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babymetaldoll · 3 years ago

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Danger Days - Chapter nine: "Where is your boy tonight?

Word count: 16K (wow, shit! it's long!)

Summary: Back touring! back on the road. Gubler met Joey's parents and they loved him (who wouldn't, really) Now it's Joey's bday and the band is decided to make it a special day for her, considering her boyfriend won't make it to the party. Frank wants to top the Amsterdam party, Ray and Mikey just want Joey to be happy. Gerard... is getting weird.

Warnings: Alcohol consumption, cursing, Matthew breaking a promise

A/N: Hi!! I hope. you are enjoying this! this is one of my fav chapters.

Masterlist

::: December 3rd, 2010, New York :::

Two hours before the show

Tucker opened his arms and hugged Joey tight. Though she had been in Jersey with Matthew Gray for the last three days, and they had hung out a million times already, he would always greet her with a warm hug when they met, probably 'cos they never got to see each other.

- "Kiddo!!"

- "Bamm Bamm!!"

- "I'm so fucking excited to see you play today!!!"- Tucker put her friend down and shook Matthew's hand hello. He was waiting in the backstage area with a bunch of other friends from the band. Mikey smiled as he walked over too and looked at her friend up and down.

- "Hey Bug! You look too pretty to play today. You really doll up when Matthew is around"- and she laughed.

- "You just don't deserve this"- she joked, and Gubler laughed.

- "When we toured together, you weren't even sober most of the time!"- Tucker added- "Now look at my sweet baby! All grown up and looking cute."

- "Shut up!!"- Joey hit Tucker's arm, blushing- "You've been telling all the embarrassing stories about me this whole time!"

- "I know, that's the fun part of having friends, kiddo. Now you know it."

Joey stuck out her tongue to him and turned to see Jamia next to her, with Frank and Ray. Toro loved having her there with them, especially 'cos she and Christa got along, and double dating with Frank and Jamia was their new favorite thing to do. He thought it was cheesy, Frank agreed; Joey was the one who used the word. But still, cheesy shit was fun for them every once in a while.

- "And what do you do before you get ready for the show?"- Matthew asked after talking with everybody for a while, including Gerard and Lynz.

- "I exercise a little"- Joey walked him to a side of the room where she sat behind a practice pad- "I go through a fifteen minutes warm-up, then stretch, and then that's it. Sometimes Mikey forces us to do a few pushups, but I don't usually do them 'cos I'm a lazy ass"- the girl smiled and felt Matthew's arms around her slowly.

- "Have I told you how proud I am of you?"- Joey looked at the ceiling pretending to be deep in thoughts.

- "I don't think you've said it today"- she whispered and giggled- "No, not today."

- "I have to make it up for it, then."

Gubler smiled and reached her lips slowly. It started as an innocent shy kiss, but it grew up quickly. Joey felt Matthew was hungry for that kiss. Maybe it was the fact she really looked good that night, perhaps the fact the month they had just shared had been amazing, and now that he knew she was going to be gone again, he wanted her to feel how much he loved her. And damn! She felt it.

Joey wrapped her arms around Matthew's neck as his tongue entered her mouth slowly and gently. She bit his lower lip softly, and he chuckled.

- "Hey! That's my sister!!"- Mikey yelled, and Joey laughed, giving him the finger- "Can you do the decent thing and take her to a room? We don't wanna see that!"

And that was true. No one wanted to see that. Frank kept his eyes locked in his babies in their car chairs to avoid the scene. He wasn't a huge fan of Gubler, but he had been the nicest guy ever for the sake of his friendship with Joey and the fact Jamia had the hots for him. Which made him feel so much better for having the hots for Joey. It eased his mind completely.

- "Can you stop looking at them?"- Lynz asked her husband and raised an eyebrow- "What? Are you jealous or something?"

- "No!"- he quickly replied to her, frowning and looking insulted. But mostly busted- "I just remembered the old days, when we were like that."

Lynz knit her brows furrowed staring at Gee, he simply smiled and kissed her.

- "When we would make out everywhere, and we cared shit if anyone saw us."

- "Yeah, those were fun times"

- "Can everybody stop making out, please?"- Mikey frowned- "It's hard for the ones alone here."

- "Sorry, bróðir"- Joey smiled and turned to Matthew- "He is right"

- "Yeah..."- he sighed and let his girlfriend go smiling- "So... show me your warm-up."

- "Yeah, these are my exercises."

It was nerve-wracking playing shows in front of thousands of thousands of kids for Joey. She still wasn't used to that amount of people watching her play. But doing it in front of Matthew, Joey nearly panicked. She knew she had to do better than ever, not because she wanted to impress him, but because Joey wanted to feel like the best drummer in front of him and make him see the kind of incredible chick she was. Which he knew.

Matthew honestly loved Joey, and after meeting her parents, it felt their relationship was better than ever. He just hated her job. She was surrounded by guys. There was no other girl in the whole crew. He thought maybe a girl was there to do their makeup... but it turned out it was Gerard's job.

- "I want you to raise your hands for my brothers and my sister!! We are!! My Chemical!!"- Gerard yelled at the mic, and the audience yelled "Romance" back right away.

- "Are you ready to have your fucking brains blown away?!"- Matthew chuckled at Gerard's words and heard his girlfriend start playing what ended up being Thank you For the Venom.

- "So, had you heard the band before?"- Lynz asked him as both of them, Jamia and Christa, stood by the stage watching the show.

- "Not really, just when Joey was practicing. But they are good!"

- "And how are you handling the distance?"- Matthew sighed and shrugged.

- "Day by day, I guess."

- "You two make a cute couple."

- "Thank you..."

The actor didn't pay any more attention to Lynz, not 'cos he planned to ignore her, but because he felt honestly captivated by his girlfriend. She looked so powerful out there, leading the rhythm in a band. She was awesome. She was honestly incredible. Independent and funny and intelligent... how could he handle a woman like that?

- "What are your intentions with Joey?"- Tucker asked suddenly, standing next to Matthew.

- "Sorry?"- the actor frowned, not getting where that was coming from.

- "I heard you met her parents, are you planning to get serious with her?"- Tucker kept asking, and Gubler still didn't get the paternal tone of voice the drummer had.

- "Why are you asking me this?"

- "You know, just 'cos she seems to be completely all together and independent doesn't mean you can try to break her"- Tucker was serious, and the actor was seriously lost- "No, I'm not in love with her or whatever, life ain't always about that shit. I love her as you love a little sister, or that cousin you had to take care of when you noticed she was lost in a world of men trying to get rid of her, the one you watched going her skin harder and harder to be taking seriously over the years."

Matthew Gray didn't know what to say. He knew Joey was strong and independent. No one- not even her father- had given him a speech like that about her. Then again, he didn't know many friends of his girlfriend. Or any until that point.

- "I love her"- the actor whispered, though Tucker managed to hear him- "And I don't think this whole "I'm protecting my friend" speech is necessary."

- "But it is"- Tucker interrupted him and turned to look right into Matthew's eyes. He knew this was the only chance he had to be alone with his friend's boyfriend, and he wasn't going to let it slip away.

- "She stayed in that shitty city with those shitty jobs 'cos she loves you that much, so you better cherish her devotion and give her what she deserves."

Tucker's eyes were dark and threatening. He stayed looking into Matthew's for a few long seconds until the song ended, and they turned to clap and cheer at his friends. Joey turned to them and cut them a big smile. She had no idea what had just happened. And she would probably never know. Matthew wasn't going to tell her he knew she had decided to stay in L.A because of him. And Tucker was never going to tell her he had basically threatened her boyfriend.

- "Yami, don't go"- Matthew whispered as he laid next to Joey, wrapping his arms around her like a lock- "Please stay with me."

- "Akumu..."- she rubbed her lips on the skin on his neck, making him shiver at the touch- "I have to work. It's only for a few days, we are gonna be in Los Angeles de 11th, and you are gonna get to see your hot girlfriend playing live again."

- "But I miss you so much."

- "You are going to be working too, and this time I'm going to be in the US, I will be near."

- "Yami, I don't want to be apart from you again"- he meant it, he felt he couldn't stand the idea of that girl being away for so long- "I'm gonna go mad."

- "Akumu, you are pretty mad already, that's why I fell in love with you"- he smiled, looking into her eyes in silence- "It's just three weeks. That'll give you enough time to plan my birthday and Christmas."

- "Detroit for your birthday?"- Gubler whispered, and Joey nodded- "Sounds... fun?"- he asked and raised an eyebrow as she smiled and kissed him over and over again.

- "You have to be there."

- "Nothing in the world is going to stop me from being there"- the actor snuggled closed, feeling Joey's naked body next to him- "I already googled all the weird shit we can do there. I thought I could come along with you to Toronto, and then we could take a little vacation together, just you and me..."

- "Really?"- Joey loved that idea. She needed time with her boyfriend, and an adventure together seemed like a great idea. Besides, Gubler would always find the weirdest plans in every place they were at. He had made sure to take her to all the dark tourist sightseeing he could find in those days in Jersey.

- "Of course! You deserve the best birthday ever. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I don't give you everything you deserve and more?"

- "You've always been the best"- Joey smiled again and kept on kissing him slowly, teasing him and making him tremble next to her.

- "See? You shouldn't leave with them. Stay with me, we can be naked the whole time"- the actor moved slowly on top of her, and she gasped immediately, closing her eyes.

- "You are very persuasive, Matthew Gray Gubler."

- "Is it working?"

- "I'm not going anywhere right now... maybe if you try to convince harder..."

- "Harder?"- Matthew rocked slowly upon her, and she bit her lip

- "Yes, and faster..."

- "You are dirty, Yami"

- "You are hard down there, Akumu, I can't help it"- he smiled, blushing as Joey bit her lips and kissed him.

- "I'm gonna miss you so fucking much"- he murmured, losing the ability to speak.

- "Let me show you how much you are gonna miss me, daddy, 'cos I am sure it's gonna be unbearable."

::: December 4th, 2010. New York :::

Gerard hated everything about that day. His wife had left early in the morning, his brother looked miserable the whole time, and Joey kept sucking Matthew's face right in front of him. He saw them at breakfast, in the lobby, now at the airport. They were stuck to each other, both of them with tears in their eyes. It was sad and upsetting. He didn't want to watch, but he couldn't help it.

- "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?"- Ray asked and stood next to him after getting himself a cup of fresh coffee.

- "Yeah?"

- "You are gonna have to stop that"- and Gerard frowned

- "Stop what?"

- "Whatever it is that's happening in your head with Joey, stop it."

Gerard was busted. He felt how his cheeks turned blood red in a second, so he avoided looking at his friend and knit his eyebrows.

- "Deny!! Deny!!" Ray, I don't know what you are talking about."

- "I told you after Frank's birthday, you've got a crush on her, and it's fucking easy to see."

- "I don't!"- the singer answered immediately, almost insulted- "You have to stop saying that! someone might hear you and get the wrong idea!"

- "I know you, dude. I know you"- Ray repeated and landed a hand on his friend's shoulder- "And I can recognize that look your eyes, the yearning and the denial, I've seen you like that before"

- "You are wronged!!"

- "Fine!"- Ray smiled and tapped on Gee's shoulder- "Keep denying it. I don't care!"- Toro looked right into his friend's eyes and whispered seriously- "But maintain whatever it is that's happening with you under control, 'cos I don't want it to affect our work, or her as a matter of fact."

- "Why do you care about her so much? Maybe you are the one crushed on her"- Ray smirked and sipped his coffee

- "Sure, dude."

- "Akumu"- Joey hid her face and tears on Matthew's neck. She wasn't able to say anything else. It was time to say goodbye. She was the last one to board, and Mikey waited for her a few steps away.

- "Call me when you get to Tampa, Yami."

- "Call me when you get home, Akumu"- he kissed her fiercely, holding her face with both hands, and as soon as they stopped gasping for air, he looked into her eyes, tears filling his.

- "I love you so much, so much"

- "I love you more"- they kissed once more.

- "Miss, you have to board now"- the air host said as the couple stood outside her gate.

- "Yes, sorry..."- Joey tried to smile and kissed Matthew's lips one last time, then slowly walked away, still looking at her boyfriend.

- "Come on, Bug"- Mikey held her hand as they started walking down the jetbridge. Matthew looked at them waving and sighed as he blew his girl a kiss, trying to smile. A part of him hated the fact she was leaving with that band, and a little tiny part of him was glad she had a friend to be with. That friend being Mikey, the guy he was jealous of the most. "Damn it!".

- "Are you ok?"- Frank asked her. He sat right next to Joey, by the window. The girl nodded in silence- "Here"- Iero whispered and gave her a bar of chocolate.

- "Thanks, Jersey"- Joey managed to murmur as she kept wiping off more tears from her cheeks.

- "Come on, Bug, last time wasn't so hard"- Mikey said as he sat next to her too and wrapped an arm around her shoulder- "And we are gonna play in Los Angeles in... what? A week?"

- "I know"- she whispered and cut him a smile- "But back then, I didn't know I was gonna miss him so much, I guess"- he caressed her hair and kissed her forehead.

- "Well, back then, you didn't know you were going to have so much fun with us either. So instead of thinking about how much you are gonna miss that hot actor"- Joey chuckled at Mikey's words- "Why don't you better think about all the fun you are gonna have with these two average handsome guys?"

- "Talk for yourself, I am way hotter than any average guy"- Frank said and winked at the girl- "Right?"

- "Yes, Jersey, you are way hotter"- Joey smiled, though she wasn't lying, 'cos she thought Frank was very hot, though she didn't mean it in any sexual way.

Ray kept his eyes on Gerard the whole time, ever since they saw Joey crying while she said goodbye to Matthew. Way looked worried, sad, even mortified. It seemed he wanted to comfort the girl, but instead, he just stared at her with his brother, who was shushing her.

- "Are you ok?"- Ray asked as he turned to his friend

- "Yeah..."- Gerard quickly answered and looked down at his bag, reaching out for a book to hide his face for most of the trip.

- "Sure."

Mikey hated Florida. Frank hated Florida. Gerard hated Florida. Ray was ok with Florida. Joey had been there so many times, she didn't care about the weather, humidity, or the fact back in New York was snowing. The Way brothers turned into ogres as soon as they stepped out of the plane, and everybody decided to ignore them. Ray was the one who reminded everybody they had two interviews starting at two. They all grunted, except for Joey, who sighed, relieved to know she had a long afternoon on her own.

She wasn't just sad cos she was going to be apart from Matthew for a few days. She was also very upset about how exciting it felt to be able to hang out with Gerard again. It made her want to cry, feeling like a liar and easy whore. Gubler would never do such a thing to her! She couldn't just have a crush on Gerard!

But she did. So she locked in her room and didn't do a thing for the rest of the afternoon. Until Mikey knocked on her door with candies, and the two of them watched a movie.

Joey made a promise to herself to stay as cold-headed and professional as she could. She loved Matthew, and she wasn't going to let some random crush on the hottest guy on earth ruin it for her.

And so the days passed, and Joey managed it quite alright. It was more complicated when they were on stage. That was when Joey had to make her biggest effort to avoid making eye contact with him. Gerard was the most charming and hypnotizing frontman she had ever seen. Every movement he made and every smile he sent her was like a drug she had to get immune to.

But that leg of the tour let her go home for a day and see Matthew again. He invited his friends to the show, and Joey enjoyed how supportive he was with her. She knew he was jealous, but she also knew he was doing his best to keep his head cold and trust her. That's why Joey wasn't going to let Gerard ruin it for her. She loved her boyfriend. No matter what.

Gerard hated how cold and distant Joey had gotten. She was still very nice, but he also felt she was cold. Every day he tried to make conversation. Every day he had a tiny success, followed by her words to anyone else around them. It was more challenging this time 'cos they weren't traveling by bus. It was just by plane. They were never alone again, and every time he tried to be on his own with her, she had an excuse to run away from him.

That until...

::: December 17th :::

- "Shut up!"- Mikey whispered as Frank and Ray kept chuckling right behind him, and Gerard stood in the deepest silence. The bassist lit the candles on the cake and knocked on the door.

It was Joey's birthday, and he wanted to surprise her early in the morning to start the celebration. The short celebration 'cos they had to be at a radio station in an hour or so.

- "What is it?"

Joey asked and slowly walked to the door. Her eyes were puffed from all the crying she had done the night before. Matthew didn't spend her birthday with her 'cos he was called into the set that day. He had promised he'd be there, but he failed. It was the first time he had ever failed her. And it hurt her deeper than she imagined.

- "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to dear Joey! Happy birthday to you!"

The band sang as soon as the drummer opened the door and blew the candles on her chocolate truffle cake.

- "Thank you, kids"- she quickly answered with a smile and invited them in. Each one hugged her friendly, except Gerard. That hug didn't feel friendly at all. When he held her close, he didn't want to let her go, and it took a massive effort from the two of them to act normal and just smile.

- "She's so close..."- but they had to part.

- "Bug, you are going to take a shower and dress as hot as fuck"- Ray said and kissed her cheek- "'Cos today, you are coming with us!!"

- "Why?"- she frowned

- "'Cos we are not going to leave you alone on your birthday"- the guitarist simply answered- "We are doing a radio interview. We are having lunch, then we have soundcheck, nap, play a show, and go fucking crazy celebrating your birthday!!"

- "Shit, you have it all planned"- Joey smiled- "But I don't want to go out... just leave me here."

- "We are not leaving you here, Iceland"- Frank cut her off and reached a plastic spoon for her- "We are getting full of sugar. Then, we'll get some caffeine, and we fucking celebrate your birthday, ok?"

- "There's no way I'm gonna get out of this, right?"

- "Nop"- Mikey answered with a smile- "And here is your present."

- "Mikkel, that wasn't necessary! You already gave me the best present on earth"- Joey said, hugging her friend.

- "My friendship?"

- "A fucking bass, you asshole!"- she interrupted him, laughing.

- "Fuck it, now open that amazing present"- the girl did so to find a set of customized drumsticks set with her name, the name of the tour, and an engraved bug on one side.

- "This is awesome!!! Thank you!"- Joey wrapped his arms around Mikey and kissed his cheek- "I love it!"

- "Of course, you do. I am the master of presents!"

- "Yeah, I kind of improvised"- Frank excused himself and offered Joey his hand- "I've got nothing to give you right now, but we are getting tattooed tonight after the show, so think about what you are getting"- Joey chuckled and nodded

- "It sounds like an amazing present Jersey, thank you for adding more hate from my parents."

- "My pleasure"

- "Can we eat cake now?"- Joey asked, raising her spoon, feeling so much better than when she had woken up. Her friends were able to make her smile. She was still feeling sad, but at least they made her smile.

- "Open my present first"- Ray said and smiled as he watched the girl unwrap a special edition of Pride and Prejudice.

- "Dad!! You are awesome!! Thank you so much!!"

- "I'm happy you like it"

- "I love it"- Joey hung from her neck and let go only to skip through the pages- "I can't believe you remembered it"

- "Bug, you talked two hours about this book when I was trying to sleep. I couldn't forget it even if I tried"- the girl chuckled and kiss his cheek again

- "I love you, Rayray, and I love you all. Thank you for cheering me up! Now let's get fucking sugar rushed!!"

- "Dude, you didn't get her anything?"- Mikey whispered to his brother as Joey, Ray, and Frank literally sank into the cake.

- "I... forgot to bring it..."- Gerard whispered and looked down- "I didn't know we were doing this right now. I thought we were going to wait until the night."

- "She is pretty sad. I'd step up my game to cheer her up if I was you."

- "Because of Gubler?"

- "Yeah, she cried herself to sleep last night, she called me after she talked with him..."

- "He is an asshole. I can't believe he can't be here."

Gee locked his eyes on Joey. She was laughing at something Frank had just said that he didn't get, in her pajamas, pretty geek star wars pajamas that he loved, messed up hair, and sleepy eyes. Fuck, she was beautiful.

- "How on fucking earth could that guy ditch her on her birthday?"- he thought to keep a safe distance as he stared at her with his friends- "If she was my girlfriend, I would have prepared the biggest celebration ever..."- Gee made a pause and rearranged his thoughts- "But you've got a wife, and you are not doing anything for this girl today, heard me?"

- "Gerard, if you don't grab a spoon right now, you are not going to get any"- Joey said, smiling. He stared at her in silence, not moving an inch for a few seconds, enjoying how his heart skipped a beat when she talked to him. He could enjoy it 'cos she hadn't addressed to him directly in a while now.

- "Thanks"- he answered and smiled back at her, making her shiver.

That wasn't meant to end up well for either of them.

My Chem plus Worm and Joey stepped out of the van to meet a bunch of fans outside the radio station. The drummer quickly walked inside the building, escorted by Mikey, though all the guys kept a close eye on her, making sure no one would hurt her.

- "Bróðir, it's ok, I'm ok, go there and sign some autographs, make people happy, I'll wait right here"- she smiled and walked to the lobby of the building.

- "Sure?"

- "If you don't go, they are gonna hate me more"- he knew she had a point.

- "We'll be right here."

- "Go!"- Joey smiled and watched her friend run back out to meet some fans. She looked around and smiled at the receptionist, who kept a close eye on her.

- "Are you part of the crew?"- she asked, and Joey nodded.

- "I'm their drummer for the tour."

- "You can have a seat if you want, coffee?"- the girl smiled, appreciating how friendly the stranger was with her.

- "Yes, thank you"- her phone rang that second. She knew it was a facetime from Matthew; her parents had already called her. She read his number on the screen and sighed. She was so mad and sad he hadn't been there with her for her birthday, but she had to understand it, it was his job. What else could she do?

- "Hi"- she whispered as she picked up the video call.

- "Til hamingju með afmælið, Yami"- he said and smiled at her, knowing the girl was sad. He had asked her dad to teach him how to say "Happy birthday" in Icelandic to surprise her, and he had practiced ever since to get it right. She cut him a short smile as she saw his face, feeling her heart melt- "I'm so sorry, Yami."

- "I know, it's ok"- she murmured and sighed, making her best not to cry. He just stared at her feeling his eyes watering up too, longing to be there with her.

- "The guys wanted to say hello"- Matthew said, making his best to stay strong- "Say hello, guys!"- he pointed the camera, and the rest of the cast waved at Joey.

- "Happy birthday, Yami!!"- they all said, and the birthday girl chuckled.

- "Thank you, guys!!"

- "Sorry Matthew couldn't be there"- Paget said, standing right behind him.

- "It's ok, you better make an amazing episode, make it worthy of this distance."

- "We'll see you at the Christmas party!!"- Kirsten kind of shouted from the back, and Joey smiled.

- "I won't miss it for the world!!"- Gubler walked from the rest of the people to talk alone with his girlfriend.

- "I swear I'm going to make it up to you, Yami."

- "You better"- Joey answered and smiled.

- "I can tell you how much I love you all day long."

- "I could hear you saying how much you love me all day long"- he stared at her through the screen in silence for a second and sighed.

- "Yami, I don't know how I got so lucky to have you, but I'm not going to let you go."

The band walked into the radio building that moment, and Gerard got to hear that, making his heart ache.

- "Why should that affect me so? I'm just crushed on her 'cos she is hot, that's it"

- "Ég elska þig, Akumu (I love you, Akumu)"

- "Ég elska þig, Yami (I love you, Yami)"- he made a pause and stared at her again, not saying a word until someone called his name and forced him to wake up- I have to go, I'll call you later, ok?

- "Ok"

- "What are you doing, by the way? How are you spending your day? Sorry, I never asked. I was just asking for forgiveness this whole time."

- "The guys are taking me all over today. Right now, we are on WLLZ radio, 'cos they have to give an interview. Then we are going out for lunch, and tonight we are celebrating my birthday with, I'm guessing, pizza and video games as usual."

- "No, we not"- Frank said and appeared out of nowhere next to Joey- "Hey Matthew! Sorry you couldn't come, but we will make sure Joey has the time of her life tonight. We are going out clubbing big time. We've got a lot of surprises prepared to cheer her up!"

Frank wasn't nice at all. He was mad at Gubler for making his friend, his completely doable friend, cry.

- "He is just kidding"- Joey said, laughing.

- "No, really, we have it all planned. You gave me the best birthday ever, so I am doing the same for you!." Frank kissed her cheek and walked away. He knew he had done enough to make Matthew regret not being there with his girlfriend. Mikey tapped on his back and chuckled.

- "You are evil"

- "I know, that's the point."

Joey looked around and made her best to stay quiet. She was in a radio interview. Not watching it from the outside, but actually sitting at the table in front of a microphone. The good thing was, Gerard was answering all of the questions. Mikey and Frank were next to her and kept making her smile.

- "So this tour is different"- the host said- "You've got a female drummer, how has that been like?"- the whole band looked at each other with a big grin on their faces.

- "It's been amazing"- Frank quickly answered and tapped on Joey's back, making her giggle- "I think we all have to recognize the talent of women in music. It's a scene completely dominated by guys right now, and historically, rock and roll has had amazing women that should get more recognition than they've had."

- "Yeah, I think having Joey on board with us is going to inspire a lot of girls out there to follow that dream of being in music, 'cos if guys can do it, girls can do it better"- Mikey added and smiled at his friend, who felt her cheeks burning red.

Gerard looked at her from the other side of the table and giggled, noticing how nervous she was. He found it very cute.

- "And how has it been for you, Joey?"- the host asked her, and she closed her eyes, chuckling for a second

- "At first, it was nerve-wracking. It's my first time on tour with a band this big, and I needed to prove girls can kick ass in front of an immense crowd."

- "And you did"- Gerard interrupted her, and she blushed even more.

- "And being the only girl of the band..."- the host said and looked directly into her eyes- "How is that?"

- "Like having four older brothers taking way too much care of me the whole time"- the whole band laughed, including the host.

- "And do you have a boyfriend?"

- "Are you asking her out?"- Frank quickly answered- "'Cos her boyfriend is gonna kill you if you do"- Joey giggled and shook her head- "And he is huge! he is taller than Mikey, how tall is Gubs?"

- "He is 6ft"- Joey whispered and blushed, thinking how big Matthew was.

- "I looked ridiculous standing next to him"- Frank chuckled, and the band laughed. Iero looked shorter next to Gubler. Pictures were taken to remember that moment.

- "And what does your boyfriend think of you touring with a bunch of hot guys in a hot band? Is he jealous?"

- "I guess he was nervous at first, 'cos he didn't know if everybody was going to be nice to me. Now he is totally jealous 'cos he found out they are trying to get me into Dungeons and Dragons, and he never made it"- everybody burst out laughing, even Matthew, who was listening to the interview on the set with some of his friends and crew.

- "Your girl is so funny"- Shemar said, tapping on Matthew's back- "If you ask me, she is a keeper"- and Gubler blushed, nodding.

The interview continued, and Joey didn't talk much more. She preferred to keep a low profile and let the band answer most of the questions. Mikey kept texting her jokes, making her bit her lips not to laugh more than once during the whole time. Gerard noticed it and hated it. But he knew there was nothing he could do to stop his brother from being her friend.

There was a present waiting for Joey when they reached back to the hotel after the soundcheck. It was from Matthew. Joey's eyes opened wide as soon as she saw it. She locked herself alone in her room to open it 'cos she knew she was going to cry. And she did, as soon as she unwrapped it. There was a card and a small velvety box.

- "When we are together, darling, every night is Halloween,"- the girl read out loud, tears already filling her eyes. And at the back of it said: "Call me when you get this." And so she did.

- "Yami"- Matthew answered in his FBI outfit.

- "I got your present."

- "Did you open it already?"

- "No, it said I had to call you."

- "Good, you had to 'cos there's a speech coming with my present"- Joey smiled, her eyes glued at the screen.

- "Wait, can you take that outfit back home?"- he smiled and winked.

- "You are gonna make me carry all of my set outfits home."

- "Not my fault you look so hot in that! I need you to arrest me and tell me my rights, Dr. Reid"- Matthew laughed and blushed.

- "You are dirty, Yami"

- "You are too hot, Akumu. Deal with it."

- "I'm not hot, you are smoking hot... now open your present"- and so the girl held the box and opened it. Inside she found a handmade silver locket necklace. It was in the shape of an anatomic heart.

- "Matthew"- she whispered, watered up eyes- "It's gorgeous!"

- "I had it made in the real shape of my heart"- he confessed- "I had a chest x-ray a few weeks ago, so now I know, I literally know, you carry my heart when I'm not with you."

Joey was speechless as she heard those words. It was the most romantic thing she had ever heard. Gubler smiled, watching her as tears fell from her eyes.

- "I wanted to give it to you in person, but... shit, I failed you. Yami, I am so sorry."

- "I love it, Akumu, and I love you so much."

- "I love you too..."- he made a pause and sighed- "Now open it"- and so she did, to find an inscription inside "Be creepy with me." She chuckled as she read it and looked at her boyfriend on the screen.

- "I'm gonna have to get you another Christmas present now, 'cos what I got you is crap compared to this"- he burst out laughing as soon as he heard her- "And you just won the best blowjob ever"- and he continued laughing, especially when Shemar walked behind Matthew and wide opened his eyes- "Oh shit!!"- she sort of yelled blushed.

- "Keep walking!!"- Gubler quickly said, blushing as well.

- "Sorry"- the girl whispered, giggling.

- "I don't care... I'm gonna remember that promise, by the way"- the actor looked at his girlfriend with eyes filled with love

- "I'm counting on it"- she answered immediately and sent a kiss to the screen- "I could stare at you all day long."

- "I feel the same"- and so they stared at each other in silence for a couple of seconds until Matthew was called back to the set.

- "I'm sorry, Yami."

- "Don't worry, Akumu. Go to work. I'm gonna nap before the show."

- "I'll call you later"

- "See you later then."

- "Sleep tight."

- "Work hard."

- "I love you."

- "I love you more, Akumu. See you in two days."

- "Sounds like an awful amount of time. I want you here now."- she waved and sighed. Matthew sent her another kiss and hung down.

Joey stared at the silver heart in her hand and suspired. Shaped by his real heart, as a present for her. It was too much. She felt her own heart swollen with love. With that thought and a smile on her lips, the girl fell asleep.

Gerard looked at the present he had for Joey and sighed. He hated it. It wasn't good enough. Maybe he should get rid of it and get her a box of chocolates or whatever. Everybody had given her such good presents, he didn't want to give her his.

- "You had a whole fucking month to think about this! And what did you get? This! Just this!"- he was honestly mad at himself. He felt he was wasting an amazing opportunity to be close to her, be a better friend, and enjoy proximity with her body. He didn't want to kiss her. He wanted to hold her tight. He was so confused, and yet, he couldn't stop. He didn't know how to.

- "Get your shit together and give her the present. You don't have to change her life, you just have this for her birthday, and you wanted to share it with her,"- he said to himself and sighed. He grabbed the present, took a look at himself in the mirror, and fixed his red hair a little before stepping out of the room.

- "Hi, I just wanted to bring you your present"- he practiced as he walked to her room, two floors down- "Hey, I got you this"- Gerard Way was nervous. When he reached her floor and walked to her door, he had to take a deep breath before knocking. After a few seconds, Joey opened the door and smiled.

- "Hey Gerard"

- "Hi"- he answered and smiled. They stared at each other in silence for a few seconds until Joey reacted and invited him in.

- "Sorry, I'm a mess, I was napping"- she excused herself and sat on her bed again

- "I just woke up too, don't worry"- he stood in front of her holding the present he wanted to give her, but her necklace caught his eyes- "That is gorgeous, I hadn't seen you wearing jewelry before."

- "Thanks"- Joey blushed and touched the locket- "Matthew sent it to me today"- Gerard thought right away the necklace wasn't really that pretty, it was very cliche as a matter of fact- "He had it hand made in the exact same shape of his heart, he got a chest x-ray just for this"- the girl looked honestly happy, she even blushed as she told him the story.

- "Fucking asshole! That's the best present ever!!" Sounds like he is a very romantic guy"- Gerard whispered and smiled, acting cool.

- "Yeah, he is incredibly romantic, in the weirdest way, which I love. It has an inscription, it says "Let's be creepy together"- the girl was proud- "He is perfect!"

And Gerard just wanted to grab his present and disappear from her room. But he knew he had to give it to her, he didn't want to be the only one not giving her a present. But so far, everyone has done great.

- "I also got you something"- he murmured and blushed immediately, sitting down next to her- "I'm sorry I didn't bring it in the morning, I was... embarrassed to share it with everybody."

- "Gerard, that's so sweet"- Joey said, surprised- "And I never thought the guy who touches himself on stage could be embarrassed to give a present"- he chuckled and closed his eyes for a second.

- "Yeah... it happens a lot more than you can imagine"- he made a pause and stared at her. She was smiling. She looked happy, was it because of Matthew's present? Was it 'cos he was there with her? Gerard couldn't tell.

- "Thank you"- the girl blushed and received the package

- "I think compared to the guy's presents, I really fucked it up."

- "Don't be stupid, Gerard, you didn't even have to get me anything, neither did the guys"- Joey answered as she opened the present- "Shit!"- the exclamation came out of her lips the second she realized Gerard had drawn her playing drums. It was amazing. She looked like a comic heroine.

- "I'm not really good at coloring my works, but..."- Gerard could speak anymore; Joey wrapped her arms around him tight and didn't let go.

- "Shut up, it's awesome!"

- "You like it?"

- "It kicked Mikey's present ass"- the singer chuckled and moved slowly to look at her

- "I'm glad you like it."

They were inches apart, Joey sighed, staring into his eyes, losing herself into them. He was there, holding her. It was everything she had managed to avoid during the whole leg of the tour.

- "I love it so much I'm gonna hang it in my room so I can see it when I wake up"- she whispered as her cheeks turned blood red.

- "Really?"- he asked with a low voice, his hands still on her waist

- "Sure..."- she couldn't say anything else. It felt like their lips were longing to touch. He was on the edge of moving closer to her and kiss her. The atmosphere between them was so sexy and sweet at the same time, he didn't know how to handle it.

- "Besides,"- Joey suddenly reacted and moved away from him- "If I'm ever low on cash, I can make a lot of money with Gerard Way original"- she said with a sassy attitude and chuckled- "I'm kidding, by the way."

- "I know, though it's a pretty good idea"- he answered laughing and stood up, remembering he had to keep a distance- "Anyway... I have to go"- he didn't have anything to do.

- "And I should..."- she had nothing to do.

- "Do you really want to spend your birthday alone in your room?"- Gerard asked her and frowned.

- "What else could I do before the show?"

- "Wanna go get coffee or something?"- Joey looked at him and honestly didn't know what to answer. Gerard had never asked her out to do anything together before.

- "Sure"- and after she delivered that line, she realized she hadn't even thought it through. She just accepted. And she was glad she had.

- "Great, let me google the closest Starbucks, oh! we should try to get you free coffee"- Gerard was excited. Joey nodded and smiled, still in shock. Then, she put on her combat boots, fixed her dress, and walked to the bathroom to do her makeup.

Mikey, Ray, and Frank were playing video games. Shocking. Though they were also planning Joey's birthday night out. Since they were sure Matthew would be there that day, they hadn't really planned much but their presents. Now they had to step up the game and give her a great celebration, not only to cheer her up but also because they wanted to make her happy. And Frank still felt he owed her for making out with a stripper at his birthday party.

- "So? What do we've got?"- Ray asked, eyes glued at the screen as he played with Mikey

- "So far... an arcade bar and a karaoke bar"- Frank answered- "Mikey, what does she like the most?"

- "Arguing"- the bassist quickly replied and laughed at his own joke- "I don't think she is going to be so into karaoke, dude. Arcades would be the brightest idea."

- "Arcade will be, reservations at ten?"- Iero grabbed the phone and looked at his friends. Both of them were stuck at the game- "Guys?"

- "Ten sounds great"- Ray stayed in silence for a second and then asked- "She looked too depressed because of Gubler, right?"

- "Yeah"- the two other guys said at the same time.

Ray thought about it for a while before asking, mostly 'cos for a few days now, he had been wondering if he should share what was in his mind with his friends. He waited until the game was over to looked at them and simply say

- "I think he hates us."

- "He does"- Mikey simply replied- "Me the most"

- "That's 'cos you spent like a month at her house when you were in L.A"- Frank said and nodded, not really thinking about the subject too much- "So he doesn't like Joey traveling with a bunch of guys, I can understand it, I mean, I would be jealous too... if Jamia did that"- he quickly added and stood up to grabbed the bottle of ice tea he was drinking when he reached the room.

- "No, I think it's more than that..."- Ray tried to explain- "I feel he is too possessive of Joey."

- "Dude, you are overthinking it"- Frank snorted and chuckled- "He is jealous, period."

- "Yeah"- Mikey whispered and made a long pause- "I know he is jealous of me, but why do you think he is possessive with her?"

- "'Cos every time we were out together, it felt like he was trying to contain her, sure, he is fun and wild, just like her, but it feels like Joey is way more independent than him and he is..."

Toro stopped talking. He remembered when Joey told him she didn't want Matthew to know about the stripper 'cos she felt he wanted her to be more... was it fragile the word she used? Like a lady in distress? It was weird for Ray 'cos it took only a minute to realize Joey was never going to be like that. Why would Gubler even treat her like that? Was he trying to change her? Could he ever get to change her?

- "Ray! Ray!"- Mikey snapped his fingers in front of him a couple of times to wake him up- "Dude, you spaced out, what were you going to say?"

- "Never mind, it has to be my imagination. You are right, Frank. I'm overthinking it 'cos he didn't come and I got mad, that's it."

- "I'm mad too"- Iero said as he grabbed a joystick and started the game again- "You don't ditch your girlfriend like that."

- "And it was the first birthday Joey was going to spend with a boyfriend, ever"- Mikey didn't notice he had said too much until it was too late.

- "What the fuck?"- Ray paused the game as he and Frank looked at him, surprised

- "Shit! I wasn't supposed to say that to anyone"- Mikey closed his eyes with his head down, embarrassed- "Please, don't tell her you know, she would kill me."

- "We won't, but... really? Now I honestly have a reason to kill that asshole"- Frank left the joystick aside and walked around the room- "Bug deserves better than an arcade bar"- he grabbed his phone and called their tour manager- "Dude, can you help me out with something important?"

Gerard walked smoking, as the conversation flowed naturally, at last. Joey was laughing at Gerard's stories of his old days in art school and how he felt like an outcast most of his life in high school.

- "Dude, you weren't the only girl in drum lessons. I was! you've got nothing on me!"- she joked and punched his arm softly.

- "You weren't the only girl there! Cut the crap!"- he teased her and chuckled ironically

- "We were three, and that doesn't mean it was easier. It meant three girls were being bullied by a bunch of assholes, who thought having a dick meant having more rhythm"- Joey answered quickly and raised an eyebrow looking at Gerard- "Spoiler alert, it doesn't." "Good, Joey!! You are actually having fun with this guy, and it's not weird or awkward or anything!! Maybe you can actually be friends!!"

- "Fuck!"- Gerard looked at her and smiled, as the girl sipped her coffee and walked happily, at last, both followed closely by Worm- "You are never going to be friends with her. You are gonna have to deal with the fact this crush might actually be worse than you can manage."

- "Oh my god!!"- a girl hyperventilated as she stood in front of Gerard. Worm walked and stood behind him and Joey quickly, as he put a hand on the girl's shoulder, making her feel protected in case any crazy psycho fan would try to hurt her again. Gerard signed the autograph and took the selfie as fast as possible to draw less attention, mainly to keep Joey safe.

- "Calm down, you two"- she said and looked at her friends- "Nothing bad is going to..."- but her words were interrupted by the same girl, who now stood next to her with shaking hands.

- "Hi, it's such an honor to meet you."

- "What?"- Joey asked out loud, confused

- "Can I take a picture with you?"

- "Sure"- the girl snapped a selfie with the drummer and smiled.

- "You've been such an inspiration for my sister and me! Now she started taking drum lessons, and I decided to try playing bass."

- "I'm so happy!"- Joey wide opened her eyes, surprised and mostly pleased- "We need more women kicking ass on stages all over!"- the girl blushed and giggled, obviously nervous. After a little more conversation and signing the girl's journal, Joey said goodbye and started walking.

- "That was so sweet!"- Gerard chuckled and looked at her. She was still blushing.

- "That had never happened before!! "No one had ever asked me for a picture!"

Joey made her biggest effort not to scream, in a very hard attempt to look cool, though she was freaking out.

- "Wait!"- she frowned and looked at Gerard- "Did you set this up for my birthday?"

- "What?!"- he was shocked at the idea, though it seemed like a good one- "No! I gave you a drawing, not a fan"

- "She is not my fan! She just wanted to..."- Joey spaced out for a second as Gerard laughed.

- "Yeah, she's your fan"

- "I've got a fan?!"- the girl shrieked, and even Worm laughed at her- "Fuck! Best birthday ever!! I'm gonna text Matthew!!"- Gerard smiled and felt tempted to hold her hand, but he couldn't. Instead, he lit another cigarette and walked around Detroit with Joey, trying to know more about her.

- "So how come you don't have more friends in Los Angeles?"- he asked after a few minutes of silence, which strangely didn't feel awkward at all.

- "Why should I?"- she answered as if Gerard's question was unnecessary.

- "Well, people have friends..."

- "Do you?"

- "Sure! Not a lot, but I've got"

- "Outside the band?"- Joey raised an eyebrow and looked right into his eyes

- "Yes"

- "Wow"

- "Why so surprised?"- Gerard knit his brows, almost insulted

- "'Cos... I have no idea, I just... you are not really that outgoing."

- "You are way outgoing and you don't have any friends, according to you."

- "And I am fine on my own."

- "You've got Mikey now"- Joey smiled sweetly, making the oldest Way slightly jealous

- "Yeah, I guess I do"

- "And Matthew hates him"- that wasn't a question, Gerard made a statement. Joey remained silent, though she giggled at those words- "You don't have to deny it"

- "Why do you always ask me something about Matthew?"

- "I don't!"

- "Well, we don't talk that much, I guess it's not that hard to ask the polite questions..."- the girl was more rambling on her own than answering Gerard.

- "If we don't talk that much, maybe you should tell me more about you now."

- "Why don't you tell me something about you I don't know?"- the girl requested and took another sip of her coffee. Gerard smiled and thought pretty good about the answer.

- "When I was in middle school, I was Peter Pan in a play."

- "Something I don't know, Gerard"- and he frowned.

- "I never told you that."

- "It's on your fucking DVD!"

- "You watched it?!"- the singer was both surprised and also intrigued by what had made her do such a thing.

- "Of course! I knew nothing but what Tucker told me about you, and though we shared a few days at practice together, I needed more info, so Matthew suggested it, and we watched it."

- "With him?"- Gerard was now in shock.

- "Of course, he needed to know what I was getting into, and with who"- he smiled, they were close to the hotel, and he felt frustrated that conversation might come to an end soon.

- "And what did he say?"- the drummer looked at him ironically- "You brought him up! Not me!"

- "But you are asking about his opinion!"

- "'Cos you brought it up!!"- Joey laughed and remembered that night. They didn't watch the whole thing 'cos her boyfriend had gotten too loving and romantic, thinking she would be away from him for a month. The whole evening ended up in dirty hot sex on her couch, the carpet, and on the bed. She shivered at the memory of his hands on her, and the frustration of not having him close on her birthday filled her head for a second. Until Gerard demanded to know what he had thought, again, and she caved in.

- "He was very into the whole thing about you all being outsiders, 'cos it's something he can relate."

- "Really?"

- "Yes"- Gerard nodded and sipped his coffee again. Joey looked at him and raised an eyebrow- "You are trying not to ask why right?"

- "No! Of course not!"- he answered, laughing

- "Bullshit!"- the girl cracked up, and Gerard smiled.

- "Fine!"

- "He was an outsider in school. He was bullied. He did magic for birthday parties. He was the weird guy in the class, like... the guy singing Peter Pan in a school play."

- "Really?"- and Gerard was now in shock- "I always thought he was the hot and popular guy getting all the chicks."

- "Nah... he was the geek guy I would have fallen in love with from day one in school"- she simply answered and blushed

- "I would have been the guy never talking with anyone sitting at the back."

- "We could have all been friends"- Joey smiled and finished her coffee.

- "Definitely", "Not! I would have been the guy in love with you, and never telling you, while I torture myself watching making out with Matthew".

The girl was happy she had a nice talk with Gerard for the first time, not thinking about kissing him. It felt like they could actually be friends. She might actually be over that silly crush. She felt so calmed, carrying Matthew's heart with her like she could do anything knowing he was close. Maybe that was what he meant with it.

The band was particularly excited that day. Frank was nearly jumping in the van on their way to the arena. He kept talking about the celebration they had planned and the tattoo he was going to give her.

- "It can be anything you wanted, as long it can be done in one session."

- "And before our reservations"- Mikey added

- "Shit, it's gonna be a short session then. I don't wanna end up with a shitty tattoo!"- the girl whined, and Frank gave it a little thinking

- "Wanna wait? We've got some time in London in February after Japan, maybe we can go to the guy that gave you your first tattoo, send him some references, you'd have more time to think of a design."

- "You wouldn't mind?"- Joey asked and gave him a shy smile, the one that Frank reciprocated with a huge grin

- "Bug, it's your birthday, it's your gift! You can have it whenever, and wherever you want"- he made a pause and looked at her blushing, and burst out laughing in a matter of seconds- "That didn't come out right, did it?"

- "Nop!"- Joey answered, laughing too- "But it's so good to know you are gonna give it to me whenever and wherever I want"- the girl made an innuendo joking and winked at her friend, who blushed even more. At that conversation, Gerard could only roll his eyes and look over the window. At least he had shared a special moment with her that day. The first in weeks.

- "At least we were alone, and we could talk... and she looked so happy when that girl asked for her autograph..."

- "So it's shaped like his heart? That bastard nailed it!"- Mikey nearly yelled as he heard Joey's story of Matthew's present. Gerard rolled his eyes again and put on his headphones. Right, he shared a perfect conversation with her about how perfect her boyfriend is for her.

- "Fucking Matthew"- it was all the singer could repeat over and over in his mind.

- "Oh my god!!!"- Joey yelled when she walked into their dressing room. It was filled with balloons, more cake, drinks, and a giant "Happy Birthday Bug" sign- How the fuck did you do this?!

- "We've got a guy, a "birthday signs" guy"- Frank simply said and smiled- "His name is Worm"- Joey turned to the bodyguard and hugged him tightly.

- "Thank you so much!!"

- "It's really nothing Joey, you deserve the happiest birthday!"

- "You guys are way too nice!"- Joey's voice shook, and felt Mikey's arms around her

- "Come here, Bug. Don't cry"

- "I'm not crying!"- the girl answered, wiping off the tears from her eyes- "I'm just so happy you guys are so nice to me. I mean, look at this! I'm gonna send mom a picture, oh! I'm gonna facetime Akumu!"- the girl quickly looked for her phone and opened the camera- "Ok, kids! Gather around!"

Everybody stood behind her, making sure the balloons and sign were showing- "Digan whiskey!"

- "What?"- Mikey asked, frowning

- "Just say whiskey!"

- "Whiskey!"- the girl shoot a bunch of pictures and ended up making funny faces with Frank.

- "Can we have one for the band's Twitter?"- Gerard asked and took a look at the pictures- "Worm, can you take us a picture?"

- "A very subtle way to tell me my picture sucks"- the girl teased him, and he chuckled.

- "I've got something different in mind"- Gerard gave Worm his phone and directed the band to stand right underneath the sign.

- "Ok, so where do I stand?"- Joey asked and walked over.

- "You won't stand"- Gerard answered with a huge smile

- "So I won't be in my birthday picture with the band... sounds right"- the girl answered ironically as the guys smiled

- "Fine, come here"- Frank pointed to a spot between him and Gerard. She walked over with a dorky smile, only to feel Ray and James grabbing her feet and Mikey her arms.

- "What the..."

- "Just stay still"- Gerard's hands held her waist and made her shiver as Frank held her thighs, his hands way too close to her ass.

- "And try to look hot"- Mikey added, making her laugh immediately

- "Shit, it's too complicated!"- she argued, still laughing until she made her best effort and smiled at the camera

- "You've got it, Worm?"- Gerard asked though he refused to let her go for at least a few more seconds

- "One more, smile!"- Worm said, and the whole gang grinned at the same time- "Perfect!"

- "Let me see!"- Joey nearly jumped from the guy's arms and ran to see the pictures- "Shit!! This is so awesome!! I wanna send it to Matthew too!!!"

Mikey and Ray smiled sweetly as they stared at her, hyperventilating over a simple picture. Gerard kept rolling his eyes every single time she mentioned her boyfriend. And Frank kept doing his best to remember he shouldn't be thinking about Joey's ass in his hands.

- "Baby poop, Mikey's armpit, Gerard's armpit... shit! That's gross"- he thought and did his best to hide his boner. Gerard grabbed the phone and uploaded the picture to the band's Twitter account.

- "Akumu!!"- Joey sort of yelled, jumping around the room, face-timing her boyfriend to show her everything around the dressing room. Gerard sighed and walked out to smoke a cigarette. He really didn't like Matthew, not even a little bit. And that day, he didn't feel like pretending.

That night the show was terrific. The band was blissed, jumping and making their best performance. Gerard made the crowd sing Joey "happy birthday," and the girl blushed, embarrassed, and excited. She was happy, she felt amongst friends. Even with Gerard. Their walk had made her feel so much more relaxed around him. He was hot, he was hypnotizing, he was a temptation, but she carried Matthew's heart around her neck, and that was enough. She loved her boyfriend enormously, and she wasn't going to let a crush get in her way.

- "Ok, kids! go get pretty!"- Ray said as the band stepped out of the van in the hotel parking lot after the show- "And please take a fucking shower!" Joey chuckled and walked slowly to the elevator. Mikey's arms around her shoulder made her smile as she met his eyes staring at her.

- "Are you ok, Bug?"

- "Yeah, I'm just tired."

- "You can't be tired, we've got you a huge celebration planned."

- "Please tell me it's video games and pizza, 'cos that's all I need."

- "Oh hell no!"- Frank jumped next to Joey and wrapped an arm around her waist, cutting off into the conversation laughing- "We have reservations at ten, so go, get a shower and get fucking hot, let's rock Detroit and take a million pictures to show Matthew what he is missing!"- the girl raised an eyebrow and looked at Frank- "Sorry Iceland, I am not going to pretend I'm cool with your boyfriend, he fucked it up big time with me, and I am gonna be a pain in the ass with him until I forgive him for standing you up on your birthday."

- "Shouldn't I be the one upset? And also the one to forgive him for not being here?"

- "Bug, it's time for you to know you are one of us now, which means if someone hurts you, we are gonna get mad and defensive. And mostly, vengeful."

Joey frowned. The whole gang got in the elevator together. They all got quiet at the same time, hearing what Frank had just said.

- "Iero, get this through your head, and this goes to all of you... except for Worm"- Joey shared a glance with him, and he cut her a big smile- "I don't need you to take care of me. I don't need you to get all "We have to defend the only woman in this band" because there is no need for that. The woman in this band can fucking look out for herself, and she had done it ever since she can remember, ok?"

Joey was serious and pretty emphatic. Too bad for her, the band wasn't going to do whatever she wanted to.

- "I'm sorry, Bug"- Frank started- "But I don't give a shit. I know you can defend yourself, I know you've done it, I know you'll keep doing it your whole life, but you are my friend now. And I will be there to break the face of whoever makes you upset from now on, so fucking deal with it."

Iero simply answered and smiled innocently. The kind of smile Joey couldn't be mad at. Maybe no one could be mad at that smile. He looked too sweet and adorable to upset anybody.

- "And I am your fucking dad, so you are doomed"- Ray added and rubbed Joey's shoulder's as he stood right behind her- "We don't really care what you say. We are gonna protect you anyway, not because you can't do it, 'cos we all know you are very good at it, but because we want to and love you, so stop arguing about it and deal with it."

- "I'm not gonna win this one, am I?"- Joey whispered and blushed

- "Nope"- Frank kissed her cheek and chuckled- "But if you want, you can protect Mikey from... well himself, I guess."

- "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"- the bassist asked and punched his friend

- "I'm just saying, if we were in high school, Joey would be the one helping you get rid of bullies"- the girl laughed at Frank's words, imagining the whole scene in her mind.

- "What makes you think I wouldn't be one of the bullies?"- she added and raised an eyebrow looking at Iero.

- "Damn! I didn't think of that."

Gerard didn't even open his mouth the whole elevator ride. He hadn't said a word since they left the arena. He just stared at the girl and did his best to look away every once in a while, knowing anyone could notice he was in trouble with her. Ray might have been right, and he had to fight against his feelings as badly as he could. Things weren't getting easy. He was glad there was just one more day of the tour, and then they wouldn't see each other until the end of January. He needed to be away from Joey to clear his head. But at the same time, he needed to be closer to her. Too close to her. He wanted to be so close he could actually be inside of her. But all those thoughts were the ones he had to fight against the most. He was doomed but didn't want to face it yet.

- "I'm so fucking cold!!"- Mikey whined as he stepped outside the van when they reached the bar.

- "Damn it, Mikey! I can't control the weather!"- Joey joked as she stood next to her friend and stuck out her tongue at him. She was freezing cold too, but she wasn't going to tell. She had three layers of clothing, but underneath it all, she made her best to look cute and put on her favorite dress.

- "It's gonna fucking snow"- Frank frowned and looked up at the sky- "I hate snow."

- "You can't fucking hate snow"- Joey argued and looked at him in awe- "You are not human!"- she made a pause and looked at him with a silly smile to then start singing- "You're not human, you're a miracle, a preacher with an animal's face!"- and Frank Iero looked at her with a blank stare- "Mr. Bungle, no?"- and he shook his head- "Damn it Jersey! The deception! the betrayal!"- Joey's laughter was so loud after delivering that line, people around them turned to see what was going on.

- "Are you drunk already?"- Ray asked, raising an eyebrow- "Did you drink the whole mini-bar before we left?"

- "No, dad!"- she quickly answered and chuckled- "I'm just happy, and I honestly didn't think I was going to be happy after Matthew told me he wasn't coming, so... thank you for making this day special for me."

Ray wrapped an arm around her and kissed her temple.

- "And now we are gonna get you wasted, Bug."

The bar was amazing. It had craft drinks and lots of games, including a mini football table, bowling, and arcade games. Joey was in heaven.

- "Shit! And I took you to a shitty strip club!"- she said to Frank as they sat down on a booth and a waitress walked quickly to them.

- "Yeah, but it was in Amsterdam, Bug! It wasn't really that shitty. And we all know what happened there."

- "Are you going to top it all and do some live Frerard for me?"- Ray chuckled, and Mikey burst out laughing, watching Frank and Gerard's unhappy faces- "I'm sorry, you don't forget that kind of thing after you find it online... and read the fanfictions."

- "You read fanfictions?!"- Gerard freaked out, wide opened his eyes, and blushed.

- "A little... not a lot, shit is disturbing..."

- "Please stop!"- Frank begged as Mikey kept laughing- "I don't want to know, I never want to know."

- "Fine, I won't tell you a thing about it, just make sure your kids never ever google you"- Mikey had tears in his eyes at that point, and Gerard's cheeks were about to explode.

- "Fuck!!"- Frank covered his face with both hands, embarrassed- "I'm gonna have to wipe off the whole web before they can use a phone."

- "You can always put those parental control things online and pray they don't hack them"- Joey grinned, and Frank raised an eyebrow

- "Enough Frerard"- Gerard quickly said and looked at the menu- "Grab your drinks, let's make a toast, and let's get this party started."

- "We have a private karaoke room booked too"- Ray smiled proudly- "Mikey said you'd hate it, but we imagined you'd love it when you are drunk"- Joey wide opened her eyes. She hated karaoke. Mikey was right.

- "Do we really have to?"

- "Yes"

- "I'm not gonna sing in front of you. It's too embarrassing"- she said and looked at Gerard- "I mean..."

- "You already did, and you are a great singer."

- "You are too nice. I don't sing, I just try not to sound like nails against a blackboard as I play"- Gee chuckled, and Mikey said

- "I've heard you sing Bug. You are not bad; you are better than me."

- "Now that I think about it, I've never heard you sing"- she said, frowning. They had played a lot of times together, but she was always the one singing. He had never opened his mouth.

- "Well, tonight is going to be the first time you do"- the two of them smiled, and Gerard tried to think of anything to say to stop his brother to stare so sweetly at the girl he was crushed on. The phone helped him ruin their moment, though it was even worse when he heard

- "Akumu!!"

- "Yami! How are you? How was the show?"

- "It was awesome, everybody sang happy birthday"

- "I saw the guys posted a picture to celebrate you"

- "Yes! And we are out at my party celebration"- the girl tried to stand up from the booth, but Frank, who was on her way, didn't stand up- "Please, I need to talk with Matthew"- she looked at Iero's serious stare. She suddenly got a little nervous her friend might be rude to her boyfriend after saying all those things to her in the elevator.

- "Hey Mikey!"- Gubler said as the youngest Way peeked on the screen

- "Hey!"- he simply replied and nodded

- "Thank you for taking Joey out tonight."

- "It's the least we could do for her, you know"- Frank said- "Being here for her on her special day of the year."

- "Ok, excuse me"- Joey simply stood up and passed upon Frank, her dress not helping her moving and not helping neither Frank nor Gerard not to look at her ass in the way. It was too tight, too short, and too hot for both of them. Gerard only stopped staring when Ray smacked his head.

- "Hey!"- the singer whined, but Ray frowned so seriously he couldn't say anything else.

- "What was that about?"- Matthew asked Joey as soon as he was sure she was far from the band

- "They are mad at you for not coming"

- "Why? It's not their birthday. You forgave me. Why do they even bother?"- Joey made a pause and took a deep breath.

- "I guess 'cos they care about me, which is nice..."- the girl locked into the bathroom and rested her back on the wall in front of a mirror- "I asked them not to act like this, but I guess they just..."

- "Come on, Joey"- Matthew said, staring at her face on his cellphone screen- "You know why they are like this, 'cos they are crushed on you."

- "Yeah, Gub, a whole band is crushed on me, and they are being nice 'cos they want to make a gang bang with me"- she raised an eyebrow and looked at her boyfriend's face getting serious- "They just got mad 'cos they saw me depressed."

- "I don't buy it."

- "Why? 'Cos you wouldn't act like this if one of your friends was hurt?"- he didn't answer, he knew Joey was right, and Gubler knew he was just acting like that 'cos he was madly jealous.

- "I would... you know I would..."

- "Then?"- he sighed and tried to calm down.

- "Then... I guess... I don't want to face the... the fact... I hurt you"- he whispered, and Joey softened her face immediately- "I made you cry, I promised to myself the day we started dating I was never going to make you cry, and I did..."

- "Come on, Matthew"- she whispered- "It's not like you wanted to hurt me... it's just a birthday"- she said softly, with a small smile on her lips- "And we are going to be together in two days, just two days."

- "And I'm gonna make it up to you."

- "You already did with this necklace"- he smiled, watching his girlfriend wearing it.

- "You've got my heart with you forever"- she blushed and touched it.

- "And I am never letting it go"- Matthew sighed and looked at his girlfriend in silence for a few seconds.

- "I am sorry I freaked out with jealousy again, it's stupid, and I know it."

- "I'm glad you know it."

- "Those guys are nice at you 'cos you deserve it, and I keep making it something wrong... I'm sorry."

- "As long as you stop being jealous, I forgive you."

- "I promise... and what's your party like?"

- "You would love it!"- Joey felt calmed and happy again, after fixing everything with her boyfriend- "They took me to an amazing bar, there are arcade games, and bowling, and drinks, and fries and..."- Gubler chuckled, watching Joey all excited- "They want to force me to do karaoke, but I'll fight against it until I win."

- "You are going to sing, Yami, you know it"- the actor chuckled, imagining the whole scene.

- "I'm not! I hate karaoke!"

- "You are gonna sing, and I'm gonna need videos of that moment"

- "I won't"

- "Make sure Mikey makes some videos... I know he hates me now, but..."

- "He doesn't hate you"- Joey and Matthew stayed in silence, neither of them swallowing that lie- "Ok, you are not his favorite person at the moment, but he is going to get past this. I forgave you. You are not his boyfriend, so he is gonna come around eventually."

- "Yeah... you know, maybe we could do something with him when you come back"- Joey raised an eyebrow.

- "What's the catch?"

- "There isn't, he is your friend, and he takes care of you when I'm not there. I shouldn't hate him, I should be glad he is there with you, we should invite him for dinner one day to my place, I'll cook."

- "Ok..."- the girl answered excited Matthew wanted to be friends with Mikey- "I should have recorded that in case you forget it."

- "I won't, I swear"- he smiled and sighed

- "I should go back to my party"

- "Go, hey, you look stunning tonight"- the girl chuckled and gave Matthew Gray a better look of her outfit- "Damn it! I love that dress."

- "I know, I packed it for tonight..."- she sighed and smiled- "Anyway, what are you doing?"

- "I'm home already"

- "I can see that Matthew Gray. You are in your living room... alone?"

- "I've got a script to memorize"

- "You would be having fun if you were here"

- "I know... but we are gonna have fun in two days when you are here"- Joey grinned and nodded

- "It's a date"

- "It's a promise"- Gubler sent her a kiss, and so did she

- "I love you, Akumu"

- "I love you more, Yami"- she waved and hung down. Matthew stayed still, sitting all alone in his living room, holding the phone in his hand. He missed her. He missed her more than he thought he would. They hadn't been together for a year yet, and he was in love like he had never been before. That's why he was so jealous, so concerned. Joey was so independent, so wild, so tuff. He had never met anyone like that before. He knew he wouldn't meet anyone like that again. That's why he didn't want to lose her.

The young man stared at the little box on his coffee table and moved slowly to grab it, leaving the phone aside. He gently opened it and stared at the ring inside it, feeling his heart beating faster inside his chest.

- "She doesn't know it yet, but I can't wait to call her my wife"- he whispered to himself with a smile.

Joey hated how easily she forgave her friends. Mainly 'cos after talking with Matthew and seeing he understood why the band acted like that, she realized she understood them too. That didn't mean she didn't yell at them, but after a drink, things were back to normal. Well, not for Frank 'cos after seeing her in that dress, he had to keep himself from wrapping an arm around her waist. Not to mention Gerard, who was struggling to control his hard-on.

By the second drink, Joey and Ray were playing table football, laughing like maniacs. Some fans saw them and took a few pictures, which meant Worm had to work for a while. It didn't last long, but it made Gerard uneasy. What if someone took a picture that gave him away? He wasn't keeping his crush very secretly if Ray had noticed.

- "Goal!!!"- the girl yelled and raised her arms in victory- "Eat the ground, Raymond Manuel!"

- "Fuck! That's not fair!"

- "Why? 'Cos I'm fucking better than you are?"- she asked, sipping her drink, feeling already a little drunk.

- "Ok, kids, now or never"- Frank held Joey's shoulder and smiled

- "What?"- Joey frowned, confused.

- "Come on"- he held her hand and walked her to the back of the bar, followed by everybody else- "I know you said you hated this, but we also said we don't give a shit"- Joey walked into a private karaoke room and whine immediately

- "But it's my birthday, we should do something I like... like Call of Duty!"

- "And it's gonna be fun, I swear"- the girl frowned and looked around- "Come on, I got you another Long Iceland"

- "Island"

- "Not when you drink it"- Frank stuck out his tongue at her trying to look as cute as possible. Frank knew how to flirt and how to be hot, he said he hated when people, especially the media, called him a pretty boy, but he also knew how to use it to his advantage when the right time came. This was one of those moments. Joey felt her brain had turned off for a few seconds staring at those hazel eyes until Mikey appeared and smiled.

- "So, who's gonna start?"

- "Jersey!"- Joey quickly answered and looked at her friend- "He is the most excited with this, so let's give him a chance to break the ice while I get drunk enough to see if I can actually do this."

The girl grabbed her drink and looked at the table filled with food and booze. Her friends had taken care of everything. Maybe they could provide the entertainment too.

- "Well, if the birthday girl wants me to sing, and if I'm five beers in already, let's do this."

And Frank Iero did it. He sang Beastie boys Sabotage, and Joey sang along from her couch. He stood in front of her and sang, eyes closed, enjoying his moment on the spot. Followed Ray, who gave an amazing interpretation of Bohemian Rhapsody Joey even recorded. Gerard overshadowed everybody singing Lust for Life, and Mikey Way, obviously drunk, grabbed the mic after his brother and smiled.

- "Bug, this song is for you"- a silence filled the air as Joey grabbed her phone and took a picture of her friend, grinning like a maniac.

"Where is your boy tonight?

I hope he is a gentleman

And maybe he won't find out what I know

You were the last good thing about this part of town."

A song Joey didn't recognize started, and the band burst out laughing. Frank especially was nearly in tears laughing as Mikey jumped around while the instrumental part of the song continued, and Joey looked at him, not getting what was so funny.

"When I wake up

I'm willing to take my chances on

The hope I forget that you hate him more than you notice

I wrote this for you, for you, so

You need him, I could be him

I could be an accident but I'm still tryin'

And that's more than I can say for him"

Mikey Way was giving everything he had into that performance, and the song was exactly how the band felt, especially Gerard. Frank stood up and grabbed another mic.

"Where is your boy tonight?

I hope he is a gentleman

And maybe he won't find out what I know

You were the last good thing about this part of town."

Joey burst out laughing, paying attention to the lyrics while Ray jumped off the couch and started singing with his friends. She recorded them as Gerard kept thinking if she should join them or not. He wanted to, and it was just a fun moment. Who cared if he actually wanted to be Matthew? And so, he did.

"Someday I'll appreciate in value

Get off my ass and call you

The meantime, I'll sport my brand new fashion

Of waking up with pants on at four in the afternoon

You need him, I could be him

I could be an accident but I'm still tryin'

And that's more than I can say for him"

The girl didn't recall having that amount of fun ever on her birthday. She wasn't much of a celebration person, and though her parents always encouraged her to bring friends over and have a party on her special day, she would always prefer to have a quiet day on her own. She was really used to be on her own. She liked being on her own. But now, having a boyfriend and having friends seemed to be fun too.

"Where is your boy tonight

I hope he is a gentleman

And maybe he won't find out what I know

You were the last good thing about this part of town."

The band finished their performance, and Joey clapped like a maniac. She stood up, drunk, making sure not to show her ass with that dress.

- "Shit!! That was so cool!!"- she said and gave each one a big kiss on the cheek- "You are the best bunch of brothers I had ever asked for or dream of having."

Joey looked at them. They were smiling and sweating 'cos they really had delivered everything there was left in the after playing a major concert.

- "Are you gonna sing now, Bug?"- Frank asked and passed her the mic

- "I don't know... let me see..."

- "Yes!! She is drunk enough!!"- the guitarist clapped, and the girl turned, frowning at him.

- "Dude, that sounds like you wanna take advantage of me."

- "Never!"- and he meant it- "I just wanna see you make a fool out of yourself drunk as a skunk, like we have all done for you"- he answered chuckling, and Joey smiled.

- "Don't worry Francoholic, I fucking trust you, I don't know why, but I do... just stop staring at my ass when I'm talking to you!"- Iero quickly closed his eyes shut and blushed- "I'm never wearing this dress around you ever again."

- "Oh, come on! You know you look hot!"- he answered, still eyes wide shot- "I can't help looking at you, but in a friendly way" Gerard sipped his coke and closed his eyes too. He felt busted. And he was. Joey knew he had been staring at her. She wasn't stupid, but being drunk didn't make her smarter either, and a part of her wanted him to want her. Even if she knew she wasn't going to do a thing about it.

- "I don't wanna break your nose, so cut it."

- "How many noses have you broken?"- Mikey asked, honestly curious. He knew Joey wasn't bluffing.

- "I'd say about... five, maybe four, I think one was just cracked"- she thought about it for a moment before she added- "Anyway, neither of those noses was broken just 'cos I felt like it, they all had a reason to bleed."

- "Which was?"- Mikey asked, sipping his vodka

- "Kids needed to know being bullies was a bad idea."

- "You got bullied at school?"- Gerard asked, remembering their earlier conversations

- "Hell no! I was an outcast, sure, I wasn't popular, I didn't really have many friends either, but shit! I knew how to defend myself from all the asshole"

- "Your dad taught you how to fight?"- Joey frowned at Frank's questions and sighed. She had said too much already. She hated sharing about her in school or why she wasn't a people person.

- "Yes, he did"- she simply replied and finished what was left of her Long Iceland- "Now let me see what I'm gonna delight you with... oh! my song!"- she got really excited all of a sudden and pressed a number.

- "Which is your song, Bug?"- Mikey asked, and Nirvana's Breed started. Joey jumped right away, going nuts. Yes, that was her song, ever since she first heard Nirvana when she was nine.

"I don't care, I don't care, I don't care, I don't care, I don't care

Care if it's old

I don't mind, I don't mind, I don't mind, I don't mind, mind

Don't have a mind

Getaway, getaway, getaway, getaway, away

Away from your home

I'm afraid, I'm afraid, I'm afraid, I'm afraid

Afraid ghost

Even if you have, even if you need

I don't mean to stare, we don't have to breed

We could plant a house, we could build a tree

I don't even care, we could have all three

She said"

She sang at the top of her lungs, jumping, losing her breath, and putting every inch of energy left in her body. She hadn't sung like that ever. She hadn't been that happy on her birthday. She kind of hated her birthday. For a long while, she hated being born. She wiped away those thoughts quickly, as the song ended and the band clapped, Mikey recording everything.

- "Matthew asked if you can send him those videos"- she said out of breath and dip on the couch next to Mikey.

- "Matt hates me"

- "No, he doesn't. He appreciates everything you've done for me. He asked me to tell you he invites you to his house for dinner. Also, don't call him "Matt." He hates it."

- "Dude, go and take pictures of his underwear drawer. I need an anniversary present of Jamia."

- "What?"- Joey frowned- "Jamia has the hots for Matthew?"

- "I thought you noticed she was drooling all over him each time we met"- Joey burst out laughing and nodded

- "I never noticed!! That's so weird!"

- "Come on, keep on singing Bug, I know you want to"- Ray said and took a look at the songbook with her

- "Can you sing with me?"

- "A duo? Hell yeah! Anything in mind?"

- "Megadeth!"- she cut him off with the answer and made him grin

- "Fuck yeah!"

Gerard smiled at Joey and covered her with his jacket as she sat half asleep next to him on the couch. Ray and Frank were paying, and Mikey was in the bathroom. It was almost four in the morning, the girl was wasted. Well, everybody was pretty drunk, to be fair. Except for Gerard, again. He was used to anyway. Being an alcoholic and staying sober for his friends wasn't really torture for him at that point. He knew he had a problem with alcohol, and he wasn't going to relapse. Besides, he wanted to be the sober one looking after Joey again. Just like he had done in Amsterdam.

- "Hey, are you awake?"- he whispered and moved some hair carefully from her face.

- "Yeah... but... not for much longer, I guess"- he smiled and felt her moving closer, snuggling on his chest- "Thank you, Gerard."

- "Happy birthday, Joey"

- "It's no longer my birthday..."

- "I don't care, we are still at your party"- he smiled and smelled her shampoo all over him as she was so close.

- "It was the best party ever"- she whispered and smiled

- "I'm glad you liked it"- Gerard couldn't control himself and landed a small peck on her head as he felt her sigh.

- "Way better than last year"

- "What did you do last year?"

- "I was home alone"

- "And your friends?"

- "I don't have friends in Los Angeles"- she simply replied and moved from his chest, sitting down correctly on the couch and fixing her dress- "Where's Mikey?"

- "In the bathroom"

- "Mikey drunken Way"- she whispered and chuckled- "I bet he is puking"

- "Yeah, he is wasted"

- "He is a functional drunk"

- "Like you"

- "Yeah"- she smiled pleased- "I do my best"

- "You really are close with Mikey"- Gerard said, thinking maybe with Joey intoxicated, he could know a little more about their friendship. He was still jealous.

- "Yes, he is my bróðir"- Joey smiled at him and sighed- "I always wanted an older bróðir."

- "Are you an only child?"- she nodded and sighed- "Do you feel ok?"

- "Yes, I just don't like talking about me."

- "Why? Sometimes I feel I don't know anything about you."

- "You know enough"- she simply replied

- "But I want to know more"- Gerard whispered and moved closer to her. His words made her shiver as he murmured them very close to her ear. That guy was trouble in tight pants, and he knew what to do to get a girl where he wanted. Just that this time, it wasn't going to work so easily.

- "You don't get to know more, Gerard"- she whispered and stood up the second Ray walked over.

- "Ok, kid, let's go... are you ok?"

- "I'm drunk, but I'm ok"

- "Can you walk?"- Joey raised an eyebrow and looked at her friend.

- "Bitch, please! I could pretend I'm sober if necessary."

- "It ain't, don't worry, come on, let's get you to the van"- Gerard frowned at the sigh of Ray walking away with the girl he wanted to take care of.

- "Can you stop doing this?! You have to stay away from her!! You keep thinking about it, but you end up the other way around every single fucking time!!"- he held his jacket and followed Ray and Joey- "Why can you just forget about this crush and live your happy life with your wife! You love your wife! You are happy with her! Why is this girl affecting you so much?"

Ray had to go to the bathroom before leaving the bar, so Gerard walked Joey out and got into the van with her, sitting next to her and feeling her resting her head on his shoulder in a matter of seconds.

- "You can sleep all the way back, Sugar, I'll take care of you"- he whispered in her ear, and she nodded, feeling the singer wrap an arm around her slowly and sweetly. They were alone in the van, and he was glad no one would see him for a few seconds, staring at her. Things were so mixed up inside his brain at that moment, but yet, he was so content to hold Joey in his arms. He didn't want to let her go.

- "Ok, how are we doing this?"- Ray asked as they reached the hotel's parking lot, and everybody was pretty much asleep and worn out. Parting after a concert was harder than they remembered. They weren't twenty anymore.

- "Can we sleep here?"- Mikey asked, not opening his eyes

- "Come on, let's go"- Gerard said and woke Joey sweetly- "Hey... time to go to bed- she opened her eyes and looked at him, confused."

- "Why?"

- "'Cos we are in the van."

- "Right, ok, let's go"

The girl wasn't drunk enough to need assistance walking, but she was so tired she felt she was walking asleep. Gerard wrapped an arm around her waist as soon as she stepped out of the van, in his mind, to keep her from falling, but he knew he just wanted to keep her close for a little longer. Mikey yawned, the elevator door closed, and everybody pushed their floor numbers. Everybody was on a different floor.

- "Are you gonna take her to her room?"- Ray asked Gerard and raised an eyebrow.

- "Yeah, don't worry"- the singer answered and smiled to calm his friend down- "Go to sleep, I'll let her in her room"

- "Do you need help?"- Mikey asked and yawned again.

- "Nah, she is awake, right, birthday girl?"

- "I'm so awake I might need a sleeping pill"- she answered, eyes wide shut

- "That's the spirit!"- Frank joked, and the door opened on his floor- "Please, somebody, wake me up tomorrow. I don't wanna miss the flight."

- "I don't wanna close my eyes"- Joey started singing, and everybody laughed- "I don't wanna fall asleep 'cos I'd miss you baby, and I don't wanna miss the flight."

- "Good night, party girl"- Frank kissed her forehead and got out of the elevator. Ray did the same a few seconds later, on his floor, not without raising an eyebrow at Gerard for one last time. Way nodded in response and smiled, trying to tell his friend he wouldn't do anything bad to the girl. He would never, taking advantage of a drunk girl had never crossed his mind, and that wasn't the night that could change.

- "Night, Mikey"- Gerard said when the door opened on Joey's floor.

- "Need help?"- he asked his brother

- "I don't need help to get into my room, just so you know"- Joey said, still eyes wide shut.

- "I'll be ok"- Gerard answered his brother and smiled.

- "Good night Bug"

- "I love you, Mikey drunken Way"- she answered, chuckling, and walked out the elevator with Gerard.

- "You are going to open the door for her, put her in her bed and leave, open the door, leave her in her bed, leave"- he repeated in his mind as Joey rested her weight against the wall next to her door. Gerard unlocked it and helped her in. She kicked out her combat boots and let loose her hair right away.

- "Not matching socks?"- he asked with a smile, and she chuckled

- "Yeah, it's a thing Matthew, and I've got"- she made a pause and looked around the room- "Thank you, Gerard, I think I can take it from here"- he nodded and stood in front of her in silence.

- "I'm happy your birthday was better than last year"- he said, and she smiled, yawning.

- "The bar was pretty cool Gerard, even pizza and Call of Duty would have been better than last year"- he stared at her in silence for a few seconds before asking.

- "Why don't you have friends in Los Angeles"- she looked into his eyes and sighed, knowing he wasn't going to give up asking.

- "'Cos I don't have friends Gerard"- she simply answered- "Not many"

- "You've got us"

- "Let's say you don't exist"- Joey said and sat on her bed, looking for the pajama she had left under the pillow earlier that day. It was one of Matthew's shirts- "My friends would be Tucker, who I see once every six months if lucky, and my neighbor Tabitha, who still lives in Seattle and I get to see... only when I'm home for the holidays."

- "Friends from school?"- she shook her head- "College?"- no again- "No one?"

- "No"

- "Why?"'

- "'Cos I don't trust people"- she simply answered and shrugged.

- "Bullshit, you've got a boyfriend. You wouldn't be able to keep a normal relationship if you don't trust people."

- "Fine, I trust Matthew, 'cos he is special, he is different, he understands."

- "What is so hard for the rest of the world to understand?"- Gerard moved closer and sat next to her, just like he had done earlier that day when he gave her his present.

- "I really don't want to talk about this, Gerard, not now. I'm happy right now."

- "I'm sorry I've been too pushy with you about this"- she smiled and nodded

- "Don't worry, I'm not mad, just drunk and tired."

- "I'll let you sleep"- she nodded and watched him not move an inch.

There was such a part of him that desperately wanted to stay here with her and hold her close, and he still didn't know why. It felt he couldn't think straight around her. And it was only getting worse over time.

Joey kept her eyes on his, knowing that was a bad idea, 'cos she could get easily lost in the hazel eyes that kept staring at her, with such sweetness she nearly trembled. It seemed he was leaning over her, but she didn't know if she imagined it or if it was real. She just stayed still. He felt his body was being attracted to her so intensely he wasn't going to be able to stop himself much longer.

- "I'm going to..."- Joey mumbled and grabbed Matthew's t-shirt tight- "I'm going to change..."- Gerard stayed still, waking from his reverie, and nodded.

- "Yes, sorry, I zoned out"- he excused himself and stood up quickly- "See you tomorrow Joey."

- "Bye"- she replied and watched him disappear through the door. The only thing she could do was hold her necklace with Matthew's heart and close her eyes.

- "Two more days, and I'll be with you, Akumu."

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