Driving Me Crazy...

(Alex P.O.V.)
I was headed back to the table when I saw Jack get up and storm off. Everyone looked pretty confused, but I had a feeling I knew what this was about. I set mine and Dani's plate down on the table and went after him. When I walk out, I see Jack walking down the street. "Jack!" I call out, but he keeps walking. As I run after him, he turns the corner. I finally catch up to him and grab his shoulders, spinning him around.

"Jack! Hey, what's your deal, man?"

"Nothing. I just needed some air." He lied.

"Bullshit." Jack looked up and gave me a questioning look. "Don't lie to me, Jack. I've known you for 12 years. We've been bestfriends for 12 years. 12 fucking years. When are you going to get it through your head that you can't lie to me."

"These days I'm beginning to wonder just how much the word 'bestfriend' means to you." He mumbled.

Ouch.

I was silent. Shocked that he even said that. Though he had every right to. I was quiet for a bit too long and Jack turned and continued on his way.

"I'm sorry." I told him, he stopped walking and just looked at me. He didn't say anything. But, I didn't expect him to accept my apology. I didn't expect him to take it seriously either. I am sorry. I truly am. But, what I've been trying to do is fucked up and I don't even know what's been going through my head. I've been eating myself alive with guilt the past few days. I miss my bestfriend.

"Look, just-" I sighed. "Don't accept it, alright? It's not okay, I know." He turned his gaze to the ground. And silence. Again. "Where are you going?"

"Uh, I'm just heading off to the venue early." He looked back at me.

"Jack? Getting somewhere early?" I feigned a look of complete shock. He chuckled at that. I laughed with him. "I'll go with you."

"Woah, woah, woah! What about you, mister "Approximately 10 minutes late to everything."? ( Yet another brilliant reference. ;) ) He laughed louder, and I laughed too.

"Shut it, cum nugget." I patted his back and we began making our way to the venue.

Not gonna lie, it felt good to joke around with him again.

(Dani P.O.V.)

I can't do this anymore. Coming on this tour was a bad mistake and it's only causing problems. Not only for me, but Kellin. For Vic. For Alex. Most of all, for Jack. I think it'd just be best if I left.

I was in the bathroom, packing my bags with all of my girly junk, make up, deodorant, perfume, hair ties, etc. when I heard a long awaited knock on the door. I knew just who that was. I quickly zipped my duffel bag and hurried to shove it under the bed. I wasn't ready for them to know I was leaving. Mostly because I haven't figured out how yet. I haven't yet figured out how I'm going to get from Florida to California. I shut the bathroom door, and answered the front door, leaving the chain locked, so I could only open the door an inch.

"Hello?"

"Let me in, Dani." Kellin sighed.

"I dunno, Kells."

"Let. Me. In."

"Kellin, I know why you're here. Can't we just talk about this another ti-"

"Dani."

"Yep." I shut the door and slid the chain off, so I could let him in. There was no use in argue with him. I knew that by now. I opened the door and, to my surprise, it was only Kellin. Vic must've opted out of this meeting. Kellin came in and shut the door as I walked over and sat on my bed.

"I think it's about time you talk about this." He said.

"Care to be specific?"

"Everything. Everything between you and Alex. Everything between you and Jack. Everything that's on your mind. Every-fucking-thing, Dani." I knew this was coming sooner or later. I was pretty hesitant. Spilling my guts to him or anyone today was just not on my agenda. Kellin could see that. "It's just me, Dani. You're my little sister and I can see this is bothering you. I can see you're upset. Even when you're smiling, when you're laughing. Dani, I can see it in your eyes. You're breaking. You're hurt. You're scared. It's not good to keep it all inside, but I'm here. Just as I've always been, since the moment I met you. I'm not going anywhere."

"Well, I'd be extremely grateful if you would." I said, bitterly. Kellin laughed at that. Everybody tends to find it amusing when I'm mean.

"Tell you what, if you spill every little thing that's going on in that head of yours," he pokes my forehead, "I'll leave you alone. But, I'm not going anywhere until you do."

I sighed.

"Alright, alright."

"That's my girl!" Kellin says before plopping himself down beside me and wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "So, tell me what's wrong."

I don't even know where to start. There's been so much on my mind lately. Kellin seems to catch on to that, just as he catches on to everything that goes on with me. I mean, he's not psychic or anything, but he did predict when I was going to start my period once.

"How about we start with Jack?" He suggests.

"Ah, well..."

(Jack P.O.V.)

"Jack, I want to fix things between us. I want my bestfriend back." Alex admits, breaking the silence.
We were at a loss for words most of the way to the venue. I only looked at him.

"I know trying to get with Dani was beyond fucked up and I should've never tried that. She's yours. You called dibs. You kissed her first, you almost fucked her like, twice. You. Not me." He says sincerely. I still stared at him, not really knowing what to say. Alex stopped walking, grabbed my shoulders, and turned me to face him. "She's your first love and I went way out of bounds with this one. Way, way out of bounds." He continued. "I don't expect you to forgive me, Jack, but I want you to know I'm sorry. Terribly sorry. I won't cross that boundary again. I just want you back." As he finished, I pulled him into a hug.

"Alex, you never lost me. I mean, fuck, I was pissed at you. Beyond pissed. But, you're still my bro. I haven't been myself lately. I've been distant from everyone really." I sighed. "But, I'm trying to fix that." I paused, pulling away from Alex and looked him in the eyes. "I'm getting over Dani."

"Jack-"

"I'm not gonna do this anymore. Nothing good is coming from it and it's throwing me off. I've been out of it ever since I met her. I haven't been me. I miss my old self and I want him back." This time Alex stared at me, confused and speechless. "I haven't told a fucking dick joke or a stupid "that's what she said!" joke in ages! And when was the last time I danced around the bus naked, singing Green Day and Blink-182?"

"Damn, you have been out of it." Alex laughed.

"See?!" I shouted and waved my arms in the air, as if gesturing to 'The Big Picture'. We continued walking through the venue, headed for our stage.

"Fuck, man. I noticed, but I didn't think it was this bad!" He says and we laughed together.

"This is why I'm dropping Dani from my life completely." I stated confidently. Too confidently.

"Ah, c'mon, Jack!" He punched my arm. "Not completely! At least until you're over her. She's good company. Tons of fun. I'd like to keep her around." I only smiled at him in reply.

Until I'm over her. Right.

I don't see that happening.

(Dani P.O.V.)

"So, Jack gave up on you? Then why is he the one who stormed out? Why is he acting like he was the one who had his heart stomped on?"

"Kells, he liked me. A lot. I was too blind to see that. Now he's trying to move on." Kellin looked away.
"I knew I didn't like the idea of you being with him. I should have told him to stay away from you at the party! I should have been at the party earlier to keep him off of you and keep you away from him, period! I should have took you home with me and Katelynne, so you wouldn't have to take him home in the morning and he wouldn't have made a pass on you!"

"Kelli-!"

"And I should kick Vic's ass for supporting him and giving him your number!"

"Kellin, calm the fuck down!"

"I will not calm the fuck down! Jack is a fucking dog and I'll kick his fucking ass! He took this shit too far with the wrong fucking girl!" He shouts louder and turns on his heel to storm out of the room, but I caught his arm.

"Kellin, stop!" He complies and turns to me, rage written all over his face.

"Why?" He says through gritted teeth. I just stared at him, not wanting to answer. "Why the fuck should I stop, Dani?! You want me to just sit back and-"

"Because!" I cut him off.

"Because why, Dani!"

"Because I love him!" I blurted out, my eyes widening at my own statement. By the look on his face, Kellin was just as surprised as I was, but he quickly turned his expression back to the pissed of face he wore before.

"You're just his fucking conquest and you're falling for his charm." And with that, Kellin stormed out of the room.

Leaving me to think.

I'm sure we all know what happens when were left alone to think.

We're left with an endless series of what if and why's. We question any and everything.

And, most of all, we doubt.

We doubt a lot.

I, specifically, begin to doubt Jack and what Kellin said doesn't help.

Because what was the first opportunity Jack took? To pour me a drink.

The second? To kiss me.

And the third? To get me in bed.

And where are we now? Jack wants to move on.

Jack wants to begin a new conquest because this one didn't go as planned. Instead of the usual one night stand, she fell for him. So he dropped her because relationships aren't his thing.

Damn, that Barakat Charm works wonders. And now I pay the price.

I should've listened to Kellin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just as I was about done packing, my phone buzzed with a text. I folded my last few t-shirts and placed them in my suitcase and zipped it up. The guys were already gone playing their shows and they would be gone most of the day. I opted out of going to watch, claiming I had to make a few phone calls and I might show up later. They protested, wanting me to come, but Kellin covered for me and told them to just leave me be. He understood I wanted time to think. What he didn't know was that I was leaving and I was planning to do so before they came back.

I picked up my phone to see a text from Tony.

Turtle-Man: Hey, you poop. I need a favor. (((:

Me: What you want, turd??

Turtle-Man: I've got a taco truck coming by the hotel in about 10 minutes with 6-dozen tacos for me and the boys. Sign it off for me? (;

Me: Sure thing! c: Now, what do you really want?

Turtle-Man: You're no fun. :( Can you stop by the store later and pick up a few things? (: This is a TOP secret mission from Jaime, so it is undisclosed information. You can't tell ANYONE. But, we're throwing a little beach party later tonight and outside of PTV, you're the only one who knows. (;

Me: Yeah, no problem, Cap'n Shit Head. It'd be my honor.

Turtle-Man: Thanks, butt nugget! I knew you wouldn't let us down! <3 We'd send Mike, but we kinda need our drummer, we're about to go on. I'll text you the mission requirements. AKA the shopping list, in woman terms. (;

I set my phone down and waited for my 'mission requirements'.

I remember giving Tony the name Turtle-Man, Turtle because he likes turtles, obviously, and Man because he was like my superman. He was always around when I needed him and always had exactly what I needed, when I needed, and would drop everything to stop by and give it to me. If he didn't have what I needed, he'd stop by the store for me and bring it straight over.

Once, we were texting and he asked how my day was and I told him I was cramping and I started a week early. He didn't text me back and I thought he ignored me to avoid dealing with my hormones and mood-swings.

45 minutes later, Tony waltzes right into my apartment announcing "Doo doo-doo dooooo! There's no need to fear! Turtle-Man is here!"

Dork.

He showed up with a bag full of tampons, chocolate and junk food, my favorite movies, a soft Star Wars plush blanket, and one of his t-shirts that I liked to sleep in.

We cuddled on the couch the rest of the night, watching movies and pigging out.

Tony and I used to have a thing once. Kinda. We were never official, but we flirted and kissed, and had deep little conversations about every stupid thing in life, but we kept that to ourselves. None of the guys knew. That's old history. Like, a bit over a year old. It's nothing now. He's still always there for me and takes care of me. He's still my Turtle-Man, but we're less affectionate towards eachother.

My phone buzzed, which told me he sent the shopping list. But, then my phone buzzed twice more. I opened to see a text from both Vic and Mike saying "Thanks, Dani!". Suddenly my phone buzzed again, signaling that I was receiving a call from "Hime-Time".

"Hello?" I answered. I could hear a lot of noise in the background, coming from the crowd. I could hear music too. But, I mostly heard Vic, Mike, and Tony's voices yelling assortments of "Jaime, we're going on!"'s And "Hang up the phone!"'s.

"Hey! Thanks, Dani! With you, this mission we'll be a-"

"Hime, let's go!" I heard them calling some more.

"Shut up! You all texted her, I'm trying to be origina-" The phone cut off.

Welp. Alright.

I grabbed some money and headed for the store.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

According to the list Tony sent me, we're gonna have a little barbecue. I've got the bread, the meat, the sauce, seasonings, everything they asked for. I just have one more thing to grab before I can go back to the hotel.

Of course, they wanted some booze. Typical.

I actually wanted to see everyone again before I left. I mean, I wasn't planning on telling anyone I was going, but I didn't wanna go without getting a chance to hang out with everyone again.

Even Jack.

I know it'll probably be terribly awkward and extremely hard for me to even say hi, but he's a great guy. And from Vic's party, I could tell he parties hard. I think, if I get drunk, I might wanna stay away from him. Apparently I can't control myself once I hit a certain level of intoxication.

I'd rather not stir up more trouble.

As I was turning the corner of the aisle, my cart crashed into another, pulling me from my thoughts as I blurted an "Oh, shit! I'm so sorry, I-" but, froze, cutting my self off at the sight of the man who stood in front of me. The tall, tan, dark haired, muscular, semi-tattooed man that I once called my father.

My heart stopped and I couldn't breath. My eyes were wide and every part of my body was frozen stiff. The shock was apparently written all over my face because the man before me looked confused. He was staring me up and down intently. It seemed he recognized me, but couldn't quite put his finger on who he thought I was.

"I-U-Uhm." I stuttered, not sure what to say and just as I was about to walk away:

"Danielle?" I stood, speechless. I felt the tears sting my eyes, but I pushed back all emotion. I refused to show him any sign of weakness or vulnerability. I won't do it. I won't cry in front of him. Not in front of that piece of shit.

I quickly became pissed as I remembered all the shit he put us through. Mom, Kyle, and I. I felt the rage boiling up inside at every shitty memory I had of him. All the pain he caused my family.

"Yeah, John. It's me. Surprised you even remember." I stated, coldly, remembering all the times he had called me a worthless mistake, and would leave us weeks at a time, and all the missed birthdays and Christmases.

"Surprised I remember? How could I forget? I'm surprised to see you back! I thought you left town!"
"I did leave town. In fact, I left the state. And I'm not gonna be here long. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go." I turned my cart to go around him.

"Hey, wait. I haven't seen you in five years, gimme a hug." He grabbed my arm to stop me from walking away.

"Don't you have another family abuse?!" I snapped, yanking my arm from his grasp. His face immediately flashed an expression of shock and quickly turned to regret.

"Danielle, I've been sober for five years. I've been locked in a cell since you were seventeen. I've had a lot of time to think about what I've done and it still haunts me every second of everyday. I could say sorry a thousand times and it wouldn't be worth your forgiveness. I wouldn't expect it to be. It's not even worth my own."

"You're right. It's not. Nothing you can do will ever fix it. Nothing will ever even make me consider forgiving you. Nothing will give back my childhood, nothing will heal moms scars, and nothing will bring Kyle back. You deserved to rot in prison. I could've lived my whole life without seeing you again." I told him and with that, I began to, once again, walk away.

"Wait." He sighed. I turned around to see what other pathetic things he could conjure up to receive forgiveness. "Danielle, look. Take this." He pulled out his wallet, opening it up and pulling out a card. He handed it to me. "Give me a call if you ever, EVER, need anything. I don't care what it is or where you are. I know it's late, 21 years late, but at least let me try to be the father I never was. Let me show you that I've changed."

"Goodbye, John." I said and turned on my heel to finally leave. I just had to grab the booze and I could go back to the hotel where I won't be running into shitty, abusive, fathers.

Hopefully, I won't have to see him ever again.

Notes

Hey! c:

Sorry for the wait! Again. -.(\

Still trying to get my schedule in order. And I'm sorry I haven't posted that songfic. x/ I'm writing more than I thought I would. It'll be up soon! Promise. c:

As always, let me know how I'm doing. It will motivate new to write more. c:

Thanks, Lovelies! c: