When I woke up, that heavy lump that was the memory of last night clung to my mind. It was sticky like gum in my hair, yet had no touch to it. Jake wasn’t in my bed, like usual, but had remained with Alan.

Well, at least he had a good relationship for him.

I let out a little sigh and rolled out of bed. Changing into a JAGK shirt, I pulled on some longer athletic pants and got ready for the day. I just hoped that today would be better.

Twelve hours later…

We had been on the road for a little while, but had stopped to see the coastline and get to walk around. There was a little town that had the BEST cinnamon rolls and so we had to stop there and get a dozen or so. Alan scarfed his down, but I savored the satisfying flavor.

Right now, we had parked in the back lot by an ocean side. Four out of five of the original band members were going to one of the bars around here. They always seemed to be looking for a good drink.

Of course, Austin had volunteered to stay behind since I was under aged.

“What movie do you want to watch?” He questioned me, glancing in my direction curiously. We sat further away than normal. I knew it was because of last night.

“Man of Steel?” I asked. He nodded and slipped in the disk. We both settled into the couch, watching the opening credits. I was always more of a Marvel person, but I enjoyed watching Man of Steel all the same.

“Do you want a blanket?” He asked. I nodded and he got up, pulling out my black ampersand fleece cover. Jake snored on in my bunk. He came back and gave it to me. As I glanced up to the screen, unfolding the fabric as it draped over my legs.

“Aus, do you want to share?” I asked curiously. It was like I was walking on a tightrope. This situation could fall into awkward or kind of cute. I hoped it would fall into the good direction.

“Sure.” He smiled weakly as the sound roared. He moved closer as we sat together. The bus was completely dark except for the coffee maker with its dim blue lights. As we adjusted the blanket so that it was equally divided between us, our arms settled so they just touched. It felt like electric sparks jumped between us, like two lives wires.

I wasn’t bothered at all.

Half way through the movie, I must’ve drifted off because when I next opened my eyes, I didn’t remember getting to this part of the film and my head was up against Austin’s shoulder. I didn’t mind this either.

We continued watching the movie, as if nothing had happened, as if this was normal. My eyes were drooping all the way until the end. Austin nudged me, staring down at my limp form. I might as well have been asleep.

“Awake, yet?” He asked kindly. I blinked away spots as the TV shut off. Austin set down the remote. The two of us just sat in the silence for a moment.

“So when are the guys coming back?” I yawned. Austin stretched in the black of the bus.

“They didn’t say.” He muttered. I sighed and got up. If I moved quickly, or quickly-ish, I could get to bed and fall asleep in two minutes or less.

“Okay.” I sleepily muttered. Austin followed me a few feet before he caught my arm. I turned to him, looking at him in the dark. I saw just enough from the dim lights of the overhead lamp in my bunk. We stood in the aisle, just like last night.

“I enjoyed watching the movie tonight.” He smiled. I rubbed the tiredness out of my eyes and returned the gesture.

“I did to.” I murmured. Before I knew it, he had wrapped his arms around me, giving me a quick hug. I leaned into his chest, looking up at him.

“So, maybe another movie night?” His dazed voice responded. It was just like he was talking to fill up empty air, kill the silence between us. It seemed like it was the start of that moment we had yesterday.

“Yeah, sounds good.” I responded in the same airy voice. I sighed a little as it seemed like the space around us closed, the rest of the bus dropped off, and we were left in solo air.

ALAN IS NOT HERE. ALAN. IS. GONE.
KISS ME, DORK!

I screamed over and over, trying to mentally tell him to make his move. My eyelids fluttered closed as the air was shared and heat started to tingle in my fingertips.

“HEY! We’re back!” The door was flung open and four rowdy and buzzed boys stumbled into the bus, collapsing wherever there was open space. Austin and I stepped back, separated yet again.

I nearly cried out with frustration. It wasn’t only Alan this time, but the rest of the boys. At this moment, I could’ve taken a pillow and beat the snot out of each of them.

Austin looked just as ticked off.

“Heyyy, what have you guys been doing?” Alan stumbled to get a glass of water. I sighed.

“Just going to bed.” I grumbled and slipped into my bunk, nearly elbowing Jake in the side. He twitched on his side, but didn’t awaken from his dreams. I took my pug and hugged him closer. Austin’s bunk creaked as he got into it and settled under the blankets. My own head ducked under the thin sheets of my mattress. I left the blanket out on the couch, but couldn’t go out and get it. My brain went fuzzy as I dove into a world of dreams where I was happy and NOT disturbed in the middle of an amazing moment.

I couldn’t bear to think of the two missed opportunities right now.

Notes

^^^^^Sums up what we feel at the end of the chapter. *screams into pillow*

BUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OUR WONDERFUL SHIP, RAVELYN?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!


(If you can't tell, I really like gifs XD)