Not Warriors- Awsten Knight

Chapter 33

Awsten was estatic to be back in Houston, while being out on tour was always a fun expereince that he would be forever thankful for. He missed home, his parents, Jet, and HEB orange juice. 

The fact that tour lined up enough that he would get to spend 3 days at home felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders, he was still struggling to wrap his head around the fact that Claire would be back in their hometown with him for the first time in years. 

He still hadn't told his parents everything that was going on with the both of them, or the fact that she was even back in his life but they were going to be at Warped Tour today for his set and he knows that they are going to be excited to see her. 

Claire had been on her bus for the last few days, they still would spend time with each but at the end of everynight she would head back to her bunk and Awsten understood why so he wasn't upset by it. 

While they hadn't talked yet, he figured that the boys weren't used to splitting their time with Claire with other people because from what Awsten knew it had been Claire and Sonic Heros for the last few years. 

Hell, when Geoff started dating Chloe he was needy as can be and it was even worse when Jawn started dating Daphne. 

Although the two of them weren't offically back together he figures that it's healthy that they have separate time from each other. 

But on the other hand, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't excited to have Claire all to himself for the next few days. 

He wondered if they would make time to go and visit her parents too, Awsten hadn't heard her talk about her family at all since the night that she told them about Madison and didn't really think much of it but he made a mental note to talk to her to see if she would want to make a day to go and see them. 

Awsten
HOUSTON BABY

Claire
Someone seems
excited to be back
home

Awsten
I know I complain
a lot about it here.

But I missed home. 

Claire
That's understandable,
being on tour is exhausting

It's nice to have a little
break back home :)

Awsten
When was the 
last time you were
in Houston?

Claire
I think it's
been almost 5 years.

After I graduated, I left
and didn't come back. 

Awsten
You feeling okay
about being back?

Claire
I haven't decided
yet, it's going to be 
weird for sure. 

But thankful I have 
you by my side
during it. 

Awsten
I love you bear

Remember what I 
said, if it gets 
to be too much 
we can leave early
for Nashville.

Claire
I love you 
too bubs. 

I'll see you
when the buses
park.

Claire let out a deep breath, she was thankful for how understanding Awsten was and will never understand what she did to deserve him back in her life. 

The fact that he had no idea why she was so hesistent to be back in Houston but still is so willing to put her comfort first meant more than anyone would ever know, and she didn't even know how to thank him for everything that he was doing for her. 

Everyone on the bus was excited, while Collin wasn't actually from Texas he was excited to be back where him and Claire had met for the first time and show the boys around. 

They had to get through their set today, but then afterwards they have all of the free time in the world. 

The boys hadn't decided if they were going to stay in Houston for those two days or not, in all reality they didn't want to step on Awsten and Claire's toes. They knew that the two of them deserved to have time to themselves. 

They knew that they could very well just go to Nashville early with the Waterparks boys and go out there, and it was something that they were wildly considering due to the fun that they all have when they go out together. 

"Why does the air just feel thick?" Derek groans and Claire lets out a little giggle. 

"That is August in Texas my love, wet hot and humid." she says sarcastically and she hears someone fake gag.

"Claire that is the worst fucking description I have ever heard why would you say that?" Chris asks grimacing.

"Because it may be the worst, but it makes sense and you know it." she points out, and gets a dirty look from Chris. 

"Okay so we were thinking about playing another new song today." Collin says out of the blue, and Claire meets her eyes to him curiously. 

"I can't see it going any worse than the Painkiller Debut, but which song?" she asks half playful, half seriously. 

"Just Right." Collin says softly, and Claire nods. 

It was an incredible song, but another song about Madison nonetheless. One that quite literally drops her fathers name. "Mr. Williams."

"I mean the album is out next month, so it makes sense and your turnout at each date is getting bigger and bigger each time so I think it would be smart to play a new song." Claire replies supportively, ignoring the pit at the bottom of her stomach that was growing. 

Madison was never an easy topic for her, but the fact that they were in Texas surrounded by so many things all at once brought up more feelings than she cared to admit. 

She knew that she should talk about it, but she didn't want to damper anyones mood. It was a hometown show for the Parx boys and they were headlining the main stage, everyones family and girlfriends were going to be there. 

Meanwhile Sonic Heros were getting bigger and bigger by the day, their fanbase growing by the day and they needed to be on their A game which means that she could put her feelings on the back burner for a little while.

Claire feels the couch dip down next to her, and her nose is filled with the smell of Collins cologne as she feels him wrap his arm around her gently. 

"You feeling okay about being here?" he asks her softly, rubbing his arm on her shoulder. 

She takes a deep breath nodding, "I'll be okay Col. I always am." she says reassuringly. 

"You don't always have to be okay Claire, you are allowed to ask for help when you need to." he tells her, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. 

"Love you, thank you." she tells him