I woke up and looked around. Yet again, the bus was quiet. I yawned and then sighed as I heard Jake and Jinxx moaning. Scratch that last thought. I sat up and smiled at Ashley's sleeping figure next to me. I could hear Sandra chatting with her girlfriend. I clambered out my bunk and went to get a coffee. I looked out the kitchen window and stiffened at the sight of the police. They were knocking on the Blood on the Dance Floor tour bus. Dahvie opened it and I saw a girl behind him. He started arguing with them and I sighed. It was illegal to be in a relationship with the oppsoite sex. They arrested both Dahvie and his girlfriend and put them in different cars. The pain in their eyes was unmistakable. I sighed and traced the tattoo around my ring finger. Ashley and I had had them done when we got together. It just proved we were following the law. I felt arms wrap around me and I turned to see Ashley.
"Hey."
"Who just got arrested?"
"Dahvie and his girlfriend."
He nodded. "Burn."
I sighed and turned into his arms. I liked Ash, but I wasn't in love with him. We were only together to prevent incarceration. He felt the same about me. I leant into his body and listened to his pulse humming. It always kept me calm. He hummed under his breath and then Jake and Jinxx came out from the bunk room, large smiles on their faces. Their love was a proper love. They cared about each other and worried whenever the other was a few minutes late. Ashley and I were never like that. Jake sat down and Jinxx curled up in his lap. I smiled and then Sandra and Ella came from the bunk room. Ella was a model and was rarely on tour with us so it was rare for Sandra to be this happy. She looked nervous about something.
"Sandra, you alright?"
She glanced at Ella who nodded at her.
"Guys, I've been asked to join another band."
"Who?"
"Modern Day Escape. I've said I would."
We all stared at her. "W-What?"
"I'm sorry, guys."
I sighed and held my head in my hands. I didn't need this. Ashley wrapped his arm around me.
"Sandra, when do you go?"
"After this tour."
I nodded. "Right."
Ashley kissed my cheek and I smiled. "So I have time to find a new drummer."
She nodded. "I'm so sorry."
"It's fine, really."
"OK." Ella kissed her and I turned away. Ashley wrapped his arms around me. I smiled and leant into his warm embrace. His soft lips pushed against my lips and he murmured in my ear.
"Come with me baby."
I got up and let him pull me back to the bunk room. He smiled and kissed me gently. "How about we have some fun?"
I stared at him. We hadn't had sex. Our relationship was more just for show.
"Ash, are you serious?"
He nodded. "Andy, we’ve been together for ages and although we made promises I have got feelings for you, but I've never seen you without more than a top on. I want to do this Andy, please."
I licked my dry lips. "OK."
He smiled and I climbed into his bunk before his lips attacked my neck.

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Title Credit - Otep: Smash the Control Machine