memories.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Cole’s exclamation brings Dakota to the living room where Cole stands, staring out the small window in shock.

“What is it?” She cranes her neck to try and see but Cole gently pushes her back, blocking the view.

“It’s nothing.” She gives him look of contempt. “Just let me see.” He sighs but moves aside regardless.

It’s Alan. He’s standing there like an idiot in front of Cole’s apartment, guitar in hand. He’s singing, and even though it’s occasionally pitchy, she can’t help the flood of adoration that comes for the boy that used to hold her heart.

“No, I’m never gonna leave you darling.
No, I’m never gonna go regardless.
Everything inside of me is living in your heartbeat.
Even when all the lights are fading,
Even then if your hope was shaking,
I’m here holding on.”

He stares straight through the window to her.

“I’m hanging on a line here, baby.
I need more than if's and maybe's.
We’ll come down from the highest heights
Still searching for the reason why.
And now I know what it’s like,
Reaching from the other side.
After all that I’ve done.”

“I will always be yours forever and more.
Through the push and the pull,
I still drown in your love
And drink 'til I’m drunk.
And all that I’ve done,
Is it ever enough?”

She moves towards the door, planning on running out there and flinging herself into his arms, but as she does so Cole grabs her wrist.

“Don’t you remember how he hurt you?” She nods, an exasperated look on her face. “Of course I do.”

“And you’re just going to go back to him like that?” Now Cole is the exasperated one.

“I can’t distance myself from everyone, Cole. I just have to trust.” He shakes his head, so disappointed. His eyes harden as he glares at what used to be his best friend.

“If you’re going to go back to him, I want you to know that our relationship will be strictly business. I’m not going to stand by and watch you hurt yourself like that.” Her face is downcast as she toes the wooden floor. “Fine. I’ll be by to pick up my things later.” And with that, she quietly opens the door and lets herself out.

Alan stands straight as a board once he catches sight of her.

“I’m so, so sorry. I have a habit of pushing people away and drinking a bit too much and I know that’s no excuse but I understand if you’ll never forgive me and-”

“Alan,” she interrupts, smiling, “slow down before you hurt yourself.” He takes a deep breath before flinging his arms around her in a hug.

She stiffens before relaxing a bit, the feeling of being in his arms overwhelming every worried thought in her mind.

“Let’s go, Sunshine.”

“Where?” She asks, puzzled.

“Does it matter?”

//

“This is crazy. This is insane. Why am I agreeing to this?” He slides his arms around her waist, kissing her on the cheek.

“Because you love me. And you’re getting to experience what having your own concerts would be like.” She just shakes her head, smiling at her boyfriend.

They had talked about her starting a band seriously since their reunion. Now that she and Cole weren’t exactly on speaking terms, she had total control of the idea the band would go to. It didn’t hurt that between Alan, Austin, and their managers, they had an ample list of applicants they could contact.

“Ew,” Phil jokes, passing them to load a suitcase onto the bus. The boys had splurged and instead of having to live in a van for two months, they were going to be enjoying the fine life. Well, the fine life according to band members.

“Come on you lovebirds!” Austin shouts after sticking his head out of the bus door.

Dakota blushes and walks hand in hand with Alan, ready for anything.

Notes

wowie.