The Aviators (A7X)

"People will get hurt."

  Matt frowned at Robert's words. "You're telling me that there's nothing we can do? After everything you've already done?"

Robert nodded, gravely. "I'm sorry, Shads. It doesn't look good. Our hands are tied." He glanced at JD who was leaning against the wall. The three men were in the garage studio several days after JD had filed a report to the Guild.

"Tell me again what they said?"

Robert sighed, shaking his head. "They can't charge anyone who is covered by the Guild. None of what Arian did was illegal. Immoral, perhaps...but..."

Matt let out a low growl at the name, then turned to pace the length of the studio. "Is there anything you can do...off the record?"

JD leaned forward. "What're you suggesting, Sanders?"

The big male cast a cold look his way. "Nothing you wouldn't be up for."

The other man gave a snort. "Breaking the law is always a last resort for us."

Matt curled his fingers tight into the palms of his hands. "Val needs me to make sure justice is served. You need to make sure that happens. I can't go home and tell her that we did nothing." He dragged his fingers through his hair. "The guys in the band are ready to back me up."

Robert scoffed, "Sure. Are they willing to go to jail for this?"

"Why don't you ask us, you dick."

The three of them turned to see Zacky, Brian, Jimmy and Johnny in the doorway of the studio.

"Dude..." Matt's breath came out in a rush. Zacky lifted his chin a defiant glint in his eyes.

"Val deserves better. We're here for you, Matt."

Matt smiled a little before looking back at JD and Robert. "Well?"

JD sighed, eyeing the other men, doubtfully. "People will get hurt."

"As long as Val doesn't get hurt anymore. She's family. And we fight for our family," Brian said, his anger clear. "She's my sister-in-law."

"Almost," Jimmy muttered out of the side of his mouth.

Johnny rolled his eyes at the drummer. "Close enough."

Brian ignored their banter just continued to glare at JD. The bigger male's shoulders slumped as he nodded his head.

"Fine. As long as you're sure." He returned his gaze to Matt. "What do you have in mind?"

* * * * *

Jason Berry looked up from his phone as his twin stalked into the office.

"What is it, Matt?"

Matt Berry sucked on his bottom lip then said, "Shads called. It's on."

Jason shot up fast at his brother's words. "Did he tell them about what we found out?"

"Yes. They were surprised. Didn't realise that there was a way to free Val, which would then mean they could go after the Guild without fear of repercussion," Matt said with a grin. His brother licked at his lips as he grabbed some papers from the desk, tucking his phone into his back pocket as he went for the door.

"Come on, then. We'd better get these to Shads."

Matt followed, smirking. "You never asked whether you thought Matt would go for it."

Jason paused as he looked back at his brother. "He loves her enough."

"Yeah, but...it hasn't been that long."

Jason rolled his eyes. "At this point, I'm sure Shads will do just about anything to keep Val safe."

"True that." Matt chuckled. "Still...don't think he'll be expecting this course of action."

"I don't think anyone will be expecting it..."

"Well, I guess we'll find out soon enough."

* * * * *

Matthew sat back, frowning as he waited for Robert and JD to respond to his idea. Robert blinked several times.

"What? You serious?"

Matthew lifted his chin in the affirmative. "Yes."

"That's absolutely insane. I've never heard the like." Robert glanced at JD. "Have you?"

JD's jaw tightened as he gave the singer a hard look. "No one has ever..."

"He loves her enough." The voice at the door caused them all to turn. Matt and Jason Berry were both leaning casually on opposite sides of the doorframe. Jason had spoken, voice clear and bright.

JD pushed a hand through his hair, sighing. "I don't doubt it. But, still...do we really want to set such a precedent?"

Matthew growled low, "I honestly don't give a shit what you think we should do."

"Obviously. Will Val accept, though?"

Jimmy, who was sitting next to the singer, scoffed, "Maybe you should ask her."

Matthew punched him lightly on the shoulder. "That's the idea." He stood and cast his gaze over his friends. "I'm gonna head home and talk to Val...you all know what needs to be done."

Zacky stood as well and spoke for the others. "You just take care of Val. We'll see you in a few hours."

Matthew smiled at the guitarist before turning to leave.