Dear God (Avenged Sevenfold)

And all the shops are closed

By the time Brian made his way into the kitchen the next morning, Natalie had already been up for several hours, making breakfast and making sure she looked put together. After last night she hardly slept a wink and it wasn't all to do with her daughter getting sick either, she couldn't stop thinking about the kiss and the way Brian had acted last night. Natalie had called Ava in the early hours to talk about what had gone on, knowing that her best friend was going to warn her to be cautious...and she did. "I just don't want to see you get hurt honey" Ava had told her after she spilled the beans about the kiss, "You took a long time to get over Sam and with Brian it's more complicated because you have Bryleigh together. Just be careful and go slow." Natalie loved Ava for always looking out for her, she had to face facts, she tended to fall fast and hard in love.

Natalie was still going over things in her head when Brian appeared from down the hallway, giving her one of those killer smiles of his. "How's Bryleigh doing?" he asked, sitting down at the island bar. "She's totally fine this morning...well, sleepy but no more sick feelings or anything of the sort." Natalie smiled at their daughter as she sat on the floor watching cartoons and holding the stuffed bear Brian had just given her. Natalie slid a plate full of breakfast food across the counter at Brian, followed by a coffee mug and waited for his reaction to her cooking. Sam always had something irritating to say about her cooking and she had become paranoid of cooking for other people. Thankfully Brian seemed to approve as he shoveled food in his mouth and smiled at her. "This tastes amazing" he mumbled after swallowing a large bite of hash browns "You really know what you're doing in the kitchen don't you?"

Natalie felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she mumbled a 'thank you' to him before turning her attention to the dirty dishes in the sink. Brian sat there and watched Natalie at the sink, relearning all the curves of her body. She had worn these incredible pair of khaki shorts that hugged her ass just right and a white tank top that made his mouth water. Even though it had been two years now he could still remember the feel of her body and he couldn't help it, he shifted in his seat as the heat between his legs grew considerably hotter...and harder. Fucking hell he thought to himself as he finished off his plate and stood up, carrying it over to the sink where she still stood.

Natalie felt her body temperature rise considerably when Brian came up behind her, pressing his body close to hers as he slid his plate into the water, his one hand on her waist. "Thank you for breakfast" he murmured huskily in her ear, his voice creating goosebumps up and down her arms. Natalie managed a weak "You're welcome" as he placed a feather light kiss to her bared shoulder before walking into the living room. God what the hell was she going to do with him?! Natalie fretted over her feelings and the signals she THOUGHT Brian was giving her while she finished the dishes, joining them a short while later. Bryleigh had climbed into Brian's lap as he sat on the couch, pulling her blanket and her bear up with her. "I have no idea what she's watching but she seems to be infatuated" he laughed, smoothing his hand down her thick hair as he looked at Natalie.

"It's Mickey Mouse Club House" Natalie explained, smiling at the image of her daughter snuggled up to Brian before she went on to explain that their appointment with Bryleigh's doctor was scheduled for this afternoon and Brian should be prepared to possibly give a sample up for testing today. "Well that's why I'm here right?" he stated, rubbing Bryleigh's back as she continued watching her show. Natalie smiled and nodded but inside she felt sadness, when this was all over he was going to return to California and they would go about their separate lives. Sure, if he wanted to come out for visits he certainly could but suddenly Natalie didn't feel that would be enough and she found herself already missing him...and he hadn't even left yet!

By the time the appointment rolled around, Natalie was full of nerves and Brian had to admit, he was feeling anxious himself. He hoped to god he was a match for his daughter because even though last night's episode seemed mild enough he had a feeling it could get worse if she wasn't cured. They seemed to sit forever in the waiting room which made his anxiety sky rocket. He bounced his legs for a good ten minutes until Natalie reached over and lightly placed her hand on his thigh, silently signaling for him to stop. "Sorry" he muttered with a crooked grin on his face "I'm nervous as fuck, smoking usually calms this down but I have a feeling an entire pack wouldn't do me any good right now."

Natalie started to say something to reassure him with the receptionist called out her name. "Natalie and Bryleigh Johnston!" Natalie paled as she stood up on shaky legs, Brian swallowed hard and scooped Bryleigh up from the floor where she had been playing. The silence between them was deafening as they were led back to an exam room to await the doctor. Bryleigh began babbling quietly as Brian held her in his lap, her fingers winding their way around his necklace made from Jimmy's drum kit.

It wasn't long before the doctor came in, greeted Bryleigh with a smile and a sticker before holding his hand out to Brian. "I'm Dr. Alpine...and judging from the similarities I assume you're the father?" Brian shook the guys hand and stated that he indeed was her father. "Good detective work young lady" he stated to Natalie, sitting down on the stool in front of them and opening the file he had carried in. "So as I'm sure you're aware of Mr. Haner, your daughter is extremely sick so it's imperative we get a sample from you soon to see if you're a match." The doctor went on to explain how they would obtain a sample and what would happen if he was a match and what would happen if he wasn't. "So let's set up an appointment to have a sample taken and-" Brian hadn't meant to but he cut the doctor off, handing Bryleigh over to Natalie as he stood up. "Why wait? Can we do it now? I mean, that's why I flew here...and after last night I don't want to see her get any sicker." The doctor smiled at Brian and silently nodded his head, handing Brian a paper "You'll need to fill this out and go down to the lab department. I'll call ahead and let them know that you're coming in for a stat order."

They both watched as the doctor left the room, presumably to make the call while Brian quickly filled out the information sheet, pacing the room until he came back to tell them they had an opening for him and to get down there immediately. "Well sweet cheeks what do you say? Shall we go so I can get poked and prodded?" he laughed nervously, scooping Bryleigh up out of Natalie's lap before heading down to the lab department.