Brian’s POV

Fuck. My. Life.

Could this day go even smoother? I was simply supposed to go to Shads to figure out the logistics of the tour. Simple. In and out. Figure out who’s gonna pay for the tour buses and who’s gonna pay for the rest of the shit. I swear to god I’m never stepping my foot on Morning Tide Drive ever again. Turns out I was a soon to be dad, but hey, the mother of my child thought I actually wanted her to get rid of the child so looks like all my problems are fucking solved and I won’t have to pay the alimony to no-fucking-one.

That shit hurt.

I figured she didn’t want me in her life so I thought this was the time for me to finally move on. You know, get my own place, which was a small three bedroom apartment and at the time seemed like the best fucking thing. But now… comparing this shoe box to my old house… Fuck, I mean this closet space wasn’t enough to store all my guitar gear led alone Jen and her baby brother.

“I’m home,” I sighed, closing the door behind me. Ralph was sitting on the couch in front of the big tv and judging by the sound of it, watching the most inappropriate show a three-year old could watch. South-fucking-Park.

“Oh hey, what took you so long,” Jennifer came in to my view as soon as I walked around the corner of the small hallway. She was wearing a bright red dress and it seemed she was going out. I had to take a deep breath, since I knew this meant I was supposed to baby sit which, mind you, wasn’t on my fucking agenda.

“Had to figure some shit out,” I said as I walked closer and kissed her on the cheek. “You’re letting him watch South Park?” I pointed to the kid on the couch.

She shrugged her shoulders, “He likes that show.”

“You know it’s not the most appropriate thing a three year old should watch, right?” I cocked my eyebrow as I walked towards the adjoined kitchen zone.

“Since when do you care what’s appropriate for kids and what’s not?” She asked with an amused frown.

Well, maybe since I thought about what Riley said all the fucking way here? And that’s a long-ass drive. “I just don’t think he should watch something like that, that’s all,” I shrugged as I moved over to the refrigerator. I’ll be damned if my kid watches this shit and Riley can say whatever the fuck she wants, I WILL participate in my child’s life. It’s my fucking right. I opened the fridge. Why the fuck is it full of this microwave shit? “Uhmm, Jen, where’s all the good food?” I closed the fridge with a frown, picking out at least five packs of microwaveable food.

“What do you mean?” She asked from the armchair where she was putting her make-up on.

“It’s full of this microwave shit,” I said as I threw the packages in the thrash. “I gave you the money to go grocery shopping…”

“And I did.” She said as she applied the lip gloss to her plump lips, “It’s easy to cook and it’s nutritious.”

“You’re feeding this to Ralph?” I boosted myself up on the kitchen island, fixing my eyes on her.

“Yeah?” She shrugged. Jesus fucking Christ. “What’s the big deal? He likes it.”

Was each and every answer of hers ‘he likes it’? Well, yeah, he fucking likes it, ‘cause he doesn’t know fucking better! Why am I dating a nineteen year old again? Can someone tell me? Oh right, because I felt sorry for the kid in the worn out jeans when she dragged him to the studio.

“Ralph?” I turned my head to look at the little blond head over at the couch. He turned his head, but didn’t say a thing. “What do you say about pancakes? Want some?”

“Pan-cakes?” He questioned. Jesus fucking Christ, he doesn’t know what pancakes are?

“That’s it,” I pushed myself off the counter and walked to the hallway to take the little converse shoes I bought him the other day and walked over to the couch, bending over in front of the kid.

“What are you doing?” Jen stood up from the armchair and walked over.

“We’re going to get some damn pancakes,” I said, putting on the shoes on the kid, before picking him up from the couch.

“But… why?” Jen seemed perplexed.

“But South Pawk!” He turned his head to look at the tv one last time, before I fished the car key from the pocket of my leather jacket.

“Jen,” I took a deep breath, stopping by the front door, “I understand you both didn’t have it easy, but I took you in. The least you could do is remember where you come from and give your brother a better life and not… feed this fucking lifestyle you’re running after.” I ranted.

“Fucking…” Ralph whispered playing with the button on my shoulder.

I turned my head to look at those blue eyes. Out of all that long-ass rant, you picked out the only cuss word I used? “Let’s not use that word ever again, okay, little man?”

“What are you getting at? You wanna say I don’t care for my brother?” She deadpanned, “I’m doing this for him!”

“Really.”

“yeah, really,” She crossed her arms over her deep cleavage, “I can’t thank Riley enough for giving me the chance, but a record ain’t gonna play itself. You think I like going to all these parties and sucking up to those radio guys? Give me a break, man!”

“Riley gave you enough of an exposure, Jen. She gave you her band, she gave you a place on the tour and she put her goddamn name on the record guaranteeing it’s gonna sell, what more do you want?” I could understand what she’s getting at. I mean, she came from a shitty place which I didn’t know about for a very long time, and now, she just can’t get enough of everything. Maybe she in fact was trying to guarantee that she’s gonna stay above water, but she didn’t need to do that. Riley was her producer, she was going to take care of everything.

“You just don’t understand, do you?” She hissed, “I will do anything and everything for my brother.” Our forced relationship included.

“Okay,” I sighed, deciding I’ve had enough for one day, “you do you, we’re going to get us some pancakes.”

Riley’s POV

Turned out I was already ten weeks pregnant when I did that test. How could I’ve missed a tiny human growing in my body? HOW? I did in fact have a baby bump by then, so why didn’t it raise some darn good questions?

Now, another ten weeks later, it’s really hard to write my huge stomach off on eating at Chipotle. Those oversized shirts didn’t work for me anymore and when I figured I had to open the fundraiser with a small speech and a song, only then I realized I was fucked. You know how they say pregnancy is a sacred thing? Well… There wasn’t anything sacred about my songs. I couldn’t do a rock show and sing about sex, drugs and rock’n’roll being bloody pregnant. It would be a mockery of everything sacred.

So what did I do? I gave the spotlight to our dear Jennifer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still here, in New York, feeling my heart break each time I realize that should be me on the fucking stage rocking out with Saint.

The backstage was filled with people and cameras. I tried my best to stay out of the picture, but it seemed my baby bump had been caught in every little clip they filmed around here. Just my bloody luck. Should’ve probably went for a more maternal look instead of rocking these leather pants and a long, partly see through top. Yea, should’ve.

“You did good,” I felt a heavy arm on my shoulder as I lifted my head to look up at Matt. “Here,” He handed me a bottle of water as he guided me to a quitter spot, away from the stage and the heat, “it gets really hot out there, you should keep yourself hydrated.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, raising the water bottle to my lips to take a mouthful. “So you guys are off in… what… half an hour?”

Matt chuckled, “You’re the brain of this fundraiser, Clarke, you should know the logistics.”

“Sorry…” I sighed, “You’re right, I’m… sorry.”

“Jesus, relax, I was just kidding,” He assured, “We’re on stage as soon as Jennifer gets her fifteen minutes of fame.”

“Okay,” I nodded, resting my hand on the bump. Frankly, I felt out of place and like I was getting in everyone’s way rather than helping with whatever. Should’ve stayed back home. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Matt hugged me. Uhmm, okay?

“You have a heart of gold, Riles.” He said, making me frown as I pulled away. “I hope my niece turns out to be just as rad as her mom.”

Wait… niece? “Who told you?”

“Saint.” He smiled a crooked smile. “She couldn’t shut up about getting to be a godmother.”

“She knows I’m not gonna force any religion upon my child, right?”

“It’s the thought that counts,” He smiled, his eyes trailing somewhere behind my back, “Gates, Zack! About fucking time you both showed up.”

I turned around to see Zacky rocking yet another brand new haircut and Brian looking as dashing as ever. “Wow, momma!” Zacky exclaimed, his eyes dropping to my stomach, “I think I officially have a kink for pregnant women.”

“Vengeance,” Matt sent him a warning look, right before Brian punched Zack in the ribs.

“You son of a—“

“That’s the mother of my child you’re fantasizing about, dickhead,” Brian explained, slapping Vengeance straight around the head.

“Yeah, but—“

“I will seriously give you a black eye if you don’t shut up,” Brian looked at him patiently on which Zacky just glared back, rubbing the back of his head, “Great. Glad we had this conversation.”

“Can I at least have a selfie with her?” Zacky asked already pulling out his phone from the back pocket of his pants.

“With her?” Matt frowned deeply.

“Sure,” Brian smirked coming towards me and before I knew it, his arm had snaked around my shoulders, “If me and Shads are in the pic too. Shads? Come ‘ere,” He ushered Matt over. What the actual fuck is going on? What is this menage-a-trois?

It was needless to say Zack wasn’t too pleased with the whole arrangement, but nevertheless he rolled with it, taking the weirdest picture where he was awkwardly leaning over to press a kiss on my cheek, trying his best to still be able to put my bump on display.

“And done!” He announced, instantly putting it on instagram. “Shads looks like a happy-go-lucky giant leprechaun while Gates looks like he’s two seconds away from murdering my ass. This is gonna get so much likes!” I managed to look over his shoulder at the picture and right as my eyes fixed on the screen of his phone, I noticed him typing down #milf.

“Milf?” My eyebrows shot up. I was no bloody milf! I wasn’t even thirty for Christ sake! “Zacky, you better start running.”

“You’re fucking fat, you couldn’t catch me even if I’d let you catch me,” Zacky laughed, still gazing over his phone.

My jaw dropped. “What did you just fucking say to me?!” I yelled.

“Vengeance, don’t make me push you off the stage,” Matt spoke and just then I realized Brian’s hand is still on me.

“Like you’d ever,” Zacky chuckled.

“Don’t test me.”

“We need to talk,” Brian whispered in my ear, guiding us away from the guys and their bickering.

“Talk,” I got out of his reach, stopping to stand in front of him. This better be good.

“That’s my child too, Clarke,” He started seriously, pointing to my stomach. Oh no shit, Sherlock. Took you a while to get this delicate information through your thick skull.

“Well, if I remember correctly you wanted to get rid of your bloody child, Haner.”

“I never said that!” He exclaimed, confused, moments later getting himself together to continue, “don’t put words in my mouth, okay? I was shocked, sure – but I never said for you to get rid of the kid.”

I ignored his little speech completely, just like we, women, always do. “You were too fucking worried about what the goddamn media would say and now you’re jumping in a selfie with a pregnant chick? I consider you officially insane and everything that comes out of your mouth is without a value.”

It took him a moment to filter through his tiny brain what I just said, “Wh… I mean… What?” He spoke confused, “Did you even hear what you just said?”

“A package for Synyster Gates!” One of the Berries announced, forcing both of us to turn our heads towards him. I could never tell those two apart, so I just stuck to – one of the Berries. My eyes landed on the kid who’s hand he was holding.

“Is that Jen’s…”

“Yeah,” Brian said, picking up the boy, “Jen’s brother. Ralph. Say ‘hi, Riley,’.”

“Hi Ri-ri-riwey,” He waved his little hand at me as soon as he had stuttered out my name. Whoa- hold up, what’s going on here? I felt a strong kick from the little diva in my stomach. “B-b-b-brian b-b-bought me t-this!” He showed me a little toy car.

Subconsciously a smile grew on my lips. “I remember you used to have a similar one.”

“T-t-that one b-b-broke,” The boy said sadly. It was nice to see a child dressed in clothes that were without holes and were actually stain free. But I’m not going to lie, this brought a lot of questions. Like… for one – why the fuck is he looking after Jen’s brother?

“Gates, stage on five!” Their manager yelled.

“Okay, little man, I have to go. You’re gonna be okay with Jason here?” Brian asked, smiling at the kid. He shook his head furiously. It seemed like he’s about to start crying.

“What in the bloody hell did you do to the child?” I turned my head to look at Berry with an angry frown.

His hands shot up in an instant, “I swear to God I didn’t do nothing!”

Brian had no choice but to put the kid down and the water works were released within a second. “Hey,” I spoke softly, bending over as far as I could, “wanna stay with me? We could go watch Brian play, huh? Whatcha say?”

He wiped away his tears, looking at me with hope filled eyes, before giving me a small nod.

“Berry, headphones for Ralph!” I shouted, whilst Brian’s guitar tech was fixing him up with his gun.

“Can we please talk after the show?” Brian asked as we all walked towards the stage with Ralph holding my hand.

“Okay, fine, you’ll get to see your daughter,” I said unwillingly. I mean, that was his right… right? I’m thinking an hour a week should do it. His eyebrows shot up.

“Did I hear you right?” His infamous smirk appeared on his handsome face. “You’re admitting you were wrong about me?”

I sighed, smiling like a complete idiot. I mean, the guy was great around kids, so I could give him that. “Yes, Brian, I was wrong.”

“And how does that taste rolling down your tongue?” He snickered.

“Like vinegar.”

“You see, this thing that we have,” He pointed between the two of us as we stopped at the very end of the backstage, seeing Jen rock out on stage. “Is called us getting along. Being civil towards each other. Should do it more often, Clarke.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Where were those bloody headphones? I decided to let go of Ralphs hand and move behind him and shield his ears with my hands. The fact that I was kinda deaf didn’t mean this kid should be. There were at least twenty people around here and none could get this child a set of headphones?

“Miss Clarke, is everything going according to plan?” A woman who had a some kind of a role planning the fundraiser addressed me.

“It would if I could get some bloody headphones for this child!” I yelled frustrated. Her face dropped and she seemed legitimately scared.

“Headphones? Guys? Do we have some headphones?” She started shouting at everyone, frantically holding on to her clipboard. “Don’t worry miss,” She started, looking back at me, “I’ll be back in less than a minute with the headphones. Just stay calm, okay?”

“I am calm, what’s her fucking problem…” I frowned, shifting my gaze back to the stage to see Saint having way too much fun.

“I see your American side is slowly waking up from it’s slumber,” Brian snickered beside me.

“Jennifer!” Ralph shouted shooting his hands up and in the action throwing away his car. My eyes went wide. The car was now on the stage and Texas – the guitarist was quickly enclosing on the toy.

“Don’t step on it, please, please, please don’t step on it,” I begged under my breath, seeing him place a step forward and a single second later land flat on his ass. I took a deep breath as my hand went to pinch the bridge of my nose.

The lady returned with the headphones and placed them neatly over Ralph’s ears.

“O-opsie,” Ralph stuttered, turning around and clinging to my leg, apparently frightened. My confused stare fixed on Brian, who had the same expression on his face. Did they beat him at home?

“Brian, can you promise me one thing?” My eyes shifted back to the little boy clenching on my leg for what it seemed his dear life, “Do what you do, but don’t leave this kid alone neither with his mother, nor his sister.”

Notes

So here's the next chapter.
This is the first story which I've written with so much depth and dimensions to the characters and even if you guys' wouldn't have liked it (which you surprisingly do) I'd still love this story beyond limits.
Let me know what you think! :)