you're only half-human and you have to deal with the cultural nuances of two different worlds."

She was always enthusiastic during interviews – mainly because she had to cover up for Alix lacklustre responses. The best part was that she didn't seem to mind.

"I like the story we're telling. And I mean movies have been made, but an episodic tale about it? Lucy & Ava is one of a kind."

"Or the first of its kind," the DJ added.

It was then that Rebecca discreetly elbowed Alix in her side. It was time for her to add her bits.

"It'd be awesome to know that we headed some kind of pop-culture wave," Alix mustered up convincingly, "The show deserves it. We have an amazing crew back at Rocque Record."

At that, the DJ fiddled with his mixing console and applause sounded.

"At this time, I'd like to make the obligatory –" here a scandalized gasp was heard " – kidding, you know I love to do em," The DJ joked.

"Shout out to Roque Records and the production team of Lucy & Ava. And of course the lovely ladies that I have the privilege of having on today's show."

"Thanks so much Drew," Rebecca beamed.

The DJ grinned at the two of them. He was good-looking Alix could admit that much.

"Alright next question – Rebecca, what do you look for in a guy?"

"Seriously?" Alix rolled her eyes at the question. She probably should have spoken lower so that the microphone didn't pick it up.

"If you think you're tired of hearing them, imagine how I feel always asking them," Drew spoke good-naturedly before he shrugged. "Enquiring minds want to know."

He repeated the question.

Rebecca gave a small smile. "He has to know how to cook," at this admission Alix smiled, "I eat a lot. And I prefer home-cooked meals than fast-food any day."

"Well I'm out then," the brown-haired DJ threw his hands up in defeat. "I can cook a handful of three things and they all go between bread."

Alix snorted, she couldn't help it.

"Are we talking grilled cheese, hotdogs and hamburgers?" Alix quipped. "'Cause I can relate."

Pearly white teeth smiled at her. "She speaks!" he declared triumphantly. "I've been trying so hard to get to say something without my or Rebecca's prodding –" Drew addressed the listeners directly "–Rebecca has been elbowing Alix to speak. But this time she said something without either of us dragging it out of her."

The man was good.

"You respond to witty remarks – I'll note that," brown irises winked exaggeratedly at her. He stared at her expectantly. "So Alix, what do you look for in a guy?"

"A good sense of humour and honesty," Alix answered from the top of her head.

"So I guess Drew may be an option?" Rebecca teased, which was so like her. She meant well, she thought that Alix needed to break out of whatever 'shell' she currently lived in.

"My guys have to be at least my height," Alix answered dryly.

"Low blow," Alix smirked at the DJ's response, "And poor choice of words, me."

Drew pressed a button and laughter sounded around them, "But anyway, I have to add that my girls have to be legal."

Rebecca and Alix and the few other persons in the studio with them chuckled.

"What's the team dynamic like?" the DJ commented when the laughter died down, "On the show Lucy & Ava, Lucy – the sister you play Rebecca – is the girl of few words. And Alix – you play Ava, the outspoken rebel without a cause. We know how Ava and Lucy get along, but how do Alix and Rebecca get along? Do you get to spend a lot of time together?"

"Rebecca and I get along just fine," Alix decided to answer, "We're not as close as sisters I admit, but I learn more and more about her every time we're together. Rebecca is wonderful."

"Awww," both Rebecca and the voice effect that DJ Drew played expressed.

"Alix is an amazingly down-to-earth girl and she's dedicated to her work," Rebecca spoke up soon after, "Unfortunately she and I haven't been able to spend all that much time together lately," Rebecca admitted, "I've been away doing a lot of benefit events and all that while Alix is the one in the studios getting those hours in."

Alix raised her brows in thought – her avoiding public events by using work as an excuse was seen as dedication? Well, if it worked…

"At least I know she's not always working," Alix's gaze snapped towards Rebecca and the dark-skinned girl squinted at her brunette counterpart. The look Rebecca was giving her was suspicious to say the least. "Rumour has it that, Alix has made friends with an awesomely insane group of guys."

"Oh?" Drew perked up at the bit of information and Alix tried to hide a cringe. There were rumours about her and BTR. "And these group of guys would be…?"

Alix groaned and Rebecca grinned at her shamelessly.

"They're Gustavo Rocque's latest project – an up and coming band called Big Time Rush. They're members are James, Kendall, Logan and Carlos and they are all really cute."

Well look at that – Gustavo got free promo of his band. He'd be happy.

"How do you know this?" Alix blurted out. Rebecca hadn't been around the studio for a while. And she wasn't exactly all that into the rumour mill either.

"I met this adorable little girl called Katie when I was waiting for you in the lobby earlier today."

Of course. How could Katie not meet Rebecca on her first day back in town? Things wouldn't go right if she didn't.

"We really hit it off when she found out that I worked with you."

Alix suppressed another groan. It seemed like Katie had just found an effective round of ammunition against her.

Logan spit out a mouthful of feathers as he reclined on one of the pool side chairs.

"I can't believe you guys let Mrs. Knight kick us out," he blamed his friends.

"Says the guy who was on top of the pile," Kendall smirked as he shook his head free of the feathers.

Kendall sat directly to his right and James, who was combing his hair (for the 19th time), was to Kendall's right.

Logan rolled his eyes – so what if he got a bit carried away?

The final chair was occupied by Carlos, who looked…like a petulant child with the pout he was sporting.

"I was listening to DJ4LA and you ruined it!" Carlos whined at them. "I wanted to hear Alix's interview."

That made Kendall jerk up in surprise. "Alix was on the radio?" he asked, throwing Carlos an accusing look. Carlos' pout gave way to a sheepish grin.

"Did I forget to tell you that?"

"Uh, yeah," Kendall enunciated in a tone that said 'duh'. "You didn't tell me on purpose didn't you?"

When Kendall made to get up from his chair, another brawl seemed as if it would ensue, James spoke up.

"Woah, woah, hold up!" James declared pushing against both Kendall and Carlos. Kendall had all but crawled over him to get to Carlos, so he had been caught in the middle. Logan was glad that it wasn't him.

"Can we just chill?" he asked, "And talk about girls that are not Alix Vermont?"

"What's your problem with Alix, James?"

"I don't have a problem," he answered.

They stared at him disbelievingly. "I don't!" he repeated throwing his hands in the air. "I honestly can't wait for one of you guys to start dating her, so that Logan and I–" here he indicated to Logan and himself, "–can have some decent Girl Time with the loser."

Logan nodded his head in agreement. It wasn't the first time – having two members of the group fight over a girl (sometimes it was three or all of them fighting over a girl), but it did make activities like 'Girl Time' and hanging out in general a little weird for the ones who weren't fighting.

"Now let's just sit back, relax and enjoy the other hotties that the Palm Woods has to offer," James announced smoothly as he reclined in his chair, but not before waving his hand to a passing brunette who giggled back.

Kendall and Carlos made faces at each other, but more or less settled down as James had suggested.

Logan followed suit thereafter, relishing in the sudden silence.

"You are so going down," Kendall and Carlos declared at the same time.

There was a groan – and for once, it wasn't from Logan. Well, at least now the genius knew that he wasn't suffering alone.

Hell hath a name…and that name was Griffin only it wasn't Arthur Griffin that had been set upon her for this day.

Instead it was Mercedes Griffin.

Arthur's spoiled, overly assertive daughter that, in Alix's honest opinion, had an eye for fashion, an ear for music and a brain for marketing. The blonde female would be of huge help to her father in an industry that he was already a major forerunner in.

If only they spent more time with each other, instead of ruini…er intruding on the lives of other people for their own gain and/or entertainment.

Like her.

Like now.

Alix hadn't been expecting, when after finally closing out the radio program with Rebecca, to be stopped in front of the radio station by the prettily dressed girl, who had pulled up in her premier car.

Both Alix and Mercedes got along just fine – Alix made sure to steer clear of her whenever she got the slightest inkling that she was around. She wanted to associate herself with Arthur Griffin and his family as little as possible.

It wasn't that the eccentric man was that bad.

It was just that he was the one who'd be able to get anything out of her if he really wanted to. The fact that she was from a different world was a secret she didn't want out – not to anyone.

Who knew what Arthur would do if he found out. He'd either a) find a way to make money off of that fact or b) (see (a)).

But back to what she was saying though.

She hadn't expected Mercedes to show up outside of the radio station. She hadn't expected for Mercedes to be glaring at her as hard as she was either.

"Is something wrong?" Alix asked apprehensively.

"Are you some kind of spy sent by my father's competition to take down the Griffin Empire?" she asked seriously.

Alix blinked owlishly, taken aback. "No," she answered slowly.

"Are you after my father's money? Is that why you're trying to get close to him?"

Alix felt a bit insulted. This was her longest conversation with Mercedes and the heiress was throwing accusatory questions at her. "No, I don't want your dad's money," she answered sharply, "And I'm not trying to get close to him either. He creeps me out. He's my boss – nothing more, nothing less."

It was best to make herself clear right from the very start, even though Alix wasn't sure what she had done to deserve the sudden interrogation.

"Did you just say my dad was 'creepy'?"

Alix gave a stiff nod.

"Would you ever say that to his face?"

Alix looked at the brown-eyed girl incredulously. "I don't have a death wish." Mercedes smirked – and Alix shuddered at the fact that it looked so 'Griffin'.

"At least you're honest." There was a pause and Alix watched as Mercedes seemed to deliberate within herself.

"Whatever it is that brought her here…it must be big," Alix thought. It honestly seemed as if the heiress was going through some sort of internal battle of epic proportions.

"Alright," Mercedes eventually said after almost three long minutes had elapsed. There was an air of finality around her. "You can stay. For now at least."

Alix's brow crinkled and looked at Mercedes as if she was crazy.

"I can stay? Stay where?"

"What is going on?" she asked seriously.

Mercedes merely waved her hand before turning primly in her designer boots. "That's on a need to know basis and right now, you don't need to know."

"How does that work when it so obviously involves me?"

The blonde shrugged as she got into her car. She put on her shades and smirked at Alix. "You can ask my dad if you're so curious."

Alix's lips pressed into a thin line and she found the heiress' widened smirk (the blonde looked oh so smug) infuriating.

"Later, Vermont," Mercedes said flipping her hair and driving off. She disappeared around the corner of the street in the space of five seconds.

Alix rubbed her temple. She felt a Griffin induced headache coming on – she'd thought that only Arthur Griffin could give her those. Apparently Mercedes Griffin could do the same.

Just what had Griffin done this time?

Alix felt that she couldn't bear to find out.

Three Hours Later

Alix sprawled out on a couch in the Palm Woods lobby – donned in black capri pants and a white baby tee.

She was so going to make Rebecca pay for what she put her through during that final stretch of the radio talk-show (She wasn't even going to entertain the conversation she had had with Mercedes Griffin an ounce more).

But for now she was feeling drained and wanted to do nothing else but relax. And she was relaxing – that is until a weight pressed into her stomach.

"Camille," Alix whined as she pushed against the weight as she sat up.

"Heard your interview today," said girl, who was dressed in a pink jumpsuit, grinned as she got up. She turned and stood in front of Alix. "Well done."

"Thanks," Alix commented dryly. It was then that Alix's eyes flitted towards a pretty blonde girl standing a few feet behind Camille.

Seeing Alix's focus shift, the Methodist actress stepped to the side to allow the dark skinned girl a full view of the new female. The new girl wore a green jacket over a nice white blouse. Her jeans and sneakers were cute too.

"Alix, this is Jo." Camille introduced and Alix managed a small smile even as realization struck at the mention of the blonde's name. This was Jo – as in Kendall's girlfriend 'Jo'…or would be girlfriend.

"Jo, this is Alix."

"Hey," Jo waved, smiling prettily at Alix.

"Hey, welcome to the Palm Woods." Alix greeted back, trying not to be awkward. She was being introduced to yet another fictional character. She stood and held out her hand for Jo to shake.

"Thanks," Jo answered as she shook the proffered limb.

Camille giggled, "She's a bit of a stiff." Alix scowled at her, "But she's my best friend at the Palm Woods."

Alix glanced at Camille in surprise. Did the Methodist actress really see her as such? Camille was honestly a great friend…but 'best' friend though…

She'd only ever classified one person as her best friend in her entire life – her mom. Her mom was so cool and so down to earth. After an exhausting day like the one she had today, when Alix would get home, she would just curl up in her mother's bed. Then when her mom would return home, she'd join her in the bed and the two of them would rant about their day.

Needless to say she couldn't do that anymore.

Alix wasn't even in the same plane of reality as her mom, or her dad or her sister.

"Alli!" Camille shook her. Blinking rapidly (and no the corner of her eyes weren't wet), Alix glanced at Camille inquisitively.

"You completely zoned out on us," Camille informed her, worry on her face.

"Sorry," she mumbled, slightly embarrassed, before she returned her attention to Jo. "How was your first day at the Palm Woods?"

Jo perked up at the question.

"Not what I expected," she admitted with a thoughtful smile. "At all."

"Big Time Rush," Alix said knowingly.

"Yeah," both she and Camille chuckled, both apparently recalling the day they had had. Huh, the both of them seemed to have hit it off.

"Anyway, it's been a long day and I still need to unpack a few things," Jo began with a smile, "But it was nice meeting you Alix. See you guys later?"

"Sure!" Camille chirped.

Beaming at both Camille and Alix, Jo turned and made her exit.

Once Jo was out of sight, Camille turned to Alix excitedly.

The brown-haired girl had been wondering when she would finally burst.

"You wouldn't believe the chaos the guys caused while you were gone. They were all sorta fighting over Jo. And James had an allergic reaction to Baracuda Man Spray. His face, his hands and even his butt got so huge. I felt sorry for him but it was so hilarious."

Alix nodded, snickering a bit. She'd expected as much. There was indeed never a dull moment with BTR around – then again that was how this universe was designed. The show was called 'Big Time Rush' for a reason.

"And have you seen Gustavo's new heavy– Freight Train?"

"Yeah, I've met him," Alix answered thinking of Gustavo's recently hired bodyguard. The man's stature was intimidating– his name suited him. "He escorted Becca and I to the show this morning. He's super friendly. He even went with us to get ice-cream after the show."

"Anyone that gets you ice-cream is a good guy in your eyes," Camille snickered.

Alix gave a shrug– so she had a bit of a sweet tooth. Speaking of sweet tooth, she'd have to pay a visit to the dentist soon, even though she didn't like going to the doctor using the fake medical records of her that they had.

"But enough about that," Camille interrupted her thoughts, "I'm pleased to report that Kendall and Carlos didn't go as all out as I expected them to with trying to get Jo's attention."

Alix raised a brow. "I don't care," she spoke slowly, enunciating the three words.

Camille though, rolled her eyes as she playfully pushed against Alix's shoulder. "You should," she grinned mischievously, "Those two are totally into you."

Alix really didn't like where this conversation was going and attempted to stop whatever course Camille's mind was taking. "They're all girl crazy. It's their thing."

"But–"

"Nope," Alix cut Camille off, "I'm no longer entertaining to this conversation."

"Running away as usual?" Camille goaded.

Alix rolled her eyes. Of course she was – as if she was going to make her life even more difficult.

"Neither Carlos or Kendall treat me any differently than how they treat other girls," Alix stately firmly, "It's not like either of them are showing up with my favourite smoothie in hand because they figured I had a long day."

When Alix spun around, she couldn't help but gape at the sight that greeted her – an excited looking Carlos, helmet on his head and smoothie in hand, zeroed in on her.

"Hey Alix," Carlos smiled at her and approached her happily. "I heard part of your interview today. It was really good."

Alix opened her mouth to thank him, but he continued, stalling her response.

"But I know you don't like doing interviews that much and I figured you'd be getting back to the Palm Woods tired, so I got you a smoothie."

Here Carlos held the drink towards her and Alix, surprised and at a loss for words, took it.

"They were out of melon-pineapple, so I got you guava instead."

Guava was her second favourite flavour. She didn't remember telling anyone that though.

"Thanks Carlos," she began, her throat suddenly dry. The accuracy of the situation – considering she had basically described it not moments ago – was a bit unnerving. "That's really thoughtful of you."

But her words were sincere nonetheless. Carlos was thoughtful – he was sweet.

"You're welcome," he said, a boyish grin in place. "I'm gonna go now, but I'll see you later okay?"

"Okay," Alix said dumbly.

Giving her a thumbs up, Carlos turned and headed for the elevator.

Alix took a deep breath – that had actually happened.

"Well, well, well," Camille's smug voice sounded from behind her.

"Don't say it," Alix said, throwing her hands up (being careful so as to not spill her smoothie). "I'm going upstairs to do my assignments for class."

As Alix walked away, she steadfastly ignored the sound of Camille snickering at her plight. She also quelled the uneasy anticipation she felt in her gut.

Word Count: 4321

A/N: So who wants to guess why Mercedes suddenly met up with Alix. It's not just a random meet up I promise. And Jo is in town as well. I have plans for both Mercedes and Jo. Wait and see okay?

Question: Who would you like to see Alix interact with more? Aside from Kendall and Carlos that is. Katie? Rebecca? Camille? Let me know!

Thank you to everyone who reviewed and favourited and followed. It means a lot to me.

Let me know what you guys think of this chapter. Til next time - laters!