Numb

Andy's POV:

Courtney fell asleep with her head on my chest. I gently brushed a strand of black hair away from her slumbering face and she stirred slightly, only to settle back against my shoulder.

The faint beeping in the background reminds me yet again of the reason we are all here, the reason Courtney is here in the first place. The very thought of her hurting herself on purpose is painful enough, probably more painful than self inflicting harm upon myself.

Fans all across the globe, not just Black Veil Brides, but practically every fan base is full of teens who are suffering. What's worse is when you get to meet them, and then you see the scars or marks on their arms. They seem so happy, and excited, and alive, when really, inside they're hurting, maybe even dying. I thought that was bad, but it turns out it can get worse. Much worse.

The girl I love is stranded in a hospital, because she hates herself so much, she is willing to actually physically harm herself. While she was speaking to us earlier, I just wanted to wrap her in my arms and hold her. That's what I did, but she isn't really mine. We aren't dating, hell, with Ashley we may never. But I'll do anything I can to protect her, even if I'm protecting her from herself.

Ashley walks in moments later, accompanied by two nurses and Jinxx, whose precariously holding two trays full on coffee. I have to move so that the nurse can check Court's vitals, even though I really don't want to. I grab a cup from Jinxx and take a sip, spitting the foul liquid out when it touches my lips.

"What the fuck Jinxx?!? This shit is fucking hot as hell and tastes like shit," I shout making Ashley and Jinxx crack up.

"Dude, it's hospital coffee, what do you expect?" Ash asks smugly, blowing on the steaming liquid.

I scowl and flip them off, turning my attention back to Courtney and the nurses give us weird looks. Jake and CC suddenly appear carrying two bags of Starbucks and a coffee tray.

Jinxx drops the hot coffee and pounces on the Starbucks tray, eagerly taking a sip and sighing in relief. One of the nurses, whose name is Tiffany, scowls at us and the puddle of coffee on the ground. She storms off, probably looking to clean up the mess, and Courtney wakes up, her green eyes wide in surprise.


Ashley's POV:

The nurse quickly checks Courtney's vitals, and then proceeded to explain to her the consequences of self-harm, repeatedly. She then persistently pesters her about her life at home, her school time, friends, relationships, everything. Presumably searching for an answer as to why Courtney hurt herself in the first place.

Eventually, she leaves and Courtney snatches up the coffee cake CC bought for her and eagerly drinks the hot chocolate as well. I smile at her childishness, and she sticks her tongue out at me.

Throughout the evening, I watch as Andy keeps a protective watch on her. He sits beside her on her hospital bed, and she leans into his touch. They are so comfortable with each other, yet he is protective of her in a manner that is more than brotherly.

I frown at the two of them, joking and laughing with the rest of the band. I need to talk to my sister regarding everything, mostly her relationship with Andy, which actually concerns me the most right now. He will hurt her, and when he does, she will go off the deep end. I can't have that happen. A bit of playful banter and flirting is okay, tolerable even, but they simply can't date. They just can't. She's only in high school, and he's an adult, my best friend and my sister cannot have feelings for each other, at all.

"Guys can I talk to Courtney and Andy, alone?" I ask, catching everyone off guard.

Courtney frowns and Andy wears a similar expression. The guys nod but shoot Court a curious glance before leaving.

"Mind telling us what this is about?" Andy asks, standing up and crossing his arms across his chest.

"Yeah, Ash, is everything okay?" Courtney inquires, a worried look masking her beautiful face.

she truly is beautiful. Any guy would want her, and I can't afford for that to happen.

"I just feel like we should discuss the elephant in the room," I explain hoping they'll catch on.

"what? Me cutting myself?"

Andy and I flinch at her choice of words, and she utters an apology.

"No, Court. You and fucking Andy," I spit out, unable to compose my annoyance on the subject.

"What?" She ponders aloud, shock lacing her features.

Andy has yet to say anything and simply leans against the window pane, a blank look on his face.

"Everyone can see the 'connection' between you two. It's pretty obvious, sis. And a little annoying. So just tell me what the fuck is going on between you two, it's killing me," I drawl out.

"Ash, nothing is happening between Andy and I, we're friends, that's all." Courtney hastily explains.

"well it sure as hell doesn't seem like it!" I shout.

Courtney whimpers and leans into the cushions. Andy frowns at me and eyes Courtney protectively.

"Ash, we aren't dating. I can assure you, we aren't," Andy finally cuts in.

"that's bullshit! Besides, I'm not talking about that. You two obviously have feelings for each other."

"so what? Nothing is going on, please believe me Ashley!" Courtney is crying now and Andy grasps her hand in his.

"See?! This is what I mean. You two are either incredibly blind, or simply fighting your emotions. Either date, or stop giving me a stroke every time you're alone together!"

Andy glances at Courtney uncertainly, and I realize that maybe Andy will be good for her, and maybe I need to be a better brother to my sister.

Notes

double update! Woo!!!
interesting chapter written entirely in male POV's
so apparently Ash has conflicting emotions regarding Andy and Courtney's relationship. Well, what can a brother do?

Perhaps our favourite couple will be dating eventually? Sooner than later? Who knows