Okay, so it took me a while to post this one but trust me it's been bugging me all week. I had it all typed up then I lost it. So I'm going to try as hard as I can to get this just about the same as the last one. Like Hannah C. had suggested in her review, there will be more Lily and Nick action. In fact, I can honestly tell you that if you do not get enough of them in Pressure 2, Pressure 3 will have tons more (so yes, there's a third one and yes I have something planned for the lovely couple).

Lily's POV

"Lillian, I insist that you take my bed," Nick said, "You look exhausted."

"Um, no," I said, "You need the sleep, not me." Everyone was getting ready for bed; except for Nick and I that is. We've been arguing for the past twenty minutes about who sleeps where.

"Hmm," he said thinking, "There's only one way to settle this."

"What would that be?" I asked. He clumsily pulled me into his arms, kissing my forehead.

"Whoever falls asleep first gets the bed," he said, "And trust me, I'll beat you."

"I wouldn't count on it, Lucas," I said looking up at his chocolate brown eyes.

"Bring it on, Patterson," he smiled. I kissed him lightly. He pulled me close on his feet and moved over to a table planted in the bus. It reminded me about one of the booths at the shack.

"Don't you think this is a little silly?" I asked.

"Maybe," he nodded, "But you know, we haven't just talked in a while… you and me." He was so right; it made me want to cry. I loved that he knew it though. We haven't been alone since the hospital and that wasn't for very long. This was a great opportunity to catch up on things.

"So, when we first met…" I began. Nick laughed, "What?"

"Nothing," he said shaking his head, "It was just cute when you thought for a while then continued… just the way you did it. I don't know." I smiled, nodding.

"I get it," I said, "I have that cute affect on people… well… on the ones that fall hard." He laughed.

"Can't argue with that," he said, "So when we first met…"

"Right," I said, "What were you thinking?"

"Hmm," he said pondering, "Well, to be honest I was in shock from this random girl tackling my brother down." I laughed, "But then I saw you… the sun was set and it was hitting you perfectly. You're eyes were so bright, they didn't seem real at first. But then you talked, you moved… you were perfect."

"I sort of love you," I said, "Did you know that?"

"You may have mentioned it a couple of times," he said, "But you know something? I haven't been saying it enough."

"Are you crazy?" I asked, "You say it plenty."

"I love you," he said kissing me, "Just in case you're lying." I laughed, "So what did you think when you first met me."

"Well, after that crazy girl ran back in the shack, embarrassed as all get-out, I took a good look at the one and only Nick Lucas. But of course, something came to me."

"And what would that be?" he asked curiously.

"He's not the guy I see in the magazines… on the pathetic tabloid shows," I said, "He's different… he's a person." He chuckled, "Yeah, it's not as… amazing as what you said. But hey, you have to give me credit. It's not every day you run into a rock star."

"It's not everyday you run into a girl with a crazy friend," he joked. I laughed, kissing him, "There are tons of things… I want to show you… I want to experience with you. And I can't wait to do them. I want to share everything about me with you… just you."

"Dido," I said. He laughed, "I wish I could say the things you say… return the favor and all."

"I think you do," he said, "And besides, even if you couldn't, you should know that you're the comedian… and you can't measure up to my intellectualness." I slapped his arm playfully. Suddenly there was a rumbling of thunder then a loud crash. I cowered back into Nick's arms; he gripped me tighter, sweeter, "I'm assuming thunder-storms aren't you're favorite."

"Not at all," I said.

"Well, I'm right here," he said in my ear, "And the evil little monsters can't get you."

"Shut-up," I laughed. Then I became serious. There were things I still didn't know about Nick. I mean sure, we've covered many things. But there are a few things that I was still curious about, "What's the scariest thing you've ever experienced."

"Last night," he said, "I remember finding Bella, then her carrying me to the shack… she got insulin… don't remember how though. It worked out until we got to the hospital. I was thinking of you the entire time you know."

"She carried you…" I said, "I can't even picture you hurt… it's too awful." He ran his fingers through my hair.

"I shouldn't have put you through that," he said, "Sorry about that."

"Don't apologize," I said looking up at him, "I love you… who cares what else." I kissed him again. It seemed after every sentence, we would kiss each other; and I loved it.

"What about you?" he asked, "I mean, before all of this."

"Well," I said, "I guess I could say the shark attack. I was so scared; you should've seen her. Bella should've been dead before she came up from the surface." I sighed, "Then again, this isn't the only time Bella has scared the living out of me. There was the time back at your house." Nick was really listening; he really wanted to know, "But then you were there, right before my eyes. It made it easier to endure. I believed you with every word, every letter."

"That was the idea," he whispered.

"Before what happened," I whispered, "Was there anything else? Anything that made you stop breathing."

"Yes," he said, "Um… it was Kevin. He called my parents once, saying someone had broken in the house…" I looked up at him, alarmed, "He was still there… but hiding."

"Oh my, gosh," I said, "That's horrible. I never knew that before."

"It was a pretty long time ago," he laughed, "It never really came to mind, I guess."

"Oh," I said.

"On a brighter note," he laughed, "What about happy things."

"Oh," I sighed, "I don't know… um… when my dad came back on prom night… yeah, that was great. I hadn't seen him in months. Him showing up made my night… of course you contributed to that just as much. Really, that entire night was perfect."

"Usually prom ends in disaster," Nick said, "I'm glad it worked out for you."

"Thank you," I said kissing him by instinct, "What about you?"

"So many," he said, "But my favorite… when I wrote that song for you. You liked it… I was so happy that you liked it; because it came from here." He pointed to his heart.

"You're wrong about something," I said.

"What would that be," he said.

"I didn't like the song," I replied, "I loved it." He kissed me quickly then, like a thank you. I leaned back on his chest, watching the ceiling. My eyes were closing but I didn't want to sleep.

"There's something else that's going to make me happy," he said quietly, pulling me on his lap so I could look up at him.

"Which is…" I persisted, my voice slurring; my eyes were shutting on me.

"I'm won," was the last thing I heard Nick said before I fell into a deep sleep.

Bella's POV

I woke up to Joe humming a symphony in my ear. He had his arms around me, picking at his nail. It wasn't very bright outside. I couldn't even tell what time it was.

"Good morning sunshine," he sang. I laughed taking his hands.

"Hi," I said.

"If I may say, you look absolutely beautiful this morning," he said.

"You're in a good mood," I laughed.

"Yeah," he said, "I guess I am."

"Bella?" my mom knocked on the door. I got out of bed quickly, Joe following. He sat in a chair completely across from me as I sat back down on my bed, crossing my legs. My mom poked her head in, making sure Dad didn't see.

"Mason, calm down," Mom said, "She's not… decent." I laughed. My mother walked in the room completely, shutting the door behind her.

"Hey, babe," she said, "Just making sure you're ready to go."

"Oh," I said, "Um, I didn't-"

"It's okay," my mom said, "I took the courtesy of packing for you." I looked at the corner of my room. It had just the right amount of stuff; my mom and I shared a talent in packing.

"Thank you," I said getting up and giving her a hug. Joe was watching us, smiling.

"I'll be waiting in your van," Joe said, "Nick, Lily, Kevin, and Danielle will be here momentarily."

"Thanks," I said kissing him before he left. My mom sat on the foot of my bed when I threw on a clean gray hoodie, nice and warm. My legs had goosebumps but I still threw on a pair of denim shorts.

"I'm going to miss you baby," mom said. I looked over and saw her sitting there. She looked sad. I went and sat next to her.

"I'm going to come back you know," I said, "I mean the tours not even that long. We've got until the end of November. We'll be back. I promise. I swear then after that, I will be by your side twenty-four seven. You're wedding is going to be perfect."

"Thanks, sweetheart," she said pulling me into a hug, "I know in the past… I haven't been the best influence on you. But I'm changing. And I'm going to start with this relationship. I love you so much."

"I love you too," I said hugging her tighter. It was silent for a moment.

"I heard what you and Joe talked about last night," she said. I pulled away from her hug.

"What?" I asked.

"You butt-dialed me," she said holding up her phone, "But don't worry your father didn't hear a word."

"Oh," I said, "Mom, we were just talking."

"I know," she said simply, "But you know that is a huge decision… and when it's time to make it, I want you to think things through the right way."

"I will," I said, "I promise."

"Good," she said, "I trust you… now, let's say goodbye to Dad."

"Right," I said. She took my hand we went into the kitchen to see my dad, "Hey."

"Hey," he said waving me over. He pulled me into a hug, "You heading out now?"

"Yeah," I said, "I wish we had more time. But when I come back, I'll be right there for the wedding."

"Love you sweetheart," he said. I jumped at the sound of knocking at the door. Lily walked in, smiling ear to ear.

"Hey," she said, "You ready to hit the road, Bells?" I turned around to face her.

"Yeah," I said, "Yeah, I'm ready." I said a couple hundred last goodbyes to my parents and was out the door with Lily.

"Hey," she said, "So Nick and I are going with you and Joe while Danielle and Kevin plan on driving separate to spare some room."

"Cool," I said. I threw my stuff in the back of my van, shutting the doors behind me. Joe came out of the driver's seat with my keys.

"Took you long enough," he said kissing me.

"Mhmm," I said, "What are you doing with me keys." He was quiet, "Joe… I'm driving."

"Now," Joe said quickly. All of a sudden, someone locked their arms around me, pulling me back. It was Nick, he was laughing hysterically with Lily. Joe waved as Nick brought me to the back of the van.

"Nice seeing you Nick," I said. He laughed.

"Likewise," he said.

"Honestly, Bella," Lily said, "I mean look how tired you look."

"So…" I said waiting for the point. They shook their heads, smirking. I went up to Joe, close to his ear, "You can't drive forever."

"True," he said. I felt accomplished so I sat up in the passenger's seat with him as he pulled out of my house and drove away from home.

Lily's POV

Last night with Nick meant a lot to me; I mean I wouldn't forget it. It showed that there will still things we didn't know about each other. But we had time to figure them out. We were sitting in the back of Bella's van, are arms around each other. Nick was exhausted; I knew that for a fact. He was dozing off constantly; I had to drive to Bella's house.

"I'm sorry," Nick said kissing me, "I keep falling asleep."

"Fall asleep all you want," I said kissing him, "You're tired… if you'd just let me win…" He laughed.

"Win what?" Joe asked.

"Sleeping competition," Nick said.

"Dude," Joe said, "I'm surprised you were up to that… Nick never loses."

"Well he didn't break that streak last night," I laughed. Bella was strangely quiet; I looked over to see if she was still alive. She was asleep, the sun hitting her face, making her look insanely gorgeous; as if she would need the sun for that. In ways, I wished I could be like Bella. But she always reminds me we're alike all the same. I still don't believe her; although I'm not the dwelling type.

I turned back to see Nick completely out cold. I knew that would happen. Luckily I cam prepared. I gently moved Nick to a pillow I had laid out before and covered him with a quilt. I went back up to Bella; Joe gave me a questioning glance.

"I've got it," I said. I gently and efficiently lifted Bella out of the seat and laid her on another pillow, covering her with a different quilt than Nick's. I went up and sat next to Joe, "I knew he'd regret winning."

"That wouldn't be the first time," Joe chuckled quietly, "So Lily…"

"So Joe…" I said.

"I think it's time we update each other," he said. I smiled looking out the window.

"On what exactly?" I asked.

"Well, you're taking care of my brother," he said.

"While you're taking care of my best friend," I added, "I understand… hmmm…" What was there to tell Joe? I mean he knew there was a lot of things that's happened to Nick lately right? "He blames himself… for what happened. He said he didn't want to ruin our relationship. Since we were so far away, he felt we were growing distant."

"I wish I could convince him otherwise," Joe sighed.

"Trust me," I said quietly, "I did. That won't be happening again." Joe smiled, "He told me about that time when Kevin called… about the break in."

"Oh," Joe said, "Wasn't expecting that. It was so long ago…"

"That's what he said too," I said, "He's a wholesome guy… just like you and you're entire family. Joe, I don't know what Bella and I would do without you guys."

"Good to hear," Joe said smiling, "But you realize you guys changed our lives."

"Thanks," I smiled my heart swelling.

"I want to tell me something," he said.

"Shoot," I said. He sighed.

"What was it like for her that week and a half?" he asked. I looked at him, curious as to why he would want to know this, "I just want to know what damage I did. I've been bothered… about how Bella took me back so easily."

"Nick said you kidnapped her," I said. He laughed quietly, trying not to laugh to loud, "I think he was exaggerating a little bit, of course." I became serious, "Are you sure you want to know?"

"Yes," he said, "I really would."

"Well," I began, "She came to get me from my mom's… she was crying. She told me the news. Nick was waiting at Bella's place for me and he was confused as all get out. But when we calmed her down, she managed to tell us what happened." I sighed, hating the memory, "The first few days were the worst… she stopped sleeping, eating, talking… I guess she was just in shock. Um then after a while I got her to talk to me… but…" tears were forming in my eyes, "She told me something… random."

"What was it?" he asked. I sniffled.

"Well," I said, "She told me about her great-grandmother, Flow." I smiled a little bit, "She was the first to teach her everything she knows… drawing, piano. She told me that she was strong; she went under tons of surgeries…" Joe was quiet. The entire van was quiet, "It wasn't the cancer… it was the infection in her blood that killed her is what she said."

"I never knew that about her," Joe said, his voice cracked from holding back tears. I knew it too.

"I didn't know either," I said, "She just told me then…" it was quiet again, "After that she stopped… stopped everything. Especially playing… I'd cry alone, knowing that she couldn't play anymore." I stopped myself, "I'm sorry, I hope I'm not making you feel horrible."

"Not at all," he said, "Only what I deserve."

"Joe, that isn't true," I said putting my hand on his shoulder, "Look at all the happiness you bring Bella… look at the way you light her up. You deserve an Olympic medal…" he laughed.

"Nick loves you," Joe said, "You know that right?"

"Yes," I said.

"I know that I've been in the way of that," he replied, "But Lily… whatever you do… don't let him go." I stared straight ahead my hand dropping from Joe's shoulder.

"I won't," I promised.

Bella's POV

I woke up to see the ceiling of my van. There was talking from outside and noises of other cars. We weren't moving; I felt that. But I wasn't really sure what was going on or where I was. I looked over next to me. There was a pillow and blanket moved over to the side. Someone was lying there. I sat up slowly, a dizzying sensation forming in my head.

"Hey," Joe said. My eyes adjusted to see him sitting in the driver's seat still. He moved to the back of the van, sitting next to me. He was hesitant about something; something I was missing out on.

"What's wrong?" I asked by instinct. He chuckled, taking me in her arms.

"You don't know?" he asked.

"No," I said.

"I thought you were dead," he replied, "You've been so tired lately."

"Well," I sighed, "It happens… where's everyone else?"

"Lily's pumping gas with Nick," Joe said, "Their inseparable, you know."

"This seems new to you?" I asked.

"Nope," he said, "Just relieving after what happened." At that moment, I sort of forgot about bad things.

"It's good for both of them," I whispered. He kissed the top of my head, rubbing my back.

"I love you," he said, his voice sounding very strange. I looked up at him. He was staring straight ahead, his eyes glistening with tears.

"Joe," I said reaching up and touching his face, "Joe, what happened?"

"Nothing," Joe replied, "I just love you."

"Only girls get emotional like that," I said, "What's going on?" He pulled me closer, tighter.

"You've left me out," he said, "You left Lily out too… until you told her."

"Joe, what in the world are you talking about?" I asked scared. He looked down at me, reassuring me.

"She told me what you said to her," Joe said, "About Flow." My breath hitched to a stop. I looked back down, tears forming in my eyes. I could hide it, I know I could.

"I didn't know she told you about that," I said.

"She did," Joe replied, "Just after you fell asleep." It was quiet. I pulled him tighter than he did.

"It was so personal," I said, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

"That's not my problem," he said.

"What is?" I asked.

"How much I hurt you," I said, "And how you took me back so easily."

"It's because you're a huge part of my life, Joe," I said, "When you leave, that part of my life dies. But when you're here… right now with me… everything is just like it should be." He took his finger and moved my chin up, my lips meeting his.

Nick's POV

"How do you think it's going in there?" I asked Lily who was pumping gas.

"It's quiet," she said, "I can't hear much… so there can't be a catfight." Lily told me about her conversation with Joe. She just wasn't actually sure how either of them would react to it.

"Hmm," I said taking Lily secretively in my arms. There weren't many people here; the ones who were had the age range of 60-70 years old. I don't think their in cahoots with E! News. I kissed Lily deeply, her concentration on me now. I took the gas pump and waited for it to completely fill up, my lips still crushed against hers.

"I love you," Lily said.

"I love you, too," I replied, "So much." Lily pulled away and embraced me tightly. I hugged back, letting this moment sink in.

Suddenly, Lily gasped backing up against the van. She put her hand over he mouth, looking to the right.

"Lily," I said. She pointed to where she was looking; there was nothing but a truck; a red truck. In the back of the truck was some wood and just plain old junk; unloading the stuff was a man. He looked like he could've once been clean but has no effort to do so. He had short black hair, stubby fingers, skinny figure. I was confused. I took her face in my hands, making her look at me, "Lil' what's wrong?"

"I-it's him," she said.

"Who?" I asked.

"Nick, I never told you," she said, "I never told you about it… because it was long ago… preschool…"

"Lily, you're scaring me," I said urgently, "What's happening?"

"Hurry and get in the car," she said, "We have to get out of here."

"Okay," I said, taking her in my arms and getting in the van.

CLIFFHANGER! And honestly, I did it on purpose… = ) I hope this new secret isn't to choppy coming in the story. I want it to be like, "Oh, it was so long ago I can't even remember it." Not like "Oh now that we're in love I should probably mention…" if it is I MUST KNOW!

Reviews? You know I love 'em.