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Courtney's POV:

I nervously watched as Ashley and Andy basically held an intense staring contest, and the tension was very evident. The only question was who would blink first.

eventually , Andy turned away, standing up, he clapped Ash on the shoulder, shot me one last longing look, and exited the room. Leaving me alone with my brother, who presumably already had lecture lined up.

He sits down beside me on the bed, running his hands mindlessly through his messy hair. He's clearly stressing over whatever it is that he needs to talk to me about, but he's also dreading it at the same time. I just want to get the whole thing over with, so I can maybe watch yet another Batman movie with Andy, maybe for the millionth time.

"Look, Ashy, please, whatever you want, or need to tell me, just get it over with. Please, the suspense is killing me." I plead with my older brother.

A small smile tugs at his lips, "you haven't called me that since you were six."

"I can't believe you remember that," I say, astonished.

"Yeah, I actually remember a lot of our childhood. But that's not what this is about. Court, I miss being the good guy, the one you would turn to for advice, but now I'm on the other end, lecturing you. And it sucks. But I need to do this, I'm sorry."

I nod in understanding, fully aware that he is my legal guardian, and therefore he needs to be a parent. Or at least act like one.

"You running away was incredibly stupid, something even worse than what happened could've happened. And the thing with that guy? I'm furious at him for that, and I'm so glad you're okay, but I'm angry. The argument between us wasn't major, meaning you had no right to run away. Also, what's this about you hurting yourself? I had hoped it wasn't true... But if it is... Damn, Courtney, I'm trying , I'm trying to be responsible and mature, but it's hard. The idea of my baby sister purposely hurtng herself? Fuck, that hurts more than stabbing me would. I love you Court, I can't Abe you hurt." He finishes, his brown eyes watering slightly.

I wrap rap my arms around my brother, pulling him into a hug. I run my hands absentmindedly down his messy hair amd try to calm him. But in reality, I can't, his worst fears have come true. Yesterday I fucking ran away, almost was raped by a nut job, I cut myself, and have depression. I'm a massive mess.

"It's okay Ash. Nothing that happened was your fault, and besides I brought it on myself. Yes, I used to harm myself, but I haven't since you rentered my life. I'm trying to get better, promise."

He shook his head, "no, it's not right at all. you don't deserve that, you're the sweetest person in this whole fucked up world, and if I could give you the world I would. I want you safe and happy, that's all I want."

I sigh, "can we leave that conversation for another day? Please? I just want to watch a Batman movie with Andy," I whine, giving my brother my best attempt at puppy-dog eyes.

He rolls his eyes and nods, a smirk creeping up on his handsome face, "aww, does someone have a crush on Andy?" He asks in a whiney, mock baby voice.

"Shut up!" I blush, shoving him and hiding my face.

with that I stand and skip off to see Andy on his phone sitting on the couche. He's so focussed that he doesn't even notice me. I cover his eyes and giggle, "guess who?"

Andy chuckles and covers my hands currently covering his eyes with his own, "hmmm, is it, Courtney?"

I mi say nothing and he tugs on my hands, pulling me over the couch and onto his lap. I giggle and burry my head in his chest as he wraps his arms around me, his chest vibrating as he laughs.

Notes