Chapter 34
Howie pulled back, breathless and a little light-headed from the power of their kiss. AJ slowly opened his eyes as he became aware of the sound as well.
"What the..."
Howie pulled away and went back into the living area of the bus, digging around in his bag. AJ moved to stand in the doorway, and leaned against the wall as he watched Howie pull out his cell phone and check the caller ID. Seeing who it was Howie groaned.
"I swear. Brian..."
AJ groaned as well. That man had some seriously bad timing.
A wicked smile crossed Howie's face as he answered the call. Gesturing to AJ to keep silent, he spoke.
"Yes." He said. Putting as much aggravation into his voice as he could. AJ had to smother a giggle as he figured out what Howie was planning.
[Uh. Howie?] Brian asked slightly taken aback by his friends hostile tone of voice.
"Yes Brian. What is it?" He asked.
[Uh. Just calling to see if you were all right.] Brian stuttered.
"I'm just peachy. How are you?" Howie replied, sounding increasingly annoyed. By now AJ had moved over to where Howie stood and had wrapped his arms around Howie's waist, dropping kisses on Howie's neck as he nuzzled close enough to hear both sides of the conversation.
[I'm Uh. Okay I guess. We were kinda worried 'bout you.]
"I'm fine. Just trying to sleep, till some idiot decided to call me."
Brian was stunned into silence. Howie never spoke like that. Meanwhile Howie was finding it increasingly difficult to make himself sound convincing with AJ's lips on his neck. So he decided to take pity on Brian and end the conversation. He sighed loudly before continuing.
"Look Rok. I told y'all at the arena that I want to get some sleep and that's what I intend to do. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wait. Howie..." Brian's imploring words were cut off as Howie hit the end button on his phone before turning it off.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------On Kevin's bus Brian stared at his cell phone in shock. He couldn't believe the way that Howie was acting. 'Man.' He thought. 'Howie must be really pissed off at me.'
"Cuz?" Kevin asked softly, worried by Brian's expression.
Brian came out of his daze and looked at Kevin and Nick, who we unsure what was going on.
"I don't think it worked." He stated.
"Fuck." Kevin swore softly.
"Oh God. I really screwed up this time didn't I. Next time I start to interfere in someone else's love life y'all have my permission to shoot me."
Nick hid his smile. "Rok. Calm down. There's still plenty of time. Though that call may not have helped."
"I know, I know. I shouldn't have called. Both of you told me. But I was sure they would've worked it out by now."
"You can't rush these things Bri. Give AJ time to work the ol' Bone magic on Howie." Nick reassured him.
"Yeah. He's loved AJ for too long to just stop. Have a little faith in them. I'm sure they'll work things out." Kevin added.
"I guess. But I still think that I've got a lot of apologising to do."
"Oh. I wouldn't worry 'bout that. I'm sure they'll make you grovel soon enough." Nick told Brian, not reassuring him at all.