Brian’s POV

It was the first time that I wasn’t thinking about any of the drama from the previous weeks.
After the show at Hellfest tonight Jimmy and I had thought about the old times, so he made a plan for the late night adventures he wanted to make with me, we would just make a quick stop at the hotel and then get right back on to it.

I had no idea where Shadows had left so quickly right after the show, normally he stayed longer then the most, but just when the show today was over and we said our goodbyes he nearly ran off stage.
Weird behavior, but what do I know…
“Shads could have come with us… You know what’s up with him?” I asked Jimmy, who placed his arm around my shoulder.

“No fucking idea. He behaved strange all day, in my opinion.” Jimmy shrugged.
“You mean because he forgot the lyrics?” I snickered and Jimmy chuckled with me “No, he does that all the time, but he seemed a little on edge.. but in a good way, you know what I mean?” Jimmy seemed to think for a moment but then shook his head.
“Yeah… Maybe Maya wrote him, she finally dumped that UK guitar boy.” I suggested and Jimmy’s eyes got a small glint “That would be good freaking news, for sure.”

“Alright, quick stop at the hotel?” I asked and Jimmy nodded “Yeah, I gotta say goodbye to my queen, afterwards we can head of right away.”
“Perfect” We were the last to enter the lobby of the hotel and Jimmy was already making jokes of dragging Johnny with us, just to have some laughs on our side, when he suddenly pulled away and screamed “KNIFE GIRL!”

He ran through the lobby not caring what anyone thought of him, or that all eyes were directed at him, and then he flung himself at Maya and tackled her down on the floor, an annoyed looking Shadows standing beside the scene, probably he was the one Maya had been just talking to.

When Maya was here, does that mean that-

Yes, it does… “Ave” My heart sped up, seeing her standing between all the people, our eyes met and I took a step towards her without really thinking, my feet just dragged my body forward, like my stupid heart was demanding to get closer, but my brain knew better, it stopped my movements right away.

She had made her choice, so did I.
I wouldn’t get involved in any more drama with her then I already was.
Brian and Ave was over, no matter how bad my heart longed for her.
My heart didn’t seem to know what was good for it, stupid organ…

If I would just slip away from the reunion scene, I might get around it. I could spare myself some unnecessary moments of want and hurt… and all mixed up in a deadly cocktail.

Even though I felt a little bad of not even being able to say Maya hello, she was a friend of mine, and I kinda missed her too, I mean I haven’t seen her in more than 6 months now, but she still was buried beneath Jimmy or crushed in a hug from MB, so I might get to that later on.

When the elevator didn’t seem to arrive in time, I quickly slipped away to the stairs and that’s when I heard Ave’s voice behind me, had she called for me before?
Did it matter? No, it didn’t…

Why was she here? Did she leave her boyfriend at home? Or was he here as well, wanting to piss me off some more?
Showing me how happy she was?! How happy she was with him and not with me?!“I have nothing to say to you!” I went up the stairs without turning around, when I finally arrived on my floor, I was exhausted from the back and forth between Ave and me.
What does she really want?
Why would she come out here?!

“…I really think you wasted your fucking time because I’m sure I won’t give a damn. You made your choice…” I told her, because I was fucking tired of this, I couldn’t stand it.

When tears were forming in her eyes, my first thought was how could you be such an ass, but then… she made the decision of choosing someone else, why bother? Just the thought, that she rather wanted to be with someone else, was ripping the wound back open, the anger began to boil up inside of me.

“I-I…” Ave started she sucked in air, and looked pale, what was this now? Acting at its finest?!
“Well?” I snapped, I couldn’t stand anymore of this theater.

“I-I think I’m pregnant” Ave whispered and my eyes met hers, tears now running down her cheeks and everything I could get out was a bitter laugh.
“Fuck… Well, Congratulations… And you came here all the fucking way to rub that in my face? What is this, Ave? You hate me that much?” I shouted and Ave shook her head, looking panicked.
“I… what? NO!” She took another step forward and I took one back, still afraid of her being too close.

“I mean… I think I am pregnant and you are the-” Ave started but I held my hands up before she could finish “Don’t even think about finishing that sentence, Avery! The fuck I am! What did drummer boy not want the kid? Now, you want me to replace him as a Daddy!? As a lame second place or what?!” I demanded and Ave looked so shocked it nearly torn me down too, but I wouldn’t back down, this was bullshit, or was it just another trick?

She wouldn’t be pregnant would she? Just thinking, of her being pregnant with someone else’s kid was making me sick to my stomach.

“I never… I mean.. you were the only-” Ave wavered a little on her feet but if I would come nearer I didn’t know what would happen, so I stayed put.
My mind was just filled with hatred and hurt and that wasn’t a good combination right now.

“Don’t fucking lie me to the face, Ave! I don’t believe any of this bullshit! Emergency my ass! If you got knocked up by some guy, you should face the consequences but don’t pull me into it. I don’t have anything to do with this or… you! Neither want it… This is past, and there is no way back. You threw it all away, when you fooled me… Fool me once but don’t fool me twice and not with this lame ass pregnancy bullshit!” I turned away not able to face her anymore, when I just heard loud sobs from her, I did turn around a final time and she had dropped to her knees on the floor, now crying loudly but I shook my head, not going there.

“Brian… but you have been the only one...” I heard her say, and that was the worst fucking lie ever, I saw her and Cassells, they must have been together… and now lying like that made it even worse.

“I thought that I knew you, Ave… I had no idea that you would be this low. Lie to someone else I am done with this, why don’t you go back home and ask Daddy for help… Oh wait, does Daddy know about this already? I bet not… This is so pathetic Avery, better go home… and leave me the fuck alone!”

With that I went away, not turning around once again, I entered my room and slammed the door shut, I put music on as loud as possible, trying to shut out her sobs, the heart wrecking cries and the word that was stuck in my mind.. Pregnant!

I lay on the bed, it was around eleven but the thoughts about Ave wouldn’t leave me, I tossed and turned, how could I even think that I could close an eye and sleep?!
Fuck!

I punched the pillow a couple of times, when I heard over the loud music some yelling and knocking on the door.

“GATES! FUCKING HELL! GATES!” Was that Zack? I moved up and off the bed and went to the door.
Zack stormed in and shut off the loud blaring music.

“What the fuck, dude!” I snapped, I needed that to help me forget all the things that just been dropped on me, needed to stop my thinking into going the direction- what if Ave is right?
What if she is pregnant and what if – No I couldn’t go there… so I was about to put the loud music back on but Zack’s hand was faster.

“What the fuck? What the fuck?! You have to ask that?!” Zack was in my face now, shoving with his hands against my chest, and I narrowed my eyes on him.
“Fuck! What do you want?!” I shouted and Zack’s narrowed eyes met mine “I found a sobbing Ave here on the freaking floor, had to bring her to Maya, she was a mess and you have to ask that?! What the hell is wrong with you? What did you do?” Zack shoved me again and I landed on the bed.

“What I did? I didn’t do anything!” I swallowed thickly, what if this wasn’t a trick?
“Did she tell you what happened?” I asked after a moment of silence. “No, she was just crying and wouldn’t stop, not until Maya got a hold on her, then Maya was about to storm here and rip your balls off… It must be something bad… because I never saw them like this, man. What happened?”

“Ave said… Ave told me… she is…” I couldn’t even get the word out.
“What is she?” Zack asked utterly clueless as it seemed.
“Pregnant” I finally said and Zack’s eyes grew wide, “Fuck… and you did what?! You left her crying on the floor, you stupid son of a bitch?” Zack got up and then was in my face again, about to slap me as it seemed, but then thought otherwise.

“Fuck, I want to beat your ass so bad! And someone really should! But you better get that ass over to her room and apologize… Fuck, what have you thrown at her head?!” Zack paced the room and I was wondering, why didn’t he… question the whole thing like I was?!
Was he so sure, that she wouldn’t… That she hadn’t… been… with someone else?!
“I didn’t say it’s mine” I said quietly and Zack swirled so fast around that I nearly got a whiplash looking at him.

“What? Why else would she be here? Gates, are you really that blind, or dumb or both? Do you think, she made all the way over here, just to tell you she is pregnant from someone else? Fuck, how stupid are you?!” Zack was really pissing me off with his attitude but then again, what if he is right?

“I-I.. fucking I don’t know what’s up with that woman! I mean how is that even possible, we haven’t slept together in months… I mean-” Oh shit, we did… the Party in the UK, that one special night…
Oh hell…

“The coin finally dropped?” Zack asked and sounded sarcastic “Zack, she’d been with Cassells, maybe she thinks it’s me… but really it’s him.” I said the hurt and fear audible in my voice.

“Even I know, she didn’t have anything with that guy… I mean, I kept contact with her, Brian. She tried to forget you, but… She hadn’t been with anyone in that way… but you.” Zack said it so softly that my throat closed up, was she really pregnant… with my child?

And did I just really throw all those hurtful words at her? And left her crying and begging on the floor?

“Think about it, man. I bet she didn’t plan any of this to happen… You better go over there and talk to her… and freaking apologize! I won’t be able to keep Maya any longer away from ripping your throat out, and then you fucking deserve it.”

Zack left me standing with that and it took me another hour to finally find enough strength to go to Matt and ask for the girls room number.

“I don’t freaking know what happened, but I would gladly rip your head off for ruining the night I planned for Maya and me, asshole” Matt growled when he saw me standing at his door.

“Get in line for that, which room do I find them?” I asked and Matt narrowed his eyes “504, what is it you three have to discuss so badly?” Matt asked and did I hear jealousy in his tone? There was no need for that, as far as I was concerned, “I’ll tell you tomorrow”

With that I left Matt and went up the stairs, when I arrived at the corridor I saw Maya and Zack outside a room talking quietly.

“YOU!” Maya saw me and came storming towards me, but again Zack was faster and kept a firm grip around her waist, whispering something in her ear I didn’t understand, and then set her to her fight and she seemed to have slightly calmed down by that.

“Good to see you too, M.” I said when I was close enough for her to hear me but not too close so I was in hitting distance.
“I’m gonna leave you, if she needs me… just call” Zack said and left me alone with a majorly pissed off Maya.

“I need to talk to Ave.” I said and Maya chuckled, but it was bitter and full of sarcasm.
“I never thought you could hurt her even more then you already did, Haner… But congratulations, you succeeded…” She said and turned away from me but I put my hand to her shoulder, making her stop.

“I thought she and Cassells were a couple, I saw them together the morning I wanted to make up for everything, he was kissing her… I thought she was just fooling me, M. You of all, should understand me the best. Is it the truth, is she pregnant with.. with my child?” I asked swallowing thickly, still not really getting what that would mean.

Maya closed her eyes a moment then stared at me and I saw hurt and confusion in them as well “She never slept with anyone else but you, when you were together and even after you broke up… She didn’t want to get her heart broken over again, Brian… She tried to distract herself after you broke her, but she never really succeeded… You were her constant thought… She is not taking this easy, Brian, she is scared and feels alone… And you didn’t help on either of it, asshole!” She punched my chest but I let her get away with it.

“Ouch..” I replied but held her hand for a moment in mine, wanting her to look at me and go on with the talking.

“We made three tests, she is overdue with her girly time.. 2 positive, one negative… We thought you should be the first to know, that is why we came here right after we made the tests, and now, you better talk to her and comfort her, because if you are here to cause any more stress, I’m gonna call Zack and pack our bags and you won’t be seeing us again…” Maya threatened but in such a soft voice that it was even scarier as if she had screamed at me.

“I won’t… I just… fuck, I need to see her, we need to talk…” I said and Maya nodded “Alright.” She quietly opened the door and I heard a slight sobbing, making my heart squeeze painfully.

“Ave?” Maya said softly, sitting down on the bed beside Ave’s small form under the blanket.
“Brian is here… He wants to talk, should I stay?” She asked and I was about to shake my head, but then thought it would be better if Ave decided.

“No, it’s okay. Won’t be long anyway…” Ave said sadly and I frowned, shit.. She thought I just wanted to scream at her more? I have been the world’s biggest asshole tonight.

My head was full of regrets, making me feel nausea, I quickly walked over to the bed, when Maya stood up, she gave me a narrowed eye look and turned to Ave “I’m in the lobby, if you need me, I have my phone with me, alright?”
Ave nodded and Maya quietly left the room and me and Ave alone.

“I don’t need you to scream at me some more, it’s enough.” Ave said and her voice broke at the end.
I slowly inched closer to her but she moved away from me.
“Ave, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said all the things I did… I should have listened to you. Will you...” I swallowed thickly, “Will you tell me… again?”

“Just for you not to believe me in the end?” Ave whispered harshly and I deserved that with the way I treated her.
“I promise you, I believe you. It’s just… do you know how crushed I was seeing you with him, when I thought we would meet, when I thought we would start a new, and then saw him kissing-”
“He didn’t kiss me, I pushed him away!” Ave insisted and I closed my eyes, why didn’t I stay longer to see that, more regrets washing over me, everything could have been different!

“I didn’t see that… I just saw him leaning down, the way he pulled you to him, making you laugh… I was jealous, Ave… I thought I lost you forever, damn it” I cursed and I needed to feel her closer.
I bridged the last distance and when Ave didn’t protest I pulled her on my lap, her eyes were still wet and puffy and god how did that hurt, knowing I was the cause of it.

“Maya said you haven’t been with anyone else… and I was just so hurt that I didn’t even think of the possibility that you haven’t moved on, after I hurt you like that. I mean… which man wouldn’t want a piece of you.” I tried to make it light, maybe even bring a smile to her face, but she didn’t.

“Avery, I am so sorry for the things I said. I couldn’t form a coherent thought… I just had in mind that you were out of my life… And I was so dumb not to realize what you just told me. Is it… I mean…” Shit, my voice was breaking, Ave’s eyes moved up to me, and I placed a hand on her stomach not knowing how else to express myself.

“I don’t know… I am overdue, and we made tests but… they were positive and negative. I am so scared, I am not ready for this.. and without you… I just-”
I pulled her into a sitting position, the thought of being a Dad never came to my mind, and especially not now, but I couldn’t let that show, I was about to freak out, but Ave needed stability now, after I already fucked up enough she needed someone to be strong.

“Ssshhh… It’s gonna be okay. We will manage, we will make another test… and when we get back to Huntington in a few weeks I’ll take you to a specialist, we will go to the best doctor that I can find.” I promised her, I wouldn’t leave her side… or rather I would make sure she wouldn’t leave my side again, that much was sure.

Maya’s POV

I waited in front of the door, it was after midnight and I didn’t really have somewhere else to go, since that was the room Ave and I were assigned to.
After not hearing yelling and I thought I waited long enough, and I made sure my phone was loud and fully loaded I went downstairs and sat in the lobby.

I grabbed a drink at the bar and waited some more, hoping Ave wouldn’t forget to call me when they were done with their talk.

I hoped Brian really got the message, he was being a giant asshole, that much I knew after I found Ave crying in the hallway when Zack had “discreetly” smuggled me away from the small reunion party in the lobby earlier.

This day had been packed with events, and all so felt like an entire rollercoaster ride and I didn’t know what to think of any of it.

First Ben showing up last second, and him telling me he doesn’t want us to part, that he… loved me.
I had pushed him and our relationship to the back of my mind, after he was so freaked out of me leaving, so I only concentrated on Ave, but when he stood there and told me those words, he turned my world upside down again.

Ave had looked at me from the side, the entire flight and waited for me to comment, but I couldn’t and she had other things to worry about then my relationship status with Ben, that’s at least what I thought.

And then the next high had been Matt waiting for us at the airport, when he hugged me and been so happy to see us, my heart had swelled and all disturbing thoughts were gone, just like that.
I sometimes questioned myself if he just had that effect on me, making all the bad go away with his sheer presences?

But then he wanted to do all those things, have dinner… and have a drink at the bar, spend the whole evening with me, like he had a date set up, he must have misunderstood something.
The problem had been I couldn’t be any clearer before we had the talk with Brian about everything, so when the reunion took place in the lobby, he looked hurt when I had to cancel all his plans, even though I really wanted to spend some time with him… as friend…

But after spending the rest of the evening and night with a crying and sobbing Ave, there was no way of leaving her alone…
And now I sat here, waiting for a call, so I could go back to my bed, and might think about all the things that happened today.

A message beeped and I quickly pulled my phone out, hoping the reunion time from Ave and Brian were done, but no not Ave.

Going to sleep without you sucks big time, love. Are you still up? Love, Ben.

I had quickly called him when we landed, but since then haven’t replied so I quickly typed back,

Sitting around in the lobby alone, Ave is having a talk with Brian… But going to bed soon, Goodnight babe.

Just when I sent it and was about to put my phone away, I felt a presence before me.
“What are you doing here all alone, babe?” Matt voice pulled me away from my thoughts and my eyes drifted up to meet his.

“It’s nearly two” He continued when I didn’t say anything, “Can I?” He motioned to the spot beside me and I nodded “Sure”

“Why are you really here, M?” Matt asked and sounded sad, and I felt bad about it, he had been so excited about everything, and in the end, it wasn’t as he thought, I wanted to make it up for him somehow.
“Ave needs to discuss something with Brian… and I wanted to see you guys.” I said giving him a small smile.

“Yeah, as I heard the guys have some big plans for you and Ave already…” Matt trailed off and I put my hand on his thigh, knowing it might not be a good idea, his eyes immediately snapped up to mine, and his hand moved over to cover mine.

“Maybe we could also spend some time together? Old times sake?” Matt asked softly and I nodded “Maybe breakfast in the morning?” I asked and Matt nodded “To start off with” He grinned when he added that and I had to chuckle as well.

“Should I bring you to your room?” Matt got up “It’s damn late, and I don’t want you to miss our breakfast together… Even though I might have to take you out somewhere, cause Jimmy will be hard to fight of in the spending time with you department.” Matt laughed and I grinned back, I missed to hear his laughing.

“I can’t go to my room… I mean… Ave and Brian are in there, and they were supposed to call me, when I should come back.. and since it’s already 2 hours ago, I bet.. I either don’t wanna go in there... or I can’t cause she has the key.” I clarified, still sitting on the couch.

“Oh… wait... we don’t have Brian’s card… and we don’t have any other spare room… shit…” Matt looked towards the reception where no one was to be seen anymore.
“Alright, then you come with me…” Matt held his hand out and I looked at him confused, he didn’t mean I should sleep with him in his room, did he?!

James’ POV

I didn’t want to pressure Ave or make her feel cornered, so I gave her some time, time to think about what we had, what she would want… just about everything.

It’s been late evening when I stood at her apartment door, I had called her before, but it went straight to voicemail, knowing Ave her battery was probably low.

I rang the doorbell but no one opened up, I knocked a couple of times and already felt bad for the neighbors, I mean… A drummer banging on a door… Go figure.

Still nothing, I tried to listen for any sound, but it sounded like no one was home, damn where was she? And Maya wasn’t here as well, the car was still there… what was going on?!

I pulled my phone out and dialed Ave’s number again, another voicemail sounded, this time I left a message.

Hey babe, it’s me James… I was at your home searching for you… Please call me back, I’m kinda worried that I haven’t heard from you. I miss you and thought we could do something together… Call me back when you get this. Bye

I hung up and walked back to my car, maybe Maya was at Ben’s place and she took Ave along?
Not really the best explanation, since I knew Ave and Ben weren’t best buddies, but hell… maybe Maya was there and could tell me where Ave was, that would be something to build up from.

I pulled into Ben’s drive way and he was at the phone, signing me to be quiet when I entered his living room.

“Alright, love. Glad you called, we speak later again… Keep me updated, bye” He hung up and I frowned, keep me updated… what was this about, where was Maya?

“Hey man.” Ben greeted me and when he handed me a beer we both plopped down on his couch.
“Was that Maya?” I frowned and Ben looked confused. “Who else should I call love?” Ben asked chuckling “Danny?” He grinned a little but I also saw sadness in his eyes.

“She isn’t here? And I remember a time where you called hundredths love, so don’t go down that route” I chuckled and Ben rolled his eyes at me.
“Well, at the moment I’m only calling one love… and yeah that’s Maya, asshole.” Ben shot back and a smile came to his face.

“What’s so funny?” I asked and Ben began to chuckle “Fuck… I never thought I’m gonna tell a woman I love her… and then I say it between her driving to the freaking airport and flying away from me… I mean… shit, that’s stuff for movies right?” Ben chuckled even more and I didn’t understand what he was telling me…

“What? Airport? Love? What the hell are you even talking about?” I asked frowning and Ben’s eyes grew wide, “You don’t know, do you?” He asked and slowly I was getting more and more frustrated.
“Know what? Can you speak in full sentences?” Damn, this was annoying.

“Maya and Ave left this evening, they flew to France, meeting up with the Avenged guy, Zack the fucker made them a job offer they couldn’t refuse as it seems, now they talk through details” Ben explained and I just registered, Ave left and flew to Avenged!

Why would she do that? What job offer… she hadn’t even told me anything… and she didn’t even tell me she would leave… what the hell?!

“Fuck, James… You really have no clue? Maya came to me yesterday afternoon, telling me they would leave… we had a small fight.. yadayada… She told me to be at 5 her apartment, I was there just in time to catch them before the cab drove off… Ave didn’t even tell you they left?” Ben asked and I pulled my phone out again, trying to dial her number, still nothing.

“No, she… She didn’t… What, what is this about… The other morning she told me she couldn’t be with me like… relationship wise, but she wants me as a friend, I told her I wouldn’t give up easily and now she is just gone? Without as much as an goodbye?” I asked still completely stunned.

“Damn James… I thought you knew…” Ben trailed off and I swallowed thickly, what does this mean?
Why would Ave do that?

“I need to leave… I need to try and call her again, this must be some mistake… What the hell…?” I got up from the couch and didn’t even register what Ben was saying, I moved back into my car and drove home, there must be a mistake, even wouldn’t just leave like that, right? RIGHT?

Notes

Soooo... What will Maya do?! Go with him or not?!

Poor James, no clue where Ave is...

And Brian, that guy needed a little longer, but finally came around, will everything work out now? What do u think?!

COMMENTS!!