I exhaled loudly, “I’m happy to see you too, baby girl.” I said softly, placing a soft kiss on her forehead, “Where’s Bryan?”

    She got off of me and pointed towards our bedroom “Waiting for you. I’m going to my boyfriend’s house. His parent invited me over for dinner.” she informed me and then left.

    I went to the bedroom and walked in, seeing Bryan lying in bed naked, “Oh, what a lovely sight before me!” I giggled, dropping my luggage by the door while closing it.

    Bryan grinned and stroked the inside of his open legs, “You’ve been gone for too long, James.” he whined, beckoning to me with his fingers.

    I went to the bed and crawled between his legs, kissing his sweet lips, “I know I’ve been gone for too long. Every moment was agonizing for me because I couldn’t kiss your lips, hold you, and I couldn’t see my daughter either.” I answered, caressing his smooth skin with my fingertips.

     He removed my shirt and belt, and then opened my jeans and slipped a slightly cold hand into my pants and boxers, giving me a couple firm stokes, “But you didn’t miss my touch?” he asked sexily, smiling at me and looked at me from underneath thick black eyelashes.

    “There’s more about you that I missed then just your touch.” I groaned, leaning my forehead against his as familiar pressure built slowly in the pit of my stomach. I closed my blue eyes and whispered, “Let me fuck you, Bryan.” He got onto his stomach and on all four, “No, facing me.” I responded.

    He turned back around and removed my pants for me, “Then fuck me while I face you.” he groaned into my ear as I slipped two fingers into his entrance, stretching him.

    “Your dark eyes are just too tempting not to look into while I make love to you.” I mumbled, removing my fingers and placed my hard-on at his entrance.

    I pushed into him and his eyes slipped shut in discomfort, “Oh… James…” he growled, making me harder if possible.

    I moved inside of him, looking for his prostate and pushed on it softly with the tip of my member, “Fuck…” I groaned, liking the feel of his tightness around me.

    He whimpered as I picked up my pace, ramming into him until he was screaming in pleasure, “Oh god! Fuck!” he whimpered, pushing back against me as my movements became jerkier and slower as my orgasm reached it climax and I spilt my seed into him. I continued to ride out my orgasm and drove into him until he spilt his, “Fuck, so close…” he panted, his hand working on his member quickly and a few minutes later his spilt his into his hand and onto the bed sheets.

    I collapsed on top of him and removed myself from him, slid out of between his legs to lie on my back next to him. He rested his head on my shoulder and I could sense something was bugging him. “What wrong, baby?” I asked him softly, running my fingers through his platinum blonde hair.

    “Never, never have I had that problem before when I’m with you.” he whispered and I knew what he was talking about.

    I hugged him close to my body and sighed, “It happens sometimes, love.”

    He shook his head, “No. I mean it’s never happened to me in all of my sex life, and I must admit I had quite a sex life before I settled down with you, but…” he explained, getting up on his elbow and looked me in the eyes and a worried expression crossed his face.

    “But what?” I asked, looking deep into his dark, bottomless eyes.

    “Shit…” he muttered, turning his face and body away from me.

    “What happened when I was gone, Bryan?” I asked sternly, knowing by his movements that something had happened.

    “Max.” he whispered the name and I growled as it left his lips.

    “What did he do to you?” I snarled, sitting up in bed now, the exhaustion from fucking was pushed away in my anger.

    “I… it was a horrible mistake, James. I never meant for it to happened, but I had consumed a lot of alcohol that night too.” he breathed lightly and continued, “We kind of started to argue and he was groping me in places where only he knew how to stimulate while pressing me against a wall and got me hornier then hell.”

    I groaned audibly, “No. No, don’t even continue!” I whined loudly, getting out of bed and got dressed.

    He looked at me with panic in his eyes, “What are you doing?” he asked in a high-pitched voice.

    “Going to the lounge. I need to think about this and your presence will not help with my anger.” I stated as calmly as I could before heading to the door and went out to the lounge to lie on the couch for the night, where I fell asleep after twenty minutes of agonizing emotional pain, feeling betrayed and an overwhelming need for my pervious lover, Mikey.

<o:p> </o:p>

    I felt a tapping on my shoulder and then a solid punch to it, “DAD!” whined Artemis’s voice above me.

    “What, baby girl?” I asked in a sleep foggy voice.

    “Why are you sleeping on the couch? And have you forgotten what today is?” she asked right back.

    “Bryan and I had an argument last night and I was truly pissed off about what he confessed to me.” I explained and the racked my brain trying to figure out an answer to her other question, but nothing came to mind at the moment, “What’s today?”

    Before she could answer I heard Zacky and Syn yell, “Our little Artemis is sweet sixteen today! Boy, how time flies when you’re getting old!”

    I jumped as I began to realize it was Artemis’s sixteenth birthday! May 5^th was the day I had adopted her and became the proud father of this darling girl years ago, “Oh goddamn it, baby! I’m so sorry I forgot!” I apologized as I sat up slowly, getting slightly light-headed.

    She sat on my lap and smiled, “You never did think fast when you’re half asleep still!” she giggled and looked at her uncles, “They’re going to throw me a birthday party tonight.”

    I looked at them, “You are?” I asked uncertainly.

    “Well of course, Mr. Jimmy Owen Sullivan! She is turning sixteen and that a day to always party about!” Syn screamed surprised at my asking them such a question as that.

    “Okay…” I said hesitantly and then added for good measure, “Don’t destroy my house though!”

    Artemis giggled and then said, “Don’t you have a boyfriend to go make-up too?”

    I got up off of the couch, stretching, “I guess I should go see how he’s holding up.” I muttered and walked off to my room.

    I knocked on the door ad it look a few minutes and knocks to get a, “Enter!” out of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Bryan</st1:City></st1:place>.

    I slowly pushed the door open, “Morning, lovely.” I whispered.

    He sat up quickly in bed and then swayed as he got light headed from moving that fast. He looked at me for a moment and then at his hands, “Are we okay?” he asked quietly.

    I smiled sweetly, “Yeah, I think we’re okay,” I replied, moving to the bed, “but I swear if he touches you again, I’m going to be putting him in a six foot deep hole.”

    He giggled and leaned his head against my shoulder as I sat on the bed with him, “I don’t think that’ll be necessary, babe.” he whispered quietly.

    “Well I think it’s necessary.” I growled, putting my arms around his waist and held his naked body close to my clothed one.

    He straddled my clothed lap and kissed me sweetly, “All that’s necessary is that you stay with me forever.” he replied.

    I smiled, “That I can promise to you.” I sighed, kissing him back and sighed, content with where I was in life, “Artemis’s birthday is today.”

    “Is it? Sweet sixteen.” he muttered, sounding sleepy as he leaned against me and nipped at my neck sweetly.

    “Where have the years gone?” I asked myself quietly.

    Bryan’s dark brown eyes found mine and fastened onto my cold blue ones, “They pasted as you grieved your loss.” he answered, though he knew it was a question not to be answered the way he did.

    My eyes stung with the response, “I know.” I whispered, laying with him pressed tightly to my chest.

Chapter Fifteen

 <o:p></o:p>

    I heard the click of the bathroom and stepped back as Syn came out, left wrist bloodied, “I’m thankful I have you two in my life.” he said quietly, pulling us both into hugs.

    I felt his body stiffen after a second and I looked to see him staring down the hall. I turned to see Zacky standing there, “I told you to get the fuck out of my house!” I yelled at him.

    “I… Rev, I can’t…” he started to say, but something stopped him from continuing.

    “Why not?” I asked harshly.

    He looked away, “It’s my fault we fell apart, and Syn shouldn’t be doing that.” he mumbled darkly.

    I looked back at Syn, who had a soft look in his eyes and his hands twitched towards Zacky, “Don’t you dare.” I ordered, glaring towards the form of Zacky, “He’s still with Shadows. He said he didn’t love you anymore, so don’t you dare try and take pity on him.”

    “Rev., I can not take pity on him. He’s been my boyfriend since we were in high school. It’s been almost twenty years since that day he asked me out.” Syn commented, looking at me with big brown eyes.

    I exhaled deeply and rolled my eyes, “Not my fault if he breaks your heart again.” I grumbled, “Here let’s get that wrapped up before you bleed all over my clean floors, and before Bryan sees and gets bitchy with me.” I said, pulling him back into the bathroom.

    I grabbed the gauze and medical type from the first aid kit. I wrapped his wrist carefully and then inspected it to see if any blood was leaking through, but there wasn’t, “You’re pretty good with that.” he commented, inspecting the wrapping himself.

    “Yeah, well all those hours of changing the gauze on Mikey’s wounds can teach you that.” I replied, letting him go back into the hallway and to talk with Zacky.

    “So?” Artemis asked me lightly.

    I shrugged lightly and looked around, “I think he’s going to be alright, and even better if Zacky can get over himself and keep loving Syn like he has all these years.” I said softly, “What happened to your boyfriend last night?”

    I could see her cheeks taint a light pink, “He got drunk and didn’t want to go home to a bitchy father.” she answered, picking at her fingernails.

    “There’s something else.” I observed and she looked up at me, “Did he get kick out of his house or has something bad happened to him recently?”

    It was her turn to shrug, “I don’t know. He hasn’t said anything and I’m not going to ask.” she answered and walked to her room and closed the door.

    I shook my head and went to my own room, where Bryan was taking a nap. He had awoken a numerous of times during the night after he was awoken the first time and we hadn’t gotten much sleep, “Bryan… baby, time to wake up.” I whispered in his ear lovingly.

    He groaned and rolled onto his stomach, “Five more minute.” he mumbled into our soft pillows.

    “No, you can’t have five more minutes. I want you up now.” I nipped at his throat, licking and sucking.

    “So dirty… I don’t want to get up.” he answered sarcastically, rolling onto his back so he could look at me.

    I rolled my eyes, “Perv.” I muttered, moving away from him, “I wasn’t thinking in those terms.”

    He laughed lightly, “I know, I was just teasing you, baby. How’s Synyster doing this morning?” he asked.

    “I take it you didn’t hear a word of Zacky and my argument in your sleep, huh?” I asked curiously.

    He cocked an eyebrow, “You two were arguing?” he responded, sitting up on his elbows, “Damn, I must have been in a pretty deep sleep not to hear that.” he muttered, his eyes became alert then, “What if someone had snuck into our room and I never heard them?”

    I frowned at him, “Then there’s hell for us both.” I answered and turned away from him, thinking back on very old times of Mikey, Tripp, and me.

    “No, I’ll just have to control my sleeping and not wake up fifty million times after a nightmare.” he responded, moving and started kissing the back of my neck. I moved away from him suddenly, “Baby, what’s wrong?”

    “Shh…” I pressed my finger to my lips while walking over to the door, and pressed my ear to the door and grinned, “We’re not going out there for a while.”

    “Is our lounge a sex room for guests?” Bryan asked teasingly.

    I got in bed with him and put my arms around him, “It would appear so. He’s going to get his heart busted again and I’m going to tell him I told him so.” I sighed in his ear.

    “Oh come on, baby. You can’t possible be that mean to an old friend, can you?” he answered, turning to face me.

    “How they’ve been to me before, yes I can be that mean to them.” I replied in a matter-of-fact tone of voice. He was quiet and this let me think for a while. Why is Tripp haunting Bryan now? Can’t he just leave me alone? He’s got Mikey now in the cold grasp of death, why bug my new lover? I asked myself, tightening my arms around Bryan’s shivering body.

    “Because he still thinks you deserve to live alone and unloved.” answered a smooth voice behind me and I turned my head slightly to see a glittering image and my breath caught at who it was.<o:p></o:p>

    Why? I deserve to be loved just like anyone else. I replied in my own head to Mikey, not wanting to startle Bryan if I spoke out loud.

    “That’s true, baby, but not in his uncaring eyes.” he answered, sitting on the bed close to me and I noticed that Bryan had began to shiver even more.

    “Rev… it’s… cold…” he chattered out.

    Mikey, can we talk about this at another time? I asked him. He nodded and disappeared, “Sorry babe… I had an unexpected… visitor.” I whispered in his ear as his shivering calmed.

    “Who?” he asked, sounding so tired.

    “My old lover, Mikey.” I muttered against the skin of his neck as tears rimmed my eyes.

    “But he’s…” he stammered.

    “Dead. I know.” I finished, tightening my grip around him, “He visits me still.”

    There was a knocking on the door and Syn’s voice say, “You can come out, Rev.”

    “What if I don’t want too?” I asked him back, “You two ruined my lounge!”

    “We did not!” Zacky answered back.

    I huffed and Bryan giggled, “I’m fine right where I’m at!” I answered back, shifting my position on the bed and draped an arm over Bryan, pulling him close to me.

    “Fine, stay in there. We’re going home.” Synyster replied and I could only grin.

    “Go home then while I’ll burn my couch and buy a new one!” I said and Bryan hit me hard, “Hey what was that for?” I asked him.

    I listened to their retreating footsteps and giggles, “You’re not burning our couch.” Bryan stated, getting out of bed and headed towards the door.

    “Why not? It’s been infected by Syn and Zacky!” I yelled at him as he exited the room.

    “So? We can flip the cushions.” he observed back.

    I laughed lightly as I got out of bed and went down to the kitchen where there was the sound of banding pas, “What are you making?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen.

    “Dinner.” he stated simply, “Go tell Artemis to come help me.”

    “Okay, okay. I’ll go get her.” I sighed and walked off in the direction of her room. I knocked on her door, “Honey, Bryan wants you to help him with dinner.”

    “Okay, I’ll be there in a moment.” she answered and I walked off to the lounge.

Chapter Fourteen

<o:p> </o:p>

    It’s about midnight now and I’m laying wide wake while everyone else is sleep. Bryan’s naked body is next to mine and he’s passed out from exhaustion. Sex can do that to him, and Syn is fast asleep in Bryan’s room, or I think he’s asleep anyways. Artemis is out at after-parties with Max’s son, Dominick, still. Let me put a recap on the evening after I left Shadows place. I came home, finding Bryan had gone to his practice, Syn had settled in, knowing he was going to be here for a long while, I made us some dinner after Artemis had gotten home, and then we all went to the Escape The Fate concert. Bryan was sexy up on the stage with his black fishnet shirt on and torn jeans and I was lusting for him all evening after that. After the concert Artemis and her new boyfriend went out to the after-parties being held after the concerts and I haven’t seen her since she said bye. Syn, Bryan and I had gone home, Syn called it a night when we got back and went to bed with a sorrowful face, but Bryan and I called it a night about ten after a very heated kissing session and both of us had been aroused by the other, and that’s how we ended up here in bed, stripped of clothing, but now I laid wide awake, sleep far off. I got out of bed and pulled on a pair of boxers and went out to the lounge, “Hey Mr. Sullivan.” said a slurred voice in the darkness.

    Automatically I replied, “It’s Rev.” I flipped on a switch and saw Artemis’s boyfriend sprawled out on my couch, “Hey Dominic. Where’s my daughter?” I asked curiously.

    “She went to bed the minute we walked through your front door.” he answered and closed his eyes, “Is it cool if I stay here tonight?”

    “Whatever. I don’t care. Drunk, I’m presuming.” I responded, sitting in a lazy boy and relaxed.

    I heard him laugh into the couch cushions, “Yeah something like that.” he replied, but there was something else in his profile that told me a different story.

    “Where you kick out of your home?” I asked, sitting up a little straighter.

    There was a shuffling in the hallway, “Rev?” came Syn’s sleep foggy voice and he shuffled into the living room.

    “Hey Syn. I thought you were asleep.” I said softly.

    He grinned foolishly, “Yeah I was until you and Bryan thought it’d be a good idea to pound on the wall and make sounds.” he laughed ruthlessly and I blushed.

    “Sorry about that, but I was really horny and yeah, things went down.” I muttered sheepishly and looked at my hands.

    He giggled, “More like went up.” he said, sitting next to me.

    “Oh shut up!” I said, hitting him on the shoulder lightly.

    “Oh… you’re that Rev and Syn.” Dominick’s voice cut in softly.

    We looked over at him curiously, “What do you mean?” Syn asked him.

    “You’re gay, are you not?” Dominick asked right back.

    He bit his lip and I answered, “No, he’s not. Why do you ask that?”

    “Like eight or nine years ago, there was a little clipping in the local England newspaper about you two being gay and how some paparazzi had seen you and that Zacky guy kissing in a bar, and then you and some guy named Mikey making out in a hotel while on your tour over there.” he explained slowly, opening his eyes to look at us intensely, “One of you is lying or the reporters back home are fucking stupid.”

    “You’re from England?” I asked shocked.

    “Uh… yeah. My real dad’s name is Edsel Dope, but something happened that cause him some problems and he couldn’t raise me, so I was put up for adoption and that’s how I ended up with Max.” he sighed, burying his head in the cushion and I looked at my friend.

    “One of Tripp’s old band mates.” I said softly, more to myself then to anyone in particular.

    “How do you know that name?” he asked me, staring me dead in the eyes.

    “Gods that isn’t a short bedtime story.” I groaned, “Do you really want to know how I knew that bastard of a man?” he nodded and I groaned again, “Fuck… everyone knows I’m gay by now, if not they’re fucking stupid.” So I began my story, starting with the strip club and working up to seven years ago, without mentioning the murder.

    “So Artemis is adopted too?” he asked when I was finished.

    I nodded, “Yeah and she has his personality more then anything.” I replied and then I heard another pair of shuffling feet.

    “Baby? Why are you still up and left my side?” Bryan’s voice asked, and I could tell something had scared him awake because his eyes held no sleep and were alert.

    There was an evil kind of laugh inside my head and knew who it was. Tripp woke him up. I thought quickly and got up to gather him in my arms, “I’m sorry, baby. I’ll come back to bed now.” I whispered to him and kissed his forehead, “I’ll see you guys in the morning. Night.”

    “Night Rev.” said Syn’s voice.

    “Night, Mr. Sullivan.” Dominick’s voice bid me.

    I walked back to my bedroom with Bryan and we laid in bed together, my arms around him tightly, “What woke you?” I asked in his ear quietly.

    A shudder ripped though his body and he continued to tremble and I held him closer, “I don’t know. I felt a cold breeze and saw a shimmering image in my dreams, but I don’t know who it was and that’s when it yelled and I woke, finding you weren’t in bed next to me.” he whimpered, burying his head into my chest and I stroked his hair soothingly.

    “Shh… it’s okay, baby. It was just a dream. Nothing going to hurt you as long as I’m around to protect you.” I promised, kissing his temple.

    “But what if you’re not there when I’m in trouble?” he asked worried.

    “I’ll always be there.” I stated sternly, “Go to sleep, baby. I won’t leave this time.”

<o:p> </o:p>

    “I don’t fucking care! I do not love Syn anymore!” Zacky yelled in my face at about two in the afternoon.

    We’re in an argument again, same thing as last night apparently, “Fine. You and Shadows might as well let the band fall apart, because neither of us are coming back!” I screamed back, clutching my fists at my sides.

    “You can’t fucking change my mind with that bullshit. I’m in love with Shadows now, not him.” Zacky argued back.

    “Whatever. It’s truth. Syn and I are not coming back to the band that’s operated by two little bitches.” I snarled.

    Artemis came in and hit Zacky across the face, “You are a mother fucking asshole, Zacky. Dad, Uncle Syn needs you. He’s cutting in the bathroom.” she said coldly, glaring at Zacky when she told me what Syn was doing.

    The color bleed from his pale face when she said this and headed in the direction of our bathroom, but I stopped him with my hand, “What do you think you’re doing?” I asked him.

    “Syn needs me.” he said weakly, trying to get by me.

    “Fuck that. You don’t love him, so why should you care if he’s cutting?” I asked harshly, “Get out of my house before you make things worse for the poor man. Let him leave you behind in the past with some pride left within his body.”

    “But-” he started, but stopped, “Maybe you’re right… No, no, you’re not. He needs me, Rev. I’ve got to be there for him.”

    “He needed you yesterday, three days ago, two weeks ago, but you were off fucking with Shads.” I growled, “All he needs is me, Johnny, and Artemis. People who still care for his well being.” I stated, shoving him backwards.

    He stumbled and I walked off towards the bathroom, stopping outside the door, and listened, “Why? What does he have that attracts my Zacky?” came Syn’s voice on the other side.

    I knocked, “Syn, open the door and please stop cutting yourself.” I pleaded, placing my hand flat against the wood of the door, “Nothing’s special about Shads. Zacky’s just fucked up in the head.”

    “There’s got to be something, Rev.” he choked out past some painfully tears I could tell.

    “Come on, Synny. Open the door and we’ll talk.” I said softly, resting my head again the door.

    “I don’t want to talk. I want to die.” he answered and then there was a pained hiss out of him.

    “Syn, please stop!” I cried, pounding on the door, “There are so many people that love you and need you around!”

    “Uncle Syn, please come out of the bathroom. I need you around.” Artemis yelled at the door.

    There was a long silence and I looked to Artemis, “Shit…” I muttered.

Chapter Thirteen

<o:p> </o:p>

    “Bryan…” I whispered in his ear early the next morning.

    “Go away.” he answered, rolling away from me.

    I expected that, “I made you breakfast.” I said softly.

    “Not hungry. Leave me alone!” he answered again.

    I whistled between my teeth, making a hissing sound, “This is stupid. I know you’re hungry cause I just woke you up. I’m sorry for last night, okay? I still love you, baby.” I said, folding my arms over my chest.

    I heard the bedroom door open and smiled as my fifteen year old pounced on the bed and right on top of Bryan too, “Bryan, get up!” she yelled at him and he groaned, “Noon is for lazy bones to sleep in until, not you! Morning, dad.”

    “Morning, baby girl. Have you had your breakfast?” I asked her and she nodded, “Good, now go find someone else to bug.”

    “Can I go wake up Uncle Frankie this morning?” she asked innocently.

    “How are you going to get to Uncle Frankie’s exactly?” I asked her again.

    “I’ll walk.” she answered, hopping up and down on the bed.

    I giggled at the protest Bryan was muttering under the blankets, “Okay, but be careful.” I stated and she ran out of the room, “Now time to get you up, baby.”

    I placed a freezing hand under the blankets and right on Bryan’s bare side, “Son of a bitch! Get your damn cold hand off me!” he yelled, jumping out of bed.

    “Morning, gorgeous.” I smiled at a messy haired, eyeliner smeared Bryan.

    “Fucker.” he grumbled and got back in under the warm blankets.

    I laughed, “So pissy this morning. Don’t you need to get to your band practice, since you guys have a concert tonight?” I asked lightly.

    “I know what our songs are thank you very much! Now go away and let me go back to sleep!” he screamed at me.

    I shrugged, “Whatever. You’re breakfast is on the desk when you want it.” I said in a rather cold tone of voice and walked out of the room, heading towards the bathroom for a quick shower, so I could get to my own practice at Shads place.

    I took a ten-minute shower, got out, dried myself, and wrapped the towel around my waist. I grabbed a blow dryer and dried my hair out, combed it, and then quickly donned my clothing. I looked in the mirror to apply my eyeliner when I saw Bryan standing in the doorway, “Are you mad at me?” he asked when he noticed I had saw him.

    I started to apply my make-up, “No, I’m not mad.” I replied and then my mind drifted off to my lost lover, “No, I can’t be at the one I love.”

    He nodded, “I’m sorry, Rev.” he said and then left.

    “Very good, angel.” came a familiar voice.

    I turned to see Mikey’s shimmering figure sitting on the toilet seat, “Is this what you wanted, Mikey?” I asked him softly.

    He nodded, “Yes Revvy, this is what I wanted for you.”  he answered quietly, “He’s quite the hottie, baby.”

    “Yeah, thank your brother for that one.” I replied sarcastically, “He’s the one that found Bryan in the first place.”

    “I just might have to thank him for that.” Mikey responded with a ghostly smile, “Do tell Artemis mom said hi, that I love her very much, and that I couldn’t be more happier then how she’s been raised by you.”

    “Mikey…” I trailed off because of the sorrow in my throat.

    “Shh… I love you, Rev. I will always love you, but love Bryan and Artemis as much as you had loved me through my living years.” he stated then disappeared.

    “Mikey… please…” I choked out passed the sorrow, but it was useless.

    I turned and saw Bryan in the doorway again, “Baby, are you okay?” he asked me gently.

    I rubbed at my eyes roughly, “Yeah, I’ll be fine.” I whispered.

    “Baby, what’s wrong?” he asked concerned about me.

    I shook my head, “Nothing. I’ve got to hurry so I can get to practice.” I said quickly, doing my make-up and then headed to my room for my fingerless, spider webbed gloves. I left my room, kissed Bryan on the cheek and said, “I’ll see you later. I love you.”

    He smiled lightly, “I love you too.”

<o:p> </o:p>

    Six songs and a lot of swear words later, we were allowed a rest by Synyster and I think Matt was thankful for that, since Synyster was being ruthless today. Something was bugging him and he wasn’t dealing with it so well, so he was taking it out on us, especially Zacky and Shadows. I tugged at his shirt and nodded for him to follow when he looked at me. I led him to the back of the house and asked, “What’s going on?”

    “What?” he asked kind of confused and then shrugged, “Nothing.”

    “Bullshit, Syn. We all can see something’s is fucking with you and you’re not dealing with it, so what the hell is going on?” I asked again, leaning against a hallway wall.

    Syn was looking for a way to escape the situation, that I saw in his eyes, but he also knew it was pointless to try and escape, “Zacky’s been cheating on me lately.”

    “Let me guess, with Shads right?” I said sarcastically, “It’s your game. You two invented it back when Mikey was alive, so it’s your fault it’s gotten out of hand.”

    He flinched slightly, “That’s it, back when we were playing with you and Mikey that is all it was. It was just a game, but now it’s different. It’s not our game here, this is for real.” he said, tears brimming at his black outlined, brown eyes, “Back then, you know, we’d go off and fuck each other after playing with you two, but now it’s not the same and I’ve watched as Zacky began to slip from my grasp.”

    “Did your…?” I hesitated, but he knew what I was referring too.

    “No, the rape has nothing to do with it. He never mentioned anything about it after I was healed and taken home. You’re the first to say anything since that horrible day.” he whispered, a shiver ripping through his body.

    “Umm… Rev. I think you need to go set some things straight with Zacky and I don’t think Syn should go back to the garage for a while.” came Johnny’s voice and I turned to looked at his sickened expression.

    I looked back to Syn and saw the anger boiling in his eyes, but he nodded, “You go handle it before I kill one of them.” he muttered darkly.

    I nodded and looked to Johnny, “Stay here with him.” I ordered and walked off back in the direction of Shads’s garage. I knocked once and then entered, containing my own anger at Zacky and Shadows. Zacky was on his knees in front of Shadows, giving him a blowjob. Shadows head was tossed back in pure bliss and both seemed to be oblivious that I was standing there, watching this little scene play out with extreme disgust. I decided to sit behind my drum set so I didn’t have to watch anymore and my back was to them and then muttered loud enough for them to hear, “You’re a manwhore, Zackary Baker.” The groans of pleasure and the soft sucking sounds came to an instant stop when the words fell from my mouth. I heard a zipper and then turned on my chair and looked them both dead in the eyes, “You’re a disgrace for a friend and lover.” I hissed and I saw him squirm uncomfortably.

    “It’s not-” Zacky began, but I cut him short.

    “It’s not what it looks like? Bullshit! You’re an asshole and a twisted motherfucker!” I yelled at him and my words dripped with acid, “What is Synyster to you now?”

    He looked away from me, “Nothing.” he answered quietly, shame evident in his quiet voice.

    “Why? Because Shads can fuck harder and give better blowjobs?” I asked accusingly, “Syn and you have been together for a great many years and all of a sudden it doesn’t fucking matter to you?”

    “What about Mikey?” he asked right back, a rage building up inside of him and I could see it coming forward like a busted dam.

    “What about him? He’s dead, Zackary! He’s never coming back and it took me seven years to realize that. I’ve gotten my life together, but you’re ruining yours for a better sex partner when Syn loves you no matter what hell you two have been through over the years!” I growled, feeling a sudden relief after what I had said.

    “So? It’s over, James.” he hissed back and that’s when I decided time to try something new.

    “Fuck this. I’m not coming back until you’ve figured out your own mistake in fucking up your relationship, so I suggest you get your ‘shitty’ drummer back to fill for me again.” I said, getting up and headed to the door and back into the house, “Hey Syn!” I yelled for him.

    “Yeah?” he answered, walking into the lounge area.

    “Do you need a place to stay?” I asked lightly.

    He nodded, picking at his black ‘Syn’ shirt, “Yeah I guess I do, since Zacky doesn’t want me anymore.” he whispered softly.

    “Well come on. Bryan’s got a concert tonight and I want to be there for it.” I said quickly and we left the house in the same manner.

Chapter Twelve

<o:p> </o:p>

    “Ouch, that hurt.” Bryan whispered softly, walking towards Max with steady steps, “I admit what I did was a bitchy thing to do, but I lost interest in you after you got abusive and I couldn’t stay with you, plus I knew I had to move in with him and I also knew Ronnie was hooking me up with a good guy, one that would treat me the way I deserve to be treated, not like some ho you always treated me like.” Bryan said, rage simmering in his dark eyes.

    “I didn’t not treat you like a ho. I treated you better then those drug dealer you were always hooking up with.” Max argued as Artemis’s eyes shifted from speaker to speaker.

    “Not by much.” Bryan sighed, rubbing his hair roughly.

    “What’s that suppose to mean?” Max snarled.

    Bryan shrugged indifferently, “It means what I said. You only treated me a little better then they had.” he answered, crossing his arms over his chest.

    The guy glared, “What about Dominick?” he asked slyly.

    Again Bryan shrugged, “Not my problem, he’s your seventeen year old son. I’ve got a fifteen year old daughter to take care of,” he snapped, “and you’ve got her at knife point.”

    He smiled softly that made me shudder then something hit me, “Ronnie said he had been with a guy named Omar.” I whispered gently, placing a hand on Bryan’s shoulder.

    “Yeah… umm… we had an affair going on while he was with Omar.” Bryan muttered then sighed, “Dominick is the boy Max had adopted years ago, when the boy was four.”

    “Don’t forget, lovely, he’s yours too. You’re his mother in ways.” Max said, taking a step back and forcing Artemis to take one back as well.

    Bryan placed a loving hand on Artemis’s shoulder and asked Max, “Where’s Dominick now?”

    Max shrugged, “Probably at a party with his friends. I let him do anything he damn well pleases to do.” he stated, his dark blue eyes shifting around the room, glancing from me to Bryan and back.

    “I didn’t go to the party with Jimmy and Daemon, instead I asked Omar where I could find you.” a voice answered the statement.

    All eyes turned towards a well-built guy. He had black, hot pink tipped hair, hazel eyes, gauged ears, a hoop pierced the left side of his nose, then a hoop pierced the right corner of his lower lip, and two small barbells pierced his right eyebrow as well, “Dominick, what are you doing here?” yelped Max surprised.

    “Seeing what hell you’re causing this family.” Dominick answered firmly, folding his arms over his chest, “Let her go, dad. What if I was in her position? What would you do?”

    “I would be doing the same thing Bryan and Reverend are doing.” Max grumbled to his son, letting Artemis go.

    I opened my arms and she ran into them. I hugged her tightly then pulled away, “Let me see your neck.” I ordered. She lifted her face upwards and I scanned her neck for any cuts, “You’re lucky, Mr. Green, at you hadn’t broke the skin on her pretty neck.” Artemis wiggled out of my grasp, “Baby girl, what are you doing?”

    “Hello Dominick.” Bryan whispered softly and I heard the hurt in his voice.

    “Hi Bryan.” he replied, his eyes watching Artemis as she approached him.

    She leaned in and whispered something in his ear, to which he shrugged. He paused then whispered something back in her ear. She nodded and walked back over to me and pulled my arms back over her shoulders, “What was that about?” I asked softly.

    She shrugged, “Just a little chat between us.” she said, interlocking our fingers, “I’ll tell you later if I want too.”

    “Come on, dad. Let’s go home. You’re being rude and interrupting their dinner time.” Dominick said, walking towards our front door, but Max stayed in place.

    “Bryan…” he started to say.

    Bryan put his hand up to stop him, “Just go. Leave our home.” he responded, pointing towards the door.

    He turned and left with his son. I sighed against Artemis hair, “Okay, lets eat. Dinner is getting cold behind us.” I said, getting plates down and served lasagna, garlic bread, and sweet corn.

    “It looks wonderful, baby.” Bryan said, taking a plate from me and kissed me gently on the cheek, “I’m sorry that had to happen.”

    I nodded and kissed him, “I know. Let’s just have a nice family dinner for tonight, okay?” I replied with a small smile. He nodded and we sat at the dining table with Artemis and ate our dinner in silence.

<o:p> </o:p>

    “What would you say if I told I’m going out with Dominick?” Artemis asked me as we sat on the couch in the middle of the night.

    Bryan had called in early for the night and was sleeping in my bed, “I guess I would say that you can as long as you’re cautious around his father after tonight.” I answered, putting my arm over her shoulders as she leaned against me, “I’m guessing that’s what you talked to him about.”

    She nodded, “Yeah, but we agreed that his father wouldn’t learn about us until we wanted him too.” she explained lightly, sitting up straight, “Well I’m going to bed. Night, daddy.”

    I kissed her on the forehead, “Night, baby girl.” I said, getting up with her and headed to my room.

    “Took you long enough to come to bed.” whispered Bryan’s voice as I entered my room.

    I smiled, “I thought you were sleeping already. Artemis and I were talking, it seems you’re going to be seeing more of that kid, Dominick. Artemis is going out with him now.” I said, stripping down to my boxers, crawled into bed behind him, and wrapped my arms around him.

    “Oh yeah?” Bryan asked as I kissed his neck.

    “Yeah.” I answered, my kisses turning into little bites.

    “Rev…” he groaned gently, “Please?”

    I smiled softly and backed off with my actions, “No, you’re sexless for a while, love.” I giggled.

    “You tease.” he grumbled, pulling the blankets over his head.

    I slipped my hand over his hip and jerked him off a little then pulled my hand away when I heard his moans of pleasure. I leaned in and whispered in his ear, “That’s what makes me a tease when I don’t get you off all the way.”

    I rolled over away from him and he pulled the blankets away from his body, “That’s cold to do to me, baby.” he growled and got out of bed, leaving the room.

    I giggled, “I know it was cold, but I don’t always need sex.” I said to myself as he went to, I could only guess, the bathroom to fix himself.

    He came back in a few minutes later, “Night.” he sighs and I detect a slight pant in his voice.

    “Night.” I said, pulling the blankets back from my body and get out of bed.

    “Where are you going?” he questioned as I headed for the door.

    My hand closed around the doorknob, “To the lounge.” I replied and then left, going out to the lounge and sit on the couch. As I saw it one of us was pissed off, the other was in a good mood, and that made for bad bed partners, “I’ll just sleep out here for the night.” I said to myself, settling out on the comfy couch and instantly fell to sleep.

Chapter Eleven

    “Dad, are you okay?” asked Artemis’s voice as I made lasagna.

    I looked at her and her green eyes held worry, “Hmm? Oh yeah… I’m fine, baby girl. Where’s Bryan” I nodded to her question and laid lasagna noodles in a pan from a colander.

    She shrugged her small shoulders, “Either in the pool or lounging in the hot tub. I don’t know, but he’s around the house somewhere.” she answered softly, leaving the kitchen.

    I finished putting the lasagna together and walked out into the backyard, “Bryan?” I asked softly in the hushed night air.

    I heard a soft sound and then, “I’m in the hot tub.” he responded and I walked over to the hot tub that was in a corner of the back pouch and saw him illuminated by the lights under the water.

    I saw the small smile on his lips as he tilted his head back against the side, “Hey baby, relaxing again, are you?” I teased, running a hand through his blond hair.

    “Yeah. Do you want to join me?” he asked.

    I shook my head, “No, I’ve got dinner in the oven.” I muttered, leaning down and kissed him briefly on the lips, “You know I love you, right?”

    He grinned, “Yeah, I know and I love you so much more.” he answered, bring his wet hands up and ruffled my hair.

    I snapped my head up and pouted, “You ruined my hair!”

    I laughed and so did he, “It would have gotten ruined one way or another.” he observed with that same grin in place.

    I shrugged, “Yeah maybe.” I giggled quietly, kissing him fully on the mouth with passion behind it.

    “Maybe? You’ve been after me for two hours now.” he laughed, sinking further into the warm water.

    “I have not! It was half an hour.” I defended myself in this battle.

    “Whatever you say, darling.” he answered, smiling at me.

    “Keep doing that and you’ll be in trouble, sweetheart.” I said, turning back to the house so I could finish making the rest of dinner.

    I heard him giggle, “Going to beat me?” he teased and I heard the sound of water dripping from his shorts as he stood in the hot tub.

    I turned back around as he was getting out of it, “No. Much worse then that, gorgeous.” I replied, watching as he approached me wet and I took a couple steps back.

    He stopped a foot away from me, “Oh? What could be much worse then a beating from you?” he asked lightly.

    I turned back around, “Being sexless until I felt like fucking you.” I replied then yelped when Bryan pressed his wet body against my dry clothes and wrapped his arms around my chest, “Bryan, you got me all wet!” I complained.

    “You wouldn’t leave me sexless for very long.” he whispered to me and then let me go.

    I faced him again, “After this, yes I can.” I threatened him and went into the house.

    I heard a girlish giggle, “Have fun with Bryan?” Artemis’s voice teased me as I cut slices of French bread then buttered and seasoned them with garlic salt, and put them on a pan.

    “No. I’m soaked because of him.” I grumbled irritably.

    “He does have a point, daddy dearest.” she was saying as she leaned against the opened sliding door to the backyard, “You can’t leave him sexless for very long. He’ll get you to cave in quicker then you think.”

    “Artemis!” I yelled, blushing as she talked bout Bryan and my personal life so causally as if it were an everyday subject.

    “What? It’s true!” she started at my yell.

    “Go do something and stop talking about my personal life out loud!” I ordered her out of the kitchen.

    She giggled, “Daddy’s getting his boxers in a twist over his lover!” she kind of sang as she skipped out of the kitchen.

    I shook my head at this and finished putting dinner together then started as hands slid onto my hips from behind, “That was an interesting conversation to overhear between you and your daughter.” Bryan’s voice whispered.

    I turned to see him dry and a towel around his waist. His fingers went to the button on my jeans and I stopped his hands, “I told you, you were sexless until I feel like I need it and I don’t right now.” I stated firmly, turning back to dinner.

    “Aw baby, you’re no fun!” he pouted, his lower lip quivering softly, “I don’t even have any clothing on under my towel.”

    I raised my eyebrows, “Oh really?” I asked, “Where’s your shorts?”

    He shrugged, “Outside waiting to get dried by the sun tomorrow.” he answered in a smartass tone.

    “Okay that just got you put in the corner. Go stand in that corner until I say you can move from it.” I ordered, pointing to a corner opposite of me.

    He went and stood in the corner like a little kid, and I giggled under my breath, loving how he looked sad. I snuck up on him, grinding against him and he put his hands against the kitchen wall for balance. I bit at his neck, “I love you, you dirty whore.” I whispered softly.

    “I’m only your whore.” he commented, turning around to put his arms around my neck and I kissed him deeply, “I love you anyways, you meanie.”

    I smiled lightly, “You’ll always love your Rev. no matter what.” I laughed, going to the oven and took my perfect lasagna out of the oven as the timer went off, “Artemis! Dinner’s done, baby girl!” I yelled. Five minutes passed by and I looked at Bryan, “Artemis!”

    “She’s coming.” said an unfamiliar voice, but Bryan’s head snapped towards the voice.

    There was a lean man with layered black hair, steel blue eyes was holding a knife against my fifteen year old daughter’s throat, “Let her go goddamn it!” I yelled, advancing towards him.

    “Rev. stop. Max? What the hell are you doing here?” Bryan ordered.

    “Why do you think, dear Bryan?” the guy asked right back at him with a small seductive smile.

    “Fuck you, Max. We’re done with. I don’t love you anymore.” Bryan growled the answer.

    “That wasn’t what you were telling me five months ago when I was fucking you every night.” Max shot back, anger blazing in his eyes, “Ronnie told me where I could find your cheating bitch ass.”

    “So? We’re fucking through, Max! I never cheated on you and you were getting fucking abusive towards the end our relationship. Now let go of Rev.’s daughter or I’m going to call the cops.” he threatened, reaching for the phone.

    “Oh like I haven’t heard that one before.” he sneered at us then whispered in Artemis’s ear, “Where’s your momma, girl?”

    I felt the tears hit me like a sledgehammer to the chest as Artemis answered calmly, “He’s dead. He’s been dead since I was eight.”

    I hated when the subject of Mikey was brought up, “Dead? How?” Max asked her, placing a hand on the top of her auburn haired head.

    She knew what to tell people when she was asked about it, “He committed suicide.” she answered smoothly.

    “What was his name?” he questioned more.

    “Mikey.” she replied, taking deep breaths.

    Max looked up with a wicked grin, “Gerard’s brother too? Well aren’t you just working up the lines, dear infamous Reverend Tholomew Plague? Yeah I know who you are so don’t act surprised.” he commented, acid dripping from his words.

    “Infamous? I hardly doubt that, Mr. Green.” I answered, a cutting fierceness in my voice, “Thought I didn’t know who you were? Thanks to my daughter you’re holding a knife too and my beloved Bryan I know exactly who you are. You’re the damnable bassist for Escape The Fate.”

    “You do your research well, but you’re better at stealing other men’s boyfriends.” he lashed back, pressing the knife a little harder into Artemis’s throat.

    “James stop, okay? You’re not helping here.”Bryan hissed at me, “Max, let go of Artemis and we can talk about this.”

   “Talk?” he laughed wicked, glaring at Bryan, “Why would I want to talk with a fucking whore like yourself?”

Chapter Ten

    I rolled over and heard the crinkling sound of paper. I opened my eyes slowly, the sunlight stinging my sensitive eyes and my hangover began with a throbbing pain in my head, “Fuck.” I whimpered into my pillows then read the note Bryan left me. I’ve gone to Ronnie’s to practice with the band, should be home in a couple of hours. I also took Artemis to school this morning. Tylenol and water are on your bedside table when you’ve awakened. Love Bryan. “Thank you, love that you thought of me before you left.” I whispered, rolling over to see the promised water and medicine. I took them quickly and laid my aching head back down.

    Thwap! I heard somewhere in my house and I cringed at the sudden noise that invaded the peaceful silence. I felt a bounce on my bed and someone yell, “Wake up Rev.! Time for practice!”

    “Fuck off, I’ve got a hangover!” I growled, burying my head in the pillows.

    “I know, isn’t it wonderful?” asked the voice and I recognized it.

    “If you don’t get the hell out Johnny, I’m going to crush your balls so you can never have kids with that woman Lacey!” I snarled, looking at him through squinted eyes.

    He got off my bed and covered his privates with his hands, “I think not!” he answered.

    I made to get out of bed, but he ran from my room, “Fucking asshole.” I muttered, lying back down as my headache worsened.

    A minute later though someone considerably heavier then Johnny jumped on me, “Get the fuck up Rev. and stop mopping around!” came Matt’s voice.

    “You fucking assholes, I’ve got a hangover and I’m not mopping!” I snarled at him.

    “So what? We all have hangovers, just not as bad as yours.” he replied, getting off me now.

    I rolled over onto my stomach, “Fuck you, I’m not going today.” I grumbled, closing my watering eyes.

    “You’re so stubborn when you’re got a hangover!” Matt growled and I heard a door slam, making me wince in pain.

    I groaned into my pillows and fell back to sleep after a few pained minutes. When I awoke the second time it was to soft kisses being placed around my throat, “About time you wake!” Bryan laughed, noticing my eyes had fluttered open, “How do you feel?”

    I sat up slowly, “Better. I don’t have a headache any more, so that’s a good sign.” I said slowly, rubbing at my eyes, “Guess I should go apologize to the band.”

    “I heard you were being a bitch this morning about being disturbed from sleep.” Bryan stated, looking me dead in the eyes.

    I blushed, “I was.” I admitted to him.

    “Then yes, that would be a good idea for you to do, lovely.” he answered with a small smile.

    I got up out of bed and got dressed quietly, “Umm… Artemis should be home soon. Just tell her I went to see Uncle Matt and I’ll bring something home for dinner.” I sighed, grabbing my keys ad ran a hand through my hair.

    Bryan wrapped his arms around my waist lightly, “You’re sounding like I’m just a housekeeper and not your boyfriend.” he whispered in my ear, placing a soft kiss to my neck.

    “I’m sorry, I was just thinking about something when I said that.” I answered.

    “About?” he asked, interest laced his voice lightly.

    I shrugged, turning to face him, “About some personal matters I need to deal with alone. I’ll be home later. I’m going to go by the cemetery before I come home.” I stated, leaving my room with him.

    “Okay.” he answered, “I’ll tell Artemis what you said and I’ll wait for you.”

    I nodded and opened the front door, “I’ll be back soon. I love you.” I breathed gently.

    “I love you more.” he giggled, “Don’t be long.”

    I leaned in and kissed his lips, “I won’t.” I said then left the house, got in my car, and headed to Matt’s place. I got there in ten minutes and knocked on the door, which was opened by Zacky, “Hey.”

    “Hey. Matt, Sleeping bitching Beauty is here!” he yelled over his shoulder with a grin.

    I stepped inside as Shadows approached me, “Oh look the bitch finally got up to join us.” he sneered at me.

    I shrugged at him, “Guess I deserve that, but you’re being a bitch too.” I replied, use to this kind of shit from M.

    He was a bitch also when he had a hangover; well everyone was when it came to that, “So? We still practiced with pounding headaches throughout the whole thing.” he muttered back, wince a little.

    I smirked at that, “Do I see the almighty Shadows flinching from a headache?” I laughed, poking him in the chest, which he swatted away.

    “No.” he growled, turning away from me.

    I followed him as he went to his lounge and sat in a chair next to the couch which was occupied by Zacky and Synyster and Johnny sat in another chair, “Look I came by to say I’m sorry for being a little butch this morning and not coming to practice.” I grumbled, putting my hands behind my back, “I’ve got to go because I’m going to the cemetery tonight.”

    “Rev., don’t go.” Johnny whispered, looking up at me from his seat.

    “Yeah, don’t go. It won’t serve any good to go to his grave.” Syn sighed, looking at me as well.

    I looked away from them both, “I know it won’t, but there is a peace I can find there and no where else.” I said, turning back in the direction of he front door.

    “You’ve found peace in your new boyfriend.” Shadows argued.

    I turned my head towards him and sadly smile, “No, actually I haven’t found peace there yet.” I murmured, walking to the door, “He’s only three years older then Mikey was when he died.Bryan’s 26 when my Mikey was only 23 on that fateful day of our lives.”

    I heard footsteps, “Rev.” Zacky’s voice halted me, “I want to go with you.”

    I faced him, “Why?” I asked curiously, knowing that none of them had gone to Mikey’s grave since the day of the funeral. A tear slipped down my face, “Why now? None of you have been to his grave in seven long years, Zacky. Why do you choose now to go?”

    He shrugged, “I don’t know. I just suddenly want to go to his grave with you.” He insisted softly.

    I opened the door, “Whatever.” I mumbled and went out to my car as he told Syn he was going with me. He got in a minute later and we took off to the cemetery nearby. I parked along side the road and we got out, went through the iron gates, passed by a few mourners at different graves until we came close to Mikey’s and I saw another person, two actually next to the grave. We approached slowly and I stepped on a dry twig, snapping it and the two people at grave looked up and I recognized them, “Gerard, Jonny it’s kind of surprising to see you here.”

    “Not as much as it is to see the person with you here.” Gerard replied, turning his attention back to the engraved tombstone, “We were just about to leave anyways.”

    He whispered something under his breath, patted the tombstone, and they both got up, “I’m so sorry, Gerard.” I whispered in his ear as I gave him a hug and Jonny too.

    He gave the same sad smile I had given Shadows, “It wasn’t your fault for what happened, James. It was fate who took control of things at that dreadful moment.” he rambled, “We’ll see you around.”

    I nodded and they took their leave, “Can you give me a few minutes alone?” I asked Zacky, who nodded and moved along, looking at other graves. I kneeled in front of the tombstone that read Mikey’s full name, date of birth and death and then a small piece of who he was to us all. I brushed my hand against the word lover and motherly figure in that small piece and another tear found its way down my cheek, “I miss you so very much that I don’t think this hole in my heart will ever be patched up again.”

    “It’ll patch up with time and love from Bryan.” answered his voice.

    I looked up to see his shimmering form sitting on top of his tombstone, a small smile upon his face and his eyes bright, “How can it? I cannot ever forgive myself for what I have done.” I breathed, wiping at my tears roughly.

    “Still a cowering, whimpering baby?” sneered another very familiar voice.

    “Oh go stick your head in a jar of sap, you two bitten villain!” Mikey yelled at the gleaming figure of Tripp.

    “Aw lovely, I rather fuck you then do that.” he answered him.

    “Oh you’re on your last strike now, Trippy.” Mikey laughed, which sounded like silver chimes, “One more bad move and you go straight to hell, though I wouldn’t mind if you went there.”

    “He’s in-?” I gasped.

    “Heaven? Yes, unfortunately he is, but one more move like that and he gets kicked out and straight to hell he goes.” Mikey finished, sticking his tongue out at him.

    I shook my head, confused by it all, “Why do you still love this baby? He’s worthless now and I don’t see why I wanted to kill him so badly when I was alive.” Tripp smirked evilly.

    “I remember quite well why.” he answered his question, “Because he had my love and you didn’t. He’s all I ever wanted and all I still want. Now go away. I believe you’re wanted up top since someone is interested in talking to you about your behavior.”

    Tripp’s image faded and Mikey looked back at me, “I’m so confused!” I whined, putting my head in my hands.

    I felt a shiver run down my spine when Mikey touched me, “It’ll make sense one day. Go home to Artemis and Bryan. They’re waiting for you and I’ll see you again some day.” he whispered and then he also faded.

    I shook my head as I heard Zacky return, “Are you alright?” he asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.

    I nodded and got up, “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go.” I said then place a hand on the tombstone lovingly and whispered, “I love you, Mikey. I’ll see you again one day.” Then we left and I took Zacky back to Shadows and then went home to my family.

Chapter Nine

    I put my head down on the bar for a second before I heard Johnny yell over the blaring music, “Hey Rev., are you sleeping over there?”

    I shook my head, “No, just can’t see right.” I answered back, raising my head off the bar to look at him. The world spun around me as I got up then I found myself on my ass on the floor. I grinned foolishly and threw my arms up, “I’m done!”

    The guys were laughing at me and I heard Matt, “I was starting to wonder how many it would take to get you intoxicated.”

    “I’m not drink, just tipsy.” I replied with a smile.

    “Bullshit! You’re drunk!” Zack yelled at me.

    “Fuck you! I can out drink you any day!” I replied, starting to get back up so I could stand.

    “Oh ho, but can you out drink us all?” Zack challenged softly in my ear, “Because if you can’t Syn and I can get you tonight.”

    I shook my head, “No. I’m not playing your games this time. I have a boyfriend now and I’m not going to lose him because of your games.”

    “Oh? Who is he?” Zack asked, interest laced dangerously throughout his voice.

    “That’s none of your business.” I stated, a small angry ball forming in the bottom of my stomach.

    I looked around and started walking away; well I was swaying more then just walking. I turned my head to look at my friends to see if any of them were following, but they were and I walked right into someone, “Hey watch it!” the guy yelled, turning to look at me.

    “Frank?” I asked, mildly surprised to see him here, “What are you doing here?”

    “Oh… hi James.” he said, looking away from me, “I was dancing before you stumbled into me.”

    “Yeah, sorry about that. I’ve got to go…someone’s expecting me home.” I said then started away when another guy walked up to Frank. I stopped and looked at him, “You’re Ronnie Radke?” I asked, surprised again.

    “Yeah, I believe that’s my name. Do I know you?” the guy asked.

    He was cute, just as cute as Bryan was, but he looked masculine while Bryan looked feminine, well you get my point. I shook my head, “No, not unless you got the pleasure of knowing the old drummer for the band Avenged Sevenfold.” I answered.

    He shook his head too, “I never got the pleasure but I know who you are now. The Rev. right?” he asked, taking Frankie’s hand in his own and Frank looked a little uncomfortable about this, “How’d you know my name?”

    “Through a ‘friend’. Yes it’s Rev.” I answered after a few seconds, “Frank, are you okay?”

    “Hmm… yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking.” he answered slowly.

    I stepped close to him again and whispered in his ear, “Bryan was right. You’re just as lucky as I am.”

    He looked at me shocked, “You know Bryan ‘Monte’ Money?” he questioned me.

    Ronnie snapped his fingers and shook a finger at me, “Okay this one I know about! You’re the guy that Bryan is housekeeper for, that’s why he has quit the band for a week or so. Lucky bitch, but I also know he was suppose to hook up with you too. Has that happened or are you giving him a challenge?” he asked with a wide smirk.

    “In ways it has, but others it’s a challenge for him because I’m not completely over my old lover.” I stated, looking away from them.

    “I’m sorry, James. I shouldn’t have done that to him that night.” Frankie sighed, looking down at his feet helplessly.

    “It wasn’t your fault Frank.” I muttered, gathering him into a hug, “It was ours. We didn’t think, we just reacted.”

    “It’s Frankie!” he laughed, wiping at the tears that had escaped while I had been whispering in his ear.

    “Well sorry, Frankie!” I giggled then smiled foolishly, “Could you guys give me a ride home?” I asked, “You know Artemis would like to see you again.”

    Frank looked at Ronnie who nodded, “Yeah we can give you a ride since you are obviously drunk and without transportation.” he said then they began to walk towards the front door.

    “I’m not drunk, just tipsy! Why does everyone say I’m drunk? There’s a different! I’d be passed out if I was drunk!” I exclaimed, following them.

    “You’ll pass out soon.” Ronnie said softly as we exited the club.

    “Whatever.” I muttered, getting into their car and they took me home.

    “Daddy!” I heard a voice yell and I was pounced on the moment I opened the house door, “Eww! You stink!” Artemis complained, standing up again.

    “I can only wonder why!” I heard Frankie say from outside.

    “Uncle Frankie?” Artemis questioned and then ran to him when she recognized his voice, “It is you!”

    “Babe, come help me since my rotten daughter cares more for her uncle!” I yelled, but he was probably going to let me suffer for a few minutes.

    “Bryan!” Ronnie yelled out for his friend.

    “What?” came his response.

    “You can’t just leave your lover on the floor you know?” he asked of Bryan, who was standing before us with a pair of shorts on and no shirt.

    He looked at me, his head tilted to the side a little, “Who says I can’t and who said he was my lover?” he questioned, a smirk playing on his lips.

    “Loving Rev said, but not straight out might I add.” he replied as they came inside, stepping over me.

    I groaned, “Will someone please help me up?” I asked, looking up at the ceiling while I still lay on my back.

    I heard a soft giggle, “Suppose I should help or I won’t get what I want.” Bryan said softy, taking my hand in his and pulled me up off the floor.

    I wrapped my arms around his waist when I stood and kissed him lightly on the lips, “You were close not to be getting anything from me.” I breathed in his ear.

    “I know I was.” he replied, “Now I’ve got a question for you Frank. Why’d you try to hide Ronnie from public?” Bryan turned in my arms to regard him.

    “I’ve… I’ve got a reputation that I didn’t want to ruin his.” he answered truthfully, wrapped up in Ronnie’s arms while they lounged on the couch.

    “A reputation that followed you from Europe.” I observed quietly.

    He muzzled his face into Ronnie’s chest, “I wish it hadn’t.”

    “That’s what happens sometimes.” I replied, kissing along Bryan’s neck slowly and bit the skin when I got to the base of his neck.

    “All this gay love is making me sick.” Artemis laughed, “I’m going to bed since I’ve got school tomorrow.”

    I smiled against Bryan’s skin at the statement, “Fine then go to bed and leave us to our fun.” I stated, running my fingertips down his bare chest.

    She waved her hands behind her as she climbed the steps up to the second floor where her room was, ours was on the ground floor, not that it bugged me and the guest room was on the second floor, “So where’s Max, Omar, and Robert?” Bryan asked, slipping out of my grasp and I groaned audibly.

    He looked at me as he sat in a chair across from them and grinned evilly, going to kneel in front of him. I slid my fingertips along the inside of his thighs, making his shiver softly and then I heard a groan and it wasn’t from Bryan either. I looked over to them, noting they had pulled a blanket over their laps, and Frankie’s eyes were bare slits, “You two had better not make a mess on my daughter’s favorite blanket.” I stated with a smirk that matched the one Ronnie had cause he thought I had an idea what he was doing to Frankie under that blanket.

    “They’re probably at their homes if I know any better.” Ronnie answered as I continued with my plans.

    Bryan I knew, was watching me as I brushed my fingertips over the bulge in his jeans and he gave a small whimper, wanting more then I was giving him, but he continued his conversation with Ronnie as I unbuttoned his jeans and slowly slid them down, “Go figure. Are they still dating?” he asked.

    “Who?” Ronnie asked, a slight pant evident in his voice and I kept my back to them as I slipped my lips over Bryan’s hard member.

    He gave a small sigh of relief as I slid up and down slowly, licking him and placing small kisses here and there, “Max and Omar.” he said, his fingers finding their way into my hair.

    “Nope they called it a quit a few days ago, actually the same night you left the band.” he answered and I could heard Frankie’s soft moans get louder as he got closer to his orgasm and I knew Bryan was close because his fingers tightened on my hair.

    I pulled away from him for a moment, blowing on his tip softly. I heard someone hit the ground and I turned around to look. Ronnie was on his knees in front of his love and I turned my back to them yet again, looking up into Bryan’s pleading eyes that begged me to finish what I had started, “Rev…” he groaned softly, pulling me back towards him.

    I giggled, “Okay, okay.” I slipped back over him as I heard Frankie groan louder then the rest of them and I knew he had reached his climax.

    There was shuffling for a minute then, “Still not there, Bryan?” came Frankie’s teasing voice from behind me and I felt someone against me.

    I tensed slightly and they moved away from me as he answered Frank, “No, but so…” he released his load into the back of my throat after one more hard suck, “close.” he finished his sentence and I laughed as I sat back away from him and admired the beauty before me. He smirked, “That was kinky. You guys can stay here for the night or go home and do what you please, but I’m going to bed now.”

    They sprawled out on the couch together, “We’ll stay.” they answered and I got up to follow Bryan to bed, “Night!” they yelled and we closed the door.

Chapter Eight

    I felt light breaths on my cheek and I rolled over onto my stomach. I then felt hands go down the back of my jeans and I opened my eyes, turned my head and looked into Bryan’s innocent eyes, “Welcome back to the living, sleepy head.” he whispered and kissed me softly on the cheek.

    I laid my head back on the pillows, “Mm hmm…” I grunted, closing my eyes again, trying to fall asleep again but Bryan wasn’t going to have it that now.

    “Rev. baby, play with me.” he sighed softly in my ear and I turned onto my back, looking up at him in the moonlight that flood my room again this dark night.

    He slowly undid my jeans, kissing down my bare chest as his fingers slipped over the rim of my jeans and the elastic band of my boxers pulling them down. He threw them across my room and pulled his own clothes off except his boxers, and they joined my jeans on the floor somewhere, “Bryan…” I groaned as he looked down at me with hungry eyes.

    He snaked back up my body and kissed me lightly on the lips, “Yeah baby?” he asked teasingly.

    “I need you.” I breathed softly.

    He wrapped his hand around my rock hard erection and my hips bucked involuntary upwards at the contact, “You want this?” he asked teasingly, giving me a few strokes, “Or do you need this?” he questioned again then his warm mouth enclosed around my length.

    I ran my fingers through his hair, “That.” I answered and my hips bucked again, making him take more of me into his mouth and I could feel him smile around me. I growled in the back of my throat as he began to slid up and down me, sucking softly, “Oh…” I gripped his hair as I felt a pressure increase just below my stomach as he picked up his speed and began to pick up his speed. A couple minutes later I released my load into the back of his throat with a rather loud moan and Bryan swallowed all that I gave him greedily, “Come here, beautiful.” I panted, gaining my breath back slowly.

    He crawled back up to me and I flipped us over so I was on top of him, carefully placing my weight on him. He giggled, feeling my once again hard erection against his leg as I laid between his legs, leaning on one arm for a little balance, “Want more now, Revvy?” he asked, running his fingers up and down my spine slowly.

    “I need more.” I whispered and started to push into him. He tensed, restricting me from any more movement, and I leaned down kissing along his neck, “Relax baby, it’ll be more pleasant for us both.”

    I felt him relax around me and I continued my movement, searching for his prostate. It took me a while to locate it, hey I haven’t done this in a while, so leave me alone, “Rev…” he moaned out loudly and I was afraid he was going to wake Artemis so I attached my lips to his, licking at his lower lip and he opened his mouth, permitting me to explore his mouth with my tongue as he did the same to me.

    I put my hands to the sides of his head as our kiss deepened and became more passionate as my thrusts picked up in speed, “Mmm…” I groaned into his mouth.

    He lifted his head off the pillows for a minute, his fingernails digging into my back, “Rev… harder, please.” Bryan begged against my ear, biting at my throat, and most were going to leave marks in the morning. He tossed his head back and closed his eyes as I obeyed his order, pressing harder into him. Time went by as his nails left scratch mark on my back and shoulders and then I heard him groan, “Oh god… so close…” he panted heavily, stroking himself in time with my thrusts and our sweat slicked body continued to rub against each other in the heat of our love.

    I knew I wasn’t going to last much longer, losing my fight to hold my orgasm back as long as I could, but that wasn’t for long as I moaned loud and released my load into Bryan and his spilled between us on our stomachs. I laid on top of him lightly then rolled off him, removing myself from him and I gathered him up to my sweaty chest, kissing his forehead, “Wonderful…” I sighed, kissing him again.

    “Aren’t we?” he asked, sleepiness apparent in his voice as he laid his head against my chest and caressed the skin of my stomach softly.

    “That we are, lovely, now go to sleep and I’ll see you in the morning light.” I replied quietly as we both drifted off to sleep.

    I felt a bounce on my bed and I opened my eyes, “Can’t a man get some decent sleep around here?” I asked, burying my face into Bryan’s short hair and tightened my arms around him.

    “Nope, now get up dad! Uncle Shads wants to see you sometime today. You know like before night decides to fall.” Artemis ordered, jumping up and down on the bed. I didn’t miss the death glare Bryan was giving her as he buried his face in the pillows again. I started pulling the blankets away from my body, “Hey can you wait until I get out of the room to do that? Jeez!” she exclaimed, jumping off the bed and ran out of the room, closing the door behind her.

    Bryan picked his head up for a minute, “Wow that was fast.” he giggled then dropped his head back on the pillow and started to go back to sleep.

    I pulled the blankets back over me and wrapped my arms around him again, “Shads can just wait until I feel content in moving from my warm bed and away from my new lover.” I muttered into his hair.

    There was a knocking on my bedroom door, “Rev. come on! You’ve got a practice to attend to this afternoon.” yelled M.’s voice from the other side of my door.

    “Okay nevermind, he’s going to drag me from my bed if he has too.” I groaned, getting up at that, “Fuck Shads it’s only morning!” I yelled back, pulling some boxers and pants on.

    I opened my door to looked at a smirking Shadows, “I take it you haven’t looked at a clock, have you?” he asked with a light shrug.

    “Do I look like I’ve done much? Fuck no I haven’t looked at a clock.” I growled at him.

    “My dear friend, it’s like three in the afternoon.” he replied and I looked at him shocked.

    “Is it really?” I asked confused.

    I was usually up by ten in the morning; “He’s right, baby.” came Bryan’s voice from my bed.

    Matt poked his head into the room and then looked at me, “Sleeping with your housekeeper are you?” he smirked again.

    “He’s my boyfriend too, thank you very much.” I blushed terribly, searching for a shirt.

    “Oh is he? It took you what seven years to get a new one and move on with your life?” he teased.

    “Shut up or you can keep your shitty drummer and I’ll continue to be a stay at home dad.” I threatened him, shaking a shirt at him too.

    He put his arms up in a protective manner while laughing, “I’d like to regain our title of best artist.” he said softly, “Hurry up, the guys are waiting at my house for us.”

    “I’ll be there in a minute. Let me get ready.” I said, pushing him out my door. I pulled my shirt on that I had in my hand, did my make-up and hair, and then sat on the bed next to Bryan. I leaned down and kissed him sweetly on the lips, “I guess I’ve got to go to practice, so I’ll see you later tonight, much later.” I sighed, “I have a feeling they’re going to take me out for drinks afterwards.”

    He smiled, “Well I’ll be here waiting and I’ll move from bed eventually, just haven’t figured out when.” he giggled, pressing his lips against mine again.

    I returned it then stood, “I’ll see you later, babe.”

    “Okay.” he answered, his voice muffled by the pillows again.

    I walked out of my room and almost walked into Matt, who stood just outside my door, “You brink wall, can’t you move?” I asked, laughing a little at his shocked look.

    “I’m not a brick wall.” he stated, walking to the front door with me.

    “You are too. You feel like one when someone walks right into you” I replied, opening the door and went out.

    “Whatever, Reverend.” he answered getting into his car and I got in the passengers side then left for his place.

Two days later~

    Well it’s been two days since Synyster showed up at my house beat up. Two days of sleeping on the couch and Artemis jumping on me to wake me up like she was about to right now, and two days that Bryan hasn’t talked to me, which made me a little sad and wanting him all the more especially when he bent over and those tight pants of his just beckoned to smack his ass. I felt a weight land on me, “All ready?” I groaned, opening my eyes slowly to look up at my daughter.

    She nodded, “It’s like ten in the morning, lazy bones! Time to get up and Uncle Zack needs some water for Uncle Syn.” she replied, getting off of me.

    “Well go get them the water and I’ll get up eventually.” I said, rubbing at my eyes.

    “Okay.” she responded and I heard her run off to the kitchen.

    I sat up slowly, still rubbing at my eyes when I heard, “Rev?”

    I opened my sleepy eyes again to look at Zacky standing above, “Yeah Zack?” I asked, hanging my hands between my legs.

    “Umm… can we take Syn home?” he asked softly, sitting next to me.

    I thought for a moment, “I don’t think that would be the best thing to do right now, man. He’s pretty beat up and shit, and I’m scared we’ll hurt him more if we move anymore then we have too.” I answered, putting an arm around his shoulders, “Everything will be all right, Zacky, you’ll see. Brian’s too tough be to beat by something like this.”

    He leaned against me as a sigh escaped his full, pierced lips, “He’s been raped and cut up, Rev.” he muttered softly, “He told me yesterday, but I just didn’t want to believe it then. I just didn’t know what to do about it, you know? How the hell does a guy as big as my Syn get raped?”

    I looked at the top of Zack’s head shocked, “I don’t know… Who would want to do that to him anyways? I don’t think he has any enemies, but like the old saying goes keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.” I said as Artemis came into the room.

    “Here Uncle Zacky.” she handed him the water and he smiled at her.

    “You are the best adopted niece I could ever have, baby girl.” he said as he got up and headed back towards my bedroom as Bryan came out to the lounge and started rearranging things around and teasing me.

    Goddamn it I’ve got to make it up to him or he’s going to hate me for all time. I thought and then Artemis leaned in and whispered in my ear, “Getting a little aroused, dad? Will you just go have your way with him and be happy again.”

    I looked up at her and smiled wickedly, “I might and I might not. He kind of hates me right now.” I answered softly so he couldn’t hear our conversation but Artemis had other ideas.

    “Bryan.” she said and he turned to look at her, “Do you hate my dad right now?”

    He shook his head, “No madam, I do not hate Mr. Sullivan. I’m disappointed in him that’s all.” he stated then went back to cleaning.

    “See dad he doesn’t hate you, only disappointed and I can only wonder why.” she replied sarcastically.

    “I know why, I don’t need to wonder.” I responded softly, not moving from my position on the couch.

    “Well get your lazy ass off the couch and go make things right, before mom has to kick your ass in your sleep.” she giggled; apparently she knew something I didn’t.

    “All right, all right I’m going.” I said and got off the couch, moving towards Bryan, who kept his eyes averted from me though he knew I was approaching him, “Mr. Money?”

    He finally turned to look at me, “Yes, Mr. Sullivan?” he asked, but I picked the amusement out in his eyes.

    “Will you forgive me for being an asshole to you two days ago?” I asked with a small smile.

    “I’ll think about it.” he answered and turned away from me.

    I grabbed his hips and grinded into his ass, “How much time do you need to think?” I asked seductively in his ear.

    He turned around in my arms and kissed me hard and fast, “I take that back, I forgive you.” he said and I heard Artemis laughing on the couch.

    “You are too odd, dear Bryan!” she giggled into my pillow on the couch as she watched us.

    “Us together doesn’t seem to bother you, dear.” he answered softly.

    “Why the hell should it?” she asked right back.

    I looked at her shocked, “Artemis! Don’t say that word!” I exclaimed then we both busted up laughing at that.

    “I’ve seen my dad and mom together since I was two and then there’s all my uncles pretty much, except Ray and Bob and Jonny’s friends, so no it doesn’t bother me one bit. Now dad take your new lover into the guest room and fuck him.” she ordered.

    “Okay you really can’t say that word, and I don’t want to fuck him right now, maybe later though. Things are going to be taken easy with this one.” I stated, looking at him and he nodded slowly.

    “I understand.” he replied and placed a ghostly kiss on my lips, “Now if you don’t mind I’ve got to clean, and you can have me later then.”

    He moved to a different room and I sat on the couch, “Well you can sleep in his bed now instead of the couch, and I can jump on both of you.” she said as the doorbell rang. She looked out the window then jumped up, “Oh shit! I forgot he was coming over today!”

    I looked out the window to see a red spiked hair guy standing at my front door, “Baby girl, who’s that?” I asked as she ran off.

    She stopped in the doorway, “Umm…he’s a umm… a friend.” she mumbled, blushing bright red.

    I grinned, “Friends with benefits?” I asked, following her towards the door.

    “If I’ve got to be completely honest, yeah, actually he is. He’s the one that’s been getting me in trouble with teachers and the one I told you was really hot.” she answered then opened the door to reveal the culprit who’s been getting my daughter in trouble.

    If I was twenty years younger and he was gay, I would have been attracted to him too. He had a perfect eyebrow piercing and his whole right arm was done in tattoos. My daughter had good taste in guy if I must say, “Hi Mr. Sullivan, I’m Billy Ross. I’m friends with your daughter.” he said in a soft, shy kind of voice, holding his hand out, which Artemis grabbed before I could shake it.

    “Come in.” she urged and pulled him in. She was a rough one sometimes and this was one of them.

    “Hi Billy.  I rather you call me Rev. I’ve got to get use to it again.” I replied, looking them both over for a minute.

    “You mean… Artemis you never said your dad was the old drummer for the awesome heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold!” he exclaimed, turning to look at her with disbelief.

    I looked at her in mock horror, “Darling, you never told your friends who I was? Shame on you and you call the guys your uncles!” I was giggling by the time I finished my sentence at her displeased look.

    “Oh shove a sock in it! Don’t you need to be helping Uncle Zacky and Uncle Synny?” she asked right back, hitting me in the arm lightly, “Or teasing Bryan about his cleaning?”

    “Aw what’s wrong with his cleaning? I think it’s just fine.” I answered and she stomped off with Billy right behind her.

    “It was nice meeting you, Mr. Sullivan, Rev.” Billy said as he was shoved into Artemis’s room.

    She gave me the finger and I yelled, “Don’t give me that or your friend will have to leave and you can clean that dirty room of yours.”

    “Whatever.” I heard her yell back.

    I went and laid on the couch again, closing my eyes and breathing deeply, “Problems with that rascal you call a daughter?” came a slightly raspy voice.

    I opened my eyes to se Synyster standing in the doorway, “Aren’t you suppose to be laying down, healing?” I asked, sitting up and concern in my eyes, “When don’t I have problems with her?”

    “You know well that nothing can keep me down for too long even something as bad that had happened to me. You always seem to have problems with her.” he stated, walking into the lounge and sat on the couch with me when Zack came in and sat on his lap lightly, “We’re going home today. You need your bed and I need my house in general.”

    “There’s no stopping him, Rev. I’ve already tried and I failed miserably.” Zack said, smiling a little, “Don’t worry we didn’t fuck in your bed. That’s one reason we’re going home right now.”

    I laughed wholeheartedly, “You’ll never change will you? No don’t answer that, I already know that answer!” I said, hitting them both teasingly.

    “And you’re no different. I heard that Bryan guy is your lover now.” Syn smiled lightly, “I can’t blame you, he’s really hot!”

    Zack got up and hit him, “God Brian! There’s goes your chance of getting laid tonight after all!” he giggled and walked away.

    “Well got to go, later Rev.” Syn said and went after Zack, “Baby, you know I was teasing. I love you more then anyone!” I heard him yell.

   I got up giggling, “Those two are so odd some days.” I muttered to myself and gather my pillows and blankets and went to my room to take a nap.