Die In California

67

Devyn's POV:

It all happened so fast. One minute JP and I were arguing in Universal Studios, surrounded by nosy parents and annoying as fuck kids. And the next, we were planning a release party for Machine Gun Kelly's third studio album.

We barely had time to process everything. Discussions of touring were well underway, a few singles had already been released, and fans were becoming anxious for the album. It was hard to keep up. 

I could see that, once again, it was taking a toll on the boys. But we were far too close to the date to take time off for ourselves. Ash and I knew there was no way in fucking hell that we'd be able to drag them away from the studio, let alone their phones or laptops, for the night.

"How the fuck is it almost the release date?" JP stressed as he paced the length of our bedroom (no doubt wearing the carpet down). That had become a regular occurrence for him, and it was starting to drive me crazy. But I always bit my cheek, and had to remind myself how stressed he was feeling. 

"I mean, it feels like just yesterday we were startin' on it. An' I don't even know if it's ready yet! I mean, there's a bit on one of the songs- fuck I can't even remember which one- I just... there's somethin' about it that's not right. It's not fuckin' perfect. But I can't work out what it is that's wrong."

I watched JP sigh and run a hand through his hair, frustration clear on his pained face. He'd had a haircut recently, and I had to say I couldn't stop myself from admiring it. I loved it! It was shorter on the back and sides, and he now kept it up in a spiked quiff more often than not - just how I liked it.

"Alright, c'mere." I patted the bed between my legs, already spreading them to make more room as I got myself settled with my back against the headboard. JP looked at me as though I was crazy (I was, but that's a matter for another day), then let out an exasperated sigh as he dropped to the bed between my legs.

I gently ran a hand through his tangled locks, before pulling his head down to lay on my chest. My fingertips danced across his forehead to smooth out his worry-lines, then trailed them down to his cheeks, before pressing a kiss to the top of his head. His eyes fluttered closed, and his head slowly became heavier against my breasts. Thankfully, I couldn't feel it all too much from the implants.

"We're all so unbelievably proud of you, my love. So fuckin' proud. 'M proud of every single one of you boys." I promised from the bottom of my heart, and tilted his head up to kiss his chapped, bitten lips.

"No matter what happens, we'll be proud of you. All of you." I let my lips linger on his, then listened as JP quietly sighed and slowly nodded his head. He didn't believe me, and I was about to prove him wrong.

I reached over to the bedside table and grabbed my phone, before pulling up a file JP didn't know I had. "Listen to this. Listen to all of it, no breaks or interrupting. Then tell me what you think. And be honest." I looked down at him sternly, then pressed play.

The first track of the album, 'The Gunner', began to play through my phone as I turned the volume right up and set my phone back down on the bedside table. A smile was instinctively brought to my face as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and cuddled him closer, basking in his body heat.

Guitars, drums and Kells' vocals continued to whirl through the enclosed space of our bedroom, blessing us with the band's melodies and powerful lyrics. "You hear that?" I asked, my voice low but soft, so as to not disturb the fourth track - 'At My Best'.

"Mh, fuck off." JP mumbled against my neck. His lips were pursed like a toddler's, since his cheek was pressed against my shoulder, and his arms were tightly wound around my waist. He was limp against me, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.