Friday, January Fourth, 6:03 P.M….

“Austin, are you sure?” I stuttered to him. He nodded as he slipped on a shirt. I looked up from my book to him. All Time Low and You Me at Six had just pulled up. Their vehicles were purring in the back lot. I peered out the window, watching as the shadows of four boys I knew well flashed across the window.

Austin, Aaron, Phil, Tino, and Alan had all talked about this for a while now. We had a plan for tonight. Each band had a half hour long set. The show started at eight with YM@6. They would play for a half hour and I would be with both bands waiting backstage. ATL would go next, and I would hang with the two other bands. OM&M was the last band to go and the other two would be the ones to hang out with me, making sure Chris or any of the others attempted to snatch me. You Me at Six had been warned about people attempting to kidnap me, but they weren’t given any more details. They didn’t need to be dragged into this whole mess.

The plan was simple. We had two hours. Right up until the sets started, I would be with at least two band members at any time up until the show starts. Once the show starts, I hang with a band. I stay side stage the entire time. There would all be people watching me. They would surely notice someone dragging me away. Once the show ends, I stick with the guys and go back to the bus.

“I’m very sure of this. Chris or Kellin wouldn’t dare to mess with any of us.” Austin threw me a confident smile. I returned it, but went back to watching out the window. Just past the buses was a large field that led out to a quiet road. The city was just beyond that. I gulped a little. Grass swayed in the wind, dancing and bending to the power of a nearby ocean’s gust.

“You’re right.” I mumbled. Austin came up behind me, pulled me up from my kneeling position on the couch to stand up. I smiled weakly and leaned into his chest.

“I’m not going to let them hurt you again.” Austin purred lowly in my ear. I nodded and buried my face in his shirt, inhaling the scent. Alan came into the room, leaning on my shoulder.

“I’m a cat.” He mumbled as he pawed at my arm. Austin grinned wider and let go of me.

“Hello, Alan.” I chuckled. He was the weirdest, most random ginger I knew, but he was awesome nonetheless. I patted his fiery top of ginger hair and jumped as I heard the knocks at the door. I fell back into Austin, who pushed me to stand up again.

“Don’t worry, it’s just someone I invited over to see you.” He whispered. I looked up to him in confusion. Phil got up and opened the door. Four figures tumbled in. Aaron looked up from his book. I poked my head out from behind the tall man and looked at it.

No. Way.

“Zack?” I whispered. A man turned around, his face lighting up into happiness. I stepped out and he took two large strides and scooped me up into a hug tight enough for me to ask for air.

“Rory!” He cried out. My arms circled around him and I buried my face into the crook of his neck. He was so familiar and so friendly. I nearly cried from his absence. His tattooed arm continued to hold me closer.

“Can’t…breathe…” I panted. I mean, this boy had a death grip! Then again, he worked out twenty four/seven, so he was ripped.

“Oh, sorry.” He bent down and kissed my cheek. I smiled feebly and my eyes flickered to Austin. Zack caught where my glance was going and winked.

“We talked over the phone.” He whispered. My eyes widened in confusion.

“And…?” I trailed.

“He promised he’d share you.” Zack laughed softly in my ear. I looked back to Austin. He gave me a thumbs up, letting me know that it was alright, and went to talk to Phil. These boys were amazing and so sweet.

“That’s good.” I kissed his nose. He squeezed my hand tightly.

“RORY!” Jack, Alex, and Rian all cried at the same time. Zack barely had a moment to back away before the three came crashing into me, engulfing my body in a hug. I was drowning in a sea of love. I tried to wrap my arms around all of them. I laughed lightly and fell into their side.

“You look like you’re doing well!” Rian smiled. I think he was referring to the PTSD and RTS. I nodded.

“Better than before.” I shrugged. Jack pushed the other two off of me. I noticed he was wearing his boner shirt. Oh, Jack. What are we going to do with him?

“Um, nice shirt?” I commented shyly. Jack laughed and picked me up in his arms. I held onto his neck for dear life.

“Thank you! I feel like it’s a good shirt for every occasion.” He winked at me. Jack sat down on the couch, still holding me in his arms. Alex stood in front of him, tapping his foot.

“Hello, Alex.” I greeted quietly. He ruffled my hair affectionately and grinned.

“Hey, Rory. So I see that Austin and the guys are treating you well?”

“Of course.” I nodded. Jack held me tighter and sighed. “Just like old times.” I heard him murmur. Alex smiled at me before scowling at Jack.

“Jack Bassam Barakat, you put her down this instant. Orion is not a doll.” Alex commanded. Alan eyed me in the corner. I shrugged.

“But she’s pretty like one!” Jack whined. I blushed and hid my face in his shoulder. Alex chuckled. “Aw, she’s adorable when she blushes!”

“Come on, Barakat. Time to put down Rory.” Alex said again. Jack pouted.

“NO!” He jutted out his chin in protest. Alex leaned forward and flicked his nose, eliciting a grumble of complaint from the guitarist. Jack grumbled and dropped me and I swung myself to stand, going over to stand by Zack. He snuggled wrapped an arm around my waist and held me tight. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the moment.

The boys stayed until it was 7:40. The night sky was dark and I could heard the cars park out front, getting ready for the concert. It was like a thousand feet were anxiously tapping on the ground, waiting for the boys to come out. Austin sat on the couch, reviewing the songs they were going through for tonight. I sat silently next to him.

That’s when the door knocked.

“Are we expecting someone?” Alan asked quietly as he looked up from his guitar. Everyone glanced at one another. No one answered what band it was supposed to be. I checked out the window. It was dark out, but a figure stood under the window.

I swear, it was Jesse.

“Oh no.” I whispered and ducked into the back lounge, locking the door behind me. All the blinds were pulled, but I decided to hide under the couch, ducking into an extra blanket.

“Wait here.” Tino whispered through the door. I silently tried to steady my racing heart. It refused to calm down. The bands were here.

They’ve come for me.


Austin’s POV

Phil opened the door, setting down his guitar to answer the three short knocks. We all glanced at one another. A silent look passed through each of us.

Don’t let them in. Don’t tell them about Rory.

Aaron locked eyes with me. Tino came out from the back lounge door, nodding in my direction. I peered around the edge. A very tall, very dark looking man stood there. The piercing shone dully.

“Hello there, Phil.” Chris Motionless smiled. Behind him stood the rest of his band, anxiously waiting.

“Nope.” And Phil slammed the door in Chris’ face. I just couldn’t help but laugh!

“PHIL, THAT IS NOT HOW WE TREAT GUESTS.” Aaron declared loud enough that surely the other band would hear them. Phil grumbled something, grinned, and sat down next to me. Alan was next to open the door.

Stay friendly. Act nice.

Isn’t that what our mother had told us when we were younger? Play nice with others, despite how much you want to punch them in the face.

Alan opened the door, once again letting light escape to peer on their faces. Chris was still smiling happily. Balz waved in the background.

“Hello, Motionless crew. We didn’t….expect you…to be around the area. How can I help you?” The ginger princess leaned against the doorframe, blocking their entrance to the bus. Chris slyly peered over his shoulder. I waited quietly for them to leave.

“We just came to say hello and wish you guys a good show! Do you mind if we step in?” Ryan answered sweetly. Aaron and I glanced at each other once again. Tino raised his head, looking down on the others as he leaned against the bunks, a pair of drumsticks in his hand.

“Actually, we were just practicing. Come visit us later, though.” Alan grinned his usual please-don’t-bother-me grin. Ryan pouted.

“Please? It’s windy out here.” He complained. Alan started to close the door on them.

“Sorry, later!” He excused and locked the door to be sure. I sighed audibly and went to get Rory.


Rory’s POV

It has been an hour since Motionless in White attempted to invade our bus. After Austin retrieved me from hiding out under the couch, he kept me by his side at all times. We walked into the large concert venue.

It was called Tempest Wave and people were shoulder to shoulder in every row. The stage opened up into a large room with no ceiling. It was kind of like a football stadium, to be honest, except that it had no rows. All the people were packed in like tuna.

I stood backstage with the band. The You Me boys had come by to say hi before walking to the side of the stage, ready to get on. Stage hands bustled about everywhere, getting the equipment to different parts of the stage and handing the guitars to different players.

Zack came over to me. He smiled and gave me a hug. I saw a bass tech standing in the corner with his pink bass that glittered in the stray light. It was fairly dark back here because most of the light had to illuminate the front stage.

“Are you excited to watch, Rory?” He asked. I nodded happily, trying to distract myself from the thoughts of two bands out there, hiding in the dark, and ready to take me back.

“I am! What song are you playing first?” I asked him. I had most of their songs on my ipod…which was with Ricky.

“We’re playing That Girl first.”

“Oh, I love that one.” I grinned. It was fake, plastic. My eyes darted around the room, glancing for any sign of Chris…or Ricky. If I saw Ricky, I wouldn’t be too afraid, but cautious. If I saw Ricky, then I would know the rest were around.

“It’s a good song. I hope you enjoy our set.” He kissed my forehead before going off to hang out with Rian, who was busy drumming on assorted objects. I love drummers. They make an instrument out of anything.

“Hey, so remember to stay with one of the boys when we’re on, okay?” Austin came up behind me.

“I know.” I responded simply. He smiled and linked his fingers through mine. I leaned against his shoulder. I thought I caught a movement, a figure that looked like Kellin, in the corner and jumped, hiding behind Austin.

“Hey, it’s okay. It was just our guitar tech.” He purred to me. I nodded, biting my lip hard to hold myself from crying out.

It was already nine o’clock. Austin, Alan, Tino, Phil, and Aaron were all walking out to the side of the stage. Austin held up his hand to Alan, whispering something to him. The ginger nodded and I saw Austin run back to me. He grabbed my hand, pressing something into it.

“Austin, you’re going to be late!” I urged. Austin laughed and folded my hand around something. It was paper.

“I don’t care! This is my phone number. If you call it tonight, one of the techs will pick up. Just tell them whatever is happening to you or if you get lost. They’ll find you, don’t worry.” He promised.

“Oh, thanks.” I murmured. He gave me a quick hug.

“Stay safe.” He whispered before tilting my chin up to meet his lips. He kissed me, one full of farewell and wishes of safety. Within a nanosecond, he was gone, running back to the band and running around the corner. I took the paper, gently unfolding it and looking at his loopy handwriting. Shoving it into my pocket, I sighed and sat down on one of the drum boxes.

“Hey, you okay?” Jack asked. I nodded, looking up at him.

“Yeah.” I answered softly. Jack bumped my shoulder playfully. I heard Austin start screaming just a few walls away.

“Hey, you wanna watch? I’m sure if I ask nicely, we can go stand on the side of the stage.” Jack asked. I nodded and walked out of the room behind him. Zack waved. I returned the gesture as we left the dark room to enter a bright hall. I blinked a couple of times as Jack led me down ten feet to another door. The sounds of the blaring music were louder here.

I looked over my shoulder. It felt like someone was watching. No one was there. All I saw was a door that said exit and had an arrow pointing around a corner.

Jack took my hand and pulled me through the door and behind the curtain. Techs were rushing everywhere and some spoke softly into sets. A man approached him, basically yelling over the music that Jack couldn’t be back here. Jack pointed to me, the curtain, and the then himself. The man’s eyes relaxed and allowed us through. We made our way to the side of the stage.

The crowd was huge! It was a sea of moshing bodies and people being smashed up against the barrier. The band was out on the stage under harsh lights that flickered like strobes. Austin bounced around the stage and Alan threw his guitar high in the air. My breath caught as the instrument lingered overhead before the ginger nimbly caught it. I let out a breath of relief.

Tino glanced in our direction, eyes wide. I pointed at Jack and the drummer smiled, suddenly at ease. I gave him the thumbs up and he went back to focusing on the crowd. They were so into their music. It was wonderful to watch the energy flow from them.

I turned to Jack and he yelled something at me that I couldn’t hear a word of. I just nodded and looked back at them. I was mesmerized.

They finished the song and I turned back to Jack to ask what he had said. He wasn’t there. I started to panic. Oh no, where could he be? It was so dark behind the curtain and I started to wander over to a tech to ask them if they had seen a skunk haired boy pass through.

And that’s when I saw him.

Vinny was lingering by a drum case, his hungry eyes meeting mine. My blue eyes went wide and heart started to race. He barely flinched and I book it out of the door. Ducking under techs carrying cases and security guards talking to other people, I booked it out the door and back to the sterile hallways. I looked to the right where other rooms were. I spotted Balz turn the corner. I went towards the exit sign I had seen earlier.

This can’t be happening!

I felt adrenaline course through my body like a raging river. Should I turn back to the ATL and YM@6 room? No, I couldn’t! They boys would follow me there and I would be trapped.

I sprinted past the hall and turned the corner to the exit. Turning around, I saw that Balz and Vinny were hot on my trail. I picked up the pace and turned back around. I ran smack into Chris who took my momentum and spun me around, keeping me locked in his arms.

“Shh, sweetheart. It’s gonna be okay.” He cooed devilishly in my mind.

That’s it.

That. Is. It.

I won’t take it anymore.

With tears streaming my eyes, I raised my right leg and swung it back into Chris’s thigh. He dropped me, groaning in pain. I dashed past Ryan, just barley avoiding his outstretched arm to stop me. I slid under it and made my way towards the door with an exit sign over it.

Pushing past it, I made one more look behind me. By now, the entire band was fighting to get through the halls as they ran towards me. I pushed the door shut behind myself as I left. There was a thump as the creaky door was thrown wide open.

Within an instant, I was pushing my legs to go as fast as I could.

“SPLIT UP!” I heard Chris shout. This wouldn’t be good. A figure appeared at my side. It wasn’t one of the dark boys, I recognized it as Justin!

“Come here, Rory.” He growled under his breath just loud enough for me to hear. I made a sharp turn around the You Me bus and managed to keep up my speed. I heard at least three sets of feet following me.

I wasn’t always the fastest in the group, however, I did have a lot of stamina. If I could keep this up, I would quickly wear them down. I kept on going, kept on running. I thought of the song, that song by Of Mice and Men. Would You Still Be There ran through my head the entire time I ran.

The boys seemed to be around every corner and I was running out of steam. At one point, I found myself in the small aisle between the ATL and OM&M bus. Both vehicles had their lights off. I ran towards the open end.

I had to make it to the field. If I made it there, I could make a dash to freedom and lose them easily. My smile was wiped off my face as I saw something impeded my run for life.

Chris and Ghost had blocked up one end, making me turn around and skid on my heels. My legs ached and complained the more I ran. My feet hurt and all I wanted to do was sit down!

I stopped suddenly as I saw Ryan and Vinny were blocking the other side. I wanted to crumple into a ball and cry right now. Well, I was already pretty much broken down in tears. My brain couldn’t make sense of anything. My vision was blurry from the headaches and sobs. I whipped my head from side to side, feeing like a trapped animal.

“Rory, please stop running!” Ghost cooed to me. I shook my head, backing up against the OM&M bus. My back hit the side and made me wince. I saw them both step forwards slowly. I searched for a way out.

“Where’s Ricky?” I whimpered pathetically. It seemed to be the only words I could think of right now. They were silent.

“Where’s RICKY?” I sobbed out. I just wanted Ricky. I wanted Austin here. I wanted Zack. I didn’t want them! They were going to hurt me for running away, punish me for trashing their bus and taking their stuff. They were going to abuse me.

I wanted to die if I had to go back there.

“He’s not here, darling.” Chris cooed. I put my hands over my ears, the sounds of nothing and everything hurting me.

“Where’s Ricky?” I whispered again.

“He left. He had to clear his head. He’ll be gone for a week.” Chris answered. I dropped my hands to my side. Behind me, I swear I heard someone enter the bus. Maybe I was going crazy. No, wait…I was already crazy.

Everyone and everything was in my head and I couldn’t make sense of it. I couldn’t get them to leave. I wanted to clear my head. I needed to. I needed a clear mind to escape to the field and keep on running even though my legs were tired.

“Do not go gentle into that good night. Old age should burn and rave at close of day…Rage, rage against the dying of the light…” I murmured to myself. Poems, poetry, ink on a page…it all helped me. If it could get me past the PTSD, it could get me away from these cruel men.

My eyes scanned the surroundings. Chris made an attempt to get closer and I shrank back further against the side of the bus. As I looked around, I saw a single thing.

The window of the ATL bus.

If I could hop up and grab it, I could hoist myself to the roof and get up there, jump off the other side, and keep on running. It wasn’t that high of a bus. I just had to get my running start.

“Though wise men at their end know dark is right, because they’re words had forked no lightning, they do not go gentle into that good night…” I closed my eyes and murmured to myself.

And suddenly, everything became clear.

I looked to either side that was slowly advancing on me yet again. Their eyes were cautious and wary of my every move.

“What is she saying?” Ghost whispered. I smiled wryly.

“I think it’s that poem….” Chris murmured.

“Good men, their last wave by, crying how bright their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay…Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” I smiled and started to run at the bus. Ryan audibly gasped as I leapt up, grabbing the upper lip of the window. My fingers found purchase and easily hauled my body up with the help of adrenaline. The thoughts I had locked in my brain streamlined so I thought of only one goal: To escape.

The boys started to circle around the bus or look up to find a ladder up when a single word caught their attention and gave me enough of a distraction to jump off the other side.

“RORY!” Austin called. Oh, their set must’ve finished. From my advantage point, I saw nine boys I knew very well go and run towards me.

“They’re here!” I screamed as I jumped off the side. I hit hard, wincing at the impact. Chris was jolted out of his daze first and began to chase me again. But the field was in sight and all I had to do was run faster than him.

Leaping over the fence, I kept on running, making a mad dash in a straight line. The footsteps grew fainter as did the calls. My mind was working on overdrive and I couldn’t slow it down.

There was a road, not far ahead. The boys were just dots behind me. I kept on running, sprinting like there was no tomorrow. But I guess if I got caught, there really wouldn’t be a tomorrow.

In my lack of focus, I found myself tumbling to the ground. I held out my hands to stop myself but soon found a weak mewl of pain escape my throat. I gasped from the burning filling my left wrist and ankle.

Oh no…not again. It was just like the time I ran from BMTH. They chased me until I tripped in a hole and twisted my ankle, but this time, it would have worse consequences.

I stood up, feeling the left side of my body alight in pain like no other. It was as if a thousand knives were peeling away my skin and muscles, leaving me raw and barren. I started to hobble as fast as I could.

That was when someone grabbed me from behind.

I screamed in agony into their hand that covered my mouth. Something went over my eyes and into my mouth, gagging me. No, no, no…they had caught me. Chris had caught me. Ryan was going to hurt me again. Please, please, just let me die here in the field!

“Shhh! They’ll hear us!” A voice urged. I tried to kick and swing my hand, but the one that wasn’t covering my mouth was holding my wrists together. The numbing sensations made my brain go numb. Whoever it was dragged me somewhere and I fell silent. All my energy was used up.

I was gently pushed back into a seat. I fell over, moaning in agony through a rag that had been shoved through my mouth. Something bound my wrists together and I felt myself start to cry out of fear. There is only so much I could take before I could collapse; I had just reached that point.

A door closed shut and an engine revved up. Wait, this wasn’t bus…this was a car! I started to sob harder, not knowing who was taking me or where I was going.

The man with the sweet voice that had taken me let me weep in silence. The drive was long and in darkness. I must be staining my blindfold with the amount of tears I’ve been crying…

The engine stopped humming as the car slowly fell to a halt. Crickets chirped loudly outside and mingled with the hoarse croaks of frogs. I could’ve sworn I heard the ocean in the distance.

“We should be safe now.” The man murmured again. I swear, I knew his voice. Maybe I didn’t. Maybe I was just hoping that it was someone who I knew. So many maybes…

Choking on my tears, I held still. I was laying down on the seat, my face pressed into the back it. The door opened again and I heard some rummaging. I sniffled a little and gently tugged at the bonds on my wrist. My ankles were free, but I couldn’t run while being blindfolded. A door near my head opened up and the man crawled in. I felt something brush against my ribs.

“Hold still.” He commanded. I felt him touch my shirt, rolling it up slightly. I started screaming again, trying to spit out my rag. I managed to get it out and began to scream every curse I could, struggling to shake him off me.

“Be quiet or they’ll hear you fifteen miles back!” The man tried to muffle my screams. I felt him straddle my waist, holding down my legs.

“NO! DON’T RAPE ME! PLEASE! LET ME GO!” I cried and yelled against his hand. I raised my clasped hands to swing at him like a club. He released my mouth to block the blows I was delivering. I whimpered as he applied pressure to my left leg. My ankle throbbed and my wrist hurt, although I was willing to endure the pain if I could use it to escape.

“Wait! Please, stop! I’m not going to hurt you! Your bleeding through your shirt, I need to look at it!” The man pleaded. I stopped, hiding my face a little. The voice was so familiar, so gentle despite me trying to run away.

“No! It’s fine! My ankle and wrist are sprained. Please, just let me go.” I whimpered under the pain. He slowly got off of me. I cringed and hissed at the feeling.

“Darling, you’re safe.” He cooed. I froze a little. Not many people called me darling…

“You took me!” I argued. His hand slowly touched my face. I flinched away from it.

“You should know that I wouldn’t hurt you.” He chuckled softly. My brow furrowed together as I stared at the darkness. The blindfold was still on me. Who was it? The question was gnawing at my thoughts.

“W-who are you?” I whispered, frightened at who I would see. Two gently hands gently untied the rope from my wrists and removed the blindfold. I blinked back the dazzling lights from the car that flooded my vision. I leaned up slightly and wiped away the blurry vision.

“Hello, darling.” Ricky Horror smiled down sadly at me. It was all too much for me to take in. I just broke down as he held me close to his chest. The guitarist moved to sit on a seat, pulling me into his chest and sitting me in his lap. I clung to his neck and sobbed into his shirt, letting the tears stain the edges. He slowly rubbed my back, holding me tightly to him. I was just so happy to see him and in so much pain that the tears kept on falling.

“R-Ricky, it’s y-you.” I stuttered out. He laughed quietly and kissed my forehead.

“I’ve got you, darling. You’re safe. I’m not going to let them hurt you.” He hummed. His breath rolled against my skin. I snuggled deeper into his chest, pushing my nose into the side of his neck. He was warm and I felt cold all over. After I was done crying, I started shaking in his arms. Ricky peppered little kisses all over. His lips dragged along my forehead to gently kiss my temple.

“Don’t let them take me.” I whispered into his collarbone.

“Never.” He promised. I reached up, looking into his deep eyes. I gently ran the fingertips of my right hand over his cheek, brushing his lips gently. It was if my brain couldn’t process that he was real.

Two weeks ago, I would’ve thought I would never see Ricky again. Now, he was here and holding me in his arm. Ricky gently pushed me off of him so that he could crawl back into the driver’s seat. Some headlights approached from behind.

“Ricky?”

“Yes, darling?”

“Why did you bind me?” I asked quietly, gritting my teeth through the pain. The engine started up. It wasn’t a van as I suspected, but a large truck.

“I gagged you because if you screamed out my name, then the others would be suspicious. I tied you up because well, you nearly tried to throttle me.”

“Sorry.” I mumbled. Ricky caught my eye in the mirror and grinned.

“It’s fine. I would’ve done the same thing. And I blindfolded you because I could let you see me and scream my name for the others to hear.” He murmured. I nodded silently as we drove to some place I didn’t know.

“Ricky, where are we going?” I asked softly.

“My place.” He answered simply. And we drove on.

Notes

Hello everyone! Sorry that this is an INSANELY long chapter! I just kind of got caught up in it!

Anyways, HAHAHAH I SAID YOU MIGHT NEVER SEE RICKY AGAIN AND LOOK HERE! HE JUST CAME TO THE RESCUE!!!

But besides that, I hoped you like the chapter! Please, please, please feel free to comment! I'd love to hear from you wonderful readers! You guys make my life! Thanks for reading and don't forget to share your thoughts!!!

Stay beautiful!