Me Without You

Jack took my hand and led me back towards the house, neither of us could stop smiling. It was real now, it was official, and we were engaged. I noticed out friends had gone missing and concluded that they must have ditched to give us some privacy. As we opened the doors and headed towards the living room a crowd of people jumped out at us, or rather I by the lack of surprise on Jack’s laughing face.
“Surprise.” He whispered in my ear and kissed the side of my face. I bust out laughing and gasped when the girl I had been missing so badly was standing leaning near Alex. We both squealed and ran towards each other, trying to beat the tightness of the others hug.
“Oh my god! What are you doing here?” I giggled as we finally let go.
“Alex called.” Tay beamed and picked up the drink she had placed on the ground. “I just finished tour so Jack’s timing was perfect.” I hadn’t seen Taylor since Warped Tour last year when I met up with the guys for a couple of dates. Vic had introduced us way back when and we had been good friends since.
“How long are you here for?” Tay shoved a beer into my hand and Jack snatched it off me and downed it in one. He had my back.
“A week.” Tay mumbled while eyeing Jack up and down. She attempted to hand me another beer but Mike walked past this time and took it out of my hands. “Why is everyone stealing Jaseys drinks!?” I giggled and waved it off, declaring I wasn’t thirst and I’d grab something later. Alex, being the one to know that I never turned down a beer, stared at me in shock and I quickly glanced around, trying to find Jack who had disappeared into the crowd. A hand grabbed my arm gently and I cringed as Alex led me outside, some people were milling around on the porch where the air was substantially cooler than that inside, but Alex led me to the far corner of the garden, to the metal bench under one of the trees. I sat down unwillingly and hoped to god that this wasn’t about to be some major drama.
“You turned down a beer.” He stated calmly, staring me down. I looked away uncomfortably and mumbled that I wasn’t in the mood for beer. “No. That’s not it at all, is it?” I kept my eyes on the party-goers, avoiding Alex’s gaze. “Jasey, you’re having a shot-gun wedding with Jack, after making your mind up, what, two days ago?” I sighed and didn’t reply. He seemed to know anyway so why waste my breath? “I’m not arguing that Jack loves you and that you obviously love him, else you wouldn’t have said yes, I’m arguing that love wasn’t purely the reason you suddenly decided to get engaged.” I stood up and put my hands on my hips, looking down at Alex. His little talk had pissed me off, and I wasn’t entirely sure why.
“Come on, Gaskarth. Out with it.” I spat. “What are you accusing me of?” Alex stood up and faced me, both of our voiced rising.
“I’m saying that if you weren’t pregnant you might never have chosen Jack.” I glared at him and was taken aback by him guessing correctly on what was wrong with me.
“How the fuck would you know?” I yelled. “I picked Jack before I even knew!”
“Bullshit!” We had caught the attention of the people outside now, Tony and Zack were eyeing the situation nervously, seemingly ready to step in if I needed them. “I bet you decided on Jack when you found out! Because until the other day you were still flirty with every single one of us.” I slapped him as tears started to fall down my cheeks.
“I love you, Alex!” I screamed at him. “You fucking know I do! I would take a goddamn bullet for you! But I love Jack more, and I’ve loved him for longer!” I rubbed my hands under my eyes, wiping away the tears. Seeing this, Zack and Tony came boosting down the yard, both trying to get between Alex and I. I hit them both away. “Fuck off. This is my fight, I can deal with it by myself.” The boys backed off slightly but stayed within a few yards.
“See? They all run in to save you!” I glared at Alex as he went off again. “Do you even know if the brat is Jacks?” I went bright red. Hell no.
“Don’t you fucking call my kid a brat, Alexander!” The tears were flowing steady now. “Don’t you dare! And you know what? There is every chance this kid is yours! Or Mike’s! I fucking slept with all of you in the same time frame! The only reason I’m sure it’s Jacks is because he’s the only one I slept with without protection.” I was too tired to yell now and my voice was becoming calmer. “And if we need to confirm it, we’ll get to it later. But that will not change my decision to marry Jack.” Alex’s face fell and he stared at me, more shocked now.
“It… It could be mine?” His voice was barely a whisper and I glared at him.
“Yes, but I sure hope it isn’t after the way you’ve acted tonight. You’re being possessive and jealous and have made me fucking scream the news of my pregnancy to everyone.” I sobbed, glancing at the party which had gathered in the back garden. Vic and Mike were holding Jack back from running at Alex. He was fuming, you could practically see the steam blowing out of his ears. “That was my news to tell in my own time. And now everyone knows.” I turned away from Alex and fell into Tony’s arms.
“Jay, I’m so sorry.” Alex was calmer now, but I still waved him off. I didn’t want to speak to him.
“Go away, Alex. Just leave me alone.” I slipped off my heels and picked them up before running back up the garden towards Jack who wriggled out of the boys hold and pulled me into his chest.
“Let’s go inside.” He growled, clearly pissed with Alex who was still standing with Zack and Tony at the bottom of the garden.

*Alex POV*

I pushed past Zack and Tony and flung open the back gate and made my way to my car. Fumbling with my keys I started the car and took off through Towson. The thought of Jack and Jasey together made my skin crawl. He’s marrying the girl I loved. The girl I loved, who, could be pregnant with my kid. I could turn around and kill Jack, but that wouldn’t get me anywhere with Jasey and would definitely put a spanner in the works for the band. She said she loved me. She still loved me. But not as much as Jack. Possessive. Jealous. Was that it? Were those the reasons she picked him over me? I could still change her mind. I’d be happy for her and Jack, I’d keep my jealously hidden, I won’t be possessive. I had three months to change her mind. Three months, and by god, I would do my best to make her pick me instead.

Notes

SO! To celebrate my nomination for the FanFic Awards.... I give you another chapter and Tay Jardine. Because she's the cutest thing and I totally ship Baradine.
Don't forget to PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE vote for Me Without You! I feel so honoured to even be nominated! Thank you all so much for your support else this fic wouldn't even be here :)
I love you all! xxxx