At long last, the sequel to Innocence Lost is finally here! This was another toughie to write, but I'm glad I got it out. And yes, this is going to be a multi-chaptered story. So sit back, and enjoy!

Chapter 1: Nightmares and Lullabies

It had rained earlier in the evening.

Perhaps it was meant to be an omen of some sort as Theodore took his female counterpart out for a walk in the park. They sat down on a bench and watched as the cloak of darkness enveloped the night, giving way for the stars to shine.

Theodore held Eleanor's paw in his, but she pulled it back as she looked him straight in the eye.

"Theodore, there's something I should've told you long ago. I'm breaking up with you."

Shock came all over Theodore, but he wasn't expecting her to be choking back on sobs as she continued. "I know you're seeing someone else. And ... it's obvious that you like this somebody more than you love me."

"That's not true!" exclaimed Theodore. "You know I would never-"

The chippete's eyes bristled with tears. "You lied to me! You said you'd always be faithful to me, but you just broke my heart! How could you do this to me, Theo?"

"Eleanor, I didn't meant-"

"Just stop it! Stop filling my head with your lies! I never want to see you again!" With that, Eleanor got up in a huff and ran out of the park, sobbing.

Theodore was about to chase after her when a rustling in the bushes nearby made him turn around. A dark figure stepped out into the clearing, but when the moonlight shone upon him, Theodore realised who it was.

"Alvin? What are you doing here?"

"A little birdie told me there was going to be waterworks, so I just had to come and watch the show. Thank goodness I didn't drop any names – other than yours."

Those words hit Theodore in the guts like a punch. "You told Eleanor ... about us?"

An evil grin swept across Alvin's face.

"But why?"

"I've been watching you for some time, Theo. And I like playing hard to get. Now with Eleanor out of the way, I can have you all to myself."

Frightened, Theodore tried to run away, but Alvin, being the athlete that he was, tackled his chubby brother and pinned him down with ease.

There was hunger in Alvin's eyes; a wild and savage beast unleashed that needed to be calmed down.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting for this!"

Alvin proceeded to rip off Theodore's pants while he undid his; ready to penetrate Theodore's defences.

The green-clad chipmunk's eyes were wide with fear as he realised the cruel sentence about to be delivered. He whimpered and begged for mercy.

"Alvin, please, stop!"

"This will hurt a bit," Alvin paused, as though Theodore's words had reached him at some conscious level. "But it's all for you, Theo. I love you, you know that?"

"NO! DON'T DO IT, ALVIN! STOP IT, PLEASE!"

Theodore jolted out of his sleep, beads of sweat running down his face. He looked wildly around and then breathed a sigh of relief when he found himself in the safety and comfort of his own bed. To his left, he heard the faint snoring of his brothers. Actually, Simon was fast asleep, while Alvin kept tossing and turning under the covers, so Theodore got up and approached his bedside.

"Alvin, c-can I sleep with you?"

The red pyjama-clad chipmunk blinked as he looked at his brother. "You had another nightmare, didn't you?"

Theodore could only nod in embarrassment.

Alvin sighed, and then scooted over to the right, leaving enough room for one more to squeeze in. "Come here," he motioned.

The little chipmunk beamed with joy as he climbed into the bed and snuggled up right next to Alvin, their bodies providing each other with warmth against the cold night's breeze.

"You wanna tell me what that nightmare was about?"

Theodore was about to speak, but try as he might, he couldn't bear the thought of bringing up that horrible vision before him – Alvin towering over Theodore, a maniacal look in his blue eyes.

"I...I can't remember," he lied. "Look, I don't want to talk about it, ok?"

Seeing the hurt look in his brother's eyes, Theodore reached over and gave Alvin a hug. "I'm sorry, Alvin; I've just been stressed a lot lately."

"Getting cold feet over Friday night's concert?"

Theodore gulped. "I suppose."

"Don't worry, Theo, we've done many concerts before, even for our school's benefit! Just remember, we're all in this together," Alvin ruffled his baby brother's forehead reassuringly. But Theodore still remained unsure of his confidence.

"I wish Mum were here. I really miss her, and her singing." A quiver started to form at his lip.

"It's okay to be sad. I miss her too." Alvin cuddled closer. Then he cleared his throat and started to sing the lullaby their mother had sang to them when they were babies:

"Hush a bye, little one

Close your eyes, little one

Dream time is near, you needn't fear

And when you wake, I will be here.

Rest your head, little one

Dream sweet dreams, little one

The stars say good night, I say sleep tight

And when you wake, I will be here."

The soothing melody of Alvin's voice brought a smile on Theodore's face as he felt his eyelids growing heavier. He had never felt this happier before, especially when Alvin was around to comfort him...

The last thing he remembered before drifting back to sleep was the touch of his brother's lips on his forehead.

"Goodnight, Theo," whispered Alvin. "I love you. Ever so much..."

To Be Continued...

P.S: There will be a song-fic chapter based on the upcoming concert mentioned. Please review and I'll do my best to keep the updates as fast as I can! :)