Categories > Celebrities > Panic! At The Disco > Battle Of The Bands
2
1 ReviewsSort of another intro to personalities and characters, but more actiony than the last one fashow. R&R's make me happy. ^^ Still cowritten wiff Savannah, as the whole story has been.
A WHILE LATER...
“Bren? Bren...Brendon?” Ryan said as he shook Brendon lightly. “Brendon, wake up.”
"I didn't do it!" Brendon yelled as he woke up suddenly. He blushed as he realized that he had been sleeping and just shouted that in front of Ryan and the ugly cab driver. Shit that was embarassing.
"C'mon Bren, we're here," Ryan smiled, containing his laughter. He pulled out a handful of bills from his pocket and paid the cab driver.
"Okay then. Geez, why do we schedule these things so early in the morning? That's not cool." Brendon yawned as he climbed out of the cab. He stood, waiting for Ryan. Err...I'm scared. I don't wanna face Jon.
"Don't ask me," he replied, getting out of the cab. "C'mon, we have a short walk to take as well." He walked off in the direction that Jon had given him via text message.
"Walk? I could barely drive let alone WALK! Ugh. Well, I guess that Jon is entitled to take revenge on me for getting totally wasted," he sighed, following him.
"Damn right he did."
"Oh come on, I already have Jon and probably Spencer pissed at me, I don't need you irritated too!" He sighed, falling behind some. "Jeez, Ryan, you walk fast."
"I'm not pissed, I'm just saying." He slowed down some, walking at Brendon's pace. "I don't walk fast, you just walk too slow."
"Yay," he smiled. "And no, I do not walk too slowly, I just like to...uh..." He paused, thinking, "...appreciate nature. Yes, that's it."
"We're in the middle of a city, what nature is there other than a random weed that sprung up from the sidewalk?"
Brendon looked around for a moment, then ran off to the side and crouched down by a mostly dead weed thing. "And what a beautiful weed it is too. I shall admire it."
Ryan sighed and walked over to Brendon. He pulled him up by the collar.
"Come on, we don't have time for this. We have to hurry up and get there otherwise Jon is going to be on both our asses, as well as Spencer." He walked forward, pulling Brendon a few steps before letting go.
"Fine," he said, smoothing out his shirt. "I shall not appreciate nature. I shall go through my life as a bitter old man who likes to deplete natural resources." He pouted. "Although, you do have a point about Jon. And definitely Spencer. He is fuckin' scary when he gets mad."
"Which is why I don't want to get on their bad side." I'm probably going to have to go through another 'Spencer Smith day' before I hear the end of being late to this fucking thing.
"Yes. I see your point now," he said, speeding up his walking. "Ry, I is scared for my well being."
"Then stop getting wasted." * Where do we go from here? Keep going straight? That warehouse thing is up ahead, I can see it. I guess straight.
"You think that I try to get wasted? I can't control it. It just kinda happens." He pouted because noone has any sympathy for him, and so he starts self pitying himself.
"You can control it, just stop going out to those damn clubs." I still don't see why you keep doing it. It only hurts you. He was quiet for a few moments before speaking. "Bren, honestly, I miss the old you. When you would just be fun and stuff. The shit you keep getting into is wearing not only yourself down, but your friends. I just hope you realize what's better for you sooner than later." He looked over at Brendon. "You're my friend and I care about you, I hate seeing you do this to yourself."
"I'm fine. Don't gimmie this talk. I've heard it before. It's not killing me yet, so I don't really have a reason to stop," he grumbled. He crossed his arms and looked away.
Ryan sighed, knowing that arguing would get him nowhere. He looked down at the sidewalk. You're too stubborn.
"Hurry the fuck up!" Jon shouted. He was standing in front of the warehouse,seeing them from a distance. He was quite annoyed, waiting with Spencer.
Brendon sped up so that he was walking in front of Ryan. He was looking down at the concrete as he stopped in front of Jon.
"Sorry we're late," he said quietly. He didn't look up as Ryan reached them.
"What took you?" Jon asked in annoyance. He walked off towards where the photoshoot was set up.
As Spencer was about to yell at Brendon, Ryan cut him off, "It was my fault, I took too long to get ready. Brendon was waiting on me, he had nothing to do with us being late."
"Yeah right," Spencer said, rolling his eyes. "I heard that Brendon's fucking hungover. Which, I can see that he is."
"Yeah. Pretty fuckin' drunk last night," Brendon mumbled, walking after Jon.
"Go easy on him Spence, he's not feeling well. He may be hungover, but it was my fault. I couldn't find my clothes and I had to straighten my hair," Ryan tried to cover for him as they walked.
"I don't care whose fault it was. All I know, is that I had to sit here with Jon for two hours while he's screaming around and shit."
Why is everyone in such a pissed off mood?! "Well Jon's probably just pissed off because Bren said he wouldn't get plastered again and he did."
"Yeah, probably. I mean, Brendon has a problem. He needs some help. I don't even know why the hell he goes and gets so drunk!"
"I tried to confront him, but he keeps getting all pissy. I don't know what his malfunction is anymore." I miss the old Brendy.
"That child has many malfunctions. We just need to find out why he keeps going out and destroying his brain like that. It's not like he doesn't have a choice. He knows exactly what he's doing."
"I know, he keeps saying it's not his fault. It's not like someone holds him the fuck down and jams the shit down his throat."
"Unless it's Pete, he actually does do that."
"I highly doubt Brendon's going to visit Pete every other night." Besides, isn't Pete touring with Fall Out Boy over in England?
"Yeah, I don't think so. I just hope he stops. It's really hurting him, you can tell."
"It's hurting more than just him. The whole band is stressed out."
"I just don't even know what the hell we're supposed to do with him anymore."
They walked up to where Brendon and Jon were standing, Jon tapping his foot impatiently and Brendon still staring at the ground.
"Jon stop being so frikkin' impatient, we're all here okay?" Ryan said in exasperation.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," he replied, annoyed. He disappeared into the building.
God everyone has something biting their asses today! Ryan followed Jon in without another word.
AFTER THE PHOTOSHOOT, A WHILE LATER...
They had all found their way back to the bus and were relaxing before hitting the road for their next show. Ryan was lying on the couch. Spencer had refused to move, so his head was in Spencer' s lap. His feet were propped up against the opposite armrest. Jon was sitting in a chair, playing his gameboy.
"Has anyone seen my ipod? It's like, gone," Brendon whined as he searched beneath the couch and other various chairs. I swear if I lost it last night im gonna kill something.
"Did you check your suitcase? Or under your pillow or mattress?" Ryan contributed.
"Yes, smarty pants," Brendon said, putting his hands on his hips. "I have checked all of those places. The only place I haven' t looked is YOUR suitcase and bunk, because I do not want you to get all pissed at me again."
"Why would I have your stupid ipod? I have my own. Go ahead and look though, you might have left it there without me knowing."
"When would I have even been in your bunk to leave it there?" Well, a couple days ago but that's besides the point. He sighed and stalked off into the bunk room.
You were just in there a few days ago because you were complaining about how bored and lonely you were. Jez. "Spencer, are you gonna move yet? I really would like to lay on the couch, not your lap mister lazy pants." He yawned.
"Not a chance. I'm perfectly comfy here, thank you very much. Besides. I deserve to be more comfortable than you. I had to put up with Jon's hysterics this morning."
"You're not being fair," he pouted.
"I'm being perfectly fair. It's your own fault." He laid back on the couch, closing his eyes.
Butthead. Ryan yawned again.
"I call shower," Jon commented as he turned off his game. He stood and walked into the bathroom.
"I'm going out for Red Bull. Want anythin', guys?" Brendon asked, poking his head into the living room area.
Spencer made a noise somewhere between a grunt and a moan, which was supposed to resemble a 'no'.
"Ohhhkay then."
"Mind if I come?" Ryan asked. I want some fresh...er, air. And I'm going to make sure you don't get shit you don't need either.
Shit. "Oh. Um, I...uh, no, I don't mind, I guess."
"Sweet, 'kay then," he said as he got up. We don't need you fucked up for the show tomorrow night.
Brendon grabbed his phone off of the counter and walked off of the bus, with Ryan close at his heels. "Are we walking or takin' a cab?"
"Whichever you want," Ryan replied with a smile.
"Let's walk then," he sighed, walking down the street.
Ryan walked beside him, keeping at Brendon's pace. He stayed silent, enjoying the cool night. Damn, I forgot my hoodie.
What the hell am I supposed to do with him here? Now I actually have to buy Red Bull. And I don't even know where I can get any around here! He sighed.
Ryan glanced over at Brendon for a moment. "What's your problem?" Not angry, just asking.
"I don't have a problem," Brendon mumbled in reply.
"Yes you do Bren, you just don't wanna talk about it."
"You're right. I don't wanna talk about it."
"Well, what if I want to talk about it?"
"Well then that's just too bad for you!" He quickened his pace, ignoring Ryan's worried look.
Ryan sped up along with him. Why won't you let down your barrier? He didn't want to push Brendon so he stayed quiet, looking down at the sidewalk.
Why can't he just leave me alone? He sighed again. He spotted a 7 11 across the street and headed over there. He spoke quietly, "C'mon."
Ryan went to follow when he heard a horn. He looked up and grabbed Brendon's hood. He quickly pulled him back, out of the way of the road, and straight into himself.
"Jesus christ, watch where you're walking next time!" He wasn't yelling, he just sounded exasperated. His heart was racing.
"Thanks," he said quietly. He looked at Ryan for the first time during their walk. Gosh, he's protective. He walked into the road again, after checking that there were no speeding maniacs.
Ryan followed Brendon across the street, staying silent. I just wish he would freaking talk to me. I'm supposed to be his 'best friend', well aren't I supposed to HELP? Jez, I'm not going to hurt him or anything. I can't hurt Brendy.
Brendon walked into the 7 11, holding the door open for Ryan. When they were both inside he gravitated toward the drinks isle in the back of the store.
Ryan stood scanning the drinks, not really seeing them. He was lost in his thought processes. He had a content look on his face.
Brendon found the Red Bull and pulled out a six pack. When Ryan wasn't looking he glances over at the alcohol section.
Ryan glanced around again at the drinks, not finding anything rather appetizing. He turned his attention back to Brendon, seeing that he had the Red Bull.
"Er, ready then?" He saw Brendon shift his gaze before looking back at him. You're looking for something to drown all your senses out with again, aren't you? A flicker of pity went through his face before he turned away. "C'mon Bren, go pay then," he said quietly.
"'Kay." He walked over to the counter and handed the red bull to the crabby looking clerk. He pulled out a crumpled ten dollar bill from his back pocket and tossed it onto the counter. Crap I think Ryan saw me eying the alcohol stuff. Gonna pay for that later. After the clerk was done he took the drinks, and the change, and walked out of the 7 11. "Umm, which way did we come from?"
"That way," Ryan replied. He nodded towards the way they had come from.
"'Kay." He began walking. He ripped out a Red Bull from the package, suddenly thirsty.
Ryan followed, staying beside Brendon. He's not going to stop, no matter what I say, he's not going to stop.
Brendon popped the lid, and took a long drink. Then he held the pack up to Ryan. "Want one?" He smiled a little. I need to get on his good side or else he'll never let me do anything by myself again.
"No Bren, you know I don't drink that crap."
"Your loss." He tucked the rest of the pack under his arm and continues the quiet walk back to the bus.
LATER ON...
Brendon got up from his spot on the couch. He spoke quietly, "I'm goin' to bed guys. Night." He threw away the now empty Red Bull 6 pack, and walked into the bunk room thing, closing the door behind him.
"Night!" Jon called out. He was currently trying to beat Spencer in a game of Rock Band.
"Night Bren," Ryan responded. He was sitting on the couch, watching them.
"Give up Jonathan! You shall never defeat my amazing skills!" Spencer yelled as he furiouslly drummed away on the fake drums, totally pwning Jon.
"Only reason you're winning is 'cause I'm missing half my keys 'cause we bought a crap ass bass controller!!"
"Well, if you're so concerned about that then go buy yourself a new controller. Until you do that, I declare myself the better rocker." As the game ends, Spencer is declared the winner. He jumped up from his seat. "I TRIUMPH YET AGAIN! BWAHAHAHA!"
"You're not fair! And I don't have any damn money! Ryan hit him, I'm too far away!"
"Why drag me in?"
"Because I said so, hit him, hit him, hit him!"
"Jez, fine." He smacked Spencer on the shoulder, but not that hard.
"Ryan, you hit like a girl. I am extremely disappointed in you. You should know that." Spencer crossed arms and turned away.
"What you want me to hurt you? I was trying to be nice!"
"Ryan you're a guy." I think. "You're not supposed to be nice, you're supposed to be MANLY!" He turned back to Ryan and raised his arms to show his muscles. "GRRR! MANLY!!!"
"You're almost as skinny as me, you can not pull off manly." Ryan crossed his arms. "So don't preach to me."
"I am nowhere near as skinny as you," Spencer mumbled, pouting.
"Riiiight," Ryan said, heavy with sarcasm. "You just steal my shirts because you like the colors."
"Yes. The colors. They mesmerize me." He rolled his eyes. "Besides, I only stole your shirt that one time. Why do you keep trying to use that against me?"
"One time, come on Spence. I know that you've taken more than just one of my shirts." Er, well, someone keeps stealing them.
"Yes, one time! I don't steal your shirts!"
"Fine, fine, jez, you don't steal my shirts." Well, then who does? ... Stalker much?
"I knew I would win," Spencer said with a smirk.
"Yeah, yeah. Anyways, night." Ryan smiled, getting up and going into the bunkroom.
"Nighty night."
"Night," he said quietly. He set the bass controller down and took Ryan's spot on the couch.
Ryan pulled off his shirt, throwing it in the steady growing pile of laundry that needed cleaning. He shrugged out of his jeans and pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms before crawling into his own bunk. He shut the curtains and relaxed.
Brendon sighed. I should really try to get some sleep, after all we do have a show tomorrow. He rolled over a couple times, trying to get comfortable. After a few tries he gave up jumped out of his bunk, heading out to the kitchen type area to get some water.
Jon looked up from his spot, seeing Brendon.
"Can't sleep I take it?" I hope he gets some rest...he's gonna need it for that show tomorrow.
"Yeah. I couldn't sleep right now if my life depended on it." He went through the fridge, trying to find a water bottle that hadn't been half drank and then stuck back in the fridge. He finally found one in the very back and pulled it out. After taking a long drink, he opened the curtains of the window above the sink and looked out into the night.
"Well you kind of did just drink a hell of a lot of Red Bull." That's not smart right before bed.
"Shut up. I like Red Bull." Not like that really has anything to do with it, but whatever.
"Neeyah, Spencer, Brendon's being mean to me," Jon whined fakely.
"Yeah, I can see that. It's very entertaining to me," he chuckled.
"Butthead, you're supposed to help me, not help yourself." He stuck his tongue out at Spencer.
"What? It is entertaining!" Spencer laughed.
"You're all mean," Jon pouted.
"It's our job," Spencer smiled. "Right Bren?"
"What? Oh, um, yeah," he responded distractedly. He went back to looking out the window. Hm. What am I supposed to do to make me sleepy? I really am tired, just cant go to sleep.
I should get to bed. Jon stood. "Alright, well night. Don't get in trouble tonight, please." Jon shot a meaningful glance at Brendon, meaning it in more ways than one, before going into the bunk room and settling down in his own bunk.
Oh thanks Jon, leave me with the potential drunk. As much as I'd like to get to bed, I have to watch Brendon and make sure he doesn't go get wasted. Again. He laid down on the couch and plugged in his ipod, clicking it to shuffle. He tried not to nod off, but after a few moments he's asleep.
He turned around, noticing the lack of noise or movement, and saw Spencer asleep. Hmm, everyone's asleep. Now's like the only chance I'll have for a while to get a drink. He quietly pulled on his shoes and headed out the door. I won't get drunk. I won't let myself get drunk. I would really like a beer though. He started walking down the road.
THE NEXT DAY...
They were all at sound check, five hours before the concert, minus Brendon.
"Maybe he's just gone for a walk," Ryan suggested worriedly.
"A walk that's lasted seven hours? Be real Ryan!" Jon yelled.
"I'm trying to be." I know where he went, I just don't want to believe it. What if he's hurt? Or worse, dead?
"Come on guys, he's not that stupid. I mean, he just barely recovered from that massive hangover, he wouldn't go get himself drunk again right after," Spencer reassured them. "Besides, he knew that we had a concert today."
"I hope you're right Spencer," Jon sighed. He still wasn't happy, but he was remaining calm. "Ryan have you texted him?"
"Twenty four times. He won't answer," he said almost inaudibly.
Jon sighed again. "Just let's get through this stupid sound check, we can't postpone it any longer." He got up from his spot on the floor.
Ryan merely nodded.
Spencer sighed.
"I guess we don't really have a choice. If we don't do the sound check soon we won't be ready for the concert." He got up and sat behind his drum set. Where the hell Jon picked up his bass. [/Brendon better get his ass back here before this concert, otherwise we're all screwed.
Ryan went over to where his guitar was and picked it up. His stomach was knotting and twisting. Brendon's fine, he's just asleep somewhere under a tree not realizing what time it is. And then when he realizes what time it is, he'll come here and we'll all laugh about it. ... Aw, who am I kidding?
AFTER THE SOUND CHECK...
Two hours before the show was going to start, Ryan was frantic.
“Has anyone seen my red rose vest?” He asked, searching around the room in panic mode.
“Yeah I saw it mixed in with all Brendon's crap. By the couch,” Spencer mumbled.
“Crap,” Ryan groaned, running out of the dressing room.
“He frets too much,” Jon yawned as he pulled on a clean shirt.
“Yeah. He's been like that ever since Bren started drinking,” Spencer commented, wishing he could take the words back as soon as he said them. Everyone was on edge about Brendon missing, and his drinking, and he felt bad for bringing it up again.
“I noticed,” Jon sighed. It's times like these I wish we were just some small band from Las Vegas again.
A few minutes later, Ryan rushed back in, going back into the dressing room. He pulled on the best and tied a red tie around his waist. He had a pair of horizontal pinstripe pants on. He pulled out the make up bag to set to work on his face. Shit shit shit, I have to hurry otherwise my stuff isn't going to end up right.
“Jez Ryan, nervous much?” Spencer laughed a little, trying to lighten the mood.
“You know how I get before shows.” Although, today it's worse. Meh, Brendon better appear sometime when I'm doing my hair otherwise...I don't even want to finish that. He was looking at the mirror, putting an intricate pattern on his face.
“Yeah, sorry. I know you're stressed.”
“It's fine, don't worry,” Ryan replied quickly.
Spencer paused, worried. “It's almost time for the show. Do you think we should go look for him?”
“Are you kidding? We'll get mauled and you know it.” Jon sighed in annoyance, though he was worried. I want to search, hell I do, but those fans are crazy!
“I mean, do you really think...it's just that... “ Ryan paused, letting out a breath that he hadn’t known he had been holding. “…We have almost two hours, I'm sure he'll be here.”
“Yeah, I guess you're right. Good point Jon. I'm just really worried.”
“We all are Spence,” Jon said quietly, tapping his foot.
Spencer only sighed.
Where was Brendon?
“Bren? Bren...Brendon?” Ryan said as he shook Brendon lightly. “Brendon, wake up.”
"I didn't do it!" Brendon yelled as he woke up suddenly. He blushed as he realized that he had been sleeping and just shouted that in front of Ryan and the ugly cab driver. Shit that was embarassing.
"C'mon Bren, we're here," Ryan smiled, containing his laughter. He pulled out a handful of bills from his pocket and paid the cab driver.
"Okay then. Geez, why do we schedule these things so early in the morning? That's not cool." Brendon yawned as he climbed out of the cab. He stood, waiting for Ryan. Err...I'm scared. I don't wanna face Jon.
"Don't ask me," he replied, getting out of the cab. "C'mon, we have a short walk to take as well." He walked off in the direction that Jon had given him via text message.
"Walk? I could barely drive let alone WALK! Ugh. Well, I guess that Jon is entitled to take revenge on me for getting totally wasted," he sighed, following him.
"Damn right he did."
"Oh come on, I already have Jon and probably Spencer pissed at me, I don't need you irritated too!" He sighed, falling behind some. "Jeez, Ryan, you walk fast."
"I'm not pissed, I'm just saying." He slowed down some, walking at Brendon's pace. "I don't walk fast, you just walk too slow."
"Yay," he smiled. "And no, I do not walk too slowly, I just like to...uh..." He paused, thinking, "...appreciate nature. Yes, that's it."
"We're in the middle of a city, what nature is there other than a random weed that sprung up from the sidewalk?"
Brendon looked around for a moment, then ran off to the side and crouched down by a mostly dead weed thing. "And what a beautiful weed it is too. I shall admire it."
Ryan sighed and walked over to Brendon. He pulled him up by the collar.
"Come on, we don't have time for this. We have to hurry up and get there otherwise Jon is going to be on both our asses, as well as Spencer." He walked forward, pulling Brendon a few steps before letting go.
"Fine," he said, smoothing out his shirt. "I shall not appreciate nature. I shall go through my life as a bitter old man who likes to deplete natural resources." He pouted. "Although, you do have a point about Jon. And definitely Spencer. He is fuckin' scary when he gets mad."
"Which is why I don't want to get on their bad side." I'm probably going to have to go through another 'Spencer Smith day' before I hear the end of being late to this fucking thing.
"Yes. I see your point now," he said, speeding up his walking. "Ry, I is scared for my well being."
"Then stop getting wasted." * Where do we go from here? Keep going straight? That warehouse thing is up ahead, I can see it. I guess straight.
"You think that I try to get wasted? I can't control it. It just kinda happens." He pouted because noone has any sympathy for him, and so he starts self pitying himself.
"You can control it, just stop going out to those damn clubs." I still don't see why you keep doing it. It only hurts you. He was quiet for a few moments before speaking. "Bren, honestly, I miss the old you. When you would just be fun and stuff. The shit you keep getting into is wearing not only yourself down, but your friends. I just hope you realize what's better for you sooner than later." He looked over at Brendon. "You're my friend and I care about you, I hate seeing you do this to yourself."
"I'm fine. Don't gimmie this talk. I've heard it before. It's not killing me yet, so I don't really have a reason to stop," he grumbled. He crossed his arms and looked away.
Ryan sighed, knowing that arguing would get him nowhere. He looked down at the sidewalk. You're too stubborn.
"Hurry the fuck up!" Jon shouted. He was standing in front of the warehouse,seeing them from a distance. He was quite annoyed, waiting with Spencer.
Brendon sped up so that he was walking in front of Ryan. He was looking down at the concrete as he stopped in front of Jon.
"Sorry we're late," he said quietly. He didn't look up as Ryan reached them.
"What took you?" Jon asked in annoyance. He walked off towards where the photoshoot was set up.
As Spencer was about to yell at Brendon, Ryan cut him off, "It was my fault, I took too long to get ready. Brendon was waiting on me, he had nothing to do with us being late."
"Yeah right," Spencer said, rolling his eyes. "I heard that Brendon's fucking hungover. Which, I can see that he is."
"Yeah. Pretty fuckin' drunk last night," Brendon mumbled, walking after Jon.
"Go easy on him Spence, he's not feeling well. He may be hungover, but it was my fault. I couldn't find my clothes and I had to straighten my hair," Ryan tried to cover for him as they walked.
"I don't care whose fault it was. All I know, is that I had to sit here with Jon for two hours while he's screaming around and shit."
Why is everyone in such a pissed off mood?! "Well Jon's probably just pissed off because Bren said he wouldn't get plastered again and he did."
"Yeah, probably. I mean, Brendon has a problem. He needs some help. I don't even know why the hell he goes and gets so drunk!"
"I tried to confront him, but he keeps getting all pissy. I don't know what his malfunction is anymore." I miss the old Brendy.
"That child has many malfunctions. We just need to find out why he keeps going out and destroying his brain like that. It's not like he doesn't have a choice. He knows exactly what he's doing."
"I know, he keeps saying it's not his fault. It's not like someone holds him the fuck down and jams the shit down his throat."
"Unless it's Pete, he actually does do that."
"I highly doubt Brendon's going to visit Pete every other night." Besides, isn't Pete touring with Fall Out Boy over in England?
"Yeah, I don't think so. I just hope he stops. It's really hurting him, you can tell."
"It's hurting more than just him. The whole band is stressed out."
"I just don't even know what the hell we're supposed to do with him anymore."
They walked up to where Brendon and Jon were standing, Jon tapping his foot impatiently and Brendon still staring at the ground.
"Jon stop being so frikkin' impatient, we're all here okay?" Ryan said in exasperation.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," he replied, annoyed. He disappeared into the building.
God everyone has something biting their asses today! Ryan followed Jon in without another word.
AFTER THE PHOTOSHOOT, A WHILE LATER...
They had all found their way back to the bus and were relaxing before hitting the road for their next show. Ryan was lying on the couch. Spencer had refused to move, so his head was in Spencer' s lap. His feet were propped up against the opposite armrest. Jon was sitting in a chair, playing his gameboy.
"Has anyone seen my ipod? It's like, gone," Brendon whined as he searched beneath the couch and other various chairs. I swear if I lost it last night im gonna kill something.
"Did you check your suitcase? Or under your pillow or mattress?" Ryan contributed.
"Yes, smarty pants," Brendon said, putting his hands on his hips. "I have checked all of those places. The only place I haven' t looked is YOUR suitcase and bunk, because I do not want you to get all pissed at me again."
"Why would I have your stupid ipod? I have my own. Go ahead and look though, you might have left it there without me knowing."
"When would I have even been in your bunk to leave it there?" Well, a couple days ago but that's besides the point. He sighed and stalked off into the bunk room.
You were just in there a few days ago because you were complaining about how bored and lonely you were. Jez. "Spencer, are you gonna move yet? I really would like to lay on the couch, not your lap mister lazy pants." He yawned.
"Not a chance. I'm perfectly comfy here, thank you very much. Besides. I deserve to be more comfortable than you. I had to put up with Jon's hysterics this morning."
"You're not being fair," he pouted.
"I'm being perfectly fair. It's your own fault." He laid back on the couch, closing his eyes.
Butthead. Ryan yawned again.
"I call shower," Jon commented as he turned off his game. He stood and walked into the bathroom.
"I'm going out for Red Bull. Want anythin', guys?" Brendon asked, poking his head into the living room area.
Spencer made a noise somewhere between a grunt and a moan, which was supposed to resemble a 'no'.
"Ohhhkay then."
"Mind if I come?" Ryan asked. I want some fresh...er, air. And I'm going to make sure you don't get shit you don't need either.
Shit. "Oh. Um, I...uh, no, I don't mind, I guess."
"Sweet, 'kay then," he said as he got up. We don't need you fucked up for the show tomorrow night.
Brendon grabbed his phone off of the counter and walked off of the bus, with Ryan close at his heels. "Are we walking or takin' a cab?"
"Whichever you want," Ryan replied with a smile.
"Let's walk then," he sighed, walking down the street.
Ryan walked beside him, keeping at Brendon's pace. He stayed silent, enjoying the cool night. Damn, I forgot my hoodie.
What the hell am I supposed to do with him here? Now I actually have to buy Red Bull. And I don't even know where I can get any around here! He sighed.
Ryan glanced over at Brendon for a moment. "What's your problem?" Not angry, just asking.
"I don't have a problem," Brendon mumbled in reply.
"Yes you do Bren, you just don't wanna talk about it."
"You're right. I don't wanna talk about it."
"Well, what if I want to talk about it?"
"Well then that's just too bad for you!" He quickened his pace, ignoring Ryan's worried look.
Ryan sped up along with him. Why won't you let down your barrier? He didn't want to push Brendon so he stayed quiet, looking down at the sidewalk.
Why can't he just leave me alone? He sighed again. He spotted a 7 11 across the street and headed over there. He spoke quietly, "C'mon."
Ryan went to follow when he heard a horn. He looked up and grabbed Brendon's hood. He quickly pulled him back, out of the way of the road, and straight into himself.
"Jesus christ, watch where you're walking next time!" He wasn't yelling, he just sounded exasperated. His heart was racing.
"Thanks," he said quietly. He looked at Ryan for the first time during their walk. Gosh, he's protective. He walked into the road again, after checking that there were no speeding maniacs.
Ryan followed Brendon across the street, staying silent. I just wish he would freaking talk to me. I'm supposed to be his 'best friend', well aren't I supposed to HELP? Jez, I'm not going to hurt him or anything. I can't hurt Brendy.
Brendon walked into the 7 11, holding the door open for Ryan. When they were both inside he gravitated toward the drinks isle in the back of the store.
Ryan stood scanning the drinks, not really seeing them. He was lost in his thought processes. He had a content look on his face.
Brendon found the Red Bull and pulled out a six pack. When Ryan wasn't looking he glances over at the alcohol section.
Ryan glanced around again at the drinks, not finding anything rather appetizing. He turned his attention back to Brendon, seeing that he had the Red Bull.
"Er, ready then?" He saw Brendon shift his gaze before looking back at him. You're looking for something to drown all your senses out with again, aren't you? A flicker of pity went through his face before he turned away. "C'mon Bren, go pay then," he said quietly.
"'Kay." He walked over to the counter and handed the red bull to the crabby looking clerk. He pulled out a crumpled ten dollar bill from his back pocket and tossed it onto the counter. Crap I think Ryan saw me eying the alcohol stuff. Gonna pay for that later. After the clerk was done he took the drinks, and the change, and walked out of the 7 11. "Umm, which way did we come from?"
"That way," Ryan replied. He nodded towards the way they had come from.
"'Kay." He began walking. He ripped out a Red Bull from the package, suddenly thirsty.
Ryan followed, staying beside Brendon. He's not going to stop, no matter what I say, he's not going to stop.
Brendon popped the lid, and took a long drink. Then he held the pack up to Ryan. "Want one?" He smiled a little. I need to get on his good side or else he'll never let me do anything by myself again.
"No Bren, you know I don't drink that crap."
"Your loss." He tucked the rest of the pack under his arm and continues the quiet walk back to the bus.
LATER ON...
Brendon got up from his spot on the couch. He spoke quietly, "I'm goin' to bed guys. Night." He threw away the now empty Red Bull 6 pack, and walked into the bunk room thing, closing the door behind him.
"Night!" Jon called out. He was currently trying to beat Spencer in a game of Rock Band.
"Night Bren," Ryan responded. He was sitting on the couch, watching them.
"Give up Jonathan! You shall never defeat my amazing skills!" Spencer yelled as he furiouslly drummed away on the fake drums, totally pwning Jon.
"Only reason you're winning is 'cause I'm missing half my keys 'cause we bought a crap ass bass controller!!"
"Well, if you're so concerned about that then go buy yourself a new controller. Until you do that, I declare myself the better rocker." As the game ends, Spencer is declared the winner. He jumped up from his seat. "I TRIUMPH YET AGAIN! BWAHAHAHA!"
"You're not fair! And I don't have any damn money! Ryan hit him, I'm too far away!"
"Why drag me in?"
"Because I said so, hit him, hit him, hit him!"
"Jez, fine." He smacked Spencer on the shoulder, but not that hard.
"Ryan, you hit like a girl. I am extremely disappointed in you. You should know that." Spencer crossed arms and turned away.
"What you want me to hurt you? I was trying to be nice!"
"Ryan you're a guy." I think. "You're not supposed to be nice, you're supposed to be MANLY!" He turned back to Ryan and raised his arms to show his muscles. "GRRR! MANLY!!!"
"You're almost as skinny as me, you can not pull off manly." Ryan crossed his arms. "So don't preach to me."
"I am nowhere near as skinny as you," Spencer mumbled, pouting.
"Riiiight," Ryan said, heavy with sarcasm. "You just steal my shirts because you like the colors."
"Yes. The colors. They mesmerize me." He rolled his eyes. "Besides, I only stole your shirt that one time. Why do you keep trying to use that against me?"
"One time, come on Spence. I know that you've taken more than just one of my shirts." Er, well, someone keeps stealing them.
"Yes, one time! I don't steal your shirts!"
"Fine, fine, jez, you don't steal my shirts." Well, then who does? ... Stalker much?
"I knew I would win," Spencer said with a smirk.
"Yeah, yeah. Anyways, night." Ryan smiled, getting up and going into the bunkroom.
"Nighty night."
"Night," he said quietly. He set the bass controller down and took Ryan's spot on the couch.
Ryan pulled off his shirt, throwing it in the steady growing pile of laundry that needed cleaning. He shrugged out of his jeans and pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms before crawling into his own bunk. He shut the curtains and relaxed.
Brendon sighed. I should really try to get some sleep, after all we do have a show tomorrow. He rolled over a couple times, trying to get comfortable. After a few tries he gave up jumped out of his bunk, heading out to the kitchen type area to get some water.
Jon looked up from his spot, seeing Brendon.
"Can't sleep I take it?" I hope he gets some rest...he's gonna need it for that show tomorrow.
"Yeah. I couldn't sleep right now if my life depended on it." He went through the fridge, trying to find a water bottle that hadn't been half drank and then stuck back in the fridge. He finally found one in the very back and pulled it out. After taking a long drink, he opened the curtains of the window above the sink and looked out into the night.
"Well you kind of did just drink a hell of a lot of Red Bull." That's not smart right before bed.
"Shut up. I like Red Bull." Not like that really has anything to do with it, but whatever.
"Neeyah, Spencer, Brendon's being mean to me," Jon whined fakely.
"Yeah, I can see that. It's very entertaining to me," he chuckled.
"Butthead, you're supposed to help me, not help yourself." He stuck his tongue out at Spencer.
"What? It is entertaining!" Spencer laughed.
"You're all mean," Jon pouted.
"It's our job," Spencer smiled. "Right Bren?"
"What? Oh, um, yeah," he responded distractedly. He went back to looking out the window. Hm. What am I supposed to do to make me sleepy? I really am tired, just cant go to sleep.
I should get to bed. Jon stood. "Alright, well night. Don't get in trouble tonight, please." Jon shot a meaningful glance at Brendon, meaning it in more ways than one, before going into the bunk room and settling down in his own bunk.
Oh thanks Jon, leave me with the potential drunk. As much as I'd like to get to bed, I have to watch Brendon and make sure he doesn't go get wasted. Again. He laid down on the couch and plugged in his ipod, clicking it to shuffle. He tried not to nod off, but after a few moments he's asleep.
He turned around, noticing the lack of noise or movement, and saw Spencer asleep. Hmm, everyone's asleep. Now's like the only chance I'll have for a while to get a drink. He quietly pulled on his shoes and headed out the door. I won't get drunk. I won't let myself get drunk. I would really like a beer though. He started walking down the road.
THE NEXT DAY...
They were all at sound check, five hours before the concert, minus Brendon.
"Maybe he's just gone for a walk," Ryan suggested worriedly.
"A walk that's lasted seven hours? Be real Ryan!" Jon yelled.
"I'm trying to be." I know where he went, I just don't want to believe it. What if he's hurt? Or worse, dead?
"Come on guys, he's not that stupid. I mean, he just barely recovered from that massive hangover, he wouldn't go get himself drunk again right after," Spencer reassured them. "Besides, he knew that we had a concert today."
"I hope you're right Spencer," Jon sighed. He still wasn't happy, but he was remaining calm. "Ryan have you texted him?"
"Twenty four times. He won't answer," he said almost inaudibly.
Jon sighed again. "Just let's get through this stupid sound check, we can't postpone it any longer." He got up from his spot on the floor.
Ryan merely nodded.
Spencer sighed.
"I guess we don't really have a choice. If we don't do the sound check soon we won't be ready for the concert." He got up and sat behind his drum set. Where the hell Jon picked up his bass. [/Brendon better get his ass back here before this concert, otherwise we're all screwed.
Ryan went over to where his guitar was and picked it up. His stomach was knotting and twisting. Brendon's fine, he's just asleep somewhere under a tree not realizing what time it is. And then when he realizes what time it is, he'll come here and we'll all laugh about it. ... Aw, who am I kidding?
AFTER THE SOUND CHECK...
Two hours before the show was going to start, Ryan was frantic.
“Has anyone seen my red rose vest?” He asked, searching around the room in panic mode.
“Yeah I saw it mixed in with all Brendon's crap. By the couch,” Spencer mumbled.
“Crap,” Ryan groaned, running out of the dressing room.
“He frets too much,” Jon yawned as he pulled on a clean shirt.
“Yeah. He's been like that ever since Bren started drinking,” Spencer commented, wishing he could take the words back as soon as he said them. Everyone was on edge about Brendon missing, and his drinking, and he felt bad for bringing it up again.
“I noticed,” Jon sighed. It's times like these I wish we were just some small band from Las Vegas again.
A few minutes later, Ryan rushed back in, going back into the dressing room. He pulled on the best and tied a red tie around his waist. He had a pair of horizontal pinstripe pants on. He pulled out the make up bag to set to work on his face. Shit shit shit, I have to hurry otherwise my stuff isn't going to end up right.
“Jez Ryan, nervous much?” Spencer laughed a little, trying to lighten the mood.
“You know how I get before shows.” Although, today it's worse. Meh, Brendon better appear sometime when I'm doing my hair otherwise...I don't even want to finish that. He was looking at the mirror, putting an intricate pattern on his face.
“Yeah, sorry. I know you're stressed.”
“It's fine, don't worry,” Ryan replied quickly.
Spencer paused, worried. “It's almost time for the show. Do you think we should go look for him?”
“Are you kidding? We'll get mauled and you know it.” Jon sighed in annoyance, though he was worried. I want to search, hell I do, but those fans are crazy!
“I mean, do you really think...it's just that... “ Ryan paused, letting out a breath that he hadn’t known he had been holding. “…We have almost two hours, I'm sure he'll be here.”
“Yeah, I guess you're right. Good point Jon. I'm just really worried.”
“We all are Spence,” Jon said quietly, tapping his foot.
Spencer only sighed.
Where was Brendon?
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