Two Sides of the Same Story

Ugh damn it all to hell.

Has it ever happen to you...the feeling of incontrollable lust for someone? A feeling so strong that all you want to do is jump his bones right then and there? A feeling that you know you shouldn’t have because he’s a man-whore and won’t ever change?

Yeah, clearly it's happening to me. And the damnable man, Zacky Baker.

Don’t know what you’re so torn up about Toots. You don’t need to care about his ‘whore-ish’ ways. You’re in LUST! Just fuck the man already.

There’s that damned voice again! But…she’s kind of making sense…one night might not be so bad, I could get him out of my system—hold up, that’s non-sense and I’m not even going to think about it!

But I’m thinking about it and Honey, I’m you.

Go to Hell.

My lips were pressed together, forming a thin line. Ugh, that stupid voice and that stupid Zacky! The two just make me want to bang my head against the wall repeatedly until I lose consciousness.

“Hey, pass me my t-shirt.”

I looked at Zacky (again) and immediately wished I hadn’t. Okay, so maybe I’m glad I did. Zacky was taking off his dirty shirt, slowly. I couldn’t help but stare at his now exposed chest, his tattoos, and those muscles. Suddenly, the tour bus didn’t seem large enough.

Damn it! You see what I mean? Curse my libido.

“Like what you see?” Zacky asked, a cocky grin forming.

I started to blush (oops, caught in the act) but hid it with a scowl and I turned to get him a clean shirt. As I twisted back to face Zacky, he was really close to me. Like really close. I’m starting to think that he has no idea what the words ‘personal space’ mean. With our bodies in such proximity, I couldn’t help but be aware of my heightening arousal.

God, when was the last time I had sex?

“You know, you could just accept the fact that you want me,” he said teasing. I blinked.

“You’re right.”

Zacky stared at me, dumbfounded. “I am?”

“Well, I mean, I can’t deny the sexual attraction I have towards you. Lust is lust. But, really and truly, it’ll be deadly if I do more than watch.”

“And why not?” he asked. Now I was confused. Did he really care about it? I mean, it’s just me. I sighed.

“Because,” I started, my voice soft, “I can never just have sex with someone and leave. I can’t not be involved. And you…you’re all about non-commitment. Besides, let’s face it, with you I’d just end up in heart-break anyway.”

With that, I walked away; there was nothing else I could say.

Zacky’s POV

...with you I’d just end up in heart-break...

She was right, I know that, but damned if Loree’s words hadn’t stung.

“Whoa Vengeance, what’s up with the serious face?”

My head snapped up and I saw Brian staring at my curiously. I shrugged. “Nothing man.”

Brian sat next to me. The tour bus was parked up, everyone else left to re-stock supplies or just to get out of the bus.

“Listen, we’re guys. We don’t talk about our feelings and hug and shit. We get drunk, have sex and eat. But clearly something’s wrong with you.”

I sighed. “I don’t know. It’s Loree. She’s just so…” my voice trailed off.

“Okay? And what the Hell does that mean?”

“I really like her, okay? I do and it’s not just physical. She’s funny, talented and she could call me on my bullshit. She's so different from every other girl, and I don't even know how to act with her. But, she said I’m all about non-commitment, which is true, but I could change. Fuck, I want to change for her.”

“Shit dude,” Brian breathed out. I nodded. I wanted to say more. But how could I tell my friend that I’ve always been jealous of him and the rest of the guys who’ve found love? How could I tell him that secretly, all I’ve wanted is a woman who’d look at me with love, like I’m the only guy for her; a woman for me to love?

I couldn’t. Like he said, we’re guys; we don’t ‘do’ feelings, pep talks and just spilling our guts.

“What are you going to do then?” Brian asked. I shrugged.

How the hell am I to know?

“I have to prove I can commit that’s for sure…but I have no idea how to do that.”

Loree’s POV

I lay in my bunk staring at the blank ceiling. I need a life. No, no, I need to do something. I’m bored, y’know, I hate when you have a day off of touring all I do is eat! Now, I’m not fat at all, I just love food.

“Loree!” I heard Matt call from the front of the bus.

I slowly made my way up to the front of the bus. “Yes?” I asked. He handed me a letter and I knew whom it was from. I smiled widely, “Thank you Mattie!” He grumbled at the use of his nickname.

When I reached my bunk, I flopped on it and started to open the letter carefully.

Dear Loree,

To start things off, I miss you terribly. I hope your having fun on tour and Matt better be looking after you. Hopefully, I’ll be coming home soon; life is just too dull without you in it. I’m pretty sure Dad hasn’t called you to check on you, he hasn’t been returning any of the letters I’ve sent him. I didn’t think he would anyway. I’m doing fine over here, war is war what more could you expect? I miss and love you Sissy. Take care of yourself, hope to see you soon.

Yours truly,

Robby

I couldn’t help, but smile at the letter I received. In some kind of freaky way, my brother knows how to pop himself in my life (whether it be letter, phone call or a visit) and make me happy. I quickly grabbed some paper and a pen, and then began writing. I broke out of my trance when Matt called my name. “Loree, we’re going out to get some shit to eat? Want anything?” he asked.

“Um, a small Italian sub would be fine, with everything on it,” I replied.

“Okay, Vengeance, what about you?” he asked.

“Large Italian,” Zacky replied. As he walked by my bunk, winking at me. I rolled my eyes but I couldn't help the small smile that formed.

Matt and the others left, leaving Zacky and I on the bus, alone. Just peachy. I slipped my letter into an envelope and licked it shut. I grabbed a sweatshirt and began for the door. “Hey Zacky?” I called.

“Yes dear?” he asked. I choked out a laugh.

“Very funny. I’m going out for a bit so, yeah. Um, if Matt comes back, tell him I’m out,” I said.

“Yup,” he said, popping the ‘p’.

I shook my head and went out the door.

This was taking forever, trying to find a damned post office in a town that you’ve never been in before is torture. Yeah, yeah, I know post offices are closed at five-thirty in the evening, but there has to be a post office box somewhere!

Finally, I found one and jogged up to it. I had this weird feeling of someone was following me or watching me. I shrugged it off. Honestly, I knew who was following me the one and only Zacky Vengeance. I’m not stupid; I peeked into the glass windows.

I stopped at the mailbox and spun around quickly, with a smirk. “Well, hello Mr. Vengeance.” I said. He looked like a deer in headlights.

“Uh, hi.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked really cute, no lie.

"Stalker much?" I asked laughing.

He shrugged and smiled. "Only for you."

I grinned and shook my head, the jackass.

I looked behind me and saw a Starbucks down the street. “Would you like to join me?” I asked him, pointing to Starbucks. He nodded, and I extended my hand. Surprisingly, he took it and we began walking.

Maybe, just maybe, I’m falling in love with Zacky Vengeance.

Or just a really strong like.