This chapter isn't even 1,000 words- it's supposed to be short. It's basically a filler- the next chapter is a monster. It encompasses all four stories, and it's filled to the brim with angst and painful shit. I should have it up later tonight. Additionally- this story is AU, and R5's ages are all different. Ratliff is 16, Riker and Rydel are twins- 18, and Rocky is the oldest, he's almost 20. I need the ages to be such- for the story to flow properly, so that's why I had to change them. I know that Riker is the oldest, but for the sake of this story, he isn't. Anyway- this chapter isn't really triggering- so, enjoy.

"What the hell was that about?" Trish grumbles. "Who the fuck does he think he is?! He's the one at fault!"

I sigh, finally compiling my thoughts together. "Trish, we have been horrible to him. I mean, sure, he flipped out, but maybe he had a reason for it?"

Trish shakes her head. "He's jealous, Ally. You're beautiful- you are dating one of the most popular guys in school. Dallas loves you- it's obvious in the way he looks at you. Austin may be a huge popstar, but the fame will get to his head eventually, and he'll become the next Justin Bieber."

I sigh. "I just feel a bit…mean…he looks heartbroken…"

"He deserves it," Trish says. "He'll come crawling back to us in no time, you'll see."

"God…the poor kid looks awful…" Rocky mutters, staring at Austin's thin, pale form. He's still sleeping- it's been about two hours since his panic attack. He hasn't shown signs of waking up and that's a good thing- he deserves his sleep.

"I feel so bad for him y'know?" I reply, training my eyes on the floor. "He's been through a lot- he's so wary and I think he has trust issues, because of how much he's been hurt."

"So damn glad you brought him here," Rydel says. "I don't even wanna fathom how it would've gone- if he'd had a panic attack by himself, with no one to help calm him down. He needs someone right now, and his friends are being blind dickheads."

"He's completely innocent, and he has to deal with being punched in the face, not to mention the horrid words the kids must say to him. He's right- the life of a popstar is shit."

"You think- when he wakes up- we should tell him about us?" Ratliff's voice is a deadly whisper, and I see Rocky nod silently, dropping his own head. "I doubt he'll judge us, considering the shit he's been through."

"You guys can watch out for him at home, and I'll make sure he's okay in school," Ratliff offers. He's the only one out of all of us that's still in school- this is his junior year, he's almost seventeen.

"Alright, good," I say. "See when you can meet him, and make sure there aren't any new bruises. People are fucking cruel- I wouldn't be surprised if they want to beat him up- haters are fucking horrid."

Ratliff nods solemnly. "And I'll watch for the assholes he used to call friends- because god fucking dammit, I wanna slap them fucking senseless."

"But you won't," Rocky says sternly. "You are not slapping anyone. The last thing you need, is another detention."

"He's right, you idiot," Rydel whispers. "You've gotten more detentions than the three of us combined." She grins at him, and leans over to kiss his cheek. "Love ya, but you gotta stop getting yourself into trouble."

"Riker?" Ratliff whines, pouting at me.

I chuckle and shake my head. "Sorry bro, but I'm with them."

"Well fuck you all too."

When I wake, sunlight is filtering into the room, creating light spots on the carpet. My eyes widen, as I glance at my phone for the time. 9:23.

Fuck. I'm so late.

I'm still at Riker's house- exactly where I fell asleep. Panic sets in, as I grab my guitar case and race upstairs. What I'm greeted with- I don't expect.

Breakfast is on the table, and Rydel is standing at the stove, flipping pancakes. Rocky's already tucking in- although they both look over at me when I emerge. "Hey Austin," Rydel says brightly. "Sleep well?"

"I'm late for school..." I mutter. "I gotta go."

"Hold it right there," Rocky says, lifting a hand. "We called you and Ratliff out sick, and we called your parents- they think you have a 104 fever. They said you could stay until it breaks, or in other words- whenever you want to leave."

Relief washes over me like a tidal wave, and I sigh in content. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Rydel shakes her head. "You're in no state so go today. Sit, eat, and laugh at my futile efforts to get the doormats up." She motions to a closed bedroom door- where I assume Riker and Ratliff are asleep.

"They seriously would sleep all day, if I let them," Rydel sighs heavily, walking over and rapping on the door. A muffled groan emits from behind the wood, and Rydel grumbles, opening the door and closing it behind her.

"I dunno if you wanna be here for this," Rocky teases. "They're nightmares in the morning- Ratliff especially."

"Ugh…it's fucking early…" Ratliff groans, stumbling out of his and Riker's shared bedroom. "Why the fuck am I awake now, if we're ditching school?"

"Because we're having story time today, 'member?" Riker grumbles, slumping into his seat at the table. My first instinct is to ask what he means by that, but there are pancakes in front of me, and pancakes are always the number one priority of any person…ever.

Guess questions can wait.

"So, Austin," I mutter. "We're going to tell you our stories. The reasons we're all fucked up- because I assume your one lingering question is- where the fuck are our parents, am I correct?"

Austin nods slowly, his eyes wary, and his demeanor quiet and serious. I sigh, and wrap my arm around Riker's shoulders, pulling him in closer- his story is most recent, so it'll probably be the hardest to tell.

"I guess…I'll go first, to get it out of the way," Rydel sighs.

Thoughts? The next chapter will be up today, so you won't have long to wait. I'd love some reviews- they'll get you the update faster. Thanks!

-Neha