July 7, 2001

"Senoma, are you almost ready?" Raury called out. "We're gonna be late!"

"Calm your pants, little girl!" I hollered back. Raury cursed at me in response, and I couldn't help but laugh. Today was my darling boyfriend's twentieth birthday, and we would be celebrating in our usual fashion. Loudly, and with large quantities of alcohol. But this year was a tad different. Instead of throwing a party in Brian's tiny, cramped apartment, we were going to a club, the VIP section no less. Avenged Sevenfold had been getting some real publicity lately, and the guys had been able to reserve a room for Brian with no problems. And there was no way in hell I would miss this. "I'm almost ready."

I stepped back and surveyed myself in the mirror. I would never admit this to anyone, not even Raury, but I'd bought this outfit just for Brian's party. I was actually a bit nervous about seeing him because for the past few days he'd been home, both Brian and Raury had been pressuring me to sleep with him. I knew I was ready, but I was still anxious about the whole thing.

"I thought you said you were almost ready!" Raury shouted, banging on the door. I rolled my eyes and went to join my friend before she broke down my bathroom door. "Finally," she sighed. She snatched up my wrist and dragged me in the direction of the front door. "Let's go party!"

♪•♫•♪•♫•♪•♫•♪•♫•♪

"Happy birthday, Brian," I said to him. I rose up to my tiptoes and kissed him tenderly on the lips, pressing his gift into his hands as I pulled away. "This is for you."

"You didn't have to get me anything, baby," he said sweetly. "You being here is enough."

"Aww, you're so sweet," I crooned. I wrapped my skinny, pale arms around his neck, caressed the pale, colorful flesh, drew myself up to his height. I gazed into his lighter than milk chocolate brown eyes and saw nothing but love. It was almost as if Brian were singing me a love song without saying a word. "Happy birthday, Brian" I whispered to him once again, and then I connected our lips. What was originally supposed to be a short, sweet kiss between lovers quickly escalated into something more heated as I twirled my fingers in Brian's hair and pressed him closer.

"Whoa, let's cool it on the PDA, guys," Matt Sanders joked. He clapped Brian on the back, sending him forward, knocking me back onto my heels.

"There is no law that says I can't kiss on my girl," Brian retorted. He wrapped his strong arms around my slender body, running his fingers along the rivets on the back of my jacket. He placed a kiss to my forehead, seeming to challenge Matt to contradict him again. "It's my birthday, and I'll get all the ass I want."

"Well Brian, I hate to tell you this, but kissing isn't even close to 'getting ass,'" Matt pointed out with a laugh. Brian flipped him the finger and pulled me closer.

"Doesn't matter, because I love her," Brian grumbled, his words rumbling in my ear. "I'm fine with just kissing."

"Whatever, you idiot," Matt said. "Now come on over to the damn table so we can have your party and start getting wasted."

These words caught my dear Brian's attention and he released me to follow his friend to the table. I rolled my blue eyes. This was typical Brian. Sweet and romantic one moment, and the next he was off chugging down his precious amber liquid. I followed my boyfriend to the table and sat down on his lap, only to have his arms snake around my skinny waist. His rough hands caressed my tight-clad thighs, slowly running up my sides and back down, ending by resting his hands innocently on my hips. "I'm gonna unwrap you later," he rasped in my ear and my face went up in flames.

"So I say we give Brian his presents and then hit the dance floor," Jimmy suggested. He had one of his lanky arms slung over the shoulders of a strange girl, whom I assumed to be his current girlfriend. "I wanna see a little booty-shaking!"

"Yeah, yeah, let's see my presents," Brian added eagerly, rubbing his hands together. I smacked his knee and he whined, complaining that I hit too hard, something to which I only rolled my blue eyes in rebuttal.

All together, Brian was pleased with his gifts, and he made quite a show of thanking me for the personalized guitar picks I presented to him. He was also overly thrilled with the present Jimmy got for him: shot glasses, Marlboro cigarettes, and a box of Trojan condoms. "For the happy couple," he explained, winking at the two of us.

"I think I'll just be keeping those," Zacky put in, reaching out to snatch up the contraception. Jimmy, however, intercepted him.

"Do you wanna be an uncle again, Zacky?" the taller man asked my older brother. With an unintelligible grumble, Zacky shook his head and slumped back in his seat.

After Brian opened all of his gifts, we all just sat in the booth talking. After a bit, however, Jimmy decided he wanted to dance, and so he shoved everyone out of the booth, excitedly demanding that we head out onto the dance floor and have a little fun. Brian took my hand and let me to the dance floor, guiding me through the writhing mass of bodies until we reached a spot that met his satisfaction. Over the loudspeaker played a song that I was quite fond of, because it was one of mine and Raury's favorites.

We danced for the duration of several songs before I'd had enough. Brian and I left the dance floor, sweaty and high on adrenaline, and separated, Brian going back to the booth, myself heading to the bar to order a round of whiskeys to quench our thirst. As I sat waiting for our drinks, drumming my fingers on the counter, I was approached by a man I didn't know.

"Hello beautiful," he said, grinning at me. I looked to the counter, hoping that if I avoided his gaze, he would leave. "You know, you look a little young to be in a club."

"I'm seventeen," I told him flatly. Lord, I wished the balding man behind the counter would hurry with my drinks. Honestly, how long could it possibly take to pour whiskey into a glass?

"Well then it looks like I'm gonna be breaking the law tonight," the man stated, moving closer. I fidgeted in my seat. This man made me uncomfortable. The way he was looking at me made me feel as if I were a piece of meat and he was a hungry wolf. Where on earth was Brian? Surely he was seeing this and would soon come to my rescue.

"I have a boyfriend," I pointed out, hoping this would deter the strange man.

I was wrong. I yelped as my stool swiveled around and I came face-to-face with my harasser. He was good looking, but in that strange way that was almost repulsive. He had dirty blonde hair that dangled in his icy blue eyes and high cheekbones that made his cheeks seem hollow. He was a screaming opposite to Brian.

"Yeah and I bet he's some sixteen-year-old punk who could never please you the way I could," the man whispered in my ear. I tried to push him away but his feet seemed rooted where he stood.

"Brian!" I called out, hoping and praying that he would heed my calls.

"Brian?" the strange man sneered. "Is that your boyfriend's name? He sounds like a prick.Come on, beautiful. Dump your fag and come home with a real man."

"Brian!" I said again. Oh, where was he?

"Your dumbass boyfriend's not--" the strange man started, but was cut short by a familiar and oh so comforting voice.

"Hey you stupid shit, why don't you step away from my girlfriend?" Brian growled. His voice was low, his fists clenched, his eyes darkened furiously. He was livid and the strange man could obviously see that.

"I was just leaving," he mumbled quickly.

"Damn right you were," Brian hissed as the strange man slipped away. When Brian's gaze fell on me once more, it was as soft it had ever been. "Are you okay, baby?" he cooed, pulling me into his arms.

"I'm fine," I replied. "Just a little weirded out."

"Why don't we get the beers and go back to the booth?" Brian suggested with a smile. I nodded and Brian banged on the wooden bar, loudly demanding that the balding bartender hurry with the drinks. With dark eyes, the bartender brought over the numerous whiskeys we'd requested and we quickly headed back to our booth. Brian immediately picked up a bottle and using the table as a fulcrum, popped off the top. He brought the bottle to his lips and chugged the amber drink, filling his stomach with the precious liquid gold.

"Brian, can I have one of those?" I asked innocently, pointing to one of the extra glasses on the table in front of him.

He swilled the alcohol in his own glass before taking a swig. "I don't know, Senoma," he slurred. "You're a little young to be drinking, don't you think?"

"I'm seventeen years old," I shot at him. "And since when do you care how young I am?"

"You're right, I don't," Brian replied with his signature Synyster Gates pulling at the corners of his plump lips. He grabbed one of the glasses and placed it in front of me. "Drink up, Senoma."

And drink up I did. Surprising as it seemed, this was my first real taste of alcohol. At first, the liquid burned as it trickled down my throat, and I coughed and sputtered. But thankfully this didn't last too long and before I knew it, I was able to drink it like it was water.

"Brian," I purred, placing my palm against his chest. "I want to give you your birthday present now."

Brian's gaze met mine, and I saw that his eyes were clouded with confusion. And let's not forget swimming in alcohol. "Senoma, you've already given me your present," he said, referring to the personalized guitar picks I'd given him.

"No, I mean I want to give you your 'present' now," I explained, leaning on him.

"Oh, my 'present'…" Brian repeated vaguely. His face scrunched up not unlike a child in deep thought. "I still don't get it."

"Here, I'll show you," I whispered against his neck, and at the same time I moved my hand down to rub him through his jeans. He groaned softly. "Get it now?"

Brian nodded frantically. "Yea, yea I get it." He suddenly jumped out of his seat and pulled me out of the booth behind him. "Let's go," he said, and then we were off. Brian pulled me via my wrist through across the crowded dance floor, and we bumped into Jimmy and his current girlfriend along the way.

Brian led me to a storage closet and shoved me inside, sending me tripping over brooms and the like. I fell against a small table in the corner. Brian was instantly in front of me, kissing me hard and running his hands all over my body. He didn't even bother with removing my shirt, going straight to the zipper of the jean shorts I was wearing. He pulled those down my thighs, letting them fall to my ankles, and then went for my underwear, which was down faster than my shorts. Once he had these items of clothing out of the way, Brian pressed a finger inside of me. I winced slightly at the discomfort.

"Shh, Senoma," he soothed. He used his free hand to rub soothing shapes on my lower back. "I'm just trying to make it easier for when we actually do it." He added another finger. "God, you can tell you're a virgin," he mumbled, words probably meant for just himself. "You're so fucking tight." A third finger and I was ready to scream.

"Brian," I gritted out. "What are you waiting for?"

"Just prepping you a little, baby," he whispered his voice velveteen and soothing once more. "Otherwise it'll hurt really bad when I put my dick in."

"Just hurry," I begged. "I'm stretched enough."

"Alright, Senoma," Brian sighed. As he kissed me softly on the lips, Brian dropped his own pants and boxers. He moved up between my thighs, and my legs spread themselves for him. He kissed me on the lips, a kiss that was both romantic and lustful all at once, and just before he entered me, Brian whispered, "I love you, Senoma."

With Brian stretching me, I was in too much discomfort to reply. I bit my lip to stifle a gasp as Brian slowly pushed himself inside of me, trying to reach the hilt, and he did. Thankfully Brian was thoughtful enough to pause for a second to give me time to adjust to him.

"I'm gonna go slow at first because I know this is hurting you," Brian said to me, and I nodded. He was too sweet. Here he was on his birthday and drunk at that, and he was worried about me. He could've just gotten his fuck and taken me home. But he cared about how it felt to me. "You tell me when to move faster."

"Okay," I said. I buried my face in Brian's shoulders as he started his initial thrusts. He was barely moving, but it was still a little uncomfortable. Not to mention, it was a sensation that my body certainly wasn't used to. After a bit of the discomfort had waned away, I whispered against his neck, "Just a little faster."

Brian obliged, moving a bit faster, and a small yelp flew from my lips. How did everyone make this sound like so much fun? I bit Brian's neck every time he reached the hilt in an effort to stifle my noises, and for some reason, Brian took this as a cue to move harder and faster.

"Brian!" I gasped, more out of pain than anything. But having been caught up in the moment, Brian assumed it was a cry of ecstasy.

"I know, Senoma," he slurred. He reached down and wrapped my legs around his waist, allowing himself deeper penetration. I winced again as his dick plunged in deeper, but this caused the head of his dick to brush a spot I didn't know I had, but it was one that replaced the discomfort I was feeling with pleasure.

"Brian," I groaned. I gripped at his shirt, twisting the fabric in my fingers.

"I'm getting…close, Senoma," Brian announced, his words catching in his throat. I could've guessed this without his warning, as his thrusts were getting sloppier as the seconds quickly passed. "God, Senoma," Brian grunted as he reached his peak, releasing his warm seed inside of me. Brian gave a few more weak thrusts as he rode out his high, and I relaxed against him.

I buried my face in Brian's neck as the two of us relaxed. Brian's breathing was heavy, and I couldn't blame him, as it seemed he'd done the most work. He reached a hand up and tucked a piece of my blonde hair behind my ear, and then he kissed my forehead. He pulled me close and again I heard him whisper, "I love you, Senoma."

I smiled shyly even though he could not see it, and kept my head against Brian's neck as I replied, "I love you, too, Brian."

♪•♫•♪•♫•♪•♫•♪•♫•♪

When I woke up the next morning, I was surprised to find myself in Raury's bed. After a bit of thinking, I realized she must've called her mother to come and pick us up. Mrs. Zaliski was quite relaxed when it came to our teenage antics, so she was our first choice when we needed a designated driver.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Raury said from across the room. "I hope you had fun at your stupid boyfriend's fucking party because I sure as hell didn't."

I knew what this was about. Raury was upset that Jimmy brought his girlfriend to Brian's party, which meant he didn't pay any attention to her. Raury was adamant that her feelings for Jimmy were only superficial, that there was nothing serious between them, but I was beginning to suspect something else from my redheaded friend.

I sat up slowly in an attempt to ward off my hangover and ran a hand back through my messy blonde hair. "Raury, Brian and I had sex last night," I blurted.

Raury's foul mood evaporated like morning dew in the early morning sun. "What?" she shouted, turning to me. "Just…what?"

"Brian and I had sex last night," I said again.

"Well, how was it?" Raury asked, jumping out of her desk chair. She catapulted onto her bed and I winced as my brain rattled about inside my skull. Lord, hangovers were the worst. "How did it happen? Did it hurt? It wasn't anything like on television, was it?"

"Raury, in my hungover state, I can only process one damn question at a time," I grumbled, rubbing my temples. My redheaded friend pouted and laid down next to me, hugging her pillow to her chest.

"Well then I'll start with the most pressing question," she announced. "Was he good?"

"Very," was all I said. I released the leash on my mind and let it wander back to last night, drawing up memories of Brian and I in the closet at the club, and I blushed at the recollection.

"Okay, onto the next question. Was he big?" she asked, wiggling her eyebrows. I thought we already had this discussion, a year ago when Zacky interrupted Brian and I in my bedroom during our annual party. I nodded, and Raury squealed loudly, adding onto my pounding headache. "Now how did--"

"I came onto him, it was a little uncomfortable at first, and no, it wasn't anything like on television," I said before Raury could finish her question. I fell back on the bed, cursing myself for intensifying my own hangover, and drew the blankets up over my body. "Brian was perfect. And I'm glad my first time was with him."

"Oh, you love-struck little non-virgin," Raury teased, poking me. I pushed her hand away and flipped her off; she pouted. "I'm gonna go downstairs and make some waffles. You want any?"

"Sure," I replied, climbing out of Raury's bed. I winced when pain abruptly sparked through my body, originating from between my legs. Hmm, perhaps Brian was rougher than I remembered. I began following Raury downstairs to her sea-green kitchen, stopping halfway down the stairwell when my phone vibrated in the pocket of my sleep pants. On the screen flashed a new text message from Brian, and I smiled widely as I opened it.

Good morning, baby :) hope last night was as perfect for you as it was for me and I hope you'll never forget that I love you like hell, baby.
Received from: Brian <3 at 11:47 a.m.

God, I was the luckiest girl on the planet. I was only seventeen and already I had a man who would do anything to make me happy, who loved me. Most girls my age - girls like Raury - were chasing after boys who only wanted one thing. Brian waited two years to get that, and he still wanted to be with me, which said incredible things about his character. And he lovedme. He'd been saying those words to me for a year, but only now was I realizing how much.

"Senoma Maddox Baker!" Raury yelled. "Come down here and get your fucking waffles!"

I smiled again and shoved my phone back into my pocket. I would reply to Brian later after I had time to ponder a response. "I'm coming," I hollered back to my friend, and I finished my journey down to the kitchen.

Notes