Falling For His Smile

Chapter 7

Max's POV

  Me and Joe walked to his room. When we got there Andy and Ryan were asleep in the bed they shared. I giggled a little bit when I saw them. "You feeling ok?" Joe asked as he sat on the bed. I sighed. "Don't worry. I'm not letting you go home. Neither is Andy. Josh is a great guy and I know if you guys do end up together, you'll be happy." Joe gave me a small smile. I sat down next to him.

Joe was the second closest person to me. He was sort of like an older brother, just not as protective as Pete. He was pretty chill about everything, yet he made sure I was safe. "Thank you." I said as I pulled him into a hug. Joe's arms wrapped around me. "It's gonna be ok," Joe mumbled, "but for now, let's get some sleep." I pulled away and realized how exhausted he looked.

I laid down next to him and felt his arms wrap securely around my waist. "Goodnight, Max." he mumbled. "Goodnight." I said and fell asleep.

Josh's POV

"I'm going to fuck you up." Pete said as he gave me a deadly glare. He started walking towards me and I backed up. Brendon stood between us. "No, you're not." Brendon said holding his arms up in front of Pete. "Joe's right. You can't control who she makes out with." Brendon said. "Josh, it was a dick move to make out with Pete's little sister." Brendon looked at me.

It was silent for a moment. "Pete, listen. You know I would never hurt her." I said calmly. Pete didn't say anything. "I just want you to know that I care about her and I wouldn't do anything that would put her in danger." I said and left.

When I walked into our room, Tyler was still asleep. He could sleep through anything. I laid down and closed my eyes. I soon fell asleep.

Pete's POV

Is this really fucking happening? "She's going home. I don't care about what anyone else thinks." I said through gritted teeth. Patrick looked at me. "You know she's going to have Joe, Andy-" Brendon cut off Patrick, "and Panic! wants her to stay." he said quietly. "So, that's it? Just you and Tyler? Fucking great." I sat down on the bed.

"Actually, it's just you, Pete. Let's be real, Tyler is gonna side with Josh and want Max to stay." Patrick trailed off. "What about you?" I looked at him suspiciously. "Pete, I don't want Max to leave. She means a lot to us all." I just gave him a look. "Great. Just great." I mumbled. "She's still going home." I said quietly. Patrick sighed and left.

It was just me and Brendon. "Listen, man, I'm so-" I cut Brendon off with my finger. "Shut the hell up. I don't wanna hear it." I said. Brendon sighed. "Goodnight, I guess." he said and climbed into his bed. I got into bed and went to sleep.

~~~~the next morning~~~~

Max's POV

  I woke up, still wrapped in Joe's arms. I sat up slowly. For a moment, I forgot why I was in here, but then I remembered what happened last night. I was going to text Josh and see if he was awake but then realized my phone was in Pete and Brendon's room.

  I got out of the bed and left the room. I knocked softly on the door, hoping Brendon would answer. Brendon opened the door and gave me a small smile. "Hey." he said. "I forgot my phone." I said quietly. He opened the door and let me inside.

  I walked over to the nightstand that was between the two beds. Pete was still asleep. I silently grabbed my phone. I texted Josh and asked if he was awake. A few seconds I got a text saying he was awake. I left the room and walked to Josh's.

  When I reached the room, I knocked quietly. Josh opened the door and smiled brightly at me. "Hey, come on in." he opened the door wider to let me in.

  Patrick was awake and so was Tyler. I looked away from Patrick in attempt to make it less awkward. "Pete's making you go home." Patrick mumbled. "What?" I looked at him. "He doesn't care what anyone says, he's making you go home." Patrick said.

  Who the hell is he to make my decisions for me? "I'm not leaving whether he likes it or not." I said. Patrick sighed. "Hey, Max." Tyler said as he came out of the bathroom. "Hey, Tyler." I said smiling. "I heard about what happened and don't you worry. We'll make sure you stay to finish the tour with us." Tyler smiled at me. "Thanks, it means a lot." I said.

  The four of us sat around talking for a while, then there was a knock on the door. I got up and answered it. Brendon was standing there. "Pete's packing your stuff. He's gonna make you go home." Brendon said, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

  I pushed past Brendon and walked down to their room. Brendon handed me the card and I opened the door to see Pete packing my clothes. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" I yelled at him. "I told you, you're going home, away from him." Pete said not looking at me. "I don't know who the fuck you are, but you most certainly do not choose whether I stay or not. Get that through your thick skull." I said.

  Pete looked at me. "I am your older brother, Max. You're going home, away from Josh." he said sternly. "Fuck you!" I said and grabbed my stuff. I could feel the hot tears running down my cheeks. "You're not a brother Pete! You can go fuck yourself!" I yelled and left the room.

  I quietly knocked on Joe's door. Ryan opened it. "Max, are you ok?" he asked with concern. "Is Joe or Andy awake?" I asked. He nodded and let me in. Joe was sitting in his bed watching tv while Andy was on his phone.

Both of their heads snapped up to look at me. I just sniffled. "Pete's getting it." Andy said and left the room. "I don't wanna go home, Joey." I said, more tears falling. He got up and engulfed me in a bear hug. "I know." he whispered. I want to stay here with them, my family.