A/N: Oh good gosh…so we've gone past the 50 review mark? I.Can't.Believe.It. Dang…Idk what to say except "Thank you". And I can't say that enough-You guys have no idea how grateful I am for all of you, each and everyone!

^-^ All sappiness aside, let us continue with the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own Big Time Rush and I hate disclaimers.

Face Value

Chapter 10: Back To The Studio

"I'm ready to go back to the Th'ool of Rocque…" James muttered, trudging down the sidewalk alongside his disheveled buds. Their little disagreement with Jett had cost them their ride with Kelly; and now they had to walk to the studio.

"Who cares if we had to stay after and clean up? They shouldn't have been so mean to you." Logan replied, pulling part of a baby carrot out of his ear.

"A week's detention is worth it." Carlos nodded. "And you have to admit, that was pretty funny when Kendall threatened to rip out Jett's teeth and give them to you,"

"Yeah," James exclaimed, "but now everybody hates me, becaus'th Mi'fth Collins made us watch that sth'upid video about bullying." He frowned, remembering the reproving glares of his classmates as Ms. Collins popped in the dusty, out-dated VHS tape and went into her repetitive, kindergarten-style spiel on 'name calling' and 'hurt feelings'.

"We don't hate you," Kendall declared, wrapping an arm around James' shoulder as the Rocque Records sign came into view. "Things will be better at practice. We have shows to look forward to, a hot new single, and just think of all the girls that will be screaming your name when we go back on tour this summer."

"I hope you're right." James mused.

"Of course I am," Kendall quipped, pulling open the glass door. "Now, c'mon, let's not keep Gustavo waiting!"

They all ran inside, following Kendall when James suddenly noticed a girl approaching from the sidewalk and doubled back to get the door for her.

She was a beautiful girl, with delicate pink lips and soft auburn hair that flowed past her dainty shoulders. All dolled up in a pretty little floral frock and velvet boots. Stunning. Exactly James' type.

He gave her his most dazzling smile, holding the door open as she walked inside. He'd hoped she'd glance up at him with a quick 'thank-you', giving him the perfect opportunity to ask for her number. But his confidence in the art of wooing just wasn't going to be enough today.

Instead, her lovely eyes fell on his face only a moment before she scurried past him, without even the courtesy of a returned smile. James' shoulders slumped when she stopped a short distance away and stared back at him over her shoulder, disgust clear in those gorgeous, hazel-green eyes.

"Hey, James, ya comin'?" Kendall called, drawing him out of his sad reverie.

"Yeah," James answered slowly, turning back around. "Right behind ya," he dug his hands into his jean pockets, stalking off to catch up with the other guys.

An unfamiliar melody filled the hall, growing louder as they came closer to the studio entrance. They entered the studio and Gustavo immediately stopped playing.

"You're five minutes late," He began, getting up from the piano bench. He peered through his yellow sunglasses, taking in his dogs' messy appearance. He ogled at Carlos and Kendall, who'd initiated, and in turn, taken the worst of the fight. "What happened to you?" he asked, pointing at the rips and tears on their food-stained clothing.

"Well, we—"

"—Never mind," Gustavo put his hand up, halting Kendall before he could explain, "I don't care." Kendall snapped his mouth shut as Gustavo plodded away yelling for his assistant. "Kelly! Where's my coffee?"

"Cool song,"

"Awesome,"

"Love it,"

"Perfect,"

Kendall, Carlos, Logan, and James commented. Gustavo spun around on the piano bench, blatantly proud of the new demo he'd written for BTR.

"Yes. I'mamazing." He heralded, rising up. He grabbed a stack of papers from the piano top, handing a packet to each boy. "Alright dogs, sound booth –Except James."

"Wait, why not James?" Carlos asked worriedly, halting at the door.

"I have something more important for him to do; besides, we're just trying on the song today, we're not recording anything." The other three nodded, still confused as they stepped into the sound booth, watching James walk back over to Gustavo and Kelly. Gustavo took him by the elbow, pulling him aside.

"Can I talk to you in my office for a minute, James?" He asked softly. James looked at him warily. Gustavo not yelling was very creepy to him. He backed away a little bit, feeling his skin crawl.

"Yeah, okay…" He gave a puzzled look, following the producer and assistant out of the studio.

Kelly pulled out a chair for him as they entered Gustavo's office.

"Would you like some coffee, James?" Gustavo offered jovially.

James sat down, leaning back in his seat, slowly.

"Um, no…no thank'th you…" He licked his lips, nervously, "but I would like to know, whath's going on?" the request came out like a question, unsure. Kelly closed the office door.

"Look," Gustavo began, finally cutting to the chase, "I just wanna…help…you. I know it's hard for you, so I'm not gonna make you sing today." James' ears burned and he looked down at the floor.

Dang it. Now even GUSTAVO feels sorry for me!

"Mr. X is here, Kelly's gonna take you down to studio B so you can get a head start on the dance moves. Alright?"

James sat still for a moment, not sure what to do, until Kelly opened the door, gesturing for him to lead the way.

"Alright." He answered, barely audible, as he rose from his chair; still feeling flushed.

"James," Gustavo called. James grabbed the door frame, turning around. "Thisis just temporary." The producer assured him, removing his bug-eyed sunglasses and setting them on the desk. "Keep that lyric sheet handy. Learn the words. Be ready to sing as soon as possible."

James smiled dejectedly, nodding his understanding; then accompanied Kelly, exiting into the hall toward studio B.

"X-cellent!" Mr. X praised James' efforts before flourishing towards the studio door. "You may X go now!"

James grinned. It was amazing just how much he'd been able to accomplish within the past 90 minutes with only him and Mr. X in the studio. Two and a half sessions' worth, to be exact; and he was so proud. Still, he was ready to get back to his buds. The one-on-one dance time, no matter how progressive, was also a little lonely. He'd actually found himself missing Logan's accidental face slaps—Kelly had even laughed at him, staying a couple minutes extra to watch him flinch out of reflex on the first few run-throughs before she excused herself to finish up on some paperwork.

Now, it was time to meet the rest of the guys and head home. James strutted down the long, carpeted hallway; posters of 'boy bands past' flanking him on each side. As he rounded the corner toward studio A, he could begin to make out the music.

Kendall, Carlos, and Logan were finishing up with Gustavo. The new song was shaping up nicely. James paused just outside the door, listening as their voices rang out clear and strong; the warm tones swelling into a brilliant harmony.

His friends sounded pretty good. Actually, really good.

—Without him—

:'(

Intentional or not, man does it hurt to be left out!

…We're about to start edging towards a little more angst here, dear people…

Review? I'll love you for it :)