I quietly made my way downstairs and poured myself a glass of orange juice as I waited for Shane. It didn't take long before there was a quick rap at the door, and I all but ran there. I opened the door and moved to the side, letting him in.

We went into the kitchen, and I asked if he wanted anything to drink. After he got a can of coke we made our way upstairs and bothsat on my bed, leaning against the headboard. A comfortable silence settled between us, and while I didn't want to be the one to break it, we only had so much time. I took a deep breath.

"So, how's recording going?" I asked, looking at Shane from the corner of my eye.

"It's fine," he replied.

I pouted. I couldn't fight being disappointed by his answer. I hadn't seen him in days, and his answer was 'fine?' Fortunately he continued.

"We're busy all the time. We barely have time to breath, but it's not all bad. We have fun," he started. "Jason gets a little annoying some time, especially after so much time together, but its fine. It's not really different from other times, only we record in the studio now, and it's not one song, but lots," he added. "Oh, and there's the extra pressure from the recording contract, I suppose," he added wryly, in what was obviously an understatement.

It was only then that I realized he'd been staring at me the entire time. I managed a small smile, trying my best not to let my jealousy show.

Suddenly, his face fell, and he looked remorseful. I was dying to find out what had just happened, but I couldn't bring myself to actually ask.

"So, how have you been?" he asked, smiling, but I could tell it wasn't genuine.

"Fine," I teased.

He mock glared, and a real smile made its way to my face.

"Lonely," I explained. "And bored," I added as an afterthought. "But I've been fine; I got to spend some time with Eric."

"I'm sorry," he whispered, and I could tell he really was. "I promise I'll make it up to you as soon as were done. We-we can go shopping if you want!"

I chuckled, and shook my head. "You don't have to do that. I'm sure we can find something we both enjoy."

He grinned, relieved, "Okay, but I'm still making it up to you." He looked serious as he slid closer and held out his arms for me. I smiled, and wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his shoulder. I felt him wrap his arms around my waist. We stayed like that for a while, neither of us wanting to pull apart. Shane started ghosting his fingers on my back, and he sighed as I relaxed into him.

"You want to come with us to the studio tomorrow?" he whispered, and his hot breath on the nape of my neck sent shivers down my spine.

"Are you sure?" I asked, into the crook of his neck.

He nodded, and even if I couldn't see him, I could feel it.

"Won't I get in the way?"

He shook his head.

"Won't I distract you? You said it yourself, you're always busy; I'm sure I'll only be a burden."

"That's nonsense Mitch," he replied softly. "You wouldn't be a burden. And this way, you get to listen to the songs."

"Okay," I sighed, and for a second I thought I felt him stiffen.

We eventually pulled apart, and I shivered from the loss of heat. Shane chuckled, and stood up, making his way to my closet. He kept digging around everything, like he was looking for something specific, but I couldn't really tell what.

He suddenly turned around, grinning like an idiot and clutching something in his hand. He slowly lifted it, and I groaned.

"You must be kidding."

He shook his head.

"No way, I'm not wearing that."

"Please?" he pouted.

I sighed. "Fine."

He handed me the Care Bear sweater I was sure I had thrown away awhile ago, and I put it on.

"You look cute," he grinned.

"No," I corrected, "I look retarded."

He looked hurt for a minute, but shrugged, and lay down next to me again.

We stayed that way for a long time, talking about random things, making jokes and laughing at each other. I felt happy; I pouted every time he made fun of me, but I didn't really mind. It felt good to have my best friend back.

At about one, Shane yawned and got up. He hugged me once again, although it was much shorter this time, and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"I'll pick you up at nine," he said. "Is that alright?"

I nodded, smiling.

"Bye Mitch," he whispered as he closed the door.

I could hear him make his way downstairs and then heard the front door close, but I couldn't wipe the shit eating grin off my face.

"Bye Shane."

thanks again to suburbs for being such an amazing beta. i already have about half the next chapter written, i hope i can finish it before the weekend.. and to those reading not what it looks like, im working on it.. itll be ready soon, hopefully.