I Swear That I Can Hear You In the Wind - A Sequel

Track Five.

I stood at the baggage claim, watching as the rainbow of suitcases circled in front of me, mine yet to appear and mix in with the others. I pulled my phone from my purse, sending a quick text to my dad, letting him know I had landed safely and asking how the kids were.

It had been Austin's idea really, for me to come visit Vic on tour, for us to have this dreaded conversation in person, the conversation where I had to divulge the strain that his absence was placing on this family. I was not looking forward to it, but Austin had been right - talking in person would be much better than over FaceTime. And honestly I felt like seeing my husband would do me some good.

My bag finally made its appearance and I lifted it from the carousel before making my way towards the exit, the cool Chicago air swirling through the doors. I blinked a few times, my eyes adjusting to the sunlight bouncing off the snow, and I gazed around me, searching for Vic. I finally found him, leaning up against a taxi, his arms wrapped around himself for warmth. He spotted me, too, and he jogged towards me, a huge smile tugging at his lips. He reached me quickly, placing his hands on either side of my face before connecting his lips with mine.

I melted into his touch, my heart picking up its pace inside my chest.

"God, Ly, I missed you so much," he said, his voice low, his forehead pressed against mine, our noses brushing together. He continue to embrace me, right there on the sidewalk, not a care in the world about who was watching.

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"Vic," I hissed through clenched teeth. "Victor!" The bunk curtain drew back just enough for Vic to peak in. "Where are my underwear?" I murmured quietly, a giggle escaping my mouth. He laughed, shaking his head back and forth before disappearing momentarily. He returned seconds later, the lacy, black fabric dangling from his finger. He tossed them at me, watching as I slipped them back on before helping me out of the bunk.

I followed Vic, hand in hand, out into the Chicago cold and into the venue. I waved at a few of the crew members as we passed by, happy that I could continue to avoid having that conversation with Vic. We reached the green room and shuffled inside, narrowly avoiding some approaching fans.

"Did you guys have fun?" Mike asked with a smirk. Vic smacked the back of his head, knocking his hat to the ground, and I flushed with embarrassment.

"Fuck off, Mike," Vic exclaimed as he collapsed on the couch with a huff, pulling me onto his lap. He kissed at my neck, then at my shoulder, his fingers playing with mine as they rested in my lap.

Vic had hardly kept his hands off of me since he'd picked me up at the airport, hence how we ended up in his bunk for an hour, and I wasn't complaining. We hadn't been this way with each other in what felt like years, and I was enjoying the distraction. But it was almost as if he knew that something was up, almost like he was distracting me on purpose.

I was trying to enjoy this, spending time with the guys, watching them get ready for their show. I couldn't remember the last time that I had done this without the kids in tow, but my mind was constantly wrestling with how to handle the conversation we would have later tonight.  I had been partaking in the alcohol provided by the venue, along with the guys, trying to focus on enjoying myself.

"On in five guys," Matt hollered, and Mike chugged the rest of his beer, pushing himself up from the couch and grabbing his sticks before heading out to the stage. I pushed myself up as well, holding my hand out to Vic who took it willingly. We headed for the stage, and I gave him a good luck kiss before heading off the stage and out into the crowd. I wanted the full experience tonight.

I stood towards the back, doing to best to stay as inconspicuous as possible, knowing that some of the die-hard fans would recognize me.

I sang along with every word, my face plastered with a smile as I watched Vic do his thing. For the final song I headed back side stage to intercept Vic as he exited the stage.

It was now or never. And as I much as I hated having to ruin the evening, ruin the way we had been with each other today, if I didn't talk to him now, I don't know if I ever would.

TO BE CONTINUED