| Our New Life | (Shourtney Fanfic)

Chapter Nine: The Message

Keith's P.O.V

All anyone could talk about was Courtney, Damien, and Shayne.

I looked around the room at everyone. Olivia sobbing into Wes' chest, Joven pacing around the room, Mari trying to keep Boze from having a panic attack, Flitz and Noah trying to reassure each other, and Ian staying silent.

We were all gathered around a tv with the president on the screen, giving her speech.

[You may be wondering, who's the president in this universe? A made up president, cuz I don't want any controversy. Especially on politics.👌]

Seeing everyone in the same room made me look back on these past three months we'd been stuck down in this facility. Everyone seemed so... I don't know how to say it... broken?

I hadn't spoken to Noah or Olivia ever since we'd got here. The only time we acknowledge each other was on camera.

"I need to fix things somehow. We can't keep living like this..."

I decided to stand up, and sit next to Noah on the couch in front of the tv. He didn't notice, since he was too immersed in his conversation with Flitz.

Once Flitz saw me, he smiled. "I'm gonna go make sure Ian's alright. He's been oddly quiet."

"Go ahead." Noah said as Flitz walked over to Ian.

I took a deep breath. He still hadn't noticed me.

I opened my mouth to say something.

"I'm so sorry, Keith." Noah said, facing me. "Messing with you and Olivia's friendship was such a dick move... I was selfish, and I..."

He took a deep breath, then lowered his voice so only I could hear him. "I really like Olivia. Like, as more than a friend. I was... I was jealous. I was jealous of Shaylivia, and I was jealous of how close Olivia and Damien are. I really don't want to lose you..."

"Noah..." I said, interrupting him. "Yes, allowing me to 'spy' on Damien and Olivia without telling me the importance of their conversation, was in fact a dick move... but I really appreciate you being honest with me. It means a lot, ya know?"

Noah gave me a genuine smile. "I really miss hanging out with you and ranting about how petty you are."

I laughed out loud, which got me weird looks from everyone in the room.

"I miss it, too." I said. "I'll forgive you, Noah... as long as you help me fix things between me and Liv-Liv. My temper really got the best of me this time."

"Deal." Noah said, leaning in for a hug.

We embraced, then started cuddling on the couch.

"I ship it!" Flitz said, giving me a thumbs up.

I smiled.

"Looks like things are finally turning out positive. Finally."

Then, we all gasped once we saw the tv start to get static.

"Guys, it's happening!"

My heart skipped a beat when I saw Shayne's face looking back at me on the tv screen.

-

Shayne's P.O.V

"Hello, America." I said, unsure of what to say next. It finally came to me, as I felt my ears pop from the sound of the bullets flying through the door.

I looked back at the camera, trying to show everyone exactly how disappointed I was...and trust me, I wasn't acting.

"Does it make you feel safe, knowing innocent people are dying all around the country?"