Tonight, Mike invited the girls to join in on the war. As the band watched as Mike began to lead them back to the group, Tony spoke up first, a grin creasing his cheeks.

“Well that’s a first…” he said, pushing Vic softly, “You’re right, they didn’t know what was waiting for them.”

“I’m pretty sure none of us even knew what was waiting for them,” Jaime added as Vic laughed. The melody played sweetly in Jaime’s head, making him smile brightly. He loved Vic’s laugh, and hoped that he never got tired of hearing it.

“Hey.” “What’s up?” “How’s it going?” the three boys greeted Mikes four little ducklings. That’s what they reminded Tony of, at least; ducklings. As skittish as they were, they managed to shake hands with the boys, and even talk for a few minutes before Mike disappeared.

“Hey, ladies!” Mike yelled from beside the tour bus, a row of bottle-rockets perched on a table he had pulled from somewhere. “I think it’s time we get this started back up!” he said as he lit the fuses. The boys ran, but the girls seemed caught off guard, scattering at the very last minute with a loud patch of giggling following each one of them.

***

The war lasted for over an hour, ending when an impatient ride came around to find the four teens. Laughing, Pierce The Veil bade goodbye to them, sending them on their way with lots of pictures and happy memories that they’ll never forget. As their car left, each member of the band sent one of the remaining fireworks trailing after. They popped before they hit the car, and a chorus of laughter could be heard from inside before they were out of range.

“Well, that was fun,” Mike piped up after a few minutes.

“Yeah, but what made you bring ‘em over tonight?”

“I dunno. Seemed like the thing to do…more targets, less holes in walls.”

“Ah, smart man, Mikey,” Jaime mused, pulling his best old wise monk face. Vic and Tony laughed while Mike settled for punching his shorter, almost-as-much-of-a-paint-brush-as-Pauly-D haired friend in the arm.

“It’s too late for your jokes, man. I’m going to bed,” he said, almost expressionless, with a tight smile before turning and walking into the tour bus.

“You know, Mike has the right idea. I’m going to try and get some sleep, too. Night, Tony…” Vic paused, his gazing coming to rest on Jaime before he finished, “…Jaime…” and turned away, closing the tour bus door behind him. It was silent for a few minutes as Jaime watched the door with a soft expression, and Tony, with a stone face, studied him.

“Have you told him?” Tony broke the silence, bringing a hand up to rub his neck lightly.

“Huh? What are you talking about, Turtle?” Jaime asked, turning to give the guitarist a confused look.

“You know…have you told Vic yet?” Tony prodded again. He was more than aware that he wasn’t “suppose” to know what was going on between the bassist and front man, but he thought it was about damn time that he get some answers.

Jaime shook his head, stepping away from Tony and the bus, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, man, but I think I’m going to walk a little. I’ll be back, alright?”

Tony watched Jaime, wondering if he took him for an idiot. He hadn’t realized how long it had been since Jaime spoke until his comrade was shrugging, turning away, and starting to walk off.

“Yeah, alright. I’ll tell them where you are if they ask…” Jaime tossed what sounded like a ‘yeah, okay’ back over his shoulder. Tony’s shoulders rose and fell with a deep sigh, “Be safe, Jaime. Get your head on straight,” he mumbled before turning and letting himself into the bus, exhausted from the day, and tired of being so confused.