*~*Kamalei’s POV*~*

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I shouldn’t have let her fucking even come at all.”

“Matt, she wouldn’t have stayed behind anyways. Stop beating yourself up over it. She’s going to be okay.”

“Val, it’s MY job to fucking make sure she’s safe. This is so fucked up. Zee is she okay?”

“She’s sleeping. She won’t be if you keep yelling.”

“Shut the fuck up. I’m fucking pissed off. That fucker made my nose bleed.”

“He caught me in the lip but I’m more worried about her.”

I could hear them talking but struggled to open my eyes. When I did, I saw the roof of my mom’s truck cab and trees in the darkness passing by quickly. I blinked a few times, adjusting my eyes before a shooting pain went thru my side as I tried to shift my position.

“Lei?” I heard Zacky’s voice fill my ears again.

I was lying with my head on his lap in the back seat I realized after another minute. He looked down at me, and I had never been so happy to see those big, bright green orbs of his.

He brushed some of my hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear, “My little Lei girl, are you alright?”

“What?! Is she awake!?” Matt yelled from the driver’s seat as I saw Val peer around the passenger seat.

“Yes Matt. She’s awake. Calm down.” Val said smiling at me, “You okay sweetie? We’re on our way out of Hana. We’re almost all the way back to the other side.”

“Yeah. My side just fucking hurts. Are you guys all okay?” I asked as I tried to sit up wincing at the pain.

“Lay down, you don’t need to get up. We’re okay. Just some bumps and bruises.” Zacky said looking down at me and licking his cut lip.

I reached out and gently touched his face, running my thumb across his cut lips, “Oh Zee. I’m so sorry… I shouldn’t have…”

“Shh. Stop.” Zacky cut me off, putting his finger to my lips, “We’re fine. It’s done. You don’t have to worry anymore. You’re here with us now.”

“Baby girl do you want a pill? Val grab her one from the bag on the floor.” Matt said as Val handed me a small white pain pill and a bottle of water.

“Where are we going?” I asked, snuggling back into Zacky’s lap as he set his hand lightly on my hip.

“Kelly said there was something that we needed to see before we left Maui. I’m not really sure where or what it is, but she said we had to hurry if we were going to see it.” Matt replied.

I thought for a second, “What time is it?”

“It’s about 4:30 in the morning.” Val answered.

“You said we were almost out of Hana right? Is the same way we came or are we going the other way?” I asked Val.

“Yeah, we are almost out of Hana and we went the opposite way of the way we came. Do you know where Kelly is taking us?” she asked.

“I do. Trust me; it’s something you guys will love. I hope you have jackets.” I replied smugly.

“Jackets? In Hawaii, really?” Matt said surprised.

“Yeah, you’ll see. It’s pretty fucking cold. Where’s my sweatshirt?” I said looking around on the ground.

“Here, you can use mine. Yours is probably stuffed in a bag somewhere.” Zacky said pulling one from by his feet, “Let me help you Lei.”

He helped me sit up next to him, “That fucking dickhead broke another one. I fucking knew it. FUCK!” I shouted as the pain shot thru me again.

“Put your arms up and I’ll slip it on.” Zacky said turning towards me with the sweatshirt.

“Zack are you gonna slip it on?” I giggled as I teased his word choice.

“Lei! What the fuck? I am right here you know?” Matt said from the front.

“Oh, Lei I’ll slip it anywhere you want.” Zacky carried on with the innuendo, slipping the sweatshirt on me.

“Vengeance, don’t get any fucking ideas…” Matt warned as Val giggled at the whole thing.

“Oh Zacky, I’d let you slip it anywhere YOU want.” I added so suggestively that even Zacky started to blush.

“Mmm, Lei. What about here?” Zacky replied putting his fingers up to my lips and lightly running them across.

“Mmmm…If that’s what you want.” I answered as I licked my lips, before there was a loud screech as Matt slammed on the brakes in the middle of the street.

“WHAT THE FUCK!? CUT IT OUT!” Matt turned and yelled at us both.

We looked at each other and couldn’t help but burst into fits of laughter. Matt’s face was so red and honestly I didn’t know if he was actually mad, or embarrassed. He pressed the gas again and Val turned around to look at us too, desperately trying not to laugh at her boyfriend. We rode in silence for a few more minutes before I decided to do something about this attitude he had.

“Matt- big brother. You have got to calm down. Zacky and I are only playing around. You should know this by now. And even if we weren’t, I am a grown woman, you know?” I said calmly, not sure how he would react.

He took a deep breath, “I know Kamalei. I’m sorry. You’re a grown woman, but to me you will always be my baby sister, whether I was there when you were a baby or not.”

“Can you just relax please? You’re literally going to give yourself a heart attack or a hernia or something.” I replied.

“Yeah. I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll try.” He said.

“Thank you. I still love you even though you can be an overprotective douche bag.” I smirked as I saw him look in the rear view mirror at me.

“I love you too you stubborn, sassy, little bitch.” He replied.

“Much better.” I smiled as I lay back down on Zacky’s lap carefully.

He draped his hand over my hip, grabbing the bottom of his sweatshirt and my shirt, “Can I see? I just want to check it if you'll let me.”

“Yeah, just please don't touch it.” I said as he lifted the garments to look.

“Oh, my little Lei girl... It doesn't look good.” He examined.

“It doesn't feel good either. It's definitely a broken rib... because, you know? I didn't have enough.” I said sarcastically.

“I'm sorry Kamalei. I should've just blew his fucking head off. Then he wouldn't have had the chance to hurt you again. I let you down.” He sadly and quietly answered, pulling my clothes back down.

I placed my hand on his at the bottom of my shirt as I looked into his green eyes, “How could you possibly have let me down Zee?”

“I let you get hurt again. I told you I would never let him hurt you again.” He said disappointed.

“Zack, you saved me. He was going to kill me and you saved me. He was choking me and he wasn't going to let go.” I told him as I grabbed at the collar of my shirt and yanked it down.

*~*Zacky's POV*~*

I had been so concerned with her ribs that I didn't even think of the potential damage to her neck. The truck was dark and the lights from outside had assisted me in seeing her bruised up torso, but offered nothing to her other injuries. I cut on the cab light above us and gasped at the horror lying in my lap.

“Kamalei, does it hurt?” I asked her, lightly touching the bruises that were forming on her neck.

She winced, “Just a little bit. Don't you see now? You saved me my Zacky boy.”

I wrapped my hands around her head and gently lifted her up a little as I hugged her to me, “My little Lei girl, I'm so sorry. I'm so glad I was there to stop him. I don't know what I would do if he took you from us.”

“What's going on back there?” Matt asked curiously.

“Nothing Matt. Just worry about following Kelly.” Val answered him as she looked back and saw what was going on.

“I'm safe now my Zacky boy. I don't have to worry anymore with you and the guys around. Everything is going to be so much better. I can see it now Zee.” She whispered in my ear as I let a tear slip down onto her cheek.

I pulled back and looked deeply into her hazel-green eyes, wishing I could kiss her again. She smiled up at me, wiping her face before reaching up and wiping another tear from my own face. I turned the light overhead off, before gently pulling her closer to me on my lap.

“Sorry.” Was all I could reply.

“Just enjoy the ride up my Zacky boy. No more tears.” She smiled as she ran her fingers along my forearm that was around her torso.

I rested my head against the cool window pane as I looked down at her in my lap. I took my other hand and stroked her hair as we quietly rode up on a windy road. After another 10 minutes I realized that she had stopped rubbing my arm, I looked down to see her asleep again. Feeling her body rise and fall in my lap put me at ease, and I was able to lightly close my eyes to rest.

She needs the rest. She’s been through so much, it’s the least we can do for her is let her sleep. I wish I could kiss her again. I don’t care if we were drunk the last time, I want her to know that it meant something to me. I want her to know that I was so scared when I pulled that gun. I want her to know that I was 2 seconds from pulling that trigger and ending him then and there, all for her. I’d do anything for her.

*~*Val’s POV*~*

I can only sigh when Matt starts asking what’s going on in the back of the truck. He just got finished telling Kamalei he would calm down and he’s already on her again. The poor girl can’t even try to have a normal life with Matt bearing down on her and anyone around her.

I tell Matt to focus on driving as I turn around and see Zacky on the verge of tears talking quietly with Lei. He’s hugging her close to him and I swear I see a few tears spill over as she whispers something to him. I turn the music up a little to give them some more privacy. I hear the light click off and peek again to see Lei calmly rubbing his arm around her as he strokes her hair.

I wish they could see how cute they are in this moment. If only Matt wasn’t in the car, I would snap a picture.

I turn back to the road in front of us, reaching over and grabbing Matt’s hand in mine as he drives.

“I’m glad you all are safe. I was really worried. I love you Matthew.” I said.

“I love you too baby. I told you we would be alright.” He replied, glancing over to me.

“Where do you think we are going? It seems like we are driving up into the sky. Look at the clouds.” I asked as I looked out of the side window.

“I have no idea, but if Kelly and Lei say we’re gonna love it, then I trust them.” He yawned, “I am sleepy though, so I hope it’s not something too physical.”

“Me too. You guys need to rest. That was a long night.” I said as I turned around to check on Zacky and Lei to find the two of them fast asleep.

“A really long night. Fuck, where the hell is she taking us?” Matt said yawning again.

After another 10 minutes of driving the windy road that seemed to backtrack itself, we got to a parking lot full of cars and tourist buses. There were tour guides talking to groups of people on rocky pathways. We were well above the clouds, and I did see a sign saying something about a crater. It was still dark when Kelly came over and told us to get out for the short walk.

“Ugh really? A short walk better be a short walk.” Matt grumbled getting out and looking in the back.

“Aww they look cute. Too bad we have to wake them up.” Kelly said looking at Zacky and Lei sleeping.

I pulled my phone out and snapped a picture while Matt wasn’t paying attention, making a note to send that to Lei as I knew she would appreciate such an adorable picture. Matt returned with my sweatshirt and slipping his own on.

“Zacky. Wake up. We’re here.” Matt said shaking Zacky’s shoulder gently before turning to Lei, “Lei baby. Come on. We’re here.”

Zacky mumbled something before lightly rubbing Lei’s arm to wake her, “Kamalei. Come on my Lei girl… time to wake up.”

I watched her eyes flutter open and a big smile come across her face as Zacky looked down at her, running his fingers thru her hair. She looked groggy, probably from the pills she took earlier, and I felt nervous having her walk around.

“Matt, maybe someone should carry her. I don’t think she should walk alone.” I told him quietly, having Zacky in mind.

Zacky helped Kamalei sit up in the truck and she looked like she was going to burst into tears. He slid out of the truck before holding his hand out to her, which she gladly took, him pulling her towards him. She winced as he pulled and I saw the look of concern on his face at her pain.

“Come here. Can you walk?” he asked her as he put her arm around his shoulder and helped her.

“I can walk Zee. Just kinda hurts and I’m a little dizzy. Will you walk with me?” She asked him.

“Of course. Where are we anyway?” Zacky replied.

“We’re at Haleakala (Ha-Lay-Ah-Kah-Lah) Crater. We’re here for the sunrise. It’s like nothing you will ever see in your life.” She smiled.

“It’s not far right sis?” Matt asked her and I could see him dreading her answer.

“No, it’s not. We can just walk over there and go wait. Should be soon. Grab the others.” She told him.

“Zacky, please be careful with her.” Matt said as he passed him.

“Always.” Zacky replied as he took a few steps with Lei hanging on to him.

She slid her arm out from around his shoulders and grabbed onto his bicep instead as she walked. I stood there and watched for a minute before I felt a towering figure behind me, turning to see Jimmy looking down at me.

“Hey there… Aren’t they adorable?” Jimmy said quietly.

“Enough to puke. Here look at this…” I said pulling my phone out and showing him the picture of them sleeping.

“Damn their cuteness.” Jimmy said shaking his head with a smile.

We followed the others up the small rocky path and to an open space away from all of the tour groups. It was dark but I could make out what I could only guess was the crater. The air was very thin this high up and I looked at Lei who seemed to be having a bit of a hard time with a broken rib or two.

“Are you alright hun? Do you want to sit?” I walked over to her and asked.

“I’m alright. It just hurts still. I wish those fucking pills worked better.” She stated.

“Oooo look it’s starting to come up.” Brian pointed out into the distance of the crater.

“Oh my God it’s gorgeous!” I cried out as I snuggled into Matt’s shoulder.

“Told you, you wouldn’t want to miss it.” Kamalei said smiling at me.

*~*Zacky’s POV*~*

“This is amazing my little Lei girl.” I leaned down and said quietly in her ear.

I watched her shiver slightly and cuddle up to my arm more, gripping it tighter as we watched the sun come up.

“Are you cold Zee? I can give you your sweatshirt back?” she replied.

“No you’ll freeze to death.” I told her.

“Well come here then or you’re going to freeze to death.” She said turning to face me and wrapping her arms around my torso, pulling me close to her.

I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and hugged her closer and I couldn’t help but smile down at her. She smiled back up at me and I forgot all about the sunrise for a minute as I got lost in her hazel green eyes.

“You’re so pretty when you smile.” I said quietly.

She blushed a bright red before snuggling her face into my chest, hiding. She gripped me tighter as she turned to watch the sunrise come over the crater.

“This is the last one I’ll see for a very long time. It’s beautiful. I’m glad I got to spend the last one with my family and friends. This wouldn’t be the same if it was just Kelly and I.” She said as I rubbed her back, trying to heat my hands up a little with the sweatshirt and friction.

“I’m happy I could be here for you.” I replied as I looked out at the bright orange sun rising over the crater.

“Me too.” She pulled away and I tucked a bit of her windblown hair behind her ear, brushing against her warm face.

“Oh Zee! You’re hands are like ice. Here stick them in the pocket.” She said grabbing them and shoving them in the hoodie pocket.

“It’s ok. Not like I need them for anything… “ I laughed as she rubbed her hands against mine in the pocket.

“You’re so silly Zacky boy. My brother couldn't find another great guitarist like you if his life depended on it. Come closer to me. How are you going to get warm like that?” She scolded.

“I have a better idea. Turn.” I turned her body around and pulled her back to my chest, putting my arms around her and slipping them into the sweatshirt pocket. “Better?”

“Much better. Now I know you aren’t going to freeze to death.” She said as she leaned against me, resting her head in the crook of my neck.

I couldn’t help but take a deep breath, inhaling the smell of her long colorful hair. I snuggled her closer to me, relishing in the beautiful sight of the sunrise and the beautiful girl in my arms.

“Snuggly?” Kelly came up and asked Lei.

Lei’s face was smug but I could see her blushing, “Why yes I am. Zacky is a very good snuggler.”

“Is that so?” Matt said from behind me and I could feel his eyes burning the back of my skull.

“Yup. I have to say he’s one of the best.” She giggled as she nestled into me more.

I held my breath as I waited for him to either reply or rip us apart. Much to my surprise he simply walked up to the railing next to us and nodded his head as Val came up and wrapped her arms around his torso.

“So, I’m one of the best? Why is that?” I asked her.

“Because you are Zacky boy. You’re my best friend and you have just the right amount of muscle and squishiness.” She said and Matt started laughing before lowering her voice and whispering, “Plus you smell good.”

I laughed a little at that, “Well, thank you very much. Glad to be of service Madam.”

“Zacky you are silly sometimes. It’s not even like that.” She said playfully pinching my hand inside the pocket, “Are you warmer?”

“Of course he is. How can he not be with such a little hottie like yourself? Must be like hugging a furnace.” Johnny said from the other side of me.

“Excuse me Mr. Christ? Did you just say I was a little hottie?” Kamalei said as she and the rest of us cocked an eyebrow and stared at him.

I was a little annoyed that he called my Kamalei a hottie. I mean she is but still, we all know how I feel about her.

“What?!” Johnny asked after receiving the multiple looks then looked to me, “You know I’m right.”

“Shut up short shit.” Jimmy chimed in, saving me from reaching out and punching him in the face, “You have the worst word choices ever. She’s more than a little hottie, Kamalei is beaaaauuutiful!” he sang the last part.

“Jimmy, stop it. I’m just me.” Kamalei replied and I knew already by the tone of her voice, she was blushing.

“Just the way I like ya.” I whispered in her ear making her jump.

“Zacky! Not you too!” She squealed.

I put my hands up, “What? I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. Neither did Jimmy or Johnny…”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head before turning back around and watching the sunrise. Val grabbed her camera phone and had all of us huddle together for pictures with the crater behind us. A man passing by asked if he could take the picture for us so we could all be in it. After the man handed back the camera, everyone started to walk around and look at some more of the view, leaving just Kamalei and I.

“Wanna walk over down there?” She asked me pointing off to a different viewpoint.

“Sure. You feeling okay?” I asked her as we started to walk down a small walkway.

“Yeah, a little sore still. It’s going to be like this for a while now. Ugh, this sucks.” She said gripping onto my arm as we walked.

We stopped by a railing and looked out at the wide view of the entire island. It was an amazing view, not blocked by trees or buildings. Instead of hanging onto the railing, she held onto my arm still, snuggling into it.

An older couple walked by us and smiled before the older woman stopped, “You two are just the cutest couple. Reminds me of Jeffrey and I when we were young and in love.”

Kamalei blushed and I felt my face get hot as well as I answered her, “Oh, thank you ma’am. We aren’t….”

“We aren’t that young!” Kamalei blurted out, “You seem to still be young and in love yourselves.”

I looked down at her as she smiled up at me, winking, as she placed one hand on my chest as if we were a couple.

“Oh my dear, we have seen many sunrises and sunsets, but nothing is as beautiful as two people who truly and obviously love each other, like you two. Hold onto this one, sir.” The woman said to me as she shook her finger at me.

“Yes ma’am. I plan on it.” I said wrapping my arm around Kamalei’s body, pulling her even closer to me, playing along.

“Keep her happy. You two have a beautiful day.” The woman said as she started to follow her husband.

“Oh, wait. Could you take a picture of us please?” Kamalei said pulling away from me and grabbing her phone and handing it to the woman after setting it up.

Kamalei put her hand back on my chest as I pulled her close to me again, the woman snapping the picture.

“One more, you should look at each other this time.” The woman said.

I looked down into Kamalei’s hazel green eyes as she stared back at my green ones. I could see something else behind her eyes. I leaned down closer to her face, feeling her hot breath as she batted her eyes up at me.

She’s so beautiful. I could kiss her right now while no one is around. I could say I was playing along. Her lips are just begging to meet mine…

We were less than an inch from one another’s face, eyes locked, when the woman snapped the picture. Both Lei and I jumped a little at the sound of the shutter, forgetting that she was even there. Lei smiled before kissing my cheek and slowly going over to the woman, thanking her for taking the pictures.

“You take care of this sweet girl young man.” She scolded me as she met up with her husband.

“Yes ma’am.” I replied as Kamalei came back to me, instantly grabbing my arm for stability.

“That was fun.” Kamalei said as she showed me the pictures, “This one looks really good. Now we can remember this funny little white lie we told some nice old people.” She said laughing lightly as we made our way back to the others.

Notes

Hope you guys like this chapter. I know it's not as exciting as the last one, but hey the overwhelming feedback from the fight scene gave me new ideas as well. I tried to pick some good pictures to link but by all means, please google if you want, it is a beautiful thing to see and I encourage any visitor to Maui to see it. The first time I did was New Year's, talk about bringing in the beautiful new year ;) I won't be available tomorrow because of work, but hopefully I can get a new chapter out by Wednesday... Hope you all enjoy and mahalo for all of your comments! Much love and Aloha <3 <3 <3