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Stone led the way through a crowd of people. He held a dominance in this bar. It seemed like he had been here on numerous occasions and he knew every crook and cranny, so I guess he had no need to be sheepish around some drunk baboon.
Finally, we made it to a booth towards the back, where all three shining faces were focused on a conversation about Bruce Springsteen, obviously led by Eddie.
Stone cleared his throat, and with an instant they all looked up at him. At the same time their eyes drifted from him to me, a rush of happiness overcame me.
Eddie bounded up from the booth and had me in a hug faster than I could blink. A bone crushing one at that. Of course I accepted his warmth right away. I wrapped my arms around his neck, with his toned arms gripped tightly around my waist, holding me slightly off the ground. His head was snuggled into the crook of my neck, and his perfume filled my nostrils as I breathed in and out against his strong profile.
He held me like this for a whole minute, which may not seem long, but it definitely was, for a hug full of silence. He let me go and his eyes were brimmed with tears. It struck me right in my core and for some reason took me back. I had no idea that any of the guys would react that way. I had spent maybe four months with them on tour, and however long in the studio. Although, I must say they've all become family to me, and I care about more than a night sky.
Eddie wiped his eyes with the palms of his hands, and forced a smile at me.
"I missed you." He said chuckling.
I couldn't help but blush and smile back. "As did I, Mr. Vedder."
He smirked at me, and then stepped aside so I could greet the other guys. The hugs after Eddie's were much alike. Tight ones, full of love and joy for seeing one another. I had never felt more welcomed ever before until this night.
When my "homecoming" was finished, I sat down with Stone and Mike in the right booth and sipped on a beer Jeff had ordered me. All of their polished, clean faces stared at me.
Jeff studied me intently. "You cut it."
I knew immediately what he spoke of, and slipped three fingers around a strand of curly hair. A tiny smile formed on my lips, and I brushed the hair behind my ear.
"Yes, but not voluntary."
They all chuckled and Mike smiled at me. "Well, it still looks good!"
I looked up at him and felt myself blush. "Thank you, Mike."
He nodded and then sipped some of his beer.
Eddie shifted in his seat and spread of his elbows on the tabletop. There seemed to be a tension all of a sudden.
Jeff coughed awkwardly, like he was about to begin to say something. "Hey Lill, I know this might be kinda rude and all, but I gotta ask, why'd you go? Why'd you leave?"
Stone might've glared at Jeff, but I didn't see because I held my head down after Jeff spilled those words. Silence fell over the table, but a sound of understanding and comprehension spoke very loudly.
"I'm sorry, Lilly." Eddie said. "I didn't think those rumors were true... I thought you just left to leave."
I raised my head again and forced a smile even though my eyes were growing wet. "It's fine."
"Why didn't you put in a call? I would've beaten the shit out of him." Jeff said trying to clear the heavy air.
I laughed and then let out a deep sigh. "Well, I guess there's no use in keeping any secrets."
I told the guys about the months I spent back in Seattle after leaving, and all of the shit I experienced. Or didn't.
I also told them about my alcohol issue, which I gently concluded with pushing my beer slightly farther away.
After I had finished talking, they all stared at me, with sad eyes full of empathy.

My throat constricted, and I felt the urge to say something. "Needless to say, I don't feel any desire to have a man's touch upon me like that for some time."  

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