Ben’s POV

I couldn’t fucking believe this! How could Maya just up and leave me out of the blue without so much as a warning? And to go meet up with those Avenged assholes nonetheless. The last thing I knew she was avoiding all of them except for their psychotic drummer, so why the change in heart? Where did this come from? God I was so pissed off and confused right now that I couldn’t see straight.

You know what, I was calling bullshit on this whole situation! I bet the having to do shit with Blondie and working for Vengeance was all just a rouse. I mean, why take a job working for his clothing line when she could just stay here, open her business, and have a side job working for Asking Alexandria? Please, I wasn’t dumb, especially since I offered her a fucking job! Maya leaving with Blondie to meet Vengeance was a fucking joke and I would bet money that Shadows had something to do with this. That bastard probably talked her into visiting them so he could make a move. It was the only explanation that made sense!

But if I was being honest, Maya had been different ever since the Avenged guys left the UK and I knew he was the fucking reason. She was distant, her eyes wandered when I talked to her, and she always seemed to be on another fucking planet. What the hell had happened to us? Didn’t she care anymore? I know I did so it fucking hurt and pissed me off to see her slowly pulling away.

I angrily shook my head after finishing my glass of scotch in one swig. She couldn’t leave, especially not to be with him. How could she even consider choosing him over me after the hell he put her through! That thought alone sent me over the edge and I was seeing red. Without thinking, I took my glass and threw it at the wall as hard as I could, glass shattering through the air. Only it didn’t make me feel any better.

“Whoa, man what the hell is going on here?” I looked up to see Sam standing in the doorway with a stunned expression on his face. He must have walked in at the wrong time.

I just held my hand up to stop him from coming towards me. I didn’t need his lectures right now. “Damn it…what the actual fuck, Bruce?” Sam continued, ignoring me and stepping out into the living room to see the mess I had created both out of anger and the creative process.

“What are you doing here?” I groaned, running my hands over my face and pulling my hair. I really just wanted to be left alone right now.

Sam raised a brow at me and frowned. “Um…you texted me and asked me to stop by to listen to some new material…” Shit, he was right. Damn it, Maya had left me so flustered that I completely forgot.

“Look, Sam I’m sorry but—“ I started but he just walked past me and plopped himself down on the couch. Make yourself comfy then, asshat.

“Shut up mate and just tell me what’s wrong,” he chuckled and I rolled my eyes. Of course this he wasn’t going to leave without getting his nose in my business. That was the problem with all of my band mates. They were too damn nosy for their own good!

I groaned and sunk down into the couch next to him, looking up at the ceiling. God, I couldn’t believe I was going to talk about this right now. “I had another fight with Maya…”

“I figured as much since I saw her speed away as I pulled up,” and there was that sympathetic tone that I hated. If he was going to keep that up I was going to kick his ass out of my house. “So tell me what happened,” Sam continued and I sighed. Where to begin?

I told him every that had happened, all the pieces, the fights, and how distant she had become and Sam listened to everything without really giving anything away. “Well, what did she say? Did she tell you she was going to see him? That she was going back to him?”

“No….but I can fucking feel it! She’s been talking to him and I think this meeting with Vengeance is all some kind excuse to see him!” I raged, pulling my hair in frustration.

Sam raised a brow at me and slowly shook his head. “One thing I’ve learned about Maya is that she always speaks her mind. She’s not really the kind to lead someone on or make excuses. So I wouldn’t be too worried. She likes you and everyone can see that, but why you are so stubborn and refuse to listen is beyond me.”

“I’m not stubborn I just don’t want to fucking lose her!” I sighed and Sam signed.

“Well, unfortunately mate, your stubbornness and unwillingness to believe or trust her might be pushing her away…” I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration as he continued. “And it’s not Shadow’s fault that he still loves her,” I tightened my fists at the mention of his name. God he pissed me off! “But I don’t think she will really leave you to go back to him, not after all that you’ve done for her. Maybe she just wants friendship? I mean they were on the road together for months, it’s not like they weren’t friends. Do you think that’s possible?”

“I don’t fucking know,” I sighed, suddenly feeling like the worlds biggest ass. I shook my head not wanting to think about that. “And to make matters fucking worse, god damn I really pushed her over the edge today. I was just so pissed off because she told me she was leaving to go to France with Blondie to meet Vengeance about a job…and every frustration came flying out of my fucking mouth and she looked so pissed…and she told me that maybe we shouldn’t be together after that…” My head was full of thoughts and I didn’t know what to think anymore.

“What did you say?” Sam lifted his eyebrow at me in question.

“I didn’t say anything! I just let her fucking leave….” I groaned, putting my head in my hands.

“Damn, you’re an idiot. Did you tell her you love her yet?” My eyes opened wide as I looked at Sam. What the hell was he talking about?

“I-I…” I couldn’t love her could I?

“Come on Bruce, we all know you’ve fallen for the girl.” What did he mean I’d fallen for her? “What? Don’t look so surprised. You talk about her fucking non-stop, you’re a jealous bastard whenever someone looks or talks about her, and you’re glued to her hip. That’s love mate.”

“But—“ I gapped, still trying to process what he said. Did I love her?

“Don’t fucking sit here and come up with excuses,” Sam said as he got up. “Go to her, tell her your sorry, even if you you’re not, and tell her how you feel. You have to let her know or you’ll really lose her,” and with that he got up. “And even though you don’t want to let her go, maybe giving her that freedom is what you need to stay together and make you realize exactly what you have together…. But I’m going to go see what Rachel is up to, text me when you really want me to listen to your shit,” and with that he headed out the door, leaving me gapping. Now I was even more confused! Shit!

After Sam left, I spent the remainder of the afternoon thinking about what I should do. I just couldn’t get her off my mind, but I also couldn’t stop the thought of her running back to him. My Maya and fucking Shadows?! That thought made me sick. What had been going on with them? She said they were over and yet she was talking to him again? I just couldn’t put the pieces together and begin to understand what Maya was thinking, but apparently I didn’t know anything about what she wanted anymore.

But one thing was clear—I couldn’t let her go. So I had to calm down and rethink my approach before I talked to her again. Was Sam right? Did I love her and should I tell her? “Come on, Bruce…” I muttered to myself pacing the foyer as the clock ticked closer and closer to five. I was running out of time.

If Maya was telling the whole truth about her and Shadows, then why didn’t she just come right out and tell me? I mean, if it wasn’t a big deal I shouldn’t have had to drag the information out of her should I? Was he asking her for another night? Another chance? Fuck this!

I didn’t need this bullshit! If Maya wasn’t going to see reason and see that he was brainwashing her, yet a-fucking-gain, then maybe she wasn’t worth my fucking time. If she couldn’t see what we had together then I didn’t need her. I didn’t need someone that didn’t want me and that I had to work this hard for. Fuck, I could have any woman I wanted!

But just when I convinced myself that I didn’t need her, Maya’s beautiful face appeared in my head, making my heart race. Fuck, was Sam right and I was shoving Maya away with this shit? I didn’t want to shove her away—she was all I wanted and I wanted to keep her. I mean, I had set my mind on it and everyone who knew me knew that if I set my mind on something I would get it, keep it, and wouldn’t let it slip past my fingers again.

I didn’t know how I could make it up to her, but I couldn’t let her leave like this. She meant so much to me. It was right then that I knew she was really slipping through my fingers and I knew I couldn’t live without her in my life.

I looked at the clock and I had five minutes to get to Maya’s flat before she left. Shit, I had to get there and make things right! Did I love her or was I panicking because of what was going on between us? Well, I’m pretty damn sure this was love. But either way, yes, I loved her. I thought about her every second of the day, I missed her and craved her next to me, and hell I couldn’t live without her. I was addicted and I could never have enough. And maybe just maybe Sam was right…I had to let her go to keep us together.

Just as I pulled up in front of Maya’s apartment, I saw her and Avery putting their bags into the back of the cab. Fuck I was too late! I quickly jumped out of the car and caught Maya by the arm just before she got in. “Maya…” I panted, my breath short from running and my heart racing.

“Ben?” Her dark eyes looked so surprised to see me. Did she really think I wouldn’t show up to tell her goodbye? “I thought you weren’t going to show?”

“Look I’m sorry…I know overreacted again…but just please give us a chance….I’ll fucking change, I promise…just please don’t leave me for good…I know you have to go with Ave now, and even though I don’t want you to go, I’m okay with it,” I lied, trying to get her to see reason. I refused for her to say were through.

“Ben…I don’t know…”

“Please, M…” I begged, taking her face into my hands and pressing a soft kiss to her lips. “Just think about it and don’t count me out, okay? I’m fighting for you and for us…I cant let you leave me without you knowing that I-I…I love you…”

My heart raced in my chest as Maya gapped at me before she slowly nodded her head, stepping forward and hugging me. “Please call me as soon as you get there,” I told her but she still wasn’t saying anything. “M…”

Her brown eyes shot up to meet mine and I couldn’t help but smile. She looked confused but I could see a little bit of hope there, giving me something to hold onto. “I mean it…I’ll fight for you and show you how good we are….just don’t give up on us.”

“Okay…” she said just as the driver honked the horn. With one more kiss, Maya climbed into the cab. I hoped it was enough to give her strength to hold onto what we had. And as she drove away, my heart painfully throbbed in my chest. Where the hell did we stand?

Matt’s POV

I anxiously paced the airport gate, waiting for Maya and Avery to get off the plane. They were due here at nine, and I knew I was a little late from traffic and the show running over. I just hopped that I hadn’t missed them or that they hadn’t walked past me in my disguise, though I didn’t think I could miss Maya in a crowd.

My heart raced wildly in my chest as I thought about her smile and the look of love that was always in her eyes when she looked at me. I had seen it at the party a few weeks ago, right before I kissed her and again at the coffee shop. We weren’t over and we both knew that. Jus the fact that she was coming here to see me was proof enough of that and if she still had doubts, I would prove it to her. If not now, then back in Huntington Beach.

I smiled as I pulled my hood more firmly over my head, adjusted my baseball hat, and straightened my aviators. I just hoped that any distinguishing features were covered because the last thing I needed was to be recognized right now.

I quickly bounced up and down to control the nerves and excitement that started racing through my body when people started coming out of the gate. The girls were here—they were fucking here! I was so fucking pumped to see them and get another chance. I mean, not only did I have an evening planned for Maya and I, but I also couldn’t wait to see that little gnome. I hadn’t seen her in over six months now and I missed seeing her smile and the talks we used to have. Ave really was a good friend of mine.

Toward the very back of the crowd I could make out Maya’s familiar face and a huge smile spread over my own. My heart thundering in my chest and I was having a hard time controlling the urge not to just pull her into my arms and kiss her. God I missed the feeling of her lips on mine, but I knew that I had to take things slow with her. Was she still with Bruce? Did that matter? I mean, she was here so that had to mean something right?

“Maya! Ave!” I called, waving at them over the crowd.

As soon as Maya saw me a huge smile spread over her face. God she had never looked more beautiful and that new hairstyle made her even more stunning. Damn just looking at her was making my body respond in ways that it hadn’t in months. I fucking missed this girl and I had to make her see how much she meant to me.

I bit my knuckle and shook my head as I watched her approach. She was wearing a pair of tight skinny leg jeans and a black top that hugged her every curve. I watched as she turned her head just to the side to look at the blonde girl to her right. Was that Avery? Damn she looked good blonde. Had Gates seen her like this?

“Wow…It’s so fucking good to see you,” I said, instantly stepping forward and pulling Maya into my arms in a hug. She smelled just as good as I remembered, like a mix of vanilla and some kind of flower. Damn I missed that smell.

“It’s good to see you too,” Maya smiled before taking a step backwards. “And thanks for coming to pick us up, we really appreciate it.”

“And pass up a chance to see you? No fucking way,” I gushed, not able to take the huge smile off my face. My eyes slowly wandered away from Maya and over to Avery who was nervously chewing her bottom lip and twisting her hands in front of me. What was up with her? She was usually all smiles—this wasn’t the little gnome I knew.

“And you,” I said to her, stepping toward her and pulling her into my arms. “It’s been far too long. And let me just say, blonde looks good on you.”

Those bright blue eyes looked up at me and weak smile ghosted her lips. “Thank you…and it’s nice to see you too, Matt,” she said quietly. What was going on with her? And just as I opened my mouth to ask, Maya stepped forward and grabbed my arm, leading me forward.

“So did you sneak out without anyone finding out?” she asked, her dark eyes glancing up at me for a brief moment before she looked away again. It was almost like she was afraid to look me in the eye and see what was hiding there. But it was only the love that I had for her and I wanted to prove to her that I hadn’t moved on. She was my one and only.

I sighed and looked back at her, seeing Avery walking on my left. I moved my arms and put one around each of the girls and pulled them a little closer. God it felt good to have them back and I knew the guys would freak out when they saw them, but if my plan worked, we’d save that for tomorrow. I had other plans for Maya and I tonight.

“Not too much, I just told MB that I need the keys to the rental van to go to the store to get some supplies,” I shrugged. “He didn’t even question it so your secret is safe with me.”

Maya nodded and bit down on her bottom before glancing over at Avery. The little gnome was staring longingly at her phone and I had a feeling I knew why—Brian. Maybe while I was out with Maya I could get those two to finally talk. He couldn’t say no to her face, could he? I couldn’t with Maya, not even after she kissed Bruce right in front of me. Of course it fucking pissed me off but I wasn’t about to let that fly, not when I knew that she belonged with me.

“Good, good so when do you guys have to head out on the road again?” Was she planning on coming with us? My heart swelled at the idea of having her back on the road with us, by my side were she belonged.

“Not for a few days, we have another show in a different festival on Friday, then we head to Italy,” I explained as we reached the van. “And I’d really love it if you ladies would join us. What do you say? Like old time sake?”

Only I didn’t expect the loud sigh that came out of Maya. “Matt…I don’t know,” she said and my smile fell a little bit. “We’re mainly here t talk to Zacky about VU stuff.” Okay, so I knew that but she also came to see me.

“About that,” I said, pulling out of the parking lot and heading toward the hotel that was only a few blocks away. “He’s already made plans for the night so I hope you don’t mind that I made us some reservations…”

“You made what?” Maya asked. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as she turned around to look at Avery in the back seat. She now had a panicked look on her face and she slowly shook her head. What was that about?

“I made you and I late dinner reservations. I thought you might be hungry,” I said, reaching out and putting my hand on top of hers. “and it would be nice to catch up with you…”

Maya sighed and ran her hands over her face just as the hotel came into sight. “Look, Matt…that’s really kind of you but…we are actually here to talk to Brian…” Maya whispered so that only I could hear her. What did she mean they were here to talk to Brian? Was this whole visit about getting him and Ave back together? What about Maya and I? I gapped at her for a moment before I shook my head.

“What?” I was shocked.

“I don’t want to get into it but we really need to talk to both Brian and Zacky, but separately. We’ve got to issues that we need to discuss,” Maya explained, sounding irritated with me and I suddenly felt a little jealous. What was Brian planning with them and why the hell hadn’t he told me? I’d have to fucking talk to him about that later because it was complete bullshit. Or was this all about Avery? Either way it kind of hurt that she didn’t come to see me.

“Well I don’t know what he has planned for the night,” I whispered back, hoping I could still convince her to go out with me. “But I can see if I can track him down for Ave.”

“Thank you,” Maya said as stopped at the valet.

The girls got their luggage out of the car while I handed the key to the valet. They were whispering and I couldn’t help but notice the pale look on Avery’s face. What were they talking about and why was everything so secretive? Did they have a surprise for us? I didn’t know but I was going to get to the bottom of it and reclaim Maya’s heart.

“Let me take that for you,” I offered, taking both of the girls suitcases. They weren’t very heavy but then again, the last time they started touring with us they didn’t plan on staying either. I certainly wouldn’t mind if history repeated itself. “So I have you ladies all check in. You’re in room 504 and you’re right down the hall from Z and MB,” I explained.

As much as I wanted Maya to stay in my room with me, I knew that we had to work back up to that. Though if things went my way, it wouldn’t take very long to get her back with me. Plus I knew that Gates and Ave weren’t on the best terms right now so a room for the pair of them was the best choice.

“Perfect,” Maya said, taking the key cards, our fingers brushing ever so slightly. When our skin touched, I felt an electric shock erupt between us. Maya took in a quick breath, obviously feeling it too, and pulled away from me. Now that was something wasn’t it?

“So how about you girls take your stuff upstairs, get settled in, and meet me back down here?” I suggested, seeing them exchange an unreadable expression. “Then we can go get something to eat or grab a drink at the bar.”

Maya closed her eyes and sighed again, but it wasn’t the kind of sigh that I was looking for. This was her I really don’t want to deal with this right now sigh. “Matt, look I—“

“NO FUCKING WAY!” I turned around to see our roadies coming in the front door. They immediately dropped their gear and raced toward the girls swarming them with hugs and questions.

“MB put me down!” Maya cried, Matt spinning her around with a wide ass grin on both of their faces. It was hard for me not to feel jealous right then because I hadn’t gotten that kind of welcome.

“What are you guys doing here?” Jason asked Avery as he and Jess hugged her tightly, rocking back and forth. “It’s about fucking time you got your ass back where it belonged!”

“It’s been way to long! Way to long,” Jess said, each of them moving around and hugging both of the girls.

“We are here on some business and of course to see you guys,” Maya said and Avery nodded in agreement, that small half smile back on her face. “God, I missed you!” she hugged both of the Berry brothers before they leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Come get a drink with us!” MB said and my eyes grew wide. Okay, this was going a little too far now, especially since I already had plans for Maya and I.

“Sorry guys but Maya and I already have plans,” I explained only to get a set of narrow eyes from Maya. I quickly moved over and grabbed her arm, pulling her back towards me. I wasn’t going to lose her or share her, not when she just got here.

Avery’s POV

I chewed my bottom lip as I watched everyone talk and greet Maya and I. It was really nice to see them again, and I couldn’t deny that I missed them. I missed all of this: the hard day working, the laughs, the fun times, the after parties and drinks, and most importantly my friends. We had become a family and I couldn’t believe that we had been apart for over a half a year. My heart sunk painfully in my chest at the thought and I knew I had to make it up to them. Thankfully we would all be back in California in a few weeks and maybe we could start making up for lost time…that is if I wasn’t…oh god.

My mind instantly shot back to Brian and that one night we shared together about a month ago. It had been so full of passion and emotion and it was hard to believe everything that had happened since then. I just wanted things to go back to the way they were when we were all happy, not worrying about being pregnant or who cheated on who, when we were a happy little family all together.

“So what are you girls doing here?” Jason asked and put an arm around me. But just as I was about to answer, a loud laugh erupted in the lobby and I looked to see both Jimmy and the man who had haunted my thoughts walk out of the elevator. They had their arms around each other and were laughing hysterically about something. God he never looked more handsome…

“KNIFE GIRL!” Jimmy suddenly screamed, causing all eyes to turn on him as he slide tackled Maya to the ground in a hug. He didn’t even care that she was in the middle of a conversation with Matt. He just charged right in. “What are you doing here? Where have you been all my life? I have so many missions for us,” Jimmy gushed but my eyes were locked on the man still standing in front of the elevator.

“Brain…”

I hesitantly took a small step forward, my heart beating like mad in my chest. I couldn’t believe after all this time; there he was standing right in front of me. It took him a minute to spot me and a small smile spread over his face the instant our eyes locked. “Ave,” Brian said and took a step towards me. But a split second later that smile was replaced with a frown and he turned to head toward the stairs. No, he couldn’t just walk away for me after that. We needed to talk and specifically about one thing.

“Brian wait!” I called after him, catching the stair door before it closed. “Please just let me—“

“I have nothing to say to you!” he growled and I wouldn’t accept that. Hell I couldn’t accept it; my heart and my nagging secret wouldn’t let me. “Just go back downstairs.”

“No I need to talk to you!” I quickly climbed the stairs after him, trying to catch up. Damn he was fast. Had he been practicing these too? Either that or I was more out of shape than I thought.

“Well I don’t want to talk to you,” now that hurt. I felt like I had been slapped in the face. “Leave me the hell alone. If I wanted to talk I would have fucking answered your texts or calls.”

“That’s why I’m here so will you just fucking let me talk!” I cried. Brian finally stopped but I could see his hands in fists, his stance tight. He was pissed off and I had no idea why. What had I done to upset him?

“What Avery?” Brian raged as he suddenly turned around to face me from the next landing. His eyes were full of hurt and the look on his face made my breath hitch in my chest. What was that for? It almost looked like he hated me. “Explain why you blew me off? Well don’t bother, I already know. You wasted your time coming out here.” What? What was he talking about?

I shook my head and headed up the stairs toward him, closing the distance between us. No, I didn’t blow him off and I had to make him see reason. “What are you talking about? I-I didn’t blow you off! I told you my phone died and I didn’t get your message. Didn’t you read any of mine?” I explained, my heart racing in my chest. He was so close that I could smell his delicious cologne wafting through the air in the enclosed space. God I missed that smell. I slowly took another step toward him only for Brian to take another back and hold his hands up to me. He didn’t want me to come any closer

Brian scoffed and shook his head, looking up at the ceiling. “Right but you could conveniently meet up with your new boyfriend at the same time to rub in my face?” New boyfriend?

“What are you talking about? I don’t have a boyfriend,” I gapped at him. It hurt to say those words when I so desperately wanted to make things right between us and go back to the way we were.

“So you’re just kissing random strangers in public now? Wow, that’s classy,” Brian snapped as he started up the stairs again.

“I’m not kissing anyone in public and you’re really one to talk about that, Synsyter Gates!” I snapped back, not letting him get away from me. What the hell was he talking about anyway? I was so confused.

“So it was payback! You admit it!”

“What was payback?! What the hell are you talking about, Brian?!” I finally caught up to him when he walked onto the fourth floor. I grabbed his arm and spun him around to face me. Brian looked surprised and for a split second his eyes softened. “Where are you getting this shit from? I meant what I said when I wanted to try again.” His eyes met mine for a moment before he looked away and ripped his arm out of my grip.

“I fucking saw you in the square with the Asking drummer! It was at the exact time we were supposed to me and you kissed him right there! You fucking kissed him in front of me and crushed any chance of me ever wanting you again.”

My heart stopped in my chest at his words and I slowly shook my head, my eyes welling with tears. No, he didn’t mean that…he couldn’t. “I-I didn’t kiss him!” I cried, reaching out to stop him again. “I didn’t kiss him! I stopped him and told him no!” I yelled.

Brian scoffed again. “Whatever, Avery. I’m fucking done with all this drama. Goodnight,” he said pulling away from me again.

“No!” I called after Brian, racing in front of him and putting my hands on his chest to stop him. I felt a spark shoot through both of us when my fingertips collided with his hard muscular chest. “Please, Brian…” I begged, shaking my head as the tears fell. “Just listen to me…I just need you to listen…”

“Listen to what? Your excuses about your actions?” He sounded so hurt and angry that my heart was breaking. He had to believe that I would never do that to him, right? I was so in love with the guy that nothing else mattered. Didn’t he see that? “Or are you going to tell me what ‘emergency’ you called about,” Brian used finger quotes around the word emergency like he didn’t believe me, but at least he listened to the message. That meant something, right?

“I’m not making excuses and I’m telling you the truth,” I pleaded tearfully. “And there is an emergency. That’s what I came here to talk to you about since you wouldn’t answer me!” I cried.

Brian crossed his arms in front of his chest and shook his head. “And what was so pressing that you came all the way out here for, Avery? I really think you wasted your fucking time because I’m sure I wont give a damn. You made your choice…”

He was right I did make a choice—I chose him! I bit my lip and closed my eyes, taking in a ragged breath and trying to control the tears. “I-I…”

“Well?” Brian snapped harshly and I couldn’t keep my secret in anymore. Maybe he would finally see reason when he knew.

“I-I think I’m pregnant…”

Notes

So will Mr. Gates talk to Ave after that last sentence or is he going to run for the hills? And what about Matt? Will he figure out why Maya actually came and not for the friendly visit she told him?