Monday, 4:02 PM….

I fingered the collar a moment as I carefully lounged out, licking my lips from the dryness of the air. This would be beautiful chaos, a glorious devastation.

The door unlocked with tantalizing slowness, like the world seemed to break down into slow motion, frame by frame. Jesse looked up from fiddling with the keys. His left hand was shoved into his sweatshirt pocket.

“I’m back-OH MY…..KELLIN!” He screamed. I perched lazily against the back of the couch. His wide eyes reflected shock, and then anger. I laughed quietly. Jesse ran off the bus, slamming the door behind him.

“Oh my, dear Jesse. You must go and consult your superiors, never making a decision for yourself.” I clucked as soon as he was out. As tempting as it was to lock them out of their own bus….that was for stage two.

Footsteps and yelling approached the bus. I remained in my same position as the rest of the band stomped through the door. I raised an eyebrow, waiting to see what they’d do. I’ll just proudly wear a smile right through it.

One by one, they all entered their front lounge, standing amidst the mess. Kellin was glaring at me, fuming.

“You wanted a bitch, you got one.” I stated darkly, boldly. Kellin seemed to snarl.

“I’ll get the whip.” Gabe growled and I shrugged lightly, standing up with my delicate arms crossed over my chest.

“Eh, don’t waste your energy looking for it. It’s long gone.” My glance flickered to the large garbage truck that had just rounded the corner. Timing is an ass to these people.

Jack knelt to the ground, touching the papers that littered the floor. All their eyes scanned the ground, looking at their belongings tossed about the area like leaves.

Pity. I should’ve tossed them onto the main street.

Then, they all started yelling at once. I made out their curses and their demeaning words. However, they didn’t sting. They were empty, lost. Honestly, they were just trying to figure out what to do next. They had not devices with which to torture me. They were helpless. Chris hadn’t trained them for this situation.

Beginners are idiots.

“YOU! NEVER LEAVING MY SIGHT AGAIN!” Jack managed to mangle out as he fisted a stack of papers. I shrugged, still looking smug.

“Wasn’t planning on it.” I scoffed. Kellin came up and immediately slapped me right across my face. I stumbled backwards from the force, but came up smiling.

“Come on, man! Do it again! You can’t hurt me!” I chuckled, feeling free. Kellin just made an angrier face. Justin came and grabbed my throat, immediately choking me. I struggled against the strong man, but smiled, even though I couldn’t feel my lips.

“Can’t…breathe…” I choked out with a faint laugh. Right when stars shot across my vision, Gabe eventually pried Justin off me. I dropped to both knees, clutching my stomach like I might puke.

“You should’ve held on longer.” I challenged with a soft smirk. Justin growled, but Gabe hauled me to my feet by my shirt. The others started to collect the things around them, knowing that if they made me clean up, I would just create more of a mess.

“Rory should learn to behave properly.” Gabe growled into my ear. I closed my eyes, starting to feel the color return to my cheeks.

“Kellin should learn not to rely on Rory to behave properly, sir.” I shot back at him. He sighed, grabbing my wrists in his free hand. He shook his head, as if he was tired, but didn’t act further.

“Lock her in the back lounge.” Jesse commanded and Gabe immediately dragged me to the back, locking me in.

“Are you going to behave or do I have to knock you out?” The man threatened. I took a seat on the couch, batting my long eyelashes to him.

“Oh, I’ll be an obedient pet, sir.” I murmured sweetly. With a shake of his head, Gabe closed the door, the familiar lock sounded.

I couldn’t believe that worked as well as it did.

Notes