Junior watched the old, sand colored Jeep roll back over the horizon, and his heart sank. It had been three days since he’d last seen Dave, and he was starting to worry. The sun was setting and the sky was yellowing, yet it glared bright red back at him over the trees.

His head whipped around as he felt a large, rough hand on his shoulder. His warm hazel eyes looked up and met James’ stern expression.

“I’m sure Dave’s fine,” He assured Junior, though his voice wavered slightly as he stared straight ahead. “He’s always been able to manage on his own.”

“You don’t sound very sure,” Junior muttered sharply. “And besides, did you see that hit he took? He was out before he even hit the floor!”

James’ lips pressed into a thin line, and his ocean-blue eyes averted from Junior’s face. He didn’t answer.

Meanwhile, the Jeep pulled into the driveway of the deserted hotel the guys were all staying at. Kirk hurriedly stepped out of the drivers’ seat and circled around to open the backseat door. Even from the third floor window, Junior could see the slight upturned furrow of Kirk’s eyebrows and the sweat beading on his forehead. He carefully lifted something heavy out of the seat—a person wrapped in a blood soaked blanket.

“Shit,” Murmured James, rushing downstairs to help. Dark blonde hair poked out of the tarp. Not Dave, at least.

Junior followed James out to the entrance. James had already taken the person from Kirk, who had tears running down his face and blood all over his shaking hands.

“What happened?!” Junior asked, running over to pull Kirk into a hug. “Is he—“

“He ain’t stiff yet,” James murmured, roughly hoisting the body up onto his shoulder.

“James! Careful!” Junior snapped, turning back towards Kirk, intending to ask what happened.

“H-He’s— he’s still alive…” Kirk hyperventilated before he could even ask, choking on his own tears. “Oh my god… th-there was s-so much blood…”

“I’m gonna take him inside, okay?” James announced, turning towards the door. Kirk and Junior followed him back inside, and the next hour was a blur of people rushing to help with the poor soul that was bleeding out in James’ arms.

Much later that night, Junior went into the infirmary (which was really just a few rooms on the second floor that were sterilized and had some medical equipment in them, but I digress) to see him.

Junior quietly knocked on the room door before pushing it open to see—

“Chris?!”

His ex-bandmate (and ex-side piece), Chris Poland, sleepily rubbing his eyes with the saddest little frown plastered on his bruised face. Junior felt his cheeks heat up at the pitiful sight.

Oh god, no. Absolutely not. We aren’t like that anymore. He’s a total sack of shit and I want nothing to do with him anymore.

He was about to make his way back out the door before he heard Chris stirring.

“Huh? Wha—“ Chris reached for his glasses on the table beside him. Then, he glared daggers straight into Junior’s heart.

“What’re you doing here?” He spat weakly, eyes tightening.

“W-we were touring with Metallica.” Junior stammered, still flustered, shutting the door behind him. “We lost track of Glen and Shawn… what’re you doing here?”

“Do you want that long version or the short version?” Chris deadpanned, crossing his bandage wrapped arms and looking Junior up and down with a scowl.

“Tell me everything.” Junior said, somewhat composed (and suddenly very sweaty under Chris’ scalding gaze.)

“Have a seat, this’ll take a while.” Chris grunted, slowly pushing his sore body so that he was sitting upright.

yes, I’m leaving you guys with a cliffhanger. have fun with yalls new ship, references coming somewhat soon, I hope. also this chapter was kinda ass bc I wrote it during a very long and bumpy car ride on six hours of sleep, but yeah. more gay shit soon

leaf divider by: @dividers-are-us

sunset divider by: @numbpill