*Carry On*

Johnny's POV

As I come off the stage after our Pittsburg show, I dump a bottle of water over my head and run my hands over my face. I was sweating balls in this July heat and I feel like shit after we just played the worst show ever. The show literally sucked. Gates kept messing up his solos and Jimmy was all over the place on the drums, which ultimately threw the rest of us off. With two of the most curtail musical elements off, it is no wonder that we sound like a huge train wreck tonight. Their heads just haven't been in the game since Rizzo and Tempe left for NYC and I'm sure the fans could tell. Hell, if I spent money on our show tonight, I would be asking for a refund.

I let out a groan as I blink the salty water out of my eyes. I slap my cheeks and pull out my pack of cigarettes from my pocket. Maybe some nicotine will help me forget that on stage disaster. It's a sad day when they turn up the bass higher than the drums and the lead guitar.

"Damn that sucked," Matt rages as he walks off the stages and slams his fist into the wall. "You guys need to get your heads out of your ass and in the game here." He turns his angry glare on Gates and Jimmy but they are too busy checking their phones. "Are you two fucking listening?" Matt steps forward and smacks both of them upside the head but they don't even seem the least bit phased.

"Since when did you two turn into pussy whipped bitches?" I ask, shaking my head at the pair as I blow out a cloud of smoke. I move to put my bass away just as Matt starts screaming.

"How can you keep pulling this shit? This is your fucking job and I don't give two shits if you're going to be a father. You still need to focus so you can provide for your family! And last I checked, we were part of that family too!" Matt's face is bright red as he motions between myself, Zacky, and Jimmy. "Get your head out of your ass, Haner!" To say he has been distracted is an understatement. Ever since he found out Riz was pregnant, he has been progressively pulling away from his Avenged Sevenfold duties and his Synyster Gates persona.

Zacky blew out a cloud of smoke as he pinches the bridge of his nose. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but you need to fucking pull out Synyster Gates. We are all going out tonight and I better see the bastard we all know and love and not this pussy whipped ass wipe in front of me," he lectures, causing Brian to roll his eyes.

"You guys just don't fucking get it," Brian rages, slamming the door of the rig. "Kay is in New York with her dying mother. I'm sorry if I'm not all fucking with it today," he snaps. "And excuse me for taking responsibility for once in my life!"

Matt groans and pulls his hands over his face. "It's great that you're taking responsibility, just don't forget you've got other duties too," he sighs, pulling the cigarette out of Zacky's hand and taking a long drag. "Right now your loyalties and your focus needs to be on playing the shit out of everything show and then I don't give a damn what you do on your own time."

"Fine," Brian snaps, knowing that Matt is right. He has a job to do.

"Tempty is calling!" Jimmy squeals in a high-pitched voice, breaking the tension. He jumps up in the air and does a heel click before answering the phone. "Hello gorgeous...." He starts but his smile falters after moment at he pushes the phone into Brian's hands, looking pissy.

"Haner." I raise a brow as Brian's face turns pale and her sinks down to the floor. I watch as he runs his hands over his face and takes in a shaky breath. "Yeah...just take care of her okay. Make sure she's not over stressed and tell her I love her and I'm thinking about her," he sighs before handing the phone back to a sulking Jimmy.

"Tempty what is going on? When are you coming back? I'm literally dying without you," he whines as he walks away to have a private conversation. I shake my head and turn my attention back to Brian who is still sitting with his face in his hands on the floor.

"Brian?" Matt asks softly, kneeling down next to him and putting a hand on his shoulder. "What's going on? Is it Riz?"

Brian runs his hands over his face and looks over at Zacky with a deep frown. "Yeah...Kay's mom passed away..." He says in a shaky tone and both Matt and Zacky curse.

"I'm sorry, dude, but you said she was a total bitch thought right?" I say, offering my condolences. He nods slowly and takes a cigarette from Zacky, pulling in a long drag.

"Yeah, but I-I....I mean Kay is crushed and I felt useless here." Brian blows out a cloud of smoke and looks back down at the floor. "Temp said she is really upset and I just don't want anything to happen to her or-or Madelyn..."

My jaw drops when he mentions a name. The last thing I knew, they hadn't even talked about names. I guess Haner is more invested in this baby then any of us thought possible. "She'll be fine. Riz is a tough cookie and there is no doubt that little ass kicker baby is too," I say optimistically.

"I just wish I was there with her..." He sighs, his fingers lingering over Riz's picture on his phone. He must be trying to decide whether or not to call her.

"Listen, how about you go call her and the we will go celebrate Mrs. Rizzo's life," Matt suggests.

"Yeah, Riz would like that," Zacky assures Brian before he stands and heads towards the bus.

"This fucking sucks," Matt sighs. "I don't think he's going to be fully with it until Riz gets back. And I hate to admit it, but it's not the same on the road without her."

"Though I've gotten two of the best nights of sleep," I chuckle. "No screaming orgasms to wake me up."
"No wonder why you've been such a pain in the ass lately," Zacky chuckles. "Good thing Ashley will be meeting us in Detroit with Kay in three days. "Then you can crawl back in your little gnome hole," he laughs and I just flip him the bird. Screw you guys! I'm gonna find someone to fuck tonight!

Brian's POV

I take in a few deep breaths before I push the call button underneath Kaylyn's picture. I know that she is hurting but I hope she will take my call and just let me know that she is alright. It breaks my heart to know that she is in pain thousands of miles away and I have no way to comfort her. I hate the idea of her being in any kind of pain, specially with my daughter in mind.

"Hey," says Kaylyn's shaky voice after three rings.

"Hey," I respond, suddenly lost for words. I realize that I have no idea what to say in this situation because I've never lost a parent. "How are you holding up?" I decide on, instantly kicking myself for sounding insensitive.

I hear Kay take a shaky breath before sobs take over on the other end of the line. "She's gone," she sobs and it physically hurts to hear her like this. "But-but at least I got to see her...I-I just can't believe she-she...."

"I'm so sorry, Kay." I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a long sigh. "Do you want me to come out there? I can take a flight out tonight," I start but she cuts me off.

"No-no it's alright. I-I've got T-Tempe," she cries and I don't know how much longer I can stand here listening to her be in pain. I want to make her feel better and comfort her. "But you'll never guess what she said before-before..." She continues, her voice shaking with light laughter.

"What did dear Barbara say? That she wishes I bought the 76 wine instead?" I chuckle and Kaylyn joins in.

"No...she said she was wrong about you and she was sorry," Kay says and my jaw drops before pulling into a smile. "I guess she looked you up on the internet and decided that you were exactly what I-I needed...she just regretted no being able to meet..."

Kaylyn's words shock me and I can't help but feel a small twinge of excitement about Barbara wanting to get to know our child. "Madelyn," I finish for her.

Kaylyn sniffs and then let's out a small laugh. "You've got this all planed out don't you?"

"I'm just excited to meet our little girl." I smile pulls at my lips.

"Madelyn Marie Haner...I love it," she says and I can hear the smile in her voice.

All I want to do is kiss her and hold her in my arms but I know I can't. "When are you guys coming back?" I ask and Kaylyn takes in another shaky breath.

"I am still going to try and meet you in Detroit but I have to put moms affairs in order, she sighs. "I might have to meet you the following week in Chicago." Just then, I swear I see a familiar set of blue eyes watching me and blonde hair blowing in the breeze.

"No it can't be..." I mutter, shaking my head. There is no way Aubrey is here. That would be suicide...
"What, Bri?" I shake my head and return my full attention to Kaylyn. "Just hurry back as soon as you can," I say with a small smile. "I miss you."

"Miss you too, Bri. I've got to go though to make arrangement. I love you and I'll see you soon."
"Love you too." I say and hang up the phone, watching the blonde haired person dart through the backstage area. I really have to be seeing things.

"Alright, let's go!" Jimmy yelled, catching me off guard as he threw me over his shoulder. "We've got a celebration to attend! Party!" He sang, a little too happy about something.

"What are you smiling about?" I ask after he sets me down on the bus and pours us each a shot.

"I can't tell you....but you'll know soon enough! Cheers!"

What the hell is going on in Jimmy's sick and twisted head?

Notes

What is Jimmy planning? Will the guys go out to the bar?

What do you think about baby Haner's name?