Family Ties. (A The Strokes Love story)

Chapter 8

Julian's PoV

"Seriously?" I asked lowly as Albert led me downstairs.

"That'll stall her for a little while," he muttered as he stopped in the hallway that led to the kitchen. He stood across from me in the hallway.

"What's this even about?" I asked, shaking my head confusedly.

"Listen, man. I respect you and all, but if you hurt June, I'd have no choice but to hurt you." Albert said, his voice sounding slightly dangerous.

I laughed.

"Dude. If you think I'm ever gonna hurt her, you're probably out of your mind." I assured, with a cautious tone of voice.

"Okay, Julian. You have my trust. Besides, if you hurt her, she'll probably kick your ass before I can," Albert said, laughing bitterly.

I nodded, letting out a nervous laugh. Then, I pulled out a cigarette, wandering to the couch, and laying on it leisurely.

"Yo, man. Can I get one?"

"Sure thing."

I tossed him one, and then, he tossed me his lighter.

"Kay. I guess I'll let June out, then." Albert said, getting up and walking upstairs. I tagged along.

When he opened the door, her room was empty.

"What the hell...?" I murmured, Albert looked at me confused, and then shrugged.

"She couldn't have possibly left.." He noted. He walked out, and I watched as June's arm shot out from behind the opened door, and whacked Albert's head.

"What the fuck?! June how did y-" Albert gasped.

"I have my ways," she simply answered. Then, she shot a smile in my direction. I grinned, smiling back.

"We should like, watch a movie or something," June suggested, smiling lightly.

Albert nodded, smiling. I did the same.

"What movie...?" I asked as we all got downstairs.

"The Breakfast Club!!" June shouted, holding up the DVD.

"No, Grease!!" Albert argued, holding another.

"Let's just watch both of them." I said, shrugging. I grinned as I watched them argue; they were so sibling-like.

June's PoV

I gave up with Albert, and we all decided to watch Grease. I got up as Jules and Al sat on the couch, to make popcorn. Then, I sat down as the movie started, and sat in between them.

I leaned slightly more over to Julian, hearing him chuckle softly as I did so. He wrapped an arm around me, and I gently leaned into his shoulder.

I didn't even notice when the microwave went off.

Albert stood up and got it, plopping back down on the sofa and taking a handful before he handed the bowl to Julian and I.

"Want some, June Bug?" Julian asked me. I gladly took, and shoved a handful in my mouth.

I noticed Albert remained silent for a majority of the movie. He would usually talk over the music, pointing out the logical errors in each scene, and always, he would start to sing all the songs. Always.

I looked over to Albert as 'Greased Lightning' was about to play. I smiled, then I sighed, knowing it was his favorite song.

Only for Albert, I did the following.

"Why, this car is automatic,

It's systematic...

And hydromatic!

Why, it's Greased Lightning!"

I stood up, mirroring John Travolta, staring Albert straight in the eye. Julian got a kick out of it, and he smiled extremely widely, trying not to laugh.

Albert's mouth twitched up into a small smile.

'We'll get some overhead lifters and four barrel quads, oh yeah...' I sang, dancing.

'Keep talking, oh, keep talking!~' Albert sang along, standing up with me. Julian grinned.

'Fuel injection cutoffs and chrome plated rods, oh yeah~!' I sang, dancing with Albert in that weird, 60's style.

'Go, Greased Lighting, you're burning up the quarter mile~!" Albert sang the chorus, beaming. I laughed.

We danced like maniacs, just as we used to when we were younger. For a second, it felt like we were.

When the song ended, I grinned at Albert, who flopped back onto the couch. I did the same, laughing.

"That was great," Julian chuckled.

Albert laughed, smiling.

The movie ended after a while, and it was around 11 when we looked at the clock.

I yawned lightly, stretching my arms and legs.

"Do you have to be home at a certain time, Jules?" I asked, leading up to the question.

"No. Why?"

"My mom's out with her boyfriend and some others tonight. You can stay here." I offered. Julian grinned.

"Sure. My mom won't mind either. Actually, she's out tonight with my dad and some friends as well." He responded.

"Ok, awesome." I responded, smiling at Julian who was irresistibly biting his lip.

"What are you looking like that for?" I asked, smirking.

"I was just wondering. Am I gonna be sleeping with you~?" Julian asked, smirking.

"Why not?" I answered, shrugging.

Albert gave me a look. I ignored him. He shoved me, and I returned the favor.

"What, is there a problem, Albie?" I asked.

"Nope. Go sleep with Jules, and I'll sleep down here."

"You sure, Albert?"

"Yep. Go ahead." He said blankly, changing the channel on the television.

"Okay...Good night, Albert." I said apprehensively, hugging him. He hugged lightly back, looking straight ahead, instead of his usual bear-hugs.

I went upstairs with Julian, sighing. I closed the door lightly, then stepped out of my sweatpants and got into bed, leaving room for Julian.

He took off his shirt, lying next to me.

"What's wrong, June Bug?" Julian murmured into my ear, wrapping his arm snugly around my waist.

"Albert. He's kind of being strange lately." I answered honestly, looking down.

"I'll talk to him tomorrow." I decided.

"Good idea, baby," Julian whispered, smiling. I smiled back, and snuggled into his arms.

"Good night, Julesy."

"Good night, June Bug."