Ghouls

I awoke to the metallic shrill of my phone going off on the floor. My body shivered as I leant down trying to pick it up, realising the bed next to me was empty. My heart pinched when it became all-too apparent I was alone, finding my mobile and checking the caller ID; it was Cam.

I groaned as I answered, “hey, Cam,” I rubbed my face to try and wake myself up, my entire body was stricken with a numb pain which oddly made me smile, the memories of Brian and I’s first night together coming back to me.

“Hey, Lau, you okay? Feel like I haven’t seen you in ages!”

“Yeah, I know.. it’s been really odd.. I’m fine though, how’ve you been?” I asked, sitting up in bed.

“Yeeah, I’ve been good.. tired, though; prep’ing for tour and stuff, making sure we’ve got everything ready to go.”

“Aaah, yeah, when do you guys set off?” I asked, surprised I’d barely heard anything about the tour from anyone; Bri had mentioned doing some promo for the new album that’s out soon but nothing about the tour.

“Couple weeks; the album’s got to be released yet and that’s next week, I believe Matt was saying, so..” he confirmed.

“Ooooh, soon then,” I said, a huge grin stretching my face in the apprehension of the new album, “I’m still trying to get over the fact we’re friends with the guys,” I chuckled.

“I know, I was pretty star-struck when I first met them, despite them being really quite a small band; I’d heard their stuff and really liked them and meeting them and working with them and growing really close to them was just fuckin’ epic!, y’know?” he mused. “Speaking of the tour and getting to know the guys, how do you fancy coming along?” he asked, I could sense the smile on his face.

My jaw dropped, heart skipped, but not wanting to let on how excited I was, “I’ll think about it,” I smirked. I did have to clear a few things up with work first, but I knew that I was going to go.

He groaned, “really? Why don’t you just say yes and avoid the hassle?”

“No, Cameron, I have a few things to sort first,” I assured him.

“Okay, well, why don’t you sort those things out, meet up for a coffee or something then tell me you’re coming? Because I know you will, Lauren, there’s no way you’d pass up the opportunity to get on tour with Avenged Sevenfold!” he said, slightly patronisingly, “that and I know Jade is really excited to spend some time with you.. as are the rest of the girls.”

“They are?” I asked, in reference to the girls wanting to know me better.

“Yeah! Lacey, especially! You like Lacey, right? But they’re all really interested in spending some time with you and getting to know you, L... all the guys are too, particularly Jimmy,” he said excitedly, “I told you, they all really love you already, Lau!”

My heart warmed as I brought my crossed legs to my knees, cuddling them. Tears lightly formed, happy that despite the last couple of weeks and all its troubles, they all still wanted to spend time with me; they...liked me. I was accepted. I was a friend.

“Aww... okay... I’ll see what I can do,” I told him truthfully.

“Okay, I’ll give you an hour, I’ll pick you up at yours and we’ll go for lunch or something.”

“Ohhh, God...” the realisation that I wasn’t home hit me.

“What? Lau? Lau, what’s up?” Cam panicked.

“Nothing, it’s just... I’m not at home..” I answered, getting more and more awkward.

“Huh? Why? Where are you?” he asked, confused.

“Brian’s..” I told him, my head in my palm as I awaited his verdict.

“Aaaaah,” he chuckled, “is that right?” I could see his shit-eating smirk in my mind as he spoke.

“Yes.”

“Did you screw?” Cam asked, unbelievably bluntly.

“What?! Cam I’m not talking about that with you.” I could feel myself go bright red with embarrassment.

“You talk to Jade about it.”

“So?”

“Did you screw?”

“Cam! Stop!”

“But did you screw?”

“Cam, fuck off, I’m not talking about this with you.” I was getting angry, but still chuckled at Cameron’s annoying antics.

“But did you?”

“Cameron!”

“He fucked your brains out, right?”

“Cameron, I’m fucking serious!” I laughed.

“That’s definitely a yes. You laughed.”

“Cameron.”

“Nervous laugh; you screwed.” I could hear the enjoyment in his voice as he tormented me like he would when we were kids.

“Fuck off, Cam, I’m hanging up,” I told him, grinning madly.

“You screwed Brian.”

“Bye, Cam!”

“Or did Brian screw you?” He chuckled.

“We screwed each other. We took turns, you nosey bastard. Now, screw you.” I joked, hanging up the phone on him, smiling widely.

I pushed my hair out of my face, stretching before I got a text... from Cam.

C : Love you, L.. pick you up at BRIANS!!!! in an hour x

L : Love you too x

I laughed again, putting my phone back on the bed as I put on my boyshorts and made my way downstairs to see where Brian had actually gone.

As I got to the stairs the unmistakable smell of egg, sausage and beans stimulated my senses; my mouth watering in anticipation as my nose caught the scent of the wonderful food.

I got down the stairs and turned into the kitchen. My breath caught as my sight then stimulated feelings and emotions that were all-too new to me; Brian was stood at his large stove, stereo playing, and muscular back bending and ripping as he was in nothing but the plain black boxers he wore. He mumbled along to the song on the radio as he turned to the island where he had placed two plates, two glasses and the carton of orange juice. He emptied the contents of the frying pan equally onto the two plates and put the pan into the washing machine (giving me an unbelievable view of his cute butt, making me moan lightly,) before finally picking up a loaf of bread out of a draw, all before noticing me in the doorway. His gorgeous smile beamed, making him look even more attractive.

“Hey, I was just about to come up and wake you,” he told me, picking up the two plates and making his way over to the dining table, kissing me lightly as he passed.

I blushed heavily as I picked up the juice and glasses from the island and followed him, sitting next to him at the table, “aww, does that mean morning sex? Because if it did then maybe I should go back up and pretend to still be sleeping,” I smirked, stealing another kiss from him.

He chuckled lowly, turning me on again, “as perfect as that would be, I made breakfast and we wouldn’t want to spoil my hard efforts.”

“Hard..” I grunted, making us both erupt into laughter.

"Child.." Brian sneered, tucking into his food.

"Says you!" I gasped. “What about after breakfast?”

“Someone’s eager... that good was I?” Brian smirked as he ate the egg that was on his fork.

“Maybe I am, it was probably those boxers this morning; you bending over into the washing machine like that, damn, I nearly came right there,” I joked, smiling widely as he laughed.

“Well then, I’ll remember that for next time,” he mused, “anyway, you didn’t answer me? Was I that good?” he chewed.

I slammed my knife and fork down onto the table, “really? That’s all you think about? How good you are? Your dick really is as big as your ego,” I joked.

“I didn’t mean it like that, I was just wondering if you enjoyed it and glad about it, is all... thanks for saying I have a big cock though,” he was serious for a moment, before joking again; winking at me as he leaned over to take a piece of bread.

I laughed, “yes, Brian, I did enjoy it... thank you,” I smiled at him, leaning in for another kiss only this time, rather than it being one of lust, it was full of love, both of us smiling into it, his hand coming up to stroke my cheek before pouring us both a glass of juice.

“Good, I’m glad,” he smiled, “so, what are you up to today?” He asked.

“Well, I was kinda hoping to spend the day with you,” I told him honestly, blushing lightly as I finished my meal.

He sighed, “sorry, Lau, I’ve got promo this afternoon... you’re more than welcome to stay here and hang though,” he said, sadness filling his face and disappointment filling mine.

“No, no, it’s fine.. Cam wanted to meet up and hang anyway,” I smiled, reassuring him, “I’d like to come and hang tonight though,” I mentioned, giggling.

“Is that right? Well, I’d love you over for another sleepover,” we chuckled, smirking, “but cool, how is Cam? Haven’t seen him in forever,” he asked, picking up our plates and taking them to the counter before sitting back down next to me.

“Yeah, he’s good, that’s kinda why he wanted to see me though; we haven’t seen each other in ages and it’ll probably be the last chance for us to really hang out before you all go away on tour anyway, so,” I explained.

Brian’s face completely dropped, sadness consuming his face,”... you mean... you’re not coming with us?” he croaked, clearly upset.

“I don’t know yet, Bri, there’s a lot to sort – “

He cut me off, “I’ll sort it. I’ll pay whoever needs paying. I’ll sort everything out, I need you on this tour.” He told me matter-of-fact-ly.

“You need me?” I smiled.

“Yeah, everyone else’s girls are going, I can’t be the only one jerking off.. anyway, what’s the point in cracking one out while I think about you when I can just take you with me?” he smirked.

“Brian! Is that really the only reason you need me?” I said, a little hurt; suddenly paranoid that he really was what every other guy was like; making me fall for him enough to let him have me, for him to just use me.

“God, no! I was joking, L, I need you because I need to know you’re safe. I need to know that no one is going to hurt you and I need to protect you. I told you, I’m not letting anyone else hurt you again. I love you, you silly goose.. granted, part of that is that I want to be sleeping with you but that’s not the only reason I want you with me; I want you to come because I love being near you and I don’t know if I’ll cope if you stay here,” he said, completely honestly, making me tear up, “oh, come here,” he whispered, pulling me into a hug, “I love you,” he hugged tighter, whispering into my neck.

“I love you too,” I snuggled into his chest, letting him kiss my cheek before pulling away.

“So, are you gonna come along?” he looked at me with hopeful eyes.

“Do I have a choice?” I joked.

“No, I was just being polite,” he smiled that all-too infectious smile that sent butterflies roaring in my stomach. “Now, I am really sorry, but I’ve got to sort myself out; I’ve got to be at Matt’s in a bit before we all head out to do the promo stuff,” he half smiled as he stood, clearly sorry.

“Honestly, it’s fine, I’m meeting up with Cam anyway,” I smiled at him, standing up to lean up and kiss him, “I’ll be back tonight though,” I smirked.

He groaned, “God, I’m looking forward to that,” he spoke huskily, wrapping his arms around me and looking down at me, turning me on again, “are you sure you’re up to it? You seemed pretty done-in last night?” he smirked.

“You’re right. My pussy hurts so much I’m surprised it’s not broken and I ache fuckin’ everywhere,” I announced making us both laugh, “who said anything about sex anyway? I never said I would sleep with you again,” I told him, pushing out of the hug to grab the bag I’d brought that was left on the floor, unused.

“But you said maybe you would! Aaaand, you're staying over!" he pouted largely, his physique drooping in his fake hurt. “That, and you need the practise. I told you, we’ve got to build your stamina if you’re gonna keep up with me,” he winked, looking at me stood in front of him.

“Well, sometimes, Haner, you’ve got to learn to walk before you can run. This is one of those times,” I told him, patting his chest as I walked past him, climbing the stairs.

“I’m gonna fuckin’ make you run,” he growled, going to grab my waist as he chased me all the way back to his room, laughing.

Panting, we both re-gained our breath as we stood in his room, “alright, you want to shower first or shall I?” Brian asked.

“You know, part of me reeeally wants to shower with you but we’ll be in there forever if we do that... you go,” I smirked, making him smile.

“True.. okay, do you want to go after? If you do, I’ll be quick just so I don’t use all the hot water,” he suggested, going to his wardrobe and picking out clean pants, dark-wash jeans and one of his signature tank tops.

“No, no, you take as long as you want; Cam doesn’t care if I stink or not. That and I can shower at home anyway,” I told him.

“Maybe so, but you smell like sex,” he grinned cockily, making me smile.

“Ah... yeah...” I realised, making him chuckle as he walked into his ensuite and turned the light on, giving me another great look at his ass. “Well, I’ll see how much time I have, if not I’m sure he’ll guess and torment me for it so,” I chuckled.

He turned around again and leant against the doorframe, both hands clutching to the right hand side, poking his head out, smiling. “Okay, well, I don’t mind; I’ll try and be quick just in case, so.”

“Okay, well, I don’t know when he plans to pick me up so I may not be around when you come out,” I told him, edging closer.

Sadness lightly washed his face, “awh, okay, well, if you are gone when I’m out, I’ll see you later... I’ll grab some popcorn and a film or something to watch,” he smiled, “I might even cook!” He gasped jokingly.

“What, like last night? Forgetting to actually prepare anything?” I chuckled.

“Oh, harhar, Lauren,” he spoke sarcastically, “and no. I will sort something out.... if not then we’ll order pizza,” he smiled, as if slightly defeated.

“Yeeeah, okay.. well, you better shower.”

“Yep.”

“Okay,” I leant in and kissed him. It was slow and it was hot, making me ache to jump into the bathroom and shower with him.. and I almost did, until we were torn apart by the sound of a car horn outside. “Ugh, that’ll be Cam.” I spoke, speaking against Brian’s soft, thin lips.

He sighed, “okay, I’ll see you later,” he kissed me again before leaning back off the doorframe and closing the door.

I let out the breath I didn’t realise I was holding in, my mind wandering to what images could be behind that door. Brian. Naked. Shower. My eyes blurred and my mind imagined the view; his strong, lean body bending and stretching as he rubbed his own perfectly sculpted body as the hot water cascaded over him.

I was ripped from my X-rated thoughts as the car horn sounded again, “alright!” I shouted, and I could’ve sworn I heard Brian laugh from the bathroom.

I quickly dressed, ran my fingers through my hair to try and rid it of the clearly sexed up look, before racing down the stairs with my things and jumping into Cam’s car.

“Hey, you!” He smiled, “so where’s yo’ loverman?” he winked at me, making me groan.

“He’s in the shower.”

“Surprised you’re not in there with him,” Cam sniggered.

“Oh, I was so so close, Cam,” I moaned seductively, joking with him.

“So why didn’t you?” he chuckled.

“You.” I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest.

“What? What did I do?!” he jeered.

“We were all making out and shit and he was in the bathroom and I was in the bedroom and we were both in our underwear and he went to pull me in with him when your fucking car horn went off,” I barked.

Cam erupted with laughter, nearly having to pull over the car as his eyes brimmed with tears he was laughing so hard. “That’s fucking priceless,” he choked, wiping his tears away as he continued to laugh as he drove.

“I fucking hate you,” I snarled, my arms still crossed.

“No, you don’t,” he smiled.

“Yes. I do.”

“No, you don’t because by the smells and looks of you, you got plenty of action last night,” he sniggered again, making me lose it.

“Oh, fuck you, Cam! Just don’t even fucking talk to me, you prick.”

“Oh, come on, Lau; I’m only messing with you.. I think it’s great what you and Bri have going on,” he smiled genuinely.

I blushed, smiling uncontrollably at the mere mention of his name, “really?”

“Yeah,” he grinned, “after all he’s fuckin’ done for you? I definitely approve. I’ve never seen either of you so happy. You know he’s had his issues and obviously you know you’ve had a bit of a time with it with the bullying and stuff.. I’m just really glad you guys are working out so well. You know I care about you more than anything and he’s such a good guy, Lau.. you guys are pretty perfect for each other,” he looked over at me, tears in both our eyes, his hand crossing over to stroke the back of my head.

“Thanks, Cam.. it means a heck of a lot,” I told him, smiling happily back at him.

“Anytime, bro,” he winked, making us chuckle.

For the rest of the car ride, the radio was playing, allowing for me and my brother to scream along to the words; the first laugh we’d really had the entire time I’d been in California. All of a sudden, all I saw was red lights before all went black.

Notes