Rock Bottom (Sequel to How it Happened is Irrelevant)

18

A/n: Keep your eyes open for the sequel (And possibly a Jalex if you're into that)

TJ's POV:

It's been a week since last we left off. Since then, I've cut my drinking back far enough to be considered sober, and I haven't popped any pills that weren't aspirin. Things were looking pretty good. I haven't even had to go to rehab. And I think all of it's because I've been with Craig all this time. He's all the more drug I'll ever need. 

And that's why I'm jumping the gun. I just can't wait another four weeks. Too much can happen in that time, and I've waited so long for this moment. It's just too much. I'd considered proposing on stage, but that seemed a little too showy. If he said no, then I'd feel really embarrassed. That, plus it wouldn't be as special. I'd also considered trying to ask on the bus again, but that brought up too many memories. Unfortunately, that also eliminates the only two places Craig and I hang out all of the time. That really sucks.

But hey, if I can survive rock bottom, then I can survive this, right?

I saw my chance that morning, and I took it. Craig and I were alone, doing a little bit of sightseeing before anything happened for the day. In New York City once again. I pointed to that hat store we'd gone into years ago. "Remember that?" I asked him. 

"Of course," He said looking over. In the moment he looked away, I took the box out of my pocket and got one knee as quickly as I possibly could. When he looked over, his mouth feel open, then twisted into a small smile. "I thought you were making me wait."

"Don't say anything yet! I've got a whole speech prepared!" I exclaimed. 

"Alright, I'm listening," He laughed. 

"Uhhh..." Everything that I'd rehearsed ten thousand times flew out the window in that moment. "I don't know, I love you to death and can't imagine my life without you. Will you be mine forever?"

"Longest speech I've ever heard," He taunted. I knew he meant well though. "But yes, yes. Yes! Of course." He held out his left hand for me to slip the ring over his finger. I did so, then finally stood up. (This position grew very uncomfortable very fast.) Craig stared at his hand for a second, but quickly looked away when I leaned forward to kiss him. He returned the kiss, and all was well in the world. 

As soon as we returned for soundcheck, Robert and Thrasher rushed up, wanting to know where we were. Thrasher was the first to notice Craig's new jewelry. "Oh. My. God!!!" He shouted. "Congrats you two."

"You're kinda the last to know. We told Ronnie-" Craig started.

"And Max, too." I finished. "Though none of the fans are aware just yet."

"How long are you gonna keep that a secret?" Robert asked.

"I dunno. Maybe we'll tell 'em tonight," I thought allowed, lacing my fingers with my fiancé's (God, that sounds amazing.) He squeezed my hand in return. 

"Wow, Teege. You really didn't spare any expense," Robert noted, glancing at the ring. "How much was it?"

"Two grand," Kevin, Craig, and I all said at the same time. We all looked at each other. "How do you know that?" I asked, pointing to Craig. 

"Kevin told me when I saw it before."

I glared at my spikey-haired friend. "Now he knows I spoiled him."

"You actually paid for it?" Craig raised an eyebrow. 

"Of course I actually paid for it. You told me not to steal for you anymore," I let his hand go and writhed my own hands together. "I had a lot of extra money, too."

There was silence while the two of us stared at each other for a minute. He took my hand and led me away from the others. "Where are you taking me?"

"Alone so I can tell you something hopelessly romantic."

I laughed. "What is it?"

He stopped walking and looked at me again. "I lied." He reached into his pocket and revealed about a thousand dollars in cash. "I tracked down the dealer you got the drugs from and did some illegal things to get this back." He handed the money to me. 

"What kind of illegal things?" I asked, taking the money. 

"I can't tell you. You'd never look at me the same way."

"You really are a total badass." I kissed him and smiled against his lips as I did so. "You didn't have to do that, but I love you for it."

"I love you too."

Fin!!
Total word count including this and author's notes: 18247
I love these guys and CANNOT WAIT TO WRITE MORE IN THE SEEEEEEQUALLLL
Always and Forever,
Davy