*Sigh* Once again, my loyal readers, I have let you down :( I had a massive writer's block going on, and I was putting off ths chapter for a while...then christmas, then new year...bleh bleh. Anyways- I hope you like. I have to admit- it is an 'in between' chapter- leading up to the big events. Necessary in it's way :)

I hope everyone had a good holiday :) It's boiling hot here- I hate it :( too hot even for the beach! BLEH! Anyways- hopefully this chapter was worth the wait...

Warning: This chapter contains...uh...ahem...rape. *shields self* But don't worry! It's not 100% necessary if those of you out there don't want to read it- but I will warn you further violent, what I hope is emotionally effective scenes will come up- and some will affect the KND characters! *Gulp*
But for nooow- just a warning. The rape scene (even though I doubt my own skills- I've never done a scene such as this before) isn't very graphic, but it is between two males, and well, you know- I tried!

*Fanfare*

deLattre : Thank you! And...thank you? (: I really can't portray Lizzie very well that is true...I struggle at that...and I get addicted to my flashbacks- I try to make them as interesting as possible but yes- thank you for your feedback :) Kuki moved to Japan with her family with her parents- it's implied she went unwillingly but I'm being purposely fuzzy on the details- every KND member's past in the KND is fuzzy- it's a mystery whether they were decommissioned or not ;) [I'm torturous like that] I hope you enjoy the chapter!

simi838 : Haha! Flamers, Shlamers- I don't let the get to me anymore. But thank you! :D Always nice to hear from my fellow Aussie! And noo...I didn't go to that Luna Park thing- I love Luna Park but it gets old fast :( Can't wait for the wet'n'wild though! You know one's opening in NSW next year? :D YEEE! :D Oh, and enjoy the chapter :P

Justwriting7: I love the Lion King! :D seriously one of THE best movies of all time- I bought the DVD straight away. I hope this chapter makes your day too- lots more drama afoot though! :S enjoy lovely! :D

PowerGirl: Naw, I am sorry to keep you waiting :( And aw, thank you! :D I highly doubt that, but I love your feedback all the same. It keeps me writing! :D And no! Mushi isn't dead! I'm sorry you thought that :0! I would never kill Mushi of...yet... Kidding! Kidding! I hope you enjoy :)

numbuh310alltheway : hehe, I love giving Abigail attitude- it seems to be the only thing that puts Dingo in his place. I enjoy my comic relief- it makes the whole story not so grim :D I'm glad you like! Aw, I'm glad Dingo/Abby is gaining approval-I can't seem to tear them apart now... not that I gave them much of a chocie- but still! I'm glad you liked my dream scene- literally was agonising over that for a long time -_- Hope you like my update :D let me know what you think! x

Hey Jessi : GAH! I love your icon :D LION KING! *WOOP*! Ahem...but yes- anyway :D Even though this chapter isn't very happy I hope it makes you smile- and sorry about the wait! I hope you enjoy nonetheless :) I love your reviews- they pep me up! (And I am dead tired and sick right now so it means a lot to me- hehe) And I really want to work on an OC story- when I finally get my butt into gear and pull it onto FP or something I'll let you know! :D Cause I like Belle...she is just so...normal! x

Heather:Aw thank you! :D And yes, feel very special! That was somewhat eerie haha, but it did perk me up :P Like all reviews do...except mean ones... :) I'm glad you like my story- sorry about the wait on the update- I hope it was worth the wait :\ And aw- thank yiu for the pep talk- it means a lot :P x

Kuchiki-san urahara: Naw, thank you :) I'm sorry about the wait- I hope it was worth it! I hope your own story is going well too- I haven't been on fanfiction in a while :\ Let me know what you think! :D! Many more twists coming in ;)

Sam: Aw, thank you :D I hope you like the chapter, and it was worth the wait! I may not be the best writer, but hearing it makes me smile all the same :D thank you so much! Enjoy x

Apples Go Boom: Aw, I love your excitement! :D *dances* naw, wow! It's pretty cool you like my villains! :D I'm glad- even though they're meant to be hated...kinda have a soft spot for them too ;) I hope it was worth the wait- which I am very, very sorry for! And don't worry- Dodge will come to the rescue! :D Let me know what you think! (I love hearing from you :P) x

MidniteCurse4Eternity: Aw thank you for your kind words :) i love your feedback on every little bit of the story- makes me feel like people are listening ;) (which never happens when I usually talk haha) I hope you like the update, sorry for the wait! let me know what you think :D x

Justadreamer15 : Lol! Well I have to say I'm addicted to drama :P I'm glad you can keep up and like it! :D Sorry for the wait by the way, I hope this chapter makes up for it and makes you smile :) Let me know what you think! x

1000GreenSun : haha! I'm surprised ANYONE can keep up- but yes- if Jake fathered Dread then Dread is Dingo's half brother- as well as Dodge's half brother, and Wally/Joey's cousin XD! Thank you! I just like to torture my characters by throwing anything at them ;) It works! Sorry for the wait, I hope you enjoy the chapter :D :D :D!

Dead Embryonic Cells: Hi hi :) Hehe! THank you for the advice :D I should! But now I don't let them get to me- it's hard when you put your heart into something, but I manage :P Thank you so much for your review, it made me laugh :D I hope it wasn't too much of a wait for you- and I hope it was worth it and you enjoy :P I love any review you write ;) Every little bit counts! Let me know how you think I went ;P x

Laurie43: Aw, I know- but don't worry- I can't stand the couple apart either :P Hopefully this chapter answers all questions! And I hope it was worth the wait :D I love your reviews- I appreciate every one! :D And yes- Leyla is Dread n Dodge's mother- so really if Jake had a child with her it would be Dread- meaning Dread would be half brothers with Dodge AND Dingo- and Wally/Joey's COUSIN! *faints* A lot, isn't it? Oh, Jake! *sigh* ;) Thank you love :) Hope you enjoy! x

A New Side Of Awesome : Aw thank you :) hope it wasn't too much of a long wait for you, I'll be faster next time I promise :D hope you enjoy and let me know what you think (:!

comicfan209 : Sorry for the wait, love! :) and don't worry- 9 Months isn't too far behind!


Patton read and re-read the letter in front of him, his dark eyes skidding across the official lettering in front of him. Trailing from the signature at the bottom, his eyes scanned back to see the official emblem in the top right corner. He sighed, the paper crinkling in his hand as it quickly turned into an angry fist. He'd been in the club since morning, and he had a feeling he would be in there until nightfall.

"Problem, Pat?"

His eyes looked up from the ball of paper to stare at his old friend- standing behind the bar he was currently sitting in. His face had slackened noticeably, and the barman quickly noticed.

"Need a double?" Aaron offered, his watery brown eyes widening as his face morphed into one of concern. Patton heaved a sigh, his shaggy black hair falling into his face as he looked down in despair.

"Might need one." He grunted, his lips scrunching.

"What's up?" Aaron again offered, grabbing a glass. Patton simply shrugged, uncaring.

"Don' worry, it's stupid." He muttered, his lips working into half a smile. "Just money, I guess."

"If you need a job..." Aaron smirked back, suddenly interested. "We always need a hand here."

Patton frowned. He had to admit, he liked this atmosphere. Quiet, secretive- not many people around to bug or annoy him. He used to be such an outgoing, interesting person- able to lead an entire group of people with no trouble- like second nature to him. But ever since he first flunked out of college all his confidence had simply disappeared, and now the quiet, shadowing seclusion of the seediest bar in town seemed to be his only sanctuary. Hey- at least the people here didn't judge him.

"Yeah, sure." Patton sniggered back. "Doing what? Sweeping up the rest of the cocaine for your best customers?" He rolled his eyes, nodding to the stairs at the other end of the room. "Face it, Aaron, you got the seediest place here."

"Only for the right people." Aaron grinned. "Vince has kept this place pretty clean in the public eye- only the worst people get the rooms, ya know."

"I've heard..." Patton muttered bitterly, his eyes flashing with caution. Sure, he knew about the reputation this club had...but it was only for the people high above him, the dealers and sellers that lived with whatever substance in their veins and whatever girls clung to their arm. He knew the scene, he'd been offered back into it...but he'd turned it down and tried to join the army instead...

Thinking back to that official piece of paper, his stomach now fluttered sickly as he processed what a horrible decision that had been.

"You were never like this, Pat." Aaron cut into his thoughts with a bored tone, rolling his eyes to the ceiling as he drawled on. "You always lived life on the edge, back in high school you were always the one who wanted it all. Now you're all depressed, trying to do something that's just not you-"

"It is me." Patton sneered back, his eyes narrowing. "Joining the army, fighting for our country, it's all...it's all I really wanted to do growing up..." He sighed, his face slackening. "You didn't know me as a kid."

"Yeah, well..." Aaron smirked. "Kids gotta grow up sooner or later, Pat. And you can't keep dreaming on something that just can't happen."

Patton sighed, his friend's words hitting hard. It felt as though he had swallowed a brick, and it had scraped down his throat only to sit in his stomach heavily, dragging him down and making him want to vomit.

"Yeah." He snarled bitterly, shoving his glass back towards his friend and twisting his face with hate. "Another double."


In the dark, stale room located on the second floor of the giant, remote warehouse- a small groan cut through the eerie silence that hung in the air. The teenager's pale skin- so sickly white it caused the wrinkled sheets beneath him to appear yellow- rustled against his rollaway bed. He moved, shifting and groaning, for the first time in a few hours- where he'd been thrown there so roughly it was a wonder that his skeletal frame was still intact. His bruised eyelids flickered, opening to reveal those paled, crystal eyes that were weeping and bloodshot- gazing around the plain, bare room tiredly. His gaze slackened, his face crinkling as pain shot through his body.

"Sandy!" He heard a shout through the thick walls, and what sounded like footsteps hurrying up the hallway to his door. "Sandy! Cuz! You up?"

He frowned, the faint voice almost foreign to him. What the hell happened to me? Sandy hissed to himself, his eyes squeezing closed. I'd left, I walked out of here...I didn't want to be here... I walked...down... His eyes widened somewhat fearfully. Panic shot through his veins.

What the Hell did those psychos do to me!

"Yeah..." He groaned to himself, his croaky voice feeling foreign in his throat. "Ye-YEAH!" He managed to shout, a blast of pain shooting through his skull as he winced, pushing himself off the mattress and shakily rising. "I'm up..."

There was a short thump on the door before it flew open, and Ethan walked in, his face growing steadily more troubled the closer he seemed to get to the withered figure on the bed. His dark eyes narrowed, his head tilting as he studied Sandy- who awkwardly gave him a grim smile.

"The hell happened to you?" He scoffed, his frown deepening with suspicion. "You look like shit." He added bluntly. Sandy winced again at that, sheepishly raising his hand to rub at the back of his neck. His skin felt numb, prickly. He didn't know what he'd taken but it had surely messed with his senses- everything he touched felt foreign and numb. His head pulsed and the rapid twitches of pain continued. His fingers grazed his skin, fingertips tracing along his neck as he pondered on how to respond to his cousin's curious questioning. His heart leapt in his throat as he suddenly jumped in slight pain, fingers tickling against a dried texture against his neck

Saliva.

Dried. SPIT!

Fuck. His brain told him, amongst the fuzzy thoughts and empty excuses. Fuck.

"Is that..." Ethan's sharp eyes narrowed in on the spot, and before Sandy could think up a believable retort his cousin's mouth had fallen open in alarm. "A lovebite?"

Sandy's fingers withdrew from the bruise, his mind working at what to say to that. Pain overcame him, he was still swaying on the spot and now he had woken with a mind humming with thought and a hickey on his neck...And all he could remember were swallowing some pills down in the basement... a pair of black, empty eyes...

"Fuck..." Was all he could muster out, a whimper escaping his lips as he gazed into his cousin's eyes, unable to come up with anything to respond with. All he could feel was dread...

Dread.


Wallabee tapped away at a game on his handheld, his eyes narrowed in concentration. His record was growing dangerously close- almost matching his high score. He tapped away eagerly, his tongue between his teeth as his heart began to race. Then- just out of the corner of his eye- a flash of bright, vivid purple seemed to blind him, capturing his attention straight away, and before he had fully regained concentration the game had ended- flashing his score at him teasingly.

And only 500 points from the high score...

"Kooks!" Wally groaned loudly, throwing his arms up in the air as he turned to stare at his girlfriend- still with her eyes gazing at him openly. "You distracted me!"

"Sorry..." Kuki pouted, fluttering those long, innocent lashes at him sweetly. "I didn't mean to!"

Wally sighed, a smile tugging at his lips. He couldn't help it, no matter what his girlfriend seemed to do it always made him feel better, even if it was just being by his side. Kuki seemed to complete him, even if they'd only been together for a few months- it was already clear he couldn't be without her. Her wide, violet eyes stared at him sweetly, her head tilting in kindness and concern. She was so sweet, already so concerning and nurturing. He needed her, just as she needed him.

"It's okay, babe." He smirked, reaching up and cupping her cheek. He pulled her closer, already wanting her lips on his. "I forgive you."

She smiled, as did he, as their lips met into a tender kiss. Sparks seemed to burst in Kuki's mind, and her skin tingled with the same butterflies she always felt when she received a kiss from her boyfriend. She had to giggle as she leaned back, fluttering her eyelashes as she tried to stand steady. His kisses still dazed her.

But she bit her lip, trying to shake herself from the daze. She stood up straight, her hands on her hips and trying as hard as she could not to get lost in those innocent emerald eyes.

"Wallabee..." She muttered. "Are you meeting Dingo tonight?"

Wally scowled at her, his eyes narrowing as he processed the thought. Seeing Dingo... The last time he'd seen his brother they'd almost engaged in a fierce fist fight. He didn't want that again- he didn't need it, he just wanted to concentrate on finding Hoagie- his best friend.

But this conflict between the brothers wasn't going to go away, and Wallabee knew that, and as Kuki gave him a long, knowing look- he knew he couldn't escape it. He had to make things right, or at least talk to his brother as best he could.

"Yeah..." He sighed, turning back to gaze at the screen of his game. "Might as well."

Kuki sat beside him on the couch, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close. He was engulfed in her bubblegum scented perfume, and he found himself closing his eyes at the sweetness of her known scent. She ran a few fingers through his hair, soothing him as best she could.

"I'm proud of you, you know..." She murmured softly. "Putting all this aside for the sake of your nephew, your family and friends... it's really good of you, Wal."

Wallabee shrugged moodily, unable to escape the anxiety creeping upon him. "Yeah...but, ya know... it shouldn't be like this- especially with family..." he sighed, leaning forward to place his head in his hands. "And I'm still worried about Hoagie..."

"One crisis at a time..." Kuki murmured, patting his back. "Trust me, everything will be fine."

Wally sighed, his fingers massaging his temples. It offered little relief, in fact it just made him worry more. He never got so stressed out, but he knew this time something was seriously wrong. The fact Hoagie was nowhere to be found and he had no idea what to expect worried him to no end. His best friend, the one who had always been there for him, was gone- and Wally was powerless in trying to find him.

"I hope so, Kooks..." He mumbled, sighing to himself as he pulled out his phone again. He had to keep trying. "I hope so."


Jayden stomped around their cramped quarters viciously, gnashing his teeth together as he grew more and more irritated. Bullets, clothes, papers- everything seemed to fly around him as he flung objects out of the way- searching and snatching at whatever he could grab. His charcoal grey eyes narrowed, his fists clenched at his sides as he stomped down the hallway to his friends room- his face set.

Even though he could feel his impatience filling to the brim and his fury quickly reaching boiling over, he still remembered to knock before entering his best friends room. His face scrunched in annoyance as he could remember the last time he knocked without entering into a room Dread was in. He could safely say he was scarred for life.

"Yeah..." he could hear Dread mumble grudgingly from behind the door. "What, cunt?"

Jayden kicked open the door, his anger quickly returning as his eyes quickly found Dread- who was sitting on top of his bed, flicking the lighter in his hand. A joint hung loosely from his lips, and he looked up lazily at Jayden glaring down at him, his black eyes flashing in amusement. Jayden scowled.

"Where are the roofies, Dread?" He growled at his best friend threateningly, leering over him. He tried to ignore Bandit's shaky figure next to him- he could only imagine what Dread was planning to do with his stupid pet- especially since it was now conscious. "I had a whole bag in a bottle, and this whole fucking plan is going to get screwed without them-"

Dread rolled his eyes, reaching over to pluck something off on the floor. He threw it at his friend, who quickly caught it- looking at the small jar in his hands with sudden anger. He twitched.

"You...took the whole bottle?" He spat angrily, throwing the now empty jar back at his friends head. Dread ducked, the hard plastic hitting the bed head behind him. He flinched as Jayden seized up angrily, his hard glare flicking over to Bandit's curled up figure. "YOU USED UP THE STASH ON HIM?"

"CALM THE FUCK DOWN!" Dread shouted back, just as fierce. He narrowed his eyes. "Fuck Man! I didn't! It was that fucking kid that came in and stole them all..." He scowled, lighting up his joint as he spoke, his voice slightly muffled as his black eyes narrowed in on Jayden. "Jesus..."

Jayden glared back, as if studying to see if what he said was truthful. Dread let out a calm breath of smoke, the pearly air snaking through his lips as he bared his teeth in a sick grin.

"I don't need roofies when it comes to Bambi..." he smirked, black eyes going to the figure next to him. "Ain't that right, baby?"

Bandit didn't respond, if anything he only curled into himself more tightly, his eyes squeezing tightly shut. Dread tugged on a few strands of hair, but otherwise left the figure beside him alone. He stared back at Jayden expectantly, his dark eyes swimming with underlying desire.

"The fucking kid was in here, probably stealing any stash he could..." he rolled his eyes, taking another drag. "Lucky I didn't kill the fucker. I would have if he wasn't the key to the cash."

Jayden rolled his eyes again, thinking of that pathetic little blonde kid. Sandy. Dread was right- he was the key to getting the necessary reward- the cousins had made that clear when the job was offered.

"But we need the fucking stuff." Jayden growled, his face working into a vicious pout. "Without it the fucking abductions will be messy. You can't just knock people out now, it could accidently kill them or crack a skull and I don't like too much blood-"

"Pussy." Dread teased, his tongue between his teeth. Jayden shot him a snarl.

"Shut the fuck up. Druggin 'em up makes everything so much easier. Less screaming. How do you expect to get those fucking chicks, if we ever do find them that is." He added, his eyes narrowing, specifically at their biggest 'asset'- Bandit. He was growing more and more frustrated that they were getting nowhere fast, and he could see Dread getting quickly distracted with his old chew toy back.

Dread shrugged, swinging his legs off the mattress and onto the floor. As he rose, Jayden took in how much his muscles stretched against his skin- how much strength he had actually accumulated being locked away, with nothing else to do except stew and work out. He looked away, but found Dread looking straight at him- his black eyes digging deeply into his grey ones. His best friend used to be an inch shorter than him (something Jayden always pointed out smugly) but now he was just as tall- the two standing over six foot, and at an even eye to eye.

"Just relax..." Dread mumbled in a low growl. "It's only been a few days and look what we got- a key player! They'll come after Bandit eventually, and there's no way they can hide their missus, not when they've already stuffed up by making their whereabouts so public. Someone's bound to know them 'round here, and as long as we got Bambi we're set. They won't touch us."

"We gotta get a better upper hand, play it safe."Jayden snarled. "I'm not going back to jail, Dread. We gotta get these guys on their knees. We have to get their chicks- that's the only key. They won't give in any other way."

Dread nibbled on his tongue thoughtfully, his eyes carefully flicking back to the twitching figure on his bed. Jayden was right, they were running out of time, and the gang wasn't in their clutches yet. They still had a long way to go- getting Bandit was just the first step, but already Holly had escaped. Time was running out. The whole operation had to be clean and fast- over before it had even begun to avoid any cops. They had to get their hands on some leverage- and fast. A smirk quickly surfaced, his black eyes swimming with sudden excitement as he turned to his best friend eagerly.

"I think it might be time for a little questioning game..." Dread cooed.


A slim, tanned brunette hopped across the bush floor- dodging the jagged rocks and rustling passed the fallen dried leaves as she doubled over with laughter- trying hard to stay upright as her giggles echoed through the forest. She kept running.

"IT ISN"T FUNNY, LEY!" A shout echoed through the trees, and a second later another figure jumped through the trees, skidding across the fallen debris and stumbling across the scattered twigs and tree limbs as he chased after her, quickly regaining speed as she darted across the uneven ground. He growled, growing annoyed. "STOP! OI! HEY! PROMISE I WON'T DO ANYTHING!"

The girl stopped, her tongue between her teeth as she stared back- her flyaway hair scattered across her face. Her worn sneakers scraped across the dirt as she snickered at him cockily, her hand on her hip.

"Promise?" She shouted back- her eyes narrowing as she scanned the trees for him. He appeared, tripping over a random stump as his red flannelette shirt came into view. He pouted at her angrily, looking annoyed as he stomped through the brush. His black, shaggy hair hung in his face, and he shook it free as he continued to glare at her, folding his arms in annoyance. He was flexing, and he didn't even know it. The girl snickered playfully.

"I promise." He grumbled, stomping across to finally get to her. He was within a few feet before the girl perked up, knowing something was going on. She made to move away but he was too quick, and she found herself tackled to the ground- his arms wrapping around her waist and heaving her to the forest floor. She squealed in anger, fighting back as he held her down. Digging his knees into the ground he jumped up, straddling her. His annoyed pout quickly morphed into his cocky smirk, and the girl growled in annoyance, trying her best to kick up at him.

"You promised! Get off me, Jake!"

"I lied." Jake snickered back, holding onto her arms tight. "Besides, I like you better this way."

Leyla rolled her eyes, scoffing. "Yeah, sure Jake. Save the cheesy lines for your skank friends-okay?"

Jake winced, his lips twisting in annoyance. "Ouch, Ley. That hurts. Why the digs at me, huh? Why you suddenly so mean for?"

Leyla sighed, pushing him off and propping herself up on her elbows, glaring at him as he continued to straddle her. She gave him a knowing look.

"What else do you want me to think?" She mumbled. "I never see you anymore and we're supposed to be best friends- and all I hear is how you've hooked in with this chick...and this chick...I mean, are you trying to root the entire school?"

Jake growled at her, but he looked sulky as well as guilty as he looked away.

"Yeah, well...you can talk. I've heard about you and Mathers, you know."

Colour seemed to drain from Leyla's face, but she held strong as she swallowed the lump in her throat.

"That's all rumours, you know that, Beatles. He chases me but I would never go for it. You would never let me do that..." Her eyes seemed to sparkle at the thought of his protection over her. "Right?"

Jake rolled his eyes, but gave a sly smirk anyway. "You know it."

Leyla smirked back, but noted the sadness in Jake's tone. "What's really up, Jake?"

He shrugged sheepishly, looking sulky. He sunk back against the dirt as he sighed- releasing his deepest feelings without even knowing it. Somehow, only Leyla- his best friend since pre school- was able to do that to him. It all tumbled out when she was around.

"I've just had a lot on my mind, Ley..." He mumbled. "My bro wants to leave the family, go for a scholarship in America or some shit- and he's full serious!... It's gonna suck being the only child, and I've begged him to stay here, ya know? But he won't listen...guess it's just pissing me off you know?"

Leyla frowned, tilting her head in thought. "I thought you hated Derek, and I've known you for a long time, Jake. You two were fighting when you were in nappies!"

"I know!" Jake scoffed. "It's stupid, huh? I guess I like someone to argue with...after all he is my big bro...and he's pretty much the only...sane one in the house, I guess." Jake's face slackened, and he seemed to give his trademark pout- his dark eyes flashing in thought. "I don't want him to go, Ley."

Leyla looked down, giving him a shy smile as she stared down at her chest. "Me neither...I don't like the thought that everyone's changing...and we're not even fifteen yet!"

Jake smirked. "Well...I'll be soon."

"Yeah, yeah." Leyla scoffed, finally raising her head to stare at him, a smile brightening her face. Jake was struck by those eyes- bright and sky blue, shimmering like icicles in the sun. Those eyes always seemed to stun him, her eyes alone could gaze at him and scan him like an x-ray- could see right through him. "Rub it in, why don't you."

"Naw..." Jake leaned down to hover over her face, his hands stretching out so he lay over her on the dirt covered ground- still straddling her. He gave her a sly smirk. "You know I like teasing you, Ley."

Leyla rolled her eyes, but she couldn't deny the heat creeping up her neck to her cheeks. Jake Beatles was her best friend, and he had been since they were kids. She refused to let her tiny crush on him affect their friendship- especially when so many other girls were chasing the notorious Jake down...and he actually let them.

She reflected his smirk, her icy blue eyes flashing knowingly as she jilted her knee upward- hitting dangerously close to between his legs. His dark eyes widened fearfully- his guard down- but Leyla laughed out loud. She would never be that mean, but Jake got the warning and swung his leg over to let her up, looking sulky. She sniggered as she dusted herself off, staring down at him knowingly as he watched her.

"Who are you going out with tonight?" She asked, cocking an eyebrow. Jake grinned cockily, his eyebrows raised.

"You."

"Ha, ha." Leyla scoffed at him, her eyes narrowing at her friend's smug smirk. "I'm already going out with someone tonight."

"Yeah." Jake nodded, rising to his feet so he could stand over her- being a few good inches taller. "With me."

A smile involuntarily had worked its way up her face, and she couldn't help but blush as she stood her ground, her arms folding as she gazed up at Jake questioningly.

"Oh really..." She muttered. "That's how it is?"

Jake smirked, his head lowering so it was even with hers. His shaggy black hair fell into his dark eyes, and soon they closed as his face inched towards hers.

"Yeah..." He cooed, his breath frosting her lips, tickling them as he spoke. She held back a shiver, sending sparks tingling through her body. "That's how it is."


The numbness had passed and instead dull pain resided, Hoagie trying desperately not to give in to the lulling calm of sleep- and instead trying as best he could to keep his eyes open, watching every move around him.

No sun crept into the room- so there was no telling what time of day it was. It had felt like a lifetime since their capturers had questioned them, and since then nobody had come in. No food, no water. Nothing. He knew he was slowly deteriorating, and with Mushi by his side he didn't know when help would come. He simply lay there beside her, both bound and helpless. He hated to think that they actually relied on their captors- and he had no idea what they would do. His eyes slowly closed with exhaustion as he felt a new dull pain creep over him. He had gotten used to it so long ago he barely felt it anymore. The blood on his skin had dried, and the grit from the ground felt permanently etched in his skin. All he could do was flex his fingers and point his feet, and every now and then he strained himself to prod Mushi- letting her know he was still here. Both of their throats ached with pain, so they could barely speak- but at least they knew the other was still alive.

It had felt like a dream when the door finally opened, letting the light flood into the room. A light flickered above them, and Hoagie was awoken from his daze with the sight of a blinding fluorescent light hanging above him hauntingly- and soon Jayden's face hung over his- his blank grey eyes studying him coldly.

"Your info led us nowhere..." He sneered gravely, and Hoagie felt his heart sink as he stared up in horror. Jayden grabbed at his shoulders, hoisting him up off the floor and slamming him into the wall, his body sagging as he sat on the floor, his head raised to look into his. "You know we ain't doing shit for you until you tell us something worthwhile."

Hoagie's eyes quickly scanned to Mushi on the floor- where the light highlighted her figure. Her eyes were wide open, gazing at him in horror. They were a light purple in the brightness, and her pale skin was sickly tainted with bruises and purple lines from the rope. Her slim legs seemed to be tangled on the floor, and her pretty face pressed into the ground from how she was tied up. But still, she stained herself to look at him-her eyes wide as she feared for him, her heart racing and her body pounding with pain. She'd never felt so pathetic, so lost. She still couldn't grip that this was reality.

"How do you expect this to go on?" Hoagie spat hatefully, his eyes narrowing in anger. "You can't keep us like this forever!"

"I don't expect anything from you!" Jayden spat back just as fiercely. "You don't live forever without food- do ya?"

Mushi whimpered fearfully, but Jayden still locked eyes with Hoagie's glare- his eyes shimmering with promising tears.

"You're bluffing..." Hoagie snarled back after a long pause. "You wouldn't let us die. That would be extra mess for you to clean up. Besides- Bandit-"

His words were lost in a bark of laughter from Jayden, who sneered at him mockingly before breaking out into a fit of loud, malicious laughter as he took in the stupid kid's cockiness. He truly had no idea what he was in for- and as Hoagie watched Jayden double over, his heart seemed to sink with doubt. Jayden straightened, a large spiteful grin coating his face.

"Bandit is nothing to me." Jayden sneered hatefully, his eyes narrowing at the very thought. "There's nothing I'd like to see more than see that little fucker cry. Hell, I'd grab ya bitch's fucking body and throw it on top of Bandit- watch him whimper like a fucking baby!"

He pointed to Mushi, his eyes never leaving Hoagie's horrified face. "And if my best mate's pet is nothing to me- you can guess where you fall on the scale." He stepped forward, creeping closer and his voice lowering to a whisper. "So I'd start talking if I were you... Unless you really wanna risk pissing us off. But the sooner we get these fuckers, the sooner we let you go." His eyes flashed. "So- The names and addresses. Now."

Hoagie's head lowered. A lot was running through his mind- at unbelievable speed. Abby and Fanny- the betrayal he already felt against them. How that one night with Bonny ruin his chance with Fanny, Abby and his friendship since school- the way she stood up for him, gave him a chance, the way she was always there. Always fighting for him- her and Fanny together, the entire group- friends. His family- how they'd react if they knew they'd never see him again. Tommy without a brother. Wallabee without a best friend. And Kuki- without her sister...

"I can't..." he choked out pathetically, his head rising so he could look at his captor pleadingly. "They're my friends. I can't betray them like that, I can't."

Jayden stared. Hoagie was giving him those pleading eyes- the look of begging, the look of mercy. It did nothing for Jayden, if anything it angered him more. Hoagie was pushing all of the wrong buttons, and it was only a matter of time before he completely exploded. It was surprising, even to him, that the next words out of his mouth came so calmly, so soft.

"You're digging you- and your friend- a deeper grave." Jayden hissed. He turned, but didn't walk out. Instead he grabbed at the chair in the corner, dragging it over so it sat opposite Hoagie. He sat, staring down at the bound figure beneath him with obvious power. He was tense, and as his cold stare locked with Hoagie's- Hoagie could tell he'd just made matters so much worse.

"I wanna tell you a story..." Jayden cooed at him, a smile flashing across his cold face. "You...you remind me of me, when I was so much younger..." Hoagie looked back at him in disgust, but even he couldn't help the fear that began to crawl up his throat. Jayden's cold grey eyes bore into his as he sat casually on the seat, his voice thick with passion as he drawled to Hoagie casually, as though they were discussing the weather.

"When I was fifteen…" He spoke blankly, his eyes flashing maliciously. "Me and my mates…we were a team…just about six of us…Dread, of course." He smirked. "You've met him."

Hoagie glared, his eyes narrowing. He was too furious, yet at the same time fearful, to speak. The way Jayden was talking to him- it was like a game, a big joke. He spoke to him like Hoagie was nothing more than a little kid

"Shane…myself…a couple of other guys…Shane's Hollie's brother, you know her I believe?" He scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, Shane had this girl he was really hung up on. You know, at 15 you think it's forever right?" He gave a heartless, sarcastic scoff that chilled Hoagie to the bone. "Anyway…he found out she cheated on him- fucked another guy at a party. He was pissed. He wanted revenge."

Hoagie could only listen, his heart pounding in his ears as Jayden went on, those cold eyes never leaving his.

"We lured her up to this abandoned field…said it was a party or some shit…anyway we cornered the bitch, all six of us, and it was an old farm, right?" Jayden snickered, as though it was the greatest joke in the world. "We pushed the whore into the barbed wire fence, nobody could hear her scream. It was an old fence, I mean, come on- the stumps were all splintered and the wire was all rusted, like we gave a shit what the bitch felt." He rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair comfortably. "I mean, ya know. I just went along. Pack feeling- you know? Mates in a pack together, hunting like a gang of wolves. You get sucked into that man, it's in our nature..."

He gave him a sheepish smirk, his grey eyes glimmering in the bright lights above. Hoagie held his gaze, though he could feel himself steadily sinking as he processed those true words...

"We tied her down and gagged her with her own clothes. None of us wanted the bitch's diseases…" his eyes flashed, Hoagie felt his heart stop. "So we shoved an old fence stump up her instead."

Hoagie looked down, feeling sick, not wanting to hear anymore. He could almost see it. Jayden grabbed his face, his fingers scraping his skin and forcing him to look back up. His tone hadn't changed at all.

"You're not listening…" he mumbled silkily, holding up his thumb and index finger, making a large half circle with it. His eyes shone brightly. "Had to be about this round. Covered in thick splinters. Wood was fuck old, man. It was brilliant."

Shutup…Was all Hoagie could think, his stomach churning. Jayden spoke with such sincerity he knew the story had to ring true. Please Shutup…

"She couldn't scream, she couldn't move, heck all of us were holding her down. It taught the bitch." Jayden gave a chuckle. "Shane did it all…he got fucked over, so now she was getting fucked over- with a fucking stick!" he burst into laughter, as if it was the greatest source of joy ever. Hoagie glared at him, his pale face, his eyes wide.

"Shane's now a cop!" Jayden added, his face split into a wide grin. "But that ain't the funny part- you gotta hear the punchline…"

Hoagie felt faint, he trembled in his chair as Jayden leaned over, still with that proud, smug smirk, and whispered into his ear.

"I was the one that fucked her! She cheated on him for me! I fucked them both up!"

He leaned back and laughed, cackling and even kicking his legs as if he couldn't hold it back. Hoagie was positive he was going to be sick- just the mere thought of a poor girl struggling against a 'pack' of mentally sick bloodthirsty guys, her screams and Jayden's laughter- made his blood run cold and his entire body tremble with grief and fear. That could easily be Mushi- and Jayden was being as plain as day when he was making that hint. He can easily do it to Mushi.

They locked eyes again- and Jayden's quickly flicked back to Mushi's figure before trailing back to his, once again speaking sincerely- but his face still shone with the aftermath of laughter.

"You better start talking, College Boy." Jayden sneered at him. "We don't like people who go against us."

Hoagie swallowed the lump in his throat. He was positive he had never felt so scared in his entire life, even when he was younger and he was known as the scaredy cat of his friends. But this time he couldn't let fear overcome him, this time nobody was jumping in to fight his battles. Still aching with pain, Hoagie straightened against the wall behind him, standing straight and staring Jayden directly in the eye.

This time, he wanted to stay strong.


Trent stiffened, his nose wrinkling as he seemed to process everything that seemed to be happening around him.. It was too fast, and he was never one to be able to handle stressful situations. Every little thing happening around him was just more to add to his anxiety, and soon he could feel himself about to snap.

"Trent, Dude..." Dingo mumbled awkwardly. He shifted his feet, thinking of what he had said to Abby- what many people had said to him before. He was no good at comforting people. Seeing his friend, usually so stubborn and refusing to show any emotion, so distraught over losing something so important to him...it killed Dingo inside, just imagining himself in the same position- with Abby lost. He had changed, and he wanted nothing more than to reach out to his mate and tell him everything was going to be okay...but he was still learning. "It'll...be okay, you know? I-"

"How can it be okay?" Trent snapped back, pushed closer to the edge. His eyes were wild, and he seemed to shake uncontrollably as he forced out the words even he didn't want to say. "He's fucking gone, D. Nobody's okay with that- Bandit can't handle it! And fuck, it's my fucking fault! I left him here, and I knew I shouldn't have, it was just my own fucking pride and-"

"Dude!" Dingo growled back, his eyes narrowing. Trent stopped, gulping. He knew he was in trouble then- nobody snaps back at Dingo no matter what the cause. His leader was more likely to punch him out for growling back at him, and Trent started to brace himself for the impact. But he jumped in alarm as Dingo crept closer, his arm grabbing Trent's and his emerald eyes scanning his face- a sincere expression calming his nerves. "Dude, I know it's Bandit. Think about it. No matter what shit life throws at Bandit he's come back up. He may be naive and kinda stupid in some stuff- but he's strong. He won't back down, and even Dread knows this. Fuck, if I had the life he had you know I wouldn't have made it. Maybe you wouldn't have either- but Bandit did, man." His eyes lowered. "If anyone can get through anything, it's Bando."

Trent looked away, sighing deeply. He knew- he knew he shouldn't worry about Bandit, his best friend. It felt wrong to think of his best friend as his mate, his lover... it seemed like Bandit was the weaker girlfriend- someone who needed protecting. But Bandit did- and that was the plain truth. He tried to be just a regular friend with the guys- but even that seemed to fail. They just met again together- as what they used to be. He scanned around the room again- looking for anything he could to distract himself from the current situation that made him want to cry. He frowned, staring at the cement flooring next to the office door. His eyes narrowed.

"The Hell?" He muttered, stepping closer to examine what had caught his eye. A cell phone- modern, tiny, flashing and buzzing against the cement floor. It was locked under a pickup truck's tyre- looking as though it had been dropped. His head tilted- it didn't look familiar, nobody at the garage had a cell like that.

"Wally calling..." Trent read off the screen, his teeth scraping across his bottom lip in thought. He looked over his shoulder, his face morphing into a troubled expression. "Hey D- isn't that your brother?"

Dingo's heart stilled, and he took careful steps forward to see what he was talking about. He too bit down on his bottom lip in worry- seeing his brother's name brought back too many emotions that he had trouble dealing with.

"Shit..." He grumbled. "That's...not good. Here, lemme take it." Trent passed the cell into his hand, the two exchanging glances. "Maybe...it's his friend's? I dunno... It's not like I can ask him."

"Why would his friend be here?" Trent muttered, but his eyes widened. "You don't reckon-"

"Look, there's only one way to find out..." Dingo sighed in defeat, his eyes downcast. "We have to go back to the cop shop- maybe they know something about this. I hate to think it but..." At this, he thought of Abby. It wasn't just about the gang anymore... she could be in jeopardy too...even Jake- maybe his whole family. "This might be out of our league..."


Bandit knew it was happening before he had even completely woken up. Before he could feel even the tiny ray of morning sun against his skin, he could feel his entire body shake with cold, yet the sheets that hugged him were drenched in fresh sweat. His lips trembled in agony as he could feel his stomach clench and cramp, the rest of his body soon following- gurgling and twitching in a stinging, twisting pain that was overbearing- complete sickness and despair. His brain throbbed, he felt as though someone was yanking on the tendons behind his eyes, and voices were whispering in his ear the thing he needed, the thing that would make the pain and discomfort go away.

The tears quickly came, the sobbing following straight after. He attempted to curl into a trembling ball, his hands clawing at the pain in his stomach. He blinked back his tears, whimpering as he attempted to look around him. He was still lodged in that disgusting bed, staring at the filthy wall next to him with a small stream of light coming from the tiny window- high up, just overlooking the ground above. He gave another pitiful wail, another throb of pain overcoming him as he began to shake again- cold yet slimy with sweat. He gave another sob, feeling completely pathetic.

"You don't feel too good, do you bub?"

He gave another feeble shiver as he felt coarse fingers scrape across his face- wiping at his hair that had stuck to his forehead. His body pounded with pain, his muscles twisting and cramping as he gave laboured breaths, his heart thumping hard. With a tiny struggle he opened his eyes wider, staring upward where he saw Dread sitting over him-, his shaggy, black-brown hair hanging from his face and into those deep, soulless eyes. He stared, blinking, cocking his head curiously. Bandit could only whimper back, curling tighter into that protective ball- trembling with pain and sickness.

Dread ran a few fingers through his hair, his dark eyes flashing playfully.

"I can make the pain go away..." He cooed, reminding him. "It'll only take a second, Bambi Babes, only one second..."

"No."Bandit choked out, his throat tightening as he forced out the words, shaking his throbbing head against the mattress. Dread kept stroking him, a smile creeping onto his lips. His strong hands grabbed around his torso and heaved him towards his chest, pulling his head to place over his heart and holding him there.

"You're only making it harder for yourself, Bambi..." Dread snickered, sweetly cooing into his ear as he hung over him hauntingly, Bandit's face pushed further into Dread's black cotton v-neck, his hand cupping his cheek. "You think you can take this but you can't, you never could. You can't escape it, it'll eat you alive..."

Bandit squeezed his eyes closed and tried hard to block out his voice, knowing deep down it was true. He couldn't fight this, he knew he couldn't. He'd tried so many times before, and it had only worked when Dodge, Trent and Dingo had been around to stay up with him- talk him through all of the cramps and twitches, hold him through the spasms and shortness of breath, and stay up with him through all those sleepless nights. He couldn't do it without them. He couldn't fight this. He had to give in...

He wrinkled his nose in disgust, grudgingly opening his eyes to stare back into Dread's smug face.

"What do you say, baby?" He toyed, licking his lips as he sat proudly on the bed, staring over his crumpled form with obvious power. "You'll let me help you?"

Bandit winced, a few stray tears leaking from his eyes. He tried to fight it, he tried to think of the guys and what they'd say if they saw him now. What they had said when they saw him in the same light. He couldn't give into Dread again...but right now he was in a long, dark tunnel- and Dread was the only sign of light there was.

Slowly and shakily, he forced his head into a slow, painful nod. Dread smirked. Bandit immediately felt regret, the thought of his friend's faces around him and their reactions to him giving in...

"I wanna hear you say it." Dread pushed, grinning eagerly. Bandit let out a shaky, miserable sigh, tears falling freely. He attempted to cut it out, he really did. But he couldn't stop the overwhelming feeling- that he was falling, and the only thing that kept him steady were those horrible, depthless black eyes.

"N-n-o..." Bandit managed to choke out, his stomach seizing with pain as he braced himself for the blowout. He couldn't give in, but he knew what repercussions his defiance had. He was in a bad way, but he'd sooner give into eternal darkness and pain than ever look into Dread's face and openly accept him. He forced his face into a pained snarl.

He'd never do that again.

Ever.

Dread stiffened, his heart pounding in his ears. His eyes rippled with shocks of emotion as he began to shake, looking beyond furious as his face twisted in immediate resentment. Without hesitation he leered over the shivering figure beneath him, his eyes burning with promising threats.

"You won't say it?" He snarled gravely, his eyes narrowing. "Not for me? Your fucking pride getting in the way again Bandit, huh? The fuck you fooling, Bambi? You fucking need me. You know you do. Fucking admit it." He spat hatefully, his fingers tightening around him, squeezing his skin. "Admit it!"

"No..." Bandit mumbled weakly, tears seeping out of his eyes and down his cheeks. He burbled weakly about what he wanted, unsure of what was even running through his mind. He closed his eyes and let the pain simply take over, trying to think back to better memories, where he could be, as Dread began to start up again, throwing him back down, and Bandit barely winced as his closed fists began to slam into his already pounding skull. Bandit only cried, his body shaking with numbness mixed with pain.

"You...fucking...idiot!" Dread seethed, hissing through his teeth as his hits came harder, punching into any inch of skin he could with strong force. "No wonder nobody wants you, you fucking pathetic dirty whore! You fucking reject, stupid fuck! This is why nobody fucking wants you, you know that Bam? Huh?"

He wasn't sure if it was the withdrawal of drugs, or just the emotional upheaval of being helpless once again, but soon the sobbing came once again- his entire body shaking as he was pounded into yet again by Dread's hits and insults. He was growing weaker and weaker, and his voice became stronger as he found himself screaming.

"I'm sorry!" Bandit screamed back, kicking back weakly. His body twitched with pain, his muscles cramping and stinging as he sobbed back against Dread's slams. "Don't! S-stop! P-ple-ease!" He sobbed back, gripping at the mattress as he attempted to fight back. "Don' Dread, please! I'm so sore-"

"And-" Dread snarled in his face, gripping both of his shoulders to pin him down. His eyes burned into his face, his black eyes narrowing. "You don't do shit about it, do ya? Try and help you and you fucking reject me, after all I've fucking done for you-"

Bandit's eyes squeezed shut, blocking him out. But soon he found himself being heaved from his spot, his body screaming with pain as he weakly tried to protest.

"Wai-wait no-" Bandit mumbled, still crying as he toppled to the ground, suddenly hugging at the cement floor. Dread tugged him back up roughly, a strong grip on his shirt.

"Shut the fuck up, Bambi." Dread spat at him, yanking him forward towards the hallway with enough force to make his body lurch painfully. Bandit weakly followed, his legs shaking like jelly. "We're gonna go play a game."


As Dodge walked through the doors of his workplace, his heart sunk heavily in his chest as his eyes found the expressions on his friend's faces. There was no denying those sullen expressions- Dingo's deep green eyes were downcast and filled with worry- the same look of complete helplessness and fear that he had worn when he had met Allie in the hospital. Trent, looking more pale than usual, was shaking with obvious nerves- his usually brawny, sturdy figure looked suddenly pathetic and weakened. His grey eyes were wide and pathetic, staring between Dingo and Dodge hoping for any sign of leadership or strength- probably hoping someone would tell him what to do- give any guidance.

Dodge stomped across the room grudgingly, running his fingers through his hair as he struggled to keep his cool. All of this was just too much- he knew he had to keep his head clear if he was to lead his friends out of this, but all he could see was the look on his girlfriend's- ex girlfriend's face as he broke it off with her. Out of sheer fear as well...he got scared, so he let her go. That thought alone, and the sight of her shocked, hurt face when he'd snapped so harshly at her, haunted him. He couldn't let it go. He lost her. He had to.

Right?

He shook his head of these troubling thoughts, the seas of doubt seem to rock him- giving him one harsh, painful headache. Instead he tried as hard as he could to concentrate on the troubles ahead, the painful memories that came with that one mention of his brother- Dread. And Bandit, one of his best friends, who he always made sure was safe and okay, was gone. The feeling of failure and fear seemed to seep into him, but he roughly pushed them aside too. He had to. Gritting his teeth, he folded his arms as he stood before his two friends- sighing deeply.

"So..." He growled gravely, gulping as he tried to brace himself for the worst. "What is it?"

Dingo grimly looked away, as if afraid to say. Weakly he held up the iPod in his hand, and heaved a sigh. "Doesn't look good, dude." He muttered. "With the bloodstain over there, and Bandit nowhere to be found- I found this, and it looks like it was Dread's. I mean..." At this, Dingo and Trent exchanged anxious looks. "It's got his kind of stuff on it..."

Dodge took it, and attempted to scroll through the contents. He didn't even read what type of music seemed to appear, already the tiny appliance sat in his hand too familiarly- he had seen it too many times before. Music was a huge part of Dread's life, and Dodge could tell from the scratches and smudges all over the player that it belonged to his brother- nobody else could put something through that much hell and it still hold a huge collection of screaming songs. His heart sat heavy in his chest just as the player sat on his palm, and all Dodge could feel was sick trepidation- an emotion only his older brother could make him feel.

"We can't jump to conclusions..." Dingo muttered strongly, his lips twisting in distaste. "I mean, it could be somebody else's..." At this, he gave Trent a knowing look. "There's no need to automatically assume the worst case-"

At Trent's snarl, Dodge quickly stepped in- his throat tight. "We might as well take proper precautions." He growled at them both. His heart was hammering, and his body was screaming at him to take Dingo's side- deny the entire thing, like his brother being in the same country as him wasn't even possible. But his mind powered through with common sense, logically framing his words to come strong, despite the fact he felt like fainting. "Bandit's gone, and we don't know where. Finding him is the number one priority." He bit his lip, gnawing on the already raw flesh nervously. "I think we should talk to Maurice- look at the options. Maybe we can find out how they're doing back home, if they're safe and sound in prison."

"That's the thing..." Trent snapped. "If."

Dodge's teeth dug into his bottom lip again as he turned, trying as hard as he could to stay strong. But he knew Trent- Trent was more likely than any of them to lose it and go ballistic. Dodge was the logical, calm one of the trio- but even he was finding it hard to think straight. Looking into Trent's wide, panicking grey eyes- he knew Trent was even closer to losing it.

"I can't lose him, Dodge!" Trent spat before Dodge could offer one word of comfort. "I can't! Not again."

"We won't lose anyone!" Dingo growled at him, and Dodge could tell he was close to losing it as well. Dingo hated anyone panicking- it made him panic and he was more likely to snap at anyone. "Bandit's fine, didn't I just say that? And it may not be Dread okay? And even if it was, he can't do much damage without his fucking gang behind him."

"And Dread won't kill Bandit..." Dodge added quietly. Dingo cast him a fierce look, but Dodge merely returned the gesture. "We have to take precautions anyway, D. You know that. We can't risk anything, especially with Bandit missing. We gotta protect what we can- any way to get to us. You gotta make sure Abby's safe."

"She's fine." Dingo snarled defensively, but his emerald eyes seemed to widen with fear. He hesitated, his heart hammering at the very thought. "Y...you really think she's in danger?"

Dodge shrugged grimly. "We can't be too careful. I made sure Cherry was okay-"

"How?" Trent muttered, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. Dodge glared at him.

"Never mind. When Dingo said it could be Dread I took proper precautions. She's fine. Now drop it."

Dingo and Trent exchanged glances, but otherwise remained silent.

"I'll go talk to Abby." Dingo mumbled after a long silence. He looked gloomy. "Try to convince her to...stay away for a while, I guess...She's got less than 2 months to go on this pregnancy, she should be resting anyway..."

Dodge had to smirk at that, but turned to Trent with his eyes downcast. "We'll go talk to the coppers. Might as well make sure nothing else has come up, and maybe we can look more for Bando. Could be making a big deal out of nothing...he could have just stumbled home drunk now-the music could belong to anyone, really..."

Trent sighed. "Hope so."


Trend didn't deal with crowds- he practically vomited at the thought of public speaking, couldn't stand being around new people and hated performing. So he really didn't know why he was here...

He pushed his way through the crowded club, keeping his eyes firmly locked on his band mate in front of him. Chase- his bass guitarist, could easily tower over most of the people around anyway. The only difficulty was- everyone around him in this heavy metal club seemed to be clad in black- and only black. Getting through the sea of dark bodies was a nightmare for a sixteen year old shortie- clad in a tight grey shirt. He was getting a lot of looks- most disapproving, but some knowing. He kept his head low- his eyes scanning for a familiar face. The moment he found her, he wasted no time in making a beeline for her, his Converse high tops practically skating across the sticky floor in his haste.

"Emma!" He shouted out to her, but the brunette didn't appear to notice. Trent scoffed in annoyance, jogging closer. "Belle! Hey! BELLE!"

Emma turned around in excitement, her chestnut eyes widening happily before falling onto Trent, where her gaze turned slightly duller in slight disappointment.

"Oh..." She murmured, but politely kept her composure and gave him a cordial smile. "Hi, Trent."

Trent casually looked her over. As usual, Emma was nothing 'spesh'. Her skin was pale, and shone against the dull lighting of the club, a few pimples scattered her cheeks were slightly tinted by makeup, her hippy, curvy figure was clothed in plain black jeans and a simple purple tank top that did nothing for her figure- like she had one to begin with. She was...Regular. Normal. Trent had to pity her. Not that she was ugly, but nobody would have ever given her a second glance.

"You seen Bandit yet?" He asked her, straight to the point with wide, anxious grey eyes. Emma had to sigh- he was so typical when he wasn't surrounded by his regular gang of followers.

"Yeah..." Emma sighed, nodding to where she had seen her 'best friend' come in only ten minutes earlier. "He came in with Dread, of course. I think your bands before his, so you probably won't see him..."

Trent twisted his lips in displeasure. He'd never admit it to his band members, but the entire reason he agreed to do this stupid gig was to get Bandit's attention- an apology mixed with a plea to come back. Sure, he was only seventeen- but having his best friend torn away from him for so long was enough to drive him insane. He couldn't talk to anyone the same way...and nobody seemed to understand him like Bandit...

"Fuck." He hissed, growling to himself. Emma gave him a pitying look, though she still looked weary. Dodge appeared from the crowd behind them, nudging Trent with the heel of his hand.

"Trent, we're about to go on. Hey, Em."

"Hey Dodge." Emma gave him a kind smile. "Good Luck."

"Thanks." Dodge rolled his eyes at that, but gave Trent a knowing smirk anyway. "I'll need it, with his song of choice."

"It's well known!" Trent snarled at his retreating back, chasing after him backstage. He tried to ignore the backflips in his stomach, his throat tightening in warning. His face was flushed with embarrassment, and he wasn't even on stage yet.

What felt like a few short minutes later Trent was holding back the thought of vomiting as they stood on stage, setting up for their set. It was a simple gig, a simple contest in a well known local venue- but Trent still felt like bailing. He wanted to surf over that large gathering crowd and bolt towards the front door. He hated singing, especially in public. The only thing that held his feet to the stage floor was what this whole charade aimed to achieve- and that was to get his best friend back. He scanned the crowds for a sign of his face- and his heart drooped towards his shoes as he saw a pair of familiar ocean blue eyes stare at him from the crowd- wide and anxious. If the striking colour didn't get him, it was the dark purple bruise a few inches from his eye- tainting his pale complexion and standing out in the dark lighting. He was biting at his nails nervously, Emma beside him talking soothingly, patting him on the back. Trent locked eyes with him, trying to show he wasn't turning away anymore. Bandit looked away, back towards the left of the stage- where he knew his boyfriend would be setting up for his own set...and probably fuming with anger as well.

"Trent!" Dodge muttered to him, narrowing his eyes in warning. Another reason why Trent wasn't running out of the club as though it was on fire- what Dodge would do to him. He had been dragged along to this gig thanks to Trent's begging- and the common knowledge that his guitar skill alone would be able to carry the tune, as well as Trent's vocal chords. They had a good beat, and it was easy money...but between Trent and Dodge- there were further benefits hoping to be gained by this endeavour... And that was the key back to Bandit's heart...What Trent wanted. "Are you ready to do this or what?"

Trent quickly glanced towards who used to be his best friend in the crowds- the person he couldn't get off his mind, no matter how many chicks he dated, or hooked up with. He bit his lip. He had to get him back. He had to. He tore his gaze away from those shocking ocean blue eyes- turning back to Dodge's ready icy blue ones instead.

"Yeah." He growled, swallowing as he stood strong. "Tell 'em we're ready."

Dodge nodded, turning around to gesture at a stagehand. They were already introduced, all there was left was to play. Trent stood at the front of the stage, and the background music stopped- ready for the live play. His throat tightened, but so did his stomach with a strong, throbbing desire to yell and scream- exactly what he was built for. His steel grey eyes scanned the room as he gripped the microphone stand, glaring and ready for battle. Bandit stared with caution, his eyes wide. Trent glared back.

He knew who he had to beat.

The drums began the steady rhythm, Dodge on lead guitar quickly following with a well known melody. Trent counted the beats in his head- gripping the mic hard as he concentrated on when to come in. A few more taps of the drum, the strum of the electric guitar- and he took a deep breath...

"We were both young when I first saw you,
I close my eyes and the flashback starts,
I'm Standing there...
On a balcony in summer air..."

Dodge slammed down on the guitar and the drums and bass kicked in, Trent holding his fist in the air as the crowd started to laugh and cheer- some jeering at such a popular song being played at a heavy metal club. Most started jumping with the heavy beat- a rock kick to such a mainstream song. Trent allowed his eyes to wander for that split second- meeting Bandit's sapphire blue eyes. Bandit stared, awed. He was always a fan for that mushy stuff. Bandit never thought Trent would actually put himself in this position...for him. Trent smirked, continuing on shouting the lyrics.

"See the lights,
See the party, the ballgowns,
See you make your way through the crowd
And say hello...
Little did I know..."

He pointed to the crowd- ignoring the wild bunch at the front to focus on the miniature Bandit- who jumped in alarm- a deer caught in headlights. Trent smirked, knowing he'd put him on the spot. The band continued to play behind him as he started to scream the next lyrics- fully showing his strong vocal chords.

"But you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles!
My Daddy said stay away from JULIET!
And I was crying on the staircase,
Begging 'ya-"

"Please don't go..." Dodge sang with him, unable to hold back rolling his eyes as he smirked. Trent snickered, jumping up and down as the chorus came.

"And I said-
Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone,
I'll be waiting,
All there's left to do is run
You be the prince and I'll be the princess,
It's a love story, baby just say YES!"

"YEEES!" Trent screamed into the mic, holding it in the air as the crowd screamed with him, rocking and moshing to the heavy cover. Bandit couldn't resist a smile, gazing up at his former best friend and the way he was smirking and only looking at him- he knew the song was for him. Despite everything- despite Dread-

His eyes widened, his heart freezing in the spot. Shit. Dread.

Dread was on the other side of the stage, standing with his own band. He watched fuming as his number one enemy jumped around to the song- noting all the little looks and smiles he and HIS pet were exchanging. He was boiling with anger, shaking with fury. He wanted to knock them both out, make them beg for mercy-

"Cause we were both young when I first saw you..."


Rachel and Nigel were cuddled up on the couch, watching a movie. Rachel's eyes were slowly closing, and Nigel was already half asleep. Not that the movie was remotely boring, the couple was just so relaxed leaning against each other, snuggled close against the pillows. It was the first time in a long time where they both were completely content- without a worry on their minds. It was bliss, for a moment or two, to finally have zero concerns on their mind...

But they knew it wouldn't last.

And with a slam of Rachel's front door, the couple were knocked out of their sleepy stupor and awoken by Fanny's unmistakably furious shouts.

"COMEPLETE...FUCKHEAD!" Rang up the hallway, followed by a serious of angry stomps.

"Fan's home..." Rachel muttered sleepily, her lips crinkling with worry. She hadn't heard her friend so angry in a long time...ever since she got with-

Her hazel eyes widened.

Oh dear.

"Fan?" She called up the hallway, gently rising from Nigel's chest and perking her head up in worry. "You okay? What happened?"

The couple winced as they heard the furious redhead's favourite sneakers stomp against the floorboards, and soon they were staring into the famous fuming face of the pissed off Irish girl- her frizzled hair falling into her face, her hands curled into vicious fists and her usually warm friendly gaze narrowed and feral. She gave a vicious snarl, launching into one of her rants that Rachel had not missed...

"Oh- I'll tell you what happened!" Fanny screeched, anger pumping through her with vigour as she struggled to remain calm. "Being spat out and kicked while I'm down is what happened! Dodge is a fucking idiot and deserves to be eaten alive by wild pigs! That's what fucking happened! He turned around and completely dumped me without a trace of fucking empathy and any consideration for my feelings- that's what HAPPENED!"

Nigel and Rachel were left blinking with awe as Fanny panted with fury, her nostrils flared and her cheeks flushed red with complete rage. She wasn't even making an effort to keep calm this time. She wanted to hold onto this wrath, and never let it go. She knew, deep down, and she hated to admit it- but Dodge had really gotten to her. They really had something, and Dodge had led her into it, only to rip it to shreds within a matter of seconds. She knew she was upset, completely destroyed- but she couldn't cry. That wasn't her...that wasn't Fanny Fullbright. And she wasn't going to let some stupid boy get to her like that...no.

I'll show him...She found herself thinking, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge. The old Fanny was coming back, she managed to repress the tears easily. Oh I'll make him regret this..he'll be sorry...I'll show him, he messed with the wrong girl. He lied to me. Oh, I'll show him...

She stomped to her room, slamming her door in the process as she continued to seethe. As she grabbed for her phone out of her pocket, the ideas began to form- ways to get back at her now ex-boyfriend and what he'd done...how he'd hurt her. She couldn't let that go. She couldn't feel the pain. Fanny Fullbright doesn't let any guy-

She stopped, her hand going limp as she stared around her room. Being only a lonely College freshman, she couldn't afford too much of a big room- all that was included in the tiny space was a large double bed and a small dresser with a TV on top. She stared at that bed- and how many memories it truly carried with it. She'd truly met Dodge on that bed- she'd woken up beside him only to scream in horror. It had been the first time she'd ever done anything that reckless, and it had only been to get over her senseless crush on Hoagie.

...

The redheaded Irish girl frowned in her sleep. She'd just had the weirdest dream- she was at a party, with a bunch of guys and girls from college. She'd felt really bad, awful, as she'd seen Hoagie talking to another girl. She'd drunk a lot…a lot of alcohol…she could hardly remember the quantity. And this guy…that guy…did she kiss him? He tasted so metallic. She swallowed. What a weird dream, she could still taste metal in her mouth.

Her frown deepened and she shuffled away. She could feel something rubbing against her back. Wait…her back? Why did it feel so cold? Why did her head hurt so much? She reached a hand over and felt it, groaning as her headache pounded around in her skull. Was she…hungover? Was she…NAKED?

She groaned, rolling over. She froze as she hit something. A body.

Her eyes opened.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" She found herself screaming, sitting up in bed and looking at the guy next to her. He jumped wildly, looking around in a dazed way.

"Wha-"

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?" She screamed, her eyes widening at him. She'd never seen him before, she could barely remember him! And yet here he was, some random stranger in her bed!

He groaned, reaching over and stealing one of her pillows. He was pretty cute, with a tanned, muscular body with tattoos scrawled over his arms and back. He frowned, running a hand through his dark chestnut hair.

"Take it easy, Babe." He mumbled roughly, laying back down and yawning. "You'll remember me soon enough."

"I-" Her mouth fell open as she realised he was almost naked. Her mouth fell open even wider when she realised she was completely naked. She pulled a sheet up to her chin, gazing at him. "I- You- Did we- What- The- You- HELL-"

He groaned loudly, falling back to sleep. Pillow so comfy…

"Shhhhh Babe!" He snarled moodily, waving his hand lazily as he snuggled into his pillow. "Hangovers are a bitch."

She reached a hand up and held a hand to her head. "I…Did I…."

"Yep"

"And you-"

"Yep"

"We-"

"Yep"

Fanny's eyes were now as wide as dinner plates. She felt slightly faint. She didn't do this, this wasn't her…she loved Hoagie…didn't she?

Oh please She felt her sore brain snarl. He barely knows you exist anyway

Fanny sighed, sinking her head back into the pillow. She curled up into a ball, her eyes still on the half snoozing boy beside her. What happened last night?

The stranger sighed deeply and wrapped a muscular arm around her. She frowned.

"I don't even know your name."

"Dunno yours either" he mumbled carelessly.

Fanny's eyebrows rose. Fair point. I bet if he did he wouldn't have gone through with it.

"Does this mean we're a couple now?" She asked him. She tried not to grin as she thought of her father's reaction if she brought this guy home.

"Nup" The guy muttered, rubbing his cold nose into her back. "Sorry, babes. I don't do relationships."

Fanny frowned, there was something familiar about this guy's accent. Australian or something. She eventually closed her eyes. Her brain was much too sore to be able to think clearly.

Dodge turned out to be right- Hangovers are a bitch.

...

Her phone began to buzz in her hand, and the tears seemed to be shaken from her- dripping down her face as her phone continued to ring. She looked down- stupidly hoping to see Dodge's name on her screen. But her heart lifted slightly, as well as her stomach seemed to cramp- as she answered anyway, sighing into the receiver as she sniffed back her tears.

"Patton?" She answered, swallowing her pride. "Hey...I haven't seen you in ages...let's go out tonight..." she kicked at the carpet, and she couldn't understand why this felt so wrong to her. "Yeah..." She sighed again, nibbling on her bottom lip. "Just you and me."


When Dodge and Trent finally made their way up the police station steps and through the doors, the last thing they expected to see was Dingo already there- looking nervous and out of place near Abby's family. They exchanged glances, and Dodge approached with sly caution as he tried to gather what the hell was going on. Trent followed, his eyes wide and his shakes returning.

Dingo cast a careful look across at Abby's family, who seemed to be circling around a sobbing Cree and giving her any comfort they could. He gently eased away, looking panicky as he approached Dodge and Trent with wide eyes. Dodge held in a groan. What now?

"Maurice is under suspicion for murder." He hissed lowly at the guys, quickly glancing back at the family behind him. He turned back, his eyes wide. "He wrote a check to a girl who was found shot near the airport, so was that Hoagie guy. The guy who owns the phone I found."

Trent narrowed his eyes, Dodge merely frowned. His mind was ticking away furiously, but still could come to no logical confusion.

"What...the fuck does that mean?" He hissed back.

"And the guy has disappeared..." Dingo muttered, nibbling his bottom lip. "Found in the same place Bandit was? There's gotta be a connection.."

"Who's the girl?" Trent rasped, his eyes now widening. "The girl that was shot?"

"Jane Doe- They don't have a name for her..." Dingo whispered, his eyes downcast. "She's not in their system..."

"Meaning?" Trent asked. Dodge sighed, closing his eyes with a grave sense of foreboding washing over him.

"She might be in another country's system..." Dodge answered, his fear rising. All three boys fell into a deep silence, finally broken by Dingo's dark words.

"The girls..." Trent rasped, his lips agape and his face a sickly white. "You don't think-?"

They heard a sniff behind them and turned to see Abby shuffling over with a tissue rubbing against her nose, her bloodshot eyes downcast. She blinked dully, staring up at Dingo fearfully.

"They're going to start the questioning soon..." She mumbled to Dingo, looking ready to burst into tears again. So much had already happened within her family; she hated to think this could happen too...and at what was supposed to be the happiest time of her sister's life...

Dingo's lips crinkled nervously. He hated to see his girl so down, and especially when his own worries and fears were surfacing- his own family as well as his family of friends, were in danger. If one of the girls' bodies really was on a slab in a police station- someone was truly out to get them...and if Maurice was locked up under questioning- they had no way out, no way to safety.

He sensed big trouble ahead. Something didn't feel right.

"Maurice didn't do anything wrong..." Abby mumbled to him angrily, looking miserable. "I can't believe this is happening...he must have been set up- and Chad is apparently gone too..." She added angrily. "But the sergeant said something about a police officer just last week murdered- I bet they're all on edge..."

"Don't worry about it, Baby..." Dingo muttered to her soothingly, brushing his own fears aside. "It'll be okay- Maurice probably has nothing to hide, he's a good guy...they'll find that out soon enough."

Abby nodded, sniffling. She knew Dingo was right, it was just another thing that was going wrong in a world that used to be so simple and easy to her. How could anyone think her brother-in-law could do such a thing? Who could do such a thing?

"You guys...take care of yourselves..." Dingo muttered to his friends, his eyes wide suggesting that there was more to take care of. "I'm needed here..." He put his arm around his girls shoulders, and both Dodge and Trent nodded- trying as hard as they could not to let their own panic show. They were skilled in that regard, and merely looked empathetic as Abby buried her face in Dingo's jacket, carried away with her own worries.

"Don't worry, we got this." Dodge murmured to him. The two nodded, and Dingo lead Abby back to her family, who were waiting for any word on Maurice. So far, all they heard was that it was a 'routine' questioning- but hints that Maurice was their only, and number one, suspect.

"Can I help you gents with anything?" A voice came from behind the pair. They turned to see a uniformed cop approach them, looking cautious. "This isn't the best waiting room..."

"We...we're looking for our friends..." Dodge blurted out, unable to stop himself. "We haven't seen them for a number of days- we really didn't want to go this far and we hope it's not necessary, but we're worried and...none of us can find either of them."

His brow furrowed worriedly, a look of concern masking over his suspicious glance. "A missing person? Did you want to file a report?"

"Ah...I guess we better- we're pretty concerned..." Dodge mumbled. The policeman nodded, turning around to retrieve something from the desk. As soon as he was out of earshot Trent shoved him roughly, his eyes narrowing.

"What are you doing?" He hissed. "We don't know where the girls have gone! They- they could be-"

"We've got no other choice." Dodge hissed back. "It's too much of a coincidence that our inside contacts are under suspicion- Bandit's gone and the girls..."

"Don't get Bandit into this..." Trent mumbled, his eyes wide. "We haven't checked at home yet, he wouldn't want the cops on his ass-"

"Fine- but it's too much of a horrible coincidence that someone who has a connection to Maurice has been found dead- and it's a girl..." Dodge mumbled, feeling sick. "We have to at least find the girls- if it's one of them...well..."

Trent nodded, his eyes downcast. He really didn't want to finish the rest of Dodge's sentence, he knew how much trouble they already were in. He had the feeling something was after them- even when they were logically safe, and they had been for a long time. Something was up, a horrible feeling of dread and worry was washing over him, reminding him of the past- something they'd left behind. He knew only one thing.

He had to find Bandit.


Dingo stared at the foreign phone in his hand- knowing it was an important key to what was obviously a crime scene. He didn't know who the phone belonged to- all he knew was that it had something to do with his brother...as Wally was the one calling it. Whoever owned it was gone- and the garage was the last place he went.

Dingo bit his lip. Without knowing it, he'd been dragged into a hellhole of drama that included his family- his little brother and his pregnant girlfriend. Guilt overwhelmed him. Somehow he knew this entire mess was his fault...he had to sort it out, but he knew it was out of his control. The only thing that was within his control was this meeting...this supposed gathering between brothers to 'sort out' whatever happened between them...

It's something...

He bit his lip. Dingo had always been the leader- the protector of the pack- willing to give up anything to defend and protect his family and friends. It didn't matter what the cost was.

He tightened his grip on Abby's shoulders, listening to her worried sighs against his shirt as she said goodbye to her own family- her own worries about Maurice, and how it would impact her own circle of peace and comfort... it had turned her world upside down- and Dingo knew he could fix it...somehow.

He just had to protect- something he knew he was good at.

Hey Bro... he found himself punching into his phone, the message labelled 'to Wally.' Change of plans- we're meeting somewhere more secure. Meet tonight at the club instead- 10pm.


Leyla stared over the endless bounds of ocean- her eyes widening at the mesmerising thought. She had never even left the country before, although she'd always hoped to, she never thought it would be under the current circumstances. Twisting her lips in worry, she turned to see her redhead partner, Holly, was already fast asleep on her arm- her hair fluttering softly as it hung in her face, morphed into a troubled expression as she slept. Leyla sighed, pitying the girl as she pushed the ginger coloured hair out of her eyes. She must have lost sleep last night, poor thing.

She tore her gaze away from her, instead staring out of the window again. Splashes of pink, orange and yellow radiated out of the sky and bled over the ocean- coating the entire scenery in colour. She sighed again, watching the sunset with interest. Going on this trip- she didn't know what to expect, what to think, what she would have to face. But she knew once the sun rose again, they'd be on the coast of the USA- ready to face a whole new battle.

She cradled her head in her hands. Leyla had faced enough battles in her life- from the time she was born, all the way through her teens, adulthood- and it was still going. She didn't mind too much- it was all she knew growing up. But the one thing she hated was weakness- how that was what she was known as through the years. The 'weak' one- one to need protection and defending. All because she saw the good in everyone- and that isn't a weakness... she always told herself. It's a strength.

She looked out at the sky, at the ocean. Now it was different. She wasn't what she once was. She had changed since her boys left- since her boyfriend left. She'd had to take care of herself, she had to protect herself. Now it was different. She knew that.

She snarled, her usually calm, icy blue eyes flashing in disturbance- narrowing with determination. Her hands flittered to her jeans- where locked in between her plain white underwear and the waistband of her light sky blue jeans- a small, sharp butterfly knife sat. It was easier than she thought to sneak it past security- and it was only the beginning. She wasn't playing by the rules anymore.

Now- she was ready to show everyone what she was really capable of.


Mushi could tell the pain she was feeling would not go away quickly, and as she slumped against the cold wall behind her she could only cry, only there were no more tears left to shed. The poor sixteen year old, always sheltered like the innocent one her parents believed she was, only seemed to want excitement in her life- but she never thought her chase for adventure would land her here. She still couldn't grasp this was reality- and all that seemed to keep her conscious was Hoagie's consistent gesture- his arms stretching out from his binds to grip her hand and give it a comforting squeeze.

The darkness still loomed around them, the pain was overwhelming, and Jayden's grave words still rang in their heads. Hoagie knew they were in deep, deep trouble- and if they didn't give answers soon he couldn't imagine what these psychos would do. Hoagie kept glancing over to Mushi- and it broke his heart to see the silhouette of a broken, weeping teenager who had almost completely given in- subjected to so many fears and horrors already that nobody her age should ever have to face...

He knew he had to protect her.

He knew he was her only hope.

The door flew open and sound immediately filled the room. Hoagie could tell the room was soundproof- as the sudden noise startled both of them- and his eyes only widened at the sight that followed.

Bandit was shoved roughly through the door, immediately stumbling onto the cement floor and issuing a pathetic whimper. His bruised skin shone so brightly in the dark light it made Hoagie feel physically sick, and his heart only sank deeper as he saw Dread stomp in after him, looking virtually homicidal.

It was the first time he truly saw his two captors- together, at least. Jayden was still as threatening- tall and lean, the full definition of his muscular physique shone in the dark light as did his light grey eyes- which glimmered with mirth at the both of them. Dread, however, his black eyes showed no emotion- they were dead and lifeless- inky endless depths of black. They were narrowed angrily, his muscular shoulders hunched and his fists balled as he kept a firm grip on Bandit's shirt- shoving him forward and dragging him close. Bandit looked truly terrified. Hoagie vaguely remembered the bouncy, lively hyperactive Bandit he used to work with- trailing around listening to P!nk on his iPod...

"Bandit!" Hoagie hissed in alarm, his eyes widening. Bandit's swollen eyes turned to him, and he seemed to shudder with sudden shock, glancing back to Dread with fear. He knew something was about to go seriously wrong- it was serious this time. Dread stared back, cold and dead. He shoved him into the opposite wall, Bandit slamming roughly to the concrete and crumpling beside Hoagie. Hoagie watched him fall to the floor- collapsing like a house of cards hit by a light breeze. He let out a yelp of pain, gripping at the wall as he struggled to get to a sitting position. Hoagie stared, his eyes widening at Bandit recoiling in pain. He turned his gaze to Dread, amazingly energised as well as infuriated by the display. "You fucking tool! The Hell'd you do to him!"

"N-no..." Bandit whimpered in warning, staring up at him pleading. "Don't-"

"He knows what happens when you mouth off to me." Dread snarled at him, his bottomless black eyes narrowed. "Unless you wanna learn the hard way too, shut your fucking mouth before I put it to better use."

Hoagie snarled at him, unable to hold it back. Bandit only watched him fearfully, sneaking a quick look to Mushi. She looked distraught and horrified- but still alive at least. He turned back to Dread, hoping he still had some of his 'charm' left to work on him.

"Pl-Please don't d-drag them in on this, Dread..." He begged him. "Do what you want to me but leave them out of it, I'll b-behave-"

"You won't answer questions!" Dread snarled at him. "You don't know what's good for you! You answer our questions there won't be any trouble Bambi! But you and you're fucking pride won't let that happen, will it? Fuck Bandit- you tell us where your pathetic fucking friends are and this will all be over! You and I can go back to how we once were!"

He twisted his lips angrily as his deep dark eyes narrowed, burning with hate as they narrowed in on Bandit, a twitching figure on the floor. Bandit didn't trust himself to speak. Dread still loved him. He still wanted them together- despite everything...

"You won't even do the simplest shit, you stupid slut." Dread sneered at him, shaking with anger. "You protect your friends like they're worth something- they haven't done half the shit I have! I gave up everything for you- now all there's left to do is play by our own rules, Bandit- you wanna play this fucking game, let's fucking play, Bambi."

"What the hell is wrong with you!" Hoagie shouted, his eyes widening in alarm. He thought Jayden was off the rails- but here was Dread threatening someone he loved, at least he claimed to love- it was brutal, and Hoagie could see Bandit was close to breaking. He was twitching and shaking, unable to stand on his own two feet. He merely whimpered and winced, looking sick and weak. Dread twitched, his eyes narrowing. He lowered down to his level, running a few fingers down Bandit's face.

"Shh Baby..." He cooed to him, causing Bandit to look sick. "Don't worry- it'll be over soon."

Bandit let out a sob, choking back tears as he gazed up in fear- looking from Dread to Hoagie. He wished for anything but this- to be trapped and baited like he was nothing more than the victim again, unable to escape.

Dread left him on the floor, and instead slid up to Mushi- his eyes widening eagerly. Mushi recoiled- trying as hard as she could to back up to the wall. Her eyes were wide and pathetic- pleading for mercy. She had no idea what was about to happen, her body was numb with pain and shock. She let out a sob, a flood of tears as Dread reached down and yanked her frail body off the ground roughly- hoisting her up and dragging her over. Jayden watched with interest, a smirk playing on his features. Dread continued to look furious, throwing the young girl in between Hoagie and Bandit- the three pair of eyes on him. He stood over Hoagie, who clearly had a lot of defiance still left within him. He cared for the girl- he knew it.

"You." He snarled to Hoagie, his black eyes narrowed threateningly. Hoagie held back a wince- feeling Dread's hot breath over his cheek sent foreboding chills down his back. He held himself against the wall, trying to hold back the pain that still existed in his body. Dread bared his teeth, gnashing them like an animal. "-Are going to tell me where to find my fucking brother. And his fucking friends- AND their fucking girlfriends! I know you know fucking something! And if you don't- you're no fucking use to me! We'll play this fucking game until you're useful!"

He stepped back, his face set.

"So now..." Dread began, his muscles tensing. His entire body was stiff and leering over him, his dark hair hanging in those dead eyes. "The first round."

"I don't know anything!" Hoagie insisted- flashes of Dodge, Fanny, Abby and Dingo rushing through his head. He tried blocking them away. Dread ignored him, his black eyes flashing in annoyance, and instead watched the two on the ground- Bandit, shaking and whimpering with pain and withdrawal- and Mushi, shaking with fear and squeaking with pain. He smirked. This is gonna be fun...

"You get this question right- you win the round..." He snickered darkly, his teeth bared. "And you will be rewarded handsomely...food, comfy place to sleep, I'll even run out to whatever fucking fast food restaurant you want..." He gestured randomly, as if truly impersonating a cheesy host on a game show. "But..." And at this, he glared back at Mushi and Bandit angrily. "If you get the question wrong- you'll have to have something taken away... something I want. Something I need, instead of what you need."

He crept closer, so close their noses were almost touching. The tips of Dread's dark hair tickled Hoagie's face, and caused his stomach to tense with immediate sickness. Staring into those black eyes- those bottomless pits of hate and anger- brought him close to vomiting. He could only feel the true desperate nature of their situation creep closer; he knew he had to protect his friends...his family...Mushi...

He stared back, trying to be strong. "You're sick." Was all he could choke out. Dread's smirk split his face, and his tongue swiped at his lips.

"And right now, College Boy..." He sneered, grabbing at Hoagie's collar. To his horror, Hoagie felt himself be dragged forward so his head rested on Dread's solid shoulder, Dread's lips pressing against his ear. His blood run cold- frozen in his veins as his captor hissed into his ear.

"I'm fucking horny."

He let go, stepping back and giving him a mischievous grin. Hoagie felt his bottom lip droop, his body numb and limp.


Wallabee jolted awake, a steady vibration thumping against his leg. He quickly whipped out his phone, anxious to see who was calling him. His heart sank at the sight of a text- and even more depressing was seeing his own brother's name. Surely Hoagie would have contacted them by now? He was growing much more worried- Hoagie wasn't the type to just run off without telling anyone...

Fear filled him and he shook it off, trying not to think of the worst. Instead he glanced at the text Dingo sent- noting the change of location of their meeting. Immediately he was suspicious, narrowing his eyes at his brother's words. Tonight. He still dreaded going- he didn't want to face his brother after what he did- he didn't trust himself alone with him...maybe Dingo didn't either- that's why they were meeting somewhere more public.

He threw his phone aside- glancing at the time. Only 5 'o'clock. He glanced over at his girlfriend- who was laying beside him on his bed, tapping away at her laptop on an assignment she was working on. She was everything to him- the way she fluttered those long, thick lashes, her bright, glazy violet eyes, slim line, smooth, milky skin- the way she lay her petite body in front of him- draped in the way of affection...

He sighed, soothed by her very presence, and leaned down to give her a sweet kiss on the shoulder. His golden blonde hair draped over his face and tickled her skin, and Kuki gave a tinkling laugh, turning away from the screen to smile at him. He immediately smiled back, his ill feelings immediately extinguished.

No matter what- she made everything better.


"And now..." Dread cooed, "Our lucky contestants!"

Bandit whimpered again, weakly attempting to fight back as Dread snatched him up one handed- gripping onto his shirt with one tight fist and wrenching him to his shaky feet. Mushi soon followed, a gasp escaping her as Jayden grabbed onto her- the pair stood up in front of bound Hoagie as he stayed attached to the wall- powerless. He looked on, horrified.

"N-no- don't hurt her!" Hoagie shouted, pulling against his bonds. "L-let her go! Sh-She's not part of this shit! Let them both go!"

"Your question!" Dread barked over him, shaking Bandit threateningly as he spoke. Bandit's eyes widened at Hoagie- pleading and fearful. "Where's the rest of this fucking gang, huh? We're missing a fair few, aren't we? Where are their chicks, more importantly? How can we get to them?" He snarled in a low whisper, grabbing at Mushi's face- his thumb and fingers gripping at her cheeks so he forced the girl's pale, bruised face to gaze at him, deep violet-blue eyes wide. "You don't wanna hurt this face even more, do ya?"

Mushi sniffled, and Hoagie noticed Jayden had a tight grip on her and he looked overjoyed at holding the weak teenager, watching her feebly trying to fight back with no hope at winning. He snickered, and Mushi's wide eyes turned to stare at Hoagie- begging and scared. She was shaking, and Hoagie could see she desperately needed food and water- she was wasting away, too weak to even stand and obviously in deep pain-

"I can't!" He begged them, eyes wide with his appeal. "Look I don't know where they live! They kept to themselves-"

Dread snarled at him, grabbing a chair and heaving it across the room in one quick movement. He turned back- his face twisted with rage and his chest heaving like a wounded animal. The chair splintered into pieces, and Dread's grip on Bandit became agonising as Bandit buckled with the pain, letting out a small wail.

"WRONG ANSWER!" He screamed at Hoagie- who shook at the force, his head splitting with pain.

"No!" He screamed back. "I JUST DON'T KNOW! JUST LET THEM GO!"

"Oh- I'll let them go!" Dread sneered at him. "Which fucking one?"

"W-wh-" Hoagie stared at him, his dry mouth agape. "What-"

"I said- I'll take what I need." Dread repeated angrily, his eyes narrowing. "So which one, ay? Which one will you spare- which one do you throw to the dogs?" He threw Bandit forward, so he stumbled to the floor at Hoagie's feet. "The precious Bambi..." He growled, turning and nodding to Jayden. Mushi, now breaking down with frightened, uncontrolled sobs, soon joined Bandit on the ground- sprawled out so her weak figure crumpled on the cement. She was cold, frightened and all she could think about was home- her mother, her father, her sister... "Or your fragile, innocent teenager?"

Dread cocked his head. "You have to decide. Who will it be?"

Hoagie shook his head, but he could tell Dread was ready to kill him on the spot if he didn't play along. This was all it was to them- a game, a creative way to destroy people, all to get what they wanted. He shook against that hard, cold wall. His muscles were trembling and shaking in agony- pain soaring through his body and singing his skin. His eyelids drooped tiredly, his mind and body completely exhausted. His eyes lowered to the floor- where two shaking, weak bodies lay.

"I-I can't-"

"Oh...You Will..." Dread hissed through gritted teeth, pulling out a knife from his jeans. It opened with a click- the blade shimmering in the limited light. Hoagie gulped- his adam's apple quivering. He could just imagine that sharpened weapons slicing into his skin- and the look locked into those forbidding black eyes confirmed his suspicions. Dread would easily slit his throat- just as he did that young girl...just as he had done to probably many people...

"I...I..." Hoagie's lips quivered. He could feel the sick rising up his throat- his stomach twisting in anguish as he took in what he had to do. Dread glared at him expectantly, his patience ticking away. He had to choose...who will suffer. "I...I- I'm s-sorry..." He lowered his eyes, especially taking in the wide, misty ocean blue eyes that were already swollen and leaking- his body shaking against the floor as he could sense it coming. "B-Bandit...I can't- I just-"

Bandit let out a tiny sniff, a few tears seeping from his eyes. He knew it- he knew what Hoagie was trying to say, and he couldn't blame him. Of course he'd protect Mushi, she was innocent- unspoiled, still fragile-

Dread seemed to lighten up, his face breaking into an excited grin as he picked up the 'lucky' winner from the floor, gripping Bandit tightly as he took in his prize. Mushi gasped- her numb, throbbing mind processing what happened. She looked up at Bandit in fear, tears cascading down her face once more.

"NO!" She sobbed, going to crawl towards him. I can't let this happen- "Let him GO!"

Jayden, quick as lightening, launched over and dragged her back by the leg- lifting her half off the floor and slamming her back into the ground again. She cried out in pain, begging and pleading nonsense as she struggled through the tears- the rising fear in her throat. Bandit joined her, sobbing and crying as he fought weakly against Dread's arms around him. He felt his ex lick at his throat- gnawing and biting at his skin. He stumbled and shook, his mind cloudy and his body pulsating through the pain. Dread grabbed at his jeans, blindly fumbling for the button to rip them open. He froze, his tired mind ticking away in panic.

"NO!" Bandit screamed, now completely terrified. "Please-please-p-p-please n-n-no-"

"Too late for begging NOW." Dread spat in his ear, holding down his arms with one strong grip as the other ripped the material down his legs-his fingernails leaving marks down his pale skin. "You've fucking done it now, Bambi. You've fucking DONE IT!"

"ANYTHING BUT THAT!" Bandit screamed- his mind scrambling with panic and horror. He clawed for release, his vision blinded by tears and his body numb with shock. All he could feel was Dread's grip on him- holding him down, suffocating and forceful- it was happening all over again... "DREAD NO! PLEASE NO! PLE-E-EASE!" He broke down crying and begging, screaming and clutching him, anything to get it to stop. It didn't, and Dread kept going- mercilessly tearing Bandit's jeans down his legs and holding him down- his teeth latched onto Bandit's skin- Hoagie and Mushi looked on, helpless. Hoagie had to look away, closing his eyes-

Bandit screamed as loud as his lungs allowed as he tried to wrestle away- but to his horror he found himself pushed against the wall next to him- a few feet from where Hoagie was tied to. Bandit pushed against it- but Dread's strength locked him in place. He sobbed against the brick wall, his skin scraping against the rough edges as he felt Dread push against him. He felt lowest of the low- thinking only of pain, shame, humiliation, degradation-

"Dread! DREAD! STOP! STOP!" Bandit screamed, his throat tightening painfully from lack of breath. His heart was racing- thumping wildly against his chest- but he pushed and fought, biting back screams as he fought for freedom. He couldn't imagine anything worse- his worst nightmare. He never wanted that closeness- that horror- "PLEASE! PLEASE! NO! NOOOO-"

Dread slammed his closed fist against the side of Bandit's face, already pressed against the wall. A deep crunch echoed around the room, dulled by his pleas and sobs. Dread's eyes only grew deeper with hunger, grabbing him from the wall and instead shoving the shivering body further down- right into Hoagie.

Hoagie stiffened, his heart thumping in his throat as he was met with wild, wet and desperate blue eyes- Bandit pleading wordlessly as he was pressed into his former co-worker, shoved against the wall where he was bound. Hoagie was powerless- merely a barrier between Bandit and brick. Bandit whimpered at him, and Hoagie's face crinkled in a wince as he saw what he'd be faced with- the full force of his decision.

"Just stop!" He screamed at Dread, who snatched at a handful of Bandit's hair. Bandit yelped, pushed back into Hoagie as Dread shoved himself into him. Hoagie tried to shake him off, fighting against his bonds to do anything to help him. Bandit sobbed back helplessly, clawing at Hoagie as Dread dragged his arms back, his teeth gnawing at his neck and face. "Fucking enough! He's-"

"He's none of 'ya fucking concern!" Dread sneered at him, saliva dripping down his lips as he gave Hoagie his trademark grin. "You gave him up, didn't 'ya? He's mine now..." He grabbed at his hair again, dragging Bandit back to swipe his tongue over his cheek, Bandit panting in panic- his eyes darting in alarm. He was looking for anything- anything- to get out. To escape. Hoagie could only look on pathetically- Bandit's screams and Mushi's sobs echoing in his ears.

"You gave him up." Dread snarled, securing his hold on Bandit so there was no escape. He held Bandit's arms by his side- Bandit sniffling and gasping in complete panic as he made a few more feeble attempts to get away. Dread pushed further against his back- trapping him between the two. All Bandit could do was claw at Hoagie feebly- his wide, fear-filled eyes gazing at him pathetically. "And I have to say- I'm glad, mate..." He smirked, his tongue between his teeth as he rested his chin on Bandit's shoulder, his grip tightening on Bandit's skin.

It was sudden- too fast for Hoagie to react. Bandit latched onto him harshly, his nails digging into Hoagie's sides so hard he tore clothing and drew blood. A sharp sting echoed through his skull as Bandit screamed into his ear- a bloodcurdling yelp that followed by immediate pleas to stop- but was only followed by rough, harsh thrusts- slamming him further into Hoagie and against the wall. Hoagie couldn't hold the tears back, nor could he hold back his apologies. Bandit tried to hold it in- but he knew he couldn't ignore the tearing, agonising sensation of being torn apart- inside and out. He was back in his old hellhole- a pit of torture and destruction that only came with being in Dread's clutches. He couldn't think, speak or hope- all he could feel was pain and possession- all forming into despair. He tried to cry again- but his throat tightened with pain. All he could do was take it, feel Dread's fingers clawing into him, marking him all over again. His hot breath in his ear, his skin, insides, everything stung and cut. His voice in his ear seemed like fresh salt in his wounds- ripping open the stitches that once healed him.

"Dread..." Bandit whimpered pathetically, his voice nothing but a croak. He sniffed back some tears, his knees buckling and his knuckles whitening as he struggled to stay standing. The withdrawl, the pain- everything was overcoming him and he felt horribly hazy and sick, his body twisting and throbbing with every unforgiving hit Dread gave him. He continued to sob as Dread pushed in harder, panting against his neck and clawing at his chest. It was unrelenting, agonising, and he showed no signs of stopping. "P-please n-n-no more-"

"Fuck, Bambi..." Dread slurred in his ear, his teeth snapping against the outer shell. "You're still so- so fucking tight-"

Bandit held in a sharp cry as Dread pushed hard and fast, his fingernails raking through his skin and drawing sharp, singing cuts through his chest and stomach. Dread latched on for dear life, lost in ecstasy- it was heaven to him, and he couldn't help but latch on and chow down- suck his precious treat dry. He moaned and slurred against Bandit's skin, practically drooling with contentment.

Hoagie felt he was about to vomit, he couldn't hold back the sickness that seemed to overwhelm him- not to mention the loss of hope and optimism. He felt completely doomed- but not just him- Mushi too...and Bandit...if he could ever forgive him.

"Come on, baby..." Dread cooed to him roughly, gripping at Bandit's face with blood-stained fingers. He pulled his face to meet his, smirking proudly as he drove into him. "Say my name, baby. Say it."

"Ah! Ah!" Bandit cried again, twitching with the torture as he struggled to stay conscious- his eyelids drooping and his body following as the anguish took over. He groaned quietly, his vision fading. He slumped back into Dread, whimpering as it seemed to take over. No more fight was left. "D-Dread..." He sniffled pathetically, his breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps. Hoagie had to tear away, his own heart hammering and his own body and mind exhausted from the entire trauma. He couldn't take it- he was ready to break.

Dread grinned as Mushi let out a hurt sob, unable to watch anymore. He latched his teeth into Bandit's shoulder happily, lapping at his skin. He snuggled his face against Bandit's- those black eyes swimming with hunger. The thrusts grew harder, faster. "Say you're mine." He demanded through gritted teeth. "Say it, Baby. For me."

Bandit slumped against him, his body heaving and twitching with the motions. His deep eyes flickered, his eyelids drooping. His lips twitched, but he still held himself up- his eyes still managed to stare into those black, lifeless orbs. Numb, tired, sick and overcome with pain- he could feel himself black out from exhaustion- a fate Dread knew all too well. He held him close as Bandit mumbled those sweet words that sent him over the edge.

"I-I'm yours..."


Allie stomped down the foreign hallway, already regretting the trip she had made to the other side of town. It felt forbidden, even though in her mind she had convinced herself it was totally innocent. Visiting Jake...he was family, after all. Completely innocent, she wasn't doing anything wrong...

She sighed, pausing to lean against the wall beside her as she took it all in. But it was- and she knew it deep down. Her husband, the love of her life, would be upset, not to mention furious, at her attempts to be the peacemaker once again. Already she knew Derek was suspicious at her reaching out to Jake, his little brother, who even he had no time for. It was bad enough he was occupying so much of her time, to go and visit him just appeared so unforgiving... Almost like the forbidden fruit.

Which is what he was in the first place.

Allie shook herself of these thoughts, snarling to herself as she took a determined step forward. She wasn't that girl anymore, as she had repeated so many times. No longer lost, confused or stupid. No longer a teenager. Jake couldn't affect her like that, after all she had a husband- who she loved and adored!

But as she knocked on the door to Jake's apartment, her stomach twisted in those familiar knots, her breath hitched in her throat, and her heart seemed to hum that knowing fast pace. She growled in defeat, glancing at the floor as she heard footsteps approach.

He still affected her.

Jake stumbled to the door and flung it open, a toothbrush hanging from his lips and a full carton of milk clenched in his hand. He jumped back in alarm, dark eyes blinking rapidly. Of all the people to see in the late hours of the afternoon- his sister-in-law was not one of them. He looked down awkwardly, cringing at the sight he must have looked like.

"Um..." He swallowed the rest of the toothpaste in his mouth awkwardly, wincing at the strong peppermint taste. He struggled to make eye contact, and when he did he sighed in defeat, gazing at her with a faraway, careless glance he struggled to uphold. "Why are you here this time Allie?"

Allison narrowed her eyes at him, and with no hesitation she pushed through his hold on the door, striding into the apartment as if she owned the place. Jake stared after her, eyes narrowed, but closed the door after her- turning around to stare expectantly at her determined form.

"You know why I'm here." She snapped back harshly, looking irritated. She felt out of place in the apartment, and she knew it. She knew she wasn't wanted there- she was probably the last person Jake wanted to see- but she was one of the few people who could get through to Jake...and she knew that. Being Dingo's mother, she had a hold over him nobody else had- and for once she wanted to use that position to her advantage.

She took a deep breath, raising her head to stare him straight in the eyes. She remembered back- a flash of vivid memory- where he stood the same height as her- right before his last growth spurt. He'd shot up a head taller than her and grown outwards in shoulder width- towering over her with a bored expression in place. She narrowed her eyes. She could just make out the fear in his form- the knowledge that she had a power over him nobody else could hold.

"No, actually I don't." Jake muttered back darkly, his eyes flashing in annoyance. He hated her here- it just reminded him of the weakness she caused him to feel- how powerless he was against her. Like back to being a teenager. "I don't know why you're here Allie. I don't know why you're a sucker for punishment, and I don't know why you're stupid enough to come back after I've pushed you away."

Allie narrowed her eyes defensively at that remark, challenging and ready. Jake stared back, guarded. Several long, awkward seconds of silence passed- neither of the adults making a move. It was a stubborn stand-off. Allie broke it, heaving a sigh after she couldn't stand it any longer. It was eating away at her- the news that Jake and Derek were so stubborn and prideful in ignoring each other that Jake could have another child he didn't know about. It frustrated the blonde to no end, but she couldn't get involved like that...she was positive Jake wouldn't listen to her, anyway.

"You're being a child." Allie spat at him. "Derek has been there for you, if only you knew how-"

She was interrupted by a sarcastic bark of laughter from Jake- who snarled at her venomously before turning away- a sneer ominous on his face.

"You're full of shit, Allie." Jake snarled at her, just as bitter. Allie actually winced at that, her eyes wide as she stood taken aback. "Derek's done nothing for me but run away when I need him, and when I catch up to him he's the first to criticise me. He's a pig, and tries to destroy things that may inconvenience him and his fucking perfect life. It's why he took it out on me- tried to wipe me out. I was a fucking stain on his white sheet of a fucking perfect existence."

Allie stared, her heart racing in her ears. Jake was changing. His face twisted hatefully, and Allie could see the fury evident in his voice- and the hurt locked in his dark eyes. She could see him try and push the hurt away, and instead force the anger- much more powerful and hurtful. She'd seen it before- not only in her husband, but her boys too. It was a Beatles trait.

But Jake... She could barely recognise him. His usually calm, plain brown eyes- glazy with drunkenness or dancing with laughter, had formed into solid, harsh orbs of deep brown- so solid and daring they had morphed into black. It took her back almost two decades- back when she actually feared the stranger in front of her. Staring into those brown-turned-black eyes chilled her to the bone, she knew something had cut him deep, something was taunting Jake so much the fury radiated out of his face. It changed his entire appearance, his whole aura. Only a few people had affected Jake that much to turn him into such a fierce monster- but once it was seen, there was trouble.

"Jake..." She murmured, dropping her tone. She felt sheepish, trying to brush away the fear and take back control before Jake lashed out at her. It looked as though he was ready to. "Calm down-"

Bad Idea.

Jake's eyes narrowed further, and Allie repressed a shiver as those bottomless eyes fumed at her silently, Jake's hands forming fists as he glared at her.

"Calm...Down?" He repeated gravely. Allie swallowed, her fingers immediately going to her temples and rubbing them soothingly, attempting to relieve the stressful headache that was becoming unbearable. "My fucking kid's mother and the wife of my shithead of a brother is telling me to calm down? After fucking me around for twenty fucking years and standing up for her loser husband after he's done shit all? And abused our fucking baby Allie? Really? Me? Am I not calm enough for you Allie?" He sneered through gritted teeth, creeping closer to growl in her face- challenging her.

Allie's wide green eyes looked up to meet his, and Jake held himself back from drowning in them- those pools of emerald. "I can't talk to you." She sighed, twisting her lips in frustration and disappointment. "You should talk to your brother, okay? You need to have peace- stop being children and just let it go, for the sake of-"

Jake sneered at her again, his black eyes flashing in warning as he ground his teeth together. Allie stood strong, trying to ignore her thumping heart.

"F-fine." She attempted to snarl. "If you won't listen to me, or your brother, I suggest when you go back to Australia you look up Leyla- maybe she'll knock some sense into you."

Jake stilled- completely freezing on the spot as that name sunk into him. "...What?" He hissed, but uncertainty sunk into the anger that radiated out of him. He snarled. "The...what about Leyla?" He growled at her. But Allie had already shrugged, giving him a quick glare as she turned on her heel- strutting away with her head held high. Jake snarled, stomping off after her.

"How'd you know about Leyla!"He shouted after her. She didn't turn back, she just kept walking. He watched her sunshine hair bounce along with her steps as she stalked back to the main staircase- opening the door and shutting it with a slam. Jake sneered after her, his skull now pounding with a painful headache.

"Is it any wonder why I drink?" He hissed to himself, stomping back into his apartment angrily. "Women!"

TBC...


Juuuuuuust to let you all know- I hate Taylor Swift. Bleh. Hate. BUT I love Pop covers- and Falling for Beloved and Amongst the Ruin both do FANTASTIC covers of 'Love Story'. I suggest you check them out- both are good but because Falling for Beloved was a little less hardcore I framed Trent's version around their song :) amazink. They're on youtube- I love them both. Fantabulous.

Thankyou for reading :D (And waiting for me!) let me know what you think

xx!