"But I don’t know where to start

When the pain tears me apart

And I can’t keep touch

When it gets too much"

Shane was starting to feel panicked. He had lost track of the mindless chatter of his band mates. They were only about halfway through the show; he couldn’t lose it now.

Kian looked at Shane. Beads of sweat were forming on his forehead. He was obviously distressed. "Shane, are you all right? Shane?"

Shane nodded slowly.

"Shane, I meant honestly. You don’t look-"

"I’m all right Kian." Kian flinched at Shane’s harsh tone.

Kian was scared. He had seen a lot of sides to Shane but never had his eyes looked so wild. "Shane…?"

Shane stood up abruptly. "Shut up!" The table fell over as Shane knocked it and nearly landed on Nicky.

"Shane, are you out of your mind?!" Bryan gave Nicky a hug and looked at Shane, bewildered. "You could have hurt him!"

Kian stepped in. "Bryan, not now. Just… I don’t think he’s feeling well…"

They looked at Shane. He had backed into the balcony railing and was sat on the floor, clutching his head.

"What’s wrong with him?" Bryan whispered.

"I don’t know." Kian replied. He wished he did.

Mark went over to Shane. "Shane, can you hear me?"

Shane looked up and snarled. At least it sounded uncannily like a snarl to Kian. He had never before heard a human being make a sound like that; it sounded like something out of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Mark flinched away. "Erm… right."

Kian was getting worried. All activity in the venue had stopped and everyone’s attention seemed to be directed at them.

Kian slowly sat down. "Kian, what are you doing? Mind… you don’t know what he can do. Kian?"

Kian motioned for them to back off as he started to crawl over to Shane. He didn’t know where it came from but somehow he thought maybe if he was at Shane’s level he’d get through.

"Shane?" He tried softly. "Shane, can I sit here beside you?" There was no response from Shane’s part so Kian sat down carefully.

The other lads were holding their breaths. Shane didn’t seem to be responding at all to Kian, but they were scared what he could do. He looked like a scared animal that could bite at any second.

"Do you want a hug?" Kian whispered. "Shane?" Shane shrugged. At least it was a response so Kian carefully put his arms around him and pulled him into his chest. He rubbed his back. "It’s going to be all right Shane, you’ll see."

Shane’s face was buried in Kian’s chest and he started to feel safer now he couldn’t see people. Maybe they were all leaving? Maybe he was alone with Kian?

Anto appeared. "Paramedics will be with us in a sec Ki. He’s going to have to get a check-up this time, he can’t go on like this."

Kian nodded. He knew Anto was right. He just hoped they would be able to help.

Chapter 5 >>