Afterwards: An "After" Fanfiction

Chapter 6: Change My Mind (Part 2)

Author's Note: ATTENTION. SEX. That is all.

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"Take another hit, it'll calm you down." Nate held a joint between his fingers, his weary eyes focused on Hardin.

The other waved him off. "Whose side are you on? You know Zed is purposefully antagonizing me. This Kumbaya bullshit you're trying to pull, playing both of our songs, it's not going to work." Hardin sat bitterly back stage as Nate tried in vain to reason with him.

"For the last time, I'm not on anyone's side. What is it going to take for you two to at least act like you're friends long enough to get through a show?"

Hardin mulled it over for a moment, bringing a hand up to brush through his lengthy locks. His hair was almost shoulder length now, though he never before considered letting it grow. Tessa liked it that way, at least he thought she did, and so he left it. "I just want to be sure he's not going to fuck me over again. Maybe if he had someone else to focus his perverted efforts on, it would make me feel better."

Nate chuckled. "You want me to set him up? A little blind date action?" Smoke swirled into the air as he laughed.

"Anything." Hardin's eyes were dull, focused on the floor but not truly seeing. His thoughts were consumed with Tessa, and whether or not Zed had a rightful claim. In truth, he knew he had no stake. She wasn't property to be owned, a fact of which he was well aware. Besides, he didn't date anymore. Not after everything with Molly turned so sour. He had made sure Tessa understood that. Yet still he wanted to protect her from Zed. Even though he wasn't about to make Tessa his girlfriend, he would rather die than let his bassist seduce her.

Nate rubbed his reddening eyes. "I'll see what I can do. In the mean time, think you're calm enough to go out there and help the boys pack up?"

The thought of having to ride home with both his step brother and Zed made his blood boil, and Hardin gestured to Nate's backpack. "No, but I will be after one more bump."

"More coke?" Nate shook his head. "You've had a lot already, your eyes are practically just pupils. Come on, let's get home first then I'll re-assess." The singer lifted his bag onto his shoulder, patting Hardin on the back before heading towards the exit.

"Yea, sure," Hardin trailed off, spotting a small bag of blow among Logan's belongings. There was just enough left for a pick-me-up. After making sure he was alone, Hardin shoved the bag into his pocket and followed after Nate.

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"Everybody comfy?" Landon called from the driver's seat of his van. All four band members and their gear were shoved into the seats, and Tessa ended up sandwiched between Logan and Zed's guitar. Zed himself didn't dare provoke Hardin again by asking to sit next to his guest; the red marks on his neck were reason enough to back down.

Hardin, however, decided that putting up a fight to sit next to Tessa would cause more harm than good, and suggested that she slide in beside his drummer. He and Nate sat right behind them, though, close enough to keep an eye on the female but far enough to reduce suspicion. "Just drive," he snapped at his step brother, eager to get out of the vehicle.

"Thanks for coming out and dancing, it was great to see at least one person enjoying our music." Logan flashed Tessa a friendly smile once the van drove away.

She giggled in return, covering her mouth with her hands. "Everyone had a great time, I wasn't the only one. Nice to officially meet you by the way."