Chapter 36

Back at the hotel they all hurried in, trying to act as if nothing was wrong as they huddled along in the foyer towards the elevators; Steph was now biting down on her bottom lip, fighting back to urge to scream bloody murder as her hand swelled up and throbbed.

One of the front desk clerks called out, "Um, Mr Seville?"

Alvin, Simon, and Theodore all stopped suddenly and looked at each other, before Alvin shrugged at her, "Which one of us you after?"

The woman shook her head slightly, "Um" she looked down then back up at them, holding a piece of paper.

Alvin rolled his eyes and turned to the others, "OK, look, take Steph up, we'll meet you soon"

He turned to Simon and Theodore, "Let's go see who she wants"

The girls, Bruno and Alex took Steph in the next elevator up to their room.

It was as the doors were closing, Steph let out an almighty, "%$# ING PIECE OF HELL!"

Alvin had to snigger a little as he, Simon and Theodore turned their attention to the clerk, Alvin asking, "Whassup?"

She gave a small smile and handed a telephone message, "It came about two hours ago for you"

Simon smiled and thanked her before he took the slip of paper as the brothers stepped away from the desk toward the elevators.

Simon scanned over it, telling Alvin and Theodore the gist of the message, "So, it's from Dave" he cleared his throat and started reading the message, "'Hey fellas'-"

"Seriously, does he have to call us fellas?" Alvin whinged

Simon rolled his eyes, "Shut up Alvin, so, yeah, 'Just wanted to wish you all the best for the filming tonight, looking forward to seeing how you went when it airs tomorrow. Sorry I couldn't get there, but things have been hectic in the lead up to the tickets going on sale. Hope you're all keeping safe...and didn't divulge too much in the interview'" Simon sniggered, "Oh and in brackets he's added, 'Alvin I'm talking mostly to you here'"

Even Alvin smiled, "Ahh Dave, you know me too well"

Simon smiled as Theodore peered over shoulder a little, re-reading the message as Simon continued, "Umm, oh and then he says, 'Say hi to the others, safe travels, see you in Vegas'"

Theodore smiled, "Aww, that was nice of Dave to send that through"

Alvin laughed a little, rolling his eyes, "Bet he was devo he had to leave all that in a message though" he paused, "Then again, if he'd given that message to us straight, I can imagine the conversation would still be going on" he laughed as the elevator chimed at their floor.

The brothers walked out and wandered down the hallway, "What rooms are we again?" Theodore asked.

Simon looked up, thinking, "Uhh, 201 and 202"

Alvin frowned, "Huh? Only two rooms?" he furrowed his brow, thinking, "Sh*t, better be separate rooms not all in one...otherwise, there goes my plans"

They walked up and knocked on the door of 201 as Eleanor opened the door, welcoming them in, "Hey, welcome to the Stephi house of pain" she smiled as the guys walked in.

They entered into a one large room which had two double beds and they could just see a stowaway bed under one of them.

Alvin cursed silently as the three headed in.

Steph sat on the edge of one of the double beds, her hand thrust inside an ice bucket.

She had her eyes closed and was biting her bottom lip, grimacing at the pain and shock of the ice, and bounced her legs involuntarily; Alex rubbing her leg comfortingly.

Brittany held up a bottle of champagne, "Dave sent this to the room for us to celebrate" she looked at Steph, "And we're gonna have to finish it off cause Steph's using the ice, and the bottle doesn't fit in the fridge"

Alvin grinned, "Crack it open then babe"

Brittany looked at the bottle before holding it out to Alvin, "You do it; I'll probably take my eye out or something"

Alvin rolled his eyes, twisted his cap backwards and held his hand out as Brittany passed him the bottle.

Simon joined Bruno and Jeanette who were standing just in front of Steph, "So, what exactly happened?"

Steph shot a glare at him, "Jess, the %$# ing manstealer, that's what happened!"

Alex sighed, "Look all I remember was I came out from the bathroom, heard the reception of Bruno's song, bumped into Jess, and next thing I knew she had me pinned against the wall plantin' one on me" he shook his head, "Then in comes Steph and BAM, Jess is on the floor howling, blood pouring all over her and Steph's there swearing at me and cryin' on about her hand"

"It freakin' hurts!" Steph defended.

Alex held his hand up, "I'm not saying it doesn't" he said defensively.

Steph shook her head and lifted her hand from the ice bucket, looking at it and frowning, "Great now not only is my hand all shades of purple, it's also numb"

Bruno nodded, "That's the general idea of ice; to numb said area to stop further bruising"

Steph slowly flexed her fingers, wincing at the pain, and shook her head, "Seriously, how do you guys manage to punch on for what can be hours and not feel this kinda pain?"

Bruno folded his arms shrugging, "Dunno, when you're pretty fired up, you don't think...you just do"

Alex smirked, "Thinking comes later...along with the pain"

Steph looked at her hand then stood up, "Hey Alvin, you got that bottle uncorked yet? I need a glass of pain killer"

Alvin, grunting in the corner of the room, had the bottle between his legs and was slowly trying to ease the cork out, "Yeah, it's comin', just gimme a sec would ya?"

Steph shrugged as Alvin grunted out, "So this is it then? We're all piled into the one room together? That %$# ing sucks"

Alex shook his head, "It's only one night man"

"Guys and girls though, that's what the front desk chick said to us as we checked in, apparently Dave set that one up" Bruno pointed out.

Steph shook her head, "I'll bet daddy had something to say about that too"

Alex nodded, "Yeah and mum too"

Alvin groaned, "What?! So not only do I have to sleep all in the one room, I now need to share a bed with..." he looked between all the guys, "%$# that!"

The cork popped with a sudden blast and shot the cork outwards, colliding with the back of Jeanette's leg.

She let out a sudden shriek and grabbed at her leg.

Alvin quickly bought the bottle upright and put it on the bench and rushed to Jeanette's aid, "Sh*t, Jeanette, I'm sorry, crap, you ok?" and put his hand on her shoulder.

Simon was already wrapping his arms round Jeanette's shoulders as small tears formed in her eyes.

She shook her head, "No, no, I'm fine; it's not your fault Alvin, I'm ok, really"

Steph pointed at the ice bucket, "Chuck ice on it, apparently it gets rid of bruises or something" she smirked sarcastically.

Bruno sniggered, "Not gets rid of them, just kinda stops 'em forming more...or something" he shrugged.

Steph smiled at him and looked at her hand again.

Alex stood up as Simon helped Jeanette lie on her stomach on the bed as Eleanor found a small hand towel and put some ice in it, bunching it together and placing it on the spot Jeanette had been hit.

She flinched a little at the sudden coldness as Theodore coughed a little, "So...um, great job Bruno, you totally nailed that song" he smiled.

Brittany, Steph, Alvin and Simon gave a small applause as Bruno just smiled and shook his head a little, "Ahh, she had it coming" he turned to Steph, "Told ya I had a plan didn't I? Gotta trust me"

Steph poked her tongue out, "Ok, but what if things hadn't happened like that, like she was actually genuinely sorry and sh*t and seriously wanted to hook up with you...what then?"

Bruno looked about, and pulled a chair over from the desk and sat on it backwards, leaning on the back of the chair, "Honestly, I dunno...probably nothing would've happened" he smirked, "Not with her friends around anyway" he looked about, "Or my friends"

Alvin let out a laugh, "Hey-O!"

Bruno, Alex and Theodore all laughed as Steph shook her head, "You seriously wouldn't consider tapping into that? Surely?"

Bruno shrugged, "Don't have to worry about it now" he shook his head a little, "She's well and truly outta my life now, feels good" he smiled, resting on his arms, folded on the back of the chair.

Brittany looked about before sitting on the floor, stretching her legs out in front of her, "I mean, and I don't really know her, but she didn't seem all that bad; compared to those other two...well that Hilary chick wasn't so bad, but Jess..."

Steph rolled her eyes, "Don't get me %$# ing started"

Alex shook his head, "Yeah please no"

Brittany giggled a little as Steph poured herself a glass of the champagne, "Hey this sh*t ain't bad" she took another mouthful and raised her eyebrows in an exchange of taking orders.

Alvin, Simon, Eleanor, Brittany and Bruno put their hands up as Steph started getting glasses out, carefully and one at a time.

Jeanette looked back at Eleanor who was still holding the ice to her leg, "I think that's good Ellie, thanks"

Eleanor smiled and lifted the ice; there was a pink mark, but no clear signs of bruising, "No problem Jen"

Jeanette pushed herself up and sat on the bed, "Soo, with the sleeping arrangements, are we in this room or the guys?"

Alex shrugged, "Whatever way works"

Alvin shook his head then grabbing a key on his way out, called, "Just gonna check the other room out" and thought to himself, "Not that'll probably make any difference or anything" and walked around opening the door to other room.

The others could hear him cheer, "Boo. Freakin'. Yah!"

Simon rolled his eyes as he, along with Brittany, Theodore and Bruno all headed next door too.

They walked in and noticed this second room had a different layout to what was originally thought; there was a lounge area, kitchenette, and two doors leading off to what could only be assumed as bedrooms.

And Alvin was standing in the doorway of one of the bedrooms, "Yeah scored the King bed" he nodded towards the other room, "Duke it out for that one, there's two doubles in there"

Simon shook his head, "Wait so this room has two separate bedrooms?"

Alvin nodded, "Guess so"

Simon folded his arms, "Well, how did you manage to see both rooms so quickly?"

Alvin shrugged and flopped on the lounge, "I knows what I want and when the first room didn't have it, I went into that one" he nodded back to the bedroom he'd just claimed.

Just then they all looked over at a door opening, (which no one had noticed before) as Eleanor poked her head through, "You know you could've gone through here right, Alvin?"

Alvin sat up a little, "Why didn't you tell me 'bout that?"

Eleanor giggled and opened the door wide, "I'm telling you now"

Alvin just shrugged and patted the spot on the lounge next to him, as Brittany came and plonked herself next to him, cuddling in.

Simon folded his arms, "Dave's got us in guys and girls rooms Alvin"

Alvin just grinned, "Annd since Dave isn't here to stamp his said authority, then I say we mix it up. He's not gonna know who slept where, Si" he laughed, "Besides this whole trip we've been co-ed" he shrugged, "Back me up Theo?"

Theodore gave a slight nod, "I'm ok with that, if Ellie is?"

Eleanor nodded, "Yeah, I've kinda liked having Theo to snuggle up to"

Alvin grinned raising his eyebrow as Theodore frowned at him shaking his head.

Simon sighed, clear he was going to be outdone again, "Fine, I take it you're in this room then?"

Alvin nodded as Simon looked about the room, then stepped closer to the adjoining door and peered in, "Well, I'm easy either way, where's everyone else wanna go?"

Bruno shrugged, "I'll take whatever's left over, doesn't bother me" as Alex leant in the doorway, "Yeah same"

Eleanor looked at Theodore, then sighing a little, said, "I'm happy to be in this room" she nodded back into the first room.

Theodore shrugged, "Guess I'm in there then"

Simon nodded, "Jeanette?"

Jeanette stood up and tilted her head side to side, "I'm ok to be in here too"

Simon shrugged and turned between Alex and Bruno, "You guys reckon you'll be alright in the other room then? I mean, if not, I guess we'll take this room, then Bruno, I guess you can decide if you want to share in that room, or with us?"

Alex and Bruno looked at each other as Steph came through the door, "Ooh it's like opening a portal" she sipped her champagne as Alex nodded at her, "Ask this one"

"Ask this one what?" she asked, taking another sip, "Yours are all out there too" she smiled and nodded back at the bench in the other room, then looked about the second room, "Oh damn why didn't we check into this room first, it's hell nice!"

Alvin nodded, "Yeah it is! Ha I'll bet Dave didn't notice when he booked them...I love when Dave's all stressed sometimes, means he skips over some details like this one" and laughed as Simon looked at Steph, coughing a bit to gain her attention, "Uh, ask if you three would be ok sharing a room? Seeing as how Theodore and Eleanor, and Jeanette and I will be in the other room"

Steph looked between her guys and back at Simon shrugging, "S'ok with me"

Brittany leant forward on the lounge, sitting on the edge, as Alvin drew circles on her back, "Not gonna be...you know weird and all?"

Alex shook his head, and looked at Steph, "Not unless you make it weird"

Steph rolled her eyes, "%$# gimme some credit, geez, what the hell do you take me for? Repeat offender?" she scuffed her foot and sipped at her champagne, "I'm not gonna %$# around while you're in the room – dammit, not that I would if you weren't in the room either", as Alex came and hugged her shoulders, kissing one lightly, and laughing a little to break the tension forming, "Sorry, nah I'm fine with it, it's not gonna be weird" he looked at Bruno who shrugged and smiled, "So long as I got somewhere to crash" he shrugged nonchalantly.

Steph looked about the lounge room at the doorways leading to the other bedrooms, "So where are we then?"

Alvin pointed back to the other bedroom, "S'all yours" then he stood and headed to get his and Brittany's champagne.

Steph smiled and headed in, calling out, "Ooh we can make a massive bed!"

Bruno and Alex looked at each other questioningly and followed her in.

"What are you on about?" Alex asked, looking in at the room.

Steph shrugged, "There's only doubles in here, that's freakin' tiny to sleep in, so if we push the beds together we'll all have more space"

Bruno folded his arms, and leant on the wall smirking, "Already told ya, I ain't into threesomes"

Alex quickly darted a look at Bruno before turning all serious at Steph, "%$# no!"

Steph who laughed and shook her head, "No, I'm not saying that at all, seriously, we'll all have extra space to sleep if we push the beds together...unless..." she raised her eyebrows.

"NO!" Both Bruno and Alex shouted as Steph laughed, "Kidding, geez"

She walked around to the far end of one of the beds, ready to push it closer as Bruno shrugged, "It's not really gonna bother me you know. I mean, it'll just be me in my bed, so really..."

Steph frowned at him, "Well too freakin' bad, I wanna spread out"

Alex sighed and shook his head, "%$ #, ok, now it is getting weird"

Steph grinned, "Don't freak out, I'll play piggy in the middle"

Bruno took a breath in, and looked at Alex, "You ok with it?" he held his hands up, "I'm not gonna try nothin'"

Alex laughed, "Yeah man, I know...but just so you know, I've got razor sharp hearing" he smirked and looked at Steph, nodding, "Come on then"

Steph clapped her hands, beaming, before howling in pain, "Oh %$# I forgot about my hand" she clenched and unclenched it a few times as the guys laughed and pushed one of the beds closer to the middle of the room.

Then Bruno came round and helped Steph push the other one closer.

Alvin and Simon poked their heads in, holding their champagnes glasses; Alvin cocking his head to one side, eyebrow raised, "Uhh...should we ask?"

Steph leant over and picked up a pillow, hurling it at Alvin, who side stepped back out the door as the pillow bumped against the wall, sliding to the floor.

Steph laughed, "No, sick bastard, nothing like that. Just making more sleeping room"

Alvin looked between Bruno and Alex and smirked, "Oooo-Kay then...whatever floats ya boat" he held a hand up, "I am not one to judge what goes on in here" he joked and headed back to the lounge area, skulling the rest of his champagne.

Alex turned and made a lunge at Alvin, who just had enough time to put his glass down on an end table as Alex tackled him to the ground, laughing.

Alvin twisted round and fought him off, laughing as the two engaged in a bit of rough house.

Steph came out from the room and put her hands on her hips, "Yeah whatever floats your boat Alvin"

"Shuddup!" he managed to laugh out, as Alex gripped round his middle and flung him over his hip to the ground.

"Ow! Oh %$# " Alvin cried out, and clutched at his ribs, "Ahh, ribs...ooowww"

Alex knelt up, panting, "You ok man?"

Alvin laughed and sat himself up, "Yeah, yeah all good, just landed right on my ribs" as he sat there catching his breath.

Brittany stood in the doorway to the bedroom, and yawned, "Well, if you two are quite done, I am totally wiped, so I'm going to bed"

Alvin looked at Brittany smiling and turned to the others, "Guess that's my cue too then" he smirked as Alex helped him up.

Simon looked at his watch and stifled a yawn behind his hand, "Yeah that's not a bad idea" as he headed back through the adjoining door, "Night all"

Steph waved as Bruno nodded to Simon, "Yeah, g'night"

Jeanette, Eleanor and Theodore all called their goodnights as Simon closed the door.

Alvin leant on the doorframe of the bedroom, "Well, let's hope these walls are thick huh?"

Brittany groaned from inside the bedroom, "Shut up Alvin" as Steph smirked, "Yeah, who knows what us three will get up to huh?" she laughed and winked as Alex lowered his head, "Shut up Steph, just shut up" while Bruno looked at the lounge, "Gee that lounge is looking more and more comfortable"

Alvin held his hands up and shook his head a little, "Not even gonna go there" and closed the bedroom door.

Steph laughed and headed back into the bedroom, "I'm totally kidding, come on you know that" and poked her head out from the doorway, "Now you comin' or what?"

Bruno helped Alex to his feet and looked at Steph, "Uh, you don't wanna get changed first?"

Steph put her hands on her hips, "Seriously? You've both seen me buck naked" she looked down, and unbuttoned her shorts, dropping them to the floor, "Halfway there" she smiled and reached up her back to unclasp her bra, walking further into the room.

Alex shook his head and smirked, looking over at Bruno, "I guess we should be used to this by now"

Bruno nodded, "Still don't make it any less awkward"

Alex laughed and patted him on the shoulder, shaking his head, "I hear ya"

"Are you two coming or what?" Steph called.

Meanwhile over in the other room, Theodore and Eleanor were in the bathroom; Theodore brushing his teeth as Eleanor took her makeup off and started pulling her hair ties out.

"You know, I wish Dave kinda trusted us a little more and gave us all our own rooms" Eleanor said, wiping a makeup remover cloth over her eyes.

Theodore pulled his toothbrush from his mouth and spat into the sink, the foam frothed around his mouth, "Why do you say that?"

Eleanor sighed, "Well, I mean I would've liked to spend a night, just us" she looked over at Theodore, who, love him, was completely clueless, "But we did already" as he put the toothbrush back in his mouth and started brushing again.

Eleanor closed her eyes and shook her head a little, then opened her eyes and looked intently at Theodore, "Read between the lines Teddy; I still have that babydoll I wanted to show you"

Theodore thought a moment, then suddenly stopped brushing.

His eyes grew wide as he looked nervously at Eleanor, "Ellie, you're not suggesting that we...like Alvin and Brittany?"

He could feel his insides turning, with a mixture of excited hormones and nervous tension.

Eleanor giggled, shaking her head a little, "No, I'm not saying that" she tilted her head a little, "If it went that way though..." her voice trailed off as Theodore pulled his toothbrush out and spat onto the mirror simultaneously, "Ellie!"

She twirled her hair round her finger, "What?" she sighed, "I just...I mean after being on such a high from tonight, all I could think about was being able to share the night with you...ok, mostly just being with you and showing off my babydoll and" she shrugged, "Stuff like that...and if it went any further, well, I'm just letting you know where I stand"

Theodore was unsure what he should say or do right now...what was happening to his sweet Eleanor?

Oh right, she was growing up.

Like him.

Theodore thought; he knew he'd been thinking certain things lately, more so since Alvin and Brittany's relationship came into the open.

He wondered what that would be like, then his thoughts went to what the others would say, which made him panic a little.

He looked up at Eleanor, realising he'd let the silence linger a little longer than expected and cleared his throat, "Well...perhaps we'll have another chance to then?" he looked at the mirror, frowning a little and turned the tap on, wetting a face cloth and started wiping down the mirror, "But, seriously, if we were to...you know...um, I don't have...anything"

Eleanor giggled, "Just ask Alvin"

Theodore looked at her, slightly horrified, "I can't ask Alvin for that! Then he'd know why!"

Eleanor shrugged and tapped his nose, "You could always buy some"

Theodore rolled his eyes, "I'm not doing that either"

Eleanor folded her arms, "Come on Theo, it's not that bad to buy some; it'd probably be less embarrassing than asking Alvin to spare a few"

Theodore tossed this idea around in his mind, "That's true, I guess" he wrung the cloth in the sink and rinsed it out, and sighed, "Sorry Eleanor, I'm probably freaking out more than is needed huh?" He looked up at her, in her soft brown eyes, "I do love you, but I'm not sure I could do that right now"

Eleanor gave a soft smile and nodded, "I understand" and took the cloth from his hand, wiping his mouth.

There was a short pause before Theodore gave a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, "I wouldn't, however, be against it if you wanted to wear that babydoll though"

Eleanor grinned, narrowing her eyes and leant in to kiss him, wrapping her arms round his neck.

Jeanette was brushing the curls out from her hair, sitting on the bed while Simon tidied up the bar area, placing all the glasses in the sink.

"You know" he cleared his throat, "I've been thinking"

Jeanette pulled the brush through her hair, tugging slightly as it caught on some curls, "Oh? What about?"
Simon walked slowly over to the bed, "Well..." he started and came to sit on the edge, "About our conversation in the Tunnel of Love"

Jeanette tilted her head, thinking, "Simon, that was a couple of days ago now, lots has happened since then, refresh my memory"

Simon scratched his leg, "Um, about what you bought? With the girls?"

Jeanette's eyes widened a little, "Oh...oh that, right" she continued brushing her hair, "Um, what about it?"

Simon thought a moment, trying to construct the right way to take this conversation, "It's just, and I'm not trying to pressure you, but I was just wondering when I might be able to see them" he paused before adding, "On you"

Jeanette's cheeks went a deep shade of pink, "Oh, um...uhh..."

Simon could see she was uncomfortable, but he couldn't help but press on, "Look, I know you couldn't have just told me that and not expect me to just forget about it" he looked over at her and edged a little closer, "Jeanette, I'm not asking for us to, go all the way or anything, but a little looking and fondling and such, well that can't be too harmful right?"

Jeanette took a breath in and set her brush on the nightstand, "I suppose you have a point Simon"

Simon raised an eyebrow as Jeanette continued, "I mean, I do want to show you, but well, I mean, I just don't want to get carried away or anything" he voice went softer.

Simon smiled and stroked her hand, "Jeanette, you know I'd never do anything to pressure you into that"

Jeanette nodded, "Yeah I know"

"I love you Jeanette, and well, I've tried really hard to show that more in public, like you asked" Simon added, "And, well, I guess on the inside I'm a little frustrated Alvin found that room before anyone else" he shrugged, "Would've been nice to have a room to our own, again"

Jeanette mulled over his words, "I'd have liked that too...so long as things didn't move too fast" she smiled sweetly at Simon, who returned the gesture before leaning over and kissing her on the cheek, "One step at a time"

There was the sound of the bathroom door opening and soft padding as Theodore came around the corner.

He looked up at Simon and Jeanette, "Uh, Ellie's just getting changed for bed"

Jeanette nodded and hopped off the bed, picking up her brush and pyjamas and headed into the bathroom, closing the door.

Once alone, Simon let out a sigh and leant back on the bed head as Theodore went to put his toiletry bag back into his suitcase, "What's up Simon?"
Simon took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes before putting them back on, "Oh nothing" he shook his head, "I just wish we were all in separate rooms tonight, that's all...uh, no offense"

Theodore smirked, "You too huh?"

Simon looked at him, cocking his head to the side as Theodore pulled his pyjama pants out of his suitcase and dropped them on the bed, "Ellie said the same thing"

Simon raised an eyebrow, "Theodore...?" he began slowly, while Theodore put his hand up, "I know, Simon, but just so you know, we're not planning anything" he looked over at the bathroom door and climbed on the bed, sitting on his knees, "But I think Eleanor wouldn't stop anything if things went a little further than planned either though"

Simon sat up a little more, "And, where do you stand in that?"

Theodore bit the inside of his cheek, "Well, I'd hope I'd be able to stop myself, I'm not ready for that" he tapped his knee a little, looking down at the bedspread, "I kinda can't believe Ellie is"

Simon nodded, "So long as she wouldn't pressure you into anything?"

Theodore looked up sharply, shaking his head, "Oh no, no, Ellie would never do that" he sighed, "I kinda keep forgetting we're all growing up and stuff...I mean, Ellie and I have been together for years, and I guess I just kinda..." his voice trailed off, "I don't know"

Simon turned his body and sat with his legs draped over the edge of the bed, "Yeah growing up...takes you by surprise huh?"

Theodore nodded and crawled off the bed, undoing his jeans, and picking up his pyjama pants, "What about you and Jeanette?" he dropped his jeans and stepped into his PJ pants.

Simon coughed and stood up, heading to his own suitcase, "Ahh, well, I know we're both not ready for...you know" he still felt weird discussing sex, even saying the word sex around Theodore felt...uncomfortable, but he powered through, "Um, and we both agree on that, but well...I wouldn't mind some" he tilted his head side to side and bent down to rummage for his PJ pants, "Alone time, you know?" he looked back over his shoulder at Theodore.

Theodore nodded and unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it to the ground, "Yeah, hey did Jeanette get anything from that shop?"

Simon blushed a little, "Uh, Theo, I don't know if it's appropriate to ask that"

Theodore looked a little taken back, "Oh, sorry Simon" he paused a little as Simon got changed, "Ellie did, she showed me"

Simon looked up at him, "She did? When?"

Theodore shrugged, "Oh, not on her, but a while ago, I think the day she bought it, just showed me from the bag"

Simon nodded, "Oh, right, right" he took his glasses off and placed them on the nightstand, pulling his shirt over his head and putting his glasses back on, the sighed, "Ok, yes Jeanette bought something too...but I haven't seen anything of it yet"

The brothers sat in silence before Theodore shrugged, "Her bag's over there, just go look"

Simon looked wide eyed at Theodore, "What? No, Theodore, I can't do that! I'm not about to invade Jeanette's privacy"

Theodore shrugged and pulled the bed sheets back, "Well, it was only a suggestion"

Simon shook his head and looked in the direction of the bathroom then at Theodore, "Besides, what if she comes out, I'd be busted"

Theodore looked at the bathroom door and then at Simon, and shrugged again, "I can keep watch?"

Simon rubbed his face then darted a look between the door and Theodore and rolled his eyes, "Hurry up then, we gotta be quick"

Theodore smiled and pushed himself off the bed and crept next to the bathroom door where he could hear the muffled conversation of Jeanette and Eleanor and nodded at Simon, holding a thumbs up.

Simon knelt down at Jeanette's suitcase and closed his eyes briefly muttering to himself, "What has become of me?" and slowly unzipped the case.

In the bathroom Jeanette was sitting on the toilet with the seat down, holding a makeup wipe in her hand as Eleanor continued taking her makeup off.

Jeanette sighed, "Ellie, I'm confused what to do next, I mean I know Simon would never pressure me into doing anything I was uncomfortable with but...seeing each other in our underwear?! And I'd be in lingerie at that"

Eleanor put the used wipe aside and pulled another from the packet, looking at Jeanette in the mirror, "Jeanette, are you sure this hasn't got to do with the insecurity you feel about your own body?"

Jeanette looked up; Eleanor had a point, and lowered her head again, turning the wipe around in her hand, "OK, so maybe it does a little too"

Eleanor smiled softly, "Simon loves you Jeanette, he's not gonna be looking at your insecurities you feel about your body, he'll just be looking at you"

Jeanette stood up and came to lean against the bench, "Yeah but that's just it too, I don't want him looking at me, I hate people looking at me, I don't like being the centre of attention"

Eleanor looked in the mirror at her face, checking over to make sure she'd gotten all the makeup off, "Yeah, I know...but this isn't 'people' looking at you, it'll just be Simon"

Jeanette sighed as Eleanor continued, "Look, everyone gets those butterfly moments before situations like this" she shrugged, "I'll bet even Alvin and Britt did too"

Jeanette turned and faced the mirror, and started wiping over her eyes as Eleanor went on, "It's normal...but we're all growing up Jeanette, and you did say you told Simon you bought the lingerie, so that tells even me you wanted him to know cause you want him to see"

Jeanette rolled her eyes, "Not with me wearing it"

Eleanor smirked, "What's the point then?" she picked up the brush and sat on the toilet seat and started brushing her curls out, "Come on Jeanette, somewhere in amongst all those nerves, you want to show Simon just how great you look in that number"

Jeanette paused before sighing defeat, "OK, maybe a little"

Eleanor smiled triumphantly as Jeanette asked, "What about you and Theodore?"

Eleanor cocked her head, "What about me and Theo?"

Jeanette inspected her face in the mirror before picking up her toothbrush, "Well...where do you stand?"

Eleanor looked down smiling and continued brushing her hair, "Well, I think I'm ready"

Jeanette's eyebrow raised a little, "But I don't think Theodore's quite there yet" she shrugged, "Which is ok, cause I'm in no hurry to"

Jeanette turned back to face Eleanor and tapped her toothbrush in her hand, "But if he were...you would?"

Eleanor shrugged, "Probably...if he were"

Jeanette blushed and turned back, reaching for the toothpaste, as Eleanor twisted a little to catch Jeanette's face on the mirror, "Why Jeanette?"

Jeanette shook her head quickly, "Nothing, no, that's good for you and all" she squeezed toothpaste on her toothbrush and ran it under the tap momentarily; "I guess..." she went silent.

Eleanor smiled and stood up, hugging Jeanette around the shoulders, "It's not a race Jeanette, and it doesn't mean you and Simon love each other less if you're not both at that stage, or the same stage even" she let go and looked in the mirror, shaking her hair and turning her back, as she started to get changed, "We're not in competition"

Jeanette nodded, as she started brushing her teeth, then pulled the toothbrush out, speaking with a mouth of foam, "But if" she shook her head a little and spat into the sink, "But if we were, well Britt's winning"

Eleanor giggled, "Or Steph"

Jeanette laughed, "Steph's in a race of her own" she shook her head, "I don't wanna be in that race"

Eleanor nodded, buttoning her nightshirt, "I don't think we'd be able to keep up even if we were"

The girls laughed as Jeanette finished brushing her teeth.

Theodore stood, straining to hear the activity from the bathroom, and whispered to Simon, "Found it yet?"

Simon rummaged through Jeanette's belongings; for a girl who wasn't that into appearance she sure did pack a lot, "Not yet, I don't know where she's put it"

Theodore pointed over to him, "Check them smaller pockets on the side, maybe she stuffed it in there"

Simon noted this and opened a small pocket, peering in, catching a glimpse of white lace.

He was about to reach for it and pull it out when Theodore waved his arm and made a dash for the bed, "They're coming out" he whispered loudly.

Simon quickly closed Jeanette's case, not all the way, but hopefully enough so she wouldn't notice and dove onto the bed, panting a little.

The girls came out and looked at the guys, each looking a little flustered.

Eleanor stood with hands on her hips as she dropped her toiletry bag onto her suitcase, "What have you two been up to?"

Theodore and Simon looked at each other; the look on Theodore's face saying to Simon, "Think of something quick!"

"Um, just a bit of a workout before bed?" Simon managed; he felt stupid saying that, but it was the only thing he could come up with as to why they were both slightly out of breath.

Jeanette and Eleanor exchanged a look, before Jeanette asked, "Why? I mean, why before bed?"

Simon rolled onto his side, "Um, helps you sleep better?"

Eleanor raised her eyebrow, looking about the room before she looked at Theodore, "Is that so Theodore?" she wasn't buying it.

Theodore glanced a quick look at Simon, who shook his head a little, and back at Eleanor smiling, "Yep, workin' these guns" he confidently held his arms up, flexing them.

Eleanor rolled her eyes and flopped onto the bed as Jeanette put her things away; Simon sat up a little more, watching Jeanette, trying to see if she'd notice someone had disturbed her belongings.

If she did, she didn't show it, but simply stuffed her toiletry bag into her suitcase and dumped her clothes next to the case before walking over and getting into the bed.

Simon sighed relief quietly and got off the bed, helping Jeanette draw the covers down.

Over in the King Bed room, Alvin was lounging on the bed, leaning against the bed head and resting one arm behind his head, the other draped casually over his stomach.

Brittany was taking her makeup off too, but this room had a vanity where she could sit at and do this.

She sat on the small tuffet style seat in her pink dressing gown, a pink and white satin chemise just poking through from the top when she'd wrapped the robe.

Alvin looked around the room and noted the view from the window, "Not a bad night huh?"

"Huh?" Brittany leant to look out the window before looking back in the mirror, "Yeah I suppose so, not too hot out, just nice"

Alvin laughed a little, "Not the weather out, I meant tonight...before Steph's punch up...although I'd have loved to have seen that" he chuckled a little.

Brittany spun on the chair and faced him, wiping the last of her makeup off, checking the cloth as she did, "Yeah you would. But it was a great night, despite the way it ended" she took a breath in, "I still get a little nervous when we're on TV, I mean who knows what they'll ask" she spun back around and looked in the mirror before reaching up and removing hair pins from her abundance of curls.

Alvin nodded and pulled his arm from behind his head to rest beside him, "Yeah, but it's not too bad...I've been asked ones that require careful answers"

"Like when?"

"Like when we weren't going out yet, those interviews were fun, 'Alvin, do you have girlfriend yet?' 'There's plenty of girls who I'm sure would love to be your girlfriend' 'what's the story between you and Brittany?'" he shrugged, "Couldn't really say, 'Well, see I like Britt, but things are a little complicated and we're just not at the stage where we can agree whether or not we're a couple'"

Brittany smirked, "Right, cause having the masses of single girls throwing themselves at you wasn't terrible at all" she started brushing her hair, frowning when she pulled through knots.

Alvin sat up a bit and ruffled his hair, "Hey, I'll have you know that that is all showman ship" he leant back, arms folded, "I like it a lot more when you throw yourself at me" he grinned.

Brittany turned to face him, smirking as she stood up, "Oh really?" she walked over to the bed and crawled up on it as Alvin straightened himself up against the bed head, "Yep, exactly so" he smiled.

Brittany crawled closer, her hand resting just inside his legs, making Alvin shudder a little, before she quickly retracted her hand and slid back off the bed.

Alvin groaned, "Oh come on, you can't do that. Britt?"

Brittany giggled and picked her brush up again, "Gimme a sec, I haven't finished"

Alvin brought his knee up and rested his hands on top, "Gonna get messed up soon anyway" he muttered to himself.

"You say something?" Brittany enquired.

Alvin shook his head, "Uh, just you're that you're looking gorgeous" he flashed a smile as Brittany smiled back before placing her brush on the vanity.

She walked over to a door, opened it and looked blankly inside.

"What's wrong?" Alvin asked, although he didn't really care.

Brittany frowned and closed the door, "That's a wardrobe in there"

Alvin sat up a little, turning his head to the door and nodding, "Yeah and? What's your point?"

Brittany looked about the room and came to stand by the edge of the bed, "My point is, we have no access to a bathroom from this room"

Alvin shrugged, "Not following"

Brittany sighed and undid her robe, "Never mind, I suppose we just walk through round to the one near where Steph and the guys are"

Alvin nodded, watching as Brittany let the robe fall to the floor and climb onto the bed, "You don't reckon it's weird the three of them, like sleeping in the same room do you?"

Brittany thought a moment then shrugged, "No, I mean, yes, but they don't seem fazed by it, so I guess, why should we?"

Alvin nodded again, "Yeah I suppose...what'd you reckon Alex would've done if Steph had wanted to kick it off with Bruno?"

Brittany wriggled down the bed a little, "Hmm, he probably would've yelled and thrown a few punches or whatever...then I guess he'd have high tailed it back home" she shrugged, "That's my guess anyway"

Alvin smirked, "Yeah" he paused a moment before adding, "And Steph has seriously never said anything about Jackson's party to you?"

Brittany rolled her eyes and shook her head, "No, Alvin, for the last time, no she hasn't" she flopped on her back, her head bouncing slightly on the pillow, "If I knew, you'd probably have eventually known by now...but truth is, I have no idea" she rolled over and looked up at him, "You can't beat yourself up though, you didn't know"

Alvin smiled awkwardly, "Yeah...I just wish she'd tell me what went on"

Brittany sat up on her elbow, "What would you have done though? The event had passed"

Alvin frowned, "I dunno, something...whatever it took"

Brittany smiled softly at him and edged her way over towards him, resting her head on his chest, "You're so good like that, drop anything in a heartbeat for anyone" she twisted her head and looked up at him, "Not many see that side of you like I do...well maybe they see it, but I know you don't admit that to just anyone"

Alvin smirked, "Got this Rock Boy attitude and persona to live up to babe" and he leant down to kiss her, rubbing up her arm gently, making her shudder in excitement a little.

Next thing he knew, she was straddling over him, kissing passionately and earnestly, "Thought you were tired?" Alvin managed to get out in between kisses.

Brittany reached down and played with the edge of her chemise, teasingly, "I can go to sleep if that's what you want?" as she started to get off him.

But he held fast to her waist, "No, no" he added quickly, "We may as well make the most of the fact you're awake then right?" and leant in, kissing Brittany on her neck, making her moan, which in turn made Alvin more turned on, and helped pulled her chemise off over her head and threw it to the floor.

He slid her down a little, sitting himself more upright and kissed down her neck, holding her on the waist and turning her so she was now on her back; him over the top of her.

He looked at her and smiled before leaning down to kiss her from her lips down to in between her breasts, running his hand down the length of her body and gingerly playing at the edges of her panties.

Brittany giggled and gripped Alvin's head, pressing him into her, and arching her back, as Alvin reached under and unclasped her bra (damn he was getting good at that, he thought to himself) then reached back around and slipped his hand under the lace of her bra to the warm, soft mounds underneath.

He pulled himself up to kiss Brittany on the lips again as she tucked her finger into the waistband of his AK's and swept it along the length of his waistline.

Alvin tried not to laugh and ducked his head, "Seriously, don't do that" he looked up at Brittany's smouldering eyes as she bit her bottom lip smiling.

He shook his head, "Dammit, I want you so bad"

Brittany pulled her bra off and reached down edging her panties off as Alvin climbed off the bed and searched in his bag for the box of Trojans, pulling one out and tearing the packet, ready, and placed it on the bedside table, before nuzzling back into Brittany, who scooped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss, the two of them moaning softly as they found rhythm with one another.

During the night, Steph had been tossing and turning, occasionally kicking out.

Bruno had moved to the far end of the bed, so as to avoid being kicked again, and was heading into a deep sleep again, finally.

Steph was mumbling in her sleep and kicked out again, into Alex's lower back.

He rolled over swiftly and whispered loudly and angrily, "%$# it Steph, stay %$# ing still!"

Steph sat up in a panic, clutching at her chest, panting and turned towards Alex in the dark, "Huh?" she held her head, and calmed her breathing, "Sh*t, sorry Alex, sorry baby" she reached out for him and patted him gently when she found his body.

Alex rolled his eyes (not that Steph could see that in the dark), "Just lay still would ya?" he grumbled and rolled onto his stomach, hugging the pillow underneath him.

Steph nodded, her eyes adjusting to the dark, "Yeah, yeah, sorry again...i might um, just go get a drink or something"

Alex grunted and settled back to sleep.

Steph slowly crawled off the bed, feeling her way to the edge and hopping off, tiptoeing to the door.

They'd left a light on in the lounge and she could see its soft illumination peeking under the bedroom door.

Quietly she opened the door and edged her way out, so as to not wake Bruno and headed into the lounge.

Making her way to the sink she filled a glass with water and took massive gulps of water before setting the glass down in the sink and holding herself up at the bench.

She closed her eyes and ran her fingers through her hair; it was matted with sweat.

She opened her eyes and took a deep breath in, "%$# Steph, keep it together" she told herself and looked at her hand.

The swelling had gone down considerably, but it was still blotched in purple, red and blues, with a few hues of yellow.

She clenched her hand a few times; the pain had certainly almost gone too.

Her stomach made a loud rumbling and she clutched at it, recalling they hadn't actually eaten dinner that night, "Maybe I'm just hungry, that's why I can't sleep" she thought.

She looked in a few cupboards and the bar fridge but didn't find anything of interest.

She thought about calling room service, but didn't want to wake the others.

So she grabbed the door key, and headed out into the hallway, into the elevator and down to the foyer.

Bruno woke at some ridiculous hour with the sudden urge he needed to pee.

He lay there for a while, willing his body to concentrate on going back to sleep; but his bladder wasn't giving in.

Reluctantly and bleary eyed her forced himself up and leaving the soft rhythmic snoring of Alex behind, he headed out towards the bathroom.

Flicking the switch, making him recoil back at the sheer brightness of the bathroom, he walked over and relieved himself then was heading back to bed, only to notice the soft flickering light coming from round the corner.

Curious he poked his head around and saw Steph tucked up on the lounge watching some black and white B-Grade movie on mute.

He stepped closer as she turned, jumping a little, "Sh*t, you scared me" she whispered.

Bruno yawned and scratched his stomach, "Why are you up for?" he stood at the edge of the lounge and noticed the stockpile of food on the coffee table, "And where'd you get that from?"

Steph looked at the food; she had a muffin, a bowl of pasta and two apples, "I asked the night clerk if there was any leftovers in the kitchen, he was real nice getting me this" she smiled.

Bruno sat on the lounge, a space between them and looked at the food, then back at Steph, "You didn't, um..."

Steph rolled her eyes, "No I didn't...%$# you're getting as bad as Alex, I swear"

Bruno nodded, "Ok, ok, sorry...didn't mean to jump to conclusions there...uh, so you mean, you went downstairs...in what you're wearing?" he raised his eyebrow.

Steph looked down at her clothing, or slight lack thereof; she had on her boy-leg panties, the ones with the monkey that said, "Slap it" on her butt, and a yellow singlet with a teddy bear, and no bra underneath.

She shrugged, "Well yeah, I folded my arms" she added and demonstrated how, "No one saw anything"

Bruno smirked, "No you just left it to their imagination...who else is even awake now?"

Steph smiled, "Oh the night clerk, a few security guards, barman clearing up and a handful of wasted patrons in the lobby" and lifted the bowl of pasta closer to her, "I got hungry ok? Can't sleep on an empty stomach"

Bruno nodded, "Yeah you've been thrashing about tonight" he hesitated, "Everything ok?"

Steph wound pasta onto her fork and shovelled it into her mouth, nodding, "Yeah just I guess I've had a bit on my mind today that's all" she added, after swallowing the mouthful.

Bruno reached over and wound pasta round the fork, and shovelled it into his own mouth, nodding at the flavour as Steph continued; "I'll be fine" and pulled the fork from his grasp.

Bruno looked at her, studying her body language; he may not have know Steph that long, but he knew when something wasn't right, "This is still about that party huh?"

Steph closed her eyes and opened them slowly, "Ok, yes it is" she stared at the TV screen, "I thought I buried the hatchet on that night for good...then Alvin come out with his 'Ace' and totally trumps me" she shook her head, "I'm not blaming him, I mean, he doesn't even know what the hell happened"

Bruno hesitated before asking, "So, what did happen then?"

Steph whipped her head to face his, "Don't go there, Bruno", she said frowning.

Bruno sighed, "Well, like I said, I don't know this guy, and besides, it's not like we'll run into him anytime soon right?"

Steph shifted uncomfortably, "Damn you" she sighed and ate another forkful of pasta, handing the bowl over to Bruno, who shovelled another two into his mouth and passed the bowl back.

"Ok, so I had been with Jackson, I dunno, two weeks or something, so not long, and I got invited to his party he was having to celebrate the end of the season" she started, playing with the pasta with her fork, "And it was a big deal, cause like all the team was there and the cheerleaders plus I think the track and field team were there too, gosh knows why, but they were" she shook her head a little, her hair waving over her shoulders.

She ate another mouthful and spoke with her mouth half full, "And it was all going well until further into the night"

Bruno nodded along and picked up the muffin, breaking it in two and pulling a bit off, popping it into his mouth, "So what happened?"

She took a breath in and bit her bottom lip, "Well, ok, so we were down at the boatshed near the lake at the bottom of his property"

Bruno's eyes widened, "This guy must've been loaded" as Steph nodded, "%$# yeah, anyway we were down there, making out and sh*t and he's smoking...getting high"

Bruno raised his eyebrows as Steph continued, "Then I wanted to head back to the house and he wouldn't let me, and pulled me down, the bastard tried to %$# ing rape me"

Bruno felt his fist curling, "What the %$# ?"

Steph nodded, "Oh it gets better" she put the pasta bowl down and started playing with her hair, "I ended up kneeing him and bolting towards the house, but the freakin' jackass tackled he halfway back or whatever and sits on me, and next thing I know I feel cold steel on my throat"

"What?!" Bruno yelled before Steph quickly shushed him, "Shh, geez you wanna wake everyone?" she whispered loudly and stroked his hand, getting him to calm back down.

He took a breath in and shook his head, "Ok, sorry, but I mean, he tried to kill you?"

Steph shrugged and tilted her head side to side, "I guess, I mean he was already high, so it could've been the effects of that or-"

"Steph don't make excuses for the dickhead" Bruno said, holding her hand between his own.

Steph looked down at their hands and up at Bruno.

She closed her eyes and slowly pulled her hand from his, reaching up to play with her hair again, "I smashed him over the head with a rock to get away and ran through the house and called Simon to pick me up. I wasn't thinking straight, otherwise I would've called Alvin, but I had associated him as being inside the house, somewhere I was trying to get away from" she sighed, "I totally suppressed this memory for like, almost a whole year, until today when Alvin brought it up...I guess I've been busy all day my mind hasn't had a chance to recall it all until now, when I'm supposed to be sleeping"

Bruno nodded then shook his head, "Wait, did you report this?"

Steph looked at him and shook her head, "Oh %$# no, I couldn't tell anyone, that would mean having to face him again eventually, and having to tell daddy, and Cameron and everyone" she shook her head and turned facing the TV again, "No, I can't do it"

Bruno edged closer and touched Steph on the shoulder, "I'm really sorry this happened Steph"

Steph looked at him with an awkwardly forced smile, "It's ok, I'll be fine, really...actually feels good that someone else knows" she added, "More so someone who doesn't know Jackson"

Bruno nodded, "But if you saw him, you'd point him out to me right?"

Steph stifled a laugh, "Oh my knight in shining armour" and clasped her hands together

Bruno smirked, "Yeah that's me" then his tone switched to serious again, "But I'm serious Steph, you see him, you tell me. I'll protect you" he thought a moment and added, "We all will"

Steph smiled and leant in to hug him, kissing him on the cheek, "You're such a sweetheart"

They sat, looking at each other, both hearts racing before Bruno sat up quickly, clearing his throat, "Um, so what are you watching anyway?"

Steph looked stunned then looked at the TV screen, "Oh, um, it's a really bad movie" she laughed nervously, "'This Island Earth'...I like to mute it and add my own commentary of what I think they'd be saying" she laughs a little.

Bruno laughs too before standing up and stretching, "Ok, I'm gonna head back to bed" he turned before asking, "You coming?"

Steph looked at the coffee table; between them they'd managed to finish the pasta, eaten just over half the muffin yet the apples remained untouched, "Lemme just clear up here, then I'll be in"

Bruno nodded, "Need a hand?"

Steph looked at him questioningly and stood up, "It's a bowl and a fork Bruno, I think I can manage" she said sarcastically.

He smirked and shook his head, "Right, ok, well, night then"

Steph smiled, "Night" as Bruno crept back into the bedroom.

Steph took the bowl and fork over to the sink and ran the water as quietly as she could and washed up, setting the bowl and fork in the dish rack.

Then she turned the TV off and padded back to bed, crawling in between her 'boys', then feeling safe with them both next to her, she smiled and drifted back off to sleep.