My desperate endeavor to find my whoever

22) Naughty

"Morning babe." I smiled, as he came staggering out of the bunks. "Did you sleep okay?"

He shrugged, continuing to shuffle over to me. "Managed to sleep a little between tossing and turning." Alex grumbled, resting his head on my shoulder. "I feel drained. Like, physically drained of everything. Yesterday fucking sucked."

I sighed. "Y'know you need to face her," I told him. "She's not going to drop this easily. That girl is like a dog with a bone."

Alex let out a long sigh, which by the end of it sounded like a moan. "I can't deal with her right now. Not in this state." He paused. "If I face Lisa now, she'll break me more than she's ever broken me before. I just need time to think. And then I'll face the vile bitch."

I couldn't help but laugh at that. "Alex you're so naughty." I giggled. "Tell you what, you go get some sleep and I'll get you something to eat. That a plan?"

"Subway or nothing." He said quickly, suddenly perking up. "The only breakfast that'll cheer me up is Subway."

"A sandwich? For breakfast?" I exclaimed. "My god, being in America for so long has ruined you. You need time in Essex."

I went to grab my bag and head off the bus when a hand grabbed me. I whipped myself around; it was Alex. "Babe," he gasped. "That's genius."

"What?"

"Essex," he stated; his eyes sparkled and I could almost see a hint of a smile. "That's exactly what I need."

For a minute I couldn't find my words. It's not often I get speechless, but when I do, it doesn't last long. "Are you sure?" I asked. "I mean I was only taking the piss but-"

"No no no, babe," he said quickly, squeezing my hand tightly. "You don't understand, I've never been more sure. I haven't been back properly in years, I need a break."

"Okay," I agreed. "I'll go get some breakfast, then we'll talk about this properly when I get back. Deal?"

"Deal." Alex smiled.

I went out and got breakfast for us both and collected dad on the way. He seemed a bit quiet this morning, but I took it that he hadn't had much sleep what with the jet lag and all. Alex's face lit up when he caught sight of the Subway bag in my hand, and pretty much snatched it away before I'd even got to him. The bus began to move as we ate, finally making our way to the next venue. After about half an hour, Alex called his parents to tell them how long we'd be. I was so excited to see them again, even if it would only be a few minutes while they took dad. Adam and I began to review our shots from last night in greater detail, even throwing suggestions around for edits and shots we'd love to re-take. Don't get me wrong, all of them were fantastic, but some (particularly mine) felt a bit rushed and as a result ended up looking...well they were a bit shit for professionals!

"Jesus!" I heard a voice grumble. "I think someone needs to teach that clown how to drive!"

I giggled to myself. "It's not that bad." I reasoned. "You get used to it, dad."

"I don't intend on getting used to it!" He chuckled, slumping down next to me. "So this is the wonderful Adam then?" Dad asked, changing the subject. "Heard a lot about you, son. You must be wonderful if she's praising you." He told him, nodding towards me.

"Daaaaaaad..." I whined, my cheeks turning a slight pink.

"Hey," Adam interrupted. "Leave the guy alone. He's saying nice things about me." Adam turned to dad. "So tell me more about how wonderful I am."

Dad chuckled. "I like him already." He told me quietly. "Well then, how's my girl doing?"

"Fantastic." Adam beamed. "I couldn't be happier with her work. She's not perfect, but that's good. It shows that I can help to nurture and improve her skill. She's willing to learn as well, so that's a bonus. There's also things I'm learning from her, so it's a great experience for both of us.

Dad grinned. "That's my girl."

Again, I blushed. "Alright, you're doing this on purpose now," I said with a smirk. "We're actually working here, d'you mind?"

"Oh excuse me miss fancy knickers!" Dad exclaimed, earning laughs from the entire bus. "Gets herself involved with a bunch of Americans and thinks she's Queen bloody B!"

The entire bus fell into fits of laughter, especially Rian. He was bent double and laughing hysterically. His face kept getting progressively redder the more he laughed.

"I have no idea what you just said, but it sounded hilarious," chuckled Jack. 

"I'm glad I could amuse you, son," dad smiled arrogantly; he was loving every second of this.

While myself and Adam looked through our photos and talked seriously, dad found himself the centre of attention with the guys. They were loving his stories and mannerisms and he was definitely lapping up the attention. Myself and Adam shared a look; while he filmed the whole thing, I took photos. None of them noticed me moving around, focusing on one of them, then taking my shot. Eventually, dad clocked me taking photos and smirked. He kept going and going. I went back to the table to take shots of all of them, making sure I got each and every one of them in frame. Even after dad went for a drink, they didn't know I'd been taking photos or Adam was filming. As me and Adam smirked at each other, Alex came over. He took the seat next to me, humming contently as he nuzzled into my arm. "Someone's perked up." I smiled, booping his nose.

Alex hummed again. "Your dad's fucking great," he groaned lazily, a small smile gracing his face. "After yesterday, I needed that. Where did Lisa end up?"

"Josh said her and Kate could go with them," I told him quietly. "And while You Me At Six soundcheck, they'll be staying on their bus."

"Good." he smirked.

"Naughty," I giggled, slapping his shoulder, which earned a groan.

"Get a room you two!" dad exclaimed, sending the whole bus into hysterics once again.

"He's not feeling great today, dad," I said sympathetically. "Leave him be. He needs cuddles."

"I'm more concerned at the fact he's got his hands on my little girl!" Dad smirked. "Nah I'm only messing you kids have fun. But not too much mind - it's a bit early for that." Once again, the whole bus was full of laughter.

"I fucking love this," I grinned.