A/N: Hey guys, just so you know, I have nothing against Jeremy and mean no offense. I don't know him, so I can't say what kind of person he is. I am an Avi fan and a Kavi shipper however, so when I woke up with this story idea in my head, I had to write it. I hope you enjoy it.

Avi's POV

The morning had been so enjoyable and productive, that Avi was extremely saddened that it was over. Pentatonix had spent the day together at Kirstie's house, rehearsing and arranging for the upcoming tour in a few weeks. They had accomplished a lot, and were all having fun... that is until HE arrived.

Jeremy. Avi's antagonist, Kirstie's boyfriend and all round jerk. The moment he walked through the door, Avi felt irritated and on edge, just by his presence. The guy acted nice enough around the rest of the band, but he was a real douche when it came to Avi. He seemed to do everything in his power to get under Avi's skin and put him down every chance he got. Avi didn't know what he had done to deserve such awful treatment from the man, but he tried to ignore it for the sake of the band... and for Kirstie.

Avi still had a crush on Kirstie after all these years... well, truth be told, he knew it was much deeper than a crush. He loved her. Really truly loved her. With everything he had. It was just his luck though, that just as he was gathering up the pitiful amount of courage he possessed to finally ask her out, Jeremy appeared out of nowhere and beat him to it.

They had been dating for almost nine months, and Avi had been suffering quietly the whole time. He put on a brave face, but he was dying inside. Kevin was the only one who knew about Avi's love for Kirstie, but he didn't think even Kev knew how much he adored the girl.

It may not have been so bad if it wasn't for the fact that Jeremy was such an utter bastard. All Avi wanted was for Kirstie to be happy, but Jeremy was not the guy he pretended to be. Sure, he acted like a prince in front of Kirst, and was civil at least to the guys, but deep down Avi knew the dick was just using her as a trophy girlfriend and would drop her as soon as a better offer came up.

***

"Hey babe, I'm home!" called a pompous voice as the front door opened. As soon as Jeremy walked through the door Kirstie's eyes lit up and she smiled her beautiful smile, instantly getting up from the huge floor cushion where she had been lounging to run over to greet him. Avi sighed and dropped his gaze to the floor, not wanting to see the couple kissing and being all lovey. Man he hated Jeremy.

Avi felt Kevin's bulky arm move behind him to rest across his shoulders and squeeze his right shoulder, silently reminding Avi that he supported him and was there for him. Kevin always knew how Avi was feeling. It's like he had a sixth sense or something. Avi glanced up at his best friend next to him on the couch and pulled a quick half smile, for Kev's sake more than anything.

"So, what's on the agenda for the rest of the afternoon?" Jeremy asked, his arm around Kirstie as they walked back into the lounge room. Kirstie looked happy. Avi felt a pain in his chest as another tiny piece of his shattered heart fell into the growing pile of broken pieces.

"We could always grab pizzas and watch a movie?" Scott offered, glancing around the room to gauge the reactions of the group. "I don't know about you guys but I'm down for a chill night in."

"I second that," Mitch added, not looking up from his ever present phone.

"Count us in," Kevin answered for the both him and Avi, before the bass had the chance to make up an excuse to leave. Avi shot Kevin a glare, to which the beat boxer simply rolled his eyes in reply and ignored his silent protest. Great, now Avi had to spend the entire evening in the same room as HIM.

"Alright guys and girls, so what kind of pizzas do you all want this time?" Kirstie asked, pulling up the app on her phone for online ordering. One by one the group called out their orders, eventually getting around to Avi and Kevin.

"I'll have the Jamaican Jerk Chicken," Kevin answered. "That was really good last time I had it. Good and spicy," he added, looking at Avi as if he was trying to prove a point.

Avi just huffed with a half grin in reply. Kevin liked to prove to Avi that he could handle spicier food than he got the chance. Avi just wasn't in the mood to muck around though. "I'll just have the," Avi began to say, when he was rudely cut off by four other voices finishing his sentence for him, "... BBQ Meat Lovers!" Avi super frowned at his friends, and the whole room erupted into laughter at the BBQ loving bass.

"You're too predictable, man," Scott stated with a grin aimed at Avi, who had crossed his arms in front of him. Avi just really liked BBQ... there was nothing wrong with that. Avi was trying to look angry, but couldn't hold the super frown as Kirstie was looking at him with an adorable smile on her face. Damn.

***

Jeremy surprisingly offered to go and pick up the food, which was quite shocking to Avi. The guy usually didn't offer to be helpful at all at social gatherings with the band, preferring to be waited on like the price his delusional mind saw himself to be.

While Jeremy grabbed his keys and left to go and get the food, Scott, Mitch and Kirstie were sitting on the floor arguing over which Disney movie they were going to watch first. Kevin was grinning at his phone, probably messaging a girl he would never have the guts to meet up with. Avi drained the last mouthful of water from his bottle and decided to visit the bathroom before the food arrived.

Avi got up and stepped around the trio, heading upstairs towards the main bathroom. Just as he got half way up the stairs, Avi paused when he heard the front door open and close, followed by Jeremy calling out that he had forgotten to grab his jacket. Shit, his jacket was probably upstairs in their bedroom... Avi ran up the rest of the stairs and into the bathroom, closing the door in the hope that he wouldn't have to be alone with Jeremy. The guy always managed to say something mean or degrading to Avi when no one was around and he didn't feel like having to deal with that right now.

The door was almost closed, when it stopped abruptly, Avi was confused for a moment, until he saw the toe of a man's shoe wedged between the door and the frame. Shit.

"Hey Kaplan," Jeremy sneered, pushing the door open again and taking a step back into the hall. "What are you doing here?"

Avi leaned his shoulder against the door frame and glared at the taller man. He had never been one to choose violence as a solution to anything, but Avi would love to just punch the guy in his fat mouth right now. "What does it look like I'm doing Jeremy?! I was going to use the bathroom," Avi replied flatly.

Jeremy sniggered. "No, I meant what are you doing here, in MY house? Band practice is over... tonight is for friends. So... why exactly are you still here?"

Avi frowned. He didn't know why he let Jeremy get to him... he really didn't. Avi was their friend. He was a member of Pentatonix, NOT Jeremy. Avi opened his mouth to retort, but Jeremy cut him off.

"I know the only reason you're here is because you want to spend more time with Kirstie. You know, it's really pathetic that you're in love with someone else's girlfriend. MY girlfriend. You know that you never had a chance with her right?! I mean, hot girl's like Kirstie never go for nerdy losers like you," Jeremy spat, looking down his nose at Avi. "Look at you... you're too hairy for a start, women don't like guys that look like apes. You act like a child... I mean what kind of grown man believes in dragons?" Jeremy shook his head in disgust. "Kirstie wants a man not a boy-child that cries all the time!"

Avi gulped, trying to ignore Jeremy's words. He could feel his anxiety building, and knew that he should just walk away from the bastard... but he didn't want to appear weak...

***

Mitch's POV

Scott and Kirstie finally acquiesced to Mitch's suggestion that Frozen should be the first movie of the night. Mitch knew he would win. The others just couldn't beat him in a battle of words, as his sassy retorts always won out in the end.

"Hey Kirst, did you order any garlic bread?" Scott asked out of the blue.

Kirstie frowned in thought. "No, I didn't. Why? Did you want some?"

Scott smiled and nodded, "Yeah, for some reason I really feel like garlic bread!"

Kirstie giggled at Scott's random request. "Well, I can text Jeremy and ask him to pick some up," Kirstie offered, grabbing her phone from the coffee table.

"He's upstairs," Kevin stated, not looking up from his phone. "He forgot his jacket so he ran upstairs a few seconds ago to get it while you three were busy arguing."

"Oh," Kirstie said, surprised. Scott looked at Mitch, who shrugged as if to say that he hadn't noticed either.

"I'll go and ask him," Mitch said, getting up and heading to the stairs. He felt like freshening up before the meal and the bathroom was upstairs, so two birds with one stone.

As Mitch climbed the stairs, he paused at the sound of voices coming from the second level of the house. Curious, he crept up quietly, making sure to avoid the one step that he knew creaked. Another two steps, and Mitch looked through the bannister rails to see Jeremy in the hall, facing Avi.

Mitch frowned when he noticed that Avi looked uncomfortable. What on earth was going on?

Mitch heard Avi answer something Jeremy must have said. "What does it look like I'm doing Jeremy?! I was going to use the bathroom." Mitch's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Avi sounded defensive... Mitch had a really bad feeling about whatever was going on here. He pulled out his phone and switched to video recording, holding it up to record the scene he was currently witnessing unbeknownst to the two men.

Jeremy sniggered. "No, I meant what are you doing here, in MY house? Band practice is over... tonight is for friends. So... why exactly are you still here?"

Mitch saw Avi frown. Of course Avi was their friend... a much better friend than Jeremy, who they only tolerated for Kirstie's sake. Scott and Mitch found him to be arrogant, stuck up and annoying to tell the truth.

"I know the only reason you're here is because you want to spend more time with Kirstie. You know, it's really pathetic that you're in love with someone else's girlfriend. MY girlfriend. You know that you never had a chance with her right?! I mean, hot girl's like Kirstie never go for nerdy losers like you," Jeremy spat, looking down his nose at Avi. "Look at you... you're too hairy for a start, women don't like guys that look like apes. You act like a child... I mean what kind of grown man believes in dragons?" Jeremy shook his head in disgust. "Kirstie wants a man not a boy-child that cries all the time!"

Mitch's jaw dropped. What the fuck?! Mitch was trembling, fury racing through his veins. Who the hell did this guy think he was to speak to one of Mitch's friends like that! And to Avi... one of the sweetest, kindest, gentlest souls on the planet. Avi didn't deserve to be scorned and made to feel belittled like that. Mitch had to bite his tongue to not yell at Jeremy... but this wasn't his fight. He had to let Avi fight his own battle.

Mitch could see Avi's hands trembling from where he stood. The poor guy already suffered from low self-esteem, he didn't need this...

Avi balled his fists. "Listen, asshole," Avi growled in his deep voice, "One day, Kirstie is going to realise what a bastard you really are, and then she will dump you so fast..."

"Oh really," Jeremy huffed, an amused tone to his voice. "And who's going to reveal this shocking information to her? You?" he spat, "You wouldn't dare. She wouldn't believe you anyway."

Mitch felt more than heard a guttural growl escape Avi, as the shorter man raised his fist and pulled back as if to hit Jeremy. Mitch grinned in hope...

"Uh Uh," Jeremy said, taking a small step back and wagging his finger at Avi, making the bearded man pause mid strike. "Remember what I said I would do if you ever tried to hit me or tell anyone anything about our little meetings..."

Mitch watched as the colour drained from Avi's face and all the fight went out of him.

Jeremy nodded with a smirk on his face. "That's right. You remember. I said that if you mention anything to anyone, or threaten me in any way, or touch me... I will do worse to Kirstie."

Mitch couldn't believe what he was hearing and seeing. How long had Avi had to put up with this blackmail?

"That's right. A little accidental trip here... maybe I could burn her with a hot pan, accidentally of course," Jeremy sneered.

Avi looked close to tears, Mitch could see the panic building... his composure cracking...

"Y-You wouldn't hurt her," Avi stammered, running his hands up and over his beanie, like he did when he was stressed.

"Try me," Jeremy hissed.

"B-B-But you... you say you l-l-love her," Avi's voice cracked as he spoke. Mitch could see the tears welling up in Avi's eyes. The poor guy was so close to breaking.

Jeremy laughed in Avi's face. "Sure, I love her... I love having sex with her. I love showing her off in public like the trophy girlfriend she is, for now anyway..." Jeremy stalked right up to Avi, getting right in his face. "The thing I love most of all though, is the fact that she loves me and not you. She'll NEVER love you," he hissed, then underhandedly punched Avi hard, right in the solar plexus.

Mitch cringed. The punch knocked the breath out of Avi and he dropped to his knees, hands grasping his mid-section in pain. The bass coughed a couple times, struggling to breathe. His eyes were scrunched shut and Mitch could see tears finally escaping, to run down his cheeks and soak into his beard. Avi placed one hand on the carpeted floor to take some of his weight, still holding his stomach with the other hand. "P-P-Please," Avi murmured miserably, "Please... don't hurt K-Kirstie. D-Do what you want to me... b-but don't hurt her."

Jeremy looked down his nose at Avi once more, sneering at the poor man. "Get out of my house. Make up some lame excuse why you have to leave, I don't care," he snarled. "But you had better be gone before I get back, or Kirstie is going to suffer... and you'll only have yourself to blame." Jeremy kicked Avi in the side, making the bass grunt in pain and curl into himself instinctually to protect his vital organs. The smug bastard turned his back on Avi's trembling form and headed down the hall to his and Kirstie's bedroom.

Mitch pressed the stop button on his phone and lowered the device slowly. He was in shock. How long had Jeremy been blackmailing Avi? How long had the poor man been suffering in silence, to protect Kirstie from the fucking asshole who claimed to love her? Mitch had to show Kirstie the footage. He turned and hurried down the stairs before Jeremy caught him snooping.

***

Kevin's POV

Avi was sure taking his time in the bathroom. Probably trying to avoid talking to anyone. Kevin knew why Avi hated Jeremy so much, since he was actually dating Kirstie... and Avi wanted to be the one dating her. Kevin didn't particularly like Jeremy, come to think of it, none of the PTX guys did... but he seemed to treat Kirstie like a princess and if she was happy, he was happy for her.

Kevin slipped his phone back into his pocket, wondering what was keeping Jeremy. The food would be ready to pick up soon, and it would get cold if he took much longer. Kevin was about to get up and check on him, when the man walked straight past the lounge room and out the front door without a word to any of them.

Did Mitch say something to put him in a bad mood? Kevin frowned, seeing both Scott and Kirstie staring at the door Jeremy had just left through with identical looks of confusion.

Suddenly, Mitch burst into the room from the kitchen, rushing over to drop down next to Scott who was now on the couch, beside the one Kevin was sitting on. He dragged Scott's laptop in front of him, ignoring Scott's outburst.

"Hey, I was getting the movie cued up!" Scott whined at Mitch, "You're the one that wanted to watch..."

Mitch cut Scott off with a hissed "Shhhhh!" Scott frowned and looked to Kirstie for some kind of explanation as to Mitch's behaviour. Kirstie looked just as dumbfounded as the blonde did.

Mitch connected his phone to the laptop and opened up the video player, turning the volume on the TV up a few points. "Listen," Mitch whisper yelled, "You have no idea what I just witnessed," Mitch stated dramatically. Kevin furrowed his eyebrows, having no clue as to what Mitch was up to.

"I was on my way up to ask Jeremy to get garlic bread," Mitch turned to Scott, "and before you ask, no I didn't speak to him, so no garlic bread, sorry, not tonight," Mitch said, not actually sounding apologetic in the slightest. Scott pouted.

"Mitch, what..." Kirstie attempted to ask, but Mitch cut her off right away.

"Listen," he said loudly holding his hands up in front of him to stop any further questions or comments, eyeing the three band members critically. "The video I am about to show you just happened, like two minutes ago... and I am still in shock! Kirstie, I apologise for you having to see this, but it's too important... you can't go on living your life without seeing this."

Mitch looked so serious that the three PTX members simply stayed silent. Mitch nodded, and pressed the play button on the laptop. The video played.

***

Three minutes later.

Kevin gulped, the sickening feeling of guilt and regret taking over. He was in shock. The video Mitch had just forced them to watch was heartbreaking. Kevin felt terrible for not realising just how bad the situation between Avi and Jeremy really was. Kevin knew that Avi hated the guy, but now that he knew why, he wished he would have pushed Avi for more information instead of just brushing him off, thinking it was just jealousy talking. It was no wonder Avi always tried to avoid being around Jeremy, if this was how he treated him.

Jeremy was abusing his best friend, his brother, physically and mentally. No way was he going to let this slide.

"B-But he said he loved me... " Kirstie muttered, tears escaping and running down her cheeks. She turned around to face the three guys on the couches. "He was always so sweet and thoughtful, b-but... IT WAS ALL JUST AN ACT!" Kirstie yelled, her emotions out of control. "THAT LYING BASTARD!"

"Jeremy's a fucking asshole!" Scott agreed, nodding. "And poor Avi! I can't believe he never told us," Scott said sadly, dropping his head into his hands.

"Kirstie, I'm so, so, sorry you had to see that," Mitch apologised, crawling over to Kirstie's spot on the carpet and puling the distraught girl into a hug. Kirstie cried for a short few seconds, before pulling away from Mitch.

"What about Avi?" Kirstie said suddenly, her voice full of concern for her friend. She looked at the three guys pleadingly, "Where is he? Is he ok?"

***

Avi's POV

Avi felt sick. That bastard's kick really hurt. Taking shallow breaths, still holding his injured side, Avi crawled into the bathroom and pushed the door shut, making sure to lock it. He slumped down to sit with his back up against the door, trying to get a hold on his emotions.

He hated Jeremy. The guy was threatening Kirstie's safety, and Avi couldn't ignore it any longer. He had to tell someone... had to get Kirstie away from the monster that called himself 'her prince'. He was no prince. Kirstie was a princess though, and she deserved to be treated like one. Avi would treat her like a queen... if only she would give him a chance. Avi sighed. But... maybe Kirstie would never want to be with him... maybe he was as undesirable as Jeremy said.

Avi swiped his hands over his eyes, trying to wipe away the tears that continued to fall. Even if Kirstie didn't want him... Avi had to make sure that she realised what a lying, manipulative, cruel person Jeremy was. He had to get her away from him, so she would be safe... so she could be happy. Her happiness was all that mattered. Avi would survive, as long as Kirstie was happy. Even if it was with someone else.

Avi swallowed, eyes brimming with tears again at the thought of never having Kirstie return his love. The bass took a deep breath and stood up slowly, his side hurting every time he moved. Avi made his way over to the vanity and rinsed his face with cold water, trying to wash away the evidence that he had been crying. The tears just kept falling. Avi was a mess. His usually bright green eyes were bloodshot, red and puffy.

The young man winced as he moved to unbutton his plaid shirt to inspect his injuries. His shirt now hanging open, Avi could see the angry red patches, one over his lower right ribs, the other over his solar plexus. Avi sighed. He would have some pretty good bruises by the morning. The bass buttoned his shirt, straightened his beanie and tried again to get his emotions under control.

Avi knew if he stayed hiding in the bathroom much longer, one of the others would come looking for him, so he had no choice but to go back downstairs and act as if everything was fine. He decided he would talk to Kevin later that night, after they were home. He would explain the whole horrible situation with Jeremy and the threats and everything. Kevin would know what to do. His brother always knew what to do when it came to Avi.

Taking a deep breath, Avi left the bathroom and walked down the stairs slowly, trying not to jostle his injuries. He rounded the kitchen and entered the lounge.

***

Avi walked into the lounge room, head hanging low and eyes downcast. He grew anxious however when he was met with silence. He looked up, and was met with four pairs of eyes staring at him. Something was wrong. His friends looked like they had been crying... had someone died?

Avi began to tremble as he looked to Kevin, "K-Kev?" he stammered nervously. "W-W-What's going on?"

Kevin rose from the couch and rushed over to Avi, pulling him into a bear hug and hugging him tightly. Avi flinched and stiffened up at first, before melting into the hug and wrapping his arms around his brother as best he could. Avi still didn't know what was going on. He only knew that he was finally receiving a badly needed hug, and he was going to soak up all the love he was given.

Kevin finally pulled back, and held Avi by his shoulders at arm's length. "Why didn't you tell us what was happening brother? We could have helped you," Kevin said sincerely. "I understand why you kept quiet, but you shouldn't have had to deal with Jeremy all alone," Kev finished, pulling Avi back in for another quick hug.

Avi blinked, trying to process everything. Kevin knew... they all knew... about Jeremy and his threats and... but... how did they know? Kevin pulled away from the hug and took a step back. The others joined him, standing shoulder to shoulder, all four of them facing Avi in a rough half circle formation. Avi frowned and licked his dry lips.

His confusion must have been evident, because Mitch started to explain. "I was on my way upstairs when I heard Jeremy acting like a bastard, so I recorded what happened on my phone," Mitch said quietly. "I'm sorry for invading your privacy like that... but... I, um, showed everyone the video. They all know what just happened," he concluded with a sad smile.

They all saw... Avi stood staring at Mitch, eyes wide in disbelief. They knew. He didn't have to deal with Jeremy and his bullshit any more. He wasn't alone. Avi smiled and let the tears he had been fighting fall freely.

Mitch moved forward and hugged Avi, who welcomed the hug, followed by Scott, Kirstie and Kevin. They formed a big 'Sing-Off' style group hug, holding on to each other as tears fell. After a few moments, they broke away slowly until they were all standing in a circle, all smiling in relief.

"K-Kirst?" Avi mumbled, looking at her bashfully, "I'm so sorry about Jeremy. I-I tried..."

Kirstie moved forward and took Avi's hands in hers, stopping the bass mid-sentence. Avi looked into her eyes and saw a mix of sadness and anger, but also gratitude and... and... love?

"Avi," Kirstie said quietly, but clearly, "In the video, Jeremy said that you love me, that you are... in love with me... Are you? Avi, are you in love with me?"

Avi felt as if his heart was going to explode. His was finding it harder and harder to breathe as Kirstie spoke, and he began to shake uncontrollably. His vision blurred with salty tears. He legs felt like they were about to give out. This was too much pressure at once, he couldn't deal... He was already under so much stress... He could feel a panic attack coming...

"Avi... Avi... just breathe okay..." He tried to focus on Kevin's soothing voice and his big, warm hand rubbing circles on his back. "I know it's been an incredibly stressful couple hours, but stay with me homie. You can beat this. Just breathe. We're all here with you... you aren't alone in this. We've got you," Kevin kept calming Avi down as the bass slowly got his breathing under control. His heart rate finally dropped down to acceptable levels and he stopped trembling.

Avi finally opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. He was sitting on a couch, with Kevin on one side and Mitch on the other. Scott and Kirstie were both kneeling in front of him. At some point they had obviously guided him over to the couch, because he couldn't remember moving. His friends all had similar looks of concern on their faces. They really cared about Avi, and it made him feel warm and fuzzy deep inside.

"Are you ok, Avi?" Kirstie asked, her small hand resting on Avi's knee. Avi nodded, not trusting his voice just yet. He swiped under his eyes with the back of his hand, trying to wipe away the tear tracks he knew were there.

"I'm sorry for stressing you out like that, so soon after... everything," she apologised quietly.

Avi didn't know what to say. A glass of water suddenly appeared in Avi's vision, held by Kevin. Avi smiled and sipped the water slowly, trying to figure out what to say to Kirstie. He had dreamed many times of telling Kirstie that he loved her... but none of his dreams began with him having a panic attack after being torn down by her boyfriend.

Avi handed the empty glass back to Kevin, who put it down by the side of the couch. Avi cleared his throat.

"Sorry guys," he said quietly, in his deep voice. "I-I haven't had a panic attack like that in years."

"It's alright big daddy, we understand," Mitch reassured him, rubbing his arm gently. "We're just glad you're ok."

"Yeah man," Scott added, "We're just sorry that we didn't figure out what was going on earlier."

"I know, I should have said something," Avi mumbled dropping his eyes down to the floor in front of him, "I was just worried that he would go through with his threats... and... I-I couldn't risk him hurting Kirstie. I... I thought I could handle anything Jeremy could say or do... but lately it just... it-it got to be too much."

"At least we know now," Kevin replied. "We're all with you, dude. You won't ever have to deal with him again."

"Especially since he won't be around after tonight!" Kirstie stated. "As soon as that manipulative, lying bastard walks in that door I'm gonna give him what he deserves! Believe me when I say you will NEVER have to see him again."

Avi gulped nervously. Kirstie could be scary when she was angry. "Y-You mean, you're going to break up with him?"

"Hell yeah I am," Kirstie said confidently. "I couldn't possibly stay with a guy who threatened to hurt me, and actually hurt my favourite dragon loving bass man now could I?" Kirstie said, grinning and placing her hand on Avi's cheek gently. She was so beautiful. Avi couldn't help but stare at her.

"Speaking of hurting," Kevin interrupted, "Avi, can I take a look at your ribs? Just to make sure Jeremy didn't do any permanent damage?" The moment was gone... thanks Kev.

"I guess, but it's not that bad," Avi tried to convince his friend. Kevin just gave him the Dr Kevin knows best glare in reply, so Avi conceded and unbuttoned his shirt.

The guys all cringed when they saw the bruises, which were much darker and more of a purple colour than earlier. After poking around for a few seconds, Kevin nodded and assured all of them that Avi would be just fine. Kirstie looked as if she was going to start crying again.

"Kirst?" Avi said, confused as to why she was upset. Avi took her hand as she had done to him earlier to comfort him. "What's wrong?"

Kirstie's bottom lip trembled and a single tear ran down her cheek. "He hurt you, Avi," she mumbled, looking deep into Avi's eyes. "He hurt you and you let him... to protect me..." Another tear fell.

"Would you guys like us to give you some privacy?" Kevin asked, motioning towards the kitchen, obviously sensing the impending revelations about to occur.

Avi shook his head and smiled. "No, it's okay. You can stay." They deserved to be a part of this, since they were all so close, and anything that happened to one of them affected the whole band anyway.

Avi ran a hand over his bearded jaw and took a deep breath, trying and failing to still the butterflies in his stomach. "Kirstie," Avi said, determined not to stammer, "I love you. I am in love with you, and I have been for years, it's just taken me this long to work up the courage to finally tell you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier..."

Avi was cut off when Kirstie suddenly pressed her soft lips against Avi's in a sweet kiss. It took Avi a second to realise that what he had waited and wished for was finally happening. He kissed her back with as much passion as he could, trying to put as much love into the kiss as possible.

Kirstie pulled away first with a huge grin on her face. "Avriel Benjamin Kaplan, I love you too," she answered, and Avi couldn't have been happier. In that moment, all his dreams had come true at last. The woman he loved with all his heart loved him back! Avi went in for another kiss, and another, and another, making Kirstie giggle with joy. Avi pulled Kirstie into a hug and chuckled along with her, looking around at their best friends, clapping and cheering them on. Avi had his one true love at last.

***

A/N: It was so incredibly hard to write the scene where Jeremy was insulting Avi - I felt really bad for Avi while writing it.

I appreciate any feedback, so please leave comments. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!