Rain || Vinny Mauro

A Chance Encounter

I've always heard people say, "good things come when you least expect it." I always thought that was such bullshit. That was until my brother, Justin, switched bands. He had been with Ice Nine Kills for years, but had recently started filling in for another band, Motionless in White. I hadn't heard much from them until then, but I knew he was happier with them. It was only a matter of time until he made the switch, and when he did, both of our lives changed forever.

"Eden..? Eden!" I was taken out of my nap by my brother looking over at me. Groaning, I rubbed my face, and looked from my iPad, which I was working on before, over to him, "What do you want?" "I wanted you to be the first to know...I've decided to do Motionless full-time" I was shocked at that at first, but, as I said, it was expected. I sat up more and set my iPad to the side, "You're sure about this? You've told Spencer?" He nodded after that, and I smiled offering him my own reassuring nod. "So Motionless...does this mean I get to actually meet them this time?" I joked. My brother had been filling in for them for a while now, but I've yet to meet any of them like I have his current- well- former band.

Justin nodded again with a laugh, "Yeah, I mean, if you want to," "I have to approve of them," I joked earning an instant head shake from Justin, "Sometimes I think you forget I'm older than you." I just rolled my eyes to him and went back to my work, until I heard what he said next. "They're coming over today, so stay if you want, or I can take you to your apartment," I quickly looked at him, "Today? That's so soon," "Well, I want to get it out as soon as possible so they're coming here and then Spencer, and I are getting dinner tonight to talk about everything."

After a moment of my silence, Justin looked over my shoulder using a kid's voice "Whatcha doin?" I couldn't help but laugh and look to him. "I'm working on sketches for my clients this week. Trying to get ahead, but my BROTHER is annoying me," I joked but smiled. I had been a tattoo artist since I was 18, It had been a dream of mine along with my own musical endeavors, but I'm far too nervous to pursue any of that.

Within a few hours, the doorbell rang, and Justin was quick to get up. I stayed on the couch, working on my designs, until I heard him say my name. "This is Eden, my younger sister," I lifted my head to look at the group of men in front of me and just offered a nod, turning back to my work, finishing the last line. "She's a tattoo artist, so she's trying to get ahead for the week," he shrugged, "I promise she talks," I heard one of the men laugh and looked up again being met with the prettiest eyes I think I had ever seen. The pair of hazel eyes caught me off track, and I just set my iPad down and looked to Justin, "I can leave if you wa-" "No it's okay! We're just hanging out, nothing too serious," I nodded and looked back down to my iPad before looking back up when Justin started to speak.

"Eden, this is Chris, Ryan, Ricky and Vinny.." he introduced, each of them nodding as their name was said. I looked between Ricky and Vinny for a moment and then to the others, "Hopefully my brother doesn't annoy you guys like he does me," I joked earning a laugh from all of them as well as a nudge from Justin, "Woooow, and I tried to be nice," he teased. I started thinking of a way to get away for a moment until I came up with an idea, "Justin, I'm going to make you guys some pizza," "Oh, really? Okay! You know where everything is, right?" "If not, I'm sure I'll find it eventually." I shrugged and stood, making my way into the kitchen.

I rummaged through the cabinets looking for everything I would need, until I stopped, leaning over the counter. I took a deep breath, and opened the can of pizza sauce I would need. I was in my own little world then, until I heard an unfamiliar voice. "Justin told me and I already forgot, where's the bathroom?" I turned around, meeting the bright blue eyes of the one I believe was named Ricky. "Oh- I can show you actually," I set my things down and walked towards him. He stepped aside to let me take the lead, and I pointed once we reached it. "Just make sure you leave the door open when you're done, Justin is blind as shit at night, so the light is the only way he finds it," He laughed at that and thanked me before going in.

A few moments pass and I hear him coming back. He stops in the kitchen again, but this time, I recognize his voice. "Do you want any help?" He asked and I thought for a moment before eventually nodding. "You're more than welcome to help me if you'd like," Without another word, Ricky started grabbing things we would need, and I couldn't help but to laugh at the fact he knew where everything was. I looked at his arms, absolutely covered in tattoos, and smiled to myself "You're into tattoos?" I asked trying to make small talk and he nodded "Absolutely love them. Hey, Justin said you're an artist, right? Maybe I can get something done by you" I just laughed at thinking 'he can't be serious' "I mean it! I think it would be fun," I felt my cheeks heat up after that, and quickly looked away.

After a few moments, I heard Justin yell, "rick, did you fall in or something!?" earning laughs from the others. I just smiled and looked at him, giving him a "watch this" look, then started to moan. His cheeks immediately turned red, and I heard running footsteps coming towards the kitchen, only to be met by Justin and I burst into laughter. "I was about to kill you both," He shook his head, and I just stuck my tongue out. "He offered to help me make the pizza. I promise nothing like that," I looked over and Ricky was still flustered, "I- oh, yeah" he nodded, and Justin left the room.

Once the pizza was done, Ricky and I each brought one to the coffee table in the living room where the others were watching a movie. I looked at Chris and offered a smile, "Ricky told me you're vegan, so I made sure we made one for you," Chris immediately smiled and nodded, "Thank you, that means a lot." I sat down between Justin and the hazel eyed boy. I thought his name was Vinny, but I was unsure at this point until Justin spoke to him. "Vin, are you staying here tonight?" "I can, I don't mind" he nodded, and we all continued to watch the movie.

After a while, I started to grow tired. I felt myself lean more to the side, bringing my knees to my chest. I thought I was leaning on Justin, but turns out, my head was against Vinny's shoulder. He didn't object though, but instead grabbed Justin's attention, who let out a small laugh. "Guess she's staying over too" He joked, and I felt an arm snake around me as I started to drift off.

--

I woke up the next morning rubbing my eyes. I saw the rest of the guys passed out on the floor except for Vinny. Maybe he did go home after all. I let out a yawn and hug Justin, before lifting my head. My heart dropped when I realized it wasn't him. Vinny's arm was snaked around me, holding me close to him as he slept with his hair perfectly draped over his face. He looked so peaceful. So beautiful. I was unsure what to do and all I could think of was where Justin was. He must've gone up to his room to sleep.

While in my thoughts, Vinny slowly started to stir awake, pulling me closer to him and slowly opening his eyes. His head turned to look at me, and his eyes widened when he saw me awake, immediately letting me go "Oh! I'm sorry...you fell asleep on me last night," he explained, and I blushed again "I'm sorry. If it makes you feel any better, you're super warm," I laughed, earning a smile from him. "Well," he started and got up, offering his hand to me, "Why don't we make breakfast for the guys?" I nodded and took his hand, standing, and carefully stepping around the three boys sleeping on the floor.

Pancakes, eggs, and bacon later, Vinny and I had finished, and I put everything in Justin's dishwasher. Something about doing this with Vinny felt natural. I felt like I was cooking with someone I had known for years. Once everything was set on the dining room table, I tasked Vinny with waking the others while I woke up Justin. I made my way to his room, laughing when I jumped on his bed "Arise motherfucker!" I yelled and Justin was quick to hide his face with his blanket. "I need to ask you something!" Justin just sat up and nodded, rubbing his eyes. "What can you tell me about Vinny?"

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Hi guys! I hope you enjoy this one! It's more or a slow burn for Eden and Vinny but it's because of something else! I hope you guys like it and shoot me a vote :)