{ Miles POV }

It had been one hell of a stressful day, and it wasn't even over yet. We still had to do our concert, but I felt exhausted already. My emotions had been somewhat out of sorts recently, and as much as I loved Al, it didn't help for him to freak out randomly.

I'd never say anything, and I'd always be there to help him, happily... It just gets wearing sometimes. I laid him down in our bed, me sitting up and him curled up, his head in my lap. I ran my fingers through his hair and prayed that he had fallen asleep.

He clung to me and I sighed, watching his chest move rhythmically as he breathed. I sang softly under my breath and stroked his head gently as he slept. His hair was fanned out against my lap so I began to twist the long strands together in a poor braid.

" Mm...Mi, " Al murmured as he clung tighter to me.

His cuteness did nothing to dispel the stress hanging over me. I decided to close my eyes and lay down. Maybe sleep would bring a little more comfort to me.

When I awoke again, I just felt worse. I felt a bit empty, and I wasn't sure what was really wrong. Al was still sleeping so I went and found a thermometer to check if I were sick, but I wasn't. Something just felt...wrong. I dragged myself into the bathroom and cleaned up a bit, but it didn't make me feel any better.

For a while I leant against the sink, staring at myself in the mirror. I spotted the rim of the leave in contacts in my weird almond shapes eyes and pursed my lips. I ran my hand over my stubbly facial hair and sighed. Then I looked over my body. My torso, my arms. Everything felt weird. It was a tad unsettling.

I almost felt disconnected from my body, as if everything was floating just slightly. I began to feel extremely sick to my stomach as I stared at my reflection. I poked and prodded at my skin, looking at the pale color. I looked sick but after taking my temperature I was fine.

I honestly didn't understand what was wrong but I began to get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach like something bad was bound to happen. My train of thought led me to think of Alex's song Leave Before The Lights Come On. I wasn't sure why this song came to mind but I had a sudden urge to listen to it.

I snuck back into the room, grabbing my phone and listening to the song as I sat on the couch. I pursed my lips. I looked around the bus, longing for the familiar sense of normalcy, but to no avail. Everything just felt weird.

I wondered if the next show would go well. Maybe that's what it was? Maybe the next show wasn't going to go well or summat. It could have been it. I blinked a few times, looking out the window that was across from me. I looked at the sky and the shape of the clouds. It was a bit more overcast than normal, and I wondered if it were going to rain.

I didn't want it to rain. If it rained the thought that today is gonna be a bad day would be solidified. I continued to stare at the clouds, watching the sun rise and hide behind the puffs of water in the sky. I played the song on repeat, truly listening to Al's voice and his lyrics that rung through my mind. His voice settled me slightly but I still felt horrible.

" Baby... " Al's soft voice said, barely being heard over the music in my ears.

I looked up at the sleepy man, watching him rub his eyes and look at me with a soft childlike wonder hidden in his irises. He stood there for a bit, just looking at me with that twinkle in his eye.

" What's up, love? " I finally asked with a slight smile.

He stared at me for a moment longer and then he shook his head.

" You just look so good. " He said, accent slurring his words ever so slightly.

He then sloshed over to the couch, falling onto it, placing his head in my lap as he placed one of his arms against my side, pressing his face to my stomach slightly. He was too cute for his own taste. I looked out the window again as I placed my hand into his hair, massaging his scalp lightly as I thought a bit more.

I rubbed his head softly and felt him move up to straddle me. He pressed his lips to my neck and left soft little kisses everywhere causing me to sigh happily. I leaned into his touch, trying to let it push my odd feelings away but it didn't work. Al started to kiss heavily at my neck and trailed kisses up to my jaw. I hesitantly placed a hand on his hip.

" This is new, " I giggled to myself though there was no joy behind it.

Alex isn't one to display affection publicly especially in our situation. Al bit his lip and touched my chest. I ran my thumb across his cheek once and smiled at him.

" Alright, " I said, pushing him off my lap so that he'd stand up.

I pushed him towards our room.

" Lets get you dressed. " I said as I smacked his ass.

He laughed and jogged towards the room. I glanced around the room once more, silently hoping that what ever was wrong was somewhere in its vicinity before giving up and following Al to the room.

My eyes wandered slightly as I sat on the bed and watched Al. He picked out an outfit and hummed to himself as he got dressed. My heart began to feel heavy, as if it had been filled with lead.

" Mi...baby? " Al murmured softly.

I looked up to see Alex staring at me waiting for a nod of approval. I barely glanced over him before replying.

" You look great love. "

He pouted and whined.

" You didn't even look! " he whined out.

I huffed and grumbled an apology as I got my own clothes and began to dress myself.

" Ye' alright? " I heard him ask.

" Yeah, yeah, sorry. Bit tired, I think. " I turned towards him and blinked a few times.

He eyed me for a moment, then stepped closer. Could he detect my lie? He grabbed my chin.

" Your eyes are reddish. "

I slightly panicked but before I could think of an excuse he continued to talk.

" Are your eyes bothering you? Maybe you need a new pair of contacts, or maybe you should let them soak in solution for a bit...don't want to hurt your eyes. "

My mouth hung open for a moment as I stared at him. I swallowed and nodded.

" Yeah, you're right. They're a bit irritable. "

I looked down, avoiding his gaze. I could sense his small smile as he pecked my cheek and went to the bathroom to slick back his hair. I sighed in distress as I tugged trousers on over my pants and searched for a nice shirt in my suitcase.

I couldn't decide on one so I left the open suitcase, making my way to the front room area and getting a bottle of water. The refreshing and cool liquid made me feel slightly better. I plastered a smile on my face as the bus stopped and the rest of the crew stepped through the front room and out the door.

" Alright? " I said, giving Zach a fist bump.

He flashed me a bright smile. Zach. He was strange, but in a good way. His aura was highly welcomed. He just had one of those bright faces that when he chose, could reveal all the emotion in the world, but could also be solid as a rock, undetectable, stone cold. Not to mention that he was one hell of a bassist.

" What're you lot up to? " I asked, shoving a hand in my pocket as I squinted at them.

" Nothin, really. Just happy to play tonight. Think I might walk around the line tonight "

I smiled at the charmer. " How're you gonna sneak out the building without the manager noticing? "

He gave me a mischievous smile. It made me smile wickedly back.

" Easy. " was all he said.

" The real trouble will be bringing him back inside. " Alex said as he came out from the van.

"He's a lady killer, that one. "

I smiled as Alex stood next to me.

" Isn't that the truth. He'll be mobbed by women. And even a few strappy young men. " I said.

Zach punched my arm softly.

" I wouldn't deny them. " He smirked.

I let out a soft bit of laughter and shook my head at Zach. Alex came up behind me and rested his hand on my back gently.

" What do you want to do before the concert? " he murmured softly.

I leaned slightly back into him without anyone noticing but didn't say anything. I was still slightly conflicted and my stomach refused to stop twisting itself into thousands of little knots. My heart raced under Alex's touch, why I was unsure.

" Mi? " Al said with a pout.

" Huh? " I asked softly, turning towards the pouty boy.

" Are you sure that you're fine? " Alex whispered quietly as the other men began talking again.

" Yeah I just...don't know what I wanna do, is all. "

Al pressed his lips into a tight line.

" Alright. Well, why don't you come get something to eat with me?  " He offered.

" Eh, don't think I'm too hungry. "

He stared at me and blinked.

" Do you want to rest more? "

" No... I'm rested. "

" Let's go get a change of contacts for you. " He said, as if it were the answer that we were looking for.

" No, I put some solution on. "

Al looked like he was getting slightly ticked.

" Fine then " Al growled under his breath.

I flinched slightly, my feel of uneasiness overwhelming me and almost bringing tears to my eyes. Why do I feel so sick?

" I'm going to get food. " Alex announced to the present company.

I stared at him through glazed eyes but he refused to look back. Even when he did look at me, he looked through me. I put my attention on the ground and walked back to my bunk, collapsing into the hard mattress and curling up. My stomach hurt and my head was beginning to pound.

Maybe I ate something bad. But I haven't eaten much...maybe that was it? Maybe I did need some food...but I wasn't hungry. I sighed and rolled over, closing my eyes and hoping that maybe some rest would do the trick. When I woke up again, it wasn't Al who was greeting me, but Zach.

" C'mon sleepyhead. Time for soundcheck. "

I smiled into the mans bright eyes which were green right now, but changed freely depending on many factors. I got up and rubbed my face until it felt fairly normal and then got up and followed him out the bunks, and to the venue. Where was Al?

I glanced around once we got into the backstage area but Alex was nowhere in sight. I sighed and watched as everyone grabbed their instruments. Two minutes before we were to go on stage, Al showed up with a sour face and a harsh walk.

He grabbed his guitar as I did earlier and made sure it was to his liking. The stage was set up perfectly as always and all of us we're ready. Maybe Al had been napping...yeah that's probably it. I watched his fingers twitch slightly as he stood. His foot tapped the ground and his hand shook by his side.

Throughout soundcheck he was a bit grumpier than he would normally be. I decided to leave it alone. When it was done, we had piled back stage, since the crowd would be entering soon. Al looked like he was in no mood to speak to anyone, so I sat with Zach and a one of the roadies. Al had made a Margarita , his specialty and sat at a table.

Suddenly, a tall blonde walked in the room. She was gorgeous, no doubt about it. She was pale but still tan, and had fiery blue eyes which for some reason reminded me of Zach. Al looked up and saw her and smiled, getting up and walking towards her.

" Taylor, I'm glad you made it! " He smiled as he took her hands and kissed either of her cheeks.

I wasn't startled. It was a normal greeting.

I watched as the two began to talk and laugh like old friends. Who was this bird anyway and why didn't I know of her? Jealousy flared through me but I pushed it down. Al is allowed to have friends and enjoy their company. I shouldn't be jealous of some random girl.

Despite my thoughts I continued to stare on. Al didn't even glance at me once. He was completely neglecting me and it left such a sour taste in my mouth that I couldn't stand it any longer. I got up, ignoring Zach's questioning look and walked towards the exit which led to the venue outside.

I stepped out into the fresh air and sighed, finding a small hiding nook. I took out a fag and held it between my lips, lighting it and inhaling the smoke. I kept trying to think about why she looked somewhat familiar,  but I just didn't bloody know.

" Are you okay? "

I jumped and looked at Zach.

" Yeah, you scared me. " I said.

" Sorry, " he laughed. " Could I have one of them? " He asked, pointing at my cig.

" Sure thing. " I replied, pulling one out and handing it to him.

He lit it up and leaned against the wall.

" She's a model. "

My head snapped over to him. He wasn't looking at me.

" Who? "

" Taylor. " he said, his eyes meeting mine. " She's a friend. "

" You known her long? " I asked.

He nodded, " Almost me whole life. "

" Hm.. " I looked down as his words passed through my ears.

I smoked hastily, anxious to get back inside.

" She's a close friend to our family. " He said, puffing out a cloud of smoke that danced around him, making him seem more mystical than he already was. 

" Not a bad gal, either. " I nodded, gulping.

At least I knew why she seemed familiar. Probably seen her in adverts around.

" Look, Mi, are you upset because she's near Al? I know you two haven't really interacted today. I won't meddle, but if something really bad is happening, you'll tell me, right? " He says, turning towards me with his stunning but patronizing eyes.

" I just don't like birds hanging off him is all, " I grumbled under my breath, not even sure is Zach would hear me.

" Are you jealous?? " Zach said with a laugh.

A blush covered my cheeks as I blew smoke out my nose.

" Shut it you pest! " I whined.

Zach chuckled and started poking me in a teasing manner. " That's adorable! " he squealed uncharacteristically. " Does he know? "

" Does who know?? " I questioned.

" Does Alex know! That you like him?! "

Now it was my turn to laugh. I laughed and laughed until tears streamed down my cheeks.

" You idiot! I've been with Alex for a while now! Surely you must hear him screaming " I winked.

" That was genuinely you lot?! " he asked, eyes going wide.

" Yeah! " I laughed more.

" Oh my god! Thought you lot were watching a porn or summat! " he began laughing.

" Yeah no, that's him! " I hollered.

" Right loud! " I continued.

" Who's right loud? " Alex's voice sprang out from behind us.

We stopped and turned towards Alex. His arms were crossed and his hip was jutted out. Zach and I looked at one another before bursting out laughing again.

" Fucking...come inside. We are due on stage soon. " he grumbled, going back inside.

I very much appreciated this laugh, but as soon as it was done, that odd feeling came back. My stomach turned as Zach and I walked backstage. Alex was talking to that Taylor gal again and once more ignoring me.

Honestly I felt like I was due to vomit any second now though my stomach was void of food. I peeked at Al as he came over to Zach and began talking to him. God I'm going to be sick.

" You okay Mi? Look a bit green " Zach asked.

" 'M fine " I murmured, closing my eyes and massaging my temples.

Tears stung at the back of my eyes but I refused to let them show. Finally we we're getting on stage after a torturous few minutes. I put on a smile as I watched the crowd dance and sing. I felt that weird feeling down my spine, and Alex hardly interacted with me during the whole show. I saw Taylor out of the corner of my eye dancing backstage. I stayed near Zach.

By the end of the concert I was sweating a lot and felt very run down. It all went by in a blur. I remember running off stage and getting a water. I felt so sick, I sat down on the floor, by the refreshment table. I spotted a mint leaf on the table. I grabbed it and chewed lightly.

It wasn't helping. Finally I got up and went to the bus, shutting the door and laying in my bed, scared at the cause of this illness but hope to be relieved from it soon. The illness refused to leave even after I drank some tea and ate a bit. Honestly I felt like I were bound to throw up ny second and colorful spots danced around me.

" Mi? " Zach's voice called out to me.

Zach, the rest of the crew, and I were the only ones back on the bus. Alex was once again, nowhere to be found.

" Mi you okay? " Zach asked as  he rounded the corner and found me staring off into space.

" 'am gonna be sick " I murmured with a slight sniffle.

My whole body felt like it was shaking but I couldnt tell if I was imagining it or not.

" Fuckin' hell, Miles. " Zach said, coming to sit next to me.

He put a hand on my shoulder. " If you're gonna toss your cookies, 'least give me a warning, alright? I'll stay with you. "

He stayed there with me, rubbing my back gently as he looked through the Instagram feed of his phone. He was looking through fans photos of the show. I wish Alex was here. I wanted to put my face by his neck and breathe him in, but I couldn't do that. Not now.

After hours of holding back tears I couldn't stand it anymore. I let every wall fall and I felt the rush of tears hit me. I whimpered at the force of my sadness and just started crying. Zach jumped and looked at me with worry. He hugged me tightly and tried to calm me with soft words but nothing seemed to work.

I curled up and cried into my knees until I couldn't feel anymore, until everything was numb. Sniffles still escaped me as Zach rubbed me back. I heard the door to the bus open and my whole body froze up. Alex's cheery voice said hello to everyone and I heard him walking. Anxiety filled my mind at the thought of him seeing me like this. My breathing got shaky and I pushed away from Zach, trying to escape into the duvet covering my bed.

" Mi- "

" Don't say anything. " I begged Zach.

He stared at me for a few moments with those curiously stunning eyes before nodding and going back on his phone. I laid as if I were asleep. I heard Alex come into the room, followed by a pair of thin heels.

Taylor.

" Is he asleep? " he whispered.

" Yeah, he crashed as soon as we got on the bus. Show took it out of him. " I heard him hum.

" That's alright. I'm gonna sleep in the bunks tonight with Taylor. You're welcome to come along " I heard him offer to Zach. 

It was then that he got off the bed, and everyone left the room. After a while of listening to their laughter and chatting in the next room, my phone rang. I frowned and sat up, grabbing my phone from the floor and seeing that my mum was calling. I answered my phone quickly and smiled.

" Hey mum! " I said happily.

I'm always happy to hear from my mum. Sadly this didn't seem like a very happy call.

" Miles honey... " she sniffled.

" Mum? What's wrong are you sick? Is something happening with work? "

" No honey uh...something a bit different. " I could hear the sadness in her voice.

" Mum?! Talk to me please. "

" Sweetie...god I don't know how to say this...Miles you're uncle passed..." her voice quivered and she began to cry.

I froze. " How did it happen? " I sounded like a ghost of myself.

" I-I don't know, Miles, honey...are you okay? "

The ringing in my ears became louder.

" I'll talk to you later, mom. " I hung up and dropped the phone.

I sat there for a long time, just staring at the ground. He couldn't be dead. I stood up. He just couldn't. I stepped forward. He...I fell. He was. It took a few moments, but the burning in my throat appeared, and I knew trust I was going to be sick.

My eyes blurred as I crawled violently to the door, only being able to lift myself up with the knob, and I swung open the door, running past everyone to the outside of the bus, stumbling to the nearest bushes before the bile came violently rushing up my throat and onto the ground in huge, disgusting piles.

I was about to fall when I felt arms wrap around me. I was shaking intensely and tears poured down my cheeks. I continued to throw up until the little amount of food in my stomach was gone. I heard someone talking to me but everything sounded weird, as if I was underwater.

Suddenly everything came back to reality and I could hear Al yelling my name. I coughed and gasped harshly as I was turned around. My eyes met Alex's and my body calmed down slightly, but not enough. I was still shaking and I couldn't speak despite the river of words waiting to rush out of my mind.

I laid down on the ground, my hands on my head as I panted. I was staring up at the night sky, where the black patches in my vision blended, and looked like black holes.

" Miles! " I heard his voice again as the ringing went down.

" What? " my croaky voice let out.

" What the hell just happened? Are you okay?! " his panicked voice shouted.

"Just get away from me. " I didn't know why, but I was getting angry all of the sudden.

" Miles, what the fuck?! "

" Get the fuck away from me! "

" Zach! " he called back.

More footsteps approached and Zach was at my side in moments, helping me to sit up as I scrunched up my eyebrows. I gripped Zach's shoulder like my life depended on it as he helped me up. He flinched slightly.

" Miles are you okay? " he asked softly, ignoring the worried Alex who was on the verge of tears.

" Dunno... " I replied, still clinging to the man as the world spun around me.

" Everythin 's spinning " I closed my eyes and leant against Zach.

I felt numb, I was going numb. Temporarily.

" Do you need to go to hospital? " He asked, smacking my face gently to keep me focused.

" No... " I let out.

" I need, I need to go back to bed, take me inside... " I said.

Alex stepped forward, his lower lip trembling as he went to grab me. I waved him off.

" Go hang out with Taylor in the other bus. " I hardly whispered.

Alex's eyes threatened to spill as he turned and walked away quickly, his hands curled up against his chest. Zach gave me a skeptical look as he glanced between Alex and I.

" Come on, then. " He finally said, half dragging me back to the bus.

-

Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Look forward to more updates of this story and others in the future!

Xx ghxstlyxterrors