Dice’s POV

Goddammit... I groaned, trying my best to ignore the annoying buzzing on the night stand next to me. I should fucking just lose that torture device, yes precisely, because somehow, whenever I’m sleeping it started ringing. Took off at the worst possible moments. It had the best timing. Note the sarcasm. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping it would just stop... fucking... vibrating. Oh for pete’s sake--

„Hello?” I mumbled in the pillow, pulling the phone to my ear.

“Diiiiccceee….” Someone cried in my ear and I had to check, who the hell was calling me in that state of panic.

„MJ?” I asked confused, my voice husky. I cleared my throat, before continuing, „What’s wrong?” I didn’t actually have to ask what’s wrong since I knew very well why she’s in such hysteria, only I didn’t know who as the gentle soul to break it for her. She just sobbed in the phone and felt like she’ll soon pass out. Fucking hell, „MJ, talk to me. Where are you?” And what was the time?

„I-I’m cl-l-lose to J-Johnny’s...” She stammered through her sobs. Oh great, was it that late already? I boosted myself up to look over the electronic watch on the stand, not believing it was close to 7 PM. My eyes locked on the window to be sure it’s really as late and the watch wasn’t taunting me. „B-brian hates me...”

Yeah, tell me something new. I rolled my eyes, forcing myself to sit up and feel every muscle in my body screaming for mercy. Matt really did a number on me. As per fucking usual. „He doesn’t hate you,” I finally sighed, my feet sinking in the plush carpet as I stood up and stretched out. „have you talked to him?”

„N-no...” her voice was shaky and I just prayed to god she wouldn’t get in an accident. Hoped she wasn’t sitting behind the wheel right now since we all know how that ended for me.

„Good.” I said and I could imagine her confusion. But it was good she hasn’t had the chance to screw it up even more, I could probably hit some sense into him and bring some clarity upon the case. „Now be a dear and do as I say, okay?”

„...o-okay...”

„Pull yourself together, calm the hell down and go to work. Do everything to not think about this mess. I’ll talk to Gates and come to Johnny’s as soon as I can, okay?”

„’kay...” She sighed. „Thanks. F-for everything.”

„yeah,” I pinched the bridge of my nose, realizing what I just brought upon myself, „don’t mention it.” And with that I threw my phone over the bed and walked over to the closet to pull out a pair of Matt’s sweats and one of his wife beater shirts.

As soon as I left the bedroom, the strong stench of afterparty hit my nostrils and it became more and more fierce with each step I took towards the guest bedroom. Please don’t tell me Matt allowed him to drink his life away after we pulled up here. Jesus fucking Christ... When I stopped in the doorway, I saw Matt sitting on the bed and Brian tugging at his hair – his eyes the reddest they could ever be and the room destroyed. How come I missed the party just next door? Where the fuck’s my invitation? I exhaled heavily as I walked in the room, my lunges begging for air and not this liquor factory after scent.

My feet carried me to the window and I opened it, the silence still strong in the room. Matt’s eyes were following me, almost begging to fix this mess. Yea, what the hell do you suppose I should do, Sanders? I wasn’t the one to fuck things up.

I picked the comforter up from the ground and laid back over the bed, doing the same with pillows. Fixing the lamp in it’s place and avoiding any shattered glass at all cost. Had he broken that expensive looking vase? Good, it was awful.

Before I knew it, Brian had pulled me in a hug and I could only shoot Matt the questioning brow. He shrugged in response, looking almost as clueless and confused as was I. „Help me...” Brian whispered against my shoulder. Were those tears wetting my shirt?

„Matt, can you fix us all breakfast... and maybe coffee?” I asked, turning in Syn’s arms. It seemed like Matt was doubting whether to leave us two alone, but in the end he gave up and just exited the room. Even closing the door after himself. Right as Matt left, Syn broke down in tears.

„Wh-hy would she do that?” He held me close, it was almost a motherfucker to breathe, but what could I do? Push him away? He’d shatter to pieces and then it would be a lot harder to glue him back together.

„Gates...” I started, comfortingly massaging his nape, „I don’t know what to tell you, man... She made a mistake.”

„A... mistake?” His head shot up with a deep wrinkle between his eyebrows, before he pushed me away. „A fucking mistake would be buying the wrong strings for me, since she doesn’t know shit about it. That would be a fucking mistake!” He started pacing the room. „How can you mistakenly fall on someones dick?!”

I took a deep breath, my fingers drawing invisible circles on my temple, before I grabbed his hand and pulled him back. „Just calm the fuck down,” I whispered.

„I can’t!” He hit my hand away, leaving me clenching my teeth together. Don’t fucking piss me off, while I’m trying to help you, asshole! „How could she do that to me? After... Fuck!”

„Okay...” A frustrated sigh left my mouth, „what exactly did he tell you?” I asked very, very slowly for him to catch on, since his head was somewhere else right now. How did I know Zack had spilled the beans? Well, no one else knew besides me and him. And I still think MJ didn’t remember shit from that night. Of course if it had only been one time and if we’re talking about the time right before she ditched this dysfunctional family.

„What did he tell me?”

„Yes, what did he tell you.” Were we speaking the same fucking language here? Or was I talking in French?

„He told me he fucked her!” He raged still pacing the room.

„Haven’t you had the thought that maybe, just maybe, it happened when you weren’t together, dude?” I frowned not really being able to remember if they were together at the time or not. Right now I was a bit pre-occupied, thinking he’ll probably will fall through the floor from the active walking. There should be a hole rubbed in the floor by now.

„What difference does it make?” His fingers brushed through his hair. Oh I don’t know, maybe he should leave the shit in the past where it belonged?

„Well, then she could as well start the same shit you’re doing right now over you fucking me. Every other day. And about that fucking threesome we had while she was sleeping downstairs. Had you thought about that, huh?” Oh the realization really hit him hard, didn’t it? He stopped in his tracks and just stared at me. Had he really forgot about that? He shouldn’t make the innocent lamb out of himself, knowing he was the fucking devil.

„But she’s been texting him! All fucking week!” Here we go again with the pacing. I had to take a deep breath. Come the fuck on! I almost had him on the right track!

„What difference does it make?” I mocked, getting him to squint his eyes on me. Yes, that was a smug smirk on my face. „Okay, dude, what bothers you more – the fact that she slept with him, or she’s texting him? ‘Cause she’s texting Jimmy too and I don’t see you raging over that.”

„’Cause I know Jimmy doesn’t like her!”

„Sure he does.”

„You know what I meant,” Of course I did, but I needed to get that head of his out of that asshole of his.

„Why can’t you just get over it?” She doesn’t even remember it! But I decided to conceal that part since it would probably do more damage and he snap something along the lines of her not supposed to be drinking if she can’t hold her liquor, which by the way was true. But can you blame her? I’ve made a shit ton of mistakes when completely wasted, but that was a different story for a time called ‘never’. „Look, I could fuck you right now and then you both would be even,” but I’d ruin everything with Matt. I’m not saying I would go anywhere near Syn’s dick, but that was just a material for his brain to chew on.

„I wouldn’t touch you,” he hissed, finally stopping and leaning back against the wardrobe. „Why am I even talking to you? I know you’re siding with her.” He spat it like it was the ultimate insult. Whoa, hold up buddy, last time I checked, a couple days ago he worshiped the ground she walked on, so if he insults her, I really will punch him square in the throat.

„I’m not siding with anyone!” This was my time to yell. Maybe the slight increase of decibels would get through that thick skull of his, „I just know the story and I’m trying to make you see further than your drunk stupor and rage!”

„You knew and you told me nothing?!” He raged, his eyes shooting daggers at me.

„It’s not what I meant,” I lied. Sure I knew. And can he come up with one good reason why would I tell him about something like that? Why would he feel the need to know? „I meant I know the story between you two,” thank god for Yale which thought me to be quick with the recovery of words. Mere mortals never noticed me lying, I didn’t even flinch, lawyers and judges however were a different story. Speaking of which, probably would be time to start working on the Jay case. Right after I’m done with this trainwreck over here. „You two love each other, why would you feel the need to complicate it? It’s not like you are all sunshine and butterflies, Gates.” I pointed out to his obvious flaws of flirtation and man-whore reputation.

„I-I...”

„Don’t make me punch that stupidity out of you!” I shouted walking up to him, „Enjoy the fucking moment while it lasts, ‘cause between you and me speaking,” I gestured between us, „we both know that you and me, we’ll fuck up at one point, so just live for the moment, dude.” Right now I was practically on my knees and begging him.

„Y-you’re actually right,” He agreed. Of course I am! I’m always right, even when I’m not. A small smile ghosted on his lips and his hands rested on my shoulders, before he pushed a quick and wet kiss on my lips. „Thank you, Dice.”

„Wait... I’m not done here,” I said and he frowned. „Try not to be too hard on Zack,” I could see that dangerous spark in his eyes flair up again just me mentioning his name. „it’s not his fault he fell for the wrong girl.”

„I’m not promising anything,”

„I know,” I rolled my eyes, „But at least try. You still have an album to let out. In fact I could probably try and hook him up with someone to get the train in the previous track. You’re in?”

He chuckled and man was that the best sound to here after the tension had practically ripped up the room. „Sure. If that gets him off drooling over MJ, I’m down for whatever.”

„And now we’ll go downstairs, check if Matt hadn’t blown up the kitchen and then I’ll take you to MJ so you, yes, darlin’, you, could calm her down. I think she’s dying with worry right now.” I patted his shoulder, „come on, Casanova.”

I dragged him out of the room and I was right about my predictions. The kitchen was covered in smoke. What the hell was he doing there? Holy fucking shit, he’s making toast while playing Call of Duty? I rushed over to prevent the house from burning down and get the burnt toast out of the toaster. „Are you insane, Matt?” I screamed, ripping the window open to get the smoke outside of the room.

„What?” He didn’t even flinch, his eyes still staying glued on the tv. Now I was mad. I walked over to him, seeing Gates fix himself a mug of coffee since the slob haven’t even done that and ripped his headset off. „Hey! What the hell—what’s burning here? Oh shit, the—„

„Yea, the toast. Are you fucking nuts?” I raged, ready to slap him as he looked around the room.

„It’s not that bad,” I heard Syn say somewhere behind us. Was he eating that burnt piece? Oh man...

„Can I, please, finish the round?” Matt looked up at me with a pleading look.

I shot him a patient stare. „Fine,” I hissed, throwing the headset back to him. „Make it quick.” That guy will really be the death of me, ‘cause simply he’ll burn the house down while I’ll be sleeping in it. „Gates, you should probably wash your face. You look like crap. I can’t bring you like that to MJ.”

„What’s wrong with my face?” He asked with full mouth.

„Well... you’ve been drinking, you’re still drunk and you’ve been crying. Sounds bad enough?” If it doesn’t, than I don’t know what does.

„Okay, okay,” He chuckled, „Just let me finish my breakfast.”

„I’d better you not eat it,” I sighed, snatching the coffee from him and taking some long mouthfuls.

„No, really, it’s not that bad. Comparing to my cooking skills, this still is called food.” Then I really didn’t want to know his level of cooking. He took the mug away from me and rinsed the burnt toast down with the coffee, before excusing himself to the bathroom.

I managed my way back to Matt and rested my forearms on his shoulders, stopping behind him. I really didn’t get what’s so interesting running around and shooting people, but then again I wasn’t a video game person. „How much longer?”

„’till I die. I’m the last one left.” He mused.

„Then just die, will ya’?”

„I... can’t... Fuck! And I’m dead,” he sighed and threw the controller over the coffee table. Irritated.

„That’s more like it,” I leaned around him and pushed a kiss on his cheek. He should really learn to loose. And be a bit more gentle with girls instead of just taking me and pulling me over the couch back and in to his lap.

„What did you tell him?” He asked softly, gazing in my eyes, while caressing my cheek with his thumb.

„The truth,” I smiled and pushed my lips against him, closing my eyes and feeling him lean back in the couch. His hand was still on my neck, while the fingers of his left hand slipped behind the lining of the sweats.

„Oh, knock it off...” Syn cried out from behind us, „we have to go, pronto!”

I chuckled against Matt’s lips, since he didn’t let me move not even for an inch. „Come on...” I breathed, raising on my knees and trying to get away from him, but he just caught my lower lip with his teeth. „Matt!” I let out an odd giggle.

„I’m getting really fucking impatient here... And I don’t fucking do impatient,”

Finally his teeth set me free, but instead his strong arm held me close. What the hell was with him? Last time I checked he wasn’t drunk. „Matt, come on, let’s roll,” I said, pecking his forehead a couple of times, my eyes on Syn who had folded arms and was rolling his eyes on the view. I jumped slightly. That fucker just bit my nipple! That horny bastard... I smirked and moved my lips up to his ear, „If you get ready and we go right now, I’ll let you stick it anywhere when we get back,” I whispered.

Suddenly he was the one to pull me back and look me over with a deep frown, „You’re serious...” I nodded with a naughty smirk. And with that he just held me up and placed me on back on the couch, himself getting up and rushing upstairs.

„What did you promise him?” Syn was eyeing me with an amused smirk.

„Anal.” I shrugged like it was no big deal, but oh hell, it will be a big deal. His fucking dick in my tight little asshole? We’ll be needing loads and loads of lube.

„I’m ready!” Matt announced, running down the stairs. My eyebrows shot up. That was like... fucking fast. And he even looked decent. With a chuckle, I managed my way to the hallway and slid my feet in to the flip-flops I left here the other day, before walking outside and waiting for Matt and Syn by the black Audi.

The drive to Johnny’s was quick and before we all barged in, I told them I’ll go first and they could have a smoke in the mean time, and man, was I glad I was the one to check on the situation. MJ was pale and seemed like she was crying every five minutes. But yet she was attending customers.

Quickly I slipped behind the bar and before Max could say anything, I held up my hand. Work was not on my today’s agenda. MJ’s arms instantly wrapped around my neck and I had to put a lot of force into pushing her away. „Look, we don’t have time for the grand reunion. Why the hell do you look like shit?” I brushed the tears away from under her eyes, in the same time trying to clean the smudged mascara.

„Be-because Bri—„

„I told I’ll take care of it.” I frowned, now cupping her face, „Everything’s okay, love.” I gave her a reassuring smile, before noticing the same troublemaker stop by the bar. What was with them tonight? Couldn’t they be a bit more slower?

„MJ? Baby?” His voice was soft. Thank god. I thought for a moment there maybe he’d change his mind and tear everything up that was in arms reach, but I guess my words didn’t just blow over. In a second MJ was in his arms. Aww... how cute. Kawaii almost. Almost. That is if Max wouldn’t have come up to me.

„Dice?”

„Yea, I’ll take the shift. I’m not doing anything tonight either way, thanks for asking and the consideration,” I sighed, knowing I’ll probably have to borrow the duct tape again to cover my nipples and avoid flashing the customers.

„Thanks.” He just laughed before returning to the customers and their orders.

„So you’re working tonight?” Matt slipped in the seat in front of me.

„Have you seen her?” I pointed to the MJ in Brian’s arms. „It’s better me with everything that’s going on with my look, than her.”

„Anticipation’s already killing me.” He smirked.

„Get used to it.”

Notes