Family Ties. (A The Strokes Love story)

Chapter 19

June's PoV

I kneeled in front of Albert, both us crying our eyes out, and hugging each other tightly.

"I-I'm sorry this happened, Albert..."

"It's not your fault, June..." He replied. I simply shook my head.

"No. Stop talking, ok? It's not your fault, Albert..." I said, cradling him in my arms gently. Albert nodded.

"I'm never going to hit you again; I promise.." I swore to him, kissing his forehead. Albert nodded. I helped him up, and hugged him again.

Then, I forgot about Julian and Fabrizio, standing right there watching the whole thing.

I blushed, and pretended to make sure that Fab was okay.

Then, I turned towards Julian, but I faltered, and took a step back.

"June..." Julian whispered.

"No." I answered.

Julian had threatened me just before Albert and Fab were about to kill each other.

"That wasn't what it looked like, June Bug." Julian said. I could hear the hurt in his voice.

"Don't call me that." I replied calmly. Fab stood behind me, just in case I ended up attacking someone else.

"...June." Julian sighed.

"So what is it, Julian? It's not what it looks like? Great. So what is it, then?" I asked, folding my arms over my chest.

Julian didn't respond, but instead, I could see the beginnings of tears form in his eyes.

"I see. It's exactly what it looks like, Julian. You're not fooling anybody. So guess what?"

Julian brushed loose hair our of his face.

"Me and you, Julian? We're done. It's over." I said shrugging. Julian said nothing, but merely nodded, and then sprinted out of our house, leaving the door to slam behind him.

Fabrizio stood in shock, gaping.

"Jesus Christ, June!" Fab said, aghast. I shrugged, and went over to Albert.

Albert's cheek had swelled slightly.

"You just dump him...like that?" Fab asked quietly.

"Yes, Fabrizio."

"I would stay with you, but I can't leave my best friend hanging, you know what I'm saying?" Fab said, shrugging. He brought me into a hug, and ruffled my hair gently.

He left, leaving the door shutting lightly behind him.

"Let me take care of that," I said gently to Albert, leading him into the bathroom. I made him sit on the toilet seat as I treated his cheek.

I hummed 'Seven Days In Sunny June' quietly as I rubbed a cool, antibiotic over his cheek.

I finished, and put away the medicines. Albert sat, looking dazed.

"Seven days in Sunny June,

We're long enough to bloom

The flowers on my sunbeam dress

That you loved in the spring...' I sang softly to him, kneeling down beside him.

"Albie? You okay, sweet?" I asked. He nodded, smiling gently.

"You wanna relax, hm? Or maybe watch a movie?" I suggested mellowly.

"You seem lax." Albert noted. I shrugged.

I looked down as I sighed, my head pounding from a headache from all the screaming.

"It's not happening, me and Julian. It's impossible. And stressful..." I said.

"I saw him threaten you, June." Albert sighed.

"Yeah."

"I was so concerned. But all I was thinking about was myself, and almost ended up fighting with one of my best friends."

I looked towards Albert.

"Albert, how many times do I have to tell you? It's not your fault."

"It feels like it is." Albert sighed. I sighed with him, running a hand through my hair.

"Let's not get into another argument. I never want to argue with you again, Albert.." I sighed, cradling his face in my hands lightly. He looked up at me with his big, sad looking brown eyes, and I felt so bad that I slapped him.

Albert gave me a smile, and I pecked his lips lightly and quickly. Alb leaned in for more, but I held him back gently with my index finger.

"Ah, ah ah, Mr. Hammond, Jr." I said, playfully smiling.

Albert laughed lowly.

"June, you may think I'm crazy when I say this." Albert started, blushing gently.

"Say what?" I asked, smiling.

"I love you more since you slapped me." Albert said, leaning in fairly close. I laughed and leaned away, even though Albert had his arms around my torso.

"Okay, Albert. Don't even act like that didn't hurt," I said, smirking.

"Actually, it hurt like hell. You can pack a punch, Junie." Albert confessed, laughing lightly. I chuckled nervously.

"I'm sorry, Albert. I don't know how much you want me to say it." I said, shrugging lightly.

"You won't have to say it anymore if you give me a kiss." Albert coaxed.

I rolled my eyes, smiling.

"I already did."

"Please?" Albert asked, giving me puppy eyes.

"....Fine." I gave in. I leaned in toward Albert, and he kissed me gently. I thought I would never enjoy something like this, because I've known Al all my life. But I was completely comfortable around him, and I melted into his arms.

He pulled me into his lap, and I was slightly taken aback, but I enjoyed his kiss anyway.

"Okay, there." I said, pulling away finally, sighing and blushing. Albert laughed and poked my cheek.

"Hey, June?"

"Yes, Alb?"

"Will you be my girlfriend?"