My wayward brother (The Wanted Fic)

Chapter 7 - Home Again

It had been 3 weeks since Max left The Wanted’s House to go with Mayra. And things had turned really bad for all of them. Tom felt really bad. He didn’t know whether he should be angry at Max for choosing a girl rather than them, his family. Or should he be upset that he lost his best mate, his brother, the one with whom he could relate the best. Siva lost his elder brother, the one who could understand him. Jay lost his partner in crime, his fun mate. Kelsey and Nareesha both lost a brother.

Max also wasn’t doing much better. Yeah, it was his own decision to leave The Wanted House but he had grown so attached to the boys that living away from them proved to be really difficult. Max tried his best to look happy or to feel happy whenever Mayra dragged him to clubs and parties but all he could manage was a fake smile. He desperately wanted to go back home but then he’ll convince himself that he was doing all this for Mayra, to be with Mayra.

But the one who was suffering the most was Nathan. He had just gotten himself a family and now he lost one member of that very family. During the time that he managed to bond with the boys, Nathan had grown a liking to Max. Nathan saw Max close to Tom as a big brother! And now it was his fault he lost that big brother. Nathan blamed himself badly for Max leaving them to go with Mayra. His parents were right! He was a fucking mistake!

For those 3 weeks that Max stayed away from them, the list of scars and cuts grew longer over Nathan’s body. His thighs suffered the most as he always feared that Jay would see the cuts on his arms and then he would tell Tom. And Nathan would lose Tom as well, the last thing he could call family and depend on! Plunged in their own sorrows, the boys never noticed how quiet, distant and guilt-ridden Nathan became!

The band also was suffering! Since 3 weeks, they had postponed several interviews and meet and greets. The Fanmily was also panicking as since 3 weeks there had been no news about their idols. Kev had had enough of seeing the boys breaking and seeing a little boy be so upset. Nano was worried as to how much this was affecting the boys’ lives and career. And all this called for a meeting with Scooter at the earliest possible.

*Scooter Braun’s Office*

Scattered around the table, Jay and Siva sat quietly. Tom had Nathan sat next to him not really paying attention to the boy who was staring down not really making eye contact with anyone. There were really worried if Max would come or not! All the heads snapped up as Scooter walked in with Max and Mayra in tow. No words were really spoken as they all fought to keep their emotions in check. Scooter glanced at all of them. He noticed Nathan, the quiet shy boy who unlike the others was sneaking glances at Max and staring hopefully at the lad before dropping his gaze down when Mayra glared at him.

“So? A fight, I guess?” Scooter asked. “Yes and the cause is Nathan” Mayra answered. Tom glared at her as he wrapped an arm around Nathan’s shoulder. “And Max you believe that too?” Scooter asked. “Of course he believes Nathan to be the reason! Why would he walk out of the house and come with me otherwise?” Mayra scoffed. “I asked you Max not Mayra” Scooter said. “I… I…” Max trailed off. “You blame Nathan? Is he the reason of the fight? Is this little boy of 12 year old such a trouble for you that you can’t handle? Do you want him to be sent back home?” Scooter asked.

“No, of course not! His parents are not worth it. They’ll do more harm to him” Max said. “So you don’t blame Nathan?” Scooter asked. Max cast a look at Mayra and then at Nathan who had tears rolling down his cheeks. God! How could he blame a 12 year old? He was just a child. No, he couldn’t do that! Screw what he told Tom that Nathan was Tom’s brother! They were all brothers! And he wouldn’t lose brothers for a girl!