“Alex?  Is that you?”  The small figure stood up from the doorstep and came closer.

His bright blue eyes couldn’t be missed and neither could his big grin.  “What are you doing here so late?”  I walked up to him, ruffling my fingers through his hair.  “And how did you even know where I lived?”

                “Noah makes me carry around this address book since I don’t have a phone.” He shrugged like it was the most common thing ever.

                “How long have you been out here?”

                “Not long.”  He looked up at me, rocking back and forth on his heels.

I gestured towards the front door, “Let’s get you inside and I’ll call Noah.”

I still didn’t know why he was here.

                I unlocked the door and let Alex inside first.  I closed the door, engaging the lock before direction him to the living room.  “You said you would visit.” He said, sitting down on the couch.

I sat down next to him, “I know, I’m sorry.  But it’s not because of Noah.  We’re still friends.”

                “I heard about your mom.  I’m sorry.”

That brought a small smile to my face, “Is that why you’re here?”

He shook his head and brought his legs up against his chest.  “Yeah, and I needed help with my math homework.”  His nervous laugh told me that he really didn’t need help.

                “Of course I’ll help.”  I reached over, playfully pushing his shoulder.  “I would have come to you, though.”

He shrugged his little shoulders again.  “I know.  I just didn’t want to be in that house.”

                “Let’s get that homework done and I’ll just take you home myself.”

He finally smiled again.  I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything is going to be okay.  I know he’s worried about his brother and I wondered if that’s why he was actually here.

                We sat at the kitchen table, and I helped him breeze through his homework.  I could tell he actually understood and didn’t need help at all.  But I let it slide.  “You better get an A on that test Friday.”  I wiggled my pointer finger at him.

A little giggle escaped his lips as he packed his stuff back into his backpack.  “I’ll let you frame it.” He teased back.

                We ventured outside and seated ourselves in the car.  I decided to make a small stop on the way and buy him ice-cream.  I think the kid deserves it.  And I can tell he doesn’t want to go home just yet.  I had texted Noah shortly after we started his homework, and let him know that his brother appeared on my doorstep.  He was relieved at the slightest.

                Alex ordered his favorite and as did I, and we walked back to the car.  My mom would kill me if she found out we were eating ice-cream, out of all the things, in her car.  “I’m sorry about showing up like that.”  He muttered, diving back into his ice-cream.

                “No, don’t apologize.  I’m glad you showed up at my house.”

He looked down and smiled, but it soon faded.  “I hear my brother talk about you a lot to our dad.  I think it’s the only person he can actually talk to.  He keeps blaming himself for what happened to your mom.”

                “It’s not his fault, Alex.”

                “I don’t know why people keep treating me like a kid.  I want to know—”

                “Knowing less is better.”

He took a deep breath and looked up again.  “I’m scared for my brother.” He admitted.  “I’m scared he’s going to get seriously hurt or something is just going to happen and I won’t be able to see him again.”

He was too young to be going through this.  He shouldn’t have to see his brother this way and I’m sure Noah doesn’t want him to.  He wants Alex to be able to look up to him, but that’s impossible when you have to keep secrets.  “He’s going to be fine.” I told him, rubbing soothing circles on his back.  “He’s not going anywhere, trust me.”

Alex finally smiled, but it was weak.  “I knew I could come to you.” 

                “You know where I live now and you can come over whenever you want.  Even if it’s just an excuse to get me to do your homework.”

He giggled a little, taking another bite of his ice-cream.  “You can count on me coming over at least three times a week.”

I thought he was joking, but he was serious.  But I didn’t mind the company.

                After we finished our ice-cream, we headed back to his house.  I pulled into the driveway and pulled the keys out.  It was quiet for a moment.  “Do you want me to walk you?”

He hesitated, but nodded his head.  I got out of the car, and Alex was already ten feet ahead of me.  Oh, to be that young again.  Before Alex could even open the door, it flies opened and Noah appeared standing in the door way.  “I could kill you.”  He sighed, pulling his brother into a hug.  “I’m making mom and dad get you a phone.” He let his brother go.

                “Good luck with that one.”  Alex wiggled his way around Noah and slipped inside.  He sent me a wave before running off in a new direction.  “Thanks for bringing him home.”

                “I’m just glad he’s safe.”

Noah stepped outside, closing the door behind him.  “I’m just glad he showed up at your house instead of somewhere else.  I would die if something happened to him.”

It was nice seeing Noah care for someone so much.  It was…refreshing.  “I told him he can come over whenever he wants.”

He smiled, “So he’s allowed to be near you?”

                “I never said you can’t be near me.  We just can’t…you know.”

A low laugh rose from him, “Believe me, you’ve told me like three times.  I think I just finally got the message.”

                “Or maybe you just don’t know how to follow the rules.”

He lifted his hands up in defense.  “Guilty.”

                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Are you nervous at all?”  I asked, plopping down at the edge of Ash’s bed.

He was standing at his mirror, plucking at his blonde hair.  “A little…Maybe a lot, but I’m excited.”

                Their show was tonight.  Ash hasn’t stopped talking about it for the past week.  I was excited for him.  I know he’s been waiting for this day since their first band practice.  I hope they make it far.  I hope more that people like them.  If I like them, I think others will.  It’s a band filled with hot guys –Not talking about Ash-, I’m sure there will be a few girl fans. 

                “You’ll be fine.  Just don’t think about it.”

He let out a frustrated sigh and snatched the beanie from his desk.  He slipped it over his head, tucking his hair slightly underneath.  “I’m just scared I’m going to fall.”

Out of all the things to be worried about.  “Laugh it off.”

He gave me a sarcastic thumbs up and I stuck my tongue out at him.

                “Noah should be here any minute.”  Ash said as he slid his jacket up his arms.  “Are you riding with us?”

I nodded and stood up off of the bed.  “Ashley is taking Rai.  I’m not sitting in the car with that.”

I followed Ash down the stairs and out the door to wait for Noah.

                Ever since I broke down…twice, in front of Noah, things have been…tense.  I can tell he’s afraid to say anything when we’re by ourselves, which isn’t often.  Mostly on weekend mornings when he helped me train.  But other than that, we’re okay.  Yes, I still have horribly strong feelings for him and no, they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

                As for Scott…He’s Scott.  He’s your normal boyfriend.  Sometimes I forget he’s my boyfriend.  We’ve been close since he told me about his adoption.  He’s not ashamed of it.  He hasn’t pressured me into doing anything I don’t want to.  I’m not saying Noah has, but Scott seems like he’s in no rush to do anything. 

He’s safe.

                Safe as in, he’s not going anywhere. 

Not that I know of.

                Noah, I just want him somewhere safe.  And California isn’t.

                Noah’s car rolled onto the driveway and I found myself walking to his side to climb into the backseat.  I struggled to keep my head down and not look at him, but I was successful.  This was going to be a long ride.  I wish Scott could have come, but he had to help his dad with something.  I never ask.

                I drowned the guys out once they started talking about all the girls they’re going to get backstage.  I bet anything one of them will be Laura.  She always seems to pop up when you don’t want her to.  Which is basically all the time.  I’m sure she’s already waiting in line at Mist.  I can’t show any jealousy when I see girls literally throw themselves at Noah.

                We arrived at Mist and there was already a line waiting out the door.  “Holy shit.” Ash said slowly, scraping his eyes over the line.  “There’s so many people.”

Noah was laughing and I bit down on my lip to keep from laughing.  “I’m pretty sure I’m going to piss my pants.” Ash continued.

This time I had to laugh.  “I told you, Ash.  You’re going to be fine.”  I leaned over his seat, giving his shoulder a small pat.  “Picture the audience naked.  Since half of them are probably girls, that should help.”

Noah rounded the corner, parking in the back of the building.  A gate cut us off from the street.  It feels like they’re already famous.  “I’m just going to stand outside for a minute.  You guys go in.”  Ash got out of the car and walked to the other side of the lot.

I shrugged it off and followed Noah.

                “Are you nervous?” I asked.

He shook his head, opening a door with a loud squeak. “Not at all.”

                “Oh, come on.  You have to be a little nervous.”

We turned a corner and stopped in front of a door that read ‘dressing room’ and had their band logo on it.  “I was nervous when I first started.  But now it’s just a rush and it’s very exciting.”

The door slammed closed behind us and Noah sat down on the couch.  I guess no one is here yet.  They don’t go on for another three hours, but it’s good to be early for sound check.  “I wish I could say the same about my brother.” I sat down on the opposite side, curling my legs under me.

                “I want to see you up front.  It’ll help me focus.”

An unattractive snort escaped without warning.  “I do the opposite for you.”

He scooted closer, grabbing my hand between his own.  “No, you’ve got us confused.”  He started playing with my fingers, slowly drawing patterns on my palm.  “You’re so easy to distract.” He marched his walking fingers across my wrist.  “All I have to do is simply touch you, and it’s like you’re in another world.”

It took me a few seconds to fully understand what he was doing and I jerked my arm back.  “That’s not funny.”

                “The only thing you’re weak for, Fighter, is me.”

I hated him because he was right.  “I hate it when you call me that.” I mumbled, crossing my arms against my chest.

Truth was, I lived for him calling me fighter.  I missed it too much.  “It suits you.”

                “I can think of many names that suit you, too.”

                “Is Charming one of them?”

                “No, but ass is.”

He looked away, laughing.  “I’m pretty sure you’ve called me an asshole at least once a week since we met.”

                “That you know of.” I grinned, wrapping my arms around my legs.

He ruffled his fingers through his already messy hair.  “You don’t make this easy.”

I was about to ask him what he meant, but Ash burst into the room with new enthusiasm.  “Tonight is going to be so amazing!” He shouted, throwing himself backwards onto the spot between Noah and I.

                “Feeling better?” I asked.

                “Oh, yeah.”

I wasn’t even going to ask what changed his mind.

                We walked out into the empty club a few minutes later when the rest of the guys got here.  One side of Mist had the DJ booth and the other had a stage they usually used for battle of the bands.  Tonight wasn’t that, but it was close enough.  There were five bands lined up tonight, and Pathways was going on last.  Saving the best, I see.

                I sat with Ashley at one of the tables and watched everyone get into position.  Noah sat behind the drums, twirling one of his sticks between his fingers.  Ash was plucking the strings of his guitar, something I noticed when he was nervous.  “What if I break a string?” Ash blurted, looking around at his bandmates.

                “And what if I break my drums?” Noah chimed.  “I think that would be worse.”

Ash nodded and looked ahead.  “You make a good point.”

They had five songs on the set list and 30 minutes of stage time.  That was the perfect amount of time to make a fantastic impression on the crowd. 

                The first three bands were on and off stage before I could count.  I had to ask Ashley.  The fourth band was playing now, and it was fifteen minutes before Pathways went on.  Ash was pacing the room, Ashley was talking to Rai and Max had his arms wrapped tight around Rebecca.  They were so cute, I wanted to vomit at the same time.

                My eyes landed on Noah standing by himself.  He tipped a glass to his lips and set it down when it was empty.  I looked around the room again and walked up to him.  “You guys are going to be great.”

He looked down at his glass, running his pointer finger around the rim.  “If Ash doesn’t pass out.”

                “Nah, he’ll be fine once he gets up there.”

He was unusually quiet and distant, not distracted.  “What did you mean earlier?”

He dropped his hand from the cup and looked at me, “What are you talking about?”

                “You said I’m not making this easy.  What am I not making easy?”

                “You know what I’m talking about—”

                “Two minutes!”  Someone opened the door and basically yelled.

Noah just glanced at me and walked out with the other guys.

Damn it.

                I followed Ashley and Rebecca out of the room as well, and we made our way out into the crowded club.  We pushed through, making our way to the front where I promise Noah I would be.  And it wouldn’t hurt for Rai and Max to see Ashley and Rebecca.  Since apparently Rebecca is Max’s good luck charm.  I’m not complaining.

                The lights went dim and the crowd erupted.  The different colored lights lit up the stage, and all the guys walked on.  They resumed their positions from earlier today, only Ash looked more nervous and more like he was going to hit the floor.  Everyone else looked pretty confident.  I looked around Max and spotted Noah.  He looked up from his drums and I waved in his direction.  He sent me a nod and looked away.

                The music started and so did the dancing.  I may have been pushed and shoved a few times during the first two songs, but they decided to go soft.  Ash changed his guitar for an acoustic one and they played a cover of one of my favorite songs, Last Hope by Paramore.  I’ve asked Ash at least ten times to cover the song, but he wouldn’t think the guys would go for it.  Maybe he listened for once.  I was surprised because I didn’t get to see the set list. 

                I felt a hand press to my lower back and I felt someone’s breath near my ear.  “Hello, love.”  His tainted breath was easy to recognize. 

My breath hitched in my throat as I looked around for Ashley and Rebecca, but they weren’t near me anymore.  I tried looking up at Noah, but he wasn’t paying attention.  No one was.

I rammed my elbow in his stomach and watched him fold over his arms.

I ran.

                I pushed through the crowd, looking behind me every chance I got.  He was hot on my trail as I pushed my way through to the end.  I emerged from the pit and started towards the bathrooms.  I couldn’t hear anything but my breathing and the muffled sounds of the band playing.  I rounded the corner, only to be pinned against the wall with so much force it knocked the breath out of me.  “Stop running from me.” He growled.  “I just wanted to say thank you.” I could see his smile under the dim lighting.

He dropped his forearm from my chest and took a step back.  “For what?” I breathed.

He jerked his thumb behind him.  “For making it easy to find him myself, since you clearly didn’t do what I asked you.”

                “I did—”

                “Obviously not, darling.  He’s not going to come to me willingly.”

                “Of course not.  He’s not an idiot.” I snapped.

There was nothing humorous about his laugh.  “You’re right.  I thought he cared about you enough, but it’s clear I was very mistaken.”

                “I told you.  He’s not going to risk his life for me.”

He looked at me curiously, eyebrows knitting together.  “Who said anything about risking his life?  I’m not going to kill him, Willow.”

I glared at him, resisting the urge to kick him in the groin.  “We both know that’s a lie.  Noah didn’t kill your brother.”

He tilted his head and took a step closer.  He pressed his hands firm against the wall, blocking me in.  “Who said anything about that?”

I swallowed hard, “I’m not stupid.”

                “Clearly you’re nothing but.  Noah has fed you so many lies, you’re starting to believe him.  He’s not innocent and you’re too blind to see it.  He killed my brother.”  He leaned his face closer to mine.  “And I want you to deliver a little message for me, will you?”

                “I don’t have a choice, do I?”

He chuckled, “Of course not, love.  Do you need me to write it down?”

                “I have a good memory.”

Now I know he’s playing me.

He stepped back and pulled his phone from his pocket.  I watched his fingers work over the screen until he finally found what he wanted.

With a sigh, he held the phone up to me.

It was a picture of him and Alex together.  “I met this fine young man today while he was playing basketball in his driveway.”

                “What did you do—”

                “Nothing yet.”  He put his phone back into his pocket.

I felt my bottom lip start to quiver.  “What do you mean?”

                “I mean Noah obviously is going to care for his family more than yours.  I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.”

I swiped my tears away, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach.  “Please don’t hurt him.” I cried.  “Just stay away from him, and I’ll bring Noah to you myself.”

                “Oh, it’s a little too late for that one.”

                “W-what do you mean?”

                “My guys picked him up today.  We have him and we’re going to use him to get Noah.”

I shook my head quickly, “No, please.  Just let him go.  He didn’t do anything wrong—”

                “My brother didn’t, either.  An eye for an eye, yeah?”

                “Don’t you dare hurt him or I’ll kill you myself.”

There were no more tears, just anger.

He just laughed, “You’re about as harmless as a fly.”

                “Rot in hell.” I spat.

He shrugged his shoulders and started walked backwards, “I plan on it.  Right after Noah pays for what he did.”

And by that, he means to hurt Alex.

 --------------------------

It's short, I'm sorry!!!

But I didn't want to add anymore, because the next chapter is going to be pretty big.  Well, long. 

All votes and comments are appreciated, thanks so much! :)