seven hours behind | v.m

two

it was now approximately three hours after the boys had landed their first gig and they were still as excited as they were when i broke the news to them.

i was currently sat between van and larry on the sofa while the other boys were sat on the floor. van had his arm around my shoulders and he kept on looking at me concerned. i think a part of him knew i was still a bit shook up about what happened in that pub. no one had ever made me feel that uncomfortable. it's silly of me to think i was immune to something like this. but the boys were happy, and that's all that mattered to me right now.

"mate i can't believe we're finally performing somewhere, it's gonna be class!" larry pretty much shouted in my ear as he got up to get the everyone another drink. i didn't feel like drinking after what had happened earlier but surprisingly, after the amount they drank last night, the boys were downing drinks as fast as they could.

i felt van move his head down closer to mine.

"you sure you're alright kath? you've been really quiet and it's starting to worry me now." he whispered while the rest of the boys were still excited about their newfound success.

"yeah i'm fine van, stop worrying. you should be celebrating!"

"kathleen, i can tell you're not alright, you're doing that thing where you're really quiet and start picking at the strings of your hoodie. what's wrong?" i look down and realise i was subconsciously pulling my hoodie strings.

it's times like these where i feel that van knows me more then i know myself.

"it's stupid and it doesn't matter."

"seriously kath, just tell me. please?" i looked up at him, "i want to make sure you're ok."

"that man, at the pub you're playing. he kept touching me and he made me feel really uncomfortable. nothing like that's ever happened to me before. i guess i just never thought it would," i practically whispered, giving into him. he doesn't say anything, he just looks at me softly, "it's nothing though i'm probably just overreacting." the words fell out of my mouth quietly as i looked down and carried on playing with my hoodie.

"kath, i didn't know he made you feel that bad. we're not playing there if its gonna make you feel-"

"van, no. i don't care how it makes me feel, i'm not gonna let you get rid of the one thing that makes you so happy." i interjected.

"but you make me even more happy and i want you with me every step of the way. you're my lucky charm and if you're not with me then there's no way i can do it." i could smell the alcohol on his breath but i genuinely think he meant that, no matter how cheesy it was.

i gave van a small smile, "it's fine van. he said he was only there temporarily so i doubt he'll be there again." he grabbed ahold of my hand, "i'm excited that people get to finally see the van i've known all my life. i'm so happy for you."

"ooo look at van and kath getting all cosy!" bondy slurred. the drinks had definitely gone to his head.

"mate, just because i'm the only one here that's sober enough to form proper sentences." that was definitely a lie, but i'll let him off this time.

a few hours had passed and it was now after midnight. i had been falling asleep for a while now but the boys were wide awake and now playing fifa. i was still sat next to van, and he would try and make as little noise and movement he could so i wouldn't wake up.

"what the hell was that! my goalies so shit!" larry shouted in his fit of rage at the small inanimate players on the screen.

"fucking hell larry, what have i told you! kaths sleeping, be quiet." van whisper-shouted.