EAT.

SEVENTEEN

Trigger warning: Eating disorder, anxiety, depression

Alternative Press Magazine: 

Fans of Black Veil Brides share concern over unexpected tour cancellation and inactivity of the band online. (Read full article here). 

* * * 

Andy is sitting cross-legged on the bed when Jinxx arrives at just after midday. He looks at the elder, troubled, before turning back to the Batman comic in his lap.

"Hey, man," Jinxx says, pulling the chair closer to the bed. "I saw Jake earlier, he's gonna come in tomorrow, if you'll let him." 

"Yeah, whatever," Andy replies, mind elsewhere. The door opens again and his eyes snap up to see who it is. He brings a hand to his mouth, as though he's going to be sick even though he isn't. "What is it?" He asks anxiously, watching the nurse set a bowl down on the over-bed table. The nurse tells him it's cereal, and he, dropping his hand into his lap, pulls his bottom lip between his teeth. When the nurse is gone, he looks at Jinxx. 

"I'll eat with you," the guitarist assures him. In his hand is a sandwich he bought on the way to the hospital.

"Thanks." Looking again at the bowl, he sighs, makes no attempt to bring it any nearer, as though it could hurt him if it's too close. 

Jinxx puts a hand on Andy's knee. "You got this, buddy," he encourages. "Sooner you do it, sooner it's over, yeah?" 

Andy nods but doesn't seem convinced. 

"I brought my Switch, we can play on it after," Jinxx suggests, trying to give him something to look forward to. 

Lifting his eyes to meet the elder, Andy says, "You have a Switch? Wow, that's something I didn't ever expect." 

"Why not? I'm keeping up with the kids." 

"Never say that again." 

"Alright, don't get bitchy, or I won't let you play on it." 

Andy shakes his head. Then he sighs. "Right," he says. "Sit next to me. Here." He moves to make space, waits for the man to settle beside him. "Give me your arm." 

Jinxx breathes a soft laugh.

"What?" 

"You're very bossy today, Biersack." 

"Yes. It's what happens when I'm stressed. Surely you've worked that out by now. Arm." 

"What do you want my arm for?" 

"To bite because I'm secretly a vampire. What are you, an idiot?" 

"Apparently so," the elder responds, humoured. 

"For God's sake, just put your arm around my shoulder, it's not rocket science." 

Jinxx does as he's told, saying, "What would my wife have to say about this?" 

"What would she say if I killed you? Make another comment like that and we'll find out." 

"Jesus, alright." 

"Good. Thank you. Now shut up." 

"Charming." 

"Now shut up, please." He sighs again, and heavily. "You know you're gonna have to make me do this because I'm just gonna keep finding ways to put it off." 

"Just get the bowl, Biersack." 

"Hey, don't be mean about it, I'm fragile." 

"Your future of Switch gaming is hanging on this."