Imogen bounced her knee up and down as the bus hit the stop before hers. School had been agonizing, knowing her grandma would be at her house when she got home and then she'd go into town with Andy and there friends. She was too excited and barely got any work done.
Finally, the bus pulled in front of her house. She practically leaped off, shooting a quick thank you to Patsy the driver.

Her grandma, Marie, was on the porch and Imogen ran to her. "Grandma!" She exclaimed and threw her arms around her.

"Oh Imogen! Your so beautiful!" She smiled.

"I missed you so much! How are you?" Imogen asked.

"I'm good. You have a friend inside you know." Marie said.

"A friend?" Imogen's heart pounded.

"A special friend." Marie raised her eyebrows. Imogen giggled and took her arm. They walked inside and all Imogen saw was Andy's smiling face in front of her. She ran into his arms.

"Happy birthday, my love." He whispered and squeezed her tighter. He looked up at Marie who was smiling.

"I thought we were meeting in town." She said against his chest.

"I couldn't wait to see you." She looked up at him, grinning.

"How are we ever going to be apart?" She shook her head.

"I don't know." He chuckled.

"Have you met my grandma?" Imogen exclaimed.

"She let me in, babe." He said.

"I approve!" Marie sang from behind them. Imogen laughed dropping her head on Andy's chest.

"I'm glad."

"Your papa would have too." Marie sighed, sadly. Imogen's heart dropped remembering how much he wanted her to love. She made a mental note to tell Andy about that later when they had time alone.

"I know." Imogen smiled, patting Andy's stomach. He rubbed her arm and kissed her temple.

"Okay, enough of the sadness! I brought you presents and I want to see you open them!" Marie exclaimed. Imogen laughed and shook her head. Andy and her walked into the living room, still holding each other. Her fathers office door was shut and she could hear him typing away and her mother was no where to be found. Andy frowned seeing the same thing. He pulled her on the couch with him and wrapped his arms around her waist. She snuggled into his chest and felt her heart flutter. "Open this one!" Marie said handing her a small package. Imogen sighed and grabbed it. She pulled the string to see it was a beautiful silver bracelet with a pointe shoe charm.

"Awh! Grandma I love it!" She exclaimed. "Put it on me Andy!"

"Gosh okay!" Andy joked. He took it out and clipped it around her tiny wrist.

"It's beautiful!" She smiled at it, her eyes sparkling.

"I'm glad you like it." Marie said. Andy pulled her closer to him, resting his chin on shoulder. Marie handed her another one. "You know, your grandfather picked out about fifty gifts to get you when he died. He said to give one every year until they ran out."

Imogen's eyes glassed over, "He did?"

"Open it." Marie smiled. Imogen unwrapped the package to see a framed picture of her and her papa. Tears trickled down her face and fell onto the frame. Taped to the back was a silver ring. It said in a small font, It's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all.

Imogen broke down. She curled into a ball on Andy's lap, sobbing. She tangled her fingers in her hair and bit her lip. Marie cried at the sight of it, while Andy pulled her close to him. He ran his fingers through her hair and rested his cheek against her head.

"I-I m-miss him s-so much." She stuttered.

"Shh I know. It's okay, your okay. I've got you. I've always got you." He whispered in her ear. He rocked her back and forth. Imogen sniffled and Andy wiped her stray tears away. "Are you all good?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry." She gasped.

"It's okay, your fine." Andy said cupping her cheeks. Marie smiled at the couple, knowing how happy her husband would have been to see Imogen with someone she truly loved.

"Well what time are you two meeting your friends?" Marie asked.

They kept staring into each other's eyes and her question seemed to go unheard. She cleared her throat and Andy slightly glanced at her but kept their gazes locked.

"What?" Imogen mumbled.

Marie laughed, "What time are you meeting your friends?"

"Oh," She looked away from Andy reluctantly, "In a little while Andrew is coming over and Andy was supposed to come pick us up." Imogen made a face at him and he laughed, "But I don't think that were gonna have to wait now."

"Nope." Andy chuckled.

"Well I'll let you two have some time alone." Marie wiggled her eyebrows and left the room. Andy took her hand.

"Come upstairs with me?" He asked. Imogen nodded and they walked upstairs together.

The first thing he did was grab her guitar from it's place under her bed.

"I owe you a song." He said strumming the instrument. Imogen smiled and sat next to him on the window sill. He kissed her lips quickly and started playing a slow a tune.

Those times in life we learn to try, with one intention. Of learning how and when we'll die, but we can't listen.

I wish to God I'd known that I, I didn't stand a chance, of looking back and knowing why, or pain of circumstance.

You're not alone, and we'll brave this storm.

So here's my song I wrote in time, when it was needed. Through pain of heart or loss of mind, your burdens lifted.

You aren't alone just know that I, can't save our hearts tonight.

You're not alone, and we'll brave this storm. Let's face today, you're not alone.

You're not alone, and we'll brave this storm. Let's face today, you're not alone.

You're not alone.

Imogen's eyes filled with tears as he strummed the last chord. He smiled at her.

"You're amazing." She whispered, pulling him into her chest. "That was amazing. I love you so much."

"I love you too. Happy birthday." He said kissing her cheek. "But I have one more thing for you." Andy reached in his pocket and pulled out a long black box.

"Oh Andy, you didn't have too." Imogen shook her head. She knew Andy didn't have much money to spend. He put most of what he had in his mothers bank account.

"Yes I did." He chuckled, "Please open it." Imogen sighed and took the gift from his hand. She flipped the box open and what rested inside took her breath away.

It was a small silver chained necklace. In the middle of two small diamonds was a beautiful key shaped pendant with a small A inscribed in the middle. Imogen's mouth dropped open as she looked at it.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?" She hit his shoulder and then hugged him. He laughed.

"So you don't like it?" He said.

"I love it! Andrew Dennis Biersack your insane, this must have cost you a fortune!" She exclaimed.

"It wasn't cheap but only the best for you." He said taking it out of the box and then clipped it around Imogen's neck. She marveled at it, her eyes sparkling.

"I can't believe you." She bit her lip and looked up at him. He put his hand on her cheek and pressed his lips to hers. They molded perfectly and she felt so happy. He pulled away and put the box and guitar on the ground and then pulled her so she was laying on him.

"So I have to ask." He said.

"What?" She looked up at him.

"What did your ring say?" He asked.

"It's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all." She said looking across her room.

"Is there a reason behind that?" He said.

"Ever since I was a little girl my grandfather wanted me to fall in love. He said it was the greatest thing you could ever achieve and he wanted that for me. He talked about it all the time, it was ridiculous. Just before he died he told me he was going to be watching from Heaven to make sure I was with the right person." She smiled, "I was so worried you were going to pick Brooke."

"That wasn't going to happen and if it ever does I'm insane." He said and she laughed, burying her face in his chest, "Seriously babe, commit me to an institution."

"I will." She chuckled and reached up to touch her necklace. He smiled at the action.

"You really like it?" He asked, breathing in her scent. It was very plain, soap and a hint of strawberry.

"I adore it." She said happily.

"Awesome." He said gathering her closer to him. Imogen heard a knock on her door and Brooke walked in. She was smirking but it fell when she saw how close Andy and Imogen were.

"What?" Imogen said.

"Just wanted to say happy birthday!" Brooke smiled falsely and went to hug her sister. Imogen pulled back and frowned at her.

"You've never done that before." She said. Brooke felt her cheeks redden with anger. She was trying to show Andy she could be a nice person. Judging by the necklace on her sisters neck it wasn't going to happen.

"Of course I have!" She said.

"No you haven't. Any other reason your in here?" Imogen raised an eyebrow.

"Your friends here." Brooke mumbled and crossed her arms.

"Send him up." Imogen frowned and Brooke walked out.

"Wow." Andy huffed, "She's desperate."

"I know." Imogen sighed. Suddenly, Andrew came bursting into the room.

"Immie get your ass over here!" He exclaimed. Andy's eyes widened as Imogen popped up and hugged him, "Happy birthday!" He jumped up and down. Imogen laughed so hard she doubled over making Andy smile. "Now let me meet this Andy!" He said walking over to him.

"Uh hey." Andy chuckled. Andy had no idea Andrew was so..flamboyant.

"I'm Andrew, just Andrew though. Not Andy. I have no personal vendetta against the name, just don't like it on me. I mean I get it on you, with the whole tough guy thing." Andrew was rambling, mostly because the guy was insanely attractive, Imogen really picked a good one. Andrew was a pretty out going guy. He always had a loud personality much to his dance teachers dismay, but Andy was even choking him up.

"Alright." Andy nodded, looking at Imogen and stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Well anyways, I got you a fabulous birthday present and I want to see you open it." Andrew said, taking a package out of his bag and handing it to Imogen. She opened it quickly and her eyes widened as she looked at it. It was a graduation cap he had studded and put skulls on. Imogen looked up at him and swallowed hard. Andy's eyes squinted in confusion. "It's a cap, since we're both graduating early and all!"

"What?" Andy asked, breathlessly. Imogen looked at Andrew nervously.

"Andy I was going to tell you tonight when we had time alone. I-I'm going to get my diploma this year. I have all the requirements and I just want to get out of here." She said, walking over to him and taking his hands. He pulled back.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me this!" He exclaimed.

"Andy, really it's not a big deal. I was going to tell you tonight since it was just finalized yesterday." She said, biting her lip. His eyes softened, "Are you mad?"

"It's impossible for me to be mad at you." He said, pulling her into a hug. Andrew awed behind them making them both laugh. "I'm happy for you." He cooed in her ear. Everything about Andy made Imogen feel safe. The way he hugged her, his head ducked down so his lips grazed her ear. His hands securely wrapped around her waist and pressed her body as close to him as she could get. "I love you."

"I love you too." She said against the fabric of his leather jacket. Andrew cleared his throat behind them.

"I'm assuming you two are spending the weekend together, so can we have some fun now, please?" He asked. Imogen looked up at Andy and smiled.

"Are your friends downtown already?" She said.

"Yeah." Andy said.

"Okay, let me change." Imogen said, reluctantly pulling away from Andy.

"Alright." He smiled kissing her quickly. She walked over to her closet and picked out an outfit and walked in the bathroom. Andy felt uncomfortable around Andrew. He just stared at him, a little oddly.

"So what kind of job do you have, Andy?" He asked.

"I actually just started bar tending. Luckily enough, they gave me this weekend off so I can spend it with Imogen." Andy smiled.

"Bar tending, don't you have to be 21?" Andrew raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah, but I know a dude. You'll meet him tonight." Andy chuckled.

"Wonderful." Andrew joked. Imogen came out of the bathroom wearing leggings, a black blouse, and spiked boots. She had put on eyeliner and mascara and her eyes popped. Andy was pretty sure his were bugging out of his head. She looked perfect.

"...alright?" Andy only caught the last part since he was staring at her.

"W-what?" He asked, exhaling. Andrew laughed falling back on Imogen's bed.

"Oh my god, Immie, he is head over heels for you." He said through his laughter. Andy glared at him.

"I said, do I look alright?" She asked, biting her smile back.

Andy swallowed, "Y-yeah, you look perfect."

"Thanks." Imogen laughed and walked over to him. He took her hands and kissed her cheek.

"Let's go!" Andrew exclaimed. Shoving Imogen into Andy. She stumbled and almost fell but Andy bent down and caught her.

"Woah." He chuckled, "All good?"

"Yeah." She blushed.

"Well now that that is settled, let's go!!" Andrew said. Andy wrapped his arm around Imogen's waist and steered her out of the room. They raced down stairs and out of the front door. Andy's car was parked right outside so they just ran out to it with no idea that Brooke was standing at her window. Watching. Waiting for the perfect time to rip Andy out of Imogen's hands because she knew something. Something that would destroy them.

---

Andy and Imogen sat in the front seats of Daniel's old truck while Andrew hung over their shoulders. Andy felt oddly uncomfortable around him, like he was constantly judging him to make sure he was good enough for Imogen. Andy understood that he was being protective of his best friend but Imogen loved him and he loved her. More than anything so he needed to back off.
Finally, Andy saw the bar he was working at and the meeting place his friends decided on. Andy pulled behind the building and parked there. He got out and quickly ran around to open Imogen's door.

"What a gentleman." She chuckled, and took his hand. Andrew followed the couple inside of the bar. "Stick with me guys, your not technically supposed to be in here." Andy said, referring to their ages.

"Then how are we going in?" Andrew asked.

"I work here." Andy said, opening the front door. The three walked in and Andy took Imogen's hand leading her to the table he saw his friends at.

"Hey Andy!" Jake exclaimed.

"Hey." Andy chuckled. Ashley and another guy with long black hair was seated next to him. "This is my girlfriend Imogen and her best friend Andrew. Guys, this is Ashley and Jake, and?"

"CC." The other guy said.

"Cool, nice to meet you." Andy said, pulling two chairs over to the table.

"Hi guys!" Imogen exclaimed. They all muttered hey's. Andy sat down and so did Andrew leaving Imogen standing, "Wow Andy thanks." She chuckled.

"You know where I want you to sit." He said, raising his eyebrows. Imogen shook her head and sat on his lap. He wrapped his arms her waist and kissed her cheek.

"Happy birthday, Imogen!" Ashley said.

"Thank you." She said, smiling.

"How old are you?" Jake asked.

"Sixteen." She replyed.

"Youngester." CC joked. Imogen stuck her tongue out at him.

"Too young to be in here, but we won't tell." Ashley winked, making Andy tighten his arms. Imogen smirked at him and leaned into his ear.

"Don't get jealous, I'm sitting on your lap." She whispered.

"Believe me, I'm not babe." He kissed behind her ear causing her to shiver.

"So your both dancers right?" Jake asked, taking a sip of his beer. Andy took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and lit it.

"Yep." Andrew said.

"That's pretty cool!" CC said.

"Got any dancer friends?" Ashley asked.

"None legal for you to date." Imogen chuckled.

"Well your dating Andy." He laughed.

"Two years!" Andy and Imogen said at the same time.

"Two years now, Andy's birthday is in a week or two." Jake said, Andy shot him a look.

"Why didn't you tell me this?" Imogen hit his shoulder.

"I just don't like birthdays that much.." He sighed.

"Well I'm gonna make yours so perfect you love them!" She said crossing her arms.

"Really, Im, I'd be fine if we just hang out or something. Your all I need." He said, honestly.

"You don't want to hang out with your friends?" She raised an eyebrow.

"He used too!" Ashley said.

"We'd just go to my house and drink beer!" Jake said.

"I won't be upset if you want to do that, babe!" Imogen said, resting her head on his chest.

"I don't know, we'll see when it comes." Andy said, "It's the day after Christmas so we have a while."

"Okay." She said, snuggling into him. Everyone at the table smiled at the couple and how comfortable they seemed together.

Steven walked up to the table, "Hey Andy, can I get you guys anything?"

"Do you want something?" Andy asked, softly. Imogen shook her head and looked at Andrew.

"Nah." He said.

"Want a beer Andy?" Steven asked.

"Fuck yes, Coors." Andy exhaled a puff of smoke.

"I'll be right back. Need anything you guys?" Steven looked at the other three. Ashley shook his beer.

"I'm good."

"Me too." CC said.

"I need one." Jake said.

"Cool." Steven left.

"I can't believe he's getting you a beer." Ashley said in awe.

"The plus to being a bar tender." Andy chuckled.

"Thanks to me." Jake smirked, taking the last sip of his beer.

"Shut up." Andy said, laughing.

"Love you too man." Jake shook his head. Andy looked down seeing that Imogen and Andrew were in some conversation about dance.

"No because if you lifted me on turning page we wouldn't be able to get to the floor in time for sweetest words remain." Imogen crossed her arms.

"That's why we shouldn't go to the floor then. I think I should lift you on my shoulder and hold there until the end of the phrase." Andrew said. Imogen bit her lip and shrugged.

"That could work." She said. The best friends then noticed the stares coming from everyone at the table, including Andy, "What?"

"What the fuck are you guys even talking about?" Ashley said. Andy shot him a glare, "What?" Ashley said making a face at him.

"Dance." Andrew said leaning closer to Imogen, "Immie and I have a big competition up and we're trying to revamp our duet a little."

"I'm gonna start calling you Immie." Andy grinned.

"No." Imogen groaned

"I only do it cause she hates it." Andrew said, shaking Imogen's shoulders.

"Your an ass." She said sticking her tongue out at him.

"You love me." Andrew smirked.

"Nah, I think she actually loves me." Andy said kissing her cheek.

"I love you both." She said, chuckling.

"No you have to pick!" Andrew said.

"Why would you do this to me!?!?" Imogen exclaimed.

"Pick." Andy said, shaking her shoulders.

"Well sorry Andrew but I haven't really kissed you so..." She smirked.

"YES!" Andy exclaimed, just as Steven came back to the table.

"Here's your beers." He said putting Andy's down and then Jake's. "So Andy, you never introduced me to your friends."

"Oh right, this is my girlfriend Imogen Bradley and her best friend Andrew?" Andy quirked an eyebrow.

"Dawson."

"Nice to meet you two." Steven said. Andrew looked at Imogen and fanned himself. She rolled her eyes.

"You too." Imogen smiled.

"Alright if you guys need anything else it's on me tonight. For your ladies birthday." He winked.

"Thanks dude." Andy smiled. He nodded and walked away.

"Okay, I'm not dropping this!" Andrew exclaimed, "I've been your best friend for seven years and you pick Andy over me?"

"Andrew your my best friend and I love you. But if we're talking about like who I'm in love with than it's going to be Andy." She shrugged.

"Hell yeah it is." Andy laughed. Andrew made a face at him.

"Well then." He said.

"You know I love you." She said leaning and kissing his cheek.

"Yeah yeah." He chuckled.

The group spent the next hour laughing and getting to know each other better. They had all fallen in love with Andy and a Imogen together. There was a certain magic that couldn't replaced.

They're perfect for each other and everyone could see that.

"Alright," Andy said taking the last sip of his beer. He would have ordered another but he kept noticing Imogen's eyes look at it disdainfully. "Let's go do something else."

"Like what?" Ashley inquired, "If you haven't noticed this town sucks."

"Your right..." Andy said, "So let's go into Denver."

"That's like an hour away babe." Imogen chuckled.

"And your car won't fit everyone." Andrew pointed out.

"So we take mine and Jake's, that should be enough room!" Andy said, "Let's make this your best birthday ever."

"What would we do in Denver?" Jake asked.

"Walk around, listen to music in bars, have a good time!" Andy exclaimed.

"It's like eight now anyways. By the time we get there it'll be nine." Imogen said.

"Fine. Call your parents or Holly in your case Im, and tell them we're getting a hotel room in Denver. We're staying for the night and then I'll drive you guys home." Andy said.

"That's sweet and all. And you guys are so cool, but I can't. I have to go home. I'll have my mom pick me up though so you don't have to take me home." Andrew said.

Andy huffed, "Fine. Are you guys in?"

The guys all muttered agreement and Imogen only smiled, "Let's do it." She shot Holly a text, and
immediately got a response to be careful.

"Yay!" Andy shouted. Everyone stood up and stretched. Andy just pulled Imogen to him and kissed her quickly on the lips. She pulled away and went to hug Andrew.

"I love you." She said.

"I love you too, Immie. Please please be careful. This is serious, Denver can be scary." He said.

"I know. I'll be with Andy." She smiled.

"I know, just don't get anything you can't get out of." He said.

"Seriously Andrew, I'm safe with Andy. Don't worry." She said, pulling away.

"Alright. Bye babes, love you." He said, walking outside. Andy pulled Imogen into his side.

"Ready Freddy?" He grinned kissing her cheek.

"Ready ready." She said.

"I want to ride with Imogen and Andy!" CC yelled, running ahead. Ashley pulled him back by his shirt.

"Let the couple have some time alone!" Ashley said.

"Fine." CC pouted. Imogen just smiled at them all, excited to see how this was unfold.

Notes