“What on Earth?” I was in complete disbelief; even pinching my arm to see if I was dreaming.
“Hey guys!” I couldn’t focus on his words; those pearly brown eyes were peering straight into my soul. His crooked smile sent me reeling, that fluffy topped main fell into his perfect eyes, hiding those oddly attractive thick brows.
“Why are you guys here?” Crosby broke my concentration; blinking repeatedly, I realized I had been staring.
“Your friend here caused quite the commotion at the mall, got our signing cancelled,” he spoke again looking directly to me a sly smirk plastered across his lips, “you owe us an evening since you decided to crash the party.”
“I..uh..” I blanked, I was never at a loss of words before, “sorry.” I crinkled my nose avoiding the intense eye contact from our celebrity rescue crew.

I blinked repeatedly, trying to figure out why my favorite band had bailed me out of jail. Carter looked as if he was about to faint, eyes widened in shock. “I don’t understand,” I said, stuttering. “Why would you bail us out if we ruined your signing?”

Jack smiled at me, flicking his skunk hair out of his line of vision. “Well, it’s not like we’ve got anything better to do. Besides, we’re dying to know what caused all that. I mean, that was a pretty mean punch.”

Zack laughed. “Yeah, I’m gonna need to ask you for a few self-defense pointers.”

I looked over at Libby, trying to gauge her reaction. “Well...what happens now?”

Their pleasant and fun demeanor instantly threw me into a state of excitement, my grin resembling the jokers, “I think I can help you out with that.” Holding out my hand to the front man, I beamed cutely, “I’m Libby.”
“Alex,” He shook my hand without an hesitation, admiring my eyes.
“This is Avery, Carter, and Crosby.” I gestured to my newly found friends, smiling at Avery.

“Well, I guess the first thing we should do is get you all out of here...this place is making me uncomfortable,” Alex said after exchanging introductions with Libby.

Carter jumped up from his spot on the bench. “Thank God.”

I was excited to be going along with them, but I was still apprehensive about where they were taking us. “Okay, but where are we going?”

“Well, we could head back to the bus and chill there for a while until we figure out something else,” Rian suggested.

We were being invited onto All Time Low’s tour bus? This had officially been a roller coaster of ups and downs, but I couldn’t complain. For being one of Carter’s convoluted plans, this had worked out pretty well...sort of...so far anyway. I would have to thank him later.

The band escorted us outside the jail, only to be greeted by a large black bus gleaming in the sunlight. Jack stood next me, smiling at me as I marveled at their bus. “Welcome aboard, Avery.”

“Hot damn, punch a tramp in the face, go to jail, ride on All Time Low’s tour bus,” I rested my hands on my hips as I stood between Avery and Alex, “pretty good day if you ask me.” I smiled at the tall musician, his bright pearls flashing to me.
“By the way, why did you punch her?” Alex begged, his brow quirking in curiosity.
“Oh yea, she’s a vile piece of shit that fucks over Crosby all the time, and I just couldn’t hold it back anymore.” I shrugged it off like it was a daily occurrence of kicking ass.
“Hm, okay then.” Alex nodded, his bottom lip puffing out cutely.
As we were being led onto the bus, Crosby stopped me by grabbing my hand, “Libs, I’m ganna go back to the mall and get the car, meet you back at the hotel later?” He seemed off and sounded like he wasn’t being totally honest as I watched his eyes shift to the left to avoid my orbs.
“Oh, okay, yea..” I paused, furrowing my brow, “be safe.” I watched him walk off, my stomach dropping slightly before getting on the bus.

The uncomfortable look on Libby’s face and the absence of Crosby told me that something must be wrong. I turned to Carter, who was kicking back beside me on the couch. “What is your opinion of this Crosby guy?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I didn’t talk to him much. He seemed chill, just a little out of it.”

“Hm...” I said. I glanced off toward Libby, where she was sitting and talking with Alex with a smile plastered on her face. “I hope Libby’s okay.”

Carter looked at me intently. “Avery, don’t make her into a project.”

“She’s a friend...at least I think that’s what we are at this point. I don’t make people into projects, Carter,” I defended, folding my arms defiantly.

“That’s a lie, and you know it. You always find your little broken people and try to fix them, help them in anyway you can. All it does is make you feel worse about everything,” he commented.

“Well, then wouldn’t that make you a project?” I questioned.

“You and I are more balanced, I think. But, don’t you remember what happened with-?” he began.

“Yeah, and you don’t have to remind me. Just, chill out, Carter. Libby’s nice, and she can calm me down for some unknown reason. I can’t just dismiss her when she’s helped me so much already,” I explained.

He sighed. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

I turned back to Libby, interrupting her conversation with Alex. “Where did Crosby go?”

Alex and I were already hitting it off with our conversation, laughing back and forth, not missing a beat.
“Where did Crosby go?” Avery’s concerned tone stole me away as I looked to her.
“Well, he told me he was going back to the mall to get the car, and would meet me at our hotel later,” I sighed heavily folding my legs up Indian style on the couch, my knee resting on Alex’s thigh, “what he’s probably actually doing is going to find Marla.”

“Marla, isn’t that the name of the chick in Fight Club?” Jack cooed in, a look of wonderment on his face.
I couldn’t hold back my smile, “It is indeed, her name’s actually Margaux, but I call her Marla cause she’s a psycho drug fiend.”
“Ah, makes sense.” Rian mused.

“But yea, Crosby’s weak for that one, he’s a big boy he can do what he wants,” I huffed in frustration, toying with my thumbs.

I frowned. I could identify with Libby’s concern, because Carter had done similar things in the past, until it was proven that whatever girl he was going after wasn’t worth it. “Why does he like her so much?”

“Cause she’s like forbidden fruit, can’t resist something you can’t have.” I commented quietly, my gaze shifting to the ground. A caring hand patted my knee gently causing me to glance at Alex’s reassuring smile, butterflies fluttering around in my tummy.

“I vote we do something fun, get our minds off of all this pointless drama,” Jack cut in.

“Jack, not everyone’s idea of fun involves getting drunk and/or naked,” Rian mentioned.

“Well, do you have any better ideas?” he wondered.

“Preferably something that won’t lead to us going back to jail,” I commented.

“I second that, but the boys should pick, since I did ruin their signing.” I remarked, my eyes drawing to Alex.
“We could go to a club?” Zack suggested.
I glanced to Avery, already understanding her apprehensive demeanor, I jumped in, “Or we could go do something more harmless, like..” I paused biting my lip, my ideas slipping.

“LASER TAG!!!” Jack and Carter both shouted at the same time, high fiving in agreement.

“It’s perfect!” Alex declared. “We can go play laser tag, then maybe go out for food, maybe even catch a movie.”

“Jesus, it sounds like a first date,” Zack joked.

“Well, for some of us it might be,” Jack grinned, glancing at Alex, who glared back at him.

“I don’t know what just happened, but let’s do it!” I gave them a pumped voice of excitement.

“It’s hot as fuck in here,” I stated, wiping a bead of sweat from my brow.
“Yea it is.” Alex agreed as we stood for the intro of the laser tag game.
“Alright, you ready guys?” The instructor yelled enthusiastically.
“Yea!” We all chimed as he opened the door to the course.

We all took off with a running start, nearly colliding into one another as we made our way into the course. I took the opportunity to dive behind a low wall, crouching behind it and peering around carefully. My usual strategy for laser tag was to hide and sneak up on people if I could, which usually didn’t get me very many points. However, it made me feel like a badass assassin.

One side, Rian and Zack had clearly formed an alliance and were scouting for unsuspecting victims, while on the other side Jack was tiptoeing behind a pillar. I smirked, positioning my gun and shooting the back of his vest with ease and watching the confusion cross his face. He looked around frantically, trying to figure out who had shot him, but he couldn’t see me. It was the just the way I liked it.

Heading for high ground, I found an enclosed fort structure with peepholes and an open wall overlooking the whole course. Grinning from ear to ear from the treasure I’d just found a figure came running from behind me. Swirling around my heart pounding from the thrill of the game, I shot first, the vest blinking in response; quickly looking to the face, I instantly became apologetic to the sad doe eyes of Alex.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry.” I giggled, touching Alex’s shoulder as he fake sobbed.
“How could you?” He whined holding his vested heart.
“Don’t milk it, you had me with the doe eyes.” I laughed, his smile even brighter in the dark room.
“Allies?” I asked holding up my fist.
“Allies.” He signed our treaty by bumping my fist ready to go to action.

I ventured away from my hiding spot slowly, army crawling across the floor quietly. Jack was chasing Carter around the course, screaming like a madman, while Zack and Rian trailed behind them and shot them both. I found a lovely, dark corner to perch myself in and waited. Two pairs of feet suddenly landed in front of me and my eyes suddenly noticed a tree house looking thing up above. Libby and Alex had hopped down from their hiding spot, and with a grin, I shot them both.

My vest blinked and vibrated, glancing to Alex, his was doing the same. In confusion I searched around to find Avery huddled down behind us with a grin on her face.
“Bitch!” I whined holding out my hand for the hiding Avery, as I helped her up I pressed the trigger on my gun that I held it under Avery’s arm, her vest blinking.
I gave her a wild grin before running off, shooting Jack as I passed him.

“Oh no you don’t!” I laughed. I bolted after her, Jack right by my side, seeking revenge. Alex stayed close to Libby, turning around and shooting at us to fend us off.

Jack grabbed me by the arm and yanked me off in a separate direction, weaving through different obstacles and trying not to trip. We turned a few more corners and ran right into Alex and Libby, shooting them immediately. “WOO!” Jack shouted. “TAKE THAT MOTHERFUCKERS!”

Huffing, I noticed Zack and Rian coming around the corner behind the two, just as my gun became available I pushed Avery behind the wall, taking out the two like a boss.
“Hell yea!” Jack cheered, only to have me shoot his vest.
“Bahaha!” I laughed at his face, only to realize I was an open target to Avery and the rest when their guns became active again.
Sucking in a breath, I shot Rian and Zack again when their vests stopped blinking and booked it like wildfire, leaving the five standing dumbfounded.

"Damn," I breathed. "She's good."
We all took off sprinting toward her, but she was too quick for us. Luckily, Carter had been hiding nearby and took the opportunity to shoot Libby's vest

Running out of air, I stopped when Carter shot me, giving the man a quick high five as I hunched over catching my breath.
“Good shot,” I sighed out a heavily, standing erect again as the others caught up.
Taking advantage of them one more time, I shot who I could before being shot by the lovely Avery again.
“Time’s almost up!” The instructor belted from the door.
“It’s time my friends, to say goodnight.” I feigned seriousness, over exaggerating my facial expressions. Pressing my gun to Carter’s vest, I looked them dead in the eye while pulling the trigger.

Carter collapsed to the floor dramatically, faking death before laughing and standing up, high fiving everyone.

We made our way out of the small arena, sweating profusely as we laughed along.

"I think I'll take you up on that dinner offer now," I grinned at Alex.

“Oh totes! I’m starving.” I beamed, rubbing my almost bare stomach.
Peering to the score board, my nickname sat on top of the others; throwing my arms up in celebration, “SUCK IT!”

I scanned the board and saw my name smack dab at the bottom, where it always was. I sighed, a little disappointed. I was sure that I had done at least a little better. Carter slung an arm around my shoulders, giving me a sweet smile. “Hey, at least you got highest accuracy.”
I nodded. “Pretty good for being the only one without an ally.”

“By the end, it was every man for themselves. Don’t sweat it,” Jack grinned.

His brown eyes, so bright that they put stars to shame, locked with mine, and my heart fluttered like a butterfly for a moment. “I sure kicked your ass.”

“Oh hell no. You hid, and that’s cheating!” he joked.

“I have yet to see a rulebook for laser tag,” I mentioned, sticking my tongue out at him playfully.

We continued bickering as we all walked out of the building, Libby and Alex chatting and Carter deciding to strike up conversation with Zack and Rian. Honestly, I was just glad Jack had taken such an interest in me. God knows I had been obsessed with him since discovering the band.

“Where should we eat?” I wondered aloud, my fingers lacing behind me as I strutted to the bus looking to the sky.
“Mm, let’s go to a pizza place.” Alex cooed beside me, putting his hands behind his head as we strolled.
“Oh! I know this great sports bar that serves pizza and beer, it’s called Ray’s Place.” I suggested looking to my gorgeous counterpart.
“Seems odd, but woo! Pizza and beer!” Alex shouted as we got on the bus.

We arrived at Ray’s Place and picked a large booth to sit in. I sat between Jack and Carter, fidgeting uncomfortably in my seat. Everyone ordered a typical bottle of beer, while I got a glass of Coca Cola. Jack looked me over with a small smile, taking a sip of his beer. “Not a fan of alcohol?”

I shrugged. “I’ve never really given it a shot. Besides, I can’t kill off any of my brain cells. Gotta keep ‘em sharp for school.”

He offered me the dark brown bottle, holding it in front of my face. “A sip can’t hurt you too bad.”

Tentatively, I took the bottle and knocked it back in a quick swig, almost choking on the burning taste. “That’s fucking disgusting!”

I couldn’t help my giggle in my seat next to Alex as I watched Avery try beer for the first time, “It’s not everyone’s cup of tea.” I stated taking a swig.
Our waiter came by again with our pizzas, setting up shop quickly he was gone in a flash and everyone began digging in.
Alex handed me a slice with a sweet smile, his leg falling against mine; heat rising to my neck and face as I thanked him softly.

We all feasted on pizza until we felt bloated and could barely move in our seats. Carter groaned next to me, sounding like he was giving birth to a baby whale. “Ugh...rain check on that movie. I need a nap.”

“I don’t think we’d have time anyway. Bus call is in like an hour anyways,” Rian said, glancing at his watch.

“Shit,” Jack mumbled. “I forgot about bus call.”

I was disappointed. I didn’t want to leave after the day I had had with these wonderful people. Did it really have to end?

“What are you guys doing tomorrow?” I chimed.
“We have a show.” Zack stated rubbing his full stomach.
“You guys can come chill at my hotel, gotta be tired of sleeping on those uncomfortable bunks.” I offered, trying to keep this amazing day from ending.
“I think we could spring that, right boys?” Alex pressed, obviously liking the idea.

“Avery and I are gonna need a ride back to the mall. Then I can get my car and we can go back to my apartment,” Carter mentioned.

“Sounds kinky,” Jack said.

I punched in him the shoulder lightly, shooting him a look. “That’s where I’m staying, ya dingus. No use getting a hotel when I can mooch off my best friend for free.”

“So...if you guys can give us a ride...we’ll be out of your hair,” Carter sighed.

Carter made us sound like pests, and I suddenly felt out of place. Had we just been burdening them all? “Yeah. No use wasting your time.”

“Wasting our time?” I furrowed my brow, “I don’t know why you’d think of such a thing.”
“You guys really think that?” Jack seemed disappointed to hear Avery’s remark.
“Come on, come chill with us for a while.” Rian pressed with that marvelous white smile, like seriously, how the hell?
“Please?” I pushed my lip out, giving Avery and Carter puppy eyes.

I fixed my gaze on the table, wiping away the condensation on my glass with my thumb. “I don’t know. It’s just...I mean, are you sure?”

“Duh, I’m sure. Don’t insult my intelligence, Avery.” I smirked softly standing up. “Carter, you’re welcome to come to you know.”

I blushed unintentionally, not meaning to insult Libby. “Sorry.”

“Let’s get this show on the road!” Jack shouted, practically running out the door into the cold night air.

We followed them back to their bus, skipping the step where we went back to the mall. Instead, we just stopped by Carter’s place to grab a few things for what was bound to be the greatest sleepover in the history of ever.

The 7 of us squished our way into the elevator at the hotel, riding up to the floor where the room was on. How we’re all going to fit comfortably into one hotel room, I had no idea, but we were determined to make it work.

Libby slid the key card into the door, the light turning green and swung the door open.

Flipping on the light, and before I could react, Crosby was up in a rush, jumping back from the desk.
Anger already pumping into my blood, I looked to the desk, little white lines evenly an inch apart were drawn up in a row.
Eyes darting straight back to Crosby, I stepped aggressively, slinging my back of my hand right across his face.
His expression was full of surprise as he stayed gazing to the left; my breath became uneven as I tensed up.
“Libby…” Alex’s voice called from the door in concern.
“Get out, you can sleep in the car.” I stated harshly to Crosby, jabbing my finger to the door.
“Libs, I-..” Crosby started, eyes dewy.
“ARE YOU DEAF?! Get. Out!” I commanded harshly.

Crosby pushed past us and slammed the door to the hotel room as he left. We all looked to Libby, trying to see if she was okay. Had Crosby contacted Margaux? What had he been doing while we were out all day?

“Libby...” I began, but trailed off. I quickly found out I had no idea what to say.

When the sound of the door slamming banged through the room, I cracked, tears dripping down my face slowly as glanced over to the desk.
“Sorry, guys.” I whispered, glaring the at the short lines that vexed me.
Quickly wiping away my tears, I composed myself before turning to clean up Crosby’s mess. Grabbing the waste basket under the table , I propped it up under the lip, dusting the white powder off the desktop with a tissue.
Setting the basket on the floor, I leaned against the desk sighing heavily, finding it hard to catch my breath.
Silently looking to the awkward bunch in the room, I smiled weakly only to break once more when I looked to Alex.
“I’m ganna um get some air, don’t feel weird, okay? Just make yourselves at home.” I stated holding back tears before walking out onto the balcony, the door swinging shut behind me.
Without a second thought I fell to my ass, pressing my back into the wall, tears streaming uncontrollably.

Without missing a beat, I chased after Libby. Carter grabbed my arm and looked me dead in the eyes. “Are you sure you want to do this? I told you not to make her a project.”

I yanked my arm out of his grasp and shot him a quick glare. “Fuck off, Carter. I know what I’m doing.”

I pushed past him, opening the door to the balcony and shutting it quietly behind me. I slid down the wall, plopping down beside Libby and sighing a little. “Look...I know I don’t know you very well but you don’t deserve this. And it probably doesn’t help at all, but I’m sorry.”

I wasn’t surprised to see Avery, but I was surprised to hear her apologize, I chuckled slightly shaking my head the tears fading, “You don’t have anything to be sorry for, Crosby is the one who should be sorry.”
Letting my head lull back, I admired the night star filled sky, “Avery, there’s nothing that scares me more than losing Crosby. He’s all I got,” I paused my lips rolling in, tears dripping down my face, “I can’t lose him.” I choked, caressing my face in my hands.

“We could try to set up an intervention for him, try and knock some sense into him,” I mentioned with a shrug. “And, for what it’s worth, you’ve got me. Well, sorta. I think. I mean, I guess.”

Glancing over to Avery, I weak smile twitched on my face, “Thanks, Ave.” I slipped my fingers into her hand, “You can always find a friend in me.”
The door creaked open to see a worried Alex, a soft smile crept onto his face when he saw my smile.

“Hey...is, uh, everything okay out here?” Alex asked.

I nodded. “For now, I think so. At least, I hope.”

“Well, we’re all just sorta sittin’ inside and waiting for you two to start the party...we’re all too boring get anything real started,” he grinned.

I looked at Libby and smiled. “What do you say? Up to saving some friends from boredom?”

Nodding with a smile, I stood helping Avery up, “Let’s get this shindig started.”

Reentering the room, I gave everyone a reassuring smile before pulling a handle of Jameson out of the mini fridge, “You guys ready to party?”
“WOOO!” Jack jumped up grabbing the bottle, “Got glasses?”
“The plastic ones on the desk.” I giggled sitting next to Alex on the bed.

I took a seat next to Carter, and he gave me one of his famous ‘I think you’re being ridiculous’ looks. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Avery.”

“She’s not like...you know who,” I said. “I don’t think LIbby’s going to end up the same way. You’ll see.”

He shrugged. “Whatever, babe. Just be careful.”

Jack handed me and Alex cups of Jameson, gazing to each other we realized how close we were and he gave me that crooked smile, “Cheers.”
“Cheers,” I tapped my cup with his and sipped the yummy alcohol.

Carter eventually abandoned me from our position on the floor, getting up to partake in some alcohol himself, leaving me to twiddle my thumbs.

Jack sat down next to me, spilling some of the Jameson onto the floor. “Hey. You look lonely.”

I shook my head. “Not really. I’m just...observing.”

“Do you like to do that? Observe?” He wondered.

“Well, yeah. You can learn a lot by just looking, Like, look over there. Rian keeps looking at his phone, barely paying attention to anyone else. He must be talking to someone important,” I mentioned.

“It’s probably Cassadee. He really loves her,” he said, absentmindedly taking a sip from his cup.

“Well, everyone needs somebody I guess,” I shrugged.

He nodded. “Rian’s got Cass, Zack’s got his girl...not to mention, Alex is putting the moves on Libby. And you’ve got Carter.”

I shook my head profusely, slightly disturbed by his implication. “Heh, no. Carter and I would never happen. He’s been my friend for too long.”

I thought I saw him smile from the corner of my eye. “I see. That’ll be good for whatever guy decides to come along and sweep you up.”

I laughed. “Good luck with that notion. Walruses will fly when that happens.”

He quirked an eyebrow up at me. “Walruses?”

“...don’t ask, because I have no idea.” I stated.

“So you got a guy back home?” Alex asked softly bumping his shoulder with mine.
Smiling down at my cup, I shook my head, “No, but how’d you know I don’t live here?”
“I’m observant, you’re staying at a hotel, obviously you don’t live in the L.A. area,” He grinned, bumping my shoulder again, “you’re really cute when you get shy, ya know?”
I scoffed rolling my eyes playfully, “Bet you say that to all the girls.”
“Never,” he whispered softly, much closer now.
“Sure..” my voice was hushed as I stared into those captivating pools of chocolate.
“Shut up,” Alex grinned, inches away.
“Make me.” I commanded softly.
I could feel his warm breath on my lips, my eyes closing slightly, “Ow! Ow!” Jack hooted from the other bed making us dart back quickly.

I rolled my eyes playfully, giggling beside Jack as he ruined the love bird’s perfect moment. “Gee, aren’t you a good friend.”

“I try,” he grinned before standing up. “I’m gonna put some music on. Wanna dance?”

“Do I really have a choice?” I asked.

He grabbed my hand, pulling me up off the bed and rather close to him. “Nope.”

I pushed away from him a little, leaving at least some room between us. I cursed myself in my head for being so awkward. Why couldn’t I flirt like a normal person?

Glaring at a grinning Jack, Alex turned back to me with a sigh. The music started to play and I smiled at him, “Bit soon anyway.”
“I guess so,” Alex smiled softly sipping his Jameson.
“Awwwe!” I cooed at Avery and Jack dancing.
Alex laughed at my antics before placing a soft kiss to my cheek.
“What was that for?” I asked, my face hot from his grin.
“For being a troublemaker.” He spoke smoothly.
“I suppose that’s how I got here, isn’t it? You couldn’t possibly be interested in trouble.” I remarked only to realize I called Marla trouble once before, I started to feel a little sick.

Am I just like Margaux?

Then Alex said something that made me abandon all thought, “You’re not trouble darling, you’re my favorite kind of excitement.”


I thought about what Alex had said as we all laid in bed; Alex, Rian, Zack and I were in one bed and Jack, Avery and Carter were in the other.
Heh, first day I meet a famous band, and I’m already spooning with them in a bed, interesting.
My stomach squirmed as Alex put his arm around me, his heavy sleeping breath in my ear, the dim blue light from the TV illuminating the room.
Alright, Libster, just fall asleep, no big deal.
Focusing on the TV, I soon forgot the gorgeous creature pressed against me from the lack of room, the Fresh Prince of Bellaire rescuing me from my anxieties.

Notes

heyo! fawksee again! dudes, hella fun writing with tradethatheartofgold, she's a hoot; yea, I'm old.
anyway, comment, vote, subscribe. <3
much love,
fawksee