BRIAN

Yesterday, the whole way to Las Vegas I've been getting the cold shoulder from almost everyone in the bus. They're all fucking reacting way too much ever since the other merch girl left. It's not like the world's gonna have a shortage of people who'd wanna work as a merch girl, right?!

Now what would be an easier way to finish off that uptight bitch? How about lethal injection? That's an easy method but there's no way Nancy would ever allow me get that near to her. I mean, the woman loathes me for some goddamn reason that I don't even know!

Or maybe I should just toss her out from a helicopter, releasing her from her boring life?

Fuck, that woman has the power to wake up the vicious animal inside of me! I can't even fire her, been down that route before and failed miserably. And what was up with Rev?! He's been avoiding me like a fucking pole ever since our band meeting!

But wouldn't it be great if no other merch girl was found? Then Nancy would have to take all sorts of crazy shit from the fans and as she's stressed already, she may leave her job and get the fuck out of my life! Wouldn't that be uh-mazing? Dear god, my life would be perfect then!

"Why're you grinning like an idiot?" I snapped out of my thoughts as I heard Zacky say, and shot him a pointed look. "Why were you staring at me like a giant creep?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. "Wasn't staring, dumbass. You standing in the middle of the backstage with a dark grin as if you're fucking stoned or something, now that's called creepy." He responded.

I was grinning? Well, I'd say whatever I just made up in my mind was worth a grin. My rockstar life would actually become so much easier without Nancy whatever her middle name is Smith! Why the fuck does it bother her who I fuck or not, until and unless it's her?! And I'd rather not go that way!

Hell, why was I even bothering about that chick so much? She was someone else's problem, not mine! And that someone else turns out to be Jimmy fucking Sullivan, Nancy just doesn't know it yet. Man, he really needs to get out there and see the line of even hotter girls than Nancy waiting for him outside his own world in his mind!

Hmm, maybe I should set him up with someone else tonight in the after party. The little beastie doesn't attend those, so Jimmy won't be occupied. And that way, I can slip in a few extra drinks in his hand and set him up with a look alike of Nancy. How hard can that be? I just need to look for a tall brunette, a hot one and make sure she sticks to him like fucking glue. Until and unless he recognizes her face, I think my work will be done.

And if everything goes as planned, then I'll fucking show him tomorrow morning what a 'boo boo' he has made. For him, it will be like cheating on that stuck up bitch even though they're not together. And all I need to do after that is make sure the news reaches Nancy's ears. Not that she'll react, I don't even think she has a fucking heart. But I'm sure she'll not want to give in to Jimmy any time sooner after that.

I saw how she looks at him at times and did I mention that it sickens me?! Whatever I'm about to do is not so evil, right? Absolutely right!

"Stop zoning out, Haner. We gotta play a show now." Zacky said from beside me and I just ignored him. The first thing I had to do after getting out of here is make sure Jimmy attends the after party. But how? He doesn't even talk to me!

"And that's another kick in your ass, you damn ninjas!" Jimmy appeared next to us, poking the air with his drumsticks and kicking around. "Stop wasting your energy, dude." I said and he stopped immediately, sighing dramatically. "For Christ's sake, Zacky, will you tell Mr. Haner to-"

"Stop it you two! I'm not your fucking communicator, okay?! So go and pester someone else!" Zacky snapped and walked away. Ugh, dammit! I guess now I'll have to deal with Jimmy by myself now and sensibly. "Hey, Jimmy. C'mon, man. I'm your fucking best friend, dude. Don't let that beas- I mean, Nancy come between us." He just continued drumming his sticks in the air and for a split second, tightened his jaw.

"Hey, Christ! C'mere." Jimmy called for Johnny this time and I straightaway knew where this was gonna go. "Not now, Rev. It's fucking showtime!" Johnny replied and with that, went out on stage. "Fuck you!" Jimmy screamed and followed Christ out. Now I'm not even sure who he flipped off, me or Christ?!

I heard Matt play the intro of 'Critical Acclaim' and quickly ran out on the stage. So now they're even starting the fucking shows without me, without the lead guitarist?! Damn!

"How the fuck are we doing, Las Vegas?!" Matt screamed into his mic while I adjusted my earpiece and started playing the first riff. Throughout the show, I felt Jimmy's stare on my back. I couldn't even see his eyes properly but I got this really bad vibe. It seemed like he was planning my demise!

But I really need to calm down now. The show was going on and I gotta play perfectly, and wait patiently for the afterparty. Play it cool, Haner and everything will fall back in it's place. After three hours, we ended the show with 'A little piece of heaven' and I just couldn't wait for the epic moment. As we got backstage, MB spoke up. "So the after party is in an hour. Freshen up 'cause I don't think you'll be able to get out from there anytime soon."

"Where's Nancy?" Jimmy asked Jason who simply shrugged. Somebody tell me she's drowned or something. "She's back in the bus probably, dude." Matt said before downing a bottle of water. "Should we invite her to the after party? Maybe her mood will get better." Zacky suggested and I snapped my head at him. Was he fucking kidding me?!

"But we never invite her, so why now?" I asked and I know I sounded stupid. But I was mad too because my plan was hanging from the cliff now! "Grow a fucking heart, Haner." Matt sighed in irritation.

What the fuck does that mean?! I gave my band mates a really long and cold stare which didn't really help. "Let's go call Nancy, Jimmy. She deserves this, don't you think?" Zacky chimed in, making me roll my eyes.

"That will be great." Matt said before disappearing into one of the washrooms. I went straight up to the bus, showered and changed into a fresh black sleeveless hoodie and ripped jeans. Dear god, please keep Nancy away from me forever and ever. That's really the only thing I ask of you right now.

An hour later, I walked in bored to the backstage area where the after party and 'meet and greet' crap was about to take place. I had to say at least a 'hey' to all the fans who had won the 'meet and greet' because earning the title of the 'uninterested slash heartless asshole' wasn't my dream. Now, where's Rev and Vengeance? Were they still trying to persuade the beastie to attend this? They better not!

"Yo, Gates! Here." I heard Christ and looked around until I found him with a fan. Hmm, she looks a bit like Nancy. Tall and dark hair....maybe, I should set her up with Jimmy tonight.

I walked towards them and clicked a picture, then waited patiently for Johnny Christ to leave us alone so that at least I could start with the talking. "Thank you guys so much! My boyfriend and I are huge fans of your music. He's right here, I'll just go and call him." The brunette said and my hopes fell down from cloud nine. I quietly walked away from there and stood in another corner of the room.

Okay, there's plenty of girls around here and I might just find the perfect one for Jimmy, and one for me also. Hell, it's been almost a week since I took over a beauty. And here comes Jimmy and Zacky with that.... Where's Nancy?

"Relax, man. Maybe next time she'll join us." Zacky said, patting Jimmy's arm who currently looked like the world was about to come to an end. I think I can fix that for him. I grabbed a beer from the table and walked towards them. "Have a beer, Jimmy. You'll feel much better." I said, offering him the beverage.

"Haner, not now." Zacky said firmly but I avoided him, keeping my gaze fixed on Jimmy only. I had to get him drunk to accomplish my mission. "Zacky, tell Mr. Haner that he may drink the beverage himself."

Zacky laughed silently before saying, "Fuck off, Haner."

"He didn't ask you to say that, Vee!" I raged before leaving those two fuckers on their own. What do they think, huh?! That I'll endure their stupid silent treatment and go through all the bullshit they're gonna put me through?! I was Synyster fucking Gates and nobody told me what to do and what not! If they think I'm gonna apologize to that beastie, then they've gone delusional!

Now where's that blonde beauty I just saw pass from here?! Or has she left too, with her fucking boyfriend?! Every chick seems to have a boyfriend now. Then what's gonna happen to the 'one night stands' or even two? And what about the flings? Damn, it's such a fucking shame! What's gonna happen to the fucking generation?!

I finished the beer I had originally gotten for Jimmy and got up to get myself another one. Beers are fucking awesome. They spend quality time with anyone and anywhere! And one doesn't even have to get worried about the stock getting over 'cause there's plenty of 'em! And they're all single, point to be noted.

So I'm guessing that I won't be able to send Jimmy with another woman tonight because apparently, he and Zacky were glued to each other. A little later, I heard Jimmy scream from behind me way too loudly. What, did his uptight Nancy finally decided to show up? Or did he see a fucking duck?!

Minutes later, I found myself getting yet another beer. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have to end the night hugging a bottle. Not that I had a problem with that or whatsoever. I grabbed a new bottle and turned around but what I saw next made my eyes open widely.

Before me stood a nice, brown haired girl and I instantly knew she must be mine this night. Only if she's single or came here alone. Whatever! I'm having her and that's it!

She was young and looked at me surprised, her mouth dropped open a little. Drooling already? Damn, I'm the one who should be doing that. She was hot, a little too much if you'd ask me. Her long legs were unfortunately covered by her dark jeans. I observed her green, full sleeved t shirt which hugged her slim body perfectly in all the right places. I'd love to take that off her though.

"Beer for the lady?" I asked and shot her a smirk. She raised her eyebrows and let her eyes wander over my face like she was trying to decipher something. So even I did the same with her again.

I couldn't stop my eyes from engulfing her image again and again. She slowly crossed her arms, allowing the v neck of her t shirt move down by a few centimetres or so. My eyes followed the movement of her t shirt and I licked my lips instinctively.

"I'd love a beer." She answered, a smile playing on her lips. Oh god, I'd be more that happy to bite that lip now. I shot her a lazy smile before handing her a beer. "Shall we go somewhere quieter?" I asked, leaning in to her ear, taking in her intoxicating scent. "And where is that 'somewhere'?" She asked amused and took a sip from the bottle, and all I could picture now was her pinned underneath me or vice versa. I just had to have her!

"That would have to be our bus, more specifically my bunk." I replied huskily, not taking my eyes off her for once. Just as I was about to snake my arm around her, I heard a yell and once again it had to be Jason.

"Gates!"

What the fuck was wrong with that guy?! Was he on a fucking mission to cockblock me?! I turned my head to the side, only to see Zacky, Jimmy and the Berry twins parade towards me and the hottie. Oh, I wasn't gonna let her slip away from my hands tonight because of these assholes. She just fell for the Gates' charm and I wasn't gonna miss the opportunity of spending a couple of hours with her!

"How're you guys doing?" I asked and pulled the dark haired beauty into my body. She gasped and looked up at me as the guys gaped at us. "Excuse us, gentlemen. We have some other place to go now, right babe?" I said and looked at the girl in my arms. She wasn't a merch girl or anyone else I couldn't fuck without someone's permission. So basically I could do whatever the fuck I wanted to do with her!

"Gates, back the fuck off." MB said firmly, a frown already plastered on his face. What the fuck was he thinking? I wasn't gonna back off, at least not before having my share of fun with the brunette!

"Had a rough night, dude. So I'm just gonna go back to my bunk with-"

"You're not going anywhere with Dani Berry, Haner!" Jimmy screeched, before pulling the hottie away from me, and sandwiching her between him and MB. Dani Berry? Who's that? They've got to be....

That's Daniella?? Daniella Berry?! But she was so small and very, very....small and attended school just a few days back! How the fuck did she grow up so quickly and turn out to be that much ravishing?! But most importantly, what was she doing here now?

While I gaped at the scenario in front of me, the dark beauty shot me a wink and a devilish smile. All my plans for the night just got ruined and she's enjoying the drama?!

"How're you doing, Brian? Or should I address you as Synyster Gates?" She said and I couldn't help but look at her perfect body. It's a miracle how I'm able to control myself still in front of all these people when I have a major boner disturbing me currently. And right now all I wanna say is 'fuck you guys for spoiling my night' but I don't wanna spoil my image in front of little Miss Berry.

"Hey, Dani-"

Jimmy cut me off instantly. Damn it, Rev! "Little Dani, I think you should meet Shadows and Christ now. Zacky can show you around." He nodded and put his arm around Daniella protectively before walking away with her. Before I could get anything out of my mouth, MB spoke up.

"Gates, you better behave. I really don't wanna ruin our friendship because of your mistakes." Okay, why did people have to blame me for something that I have no idea about?! "He means, Dani is the new merch girl. So keep it calm and in your pants, and stay away from her." JB said sternly.

What the actual fuck?! Daniella was the new merch girl? Were these assholes kidding me?! She was gonna stay with us all these months and I wasn't even allowed to go near her?! That's injustice!

"We had to call her last minute, dude. We were supposed to pick her up tomorrow from Huston, but she doesn't actually listen to others that much or at all. So -" Jason was cut off by Jimmy. "Don't play moves on her, Haner. If she leaves and Nancy suffers, I'm gonna go- I mean, we're gonna go apeshit!"

Hey, I fucking told them before that I'll follow the damn rules! "We're not gonna repeat ourselves, Gates. We don't want you fooling around with our sister. You hear me?" MB said and he looked dead serious for the first time ever. Well, fuck you, MB. "I'm not fucking deaf!" I snapped and made my way to the bus.

I'm gonna kill Shads for making those fucking rules!

NANCY

Thank god, I had Dan to help me sell the merch tonight. The guys have a really big fanbase here in Vegas and I'm pretty sure all over the world too. But for how long would I keep on asking Dan to assist me? He's got a job too.

All the guys, except Brian had the courtesy to check up on me. They all asked if I needed anything else, and even I was glad that they were considering my dilemma too instead of covering up their friend's blunder. Especially Jimmy. I know that he and Brian are the closest but even he was supporting me. That's really...thoughtful of him.

"Aren't you gonna watch the show?" Dan asked after the sales were done for the day. "I don't know, I'm actually feeling really tired." I said and let out a yawn. Dan chuckled and patted my back. "You've worked too hard tonight, girl. Get some sleep." I nodded and started piling up the empty cardboard boxes.

"How was the day?" I heard Zacky's voice and found him and Jimmy come over towards us. Both of them were sweating, especially Jimmy. His hair was now sticking to his forehead and temples, and his shirt was clinging to his body. "Fucking awesome." Dan answered, fist punching with Zacky.

"We hope you didn't have much of a problem because of the shortage, Nancy." Jimmy said and I shook my head. "Not really." I said before letting out another yawn. "Do you wanna go to bed?" He asked and I slowly looked at him. Was it me only or did he actually say that?

"Nancy, if you're not too tired then we'd want you to join us in the afterparty. It'll be good to have you around." Zacky said. That was really nice of him but right now, I didn't wanna be anywhere near Brian. I know he tends to get pretty drunk in these parties and...why was I worrying about him anyways?

"What do you say, Nancy?" Dan asked but I wasn't in the mood. "Thanks a lot for the offer, but I kinda wanna hit the sack now if you guys don't mind." I stated the truth. "Are you-" Zacky started speaking but was cut off by Jimmy. "Sure, anything you...."

He stopped mid sentence and looked at me. I rarely saw him without his glasses and tonight was one of those rare nights. He looked better without glasses or with glasses? I guess both because he normally-

I heard Zacky and Dan cough loudly, making me look away from him. I can't and won't let myself fall weak again. My work was my first priority and it'll always be. I just needed to focus on it and nothing else. "Let's get going, folks. And Nancy, goodnight." Zacky said and I nodded. "Have fun." I smiled nervously because I could still feel Jimmy's gaze on me. They started walking away and I grabbed my phone and made my way to our bus.

"Um, Nancy." It was Jimmy.

"I thought you left." I said, slowly. He kept on looking at me until he decided to break the silence. "You don't have to handle the merch all by yourself now."

"What do you mean?" I asked, curiously. "You'll see. It's a surprise, so shh." He put a finger on his lips, making me smile. "You smiled! After twenty fucking four hours you smiled." He exclaimed like a kid in a toystore and I couldn't help but chuckle.

After a few seconds, silence greeted us again. "Your hair looks great." He says and I looked up at him. "Geez, it's just a messy bun." I say, rather awkwardly. "Yeah but those few long strands, um, falling down and just....you know, covering your eyes and..." He paused and I stiffened. I wasn't prepared for a compliment, not now not never. I just...ugh! This is unexpected.

Jimmy chuckled dryly before saying, "I'm sorry. I just made this uncomfortable for you, didn't I?"

"Your friends must be waiting for you." This was all I could get out of my mouth now. Did I sound rude? He nodded and hesitantly walked away. Why did things always get awkward between him and I? It was kind of embarrassing for both of us actually. Was it his eyes or how he looked at me at times?

I walked up to the bus and fell down on my bed as soon as I entered my bunk. Geez, tonight was pretty tiring. And from now on, every single night will be tiring for me. All thanks to Brian for that. Someone really needs to make that asshole understand that life wasn't that easy. But who'd possibly want to start a conversation with him unless he was being serious?

I freshened up and made myself comfortable in a pair of shorts and an old t-shirt. Just at I was about to get into bed, the door of the bus opened and entered the Berry twins, Jimmy and.... a girl riding on his back? Her arms were wrapped around his neck and her legs around his waist. All four of them were smiling.

"And little Dani's here!" Jimmy sang before putting the girl down on her feet. Did I miss something? He had his arm around the girl who happily returned his hug. "Surprise!" The twins sang out loud and I narrowed my eyes at them. This was indeed a surprise but....what was the need to be so damn happy about it?!

"Nancy, meet our sister DJ." Jason said. They had a sister? How come I never knew about that? "And DJ, she's Nancy." She smiled at me while Jason spoke to me again. "We all know what you've been dealing with for the past two days. Jimmy freaked out and that's why asked us to call DJ and check whether she's free to give you a hand with the merch. So long story short: DJ is your new co worker."

This was great news! And shouldn't I be happy about it?? Well, I am! Ain't I?

"Yeah, Nancy. This is your....surprise." Jimmy said and wiggled his eyebrows. He planned this out? For me?

"Hi, Nancy. I'm DJ as in Daniella Jane." The girl said and extended her hand. We shook hands and Jason spoke up again. "Okay, we'll leave you ladies alone. Get some rest both of you 'cause tomorrow's gonna be a hectic day." MB said.

"Oh, maybe we can get to know each other a little bit tonight. Right, Nancy?" DJ asked me with a smile and I just nodded.

"She agreed, Dani!" Jimmy exclaimed before wrapping his arms around her and placing a kiss on her forehead. Can somebody tell me what the fuck was happening? I demand answers!

Notes

Here's another chapter for you all!

So, the Berry sister is here and already so much has happened! Brace yourselves because more drama is on it's way!