This One's For You (Of Mice & Men Fanfiction)

Chapter 19

Delilah's P.O.V

Austin left my bunk when I told him I was going to sleep. He went to a party Sleeping With Sirens were having on their bus, but I decided that I would stay behind.

I'd probably been tossing and turning for almost an hour when I heard a faint knocking on the bus door. Slightly confused, I got out of bed and went to answer it. I was only wearing shorts, and a singlet which meant that hundreds more scars and cuts were showing, but after today I thought there would be no need to hide it.

I opened the door to find Vic waiting anxiously for me.

"You know, you don't have to knock." I laughed. He shrugged his shoulders and walked onto the bus.

"Are you the only one here?" He asked, looking around suspiciously. I nodded, sitting on the couch.

"So why did you decide to ditch the party life and visit me?" I asked.

"I told you I'd visit you!" He smiled, then sat next to me, scruffing my hair. He seemed a little happier than usual, which was awesome. He hadn't been like this very often on the tour, but seeing him happy was an amazing change.

"Thankyou so much for what you did today!" I thanked Vic, hugging him tightly. He laughed at my sudden outburst, and pat my back.

"No problem. I thought you might like it." He released me, and a worried look overtook his face.

"What is it?" I frowned. He shrugged his shoulders.

"I just never really knew it was this bad. I'm glad we've helped you." He took a deep breath and looked into space. "You know, we're coming to the end of the tour. It'll only be a few more days before we all go on our separate journeys."

The thought of leaving everyone made me shudder. If there was anything that wanted me to stay alive, it was the amazing people on the tour that showed me how much they really care. I didn't want to part ways with them any time soon, especially not Austin or Vic.

"You're not gonna leave me are you? I mean, I can't really afford to lose any friends.." I muttered. He gave me a half smile and pat me on the back.

"Of course not. You've changed my life in the past couple of weeks so much more than I could have ever imagined. I'd be a lot unhappier without you." Vic stood up and put out his hand. "Let's go."

"Where?" I asked with a confused expression.

"Sleeping With Sirens' bus! Did you really think I'd pass an invitation to drink alcohol?"

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Although everyone on the bus was at least a little drunk, they were all still able to pay attention and process what was going on around them. I sat quietly in the corner of the bus observing the group of intoxicated men that lay before me when Mike sat next to me, offering me a beer. I almost turned it down, but thought fuck it. How often will I ever be with these guys all at once after this? I could see Mike relax once I'd taken the beer as he realised I'd gotten over my slight fear of drinking.

"Can I have everybody's attention please?" We all turned to see Vic standing at the front of the bus, looking quite nervous. If he's doing what I think then I don't know if I should be happy or scared...

"I just have a couple of announcements to make..." Vic took a few breaths before continuing. "First off, I broke up with my girlfriend this morning." He paused, allowing those in the room to take the soft blow. "It's not all bad though, she's not really my type-" Vic was cut off by Justin Hills, who was a little more intoxicated than the others.

"What is your type then, bro? Cause I would have happily taken her off your hands." Everyone let out a chuckle, including Vic who was ready to answer Justin's question.

"Actually, that's what I'm gonna answer now..." Vic cleared his throat before making his final announcement. "My type is actually not women at all. It's guys. I'm into dudes. I like men. I'm gay." Vic stuttered trying to get it all out, but everyone got the picture. Everything was silent for a moment before Justin spoke up again.

"Dude..." He murmured. "That's great!" Everyone cheered for Vic who was on the verge of tears from all of the support he received from his friends. Mike seemed to be fine with it, but I knew that he was worried about his brother having to face his family again after this.

"Can we party for Vic tonight? That's not an easy thing to announce and I'm damn proud!" Kellin raised his beer and wrapped his arm around Vic's shoulders, who didn't like the sound of it.

"No no no, tonight's not my night. I wouldn't have been able to tell you all if it wasn't for Del anyway." My ears pricked at the sound of my name and I realised that once again, the spotlight was about to be put on me. "You've almost gotten through the whole tour, and that is something to celebrate. You inspire me and every single person in this bus every day and you don't understand how much we appreciate you being here with us."

My cheeks flashed a dark red and I shot Vic an anxious smile. I barely muttered a "thank you" before everybody started cheering again and went back to their obnoxious partying. I stayed in the bus for a few minutes, before feeling a wave of anxiety and stepping outside, sitting against the edge of the bus. I was left alone for a few minutes, silently sipping on my beer before I heard the door open and footsteps coming towards me. I didn't even bother checking to see who it was as they found their place next to me and pulled their knees up to their chest.

"I don't deserve all of this." I mumbled, playing with the sticker on my beer bottle.

"What makes you say that?" Austin's raspy voice sounded somewhat soothing in the quiet of the night. Like something you didn't know you need until you actually got it, and now that you have it you feel like everything is going to be okay.

"What did I do? I jumped off a building, and then what? I didn't do anything to deserve the praise and attention that I get except for hating myself. I'm a depressed whore. I'm not even passing any of my classes." I chuckled to myself as I realised how pathetic my lifestyle was. I had nothing going for me, and these idiots all wanted to keep me alive. What use am I?

"Delilah, depression is hard. Most of the guys in that van have been through some form of depression and they know how hard it is to be in a position similar to yours. We've lost people to depression, and we're not losing another. Being alive at this point is something to be celebrated. Your life is worth a lot more than you may think, and we just want you to know that. Hell, Vic probably wouldn't have ever come out if you hadn't pushed him a little. You're helping us all, Del." I could feel his eyes burrowing into me, but I couldn't find it in me to even look at him. I didn't want to let him down at all, but I didn't know how to believe what he was telling me.

"Thank you for bringing me here. I owe you everything." I finally said, resting my head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around me and kissed my forehead.

"Del, you don't owe me a thing."