"Are you happy?" Brian asked out of nothing as we walked back to his house.

I raised my eyebrow at him, confused. “What do you mean I’m happy? About what?”

"I don’t know…" He shrugged his shoulders, glancing briefly at me from the corner of his eye. "In general. Do you feel happy? Like- that feeling of happiness that you just can’t control, and you just wanna smile, and you feel really good with your life."

I laughed and squeezed his hand harder. “If that’s your way of asking if I’m happy about us and this new step of our life, then, yes, I’m very, very happy,” I told him just to see the corners of his mouth curving up into a smile.

"I’m very happy, too," he said, biting down on his lip when he locked our eyes. I leaned up and kissed his cheek softly, sighing in content when I pulled away. "But I’ll be even happier if you stay with me tonight," he added quietly.

"Brian," I groaned.

He tugged onto my hand. “Please.”

"I can’t sleep at your house every day," I said, seriously. "Besides, there’s a lot to think about and I don’t wanna get too attached and needy of you. I need my space."

Brian stopped walking, with a sigh, and placed himself in front of me. “Hey,” he called gently, holding both of my hands in his, “can we forget about all of that shit for one day? We started dating today, Lara,” he said as he searched for my eyes, “and all I want now is to celebrate and be with you. We have plenty of time to discuss all the issues and whatnots but, right now, I just want your company.” He cupped my chin as a sigh escaped my lips and forced me to meet his pained, brown eyes. “I’ve had a great day today and to make it perfect all I need is you by my side when I fall asleep. Please. I know I may sound cheesy and lame, but I love you and it hurts me when you hold back and say that you don’t want to be with me.”

Shaking my head and tightening my grasp on his hands, I started feeling bad for him. “It’s not that I don’t want to be with you. Of course I want it, it’s just-“

"Don’t overthink, Lara," he cut me off, a languid smile dancing on his thin lips. "It’s only me. Brian Haner Jr, the sarcastic motherfucker who can also be a cute asshole when he wants. And he just happens to love you with all his heart and cares about you a lot."

Damn. That was enough to steal a small grin from me. However, I couldn’t help but lower my head in shame. I let out a shaky breath as his knuckles ran down my cheek.

"Baby, look at me."

"I just wish things were simpler," I whispered, lifting my gaze a little. "I can’t fucking stop thinking about New York, and my mom, and about the fact that I’m fucking miles away from her."

"I know, baby, I know." Brian stroked the back of my hand with his thumb, his other hand nestling against the side of my neck, and kissed my forehead. "I’m just asking you to forget about that for the rest of the day. Please. Can you do that for me?" He asked, his voice so hesitant and tender.

I took a moment without answering, but after looking into his eyes and seeing the distraught swirling in them, I couldn’t say no. “Yeah. I can do that. I’m sorry.”

"It’s okay," he chuckled as he raised his arms to wrap me in a hug. "I know this is tough for you, but we’ll figure something out. Alright?" I nodded into his chest and held onto him tightly, savoring the feeling of his arms around me. He was too good to me. "I can’t wait to get you in my bed, though," he sang teasingly.

"Oh, okay. We’re back to the normal Brian," I giggled, peeking up at him and sliding my hands over his shoulders. "I was wondering if your cocky side would ever return."

"Something tells me you like that version of me better than the others," he guessed, his eyebrow quirked up in his signature look.

"Damn right. I’ve always had a thing for bad boys."

"Oh," he laughed, gripping at my waist, "I’m glad you informed me about that."

"Now I really hope you do something with that information."

Brian leaned down, with that smirk plastered all over his face, and latched his lips onto my neck, kissing and nipping at it softly. “I’ll certainly do something,” he murmured on my skin.

---

Too early. That’s all that came to my mind when the horrific sound of my phone ringing woke me up from my sleep. I groaned and rolled to my side, palming the bedside table in search of my phone. Once I found it, I answered the call, without even looking at the ID, and buried my face again in Brian’s chest.

"Who is this and why are you calling?" I asked, annoyed, my voice still hoarse.

“Lara?”

Ah!

"Jane!" I whined, even though a small, lazy smile crossed my lips.

“Hey, girl!” She chuckled.

"Why are you calling so early? I was sleeping so fucking well," I mumbled, sinking even further into Brian’s embrace as he draped his arm over my waist.

“Damn!” Jane hissed quietly. “I forgot the time difference! Sorry.”

"Yeah, yeah."

“I know how much you love your bed. I should’ve thought about that before.”

You should have, Missy!

"I do love it but I’m not on my bed."

I could almost picture Jane rolling her eyes when she talked again. “You know I meant the hotel bed.”

"Nope. Not that one," I smirked.

There was a moment of pause, probably because Jane was starting to get confused.“Where are you?” She ended up by asking.

Not able to fight the huge smile spreading across my lips, I told her truthfully, “Brian’s bed.”

“What?” Jane gasped.

"And I’m pretty damn comfortable here," I added with a chuckle, as Brian stirred slightly next to me.

"You’d be more comfortable if you shut that thing off," he slurred, nuzzling on my hair and tightening his grip around my waist, making it even more difficult for me to keep the phone on my ear.

"Brian," I chided playfully.

"I wanna cuddle, and hold you, and kiss you, and take that pretty little shirt off, and do other things that I probably shouldn’t be saying out loud right now-"

"Yeah, you shouldn’t," I chuckled, cutting him off, "because Jane can hear you."

“Oh my God,” Jane laughed, “how can you even resist him?”

"I can’t."

"Of course you can’t. You love me too much," Brian murmured as he hovered over me, rolling me onto my back in the process. With a shaky laugh, I turned my head to the side when he tried to kiss me, and pressed the phone closer to my ear.

"Jane, I think I’ve got a situation here. I have to hang up."

“Oh, no, no, no! Why? Because of Brian? Are you guys together? What’s going on? Brian!” She yelled, way too louder for this hour of the morning.

"And there’s another one screaming for me," Brian smirked. "I’m every woman’s dream."

My mouth opened wide in shock, but before I could even protest or slap Brian, Jane started shouting again. “Give me Lara back! You can have her whenever you want to, but I can’t, please!”

Brian chuckled and stole the phone from my hand, a smug smile adorning his thin lips. “Hey, Jane.”

Oh, God. Jane is so going to die.

"Give me that!" I hissed quietly, trying to retrieve my phone but failing completely as Brian moved away from me.

"She lost her voice," he informed me in a fake whisper.

“I did not!” I heard Jane shot back from the other end of the line, making Brian laugh.

"You did."

"Brian!" I pulled onto his arm, but he turned his back to me, the device still clutched in his hand. I frowned and crossed my arms over my chest. Noticing the sudden stillness from me, Brian peeked over his shoulder and bit down on his lip.

"Your best friend is mad at me now," he spoke into the phone. At this point, I couldn’t hear anything that would come from Jane. "Yeah, because I picked you over her."

"That’s not the reason."

Maybe it was. Was I really jealous?

"Jane says, and I’m quoting, if Lara doesn’t tie you to bed, I’m gonna do it myself," Brian chuckled, and that was all it took. I wasn’t going to stand there watching him play with me. I lunged toward him, when he wasn’t seeing, and literally slapped the phone from his hand. It fell on the carpet with a low thud, and before I could grab it, Brian wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me back into the bed.

"Where do you think you’re going, Shorty?" He asked.

I writhed and squirmed against his hold. “Let me go!” I spat, serious. “Jane is still on the phone.”

"She can wait," Brian laughed, rolling us onto our sides. However, that made him loosen up the grip he had on me and I jumped out of the bed to grab my phone.

"J, I’m so sorry, this moron wouldn’t let me get to you," I told her as I sat down at the edge of the bed.

Jane giggled, “It’s alright, girl. But you’ve got plenty of explaining to do.”

"I know, I know. But…. Um, you didn’t say that, did you? About tying Brian up?"

The Asshole burst out laughing from behind me and I glared at him, sticking my tongue out. Shuffling was heard at the bed, and in the next second, Brian’s lips were on my neck, his warm hands rubbing my thighs teasingly. A tricky moan climbed up my throat and I could feel him smirking on my skin.

You’ll pay for that, you fucker, I thought to myself. However, he didn’t stop, and I was finding very difficult to keep a normal talk with Jane when Brian kept his assault to my neck. I shoved him on his chest, hoping to create some sort of distance between us, but he was persistent.

"Seriously, Brian?"

“What is he doing now?”

"Teasing. I want her attention," Brian answered for me huskily, his fingers skimming from under my shirt as he, once again, trailed his lips down my jaw and onto the side of my neck.

I was going insane. “Brian,” I whispered.

"Hum?" He replied, moving his hands up my torso and groping my breasts softly. I shivered under his touch and couldn’t stop the whimper that fell from my lips.Dammit.

“Lara?”

Shit!

Brian planted a gentle kiss to my cheek and took the phone from my hand. “She’ll call you later,” he told Jane, before tossing the phone aside and spinning me around so I was facing him. “Finally alone.”

"You’re an ass, just so you know."

He smiled sheepishly and leant forward to kiss me passionately on my lips, his tongue brushing against mine slowly and sensually, building that longing, that need, in the pit of my stomach. “I’m not sure how much longer I will last without…”

"Without what?" I breathed against his lips as I cupped his face in my hands to look at him.

Brian pushed me down underneath him and shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.”

"It does. Tell me," I insisted, watching as Brian’s brown eyes closed for a moment. "What’s wrong?"

"I want to wait. For you. But…"

I furrowed my eyebrows slightly, trying to understand what he meant by that. And although it wasn’t that hard to get it, it took me a moment to find something to say when I understood the meaning behind his words. “What if I don’t wanna wait?”

"But I do. I don’t wanna rush this, Lara," Brian said as he sat up straight. "I don’t want to fail and mess this up. I want to take it slow. You said that yourself; that there’s a lot to think about."

I followed his movement and sat up, too, frowning as I took in his words. “That doesn’t mean we can’t have sex.”

"Yes, it does. I did some thinking last night and I realized that if you can’t sleep with me every night because you’ll get attached, then you can’t have sex, too. Sex involves too much intimacy between a couple, it creates a deep connection, both physically and emotionally, and I don’t want to see you heartbroken. I don’t wanna put you, or me for that matter, in that situation."

"Why would we end up hurt? We’re together now."

Brian sighed, resting against the pillows. “But you’re not stable. You don’t live here. You have a job and family in New York. I’m just repeating your same words, Lara. You know how much I love you and want you to be with me, but I respect you. And I know this is not as simple as peeing.”

I grunted at his words, running my hands over my face. “You did not use that analogy.”

"I sure did," he smirked, making me shake my head. "Come here," he said softly, his arms open for me.

Smiling, I crawled to where he was and lied down on top of him, his naked chest warm against my body. He pulled the covers above us again and kissed my head. “I’m sorry for the lack of sex,” I mumbled into his chest.

"What? No, no," he chuckled, "You don’t need to say sorry, you silly head. I just… baby, I just want you to be comfortable and happy. I’m giving you space and time for you to think this through, and I’m completely fine with it," he told me with a reassuring smile, however, I was still with doubts. I wanted to take that next step with him, but I was afraid of what that would imply.

"I know. It still sucks," I muttered.

"It doesn’t suck," he said with a small laugh. "Unless you wanna suck something?" He suggested with a naughty face that only earned him a slap on his chest.

"Pig."

"You love the Pig. And you love the dirty talk, so don’t pretend you’re offended," he smirked as he traced ghost paths on my shoulder. I felt my cheeks heating lightly as I realized how much he already knew about my likings on the kinky life. "Am I wrong?" He asked after a while.

"If I said yes would you believe me?"

"No," he laughed, "I saw it all yesterday; how you’d react to my voice when I whispered to your ear, or when you’d moan just a little louder when I told you how amazing you felt and how beautiful you looked when you were squirming around my hand."

I gulped hard as that knot in my stomach started tightening, my legs shutting close out of instinct. Brian chuckled darkly again, his body shifting so that he was on his side now, eyes fixed on me.

"Lara?" He called just above a whisper. I slowly turned my head to him, seeing that his smirk was still tainted on his lips. "Are you getting worked up?"

"Maybe."

He licked my shoulder teasingly, his hand rubbing circles on my stomach. “What about now?” He queried, his teeth grazing over the sensitive skin of my collarbone.

Oh God.

"I’m not sure," I played along.

Brian moved up to rest between my legs, his mouth quickly finding my neck again. “You’re sexy as the fucking hell,” he growled, taking hold of my hands and lacing our fingers together, as he pinned them next to my head.

"You’re one to talk, Haner."

"Thank you very much," he smiled, kissing my lips lovingly, before we both chuckled. "Um… what am I gonna do to you now?" He let go of my hands to run one of them over my side, raising an eyebrow as he did so. "This shirt is going off."

"I’d tell you the same were you wearing one," I smirked.

"I like to save you work."

I giggled at that and placed a light-feather kiss on his jaw, my own hands climbing to his shoulders and chest. God, I loved his chest. “One day I’m gonna stare at you while you’re sleeping and just drool over your arms and chest. Ugh. You’re such a fucking sin, it’s ridiculous.”

"Oh," he laughed, once again lifting that sneaky eyebrow, "it kinda surprises me that you’re complimenting me and not making fun of my ass."

I hooked my arms behind his neck and looked into his eyes. “I know how to be nice sometimes. But, okay, I’m only saying this because you have me in your hands and I need to boost your ego so you don’t tease me and be a good boy,” I smiled innocently, to which Brian rolled his eyes and chortled.

"Last time I checked you liked bad boys."

"Um. Damn. You’re right," I said, furrowing my eyebrows. Brian let out a small chuckle and bit my bottom lip playfully.

"You better get your head straight because I’ll do whatever I want until you tell me to do otherwise."

"You’re actually letting me control what you do to me?" I asked, surprised, trying to keep
my voice normal as his hands explored what was beneath my shirt, his still foreign touch sending tingles all over me.

His shoulders jolted in a shrug. “Maybe.”

"Brian," I moaned, when he reached my chest, much like before, palming me gently.

"All those moans, Lara, are driving me fucking crazy," he murmured against my cheek.

"You’re causing them."

"I like to explore," he told me, planting a soft kiss on my cheek and trailing his fingers down to the hem of my shirt, “and I’ve had less than a day to know your full body, you know?" He pushed my shirt up and the sudden change of temperature made the airs on my skin raise, shivers working their way down my spine. He smirked upon noticing my body quiver and leaned down to brush his lips against the valley of my breasts, before going further down. "I want to know what you like," he continued, kissing my stomach, "how you react; what parts are more sensitive," he added as he blew cold air right above the band of my panties, making me giggle. "What makes you putty in my hands." He looked up at me, still smirking, and I smirked back at him. "But we have plenty of time, right?”

Wait. What?

And before I could process what was happening, Brian was crawling out of me and heading out of the room. “What the hell?”

He glanced over his shoulder, laughing, “I’m gonna take a shower. Come with me?”

“Are you fucking serious?” I asked, feeling my levels of frustration increasing really high. I couldn’t believe he was leaving me like that, after working me up. But if he wanted to play, then I’d play his game, only this time he was going to lose. “No. I won’t go with you. I’ll stay here getting off, since you didn’t finish your job,” I said.

He stopped dead in tracks and turned to me, appalled. “What?” He choked out.

“You heard me. I’m staying here to get off by myself, because you couldn’t do it.”

The look on his face was worth every fucking bit of frustration I was feeling at the moment. He was so lost and so divided, not knowing if he should keep walking or not. “You’re just mocking me,” he muttered, trying to convince himself that this was joke.

“I am not. Now, go. I’ve got work to do,” I told him, serious. He stared at me for a moment, both of his brows creased in confusion. “Go!”

“You can’t get off. Come with me. I’ll help you.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Now you wanna help? Too late, Asshole.”

“Lara,” he grunted.

“Just go. I’m dead serious. I don’t want you to see it. Now you’re gonna take a shower and think that your girlfriend is in your bed seeking for her release,” I teased, fighting back a smile, as his brown eyes softened with regret. He fucking deserved it, though.

“Shorty, come on, don’t do this to me,” he said, his tone mixing with a groan, when he saw me looking away. “I’ll make up for it, I promise.”

Oh, God, this is so much fun.

“Nope.”

“I’m gonna drag you anyway if you keep being stubborn.”

“Try me,” I defied, and at that, he could only curl his pretty lips into a smirk. Uh-oh.He sidled up to me in less than a second, and even when I attempted to jump out of the bed, he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me onto his shoulder. “No!” I cried, kicking my legs and arms. “That’s not fair!”

He burst out laughing and took me to the bathroom, only putting me down once we were inside the bathtub. “Guess who won again?”

“Shut up,” I hissed. He stripped down from his boxers and attempted to undress me as well, but I slapped his hands away, doing it myself. When we were both in all glory, he turned the water on and drew me into his arms again. Of course I put up another fight with him, but all of my movements were quickly ceased as he stepped into the ice cold water running, bringing me along with him. I gasped instantly and he took the chance to cover my mouth with his, kissing me feverishly, cutting off any possible word that could leave my lips.

Laughing lightly, he pulled away from the kiss. “You impossible woman.”

I slapped his chest. “Not cool.”

He stretched his arm to even the temperature of the water, and when it was warm enough, he looked at me with a smile. “Ease up, will you?”

“Well, if you hadn’t left me panting and all needy, I wouldn’t be so frustrated.”

Brian let another small chuckle and cupped my cheek in one hand while the other smoothed the hair out of my face. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, right,” I mumbled, just as he leaned forward to plant a few kisses on my cheek and then on my lips. I rolled my eyes mentally, but didn’t find the strength in me to push him away, because I really did need this type of attention from him.

Half an hour later, I was stretched out on his bed between the sheets, completely naked. “I don’t wanna move. You wore me out,” I said.

Brian chortled and stood up from the bed, still naked, too. “Good. You can stay at my house, but only if you behave in my absence.”

I smirked lazily and propped up on my elbows to able to see him. “I don’t need to be a bad girl now. You took care of me pretty well.”

“Of course I did,” he scoffed as he pulled some clean boxers from his drawer and slid them on. “I have a spare key of the house. I’ll give you that one today so you don’t have to worry if you decide to leave.”

“Thanks. I’m really tired.” I let my back fall against the pillows, with a heavy sigh, even though I felt unbelievably relaxed.

"You’re gonna meet me later, though, right? Or are you gonna lock yourself in your hotel room?" He asked as he zipped his pants up and searched for a shirt in his closet.

I twisted my lips to the side, shrugging my shoulders. “I’m not sure.”

"I really wanted to see you again today."

I grinned at that, but seen that Brian had his back to me he couldn’t see it. “You do, uh?”

He glanced over his shoulder and smirked upon hearing the playful tone of my voice. “Yeah, because you clearly don’t want to see me again today,” he mused.

Chuckling, I sat up and bent my knees to my chest, clutching onto the comforter tighter as I watched him pace around the room. “I didn’t say that.”

"And you won’t."

He put a gray shirt over his head and then ran his hands through his hair to make it look a little bit more presentable. “You’re sexier when you have messy hair,” I commented, smirking.

He finally turned completely to me and gave me a questioning look, his arms folding across his now clothed chest. “If we see each other again today, you get to see my sexy, messy hair.”

"Oh, are you suggesting something?"

"I don’t know, am I?" He raised both of his eyebrows and I felt my insides twisting with nerves. Oh, boy. "So? How’s it gonna be?"

I groaned, frustrated. “You’re really tricky. That’s not even fair. You’re blackmailing me.”

"What?" He laughed. "No, I’m not. I’m just offering you an undeniable proposal."

"Fine! I’ll think about it," I sighed dramatically.

"Didn’t I mention the word undeniable?"

I glared at him. “Shut up.”

Laughing, he took a few steps toward the bed. “You’re a stubborn girl, you know that?”

"Not more than you are."

"I’m not a girl," he spat back, sticking his tongue out at me.

"God, but you’re such a child," I laughed, throwing him a pillow. He grabbed it just in time before he faked a glare.

"Give me a kiss and I’ll forget you said that and that you just threw me a fucking pillow."

"I’m naked!” I said, laughing, “I’m not getting out of this bed."

"I’ve seen you naked already. Don’t need to be shy around me." His lips curved into a smirk and he placed both of his hands at the feet of the bed.

"But it’s cold. I don’t wanna leave."

"You’re in my bed. If I want to kick you out, I can kick you out."

I frowned, my lower lip plumping into a pout. “You asshole.” He chuckled and straightened up again, walking over to the bedside table where his watch was.

Glancing at me, he smirked. “I want a kiss.”

"Come here then."

"No, you come here."

"Brian!" I cried.

"Fine.” He lowered his head to the floor and his eyes lit up with mirth. “Oh, panties!” He picked them up and held them in the air so I could see. “Are they yours? I think they’ll make a good company while I’m at work."

"What? No, they won’t!” I said in a hurry. Brian turned on his heels and headed for the door. “Come here! Brian!" I wrapped the shits the best I could around me and darted out of the bedroom to stop Brian, but as I passed through the door, a pair of tattooed arms wrapped around my waist and I was backed up against a wall.

"Ah-ah!"

"You’re such a dick." I shoved him on his chest, but he didn’t budge.

"Just as long as I get to see you running around with nothing but a thin cloth around you, I’ll keep being a dick,” he laughed whole-heartedly. “Now. You’re here for something."

"Panties."

"Kiss or no panties,” he told me, serious.

"Ugh."

"Come on.” He pressed himself closer to me, his hands rubbing my arms almost sweetly. “You know you want it."

"My panties? Sure."

He grinned his boyish grin and I was finding it very difficult to be mad at him. “I’m gonna kiss you anyway,” he sang, and it was there that I let a smile slip from my lips.

“You’re so lucky I think you’re attractive.”

He chortled lightly and leaned in, testing me first with a soft kiss, and only then applying more pressure. His tongue traced my bottom lip, asking for entrance, but I shook my head and pulled away a little, our lips still touching. “Panties first,” I murmured, holding my hand out.

He groaned and gave me the panties. Smiling victoriously, I crashed my lips against his again and kissed him properly.

After Brian left, a good amount of time after, I dragged myself, even if unwillingly, out of the bed and put on some clothes. Since it was a little bit cold, I also borrowed a hoodie from Brian’s closet to keep me warm. It smelled like him and I thought of actually stealing it from him forever.

Smiling at the mischievous plan, I prepared to leave the bedroom so I could go to the kitchen to drink my every morning’s poison - Coffee! However, as soon as my foot moved forward, I tripped on my forgotten purse on the floor and almost fell on my face. Typical. A yelp escaped my lips but luckily I could balance myself before hitting the floor. “Shit. You clumsy ass, Lara!” I said out loud. Maybe it’d be a good idea to pick the bag up to prevent this from happening again, and as I did so, a CD slid through the bag and fell. Avenged Sevenfold - Tape I.

Oh. The CD.

I grabbed it and looked it over before making my way to the door. Once I stepped into the living room, I went straight to his stereo and put the CD on. I could cook while listening to their band. No sooner did the first chords began than I stopped dead in tracks, feeling completely drown in the song. Raising an eyebrow I returned to near the stereo to look behind the CD cover. The names of the songs were there and I ran my eyes over each one of them.

Unholy Confessions, Lips Of Deceit, Second Heartbeat, Chapter Four, To End The Rapture, Eternal Rest, Remenissions, Shattered By Broken Dreams.

"Wow. This is quite good." After a couple of songs, I finally walked into the kitchen, rocking my head slightly at the music playing. I was really impressed with the guys. I’d never thought they were that good, even if back in the days, when I watched them practice, I liked their songs. But being more mature now, I could see just how great they actually sounded.

Oh. My. God. That’s all I could think of as I kept listening to the album, this time seated on the couch. Only one song until the end of the album, and saying that I was impressed would be the understatement of the year. Soft chords echoed through the speakers, catching my attention. This was different. I closed my eyes and for a moment just enjoyed the melody, but when my ears started capturing the lyrics, my heart stopped. I jolted up from the couch and went to grab the cover of the CD again, searching for the name of the song playing. Shattered By Broken Dreams.

I couldn’t breathe properly as I took in the lyrics.

I don’t want to see you like this. We all tried to save you but missed.

Now come back to us like the days of the old.
I still feel you there, trying to get on top.
You’ll always have my support, in my heart.

Holy shit. This couldn’t be about me. No.

Broken home, and then abandoned by your dad.
And we are left the only family that you’ve ever had.

No! No! I shook my head and dropped to my knees in front of the speakers. Tears pooled behind my eyes but I fought them back with everything in me.

Help you see it through.
Fight this me and you.

The song ended with three more versus but I stayed still, not knowing what to think or even what to do. This was too real. The words fitted too much in my life. I felt my throat constricting and my lungs struggling to keep the air flowing in and out. Many questions flooded my head, but I kept them at bay, because at that very moment, the ache in my heart was too strong for me to handle it.

“God, Lara, why did you insist to listen to their albums? Idiot,” I muttered to myself, choking slightly with my own words.

I didn’t know what I was supposed to do now. How could I look at Brian after listening to that song and not ask him anything? He was going to notice that something was wrong, that I was sure, because in no way would I be able to hide my emotions from him. I knew he would see past my lies and that scared me to the bones.

I thought about listening to the song again, but at the last minute I would change my mind. It was too much. It would only worsen the situation and I surely didn’t need that burden.

Jumping slightly at the ringing of my phone, I palmed the front pockets of my jeans to see in which one the loud device was. Right one, Lara, on the right one! I glanced quickly at the screen when I grabbed my phone, only to grunt upon seeing Cute Asshole <3 flashing before my eyes. With a deep breath and a faint smile, I picked up the call. “Missing me already?”

“Obviously. Where are you, anyway? It’s been almost one hour and a half and you’re still not here,” Brian complained, and I could almost picture a small pout covering his lips. Cute.

"Aren’t you supposed to be giving a class right now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m going in now, that’s why I called. I wanted to get a kiss first and hear you say, ‘have a nice class, Brian. I love you.’ But you’re not here,” he told me, stealing a tiny yet honest smile from my lips. For a moment I forgot about why I was upset, the only thought swimming in my mind being that Brian was an adorable shit.

"Aw, you’re almost making me feel bad."

“You should.”

I narrowed my eyes at the tone of his voice, scoffing at him. “Okay. You lost it all now,” I said. “Stop smirking. You’re not cute anymore.

“How did you even know?” He laughed and I rolled my eyes, smiling. How did I know? I just did, I guess. I knew him too damn well.

"Your voice, Brian. Says it all."

He sighed. “I still wanted you here, though. Jokes aside.”

I allowed my lips to wide just a little bit more as a bigger smile forced its way out. “Someone’s getting mushy and soft.”

“Oh, shut it!” He chuckled, sounding what looked like to be embarrassed. “You know you love me mushy and soft, too. If I was always that cocky fucker, you’d send my ass flying across the country.”

I laughed really hard at that, but maybe be was right. A little bit of sweetness from his part was very much welcomed every once in a while. But I still loved to pick on him about it. “Wimp Brian is wimp,” I giggled, hearing his low groans from the other side of the phone.

“Fine. Whatever. I’ll show you how wimp I can be when I get you into bed.”

"Still waiting," I teased.

“Oh, you’ll get it,” he said darkly, “that much I can promise to you.”

God, Brian.

"Go to class and stop filling my mind with dirty thoughts," I chastised.

“Um… Lara… weren’t the kids here and you’d be a wet mess in less than a minute,”he murmured in a low tone, his words sending electric waves running down my spine.

Holy mother of God. “You win!” I groaned. “Now stop.”

Laughing a little, he said goodbye and threatened me with lack of love, as he called it, if I didn’t go visit him to the store. I could only shake my head and laugh as I hung up the call. My heart warmed as I realized how lucky I was for having him, and how good he was to me. He actually did me good. Still feeling a bit emotional, I fought back tears and took a deep breath. God, I needed him. Especially now that I was a mess.

It was a little before lunch when I left Brian’s house and headed to the store. That was the distraction I desperately needed to get back on the road. Seeing the guys and being silly with them was going to be my medicine for today.

Matt was behind the counter once I entered the store, his hazel eyes down, focused on something I couldn’t see. I smiled and approached him. “Hey, big guy.”

He looked up at the sound of my voice and his pair of dimples showed up on his cheeks as he grinned back at me. “Look who’s here.”

“Yeah, can’t stay away for long, can I?”

“Thankfully not.”

“Aw, that’s sweet of you,” I cooed, laughing a little as he just shrugged his shoulders, that dimpled smile still on his face. “So how’s this going today?”

“Pretty normal. Most people just pass by to check on things. Aside from regular customers, it’s rare to find someone willing to buy CDs and other things.”

“But you guys have profits right?” I queried with a frown, “It’s not like you’re gonna close the store or anything.”

Matt stood up from his chair and placed his hands on the counter, chuckling, “Obviously not. The classes pay for pretty much everything. The store is more like a bonus.”

“Oh.”

"So… Brian, uh?” Matt smirked, that knowing look etched across his face. He still hadn’t had a lot of time to tease me about this whole thing of Brian and me dating, so when he mentioned his name I wasn’t the slightest surprised.

“What about him?” I asked nonchalantly.

“I’m just happy, that’s all,” he said, and I had to say that I was a little taken back with his honesty. I flashed him a small smile and nodded. “It was about time you two got together.”

“I know. But we needed that time.”

Matt tilted his head to the side, his eyes weaving to mine, earnest and deep. “Yeah, you did. But I hope you guys don’t be stupid this time and go separate ways. It’s pretty obvious that you’re both head over heels in love with each other, and I haven’t seen Brian this happy for a long, long time. I want to keep seeing him like that.”

Is it just me, or is Matt threatening me?

I sighed, looking away from him and onto my hands that were on top of the counter. “I love him, Matt. I won’t screw up.” I hoped.

He seemed to ponder over my words before releasing a breath. “Okay. I have my hopes up, though.”

I tried a quick peek at him, and as I watched the grin back on his face, I allowed myself to relax. “Is he upstairs?” I asked, wanting to change the subject.

“Yeah. You waiting for him?”

“Yes. He called and turned all drama queen on me, so I had to come.”

Matt shook his head, chuckling “That sounds like Brian. Just go there. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see you.” I beamed at Matt and nodded, but just as I turned to head upstairs, he was calling my name.

I spun around to face him. “Yeah?”

“We were thinking about going for lunch after their class, Brian’s and Johnny’s. Jimmy is coming, too, so if you want to tag along… Brian was probably going to ask you, anyway, but I just wanted to let you know that we like your company, too.”

My heart warmed at his words and a big smile tainted my lips. “Sure! That should be fun.”

"Are you prepared to handle a bunch of idiots saying stupid shit about whatever crosses their minds?" He asked.

I lifted an eyebrow, giving him a pointed look. “Only if I can be part of that bunch of idiots,” I said, making Matt laugh.

"Fair enough."

I finally ran upstairs to go see Brian and his handsome face. Only him to make me run. As soon as I reached the door that led to his class, I knock twice and turned the knob, sticking my head inside. I felt a few pairs of eyes turning to me, but my gaze only caught sight of Brian, who looked both surprised and excited.

“Hey!”

“May I?” I mouthed at him and he gave me a curt nod with his head. I padded into the room and tried to ignore all the strange looks his much older students, when compared to the other little kids, sent my way. Brian pulled me to his side for a moment to plant a soft kiss on my cheek, and then opted for holding my hand while he finished off his class.

“What a beautiful surprise,” he whispered as his students gathered all their stuff to leave, minutes later.

“Bye, Brian!” One of them shouted.

“Later, Trevor.”

“Your bed is really comfy,” I murmured back at him. “I kinda fell under a spell and it really took me a lot of time to leave.”

He chuckled and lifted his arm to wrap it loosely around my shoulders. “I know. You’re welcome in my bed every time. You know that.”

I just smiled at him, not wanting to dig very further into that subject. As the kids filed out of the room, Brian and I also left, finding Johnny in the hallway. But much to our surprise he wasn’t alone. A young brunette walked side by side with him, smiles dancing happily on their lips as they talked to each other.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, they turned to each other, Johnny seeming a little bit too shy. “I’ll see you Friday,” Johnny told her, “Don’t forget to practice that sequence.”

She hugged him, for a long time, and then kissed him soundly on the cheek, “Bye, Jonathan.”

Jonathan?

I stifled a chuckle just as Matt did from behind the counter. “He’s got a lot to explain,” Matt said, shaking his head, and I glanced at him. He was grinning mischievously, his bottom lip between his teeth.

Poor Jonathan.

I had a great time with the guys. They kept teasing Johnny about the mysterious girl he was talking to. And I have to say, it was the first time I saw him blushing a bright red. Such a cute sight, seeing Johnny in love.

When I got back to the store with the guys, Zacky, who had the afternoon shift, was already there. “Dude,” Zacky cleared his throat, uncomfortable with something.

Brian nodded his head in his direction. “What?”

"You had a new girl in today’s class."

Brian walked around me and moved to the counter. “Yeah, I know. She attended the other class just to see if this was what she wanted, and then she applied for it.”

"Oh, okay."

New girl, uh?

"Is she hot?" Zacky wanted to know, and Brian’s eyes found mine for a moment as he looked behind his shoulder.

"Um. Yeah. Actually, she is," he answered in a low voice.

Was he concerned about me hearing it? “Does she have big boobs and a nice ass?” I asked, stepping closer to them. I saw Zacky looking at Brian, keen for his reply. However, Brian’s eyes stayed glued to mine the entire way. But as I rested my elbow on the counter and stared at him, his confusion was replaced by his well-known smirk. “So?” I prodded.

"I said she was hot. I didn’t mention her boobs or ass."

"It’s implicit."

"No, it’s not," he laughed. “Why? Are you jealous?"

"What?" When did this become about me? “Jealous of her?"

"Jealous because I think she’s hot,” he clarified, and I scoffed at that, even though deep inside he was partly right.

"Get over yourself, Haner."

He chuckled, circling his arm around my waist and kissing my lips. “Don’t worry.”

"About what?"

He hesitated a little, his brown eyes boring into mine, glistening ever so lightly. “I love you,” he told me with a smile. “And you’re pretty sexy, too.”

"And that’s it!" Zacky exclaimed, throwing his arms into the air. “I can’t take this." He darted out into the guitars’ area, distancing himself from us. Brian retrieved his arm as a laugh fell from his lips.

"Sensitive much?" I chortled.

Brian looked down at me, his normal-self back as he shrugged his shoulders. “Hormones,” he muttered. I suppressed a giggle and leaned slightly against Brian, missing the feeling of his arm around me already. Why did he have to take it back, anyway?

Apparently he realized what I was doing and involved me in his arms again, this time a full crushing hug. I smiled into his chest when he rested his chin on top of my head. “Your birthday is in a week,” he said.

Wait.

Birthday?

My birthday?

Notes

So first out all. About the Avenged Sevenfold Tape I mentioned. As you could see, the names of the songs are not exactly from only one album. It's a mix between the first and second A7X albums. And it's only a few songs. I figured that since in this story there's no real Avemged Sevenfold, then they wouldn't have an exact CD. Only a few tapes with a few songs recorded. Got it? :D

Hope you guys liked this chapter!! Thank you so much for the comments on last chapter :3