Strength in Numbers

I cleared my throat softly. "Ugh, Jared?"

"What?" he grumbled, not even looking up from his paperwork.

I swallowed. "I, ugh, it's stupid, it can wait until you're not busy," I rushed out. I turned to walk away, my eyes set on the floor when he caught my elbow.

I turned to meet his tired, but smiling, eyes. "Sorry, Sil, I thought you were the merch girl. She's adorable but the poor thing's got hot air for brains and has been pestering me every five minutes. What's up?"

"I was, ugh, wondering if maybe you could hook me up with some private space like an unused dressing room or something when we're at venues?"

He chuckled. "Need to get away from the boys? I don't blame you. Sure thing, sweetie, need anything specific?"

I shrugged. "An outlet to plug my computer into and internet will be fine."

He smiled. "I can do that. We're only here until after the show tonight, but next stop I'll getcha a spot to work."

I smiled back. Jared always was a sweet guy. "Thanks so much." As I walked back to the bus I ran into Alan.

"Hey babe," he pressed a kiss to my forehead, "What'd ya need from Jared?"

"Just some quiet space and wifi so that I can get work done while I'm held hostage." He frowned. "Oh c'mon it was a joke. Lighten up, princess." I pressed a quick kiss to his lips before continuing back to the bus.

I was a dozen yards away from the bus when something smacked my ass, hard.

I jumped and spun around to see Vic. "Hey there, sexy." He always had been a frisky drunk, and he had certainly been drinking.

"Vic go back to your bus, you're drunk."

He pouted. "But I can't go alone, it's dark. Come with me?"

I sighed, knowing he wouldn't go back to his bus if I just left him there. "C'mon, Fuentes." He swung his arm around my shoulders, stumbling. I sighed, but wrapped an arm around his waist. I was pissed as all hell at him, his brother, and Tony for being assholes, but Vic was my friend before Warped, and I couldn't just leave him stumbling about in the dark.

I lugged Vic back to his bus and knocked on the door. Mike answered in only sweatpants, his boxers peaking out above his waist band. "What the fuck is this?"

I sighed. "This is your very wasted brother, Mike." What'd you think it was dumbass?

"What'd you do?!"

I rolled my eyes. "Your drunk brother smacked my ass and started hitting on me. Now please take him and put him to bed, he's a heavy little fucker."

The larger Fuentes took the smaller from my grip. Vic complained and turned to grab at the air in my direction. "No! Come with me!" I never said he was smooth, just frisky.

Once I heard the faint "thunk" of Vic flopping into his bunk, I turned and walked away.

"Wait!" I spun to see Mike jogging after me. When he reached me he shot me a grin. "Thank you, really. We were starting to get worried when he wasn't answering his phone." I nodded and went to turn away again, but was caught in one of Mike's signature, bone crushing hugs. "Really, thank you so much. Vic and Danielle have been fighting a lot lately and it's wearing on him."

"I, ugh, you're welcome?" I squeaked. I was taken aback by his kindness. Mike had been one of my first Warped hook-ups and we had become friendly, but he was one of the first to turn on me when he saw Alan and I yelling.

He let go of me and stepped back, his cheeks a light shade of pink. He rubbed the back of his neck for a moment before he finally blurted out, "Sorry. Not just for making you feel uncomfortable just now, but for everything. I really appreciate you bringing my brother back safe, it really means a lot. He's really not in great shape right now."

I nodded and shot him a grin. "Sure thing, Mike."

I turned to walk away again, and this time, thankfully, I wasn't stopped. I didn't want to deal with anymore drunk Fuentes brothers, or confusing Fuentes brothers, or grumpy tour managers, or boyfriends. My anxiety about everything has finally worn me down and all I wanted was to sleep.

I trudged onto the bus, eyes heavy, and yawning.

"You look like a zombie," Tino chuckled.

I gave him the finger as I passed. I kicked off my shoes and jumped into my bunk. I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow.

Notes

Kind of a short filler, but hey, it's something. Do the commenty/ratey/subscribey thing please and thank you. :) Also feel free to message me guys, I love talking to people! Enjoy, loves! - Anna