"Are you sure you wanna take them there Specks?" Ryan asked, looking curiously towards the girl. He knew the pain that the place held for her – it used to be her escape from her world. She didn't have the perfect life just as her friends did; her faults led to her finding an unknown word. The power of her familys' name didn't help in the girls' process to heal – the influence only hindered her rescue.
"Joe showed me a part of himself...I have to do the same..." she answered, biting her lip in nervousness. It wasn't just her past she was showing them – it was her mistakes aswell. She hadn't been to D'seray since Ryan had left; he had helped in the process of drawing her out of that world. Miley didn't know a thing about it and she liked to keep it as such. Her best-friend didn't even know where she lived.
"I don't think it's the same thing..." he murmured, furrowing his brows. He flickered his gaze towards the three boys' competing in a heated match of odds and evens and their concentrated faces – he wasn't sure if Lilly was ready for the repercussions. He didn't know how they were going to take the girls' pasts; many didn't expect it from her. She was a normal, Californian girl on the outside but, she had her secrets – she had her mystery.
"It'll be fine," she breathed, gazing towards the window. She knew it was a completely different story – Joe's singing was a large part of his life at the moment but, this was a large part of her past. She'd show it to them in a show of trust; hoping they wouldn't judge by just a glance. She felt as if she could trust them enough to let them in on her 'dark' past; she just hoped they wouldn't judge just as quickly as she did.
"I just don't want you hurt Sparks," he whispered, gripping her hand in his. He didn't care if they were getting looks from the brothers' – he needed to make sure that she was sure about the idea. He knew how hard it was for her to leave the place and he didn't want her going back. She was still recovering from the affects and he didn't know what would happen. He wasn't sure if the brothers' were that accepting.
"It'll be fine," she repeated, sending a faint smile his way. She turned her gaze back towards the brothers' as Joe sent her a look – she immediately removed her hand from his. She knew he was curious as to where they were going; usually they were told of their where-abouts. She was nervous of showing them where she used to spend all her time – it wasn't a usual hang-out for a 16 year old.
"What are you two talkin' about?" Nick asked, eyeing the two closeness. He had noticed his brother tense slightly and he was wondering why – he could see the un-easiness Joe felt at the familiarity shown between Ryan and Lilly. He was very curious as to where they were going but, he knew it was a 'surprise.'
"We're here," Ryan stated, looking out of the window. He could line of people waiting to get in and he recognised the man standing outside – it was as if the place hadn't changed at all. Time didn't seem to affect the building; it was still as well-lit as it used to be.
Climbing out of the car – the brothers' gasped in surprise. Neither of them had expected the place to be what it was; they were expecting a more 'subtle' hang-out. They never imagined a 16 year old girl hanging out in a club. It wasn't their territory either; they were the 'golden' boys of Hollywood – they weren't expected to be partying into the night.
"Well, well, well...if it isn't Miss Lillian back to grace our floor," a man grinned ferociously, strutting towards the blonde. His eyes were glued to her as she raised her gaze – taking a step towards him as if to protect the others. He sent a wink towards Ryan but trained his gaze on the girl.
"Lucien...we're just here for a good time," she muttered, stalking past the man. She didn't want to deal with him at the moment; she had left on bad terms. She felt the music pump through her veins – calling her forth. Turning away from the group behind her; she disappeared onto the dance floor. She needed to forget the encounter and just enjoy the night. She hadn't been there for 6 months and she wanted to have atleast one good memory of her past.
"Leave it alone Lucifer," Ryan growled, gripping the mans' top tightly. He had seen the lust in his gaze and he suddenly grew protective. He knew the boys' were too busy looking around the club to notice the man before him but, he needed to make sure Lilly was okay. She had disappeared onto the dance-floor and he knew it wasn't his job to go with her anymore.
"Hey, hey, hey Ryan...I'm not doing anything," Lucien murmured, ripping himself out of the younger boys' grip. He didn't think the boy was so protective of the tiny blonde – he'd have to be more delicate around him. He wanted the girl back and he'd do anything for it.
"Keep your hands to yourself," he glowered, pushing the man away and indicating towards the boys' to follow. He knew they were curious and he was shocked that Lilly had just walked off – he thought she was through running from her problems. He had thought he had helped her get over that.
"What was that about?" Joe asked, looking behind at the glaring man. He had seen the closeness the man had gotten to Lilly and he immediately disliked him. His eyes seemed to hold nothing and they moved about the crowd – he made Joe disorientated. He wasn't used to meeting that type of people; he had never even been into a nightclub. He had heard the stories that went along with the club he was in – D'seray – but, he didn't think he would actually set foot in there. It wasn't his 'scene.'
"Just the past catching up to Lilly," Ryan answered, taking a seat in a private booth. He had passed alot of people that he had once known but, they seemed to be too drugged up to even recognise him. He was thinking that it was a mistake to bring the brothers' there – he could see they were uncomfortable. Their stiff movements indicated as much.
"This...she used to come here?" Nick questioned, gazing wide-eyed at the surroundings. He was intimidated by the crowd of people that were all around him – he wasn't used to that many people. He could see that Kevin and Joe were in awe and terrified of the place; there were so many temptations.
"It used to be home," Lilly interrupted, making the group jump slightly. She could see the gratefulness in Ryans' eyes and she smiled in return. She didn't mean to leave the boy but, she needed to get away from Lucien. The temptation to fall back into old habits was still there and she didn't want a 'fall-back' infront of everyone.
"You used to..." Kevin trailed off, not wanting to finish his sentence. He couldn't imagine someone living in such a place – it reeked of alcohol and drugs. He could see the influence around him and he was uncomfortable. He wasn't sure if his brothers' should be there – they were underage. He didn't want his brothers' to see what was happening.
"My home...my house...it wasn't...this was my escape," she spoke, answering his silent question. She knew he was cautious of the place; he was the older brother. He was entrusted to keep the family safe and whole. She wasn't sure what their reception to her past would be like but she knew she had to show them – they had shared so much with her, she needed to do something in return.
"Never be afraid to show who you really are," Joe whispered into her ear, using her own advice. He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her into the seat beside him. He could see she was extremely doubtful of her decision but he had to give her his respect – she could've as easily kept this part of her past a secret. He wasn't quite sure the extent of her 'partying' ways but, he knew she had given that up. He could see her own discomfort at returning but he wanted her to enjoy the night. The club wasn't all that bad; he could feel the music rushing through his veins.
"You weren't...you didn't do...why did you come here?" Nick questioned, eyeing the girl. He could see her leaning on Joe for support and he thanked his brother silently for the support he was showing the girl. He knew Joes' feelings for Lilly must run deep if he was supporting her – none of them approved of drinking and drugs. They were bought up with strict values and all wanted to continue to follow that; they wouldn't deter into the 'dark' side of Hollywood.
"We were 16...it was the rush of doing something that no one else at our age could do," Ryan stated, his gaze switching between all three of the brothers. He could see the understanding beginning to enter their eyes and he smiled in thanks – they were trying. Not many people that the two had met would be as understanding as the three before him; they really were as perfect as the tabloids set them out to be. He was just thankful that no one had reported on his 'dark' past.
"I never picked you for the clubbing sorts Lilly," Kevin grinned, lightening the mood. He had decided that he would enjoy the night – serious discussion can be made later. He had seen the way Joe and Lilly looked at each other and he knew that they were going to talk about it later; deciding to enjoy the night. He accepted that people had faults and he knew that Lilly had overcome her problems – she wouldn't be standing before them today if she hadn't.
"Well...obviously you just haven't gotten to know me at all Kev," she smiled, reaching out to hug the boy in thanks. She giggled as Joe immediately pulled her back – putting her onto his lap. She sighed as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist; burying his head in the crook of her neck. Her laughter increased as Kevin raised an eyebrow in curiosity; shrugging her shoulders in response. She wasn't sure what had provoked Joe to become slightly possessive but she liked the close contact. She needed his support alot at the moment – the draw of the people around her was intoxicating.
"Stay," he murmured, placing his chin on her shoulder. He couldn't control the surge of jealousy that ran through is veins as she hugged Kevin and he just let it run its course as he reached out and grabbed her. He wanted to keep her in his sights at all times in the club – he didn't want her running off again. He was just trying to re-assure her that he was there and he was accepting her past – but, they would talk about it later.
"You two are pretty cosy," Ryan observed, laughing as they blushed. He noticed that Joe didn't loosen his grip at all on the girl – only tightened it. He smiled at the 'couple;' he knew Joe would be good for Lilly. He seemed quite protective of the girl and understanding of her reluctance to trust many people. He only hoped that when it came time to leave; Lilly wouldn't fall apart.
"Yeah...what is up between you two," Nick smirked, raising an eye-brow at his brother. He could see that there was something between the two of them – he could feel it in the air. He was just curious as to how deep the feeling went; he knew that Joe fell hard and fast but he didn't know what Lilly was feeling. She was completely unreadable to him and it was slightly intimidating. He had never not been able to see through people's eyes.
"And it's your business because..." Joe remarked, sending a playful glare towards his brother. He didn't want to define their relationship – not yet. He wanted to get to know the girl alittle bit longer. He knew he was infatuated with her; he just wanted to see how deep the infatuation went. He curious to learn a few more of her secrets – he knew this was a big one.
"Let's dance!" Lilly squealed, jumping out of Joe's embrace. She gripped his hand tightly and pulled him onto the dance floor – allowing herself to succumb to the temptation of the beat. Grinning broadly, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her body closer – flushing them together.
"That's...I don't wanna see that," Kevin mumbled, turning his back on the dance-floor. The image of his younger brother and 'grilfriend' grinding on the dance-floor would be forever embedded onto his mind – he gave a shiver at the thought. He knew Joe would do anything for the girl; it was in every look the boy shot at her. He was just wondering if she would do the same – her eyes gave nothing away.
"Suck it up..." Ryan smirked, smiling at the couple on the dance-floor. He was happy that his friend was happy – he hadn't seen her smile that widely for a while. He felt a pang of regret as he remembered he was the one that used to cause her to smile so brilliantly but he knew that Joe deserved it; the boy had a place in her heart. Somehow the rockstar had given the girl a new hope – he hoped it would last.
He stepped outside to breathe the air – the clubs' atmosphere was slowly suffocating him. His head pounded with the beat of the music; his head-ache getting worse. He wasn't sure why he was there – it wasn't his scene. The club...the aura was intoxicating and he was drawn to it slightly but, he was able to restrict the temptation. He didn't drink or succumb to the pull of drugs – he was only there for the music. Allowing the music to pull him in and allow him to forget the troubles of the day.
"You're new here," a voice interrupted his thoughts, turning the boy around. His eyes widened as he gazed upon the girl – she was gorgeous. Her green eyes shone brightly in the dull light and her attire didn't leave much to the imagination. Her tight black dress showed her curves and he flexed his fingers – eager to run his hands over the material.
"You're beautiful," he charmed, stepping alittle closer to the small girl. He saw her waver on her feet slightly and he took a step back. He wasn't sure if he wanted to get to know her anymore – he had seen her type before. She was addicted to the alcohol and he didn't want to be attached to someone like that. He didn't want to get drawn into that world.
"Right," she scoffed, sliding down the wall she was leaning against. The place was slightly overwhelming her – her running was slowly tiring her out. She could feel her past catching up on her and she wanted to keep running but the boy infront of her was stopping her. Just one look into his eyes and she was stopped – she wasn't sure what to make of it. "What are you doing in a place like this?"
"The music...can't you feel it in your veins? It's...it's intoxicating," he gushed, crouching down before the girl. There was something about her that attracted him and he couldn't turn away. He was drawn to her just as he was drawn to the beat of the music.
"It's not the only thing," she murmured, running her hands through her hair. She needed to leave...she needed to create some space between her and the boy. He was allowing the past to catch up with her and she wanted to just turn and run away. She couldn't face the past – not yet. Her family wasn't ready and neither was she.
"What's the matter?" he questioned, dipping his head to catch her gaze. He could see the emotions flittering across his eyes and he was astounded – he didn't know one person could feel that amount of emotions. He knew he was a stranger and he knew she could just stand and turn away. He didn't want her too – she was the one thing that was keeping him there tonight. The routine of partying got boring after awhile and he constantly looked for different entertainment within his life.
"What's your name?" she retorted, flicking her gaze away from his. She didn't want him reading her eyes – she knew they displayed everything she felt; she had been told that enough times. She was learning to control that – Lucien was teaching her how to shield herself.
"Ryan...Ryan Sheckler – yours?" he asked, taking a seat on the ground. He was having more fun talking to the girl before him than he was inside the club. He had seen her there several times before but, he had never seen her this vulnerable – she always seemed in control.
"Lillian...Lilly Truscott," she nodded, biting her lip in nervousness. She remembered that giving away her name was powerful information – they could use it against her. Her family had told her never to say her last name in full; many used the knowledge to benefit themselves. It had become second nature to hide the fact that she was the daughter of the most influential couple in LA.
"Why are you here?" he asked, curious to know more about the girl. He noted one of her nervous habits in his head already – he wanted to continue to see her. He had a feeling as if he should know all about her; you couldn't get into the club if you were an unknown. Everyone in there had some claim to fame – it was slightly amusing the amount times he had been told of peoples visits to movie-sets.
"It's intoxicating," she murmured, gazing up at the boy. She could see the honesty in his gaze and she sent a small smile his way. She had hardly made any friends in LA – her moving the Malibu a bonus in her books. She knew that he wouldn't leave her alone for the rest of the night – it was clear in his eyes. He wanted to get to know her...all of her.
"You shouldn't be here..." he whispered, grazing her cheek with his hand. He wasn't sure if he should touch her but his hands were just itching to do the action – he couldn't deny them. Her skin was smooth and he smiled as she didn't flinch at the touch. She wasn't too far gone to not be able to register what was going but he knew she was gone enough to numb the pain. The majority in the club were there just to numb the pain.
"Neither should you," she retorted, staring indignantly at the boy. She hated to be talked down too or be told where to go. She didn't really understand where he was coming from – he knew nothing of her life. He didn't know what she had to deal with in life and she didn't want him to make judgements. She was only looking for a friend.
"Come with me," he smiled, tilting his head to the side. He was indicating to the side-walk – he wanted her to walk with him. He wasn't going to do anything; he knew he had to back within an hour to gather his friends. He just wanted the girl to sober up and hopefully he'd get to know her alittle more.
"Why should I?" she queried, raising an eyebrow in question. She didn't know if she could trust the boy before her but, she could feel his presence under her skin. He was already affecting her and she had only been with him for a few minutes. If she continued to act on impulse she knew she wouldn't be able to get rid of him – she cling tightly until he asked her to let go. She wasn't sure if she'd be able too.
"Trust me," he winked, grabbing her hand and pulling her up. He helped her as she stumbled slightly and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He didn't want her tripping along the sidewalk to gain attention – he just wanted to spend alittle time with the mystery girl. He was willing to give her space if she asked for it but he only smiled shyly as she snuggled closer to his warmth – the cold air slithering under the hem of dress.
"What are you doing?" she asked, looking towards the boy. They had just gotten back from the club and she was still pumping from the beat of the music. She had enjoyed the time out from her life and she loved that Joe had enjoyed the place aswell. He had helped her steer clear of Lucien and all his temptations.
"Do you remember the first time we met?" he asked, turning to face the girl. They were on the balcony of the suite and he was just breathing in the night air. The club had a deeper affect on him than he realised and he was just reeling from the memories.
"Yes...you saved me," she murmured, wrapping her arms around his waist. She knew what he needed – they always knew what the other needed. They could just read each other and she liked that between them. They were so in-synch that it was slightly scary; she knew that Joe was having a slight fear of adjusting to that.
"I'd do it again," he responded, wrapping an arm tightly around her shoulders. He pulled her against him – revelling in her nearness. It was the most time they had gotten to spend together and he had to admit that he missed her. He knew she had to make time for the brothers' but, he also needed some of her attention.
"Thankyou...I don't think I've said that to you before," she whispered, smiling up at the boy. She was grateful to have him back in her life and she didn't want to let him go just yet. She enjoyed being in his arms and she loved the security he portrayed. She was always safe when he was around.
"You don't need t-"
"Lilly? You there?" a voice called, interrupting their talk. Ryan looked down at the girl and nudged her forward. He didn't want to take her away from love – it wasn't in him to deny it.
"Go...we'll talk later," he smiled, pushing her towards the door. He knew she wanted to go – he could see it in her eyes. He would leave the couple to sort out what they need to sort out; he knew they were in for a serious discussion. Joe's eyes said it all.
Hope you'll like it...? The conversation with Joe will be in the next chapter aswell as maybe another flashback? Or an explanation lol dunno yet...continue to read and reveiw please! :)
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