Cruelty At It's Best

Noise erupted into Brandi’s mind, causing her to leave the confusing dream she had been having. She sighed, realizing that should be normal being on a tour bus with a band of rock stars. Sounds of Guitar Hero were going through the bus, challenges already being claimed out. Brandi gave up on trying to go back to sleep, knowing that they can all get very loud and competitive during Guitar Hero. She yawned, stretching as much as she could in the bunk. She lay there for a moment, processing the night before and began to wonder if she even wanted to get out of her bunk and face Gerard. After becoming frustrated at the thought, she opened her curtain and climbed out of the bunk. Bob, Gerard, and Ray were in the ‘living room’ of the bus. Gerard was making coffee while Ray and Bob were battling on Guitar Hero.
“Morning sunshine. Coffee’s ready.” Gerard flashed a smile at her and went to sit down and watch the video game. Brandi looked around a moment, and then turned back. “Where’s Mikey and Frank?” Gerard looked back at her, smiling. “You know, you’re taking this whole ‘Taking care of us’ thing seriously.” Brandi sighed, turning around and ripping open two bunk curtains, finding Mikey and Frank sleeping in their respected bunks. Gerard had gotten up and walked to her. “But, who’s going to protect you when you need it?” Brandi turned around at the tone of his voice, dark and eluding. Brandi pushed past him and grabbed a cup and poured some coffee. “I’m pretty sure I can take care of myself, Gerard. Thanks for the concern.” Gerard smirked. “Whatever you say, sugar.”
Brandi was irritated by the tone of his voice. She should have known he might have been a bit more of a prick today than usual, but she shrugged it off. She sat down and stared out the window at the venue they were playing tonight. She glanced down at her watch. She needed them all to be ready for sound check in two hours. She figured she could give Mikey and Frank the chance to wake up on their own, but if they weren’t up a half hour before sound check, they were in for a rude awakening. She watched as Gerard strolled in front of her and sat down next to her, watching the video game match.
“How’d you sleep last night?” His dark eyes had turned on her, and she suddenly felt uncomfortable. Something about him and the way he looked at her made her uncomfortable. She shook the thoughts away, smiling. “I slept fine.” Gerard smiled at the bitterness in her tone. “Did I do something to upset you?” Brandi ignored the question, watching the game. Bob had missed a note, which never happened. They sensed something was wrong. Brandi flicked her head back to Gerard. “Want to join me in a cigarette so we can talk?” Bob messed up again, and Gerard smiled. He leaned close to her face, sneering at her. “Sure.” They both stood, walking to the door and exiting.
Brandi turned around, watching Gerard as he shut the door and rummaged in his pockets for his smokes and lighter. Brandi removed hers and lit one, inhaling deeply. Gerard finally found his and pulled one out, searching for a lighter. Brandi tossed hers at him and he nodded, lighting his smoke. He tossed it back to her after taking a long drag. He stared at her, raising an eyebrow. Brandi sighed in frustration.
“Are you really that upset about last night, Gerard?” She took another drag, continuing before he had the chance to speak. “Did you really believe that was going to happen?” Gerard smirked, taking a drag an exhaling slowly.
“You seemed to like it.” He smiled, winking at her. “For a moment at least.”
Brandi shook her head, taking another drag. “You are by far the most unbelievable person I have ever met.” She took another drag.
Gerard stared, and once again Brandi became uncomfortable. Something about him wasn’t right, like he was capable of doing something much worse than just kiss her. Brandi shuddered, pushing the thought away before she had a panic attack. Gerard smiled smugly at her.
“For someone who hates me, you sure can’t take your eyes off me.” He grinned, and Brandi felt her face grow hot. Gerard smiled at the bright blush in her cheeks, knowing he had just won the battle again. Brandi took another drag of her cigarette, then dropped it, stomping it with the toe of her shoe. She glanced at her watch. “Go get ready for sound check.” He smiled, putting his cigarette out. He opened the door, waiting for her to go in first. She gave in, walking through the door. He smiled at her lowly. “As you wish.”
Sound check went smoothly with no problems. The band exited the stage and went back to their tour bus. Gerard smiled, feeling more confident now about talking to Brandi then he did earlier. He knew he had somewhat hurt her, making her feel used. He knew just how to get to her now. And he smiled at his plan, the after show party. Then he would get her true feelings out of her. Even if he had to hurt her.