disclaimer;
This is a work of fiction. I own nothing but the story line and the words I've strung together to form a sentence. I do not own any member of the Black Veil Brides, nor do I have contact with any of them. The characteristics of the band members portrayed throughout the story are my own personal opinions of them, and in no way accurately reflect their true personalities. Caitlyn is a fictional character, as are the rest of the people featured in this story. 'Fine Lines'has come from a spark in my imagination and any resemblances to any other fan-fictions (or real life instances which I highly, highly doubt) is purely coincidental. I'm no thief.
authors notes;
Hello, darlings. Just a quick note to say that I hope whoever reads this enjoys it. I have previously uploaded this story on a site called quotev, so if it's familiar, or you've seen it before, that's probably why. I have been, and will be continuously editing this as I post more and more chapters though. I like to improve. This is a bit different from all of the other Black Veil Brides fan fictions I've read, and I hope that it's individuality will enchant you and push you to keep reading. Every part of this story comes from Caitlyn's point of view, unless clearly expressed otherwise. I do and will use strong language from time to time and that will, without a doubt, seep through into my writing, so please don't be offended or surprised if any of the characters let out a profanity or two. This is rated M for a reason. This story will cover some dark topics so if you read something you don't like, I apologize in advance. Like I said, I hope whoever reads this enjoys it, and if you do read, please reply. It's only polite to let me know what you think and - if you want me to love you forever - give me some constructive criticism.
ALSO: I'm not American. I live in England, so no, I'm not overly familiar with American words. If I say 'pounds' instead of 'dollars' or 'pavement' instead of 'sidewalk', don't make a big deal out of it. I'll try my best, but I will slip up. That's all I have to say. Now on with the show~
"O brawling love. O loving hate. O any thing, of nothing first create. O heavy lightness. Serious vanity. Mis-shapen chaos of well-seeming forms. Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health. Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is. This love feel I, that feel no love in this." I sighed. "Romeo, Romeo, where fore-fucking-art thou, Romeo?"
I threw my pen down onto the table in frustration. "I give up. I've actually lost the will to live," I moaned as my head came to rest in between the pages of the book I was quoting from. The paper made a relatively comfortable cushion and I could feel the heaviness of my eyes, tired with the effort of reading. I could hear my brother laughing softly at my melodramatic nature before I could feel him shaking and poking me. I'd been working on a 5,000 word assignment on what had been my favourite play for over a week and I was still 1,800 words short. It was 11pm and I was beat. I no longer cared that my unfinished assignment was due at the end of the week, or that Shakespeare was quickly becoming one of my least favourite persons that ever walked the Earth. All I cared about was my bed, and the fact I still wasn't in it.
"Go to bed, sis." Jinxx said in his loving, brotherly tone. "I'll pack your stuff away. You look like shit."
I ignored the last little snippet of his sentence and lifted my head from my make-shift pillow, smiling gratefully at him. I put my dirty coffee mug in the dishwasher and hugged my older brother from behind. "Night Jinxx," I yawned. He laughed and returned my parting message as I slowly I shuffled my way out of the kitchen and into the hall where I called out a soft goodnight to my parents who were sat together in the living room watching television, just like they did every night.
I practically crawled up the stairs and into my room, completely lacking the necessary energy required to walk up the fourteen steps that led to my bedroom. I stood up when I climbed over the hurdle that was the last of the steps and flicked the light switch, stripping as I slowly walked towards my bed. I threw my t-shirt on the floor and unbuttoned my jeans. Falling comfortably onto my bed, I wiggled out of my tight blue skinnies and pulled on a short, cotton nightgown. Finally, emitting a small sigh of relief, I crawled under the sheets, the cool fabric comforting my tired body, full of Senior year stress. When the sheets warmed up, I rolled to my side and cuddled the duvet, happy to finally be falling asleep.
The next morning I woke up refreshed and, considering I had school, relatively happy. I stayed snuggled under my duvet in the blissful state of only being half awake until my door opened and I was gently being shaken. A soft grumble escaped my lips and my blurry eyes opened. Only when they focused did I squeal and jump at the sight of Jinxx who was stood, towering over me. It wasn't the face of Jeremy Ferguson, son, brother, and friend. It was the fully made up, body painted face of Jinxx, internationally known guitarist, violinist and musician. And seeing that first thing in the morning was a bit much to handle.
I groaned and hid my face in my pillow as Jinxx laughed at me. "Couldn't you have waited until later to get your BVB on?" I grumbled, sitting up and ruffling my already messy hair.
"Well seeing as I'm such a lovely person I let you sleep in an extra half hour," he grinned in a way that was both creepy and comforting at the same time. A cheeky little grin that said 'I'm an amazing brother, you should worship me'.
"That's great and everything," I yawned. "But that doesn't explain why you look like some sort of retarded zebra with eyeliner issues," I teased. He knew I loved his warpaint really.
"Me and the guys have got a photo shoot later on. The school is on the way to the studio so I thought I'd drop you off. Kill two birds with one stone." He hit me gently on the arm, leaving a faint smudge of black on my pale skin, and left me to get dressed in peace. I slid out of bed and pulled off the cotton nightgown as I walked to my wardrobe. I pulled out a pair of crimson skinny jeans and a plain black v-neck t-shirt, the perfect outfit for another boring school day. I pulled them on after putting on a clean pair of panties and bra and sat down at the dresser, staring at my wide-eyed, messy haired reflection in the mirror. Feeling lazy, I pulled my thick, scruffy black hair into a high ponytail, letting my side fringe fall into my face. It took me only seconds to draw a thick black line on both my eyelids and a minute later Jinxx was knocking on my door asking if I was ready to go. I nodded and followed him downstairs where I found a plate of toast waiting for me and my bag packed, as my lovely big brother had promised the night before. I shrugged my backpack on my shoulders and balanced the toast between my teeth. Jinxx was already waiting for me in the car.
Once comfortably in the car on the way to school, Jinxx threw a CD case at me and told me with a smile on his face to put it on. I pushed the disc into the player and listened as a slightly tinny, crackly song came on. Within the first ten seconds I knew what it was.
"New demo?"
Jinxx nodded. "We finally finished tracking and recording the demo album the day before I came home. I haven't had chance to let you listen to it until now. What do you think so far?" He looked at me expectantly as he waited for my opinion.
"I like it," I said after listening to another verse. He smiled in relief. "The drums are really erratic though. Not that it's a bad thing. It matches the sort of hyperactive undertone of the song. What's it called?"
"New Religion."
After three songs Jinxx pulled up just outside my school, his old school and cut the engine. I opened my door and jumped out of the car, turning to say goodbye. Before I had chance, Jinxx was leaning over the seats, already talking. "I'm not too sure when this photo shoot is going to be finished and Mom and Dad are working late today. If I'm not here to pick you up meet me at the studio. I'll take you out for pizza afterwards or something." he said before reeling off an address. I laughed quietly.
"I can take care of myself, Jay, I don't need you holding my hand," I informed him, still smiling.
"Yeah I know," he said. "I just missed you is all, sis,"
"I missed you too, bro," I said. He started the car again and I waved as he sped off into the distance. Although Jinxx had only been away for a few months it felt like years of my life had flown by. He'd visit whenever he could and we were always messaging and ringing each other but nothing could stop me missing him. He'd been so busy recording, tracking, writing, touring, doing interviews and photo shoots all in preparation for the new album. While he was away, Sammi - my soon to be sister-in-law - would visit more frequently for longer periods of time. We both found aspects of Jinxx in each other that we could never find in ourselves and it made us miss him a little less. It was obvious to everyone that he was my favourite person in the world. I considered myself lucky that there was a solid 7 year age gap between us. When I was entering my stroppy, teenage years, he was already passed that stage of his life but still, clearly remembered how one word could result in a full on tantrum, complete with slammed doors and chants of "you're ruining my life!" He understood. He was always the first person I'd go to if I had a problem and he'd always know exactly what to do. He was the person I wanted to be, and I was ridiculously proud of him. I respected him and I adored him with all my heart.
As the school day dragged on, notes were taken, questions were answered and I found myself secretly hoping that the photo shoot would over-run. It had been so long since I had seen the other guys, and truth be told, I missed them too. When the final bell finally rang I threw my notebooks into my backpack and bolted out the door. As soon as my feet touched the concrete steps at the front of the school my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and opened the one unread message that was flashing at me.
From: Jinxx~
Sis! Still at the studio. Photoshoot not going to plan. Meet us here. You got the ad? x
I laughed and did I small celebratory hop. I'd get to see the guys again! I quickly hit the reply button and typed out my message with super-human speed.
To: Jinxx~
Bro! No problem. I got the ad. I'll see you guys soooooon! x
I smiled to myself and dug around in my bag for my headphones. I plugged them into my iPhone and placed them carefully over my ears before scrolling down the tracks I had and pressing play on one of my favourite, unreleased Black Veil Brides demos. Having your brother play guitar in your favourite band had its perks, and having my pick of unknown, soft, melodic demo's scattered through my music collection was definitely one of them. Jinxx had always sent me quick recordings and rough copies of new and upcoming songs so over the years I'd collected quite a few rarities that not many people knew about. But Jinxx never sent me all of these demo's just because I was a fan of his band. I mean, that was part of it, but I was sure that, although he never admitted it, he wanted to hear my opinion on everything he did. Because not only was I his biggest fan, I was his harshest critic. He knew that I'd always be honest with him; not that there was generally much to be honest about. 99% of the time I loved everything that fled into my ears. He'd never share his music with our parents until it was a polished, complete product. It was almost like my opinion was the only opinion that mattered to him. Screw the critics, screw the record company. My opinion mattered more than anyone else. And the thought made me smile.
It took around 15 minutes for me to find the street where the studio that my brother and his bandmates were posing for their pictures was, but after turning down the right road it took only seconds for me to find the right building, hang my headphones around my neck and press the buzzer. A lady's voice blared from the intercom, requesting my name.
"Caitlyn Ferguson," I said clearly. "I'm Jinxx's little sister."
A loud buzzing signaled the unlocking and opening of the doors and I quickly swung them open, stepping inside and beginning my mission of finding my brother and his friends, the lady at the reception desk being completely clueless as to the whereabouts of my favourite band. After a few minutes of pointlessly wondering around corridors without so much as a voice of another person reaching me, I heard rushing footsteps and suddenly Jinxx's brotherly voice was calling my name. He beckoned me towards him and led me carefully up two flights of stairs and through winding corridors. The building was much bigger than it looked and while we walked, we had time to talk.
"How was your day, kiddo?" Jinxx asked.
"It wasn't too bad. Mrs Callaghan was asking about you. She must have seen you drop me off this morning. I think she misses her star pupil," I teased.
Mrs Callaghan was the schools oldest, but most loved teacher. She taught music and performance arts but always made time for students that she didn't teach. She had been Jinxx's music teacher throughout his entire high school life. When Jinxx wanted to learn how to play the violin, he'd begged her to teach him. She took time out of her free lessons to sit with him and go through the basics. He picked it up almost instantly and Mrs Callaghan had never been more proud of one of her students. She'd always had a soft spot for Jinxx, and even though she didn't teach me, her favoritism had passed from my brother to me, and she'd always stop me in the corridor to ask how I was.
"Aww, tell her I'll drop in soon and say hi," Jinxx replied.
"I will. So how's your day going?"
Jinxx grimaced. "Not great. Things haven't really been going to plan and we're two hours behind schedule," he sighed. I pulled a face.
"How come?"
"Well Andy-" he started. I cut him off as soon as I heard that name.
"I should have guess it would have had something to do with him,"
Jinxx laughed at the hostility in my voice. "It wasn't really his fault. Well, it kind of was, but Ashley was really the one to blame. Andy woke up late and lost the address of the studio so he rang Ash to get the address. But of course, Purdy gave the wrong street name and poor Andy was driving around the wrong part of town for an hour looking for a studio that didn't exist."
I laughed loudly at the stupidity of it all. "But still. Andy shouldn't have lost the address. And I mean, Ashley? Who would call Ash for directions?!" Jinxx rolled his eyes at me and opened his mouth to undoubtedly tell me to behave myself, but before he could the sounds of voices distracted me and I was running to the door they were hidden behind. I barged into the dazzlingly white room and ran straight to CC who was already calling my name, his arms wide open for a long overdue hug. I threw myself into his embrace and laughed as he spun me.
"My sister from another mister!" He said in an embarrassingly pathetic attempt at being gangsta. I laughed loudly. CC was a total white trash kid.
"My brotha from anotha motha!" I replied in a much more believable gangsta-rapper voice. He squeezed me tight, his voice returning to normal CC mode.
"I missed you!" He said, letting me go.
"I missed you too!" And I had missed him. Aside from Jinxx, I considered CC the closest friend I had. If for some reason I couldn't get a hold of Jinxx, he would automatically be the next person I'd think of calling and sometimes even the first. When my brother couldn't help me, I knew damn sure that CC could and would. He was like another brother to me and I loved him accordingly. He protected me like a brother would and never failed to make me laugh.
The next person I went to was Ashley and I could tell before I even turned to look at him he was smirking.
"Hey sexy," he winked as I walked towards him. I winked back, ignoring the noises of cringefulness that Jinxx was making and wrapping my arms around Ash's neck.
"Missed you, Cait," he said softly. I blushed as he hugged tighter, unable to control the blood that was rushing to my cheeks. When I was younger and just introduced to the band, I had the biggest crush imaginable on Ashley. He'd be the first person I'd go to if I found myself in a room with him and whenever we were left alone I'd go all giddy. Everyone - including Ashley - knew about it and enjoyed watching me make a fool of myself until Jinxx couldn't take the embarrassment much longer. He sat me down one day and explained to me, in a much nicer way, that Ashley was a manwhore and I was better off crushing on someone who didn't think with his dick. It didn't put me off him, but it knocked me back into reality. I still classed Ash as one of my closest friends and even though we both knew it would never lead anywhere, we would always flirt shamelessly with each other or exchange cheeky banter that made Jinxx cringe. No one wants to hear their baby sister flirting, but that was all part of the fun.
After indulging myself with an extra long Purdy cuddle I threw myself at Jake who was waiting patiently for his turn. I wrapped myself around him and sighed content as his arms snaked around my waist and he gently started swaying side to side. Jinxx was brotherly, CC was crazy, Ashley was kinky and Jake? Jake was one of the most loving people I'd ever met. He was patient, he was kind, and although he didn't always know what to say, he'd always be there with open arms and free hugs to make things better. And if that didn't work, he'd whip out the whiskey, which, in his eyes, always made everything better.
"Man, I've missed your hugs Jakey," I said.
"I've missed yours too, Caity," he replied with a smile.
"Don't I get a hug, Caitlyn?" An unmistakable deep voice rang out from behind me. The happy bubble I was floating in suddenly burst and I crash landed back into reality after momentarily forgetting who the lead singer and frontman of the band was. I turned to look at him and glared.
"Biersack," I hissed.
"Ferguson," he replied with a ridiculous smirk on his face. I could feel the tension in the room grow as we stared each other down. Jinxx's eyes darted from me to Andy and back again.
"Congratulations on delaying the photo shoot by two hours this morning. That was clever of you," I mumbled sarcastically. His smirk fell and he glared.
"That was Purdy's fucking fault, not mine," he accused. Automatically, as I had done with Jinxx earlier on, I jumped to Ashley's defense.
"Stop throwing the blame. You woke up late. You lost the address. And then of all people you call Ash for help? Damn, Andy, I know four year olds with better common sense." I quickly glanced at Ashley and winked. He was unoffended by my words, just like I assumed he would be. Instead he looked amused at the unfriendly banter between myself and the lead singer.
"Fuck you, Caitlyn, as if you've never lost something," Andy replied. Before I had time to retort, I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders and was forcefully turned around. Jinxx shook his head at me and sat me down on a chair at the side of the room.
"I know you and Andy don't get along," he started. "But please refrain from saying or doing anything that may result in our singer ending up in either a hospital bed or a jail cell. We have a few more shots to get so just stay here while we finish the shoot. And Cait?"
I looked at him.
"Stay out of trouble,"
I watched him walk back to the group and listened to the tired, impatient photographer arrange the guys. As I watched, I couldn't help but glare at Andy. We'd never gotten along. I couldn't remember a time where we were nice to each other, or even civil to one another. We rubbed each other up the wrong way, constantly picking out each others flaws and presenting them to the world wrapped in a bow a shiny paper. Jinxx said it was because we were so alike. I said it was because Andy was a douche. I didn't exactly hate the guy. He had his moments of genius and I had to commend him occasionally. But I had a very strong dislike for him and I was sure the feeling was mutual. Every so often I'd catch him look at me and snarl. But no one noticed. It made a good photograph.