Makeshift Chemistry

(Jimmy’s POV)

My eyes slowly fluttered open, everything blurry at first. Where the fuck was I? Last I remembered I was drinking with the guys and our new roadie. What was her name again?

Oh, yeah, Nikki.

Slowly pulling myself up so I was leaning on my arm, my head span, feeling like it was trying to push and pull at the same time.

“Jesus Christ…” I muttered, my voice still husky from just waking up. I knew I was in my house at least. How I got here I had no fucking clue. As my eyes slowly adjusted…well, adjusted to how they were without my glasses, I noticed I was holding on to someone.

At first I furrowed my brows, trying to remember who. The fact my body felt exhausted and my head still fucking hurt didn’t help.

Her hair was covering her face and it looked like she was wearing Zack’s shirt, though the covers were pulled all the way up and she was using her hands as a pillow. Noticing she was sweating slightly, I pulled them down and off of us.

Yep, definitely Zacky’s shirt, who the hell did he lend it to? A one night stand maybe? I don’t remember going to the bar or anything, then again I usually didn’t remember a lot when I drank. We were both dressed for the most part since she had something under the shirt, so I knew we didn’t have sex.

After carefully reaching over her and grabbing my glasses, I put them on and peeked over her shoulder, kind of shocked when I noticed it was Nikki. Why’d she stay the night? And in my bed?

Remembering how much I drank, I sighed. It was most likely took care of my drunk ass. Hopefully I didn’t do some stupid shit and ruin whatever friendship we could have. The fact she was in my bed didn’t help ease those fears.

She was really pretty, almost as pretty as Leanna. And for some reason, I had this strong urge to kiss her. Her lips just looked so…kissable; I didn’t know how to describe it. Of course, I wasn’t going to, I wasn’t an asshole that would take advantage of her as she slept. But the urge was there. Funny, ever since Leanna and I broke up I hadn’t had that urge. Sure there were plenty of girls that were more than willing to sleep with me, but it didn’t fill the hole in my heart, so I just stopped messing around and stuck to booze and getting high off my ass.

Brushing her hair out of her face gently, I noticed how peaceful she looked. Yesterday, she looked fine but the more she drank and opened up, the more of this…haunted look she had. I couldn’t describe it. She didn’t even open up that much. Her ex couldn’t be that bad could he? Or was it something else? Maybe the Berry’s knew.

Something on her shoulder blade caught my eye and I slowly moved the collar of Zacky’s shirt out of the way. It was a scar…a slightly crooked line on the back of her shoulder blade the size of my pinky, the skin smooth and a lighter complexion than the rest of her shoulder. More questions just popped in my head as I ran a finger lightly over it. She moved slightly, my body freezing as she simply readjusted her hands and continued sleeping, her face looking a bit annoyed as she drifted off again. I couldn’t help but chuckle silently, immediately regretting it when my head gave a throb.

Deciding I should leave her alone and stop acting like a weirdo, I made a move to get up until my eyes caught something on her wrists, immediately narrowing. Taking my glasses off, I made sure they weren’t foggy before replacing them. There were scars. A lot of them. None of them looked new, but the scars were still evident, crisscrossing, straight lines, you named it. They seemed to be fading, just barely noticeable had I not been so close.

Deciding it probably was none of my business, I sat up, rubbing my temples. But of course, it bothered me, so very fucking much. She wouldn’t do all that because of some dick head would she? If so she needed to realize she could do so much better, that she needed to know what true love was.

Did the Berry’s know? Honestly I didn’t notice when we first met. I doubted any of the guys noticed or else they would have brought it up, knowing them. But if the Berry’s knew were they just keeping quiet for her? They knew how I was about this shit, I hated seeing the ones I loved hurt. Nikki was part of the family now, and I refused to let her get hurt anymore. Not on my watch. If she didn’t mind dealing with my drunk ass I’d gladly return the favor.

I didn’t really have long to ponder it when I started feeling nauseous, holding my head in my hands for a second to try and wait it out. But it wasn’t going away. Getting up, I ran to the bathroom, taking off my glasses and getting on my knees in front of the toilet just in time for my body to start heaving and throwing up whatever I ate last night.

Or this morning.

Whichever.

Fuuuuuuck I felt like shit. No more drinking for me…for like an hour or so anyway…

***

(Nikki POV)

I was awoken slightly when I heard something in the distance, felt something, like something moved. I simply ignored it, drifting off again. Then I heard just the barely audible sound of heaving. Slowly, I came to my senses, waking up in someone else’s bed. I was still dressed so I didn’t panic, trying to remember. After a second of looking around, and hearing another heave, I got up, remembering I was at Jimmy’s, and I was supposed to be taking care of him.

Slowly, I made my way to his bathroom. The door was open, so I just walked in. He heaved again, and this time I could hear the sounds of his puke going in the toilet.

Oh my fucking God, gross.

Covering my nose and mouth with my hand, I took short breaths, trying not to gag. My eyes were watery and I was trying to keep myself from puking too.

As he tried to catch his breath, I came next to him, tucking his hair behind his ears and rubbing his back. “You ok?” My voice was a bit thick and I cleared my throat, trying to keep whatever was in my stomach down.

Jimmy spit into the toilet, flushing it but not moving, still facing it as if he didn’t want me to see his face. “Feel like shit…my head hurts, but I’ll live. Did I wake you?”

“Kinda but it was only a matter of time before I woke up anyway.” I responded, still rubbing his back. He had “SULLIVAN 0” tattooed on in red, like a sports jersey. I don’t know why but I had a slight fetish for a guy’s back. I just liked scratching at it and running my hands all over it. Of course I wasn’t going to do that to Jimmy in this situation, but I couldn’t help but gently let my fingers wander, tracing his tattoos and lean muscles. He didn't seem to care at least.

“I didn’t do something stupid last night did I? Besides getting wasted that is,” He asked, his voice cracking a bit, most likely from throwing up. I froze slightly, knowing he must’ve felt it.

Suddenly, I was brought back to the early hours of the morning, his lips on mine, his mouth exploring every inch of mine, his body on top of mine, pinning me down, and how just some secret part of me wanted him to do it again, but more. I felt my cheeks eat up, butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. I wanted to tell him that he kissed me. But something in me told me not to.

“Not really, you just flirted with me a bit but I managed to make you stop and go to sleep. Oh, and you tackled me for cookies.”

“Sorry then. I tend to get crazier when drunk. Though I probably still would have attacked you for those cookies.” He said, finally turning to me and slipping on a pair of glasses, a small smirk on his faces.

“It’s fine, but had you been sober I would’ve hurt you. My cookies. You wear glasses?” I asked, the smile evident in my voice. He looked so adorable in them. They had a black frame and fit him perfectly.

“Yeah, I fucking hate them though.” He said, shaking his head but smiling a bit. I laughed.

“I do too. I barely use mine though. You will never ever see me with them.” Jimmy laughed, instantly growling as he leaned over the toilet again and held his head in his hands.

“Fuuuuuck. I feel like SHIT!” he all but shouted.

“Well give me a fucking second. Yelling makes it worse you asshole,” I laughed, hurrying back to his room where I grabbed the pills Brian and Zacky left and the water, hurrying back over to him. “Here, Zack and Bri said to make sure you took these.”

He took the pills and water, putting the pills in his mouth and greedily downing the water. Wiping his mouth, he got up, slinging his arm over me and heading back to his room with me in tow. “So those two assholes dropped you off and let you deal with me alone? It hasn’t even been your first day! Fuckers… I’m going to kill them.”

I laughed, taking his hand and removing his arm from me so I could face him. “Its fine, I don’t mind. You needed someone so I was here for you. I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t hesitate to do the same. Besides, I’m keeping this shirt as repayment.” I looked down at the shirt, nodding in satisfaction.

“I wouldn’t.” He replied without missing a beat. “But thank you. You didn’t have to. At least let me make it up?” Our eyes locked, and I was trapped once again by the intensity of his blue eyes. How could someone’s eyes be so fucking blue? His eyes flicked down to my lips for a split second, but enough for me to catch it. I couldn’t help it, my eyes followed, flicking down to his lips. I felt butterflies in my stomach again, remembering how he kissed me. Boy was he a kisser…

“Weeeeell now that you mention it,” I turned away, sitting on his messy bed with a smirk, one eyebrow raised. “I expect to be pampered and treated like a Queen.” I said, trying to pull my best “snobby rich girl” tone. I couldn’t keep it up for long though, the moment our eyes again met I burst into laughter, Jimmy’s following mine. “It’s alright, I don’t mind, Jimmy. Really.”

“Nope.” He said happily, going to his drawers and rummaging through them. “But when I take this world down with Avenged Sevenfold I’ll make sure you stay safe, deal? You don’t seem like the ‘pamper me’ type of girl anyway.”

“Deal. Unless I beat you to it. And hey every girl likes being wined and dined once in a while.” I laughed. Pulling out a shirt, he turned to me, a playful glare on his features.

“Oh really? What makes you think you can beat me to it huh?” He challenged, tossing his t-shirt and slowly approaching me. I got up, my smirk still in place as I looked up at him, our eyes connecting again. This time, neither of us looked away.

“Because I can.” Was all I said. His expression turned mischievous and before I could react he tackled me onto the bed, pinning me down.

“What was all that shit you were talking??” He laughed as I tried to fight him off. Squirming so my hips were just at the side of his, I buckled them up and to the side, shifting both our weights so now I was pinning him down, straddling his hips.

“What shit now bitch!” I laughed, struggling to keep his arms pinned. He easily overpowered me though, and we rolled over and over until we both fell off the bed, me landing on top of Jimmy. We were both laughing hard, Jimmy holding his head and managing to say a “shit” between laughs.

The sound of a phone ringing interrupted us, Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi playing, causing both of us look to at each other curiously. That was Jason’s theme on my phone…oh shit.

“That’s Jason!” I all but yelled as I quickly got off of Jimmy, grabbing my phone. He got up too but I was too busy clicking “answer” on my phone and putting it to my ear. “Hello?”

“NIKKI! Oh fuck, you had me worried sick!” Jason’s reply came. I looked at Jimmy, who was eyeing me intently. Clicking speaker, I held the phone between us as Jason spoke again. “Where the hell are you? I’ve been knocking for a while and you haven’t answered. I’ve been calling you over and over.”

“I’m sorry, I was asleep. I just got up. I’m at Jimmy’s. I took care of him for the night.” I replied.

“Hey JB!” Jimmy called.

“Ok, at least you were safe. So you spent the night with Jimmy? Did you guys-“

“No.” I cut him off abruptly, my temper getting the best of me. “You should know me better than that. I’m not some groupie, and I don’t like one night stands.”

“I know I know.” Jason spoke. He sighed on the other side of the phone. “I just worry, ok? You’re like my fucking sister. I love Jimmy but even I get touchy touchy when I drink.”

“I may be an asshole sometimes but I wouldn’t hurt her.” Jimmy spoke up. "I usually do it for fun, hurting her isn't fun."

“I know man…” Jason mumbled, sounding a bit far away.

“Anyway, how’s Matty, the cute twin? Is he with you?” I asked. Jimmy laughed silently at my comment, making me smirk wide.

“Hey hey, I’m the cute one okay? And no, he’s home. He’s hung over so I left him some Gatorade and food and stuff so he could rest. He threw up a lot last night. So it’s just going to be me and you and that shit load of mess you have.”

I blushed. I forgot my house was a mess. Did he really have to say it in front of Jimmy though? I glanced up to see him laugh silently again.

“Yeah, but I’m sure we can do it. We make a fucking amazing team.”

“Hell yeah, who knows we might even find your dignity.” Jason laughed. I rolled my eyes.

“Hey if you guys need an extra pair of hands, I can help. I owe her anyway.” Jimmy said, speaking more to Jason than to me. I cut Jason off again.

“No way. I’m not letting you see my fucking house like that. It’s your first impression, what are you gonna think?”

“That you’re fucking human.” Jimmy snapped back, crossing his arms. “You don’t need to be ashamed of that. Sometimes even the strongest people need help getting back on their feet. I’m fucking helping.”

I just looked at him and sighed. I didn’t like it, but the dead set look in his eyes told me his mind was made up.

“Fine. We’ll be there in a few Jason.” I said and hung up. I sighed heavily as I made a move to the door. Before I could get very far, I felt Jimmy wrap his arms around me, hugging me tightly. He didn’t say anything, simply hugged me for a while before letting go.

Roughly messing up my hair, he laughed. I growled, swatting his hand away and trying to fix my messy bed head. “Stop being such a fucking sour puss and get ready. Imma go shower I smell like shiiiiiit!” he yelled loudly, running into the bathroom and closing the door. A few seconds later I could hear him singing random phrases and lyrics loudly. I smiled, listening a bit. His voice was pretty amazing, but I could tell he was doing it to be loud and obnoxious.

Even then just his vocal span was out of this world. I didn't know a lot about singing but I know he sounded amazing.

I laughed, moving to the guest room and grabbing my pants, putting it on. Made no sense to shower when I was just going to put on the same clothes as yesterday. I’ll just shower at home or something. After putting on my bra (without taking off my shirt, I mean seriously I was too lazy for this crap), I slipped into my vans, sitting on the bed I didn’t use and looking through my phone.

I had 4 missed calls from Jason, 9 texts from him and a text from Zacky and Brian each asking how things were going. Quickly telling Zacky and Bri that things were going ok and that Jimmy was freshening up and had took his meds, I scrolled through my messages, freezing when I came across a certain number. Jason deleted the contact, but never got a chance to delete the messages. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Even without the name, I knew who it was.

Ethan.

Swallowing, I opened the message, scrolling through our old convos. The deeper I went, the more my heart started to ache. I couldn’t believe all this time he was pretending. I meant every word I said but he didn’t give a shit. Even after we broke up, he would still call and text.

At first I thought it was just to be nice, but when he started trying to get me to sleep with him again I just realized he was just using me like a toy. The first time I agreed. I missed him. I needed him. But I couldn’t do that to myself; I had too much pride, and just told him to never speak to me again.

My phone started to ring in my hand and I jumped, slightly startled. Looking at the contact name, I sighed, a mix of emotions hitting me. Jimmy had quieted down a bit so I figured I could answer. Hitting the answer key, I put the phone to my ear, my voice sounding a bit more snappy than I intended.

“Hello mother. Surprised you decided to call.”

“Nikki.” Her voice came from the other line, just as guarded as mine. “As much as you’re wondering I only called because my son wants to speak to you.”

I rolled my eyes, my heart feeling a bit lighter at the thought of my brother. “Put him on.”

I waited a while, but eventually I heard his young voice speak. “H-h-hi Ni-Nikki. Ho-ho-how are you?”

I felt a big stupid smile spread, getting up and pacing around out of pure excitement. “Hey little man! How are you? How’s school?”

“Its-tss okay.” He muttered, and I could just imagine the sad look on his face. Broke my heart. “They-y-y keep making f-f-fun of m-me because of th-the way I ta-talk.”

“Look Alex I told you this, if they make fun of you, you punch them in the mouth, okay? I can’t always be there to fight your battles now that I’m all the way over here.” I said, trying not to sound upset as I walked out of the room and down the hall, finding myself in Jimmy’s studio room. There were music sheets everywhere. His drum set was in a corner and there was a table against the wall. There was even a guitar and amp in here, along with another keyboard. There was also a big empty space where I guessed the grand piano was but was moved for some strange reason.

“M-m-mo-mommy says to not to be-because I’ll ge-get in trou-trouble. And pl-plus I do-don’t want you to get h-hu-hurt.” I sighed heavily, absentmindedly rubbing my shoulder where my scar was.

“Well, someone has to do something! You can’t just sit there and take their abuse forever.” I all but growled, messing around with the cymbals on the drums.

“I-it’s ok-okay. I’m str-strong. Like you.” I smiled, wishing I could give him a hug.

“Yeah, you might even be stronger.”

“N-no way. Wh-when are you co-com-coming b-b-back N-Nikki? I m-miss y-you.”

My smile turned sad, tears threatening to spill. Rubbing my eye with my free hand as if that would make them stop, I replied, my voice thick. “I don’t know little man. I’ll definitely be there for your birthday ok?”

“O-okay.” He didn’t seem satisfied with my answer, but he changed the subject really quickly. “Do y-you still h-have the d-dr-drumsticks I gave you? Ha-have you pr-pra-practiced?”

I smiled. “I haven’t had a chance to practice because I don’t have a drum set but I’ve been practicing that song you wanted me to learn on piano. Have you been practicing your singing?”

“Y-yes!” he all but yelled, causing me to laugh. “C-ca-can we-can we pr-prac-practice?”

“Alex calm down, you know I can’t understand you when you get all excited.” I chuckled, wondering in Jimmy would mind if I borrowed his keyboard. It sounded like he was still taking a shower so I guess it wouldn’t hurt.

“I-I’m so-sorry, but c-can we?” he pleaded. I turned the keyboard on, making sure the volume wasn’t too loud.

“Sure.” I said, putting the phone on speaker and playing a chord. “Can you hear it?”

“Y-yes! O-okay you can go. I-I’m ready.”

I started playing. This song was more of a grungy type of rock, like an evilish polka, but for some reason the band that played it put a lot of piano in it. It was funny; the lead singer sounded a lot like Jimmy when he sang now that I thought about it.

As Alex sang along, I tried to encourage him, telling him to keep going when he messed up or stuttered and saying “good” when he hit a note well. I knew I was messing up a lot, but I didn’t care, my little brother was happy. By the time we were finished, I put the phone back to my ear.

“That was good Alex! You’re getting so much better! You’re not stuttering as much!”

“Th-thank you. I b-bet dad would b-be proud.” He said, almost sadly. I sighed, only agreeing with him. There were no words to speak about it. I heard him protest and the sound of the phone being taken. Soon, my mother had returned, Alex protesting in the background.

“You know I don’t want you corrupting your brother’s mind with all that music business. Only God’s word in this house. I don’t care what your father used to teach you, it’s what I teach him now.” Her voice was harsh, and I felt my temper get the best of me.

“Well dad would have wanted us to be happy, not forced into something you FEEL is best for us. He loves music, mom. He’s GOOD at it. He plays guitar better than I do and can already play drums well. He doesn’t stutter as much when he’s singing. Let him go after his passion.”

“His only passion will be with the lord, not the same devil music that took him from us.” She snapped, hanging up on me.

Growling I threw my phone against the wall, yelling “HE DIED OF CANCER YOU OLD FUCK! FROM ALL THE CIGARETTES YOU SMOKED!”

Taking a few deep breaths, I shouted in frustration, holding my head in my hands and crouching down so I was sitting on my ankles. I quickly ran a finger over my wrist, feeling the soft bumps of those scars. I glanced down at them. They were barely noticeable, but I could see every single one of them clear as day.

“You know, your ears get really red when you’re angry.” Jimmy’s voice came quietly from behind me. I didn’t say anything, just looking in the direction of my phone, which was surprisingly still in once piece. He heard, I knew he did. He’d probably ask questions and there was a lot I wasn’t ready to tell anyone, not even the Berry’s. I felt him grab my shoulders, giving them a quick squeeze before he came beside me, sitting next to me. ”You know, that was a Pinkly Smooth song you just played. McFly.”

I looked at him, according to my brother not a lot of people knew about that band. “Yeah, he’s obsessed with them.” At Jimmy’s confused look I added quietly, looking down at my fingers as I interlocked them. “My little brother I mean.”

Jimmy didn’t say anything for a while, simply getting up and pulling me with him. I didn’t feel like moving but I already knew better than to defy The Rev. He pulled me to the keyboard, playing the first few notes of the song. He hit every note correctly, and I couldn’t help but be enchanted by the way his fingers seemed to just glide on the keys, knowing exactly where to go, hitting them hard enough to make a sound, but not hard enough to make him have to pause. It was so much different than when I played. I played sloppily, he played beautifully. He even sang the first verse. Pure heaven to my ears. His voice was even better in person, when he wasn’t screaming off the top if his lungs.

“This is how you play the first verse. And you had the chorus wrong too.” He said, looking over at me as I idly played a few keys.

I sighed. “And how would you know huh? I mean you’re a drummer. Are you secretly this musical prodigy?”

He looked at me with a smirk, an eyebrow raised. “I’m also Pinkly Smooth’s lead singer and keyboardist. Except my stage name for that band is Rathead. I can play drums, piano, sing and play a bit of guitar thanks to Brian. I also write the lyrics.” He laughed when I just looked at him, mentally beating myself up. I should have known. The signs were all there; his voice, the keyboard and piano. But he was just a musical genius. More so than I really knew.

I shook my head. “Ugh, I’m sorry. I guess I just didn’t put two and two together, you know?”

Jimmy just laughed, pulling me into a one-armed hug. I continued playing with the keys, feeling his gaze on me.

“Your voice is fucking incredible,” I blurted out, blushing when I realized what I said. Jimmy shifted next to me, and I dared to glance up. He had a stupid smile on his face, almost a shy one.

“Thanks. I didn’t really think people would like that band. It was more for fun, like a side thing for me and Brian when we weren’t doing Avenged stuff.”

“Well you guys are fucking talented because…yeah. You just are.” I laughed, looking at his drum set to avoid his eyes again. I felt him move, glancing over to see him pick up my phone and inspect it before he came back and gave it back to me.

Once again turning back to the piano, he played the rest of the song, singing along. I just watched, not wanting to do anything to interrupt him. At least, until the end. That was my favorite part. Being the idiot I was, I started swinging my arms back and forth, pretending to dance as I sang along. Jimmy laughed, singing still as he took one arm in his and span us around, switching to the other side every so often. By the time the song was done, we were laughing hard again.

After a second he spoke again, “So, your brother likes to sing? He’s not bad, he can perfect the song if he keeps practicing.”

“Yeah.” I said, making a face. “He loves music. As much as I do, maybe even more. But umm…my mom isn’t very approving so it’s hard.”

“Music makes the world go around, ya know? Whether it’s metal or rap or some other shit. There are just people who have this connection with it. Like they understand the lyrics, or it just brings them to another place. It makes them forget. It’s hard to explain.” He rambled, playing with his fingers some as if he was nervous. This was a more serious side of him, but I couldn’t help getting a bit excited.

“I know right? I mean, I may love metal but I love classical as well. I mean, don’t laugh but I love Traditional Asian music. Like, it’s amazing and you can really understand the culture. It’s just, you know music is art. Everyone has their opinions, people just need to learn to respect that and love it for what it is, and that’s art.”

Jimmy’s smile was wide, his eyes looking at me intently with a certain look that let me know he was totally on board with me. “I know! Finally someone who understands! I mean, I call a lot of music shit because that just what I think of it. But when I find that perfect song, it’s just like, it’s perfect. Every song I like describes a bit of me, whether it’s the crazy side or the more serious side.”

I laughed, nodding in agreement. We both looked away shyly, just enjoying the fact we had the same view and passion for what music was. There was a silence, which I wouldn’t describe as awkward, but I knew Jimmy had something he wanted to say. After a minute, he spoke again.

“You know, when we first started Avenged my parents weren’t so approving either. They worried we wouldn’t make it and stuff, but they supported us. They’re the reason I play. Got me drum lessons and eventually my first kit, which was a piece of crap by the way. It was this little shit toy drums. Eventually though I got a real set. But anyway, they always tell me how proud they are. Maybe it’s the same with you.” He looked at me, smiling and trying to cheer me up.

“I doubt it. I’m not really good. Besides it’s a bit more…complicated…”

“Well if anything you two can always stop by, or go to the studio, I’m sure the others wouldn’t mind.”

“Actually…they still live in New York…” Jimmy’s face dropped as he straightened up. I pursed my lips, nodding as if it was nothing. “Yep, I came here alone basically. The house I live in was my friend’s until she moved in with her boyfriend. Now I’m alone. It’s okay though.”

“Oh, sorry. Fuck man I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. You’re not alone, you have the Berry’s, you have the band, and fuck you have me. Even if I’m in the studio and you need me just fucking call me and I’ll come. I’m pretty sure the guys would do the same. They’re the fucking most best and loyal friends in the world. You fuck with one you fuck with us all! If it makes you feel better you can give my drum set a try. It’s still pretty new. We had to move the fucking piano to get it in, but then the guys were too lazy to put it back in so it ended up in the living room.”

“How did…?” I began, looking to the empty spot to the door curiously.

“Don’t blame me it was Short Shit’s fault.” Jimmy quickly said. I just dropped it, knowing I’d just be confused even more.

I looked at him, locking eyes with him. He was serious. I could tell he wanted to ask more, but he wasn’t, he just wanted to make sure I was okay first. And I appreciated that more than he would ever know. Nervously glancing down, I smiled. “Maybe some other time. Jason’s waiting for us and we shouldn’t keep him waiting too long. I already know he’s going to give us shit for making him wait.”

Jimmy laughed, putting an arm over my shoulder and heading out the room, dragging me along. “Hell yeah. We can just jam and shit. Oh, and make sure Zacky doesn’t see you in that thing. That’s his favorite shirt so he just might kill you for it.”

As we headed downstairs, I laughed, stopping so Jimmy could catch up. “Well I’ll just hide behind you then. Let you get beat up while I run away.”

He laughed, headed for the door. I stopped him. “Hey, aren’t you going to eat something? You most of all need it after all that fucking puke.”

He grabbed his keys off the table by the door, the door already open as he was half out. “NOPE! We’ll get something on the way! Now get the fuck out of my fucking house you lunatic!”

Rolling my eyes, I jogged after him and to his car.

Notes

Can you guys see what I'm doing with the chapter titles yet.