[Ryan]Never Thought That I Could Walk Through Fire

[Joel Carter Foster]

Joel looked down at his watch, trying to see how much time he had before he had to be at MTV to meet up with Ryan for their interview. He’d just finished taking a chemistry test in the studio, finished up dance rehearsal, spent a little less than an hour in the studio, and was trying to get in time for a quick shower before he had to get there. He licked his lips quickly before he headed out of the studio, throwing up his hand for a cab, climbing into the back of it while it was stopping. “ Uptown, please” he said, sitting back in the seat and taking his phone back out. He sent Felicia a quick text since he wasn’t sure if she was in class or on her way to the studio. Last night with her had been fun, but he always sort of enjoyed spending time with her. He was lucky to have the group of friends that he did, and the people that had been introduced into his life from not only his career but his sister. Granted he would have met Ryan anyways, that was one relationship he was most thankful for. His connection ran much further than friendship, that guy was family to him and always would be, regardless of what was going on between him and Madeline. Even if Joel didn't think Ryan was protecting himself the way he should. . Joel hopped out of the cab and ran up to his apartment, seeing Lance on the couch. “ …. Hey..” he said awkwardly, still not entirely sure how to react to him lately. He’d been staying in a lot, not doing much besides work. “ Kiersten coming over later?” he questioned while heading into the bathroom and shutting the door. After taking a quick shower he ran into his room and changed to what Felicia and Zoe had picked out for him to wear for his interview.

Joel shook his head to the left to get his annoying hair out of the way, waving back to Lance. “ I gotta go do an interview. I’ll see you and Kiersten later tonight? Maybe. See ya man.” he said, pulling his jeans up at the side as he walked out of the apartment. It was sort of funny that the two of them were roommates when they couldn’t understand each other half the time because of their accents. It sort of made living with Lance feel like a sitcom. After hailing another cab, Joel sighed. He was more tired than he’d ever admit. But how could he? The people he admired and respected most in the industry never complained of being tired. There wasn’t a chance he was about to seem weak and do the same. Besides, if he said he was tired now, there wasn’t a chance in hell Logan would let him do his tour starting in January. And he was doing that damn tour if his life depended on it. “ Times Square, please” he said, taking his phone back out. He hadn’t called Madeline today yet so he figured he should do that before his day got carried away. When the taxi came to a stop, he held out the money and headed inside quickly, waving at a few people at the door before he made his way around the building that he’d become extremely familiar with over the last few months.

Joel hung up with Madeline once she said that Patrick was coming in, and slid his phone into his front pocket. He tapped his knuckle against the door to the make up and wardrobe department and stepped inside. “ Sup guys?” he asked casually, sliding his jacket off before he plopped into the chair. He made a face as they came at him with the make-up. That was still something he’d never like. He smiled though as wardrobe came in to give him an outfit to wear, but then went ahead and approved what he had come in. He sat up, lifting his shirt so they could attach his microphone before he shook his hair to the left again. Seriously, annoying. It had been cute at first but come on. Who cared anymore? Joel was sure as hell over it, and he didn’t think Logan really gave a damn anymore. “ Do you think we have time for someone to cut this?” he asked, pulling his fingers through is hair. ‘ Yeah right, Renner would kill us.. Joel dropped his hand and sighed, looking back in the mirror. “ I really don’t think he cares that much,” he muttered under his breath. Joel scanned the counter before his eyes rested on a pair of scissors. He looked over his shoulder at the people who were discussing how the interview would go before he looked back at the scissors. Joel smiled before be picked them up, pulling up a chunk of his hair. He heard the girl that had worked on his make up yelling at him as he cut the hair and then dropped it on the counter. “ Okay, well. Can someone atleast even this out for me then?” he questioned before smiling brightly.

Half an hour later, Joel was walking out of the room, shaking his hand through his freshly cut hair and grinning. “ Has anyone seen Ryan?” he asked, passing a few set assistants “ Or Logan?”. Logan might be more important right now. He didn’t think Logan would be mad. But he could make his life hell. Not that he would. He looked back down at his phone and took it out of his pocket, putting it on silent so it wouldn’t go off during the interview. When he finally came onto the set he could see Ryan, or atleast the only possible person that could be Ryan due to his height. But his hair was cut, which it hadn’t been the day before. At least he wasn’t the only Taboo artist to get his hair cut, but let’s face it. Logan wouldn’t give a shit either way about Ryan’s hair. A lot had been going on in their lives lately and honestly Joel could not be more eager to get this tour started so he could get the hell away. He hated seeing Ryan put himself in pain, he just didn't see the benefit in sleeping with a married woman. Loving her or not. It hurt Ryan when she was away, or when she got hurt. But everyone knew Patrick was an ass, Ryan moreso than anyone. Regardless, Ryan was his brother and that meant something. It meant for than anything to Joel. David had died, and his parents had adopted three other kids basically. Rosie, Felicia, Ryan. His new siblings. And some of the only people that could ever understand or fit into the Foster family dynamic. Joel took a quick step running before he bounced on the couch and jumped on the tall silhouette of Ryan. He hung against his back, messing up his hair so that the hair and make up crew would have to come back to him. After he fell backwards and onto the couch, Joel sat up, trying to adjust his microphone so that the stage hands wouldn't flip a shit. But they just came over and fixed his hair, shaking their heads at how rowdy he was. Come on, he was a teenage boy. Joel sat down, coughing as he adjusted his mic and leaned back against the chair he was siting in. No cozy couch for these two. Shit could get uncomfortable. " All your talent was in your hair, you shouldn't have cut it off" he said dryly, running his own hand over his hair before he placed his right ankle over his left knee, waiting for Ryan to do the intro to the interview.

[Ryan James O'Neil]

Ryan looked at his hair in the mirror at his freshly cut hair, glad to not have any shit poking his eyeballs now. He'd only just gotten it cut today and though Patrick was now home and Madeline had to go back to whatever hell that was, she still hadn't seen his hair. He didn't know what she would say about it though he didn't think she would really care too much. He'd been texting her off and on all afternoon, between recording sessions and photo shoots, but he'd kind of neglected to mention it. Ryan had no idea where Joel was, probably wreaking havoc with the wardrobe department Ryan was sure. This interview would be fun he figured, and good. It'd take his mind off Madeline maybe, or maybe not. Maybe all this talk with Joel would only remind him badly he wanted her. Ryan had seen Logan lurking around somewhere, with one phone on his ear, the other in his hand, carrying two conversations an barking orders with a clip board and also managing to eat a sandwich that Ryan was sure was made with love that morning by Blake.

Ryan made his way over to the set after the camera crew had put a mic on him, and he stood for a moment before sitting down, texting Madeline back and told her he was doing his interview so id he didn't text back, that was why. As he slipped his phone into his pocket, he felt a pair of arms latch onto him from behind, knowing it was Joel. "Ugh, what is this, a surprise attack? Are there no rules in this place?" He grinned as Joel messed up his hair before he tossed him off onto the couch behind him. Ryan stood straight, laughing and sat down before the hair lady could come fix his hair. He just waved her off, telling her it was fine. He;d seen himself in a distant mirror, he looked like a rock star with just rolled out of bed hair. Which was what it looked like before they fixed it the first time. So now he just looked normal. Ryan sat down, stretching his legs straight out in front of him and waited while the camera guy got set up, saying back to Joel, "I could say the same about you bro." He smiled, and then the lights went off around them on set, and just the stage was lit, the camera guy giving Ryan the okay to begin talking, they were being recorded now.

Ryan sighed inwardly, he hated interviews, they required a lot of talking. "Hey, I'm Ryan O'Neil and this is Joel Foster, and you're watching MTV's "Inside Taboo Records" special where we sit down and ask each other really embarrassing questions and put each other on the spot mercilessly until someone leaves in tears. I'll start with the first question," he said casually, keeping a completely straight face. He cleared his throat dramatically, "So Joel, brothuh of mine, is it true that you convinced Renner to sign you by agreeing to clean his toilets for a year?" He paused, and then laughed softly, "Just playin'. But seriously, you jumped on the big man's desk and sang to him a capella, clearly he liked what he heard. How has working with Logan been different then you thought it would be after violating his workspace?" Ryan raised an eyebrow in question, trying not to laugh. It was common knowledge around the studio that Joel was like Logan's little protege, but jumping on his desk could have easily back fired.

[Joel Carter Foster]

Joel sat up on the couch, adjusting himself so he looked presentable when he saw Logan walking by with a sandwich and about eighty different gadgets attached to him. “ Why did he get a sandwich and we didn’t?” he asked with a frown. Usually Blake sent food for everyone. Like their food intake depended on her, which some days.. it did. He looked down at his stomach before he looked back up at Renner. Not a chance, that thing would be gone before Joel could steal it. Joel grinned at the fact that Ryan had to open the show. The guy in Taboo Records who liked to talk the least, opening the show. After he presented himself Joel shook his head, “ Don’t mess this up for me. Shane and Blake made themselves look like people everyone would want to be friends with. We gotta one up America’s Sweetheart and that loveable bastard,” he said, pausing to look up at Logan. “ Does that get bleeped?” he questioned, not really caring. If it didn’t, they would just edit it out. Didn’t want to ruin his image now did they. Must be easier to be a rock star instead of a ‘teen pop sensation’. At least Ryan could say whatever he wanted to, Joel had to be careful. It just didn’t feel like himself a lot of them, but then again.. he did love the music he made.

Joel laughed as he listened to Ryan start out the question. “ Cleaning toilets…” he said with a small laugh. “ Nah, man I bet the person that cleans Renner’s toilets makes more money than some business owners,” he said before licking the corner of his lip. “ No, I mean.. I always really admired Logan. Even back in Africa. He was just this young guy who had all this talent, and he didn’t want to do the pop image anymore. It wasn’t that he couldn’t do it. Cause he could rock the hell out of it. It was just that wasn’t his sound. He had a lot of respect for himself and for what his talents were, and I knew that if I was going to break into the business, I wanted someone that would respect me just as much as they respected themselves. He wasn’t a sell out. That was important to me,” he said, whipping his hair to the side out of habit, even though there was a lot less of it so it was moot. “I never really thought my sister was cool until I found out that she was going to be in one of his music videos for uh.. Lovestruck? I think it was. Anyways, I hounded for weeks..months.. Let me get at this guy,” Joel laughed quietly to himself, “ But inevitable it came down to the fact that.. I mean.. Logan branched off and started his own record and I thought man if I could just get this legend to sign me.. and I want him to do it based on my talent, not based on my family. So I actually lied and I id a little background history. I knew he didn’t have time to just meet with Joe Schmo off the street, so I made an appointment to meet with him under the name Riley Collins. The name would get me in, and I’d have a chance to sing for him. And it worked. Clearly.” he said, tossing just his hands off of the chair as he gestured to everything around them. “ Violating his workspace..” he said, staring at the ground as though he was deep in thought before he licked his lips. “It could have seriously backfired. He could’ve called security. But I wanted to show him, I mean.. I’m in your face. I’m energetic. I talk a lot, I’m enthusiastic. I’ll do anything I can to get you to hear my music if it means shoving it down your throats. I’ll from radio station to radio station, singing the same song over and over again acoustically just to get an audience. I’ll make an ass of myself and jump on the most important man in musics’ desk if it means grabbing your attention, and I think that still holds true. I’ll do anything it takes to get your attention, to get you to listen to me.” he said, cracking his thumbs out of place as he thought back on it. And it was true, he would do whatever it took to get his audience. He wasn’t about to give up any time soon. “ But come on,” he said, glancing back at the camera as he looked over it to see Logan. “ That is not the first time his desk has been violated. There’s a studio rule that if Blake isn’t in her studio and Renner’s door is shut, don’t go in there.” he said, slightly shaking his head. “But you’re no stranger to violating the workplace. You had a girl half naked in the hallways once listening to some Porcelain lady song.. something or other. Anyways, you’re up.” he said gesturing to Ryan before he leaned forward to pick out a question. He scanned over it quickly, before he coughed and leaned back, “ Alright Maineiac4ever…, clever, wants to know what your largest inspiration was for your newest music coming out,” he said, tapping the paper against his finger before he looked back over at Ryan. “Is this going to answer who is also your favorite Foster? I mean no peer pressure but I did write at least two songs about you,” he offered, putting his hands up as a white flag.

[Ryan James O'Neil]

Ryan was relieved when Joel went into an entire spiel about how his career started and Ryan relaxed a bit in his chair. This was why he and Joel got along so well, Joel talked a hell of a lot and Ryan didn't. But Joel had a hell of a story, the kid really did work his ass off and things were working out awesome for him. Joel was, being that Ryan didn't have a brother, the best brother Ryan could ask for, if he was going to get one. For there being an age gap, they still seemed to understand each other pretty well. Ryan told Joel stuff he didn't tell everyone and he was sure Joel did the same. After Joel had told his story of his blossoming career, Ryan nodded, "Yeah, guys, come on. Look at his determined face. How can you not love it?" He grinned too, looking over at Logan, "Man, that is true." But when Joel mentioned Ryan's own experiencing with violating the studio he shrugged, "Also true." Ryan stopped and thought for a moment, thinking how he was going to answer Joel's question with out being like, "Oh well i'm inspired musically by my girlfriend who is married to someone else, also known as your sister." He took a deep breath, deciding to kind of explain their most recent album, "Well, we released Can't Stop Won't Stop not too long ago. A lot of those songs were inspired by past relationships, break ups, um... my friends. Yeah, I guess a lot of it was inspired by my friends and their situations, things that have happened to them, or things I learned or realized because of them. Like, Girls Do What They Want, yeah. I wrote that song about Mackenzie Bannon. Well," he stopped, holding up a finger, "It was inspired by her. Not about her, because she really is one of most kind hearted people you'll ever meet. Nothing like leading on boys or any of that. But, back when I lived with Shane, , we lived like, right next door to Mackenzie. And she was friends with Shane so she came over and hung out, and it was like, me and my band, and Shane and his band, and any other various crew guys... and Mack. And she just kind of did whatever she wanted. I just found it mildly humorous, to be honest. It got me thinking, like, seriously, you get a good looking girl in here, you think any guy is gonna tell her no? No way, gonna let her do what ever the hell she wants." He shrugged, "But that's kind of the way I get inspired, I don't always write necessarily about people, but inspired by people. But then too I have songs that are completely written about one person, word for word. People who I've written songs about, or written songs for, you most definitely know who you are. So it varies. As far as new music... we haven't really announced anything officially..." he looked at Logan who just shrugged, as if to say, go for it. "We actually filmed three music videos, and we kind of held off on releasing them... but its kinda funny, because my hair in all of them is long, which it is now not. I really don't want to give too much away, but you can watch for a couple of EP's coming soon, one of which, is a Christmas inspired EP, the other just because... I got writing a lot recently and didn't want to wait to release them. Those songs are kind of... relevant to my current situation." Ryan took a deep breath, "Well, fuck. This is the most I think I've ever said in an interview." Which was true, he usually didn't go into such depth, but Joel was so good at this stuff and Ryan knew this was the kind of stuff that kept fans interested.

"Okay next question..." Ryan pulled a new question, reading it, with raised eyebrows, "from MrsJoelFoster, would you ever date a fan? Well of course she's going to ask that, mrsjoelfoster, psh." He laughed, "But I got a question too, when can we expect new music from you? I'm itching for some Joel Foster for my iPod."

[Joel Carter Foster]

Joel scratched the back of his neck before he looked over to Ryan and listened to him explain his writing process. He knew from Madeline that one of the songs was written about David, and he knew purely by the fact that he wasn’t a fucking dumbass that a lot of it was written about his situation with Madeline. But Ryan was a private guy, he wasn’t going to just put that on blast, plus it would’ve meant tarnishing Madeline’s personal life as well. Being friends with a guy, not a problem. Him writing an album for you. Slightly unhinges things a bit in the world of the husband. “ Yeah I think for most artists we would say that same, I mean..its just life experiences. People react to them differently. Artists feel the need to let it out through whatever their craft is, painting, dancing, singing, writing. For others its’ work, sports, working out,..etc.” he continued. But damn he did respect Ryan’s work. It may have taken ages to come out, but it was always well worth it in the end. Joel furrowed his eyebrows before he looked back in Ryan’s direction. “ Which music videos did you guys film?” he asked curiously he said before he was distracted by Ryan cursing. “ I wonder how much it costs Renner every time we curse. Fuck shit balls” he said, making a serious face as he looked over the camera man at Logan.

“ Mrsjoelfoster” Joel repeated lazily in the same tone of speech as Ryan before he puffed out his cheeks and sighed. “ Uh..” he said with a slight shake of his head. He hated that question. More than anything in the entire world. “ Yes and no. I mean.. If someone’s a fan it isn’t going to make me rule them out, it’s more like an extra perk. I want the person that cares about me to be a fan of my work, of what I do and what I’m proud of. But um.. yeah coming on strong like that really pushes me off. The screaming and the notes and all that, I appreciate, I do. It means a lot to know that I’ve impacted someone in that way. But it also sort of .. I don’t know how to explain it. I want someone to love me for me, not for what they think I am. Or what I represent. I get annoying. You don’t get to see that in interviews, or performances or award shows.” he said giving a slight shrug of his shoulder. “ But thankfully,.. I can also say no to that. I’m already dating Dani Cooper, so that sort of takes a load off my back. I’m lucky that she has a busy schedule like I do, because the fact of the matter is if she didn’t I’d be a horrible boyfriend. I put work before everything. Everything. Logan shouts Chemistry questions at me during dance rehearsals just so I won’t fail school,” he said with a small laugh. He lifted his eyebrows when Ryan asked about his music. “ Soon. Well right now. I mean coming up.. I’ve got some stuff I recorded um,… I’m not sure if you’ve actually heard Never Say Never but that was written about, inspired by you.. Somebody To Love was inspired by your situation. I’ll let your fans marinade over that. I too have some Christmas stuff, I think the music video for Mistletoe is getting released later this week. And then um.. I think there’s gonna be an EP before I head out on tour but I’m not even sure on that. But I leave next month for tour. So I’m really excited about that. It’s my first one, and I’m hoping to see everyone there. I’m sure Logan will make some guest appearances. Try to mooch off my stage time.” he said sarcastically before he smiled towards Logan.

“ Alright you asked your own question, I’ll ask mine” he said before he sighed while thinking. He knew that people were probably caught off guard by how close they were. Joel Foster a little teen pop star, Ryan O’Neil, a fucking rock star. Close as can be. They would probably want to know why and Joel didn’t mind talking about his relationship with Ryan but he sure as hell didn’t want to go into specifics. Madeline never mentioned David in interviews, and Joel had no problem talking about him, privately. “ It’s no secret that we are closer than I think either of us ever imagined possible.. especially upon first meeting each other. You were this tall lanky guy that my sister was friends with. I’m this short energetic kid who talks your head off. But I’d say we’ve inspired each other a lot..” he said honestly, giving a small shrug of his shoulder. “ I mean you weren’t there for my first tattoo but you were there for my second one, and both of them sort of represent family to me. The Taboo logo and then this tattoo that I have on my shoulder blade. Let’s get all velveeta cheesy for a quick second, and I’ll admit you’ve inspired me to sort of lower my walls down and let people in, that sometimes they’re beyond what you expected. That family is everything and that you don’t have to be blood related to someone to have that inept need to protect them. So Ryan O’Neil… how has the Foster family influenced you?” he questioned, smirking in Ryan’s direction before he could answer.

[Ryan James O'Neil]

Ryan nodded in agreement about artists all kind of just getting things from experience. It was true for really any or all of them. People just write about what they know. Ryan sat back, playing mindlessly with the hem of his tshirt, "Uh, well we're releasing Everything I Ask For tonight, and then next week, we're releasing Girls Do What They Want. That one is cool, it's all tour footage put together. So it's sweet. And then the following week, kind of doing a leading up to a Christmas gift from the Maine, the EP's, we're releasing the video for Into Your Arms, which your sister is in. That on had a little bit more, creative process to it, I think we kind of took it a little more seriously, then say, Everything I Ask For, as far as videos go. Kind of excited for that one." Ryan looked over at Logan, "Fuck. Asshole. Bastard. Yeah he hates us." Ryan shook his head and then turned back to Joel while he answered his question. That was so true, some fans were crazy obsessed, there was no way you could have a healthy relationship with anyone like that. And Ryan nodded, acknowledging the fact that those songs were inspired by himself. Interesting. But he did pipe up about Logan, "Yeah, he'll steal your stage time for sure. He really is such a tool." Ryan paused to turn and look at Logan, "Such. A. Tool." He looked at Joel seriously, "I knew from the moment I met him. First day of Kindergarten, asshole fucking ate my red crayon." He looked back at Logan again, "Fucking ate it. I had to borrow Shane's. Ridiculous."

"Hmm. Well, I think I've been greatly influenced by the Foster's in so many ways. You're family has done more then just take me in like I was part of the family, I mean. You're mom first of all, has to be the sweetest woman alive. And your Dad, I can really only aspire to have a mustache like his someday. But you guys, your parents, you, Madeline, all of you, have somehow managed to be more of a family to me when I needed it. I know it doesn't sound like a lot but it's hard to describe. I don't think you realize what you've done for me on my end of things, I know its a lot of, what Ryan's done for us, but seriously, I can't really thank your family enough for being like another set of parents, siblings, friends, not just to me. I mean, you guys treat my little sister like family as well. I mean, its weird but safe to say your parents will watch this like their watching two of their kids in a distant country," he laughed, "Jennifer, I'm sorry about all the cursing. And I apologize to your friends who may also be watching. I also apologize for whatever influence I have had in Joel acquiring tattoos." He shrugged, giving a small smile to the camera, "But seriously, I love you guys. I aspire to be as cool as you in the future. Really." He nodded, digging around for another question, "Joel, from NeverSayAshley, Recently you've had a lot of gossip blogs implying relationships with other celebs that you've denied, like Natalia Richmond. Whats true and what isn't? And how do you deal with the lies? Hmm, there's an interesting question."

[Joel Carter Foster]

“ What a fucking tool,” Joel said with pure hatred in his eyes as he looked at Logan. “ You ate the mans red crayon? That’s his favorite. You heartless bastard. Take what you want from the man, but not his red crayon damnit.” he said, giving a disgruntled sigh. “ You aren’t some kindergartner anymore slumming it up with Shane Madden in the back of a classroom having to share crayons. You’re Ryan O’Neil. Can someone get him a red crayon please?” he said with mock annoyance as he looked at a few of the set assistants. “ But go back real quick,” he said going back to what Ryan had said before that. “ My sister is in your Into Your Arms music video? Was it weird having an ex be in a video? Pretty common knowledge you two were an item. Then she’s in a video about rekindling. “ he said as more of a statement than anything as he looked Ryan in the eyes. Joel smiled as Ryan spoke about his family. They did pretty well at functioning together, at least that’s how he felt about it. He was the angriest one of them all, but.. they worked around him. And Ryan had just fit in so naturally to their little unit.

Joel scrunched his nose as he thought about his mom watching with her friends. She really was the sweetest woman alive. Ever. “ Oh.. yeah. Sorry mom. Sorry ladies,” he said, giving a small nod to the camera. “ But I’m just a kid and a product of my influence…” he said, trying to subtly tilt his head in Ryan’s direction. “I’m pretty sure the Foster Christmas card is going to have Ryan smack in the center in a santa suit next year,” he laughed, thinking back on how much relief it felt to have Ryan in their home. “ I forgot to tell you that they want you to come home a little after the new year,” he said, shaking his foot out of habit as his ankle lay lazily over his knee. Joel took in a deep breath and sighed as he listened to the question. “ Yeah.. I hear that I’m in a lot of relationships. But you just gotta let it roll off your shoulders,.. I mean.. some people take it way too seriously. I mean commentors wise, people who have no idea about the situation. If I know I’m not involved with someone I don’t really care. Then you see people on there that are like, damn no one is perfect. Lay off them, blah blah blah. And I mean I agree.. to a certain point. But at some point you have to realize, that if you want this life, the fame, the glamour, the travel.. I mean it comes with certain responsibilities. And one of those is that people expect perfection from you. I could bitch and moan and groan until the cows came home about how unfair it was and that people expect perfection from me, but.. the fact of the matter is I chose this. No one is forcing me to do this. If I can’t handle the heat, I sure as hell better get out of the kitchen. I’m not an idiot. I understand that every move is criticized and I don’t expect anything less. If you can’t handle that, you’re in the wrong profession. And it’ll slowly eat at you until the point where it drives all of your loves ones away. Each and every single one of us is replaceable. No matter what we think..” he said, pausing for a moment before he shook his head. “ But I just let it roll off my shoulders. You want to think I’m dating someone? Whatever. Anything I have to say isn’t going to change your mind. I very much appreciate the concept of privacy, and I think I’ve been really good at keeping what’s important to me and personal, private. At the same time I understand people are just doing their job. Putting yourself in the limelight sort of means giving up a lot of things, and having to be mature about it. It’s a lot of sacrifice. You have to know when and what isn’t acceptable, how to pick your battles. But damn,.. if I was dating half the girls it said I was, I don’t know how I would get any work done I’d be so busy.. but I’m good with just Dani. She makes me happy. She makes you happy, too. Quit stealing my girlfriend. I’m sick of her being at your place all the damn time. “ he said, tossing a glance in Ryan’s direction.

Joel intertwined his fingers before he stretched his arms out and popped his fingers. After reaching into the box and taking out a question he sat back in his seat, reading it over quickly. “ FeelO’Neil would like to know what inspires you to do so many covers, from such different genres. And what led you to doing the Victoria Secret Fashion Show with that particular song? And did you meet Kanye” Joel said, throwing the card to the side. “ Side comment, gotta stick up for my girl here. Kanye sucks. I probably just started some sort of twitter war and I don’t care. Talent or not, that guy is just flat up rude. I bet he ate all sorts of red crayons,” he said as though it was the most vulgar thing in the world to do.

[Ryan James O'Neil]

Ryan laughed, dodging the random shit that was being thrown at them from off camera by Logan, finally hitting Ryan's shoulder and bounced off. "Oh," Ryan said looking, "He ran out of shit to throw." He turned back to Joel who had gone back to what Ryan said about Madeline being in the music video. Ryan kind of didn't want to comment on it but before he could say anything, an empty water bottle flew into the screen and hit Joel square in the head. Ryan let out a laugh, giving Logan a thumbs up behind his chair where the camera couldn't see. Saved by Logan, he was being useful for something. Joel went on t talk about fame and privacy and Ryan had to agree on all accounts, adding, "It's weird, it's like, getting into this business you know what you are signing up for, and you tend to prepare yourself for the prodding and the questions. But then there are some celebrities that just have no sense of what to keep private. I don't get that, there are still huge parts of my life that I keep very private. People don't need to know that stuff. It's weird to me, that other celebrities, even people we know are like, view fame so differently, but lets face it, we're all still people. We all still deal with real stuff, we're not like, unattainable idols. I still feel like an average kid out of high school and I am lucky enough to write music for a living. I don't need people memorizing the name of my dog or keeping tabs on every single thing I've ever said. I'm really not that interesting," he laughed, "At least I don't think so."

Ryan rolled his eyes at the fan name, but they were being good sports about it. "Well first off, no I did not meet Kanye. I actually had no idea I was performing, so I wasn't even really near the other artists. I was just there because you were performing and Madeline was walking in the show, so I went." He wagged his finger at the camera, "It was Madeline who put me up to it, she didn't even tell me. That was fun though. I like doing covers. As an artist, I realize that my music isn't perfect nor is it loved by all. I can recognize that there are so many great genres and musicians, artist, bands out there, and I'm a fan of music just as much as I am a maker of music. To me doing a cover is like the highest form of flattery. Obviously I love someone else's work if I'm gonna cover it. What about you, did you performing at that show? Because you were on stage for a little more than I was. Do you think doing that Victoria's Secret Runway Show will bring you a bigger fan base? 'Cause I do."

[Joel Carter Foster]

Joel flinched when the water bottle hit his head and turned to look at Logan behind the camera. “What are you gonna do when your precious protégé wont sing and dance for you like a puppet? Ryan can’t do the hairflip as sexy as I can. It’s not gonna make you money. And he can’t do the jerk OR the dougie. You seen him try to dance? He looks like a retarded seal. ” he said before he looked back at Ryan who was explaining fame and how he viewed it. “ I don’t know. I think a lot of people think you’re this unattainable idol. But it’s a bit different. USUALLY you’re so quiet, that it makes you seem more unattainable”he said, thinking back on how Ryan’s personality came off to those who didn’t know him. “ Where’s a cover of any of my songs then?” he asked, trying to seem hurt at the fact that Ryan didn’t want to flatter him with a cover. How rude. Joel laughed as Ryan talked about that night. “ Yeah I knew she was going to do it before it happened. She told me when you got there. Sorry bro..” he said, grinning as he leaned back. “ She did great that night.. but maybe I’m biased, I’m just really proud of her. And it seems like they are too, so that’s great. If you’re gonna be a bear, be a grizzly. And she walks around in lingerie like it’s her job… I mean,..well you know” he said, shaking his hand over his hair.

“ Do I think it will bring me a bigger fanbase?” he repeated, thinking it over before he gave a slow nod. “ Yeah I think so, but it expanded yours too. I mean any time we can reach a new audience is a great thing as an artist. But of course, the best part for me was getting to grab a kiss from Rosie. Did you see it? She was all over me. It was embarrassing. I was like whoa babe, save some for later. It’s ridiculous. What about you, did you hook up with any Angels that night?” he asked tentatively, looking over in Ryan’s direction. “ Alright man, what was the hardest thing for you to give up for fame?” he asked, deciding to ditch the box for now and ask his own questions. “ And what is the one thing you would give it all up for?”

[Ryan James O'Neil]

Ryan leaned over to Joel and jokingly added, "Psst, Joel you can't flip you're hair anymore..." He laughed but shrugged when Joel mentioned how quiet Ryan usually was. "I know, it's honestly odd that I've said so much, but its just you me, Logan and a camera really. Maybe I'd clam up if there was a live audience... although." He stopped, thinking about all the people that would watch this, "Yeah, now I'm feeling all self conscious about it, and I feel the need to stop talking." He stopped, rubbing the back of his neck. Joel asked him why he didn't cover his songs and Ryan added simply, "I don't have the pipes to do you justice." Joel mentioned how proud he was of Madeline, and Ryan felt it too. Being proud, but Ryan had other reasons why he was proud of her too. "Yeah, I think she's their favorite." He smiled, thinking about how they always gave her the most expensive pieces to wear, she got to open the show... and of course she loved every second of it.

Ryan could only laugh when Joel recapped his onstage flirtations with Rosie and Joel asked him if he'd hooked up with an Angel after the show. Ryan just shook his head, "If I did, I wouldn't share it," he grinned. Joel then asked him what was the hardest thing he'd given up for fame. Ryan just shook his head once more, "Nothing. I haven't given up a damn thing for fame, you have to aim for fame in order to give up things to attain it. But I never aspired to achieve that. if I gave up anything, it's time with my family when I'm away, but I didn't give that up for fame. I give that up for my own love of what I do. I haven't given up anything for fame because fame was never a goal, more of an add on, although I don't consider my self famous at all. I mean we have fans, but those to me are just a large group of supportive friends who love what we do as much as we love it. If there was one thing I would give up everything for..." he thought for a moment, "I think I'd give it all up if I could have every thing that I write about. Every love song has to be about someone right? If having that person meant giving it all up, I'd do it. I spend so much time writing about it, clearly that's what I aspire to have. Not fame." He chuckled. Indirectly, he just said he'd give up everything for love, but surely Madeline would know that meant her.

Joel had ditched the questions, so Ryan figured he would too, "So Joel, if you weren't a singer, what would you be doing, or what do you think you want to do years down the road when you settle down?"

[Joel Carter Foster]

Joel spoke quietly, like it was only him and Ryan talking as he ran his hand gently over his hair, “I know but I feel like it’s still there so I want to flip, it’s like this phantom hair,” he said, looking at Ryan to see if he understood him, he usually did. “ Don’t be self conscious. You’re gorgeous and people want to hear what you have to say. Usually,” he said, tapping his hands against his knees. “ Please, I barely have the pipes to do myself justice. You’ve got the best pipes at the label.” he said as though that was ridiculous. He laughed though, as Ryan did about the Victoria Secret show and shook his head. “ I think she’s your favorite, too,” he added off-handedly. “ You guys are close though,. Best friends. She didn’t like you looking at other girls,” he said as though it were a caveat before he ran his knuckle over the inside of his eye from being tired. He had to respect Ryan for how he answered his question, and he knew it was true. Ryan never wanted fame. On the same note, Ryan was very aware what the price of fame was. He smiled faintly to himself, knowing how Ryan was talking about Madeline. It was dumb that they weren’t together, especially when the connection between them was so strong. He’d never seen anything like the magnetic pull between the two of them, and though he knew he had no place for it in his life right now, he hoped someday that would change and that he could treat a girl the way he knew Ryan would treat Madeline given the chance. “I’m sure there’s thousands of girls out there dying to give you the fairy-tale ending you’re hoping for,” he said sarcastically before giving him a small smile.

“ Man..” he said quietly, thinking to himself. “ If I could do anything besides this..” he said slowly, “ I would want to go to school and major in psychology and become a grief counselor.” he said, matter-of-factly. “ I mean, if I had to do something outside of the business, that’s what it would be. But look at Logan. He’s “ settled” down. And his career has never been so… amazing, outstanding, accomplished. I hope to be as successful as him someday. That’s why I’m sort of trusting him to guide me along.” he said, looking back at the box before giving a small sigh. “ Alright I guess we better finish this up so people won’t get sick of us yapping at each other.” Joel reached into the box and took out the last two sheets of paper, handing one to Ryan and keeping one for himself. “ Reveal something about the person sitting next to you..” he read off. “ Ryan is really into photography. Like really into it. And if he’s home and shark week is on, don’t even think about talking to him. It was the first time ever I heard that Parker actually brought dinner to someone at the couch instead of at the table..” he said with a small laugh. “ He’s a hopeless romantic, though you wouldn’t expect it. He’s never been with a groupie, so girls can quit trying. His favorite food is Mexican. Which he gets from my girlfriend… He isn’t shy. He just likes to choose his words carefully. He’s the best guy to have on your side no matter what you’re facing, always there for you. He’s the guy that girls write about in their diaries. About going to planetariums and looking up at the sky and talking about love. He’s also the guy that will insist you should have just one more drink, about a dozen times. He’s a hopeless romantic, Mexican food eating, guy you wanna have on your side, careful with his speech type of photographer. And he’s the best brother I could’ve asked for. And a horrible dancer. “

[Ryan James O'Neil]

Ryan only laughed and shook his head when Joel said he was sure there were plenty of girls who wanted to give him a fairy tale ending. Ryan didn't doubt, he was sure there was too. But those girls weren't Madeline, they didn't know him like she did. Didn't want him for the same reasons she did. "Yeah, I'm sure their are..." he said. Joel went on to answer his question, saying he would want to be a grief counselor. Ryan nodded, "Yeah, I can see that. I think you'd be good at it too." Joel would be good at it. He was good at telling people how it was. But he was also good at taking in everything they said and taking it into consideration. A great listener. Joel hen pulled a paper that said to describe the person sitting beside him, so Joel began describing Ryan and Ryan had to admit he was pretty spot on. Ryan wasn't a difficult person to understand. He had his main interests, music, photography, anything intellectual. He was also a hopeless romantic and a quiet thinker. That pretty much summed him up in a nutshell. Ryan nodded once again, "Yup, that sounds like me. Well done." He smiled, pulling out the last paper in the box, "Alright last one. Better be a good one."

Ryan unfolded the little strip of paper, reading the question aloud, "Okay Joel, how serious is your current relationship, and by serious, do you find yourself participating in adult situations....? Who the hell wrote this question? Okay I'm gonna save you some of the trouble, just tell me do you write your songs about one girl? You're girlfriend maybe? Or about multiple girls?" Ryan wanted to know what on earth kind of fans wrote questions like that. But it kind of answered the question. If Joel was just writing songs about one person then that might mean he was serious. Of course, Ryan knew he wasn't really dating Dani, but this kind of saved Dani from some explaining too.

[Joel Carter Foster]

Joel ran his hands over the pants of his legs before he brushed them off against his knees. “ Adult situations?” he said with a lifted eyebrow. He ran his tongue over his lips quickly as he tried to think of how to respond to that. Answering it incorrectly could look poorly on Dani. I mean, she was engaging in those activities a hell of a lot more than he was, but it certainly wasn’t with him, and it certainly didn’t go with her Disney good girl image. Taking in a deep breath, he sighed quickly. “I mean. I’m a kid. And I’m going to make choices in the process of growing up. Some people may think that it’s me growing up too fast, and some people may think that it’s just me growing up and experimenting, making my own choices. But I say all of that knowing that I’m in the public eye. I didn’t ask to be a role model, but that’s part of the requirement of being in the business. Whether I want it or not, my decisions influence others. I mean that’s why I would never tell someone else a choice I made was right for them, because it’s one I made for myself. Every circumstance is different. But it’s your life, you’re the one that has to deal with the consequences. Good and bad. So if I’m a role model for anything, I want it to be that people take into account what is going on in their lives, if they’re emotionally or physically ready for a physical relationship, if they’re in a place where they could raise a family if they had to since that’s a consequence. If youre going to make adult decisions, be ready for adult responsibilities. I’m not here to say follow my lead. I make mistakes, I make choices that are for myself and not what I would tell my best friend in the world to do. If you make a choice, stick to it. But if you’re going to make a choice, be smart about it. Research it, understand the pros and cons. You want to have sex? That’s up to you, it’s your choice. But research STDs,learn about protection, think about what it would be like to wake up at 2 am to a crying baby. You want to be abstinent? Great that’s your choice, too. There’s plenty of material out there for people to research on either side of the spectrum,”. Joel smirked as he looked over at Ryan, speaking quietly. “ My mom is probably going to run soap through my mouth for saying sex on tv.”

Joel cracked his neck to the side quickly. Honestly, there wasn’t a damn person at all he was singing to when he sang love songs. Some of them were inspired by relationships around him. Blake and Logan, Shane and Claire, Madeline and Ryan. But as often as he sang about it, there wasn’t ever really anyone he ever imagined himself singing to. And he didn’t see that changing any time soon. He loved his career way too much to set aside love for anyone else. “ Oh yeah,” he lied, giving a small nod as he reached his hand up to scratch the side of his jaw. “ Dani’s been a great influence to me. She makes me so comfortable with myself that it makes it easy to sing about falling in love. Falling in love isn’t graceful, it’s not like in the movies. You’re clumsy. Are you talking too fast? Is something in your teeth? What if she thinks I’m an idiot.. And to just lay it all out there is scary. Regardless of if you have thousands of fans screaming in your face or not. But she’s amazing. She’s the best friend I could’ve asked for in this journey that I’m taking. I mean, you’ve seen her right? She’s beautiful. I could write songs just about the way her eyes light up, Spend days just with a journal and a pen, writing about wanting to spend holidays with her, instead of out enjoying it with the rest of the world. And she puts up with a lot. From me. The schedule, my antics. Late night phone calls, putting up with questions about me in interviews. But I have no doubt in my mind that there isn’t a better suited girl for me. When I first started out singing, I didn’t think there was anything in the world like standing on stage, feeling the love from everyone who came out to support me. But it’s in every hug, kiss, smile.. from her. It’s.. beyond amazing. And if I can make her smile just by writing a few songs and doing a few music videos then why wouldn’t I? And maybe there’s some guy or girl out there that can connect to it and feel just as sappy about love as I do.” he said before he looked at Ryan, giving him a small grin since he knew he was completely full of shit.

“ That being said, when I write said songs about Dani, like Mistletoe, Ryan is usually in the studio with me since Dani is on set at the Disney lots.. So I get to sing this heartfelt love songs to this beautiful creature sitting beside me… Look at him… so fucking beautiful,” he said, sitting up quickly. Joel pulled his pants up at the side before he crawled onto Ryan’s chair, talking over the muffle of his mic, “ About to make some adult decisions here,” he said before he sat in Ryans’s lap and put his hand over his mouth, leaning in like he was going to kiss him. But after leaning away he pressed his finger against Ryans lips. “ Shhh… Wait till the show is over…” he said before running his hand over the side of Ryan’s face. Joel remained in Ryan’s lap, running his hand over his hair before he turned to look at the camera. “ I think that’s about it for this special with Taboo, today… we gotta let you guys go before Ryan starts getting all sorts of noodz on the television. Though it’s not the first time. Google it. Anyways… thank you so much for joining us today and we can’t wait to see you at all of the stops on our tours, hearing more questions from the fans. You guys have a great holiday.. and uh… just party every day like you’re shufflin’. That’s all I got… Deuce,” he said throwing his hand up in the shape of a deuce before he looked up to Logan to make sure they were done.