Love is a Broken Window | Cricky [C]

67 | Lock

| Ricky's POV |

The sun was setting on a beautiful day. We played one of the best shows in our career! And to make it even better, Chris asked to take me out afterwards. He didn't say where, he just pulled me in a cab. I was really happy when I realized he took us to the boardwalk! I love the water!

It's not very clear where we live. Here in California, it's beautiful. The water is like crystal.

Chris opened my door for me. He offered his hand, which I gladly took. Then he leaned over and kissed my hand. That made me blush like a schoolgirl! Chris helped me out of the cab and we began absentmindedly walking.

"I want to walk you down to the pier." He said at a low tone. "I know you love the water."

I smiled. "I do. Thank you, so much."

"Don't mention it, Angel. I'd honestly do anything for you." He stated.

I was honestly a little takes back by his dedication. True, we had gone as far as to say 'I love you' but we've said that for years as friends. It wasn't that hard to say it as boyfriends. Actually hearing him express his care, felt amazing.

"That means a lot to me, Chris. You care for me in a way that no one ever has." My hand suddenly brushed up against his as we walked, and he firmly grabbed mine. Our fingers intertwined, it was a perfect fit. "It's amazing to feel so loved." I mumbled.

"I've loved you for longer than I think even I knew." Chris replied. "You remember a few years ago, when you got sick in... Kentucky, I think it was."

I scoffed, smiling reminiscently and bitterly. "Yeah, Louisville. How could I forget? Like half the band got sick because we got food poisoning. Why do you bring it up?"

"We were in the middle of nowhere. At the time, we barely had any money and even if we did, there wasn't a hospital for miles. You got it the worst out of any of the guys, and I genuinely was scared for your life. When I think back to that... It makes me realize that even back then, you pulled on my heartstrings like no one else. When you got sick back then, I remember thinking how I couldn't live without you. I remember questioning myself, that I was more scared of losing you than I was my own boyfriend at the time. I loved you before I even knew I loved you."

"I always knew." I confessed. "That I loved you, I mean. Not the other way around. I wouldn't have guessed in a million years that you felt the same way. But, um, I knew from the start that you meant more to me than just a friend."

"I'm glad one of us can actually sort out their feelings." He snickered.

"What's that mean?" I laughed.

Chris sighed and looked out onto the beach. "It means I don't know how to feel. I don't know if I should be scared of losing you, or angry at all that tries to take you, or what."

"None of that." I said. "Just love me while I'm here. One day at a time."

"Okay. One day at a time." He smiled.

We had just reached the pier at this point. It was absolutely breathtaking. The sun was setting over the beautiful California waters. Chris and I sat down at a bench. It was a little breezy, giving me the chills. He pulled off his hoodie and draped it over my shoulders. I was both humbled and shocked at how chivalrous he is.

"Thank you." I softly smiled.

"Of course, Doll. Kiss?" He asked.

I giggled and puckered my lips towards him. He grinned so sweetly as he leaned in and kissed me. Our lips moved in harmony together. It was amazing. He was amazing. One of his arms was around my back, and the other rested on my leg. Wearing his soft and oversized hoodie made me feel so safe. And his arms around me, with his lips on mine, just sealed the deal. I loved this man.

His grip on me tightened. Chris ran his hand under my thigh and lifted my legs, draping them over his. My hands rested against his chest as I sat safely in his lap. Sitting on a California pier as I made out with the man of my dreams, felt so incredibly blissful. Nothing and no one can ever tear us apart.

| Devin's POV |

It was very peaceful. Too peaceful. It's never this quiet in our lives. Chris and Ricky went out on a date. Shiloh and the baby were doing well. Bella was already in bed. We made one of the bunks into a crib, Balz's handwork. So Shi and I were just watching a movie together. Balz and Ryan-Ashley came over to our bus. Said something about letting Ryan and Allie have alone time, whatever!

We could hear other bands and roadies partying outside. That's just not our style. After a show, we like to relax, not get shit-faced drunk.

Shiloh yawned and snuggled into me more. Then the baby began crying, probably because some drunks were yelling outside. Shi groaned, burying his face in my chest.

"You go take care of the baby. I'll take care of the drunks." I told him.

"Okay." He sleepily replied, sitting up. "Just don't do anything that'll get you arrested."

I chuckled. "I'll try."

Shiloh walked to the back, where the bunks were. I stood up from the couch, searching for my jacket. It was a little nippy outside. I walked over by Balz, who was on his computer while Ryan-Ashley was on her phone.

"I'll be back." I sighed, pulling my hoodie off the back of a chair.

"Whoa, wait before you go." He said.

"I'll be fine." I replied.

"Not that, this." Balz turned his computer towards me.

He was in the midst of reading an article from Scranton's news site. The headline read, Prisoner Released After Courts Declare Mistrial. Obviously my first thought rushed to Jani. I scrolled down to read more. My heart must've been fucking racing.

Months back, local Scranton resident Jani West was arrested and imprisoned for the alleged abuse of his boyfriend of five years. After review by the courts and investigation, the case was ruled a mistrial. Court officials claim a lack of evidence was strongly present in this case, and the allege accounts were based on hearsay. They also state that the judge present on the case, Judge Brown, has a history of being bias in domestic violence cases. West was released this morning with a sincere apology from the courts, along with a check to reimburse him for the money he lost during his sentence.