Gloom & sunshine

Chapter 12: Vulnerability

"Ya know... It's kinda shitty to leave your best friend in that state." Otto sat down next to Geoff on the cliff edge, handing him a can of something alcoholic.

Thunder rolled in the distance; the storm was getting closer. Geoff was sitting there, heart broken, numbness inching its way from his chest to every nerve in his body; but he could still only think about Awsten's fear of storms.

"You should get back to the bus and make sure he puts on his headphones..." Geoff's voice was raw, barely audible over the wind that was whipping his and Otto's hair around their heads. He took a sip of the can and looked at the front of it with mild surprise.

"The gas station only had that tiny Malibu mixed can." Otto said, sipping his own and grimacing, it was too sweet for his tastes.

"I gave him... everything, Otto... "

"I know... I know, buddy..." He reached over and gently patted Geoff's back. "Awsten's a self-centered prick sometimes, you know that... And he's never been good at affection."

Geoff scoffed. "Are you kidding? You see how affectionate he is with Ciara..." He took another sip. "But what was I expecting... He would never leave a beautiful woman like her..."

"Geoff..." Otto sighed quietly, "Geoff, Awsten hasn't told you but... he and Ciara are done..." He flinched a bit feeling Geoff's blue eyes turn on him. "I get the feeling that he doesn't want to tell you, because he's terrified."

"Of... of me?"

"Of you and him. I think he's scared of ruining you, us, the band, whatever."

Geoff looked down at his hands. "If he and I mess up... I lose you too..."

"Now you know that's not tru--"

"Otto, you're Awsten's best friend. Yeah, I might be one of his best friends, but you're the best friend. You're going to be by Awsten's side no matter what, because he's always been by your side no matter what."

Otto sighed, knowing Geoff was probably right. When it came down to it, heavens forbid a dividing line, Otto would always protect Awsten. Awsten could kick and scream that he didn't need protection, but Otto knew better, Otto always knew Awsten better.

"Can we at least get you home?"

"Home is in LA... I'm supposed to stay with you and Aws for the next week until we go out there to record... I guess I can change my fli--"

"Dude, shut up, you know neither of us will allow you to do that. Come on-" Otto stood and held out his hand, "let's get back on the bus before the storm comes. You don't have to talk to each other... in fact, that might be for the best. At least for now."

Geoff looked out over the forest below the cliff they sat on. He debated; he could easily text Jack and have them pick him up and take him to the airport but... he knew that would cause problems for him with Alex. His heart sunk-- was he just... cut off from everyone, now? He couldn't talk to Awsten, and Jack... fuck, Jack had his hands overflowing with his own problems; Alex.

Road trip to Houston seemed to be the best option.

Geoff stood and walked back to the bus with Otto. He can't remember when his ears started ringing, maybe it started when the bus door flew open and Awsten nearly tackled him. His two bandmates led him into the bus where he sat on the couch, staring out the window, ears ringing, heart still crumbling.

Awsten watched him from the passenger seat as Otto took the helm and set them back on the road.

"It's like... he's catatonic, or something." Awsten mumbled, finally looking away from Geoff to turn back to face the road.