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Teardrop In The Fire	By : MysticNight Category: Singers/Bands/Musicians > Incubus Views: 3776 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the members of Incubus. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
*

Still consumed in sleep, Claire wearily swung her legs out of the bed planting her bare feet on the carpeted floor, mentally loosening all of her muscles.

Although Chris allowed her to leave, he made sure that she had been picked up and taken to a nearby hotel.

It was nice and spacious although she could have cared less about the décor.

Now standing and stretching both arms wide, she winced realizing she had stretched a too much contracting the muscles in her abdomen.

She walked over to the large window, opening the shades to exhibit the city below; it was truly a beautiful day out.

Before anymore thoughts could occur, her cell phone began ringing to an interpol song she had now grown tired of. Unsettled at the thought of who could be calling, she nervously checked the digital screen to exhale after seeing her brother’s number.

“Chris, you really didn’t have to…”

“You’re right, but I wanted to. I’m suppose to look after you whether you want to accept it or not”

“How the tables have turned” she chuckled lightly, remembering when her mother use to make her follow him around.

“You're just getting up?” he asked when she yawned.

“Depends on what time it is?”

“It’s almost 2 in the afternoon”

“Really?” she balked, now looking over at the clock on the nightstand.

“Yeah, what time did you go to bed last night?”

She didn’t remember, all she could retain was watching the cartoon network until waking up moments ago.

“Can’t say” she shrugged. “So where are you guys?”

“Las vegas”

“Ooh city of lights, very fun” she tried to sound enthused.

“Yeah, so…what time do you want to be over here for? Our show starts at 10 tonight.”

“Chris, I don’t think..”

“Claire, you’re not coming here for Brandon, you’re coming out to support me."

She frowned realizing how selfish she truly was being, instead of supporting her brother she had her mind fixed in Brandon and other dilemma’s surrounding him.

“I’m sorry. I’ll be ready for 5pm”

“Great,” he seemed unfazed “That way you can meet up with me for dinner”

“That sounds nice, we haven’t talked in like, forever.”

“I know.”

“So what are you guys doing now?”

“Just getting things together, jamming a bit, and just chilling until an interview at 4.”

“Cool”

Claire could hear a voice in the background, one she recognized easily.

She wasn’t sure if it was because of it's naturally whiney tone, or her attempt to always sound ’sexy’ but on the whole, Claire could always tell when Marissa was in the room. Presently she was pleading with who she presumed to be Brandon about getting off his phone.

“I’ll call you from the airphone when I’m getting ready to land, okay?”

Chris knew it was from the sound of Marissa’s voice that Claire felt the need to hang up with him, but left the situation at bay.

“Alright,”

“I love you little brother” she joshed.

“I’m older than you, so you need to come off that little brother crap.” he smirked. “Later”

“Bye” she laughed putting her phone on the charger.

*

“I think you'd better check in already 'cause Marissa just ran over to the front desk ordering room service already” Mike chuckled, taking a duffle bag off his bunk.

“Great” he plainly answered.

Flopping onto the couch after grabbing his bag, Mike sat there in silence studying him.

He watched as Brandon chewed idly on the inside of his lip, looking off to one side although he knew Mike was seated directly across from him. One foot bounced up and down in an orderly pattern; Mike already recalling that it was one of Brandon's inclinations when anxiety set in, but of course he knew what was causing it.

“Got something you wanna get off your mind?” A small smile was held on his face from knowing Brandon so well.

Sighing inwardly, Brandon concluded “You guys hate her” now glancing in Mike's direction.

“Bran, we..well I don’t hate Marissa. I just hate what she’s doing to you as I voiced last night. I don’t like the position she’s put you in.”

“What if you guys are the one’s putting me in a position?”

“And how are we doing that?” Brandon could tell in Mike's tone that he was somewhat frustrated at his accusation.

“Look, it doesn’t make sense to you because you don’t see how much this girl loves me. Marissa honestly adores me, she would do anything for me. That girl’s love has no end-” Mike cut him off.

“-And you?”

Brandon hesitated for a few moments, each time ready to say something but halting at his answer. He knew that whatever he wanted to say wouldn't come out right... so he said, nothing.

“From what I see, you could be right. She does like you a lot. But what I also see is a competition between her and Claire for your affections... a competition that Claire's really not apart of."

Brandon hadn't said it, but when Mike carelessly expressed his thoughts, it bothered him. He resented the fact that she wasn’t there for him…telling him how much she loved him the way Marissa would; then again Brandon could never really see Claire get overtly sentimental, it just wasn’t her nature, and possibly that’s what drew him to her.

“Can I ask you something, and you have to be completely straight with me”

Brandon sighed heavily not wanting to continue to press the issue but answered
“Fine”

“Do you think that, Maybe, just Maybe that if you didn’t feel obligated to Marissa you’re feelings would sway more toward Claire?”

“-Wait a second.” Brandon sat up “I do not feel obligated to Marissa. I like her, she’s a nice girl.” he truthfully said.

“But she’s not Claire” Mike stood up with a righteous smile and left.

“That son of a bitch.” Brandon cursed, heading into the opposite direction to grab his things.

*

Claire sat with both legs cradled against her chest. She was now dressed after taking a shower and had two full hours to kill.

Marissa’s voice still rang in her head. Claire knew she felt a sense of jealously toward Marissa but would never admit it. To her, it felt as though Marissa had taken everything that meant the most to her. She was now hanging out with her friends, when Claire use to be the only girl hanging out with the band. Marissa had also taken the one guy who meant the most to her. Claire felt that even though she was the one to tell Brandon to give her space, they could have easily worked the situation out by now, after all this wasn’t the first argument her and Brandon shared. It was just Marissa clinging to his side that made things harder…and him not stopping her, even worse.

Claire’s heart began beating harshly against her chest at what she was about to do next. Picking up her phone, she punched in an area code, then the digits waiting for it to ring.

Once…

Twice…

“Michael Tambourello” he sounded out of breath.

“Sorry-” Claire immediately panicked at what she was doing, her stomach in sync, presently churning in disgust.

“Claire?” he was just as confused as she sounded bewildered.

“I don’t know what I was thinking…”

“Maybe it's that even though I slip up from time to time, I’m the only man who truly loves you.”

“Not exactly…” she said aloud.

“What’s wrong?”

She swallowed unsure of what exactly to say.

Answering somewhat truthfully she told him “…I don’t know”

Mentally she was kicking herself, of all people to call for a pick-me-up, Michael?

A small chuckle was heard from his side “ It must be something, because last time I checked, you hated me”

“Because you kicked me until I pissed my fucking pants for christ sake! What would you expect me to say? I love you Michael? Harder? Kick me harder?” she snapped.

“You’ve always liked it rough.”

“When you don’t have any choices you take what you get” she bitterly said.

“Look, did you fucking call me to get in my face about yesterday because I have other things I need to take care of.”

“Why?”

“Becau-”

“No. Why do you treat me the way you do?”

She still didn’t understand what it was that she was continuously doing wrong.

He said nothing for a minute, when he finally felt the need to talk after awkwardness set in he sighed “You know I love you, right?”

A hot tear rolled down her cheek “Yes” she whispered.

Ever since childhood Claire wanted to be in love, to get married, have children and everything else that came along with happily ever after. But, as much as Michael told her loved her after he beat her up, Claire had to wonder if this was truly what love consisted of.

Claire remembered as a child, being told by her father after an arguement that people didnt just throw around the word 'Love' and when someone told you they love you, they do. So now she was left to take her father's words as the truth when Michael said that he did.

“Do you love me?”

Her voice cracked as she answered with mixed emotions “Yes.”
He was all she had left.

“Then don’t make me hurt you, Claire. I don’t want to…but I will.”
He heard her choked sob on the line, and felt a wave of guilt wash over him. It was too much for him to handle. “I’m pleading with you to not make me hurt you again.”

He hung up.

Bursting into tears, Claire rolled over on the bed to her side wondering what had become of her.

*

“Hey, Brandon.” Mike started

“What’s up?” he asked not to enthused about their earlier exchange, but still putting it past him.

“When you have some time, come to my room- I want to show you something.”

He turned around with an eyebrow raised “Dude…”

“Oh, shut the fuck up Brandon, you wouldnt be my type anyway” he derided “Anyway,” he glanced at Marissa still placing orders as they finished checking in. “When you’re not busy.”
*

Unpacking a few things while Marissa sprawled onto the king sized bed, Brandon found it a fair time to leave after noticing her flipping through the numerous channels on the satellite television.

“I’ll be back”

“Where you off to?” she asked.

“Mike needs to talk to me about something”

“Okay, so I can expect my ears to burn?”

“What?” Brandon looked blankly at her wondering if he misheard.

“He says my name so much I can almost feel my ears burning. You should let him know that being a blonde doesn't make me deaf."

The same look on his face remained.

“Bye now, sweetie” she smiled.

“Right…” he took the key-card, slipping it into his pocket and closed the door behind himself.

Mike, two doors down hadn’t even locked his own door so Brandon walked in.

“Mike” he made it known that he was there.

“Yeah dude, sit down.” he called from in the closet.

The guitar was on already sitting on the bed, with a few sheets of paper.

Maybe he was feeling inspired, Brandon thought.

Flopping down on the other side, Mike began with saying “I didn’t want to add to the situation or anything-”

“Then don’t” Brandon stopped him, grabbing the papers.

“Read the lyrics.” he told Brandon who already started.

Skimming through them, Brandon asked “What about them?”

“What do you think?”

“Why? Mike, just get to the point.”

“Me and Claire were hanging out one day before you got back, I think it was her first day on the bus. And I was trying to come up with something and pretty much... she did the majority of this song. The situation seems suiting doesn’t it?” he asked with a hint of sarcasm.

This time Brandon went over the lyrics more vigilantly.

…We All Have Something That Digs At Us,
At Least We Dig Each Other
So When Weakness Turns My Ego Up
I Know You'll Count On The Me From Yesterday
If I Turn Into Another
Dig Me Up From Under What Is Covering
The Better Part Of Me…

After he finished he didn’t say anything.

“She didn’t want me to give her any cred, but I couldn’t do that. I honestly think this song could be a hit, I just wanted you to try your vocals with the guitar and go from there”

With his eyes still glued to the paper, he nodded.

Creatively the woman was a genius. Although Brandon thought himself to be very talented in his own right, he barely measured up to her. Little did she know, she inspired his own lyrics in so many ways.

Not sure of what to say to Mike, Brandon could only shake his head at the situation.

*
Staring out from behind a pair of white-rimmed sun glasses, Claire stepped out of the airport finding her brother almost immediately.

“Hey sis” he hugged her tightly.

As he did so, Claire bit down on her bottom lip from screaming at the aching sensation she felt all around her stomach.

“Hey! I thought someone else was going to pick me, that you might too busy”

“Never too busy to come get you, you know that. So, listen.”

“Listening”

“I want you to enjoy yourself today. You came out here to have fun with us, not worry about all that other stuff.”

“I know, and I will.” she grinned “I’m stoked anyway, it’s Vegas baby! And you know what they say…” she baited him with a laugh.

“Oh, you wont be doing anything that will need to stay in Vegas. I’ll have security watching 24/7 just to make sure your ass doesn’t get out of line.” he joked throwing and arm over her shoulder.

“So where are we headed first?”

“The hotel, so you can unpack your things.”

“Then?”

“We’re going to do a quick run through for tonight‘s show, then grab something to eat, by then it’ll be time to hit the stage.”

“Okay,”

“I should warn you C,”

Underneath her dark glasses, Claire rolled her eyes.

“What?”

“Marissa is probably going to be at practise so…”

“I’ll pass” she sincerely sighed.

“You can go shop or something,”

“How about gamble?” she grinned. “I know this Hard Rock has a casino.”

“How about swimming, they have a huge pool”

Ready to agree with his idea, she remembered that in order to swim you would have to wear a bathing suit, and that would result in everyone seeing her bruised gut.

“Nah, that’s okay”

“You sure? I’m sure you’d love it,”

“I need some new bras, so I think I’ll just go shopping” she
suggested.

Shaking his head, uninterested in her undergarments Chris shrugged “Well its nicer in the night time, so maybe then”

“Maybe”

*

Back in Brandon’s hotel room, Marissa was in the same position Brandon left her.

“Hey, I was just about to come check on you”

“Uh huh” Brandon nodded, his mind still in the lyrics that were now glued to his memory.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he sat beside her. “Are you going to the pool?”

“If you’ll come with me”

He gave her a reluctant look “I’m still kind of ‘bus-lagged’ and I don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention.”

“You’re always tired. If I didnt know better I'd think you were expecting” she rolled her eyes.

“Possibly” he answered in jest.

Ignoring his responce, she gave him a furtive glare with positioning herself on his lap.

“How long until you have to go to practise?” she whispered kissing along his jawline.

“Half an hour”

“I can work with that” she mumbled in between kisses that slowly trailed down his neck.

His hands slid from her waist to her thighs and back up again but this time venturing under her skirt.
She giggled into his mouth, now feeling his arousal. She leaned back away from him only for a minute to reach into her bra where she unearthed a condom.
“I’ve missed you” she leaned into him.

*

When it was over, they put their clothes back on and Brandon left the room.

He bumped into Mike in the hallway, with a hand smoothing out his messy hair.

“You didn’t just…”

“I am entitled to fuck her Mike, it’s not like she’s some sort of stray...”

He used the word ‘fuck’ purposely, because he was well aware that what he did moments ago was not love making nor was it just casual sex. It was full on slapping of the ass; cursing out kind of romps until ‘til they both reached their peek.

“I wasn’t going to ask you that. I was gonna to ask if you just saw Ben on your way out. Shit Brandon, you’ve got to give it a rest. I’m not your fucking enemy...any of the shit I say to you is me holding up my end of being a good friend.”

“Sorry” he sighed.

“Let’s go, The van’s out front.”

On the way toward the vehicle, a few young women in the lobby recognized him just as he was getting in the car and began waving frantically. He smiled kindly to let them know they were appreciated then disappeared into the van with tinted windows to make their getaway.

“I thought Marissa was coming” Chris asked.

“No, she was tired.”

“I see”

“Is…”

“Yeah” Chris answered knowing what Brandon wanted to ask, but saving him the hesitation “She’s shopping, she’ll meet us at dinner”

Brandon, nodded scarcely in response.

*

After buying what she intended to among a few other apparels, Claire took a cab back to the hotel.

She tried on the empire-waist cami she bought in a shade of soft yellow, with a pair of black shorts she deemed fit for dining out in a casual setting. Walking into the large bathroom, she placed her curly tresses into a loose pony tail then applied a bit of blush to her face as well as lip-gloss.
Finding a pair of strapped sandals with the heels no higher than an inch, Claire grabbed her oversized handbag and left the room.

Now in the main lobby, she decided to explore her surroundings.

She checked out the casino, vowing to be back later in the night to have a go at the slots and poker. Next was the beach and cabanas, then the hotel club ‘body English’, and finally ‘The joint’ where the band would later be performing.

Overall it took her over 45 minutes.

Wandering out of the venue Claire felt her phone vibrate and sing from within her bag.

“You guys are finished?”
“Just about, but you can head over to Nobu and meet us there. We already have reservations.”

“oOh, Japanese."

“That’s right, now I’ll see you in a bit”

“Later”

When they both hung up, Claire felt someone gently touch her arm.

She turned around quickly, unsure of whether or not her hair had hit the girl in the process.

“Hi” she was instantly greeted by a strawberry blonde who looked no older than 17.

“Hello” she smiled at the teen who already had one plastered on her face.

“I don’t mean to bother you, but I saw you from the spa and it was killing me to ask...”

Claire could sense her nervousness

“Well go ahead and ask me. I don’t bite, promise” she laughed.

“Are you Chris Kilmore’s sister?”

Claire knew that was the question she was itching to ask.

“That I am...Claire” she extended her hand.

“I knew it!” she shook back. “My names, ellie”

Claire smiled in wonderment as to why there tended to be a fascination with her. It’s wasn’t as though she were famous herself, but then again she also realized that some of the information she had access to, was something they couldn't so easily get.

“I’m here for the concert tonight, and I’m sure you are too” she continued to smile.

Claire nodded at her excitement.

“I’m sorry, but can I get a picture with you?” she pulled out the small digital from her pocket.

“Me?? Wouldn't you want one with the guys?” she laughed finding it bizarre.

“Ya, but you’re the next best thing. Please?”

“Sure”

Ellie quickly positioned herself beside Claire, with the side of her face meeting Claire’s.

“Okay, smile!”

They waited for the small flash, before Ellie thanked her. “And I know this is totally not my place, but…dude!! What are you and Brandon waiting for? None of us like that model he’s dating.”

Claire stood there in slight shock at the stranger’s words. She laughed uncomfortably saying goodbye to Ellie.

“Bye!” she beamed back.

Trying to get that part of their encounter out of her thoughts, Claire walked into the restaurant and was soon seated in an area, out of the publics eye.

The room was off to itself, with a booth like sofa around the perimeter. Since she still had yet to see any of the guys, she kicked off her heels, and laid down in the couch to play a game of Tetris on her cell phone.

After passing level 4, Claire somehow managed to doze off with her cell phone in hand.

She remembered it ringing once, but thought she ended the call.

Mike was the first to walk in, followed by José, Brandon, Ben and Chris.

“So typical” Mike laughed, “It’s just like her to fall asleep at dinner.” He didn’t have to see her head that was turned in the opposite direction to know she was asleep.

Jose on the other hand asked “Can I wake her up?”
Before anyone could answer he walked over raising a hand to her bottom.

“You might want to think before you strike” Ben chuckled.

He stopped himself knowing she would probably hurt him for it later.

Between their chatter Brandon heard a sound.
“Guys, shut up!” he hushed them, clearly hearing a ‘small’ voice. “Do you hear that?” he raised a finger, trying to figure out what direction it was coming from.

“What the fuck is that?” Mike asked, now hearing it as well.

“Wait a minute.” José stepped closer to Claire, “I think it's coming from her"
He picked up her cell phone allowing them all to hear the brusque male voice.

“Claire answer this fucking phone right NOW.” he paused “I said, ANSWER ME” he ordered with a snarl.

Jose decided not to put it against his ear knowing it would probably drone from how loud the man was yelling.

Chris however, snatched it from him

“Who the FUCK is this” usually Chris didn’t get temperamental about things but when it came to his family, all bets were off.

Even Brandon had to turn around at the emphasis Chris put on his words.

When no one answered, he took the phone away from his ear, to stare at the now ended call.

By now Claire was wide awake.

“Chrissie, what’s going on?” she stared at him.

“Who just called you, Claire?” he asked seriously.

“I don’t know” she answered wiping the small trace of drool from the corner of her mouth.

He flipped through the phone, finding the last received call.

“It says Michael. Why the hell was Michael yelling at you like that C?”

Everyone now had their eyes on her, making her feel like the incredible shrinking woman, getting smaller and smaller.
Jumping into her senses she calmly answered.

“My boyfriend isn’t the only one with the name Michael you know.”

“So who is this guy?” Mike asked.

God, they could get so protective.

That was one of the main reasons she couldn’t let any of them know a thing in regards to her relationship, if you could call it that.

“Give me my phone” she jumped for it, but Chris moved his hand higher.

“Christopher, give me my phone” she warned.

“What are you hiding from me, Claire?”

“I’m not hiding a damn thing, now give me my phone” she sucker punched him, grabbing it quickly.

He bent foreword, “Bitch”

“Asshole” she quipped back. “I love you” she quickly kissed his cheek as he regained his breath. “Can we eat, please.” she gestured to the rest of guys, taking her seat and hoping they would follow.

*

Everyone noticed Marissa was not there, but cared not to ask.

After the meal was served and they all engaged in proverbial conversation- Claire and Brandon habitually avoiding one another,

Mike commented “You look good, Claire”

“Aww” she laughed "Thank-you Mikey”

“She already knows she looks good, Mike. Now I still want to know who called you yelling at you like that” Chris started, still unsettled about the situation.

She groaned “Chris! There are so many more important things to talk about, like murder, or punching a puppy in the face. I’ll figure out which mike it was later and handle it.” She received a few chuckles from the others while Chris stared at her. “Seriously Chris, if I came out this evening for you to be down on my ass like this, I would have gone to that old turtle-head, Larry King to grill me”

“This isn’t over.”

“Well for now it is.” José intervened.

“I agree,” she took a sip of water “Sexually frustrated much?” she said under her breath.

“What did you say?” his ears perked up, only a seat away.

Mike who was sitting next to her decided to clear up any misinterpretations.

“She said…you’re sexually frustrated” he placed a piece of sushi in his mouth with a quick smile.

“Shut up, C.” he through a chop stick at her hitting José instead.

“Dude, you could put an eye out with that thing!”

“Sorry”

“And don’t tell me to shut up Chris, truth hurts!” she continued to tease him.

“You’re not even with us half the time so how would you know?”

“Guys?” Claire looked around.

“Haven’t seen him bring a chick back to the bus in ages.” José shrugged, still eating.

“Hey, does his turn-tables count?”

“Oh, fuck off Einziger. And you too Joser!”

“Dude you’re getting mad because it’s the truth. Hell, a golden pussy could be infront of you right now, and you'd probably tuck your balls in and run for the hills”

At this point everyone fell apart, including Brandon who chuckled lightly.

Chris jumped from his seat, followed by her to get away from him.

“Come here!” he grabbed her playfully with his fingers at her side tickling her.

“Stop! God, I’m sorry!” she laughed unbearably.

“Sorry’s not gonna cut it this time, you talk too much shit” he continued.

Trying to pull away from his grip, Claire’s top rode up slightly exposing a part of her discoloured stomach.

Chris let go, catching sight of it immediately as she tried to fixed her blouse hoping he didn’t.

“What happened to your stomach?” he asked, watching his sister continuously adjust the bottom of her top.

Barely looking at the other men, she saw each of their eyes on her in company with Chris’ question.

You didn’t go to school for nothing Claire thought before she answered.

“It’s a rash.”

“And you didn’t go to the doctor for it?” Chris asked concerned. “It looks pretty bad, let me see” he approached her to see the rest.

Claire knowing full well that if he saw her entire stomach he would probably collapse, prevented him from doing do.

“Stop” she shooed his hands away.

“I did see a doctor this morning, and I have a cream for it. Happy?”

He looked into her eyes, and she looked away.

“Dude, if she says she saw a doctor, take her word for it. I don’t want to hear about rashes while I’m eating” Ben commented.

“I’ve got to go.” Claire cut in before she could be scrutinized any further.

“What? Where?”

“I just forgot, I have to take care of something. I’ll meet you guys before the show.” She kissed him quickly on the cheek, and waved ’bye’ to the others and left.

“Did I just fucking miss something?” Chris threw his hands in the air.

“What you're going to miss is the rest of your meal if you don't sit down" Mike casually told him, still eating.

“I’m going to go catch a shower and see what Mar’s up to before the show” Brandon said, Exiting the room before anyone could give thier say.

“First there were six, now there’s 4” José said aloud after he was gone, grabbing Brandon'd half eaten dish, and stretching over for Claire’s.

His hand was met with Mike’s fork. “You fucking glutton, I will stab the shit out of your hand if you touch that plate”

Brandon spotted Claire a few feet away, thankful that she was wearing heels instead of flats or she would have been long gone.

Hot on her trail, he called out her name loud enough for her to hear but low enough not to cause any commotion.

She glanced back, watching as he got closer. So Claire being the woman she was, kicked off her heels ready to make a dash into the elevator that was now opening.

"Slow down, will you!" Brandon hissed under his breath, jogging after her.

Finally he caught hold of her hand, leading her to a nearby corner to get some privacy.

She spun around staring at him. Her hazel eyes flashing in a bewitching contrast to her golden-tan skin.

"Stop running." he stared down at her 5'6 frame, reminicing for a moment at how he loved their difference in height.

Just as Claire opened her mouth to say something; the same voice that always seemed to worm itself into her head, called out.

"Brandon! Hey!"

Claire and Brandon both looked over to see Marissa approaching the scene. Not wanting to deal with either of them in union, claire jerked her hand free from Brandon's grip and strutted away.

TBC
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Teardrop In The Fire