It’s too early for the amount of ringing in his ears that’s happening. Too early for Aaron to be drumming the way he’s been doing for about an hour. Maybe longer. He can’t be sure. Not between the pounding of his skull, the drums, and what sounds like something or someone heading downstairs. With a groan, he stumbles from his bed and to the room’s door. That is, after kicking aside a few articles of clothing that litter the floor. The bedroom door opens almost too quickly for him. As well as too quietly. You’re being an idiot. It’s just a door. The eyes take a moment to adjust to the change in light as he descends to the first floor. Everyone is in the living room except for two people. Aaron being one and Marie the other. No surprise. At least she’s not screaming today. Unless, that’s why Aaron is drumming. After some time it goes quiet again. The reverberating remnants taking their time to settle. No one says a word, looking at the garage door as their friend exits the space.

“What we having an award ceremony or something?”

“No you just have way of waking the whole neighborhood.”

“Ha, ha.”

He can’t recall a time where they just had a moment like this one. Although, there’s much he can’t recall. The result of several factors including alcohol.

“So, what’s the occasion? Because we know it’s not birthdays.”

“Maybe I’m just in a mood.”

“You’re lying on the floor. That should be your concern.”

“News flash, Alexander, you’re not my mother. Not that I listen to her anyway. Plus, Marie’s in her room. As in not out here. Go fuck yourself.”

“And the day has officially started. All in part brought to you by the great Alexander Peter Grace.”

Copper eyes turn to Bryant, slit in agitation. He hates being the center of anyone’s bad joke. Especially ones that involve Alex.

“Bryant, if you don’t shut your dick-sucking mouth I will personally do it for you.”

“Who pissed in your alcohol? Lighten the fuck up will you. No one has time for your shit today.”

“Fuck all of you okay? All of you can suck my…”

He stops short. Eyes catching on their female guest in the hallway. She’s in baggy sweats and an over-sized t-shirt again. It’s all she wears, even to school. He’s not once seen her in anything else. Considering it’s still chilly out, it’s pretty much okay. Except something something about it says there’s more to it than just that. To him anyway. Almost as if she’s something to hide from the world. So, he watches her as if she’s some new species of female he’s trying to learn about. Although, it’s no surprise that when it comes to her, she just may be a new species to him. The real problem is that he’s always too drunk to ever actually take full notice of her. And at the moment he’s far too sober to not actually pay attention. He may as well take the opportunity.

“Staring is rude.”

“So is screaming at nearly four in the morning. For the record, I wasn’t staring, I was observing.”

She never talks to me. A smug grin takes shape on his lips. Instead of a response, she just sits on the floor close to Bryant’s feet but also for whatever odd reason close enough to Eijinn to run her fingers through his hair. Something’s not right. She’s talking to me and touching me. Pretty sure she’s terrified of me.

“Anya, he probably has lice, don’t play with that. We don’t need you catching any.”

Everyone laughs at Aaron’s snide remark, including Marie. Eijinn on the other hand remains quiet, rather enjoying the feel of someone’s fingers in his hair. He’s already forgotten that either her or Aaron woke him. Or maybe it was the message from his mother about taking over his father’s law firm. Forgotten he’s a high school drop out who will probably amount to nothing. You’ve already succeeded at that. Look at how well your band dream is going. Not that it’s going anywhere. Her hands stop their ministrations. He can hear her and Mitchell whispering over him.

“Really? Whispering? Mitchie, shut up, you’re distracting her.”

“Mitchie, is saving her from your lice infested hair.”

“I’m sorry Aaron. I didn’t realize you and I showered together last night. How about you explain why you chose such an awful time to drum.”

“Not really your business. Shouldn’t you be in bed? It’s your turn to take Marie to school.”

“Son of a bitch. Man, do I really have to take her?”

“You’re the only one who hasn’t ever taken her. Besides, think of the bonding you two could do. And you guys really need to get along. Especially, if she’s going to be here awhile.”

“Then can we at least get her some decent clothes? I mean she dresses like she’s homeless, which she’s not despite the fact she’s a run away.”

“When she gets home, certainly. Until then, Marie, you may as well go shower and get dressed. Eijinn, same for you. And actually wear clothes, not just a pair of jeans and that sweater shit made out of faux fur.”

“Well fuck you too.”

Eijinn, however, lowers his head back onto the floor. Allowing Marie to continue playing with his hair. Until she gets up to go shower as Mitchell has suggested for her to do. It takes him a few minutes, but he too soon trudges up to his bedroom to shower. His room isn’t fancy despite the massive size. It’s probably more simplistic than the one Marie’s using at the moment. The dresser is pushed up against the wall next to the walk in closet in the far corner. Both of which are conveniently located near the bathroom. His bed is pressed against the opposite wall, unmade. With an agitated sigh he goes to the dresser, grabs a pair of faded jeans, and a tank top a long with clean underwear before heading off to shower. Once the water in on and steaming, he strips down and climbs in. This is the only place where he feels safe from the world’s problems. Not that he doesn’t like the others, he just prefers not dealing with his demons around them. Unless of course it involves drinking. They all drink for various reasons. Mitchell being the only exception. He knows for a fact Mitchie only drinks when they are home. Which is rarely ever. One of us has to remain sane, I guess.

After some time he sighs, shuts the water off, and gets out. It’s now that it occurs to him he didn’t grab a towel. Just as he decides he wants to get one from his room, the door bursts open. Standing there with a large grin on her face is Marie. Completely oblivious to his nudity.

“You guys have a show later!!! You’re welcome!!!”

She sprints out just as fast as she came in. Leaving Eijinn, bewildered and flustered. Not a second later Aaron and Mitchell are standing in her place.

“We tried to warn her. She’s just so happy that she’s gotten us this gig that even Aaron couldn’t grab her. I’m so sorry.”

“I don’t know if she realized I was naked or not. She announced her news and took off. Who told her where my room was by the way?”

“No one, she heard the shower and came running. She’ll realize it later. Don’t say anything to her about it. Let her be happy. Oh, and if you try anything with her, I will personally emasculate you with a pair of scissors. Fuck with me today, I dare you.”

Both Mitchell and Eijinn flinch as their green-eyed drummer storms out the room. They know him to be violent, but descriptively violent. This is something new to them. Finally, Mitchell shakes his head and laves, a small smirk playing on his features. Eijinn stands there wide eyed for a moment trying to process everything that’s happened. Why was I threatened when she’s the one who ran in on me. Wait… His mind finally wraps around the idea that the band he’s a vocalist for has an actual performance. He rushes to get dressed, stumbles out of his bedroom, and down the steps to the living room.

“You’re serious? We have a show?”

“What, you have water in your ears? Did you not hear her when she burst in on you. Don’t fuck it up for the rest of us you piece of shit.”

A smile brightens the red-heads features, making him less intimidating than he normally appears. In but a few short strides he’s over by Marie and hugging her tight to him. She stiffens in his arms and everyone takes notice. Including Jason who has spent as much time as possible ignoring them all since she got here.

“Thank you so fucking much.”

She’s quiet as she nods, heart pounding in her chest and terror coursing through her veins. Every part of her is aflame, wanting nothing more than to scream and hide. Still, he holds her, the only person he’s ever known besides the guys who’s done something not for herself, but for them. That and this may be the only chance he gets to be this close to her before she shuts him out again, like she has the past several weeks. Slowly, he lets go of her, putting her at arms length before running back upstairs to his room. No one says anything, scared of how Marie might respond. Except Jason he quietly pats the spot beside him on the couch. She’s hesitant, but with shaky legs she moves towards the spot. Practically falling into it and lying on her side. Her breathing catches in her throat briefly and then she’s screaming, her mind lost in the dark chaos that is her thoughts. Aaron’s is the first to move towards her in an attempt to calm her down. Only to end up pinned neatly beneath Jason. It’s not the best idea on Jason’s part considering the drummer’s temper has become worse, but it’s for the best. At least just this once. Until he sees a flash of movement beside him and a second glance reveals Mitchell and Alex swiftly moving Marie from the couch to the floor. He’s not certain of what’s going on anymore and seeing Eijinn come down the steps doesn’t help figure out what’s wrong or make the situation better.

“Get the hell off of me!”

“Not really an option, Aaron. I mean really.”

“Jason, when I get from under you I’m going to murder you and hide the body. No joke.”

Jason shrugs, but otherwise remains where he is. Eijinn moves forward his eyes glued to Marie’s petite form. . He’s cautious and the others watch him warily as he crouches near her head. One hand supporting him the other hesitantly being placed on her head. She stiffens entirely. Struggling to breathe. Jesus, please don’t get worse. Don’t make it worse. Please. The vocalist is pretty sure he has no idea of what he’s doing, but right now he needs her to calm down before the neighbors report them for murder. Her pupils are dilated from what he can tell, at least he assumes so. The hospital’s not an option if she has a more freaked-out reaction than what’s already happening. Please, please, please. It was just a hug. There has to be another reason.

A black canvas dipped in red ink. Darkness in Darkness. Nothing to ease the burn that remains on tainted skin. A fire incomparable to the blazes that take up California’s forests. Heavy hammering that doesn’t cease echoes in the shadows. Again it’s the same thing. A new scar or bruise to ruin what can no longer be ruined. Whatever soul she once had is long gone. No longer a person, but more a hollow shell of what used to be. Spiteful words bounce off of the empty walls and the inky recesses of her mind. She’s nothing without the ones who took care of her before. Sleep will never come to this frail body of hers. Hiding only makes things worse and far more terrifying. The shower is her only comfort, the water turning turning pale skin violent red, blending with the new tally marks carved into soft flesh. A silent scream for all the word to hear. Eyes puffier than the clouds in the sky. There are no words for the way she feels right now. Now even to properly explain what she never imagined possible. So, instead, she makes friends with the devils in her head. The voices that would see her fall her only comfort.

Someone’s trying to resuscitate her when she comes back to her reality. Someone is swearing at the top of their lungs and two others are yelling at that person to calm down. Somewhere else she hears feet scurrying around as if they’re frantically looking for something. There’s a weight on each of her legs and arms as if to say she needed to be held down.

“Welcome back.”

There’s a smile on the person’s face and she soon comes to realize that it’s none other than Eijinn leaning awfully close to her. Yet, before she can freak out, he moves back just enough so that she can sit up on her own without the excess weight of another person. She takes in her surroundings, eyes still adjusting to the light. Sitting off to the side of her is Alex, those blue hues of his bright with fear. This is a new sight for her, after all he’s done nothing but make sure her life with them is as miserable as he can make it. For what reason she’s not sure. The only thing she ever really did was run into the middle of the street into oncoming traffic. He’d already been harsh enough about that she is certain that she hasn’t said anything to offset the blond haired man in anyway. In fact, she makes sure not to set anyone in a bad mood. Not Aaron, who has a violent temper. Nor Jason, whom she is sure is impossible to piss off as he speaks to literally no one unless needed. Neither Mitchell or Bryant, both of which show her nothing but utter kindness and do everything in their power to make sure she’s okay. Especially not Eijinn, although, not talking to him may upset him. Alex on the other hand is just cruel to her. She avoids as best as she can. Only for that to turn into a problem. There’s no winning when it comes to the slender male. And just like that it’s gone.

“Go kill yourself somewhere else you stupid bitch!”

The words hardly finish leaving his lips when there’s a loud cracking sound just after the sound of flesh hitting flesh. A thump of someone’s head hitting the floor and a scream filling the air. She barely registers Eijinn pulling her back from what’s happening. Somehow, brown eyes recognize Bryant’s arms around Aaron’s neck, and Alex holding his face. Tiny arms reach out and a single menacing glance draws them back. There’s nothing she can do at the moment, besides wait. Her fragile heart hammers in her chest, pressing against such frail ribs. Two pairs of very blue eyes with two different looks upon them. One holding shock and hurt, while the other burns with an ocean of rage. One set remaining brighter than the other. It’s not so much the looks in their eyes that forces everyone to keep their distance, but more of the raging energy that they’re carrying.

“I’m taking Marie. She doesn’t need to be around all you violent people. Especially Aaron. She’ll see the rest of you after school.”

“Fuck off. Bryant let me go so I can beat Alex’s ass. Fucking stuck up piece of shit. Not worth the goddamn air he’s breathing.”

Eijinn tugs Marie out of the house before Bryant can respond to Aaron. The second the door closes behind them he releases her. She’s silent as she heads to the van. Inside she’s stashed the book bag full of school supplies Mitchie got her. Her door closes a little harder than she intended. Brown eyes adorned with some emotion he cannot read. He hums to himself, runs a hand through his still damp hair, and lower his eyes briefly to the ground before getting in the driver seat of the van. Door closing with less force than hers. Setting the key in the ignition he steals a glance her way. Yeah, she definitely doesn’t like me. And something really isn’t right with her. Not really my place to say something about it to her. She doesn’t trust me enough to tell me anything about it. Quietly he starts the van. It’s been a long time since they let him drive. Reason being that he is always drunk beyond comprehension. None of them want to have to bail him out of prison for reckless driving and driving while under the influence. Once on the road he tunes out everything, including the crappy radio signal. This she appears to enjoy, the quiet that’s left between them. And it has more to do with the fact that she has yet to feel properly comfortable around him. Before either knows it they’re at the high school.

“I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you, but stay out of trouble. They’re not going to call us if you don’t. We’re not your emergency contact, unfortunately.”

She nods and climbs out, heading straight for the double doors. Her eyes barely spot the figure approaching her until they’re right in front of her. Both feet stick in place, legs numb, and fear carving itself onto her face. It’s taken him a while to find her, that much she knows. How he found her, she’s uncertain. Honestly, she wishes he hadn’t. In fact she wishes she hadn’t left the house. Wishes that at least Aaron were here to keep her safe. Unfortunately, he’s not and the one person she doesn’t want to be near is. Brown eyes stare up into inky black ones.

“Just where the hell have you been? And where do you think you’re going?”

She’s silent and prays that someone notices her for once or at least that he’ll leave it for now. Hopes that someone does something she can benefit from. Eijinn’s eyes catch the way she freezes up, the way her body yells at her to run, but remains in place. Until that very second where she slips the small backpack off her shoulders, turns, and starts sprinting. He’s never seen her move this quickly. Whoever this person is, she obviously wants nothing to do with them. With the ease of a cat, he slips out of the car and is by her side before she can stumble and hit her face on the concrete.

“Jeeze, you must really love getting hurt. Come on.”

Her nails dig into olive flesh, drawing blood, but he says nothing.

“Who the hell are you and what are you doing with my sister?”

Eijinn’s copper eyes settle on the other male. A smirk etches itself on his face.

“I think you’ve mistaken my cousin for you sister. This is Maya. She lives with me. No other family. Not even siblings.”

“Bullshit, asshole, I know my own fucking sister.”

“Then you’d also note that she doesn’t want to be within a thousand mile radius of you. I mean really, how stupid are you? She fucking ran from you dumbass.”

“I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but you’re going to take your sorry ass back to where ever the fuck you came from.”

Eijinn’s eye twitches slightly. He’s too sober to be dealing with an asshole like this. Marie’s got a tight grip on his arm, which is now bleeding more from her nails digging in. He’s got no idea how he’s going to get her into the building. She’s not going to go on her own. He frowns, but keeps his arm firmly around her waist. Although, the little altercation he’s in has drawn some attention, it’s not enough for anyone to come and grab the girl attached to his side.

“Look, I’m in a really good moos. As in an I’m-not-going-to-jail-today kind of mood. I suggest you turn your ass in the other direction. As far as I’m concerned you’re wasting your time.”

Pulling Marie with him, he heads for the doors of the school. His eyes scan the area around him, looking for someone to leave her with. Behind him he can hear the footsteps of her unwanted brother. She’s still shaking against him. Her steps not as steady as his are.. Again he frowns.

“You going to give me my sister?”

“I’m going to give you something and it’s not going to be her.”

The red-head doesn’t stop until he’s by the doors and even then she doesn’t pry away away from him. He sighs knowing that getting her to go in this building is going to be hell. Until he spots someone coming out. A girl, presumably around the same age as Marie. The girl is dresses in such short pants it’s hard to believe that she may go to school here.

Ella knows confrontation when she sees it. She’s been sitting in the cafeteria just watching like everyone else. She knows she’s never seen either of the two men before. The girl, however, is a different story. Pretty sure she’s in a couple of my classes. Or I’ve at least seen her in the hallway. Suddenly, she’s on her feet. Sprinting to the main entrance, ignoring the dirty looks she receives. I put a boy in the hospital because I stood up for what’s right. This should be no different. Even though, it’s also not my business. Even as she opens the door to help her fellow classmate, she can feel all the eyes on her. Without a word she grabs the girl’s arm and tugs her inside.

“Thank you. Here’s her bag. Marie, don’t go anywhere until you see one of us. You stay in the school until then. If not me or Aaron one of the others. Not including Alex. Okay?”

“Okay…”

He waits for the doors to shut and they’re out of sight before turning to leave. Noting the fact this guy is still watching him with an agitated expression. Nothing bothers him more than knowing this prick may or may not be why she’s the way she is. He doesn’t say anything, but goes back and climbs in the van. The second he’s in, his phone’s going off.

“What?”

‘Damn, what crawled up your ass? Anyway, why aren’t you back yet? It doesn’t take that long to drop her off.’

“I’m fine. On my way back now. Something came up. That’s all.”

‘Like what?’

“You minding your own business. Maybe we ran into someone she didn’t want to see. Maybe we didn’t it’s not that serious.”

‘You’ve said more than enough. Bring her home. Now.’

“She’s safe where she is. One of her classmates is with her. She’ll be home later. I told her to wait inside until one we come get her. Unless it’s Alex.”

‘Why is it, every time I give someone an order where it concerns her, you all seem to be hard of hearing? It’s obviously not genetic. Bring her home! Now!’

“No. It can wait. If I don’t listen to my mother why would I listen to you. She’s fine for now.”

There’s grumbling and swearing on the other end before the line goes dead. A scoff later he pulls out of the school and starts back for the house. Hopefully, the band’s fuming drummer is calm by then. If not, then they’ll figure it out. The same way they’ve been trying to figure out Marie. Definitely hate today. Reminder to never tell Aaron anything using the phrase maybe. Not when it comes to her. Or he’ll kill you. Still, I’d love to know what he knows that I don’t.