Within Temptation

Seven (Believe in Me and Set Me Free)

He messed up big time.

He'd brought it on himself. Rin had apologized, made her peace, and promised it would be better. Instead of apologizing for his own transgressions, he'd let his jealousy take hold. He admitted it to himself, he was jealous of Andy and Rin's friendship. He read through the text messages shamefully the trust he'd built in these seven years broken just like that. He flinched at the hurt in her eyes. Nora August delivered a painful lecture, one that shook him to his core. He held Rin's ring in his hand hearing the ghost of Orion's screams when he'd try to take him.

"Let her cool down Benjamin. If you push her now, you're not going to like the result."

Those parting words haunted him on the way to the studio. He could only imagine the furious looks on his bandmate's faces when he told them. Ignoring Nora's advice, he sent multiple apology texts and calls until her voicemail box was full. He needed to make this right. The thought of losing Rin was painfully close to becoming a reality. He pulls into the studio lot seeing Danny in conversation with Jo. She glances over her eyes narrow. He's faced the wrath of two Southern women he didn't know if he could survive a third.

"What the Hell were you thinking?" Jo demanded.

"Easy Johannah, I'd say he's feeling bad enough." Danny meets his eyes. "Any word from our firecracker?"

"I'm being left on read." He mumbles.

"Serves you right!" Jo walks to her motorcycle. "You're a bloody asshole, Benjamin Bruce."

He watches her go running a hand through his hair. Jo and Danny had an easygoing friendship, he wondered if there was more to the story. Of course, there was no reason to worry. Jo was in a relationship with Kyson Grant, her "one that got away" so to speak. He follows Danny into the studio hoping he can lose himself in the music. He found that to be easier said than done. His heart wasn't in the music today. His mind drifted to Corrine. There had to be something he could do to make it up to her. She mentioned taking time off, his family had a cottage up north. It was secluded and peaceful, just what the doctor ordered.

"I'm going to dip out early, gents." He packs his guitar up.

Eyebrows were raised in confusion. Danny gave a knowing nod of his head. He'd be walking a fine line, this he would admit, but she was worth it. He drove to Wanderlust, the sign said closed but he'd been given a key. He opened the door walking in and locking the door behind him. He could hear voices coming from the workshop. He knew none of them were his wife. He took the two flights of stairs up to the loft. This time, he would make things right. This time, he would think before speaking. He'd make amends and set the record straight. He knocked on the door mentally preparing himself.

"What are you doing here?" Corinne's voice dripped with a coldness that numbed his very veins.

"I am an asshole Rin, for ever thinking that you'd cheat on me. I love you more than anything in this world. I'll talk with Danny and take some time off. We can go to the cottage up north, just the three of us. I don't want to fight anymore Rin, please forgive me. I'll prove to you that I'm worthy of your second chance." He was on his knees gripping her hands tightly.

"Ben..." There were tears in her eyes. She hated fighting almost as much as him. She ran her hand through her shortened hair the fight leaving her body.

"Before I agree to anything I want your word, Benjamin." She pulls him to his feet. She had impressive upper arm strength. He'd seen her use their home gym more than once. She wanted to be able to keep up with Orion and was succeeding by leaps and bounds.

"My word?" He raised an eyebrow. She opened the door wider gesturing for him to come inside. Was this a trap? Was it possible he was setting himself up for failure?