Joco {the second}

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco, had put in a few ingredients, adding flavor to the sauce, as well as fresh, crushed garlic, she was stirring it by the time Joey spoke. Her back had been turned to him, she stiffened slightly, he had caught her by complete surprise. Leave him for some biker guy? That was utterly ridiculous, with red cheeks she turned, leaving the wooden spoon in the sauce pan. "Joey," She said in a voice that said she was exasperated, "Why in the world would you ever even think of something like that?" She shook her head and walked up to him, nice and slowly. Once she reached him she took his nervous hands in hers, rubbing her much smaller hands against his, trying to ,rub the worry away some. "I'm not leaving you for anyone," She stressed the word, "I'm going to be right here waiting, with open arms, when you come back to me." Her eyes looked at him with earnest, she leaned in and let her lips brush against his, in a sweet, loving kiss. Trying to convey the sweet, caring feelings she had for him in her heart, feelings that she had for no one but him. All of a sudden her senses were filled with Joey, his smell, his touch, the way her body was a mere centimeter away from his. She took that extra tiny step forward to put herself against him, kissing him a bit more sensually, full of passion, then she took a quick step back, embarrassed by her brash actions. She released his hands and turned to go back to the stove.

[Mallory]

Joey shook his head when she started to speak, knowing that he shouldn't have said anything at all. He knew better. He should have know that you don't ask those sorts of questions, especially to your wife. They loved one another, there wasn't a doubt about it, so why did he have a gnawing feeling in his stomach that something was going to go wrong? Coco took his hands, rubbing them in an attempt to make him feel better, to make him stop worrying. "I know," he muttered, looking into her eyes for a sense of comfort, "I just -" his sentence was cut off by lips pressed against his. It wasn't forceful, but instead filled with love. Within a matter of moments Coco was pressed against him, their kiss intensifying, and he knew that this was what he would miss the most. Not the kissing, not the touching, but knowing that she was there with him, that she was close.... He swallowed hard when she stepped away, his mouth opening to speak but no words came out. She had turned around, attending to the food which she had previously abandoned. The words I love you were on the tip of his tongue, but he quickly shook his head, outstretching his arm to reach for a few slices of the garlic bread, his fingers working to set them out across the sheet before him. Joey inhaled deeply, taking in his surroundings. Four months, huh? He was having doubts about his own strength, his own willpower, but he knew that if Coco wasn't stressing out about any of this, then it couldn't be that bad. "I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you." his eyes were still down, looking at the food in front of him, and he honestly didn't know if he meant to say that thought aloud. Either way, it wouldn't make her hate him, so why try to say anything else?

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco felt her heart ache as she thought of the time apart that was coming the next morning, she couldn't show that to Joey though. Tears pricked at her eyes, she bit the inside of her cheek until she tasted the coppery, metallic liquid, signifying she'd bit hard enough to bleed. The tears receded and she was able to concentrate on the task at hand. Joey's words were soft, but heart felt, Coco put the sauce on low, then turned towards him. "I don't know what I'd do without you either," Coco walked up behind him and put her chest to his back as she wrapped her arms around his waist and settled her cheek against his neck. "Joey... I know this is going to be tough over the next four months, but we can do this. Look at all that we've overcome already, and we've made it this far. I know we can do this too, I love you, you love me, that's all that matters." She squeezed her arms around him gently, not wanting to let go of him just yet, soon enough she wouldn't be able to reach out and touch him. The closest she'd get to him was Skype, and that was not the same. After a few more breaths Coco kissed the back of Joey's neck and left him to finishing the bread, it would only take minutes to bake in the oven. She went over to the stove and got the noodles, she dumped them into a colander, draining the water, before putting them back in their pot and turning the heat off. Everything was done but the bread, so she decided to get plates, forks, cups, and napkins while Joey finished up the last part to their meal.

[Mallory]

His hands gripped the edge of the counter, trying to keep his mind off of leaving this place. Coco's arms slid around his waist, her head nestled against his neck. The words she spoke were soft and simple, and he knew that they were true. All that they had been through, every petty fight and argument, all of the decisions and kisses; they lead up to this moment. Why wouldn't they be able to make it through this? What was the exact reason he doubted the two of them? Their relationship was strong, despite what anyone else said about them, and he knew that. Joey nodded, his head tilting sideways to lean against hers. The last time, he said to himself, desperately trying to wipe away the bad thoughts. When she stepped away from him, he took a few seconds to regain himself. These next months would be hard, they both knew that, but the aftermath would be anything but a struggle. His own career was just now starting to take off, and by the time he made his way back to Seattle, the bond between him and Coco would be just as strong as ever. He took the baking pan in his hands, turning around to walk to the oven, opening the door to slide it in. It wouldn't take long for everything to finish up cooking, but his stomach gargled in protest. "I only have one rule for you while I'm gone," his tone was much more light-hearted, something playful to spark up the previously dreary mood. "You can't lock yourself up in this place." Joey looked over to Coco, a thin smile pressed against his lips, "You have to get out there and have fun, not just wait for me to get back."

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco glanced over to see Joey putting the bread in the oven, he was so graceful in his movements, while she felt that she was so awkward in hers. Coco had always felt that they were opposites, but that made them balanced, or so it seemed. That was her opinion anyway, Coco finished laying out the cloth napkins, they were bare thin, but they were theirs. Coco's head whipped up, and towards Joey, his words hit her kind of hard. He knew her a bit too well, Coco probably would've kept herself locked up in the flat if he hadn't just said that, only going out to go to the market or other essential items besides food. "Joey I-" Coco wrung her hands as she tried to think of what to say, she knew that he just wanted the best for her. But it was hard enough for her to go out in the social scene with Joey, let alone without him. "I'll do my best," She finally said after much deliberation, she didn't want to lie to her husband, but she did know it was going to be difficult. Maybe she could make a goal chart or something to get out of the house and do something besides shopping for groceries once a week. Yeah that would keep her on track, "Rule for you, no worrying excessively over me while your gone." A smile came onto her face that hadn't been there before, making her entire demeanor seem much lighter and relaxed than moments before.

[Mallory]

Joey knew that his wife wasn't a social butterfly, and he knew that she sometimes felt uncomfortable in new situations or whenever she didn't know many people in the room. He knew that it meant something when she said that she would try her best to get out of the house, so he wouldn't be pushing it all that much. When she spoke to him, though, he tipped his head sideways. He couldn't worry over her while he was gone? That might be a little bit harder than the rule he placed onto her. He knit his eyebrows together, giving his shoulders a small shrug, "Well, we'll have to see about that." a grin spread across his lips and he stepped forward. Joey let a laugh bubble up from his chest, his hands taking hers once he was close enough. "How about we compromise and say that I don't worry about our nonexistent pets?" he tried to act serious, but simple couldn't. Leaving tomorrow morning would cause heartache, even if neither of them actually showed it. Why couldn't they pretend that everything was normal, though? Why did right now have to be dreary and upsetting? It didn't, at least that's what he believed. They could still have fun - they didn't have to act like tomorrow was the end of the world.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco wondered what had brough on the laugh that came booming out of Joey, she grinned, his smile was infectious, then he said something ridiculous about not worrying about pets. "Okay you promise not to worry over those imaginary pets and I'll promise not to party too hard with my imaginary party friends," She walked towards him, everything was on the table but the bread so it wasn't like she had anything to do right then anyway. Coco wrapped her arms around Joey's neck and peered at him as she smiled, "Joey, I think we should just forget about tomorrow for the rest of the night and have a relaxed evening. No more leaving talk, deal?" She even batted her eyelashes, making sure to use some charm with her request, she wanted to not think about the long, lonely months ahead, or about all of the girls that would be screaming her husbands name at the tops of their voices. None of this was something that she looked forward to or wanted to think about, they could just do a regular night and deal with it all in the morning.

[Mallory]

"Deal," He said, nodding in agreement to what Coco had put on the table. Don't worry over their pets, he could totally do that. Her on the other hand... would she be able to lay low on the partying? Joey bit his lower lip, knowing that his thoughts were trying to run away from the future. Maybe that was what was best for him right now, though. Maybe trying to run from reality was what they both needed to do. Coco's arms went around his neck, her voice smooth as it broke through the air. A relaxed evening? That was possible. He wouldn't have to leave until six the following morning, so why not lay low? No leaving talk would be a little harder, seeing how that was the majority of what was on his mind. "I'll try my best." he promised, quickly kissing her on the cheek before stepping back to turn toward the oven. The bread should have be done by then, so he slipped on an oven mitt and opened the door, dragging out the sheet that held the last portion of their meal. "Bon appétit," Joey exclaimed, throwing a small smile to the girl next to him.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco was thrilled to her toes to hear him say he'd at least try to have a relaxed evening with her. That was all she was asking really, just to at least try. They needed to not make this a terrible, horrendous, or tearful evening, full of tears and sadness. This really was a good thing, Joey's career was taking off, all that they had hoped for over the years, so they should be ecstatic really. Coco smiled even when he broke away to get the bread from the oven, which ended up being a golden brown, perfection. "MMmm smells delightful," She replied and sat down, she took tongs and started divvying out pasta to both their plates while Joey cut the bread. "I was thinking after this we could settle in and watch a movie in bed? Idk just something to help us wind down and relax," She started ladling red sauce on each of their plates as well, taking her time. Last supper, came to mind. But she'd decided not to think about that, so she pushed the morbid thoughts to the back of her mind, not wanting to go against her own suggestion. (Wanna skip to the next morning?)

[Mallory]

(yep yep)

A loud, piercing sound cut through the morning air of their silent bedroom. Joey pealed his eyes open, trying to gain his thoughts and knowledge about what was happening. Alarm clock. With a slight moan, he rolled over, the sheets wrapped around his waist becoming tangled as he stretched to stop the screaming machine. His hand silenced the sound, and his eyes quickly read the bright red numbers. 5:50. He slumped over, not wanting to face the day or anything that would occur in the future. Departure wouldn't be the worst part, it never was. The time on the road, the distance away from him and his spouse would crush his soul. In the past he had done small tours, something thirty minutes, maybe an hour away from home, but nothing like this. Over the next four months he would be going from California to Louisiana, from Florida to New York. It scared him to death, and worried him even more of how his wife would hold up. Coco meant the world to him, and Skype calls wouldn't be enough for either of them. Joey turned his head to look at the girl beside him, not wanting to wake her but knowing that she would murder him if he didn't let her take him to the airport. "Coco," he muttered, his voice tired and wavering. "We gotta get ready to head out." this was one of the worst parts as well. The time leading up to departure. Getting dressed knowing that the next morning you wouldn't be able to watch the other pull on a shirt or tie their shoes. It was absolutely awful having to hear their sleepy morning voice when hearing it over the static of Skype wouldn't be the same. Joey sat up in bed, his hands running through his hair in desperation to wake himself up.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco was in a dreamless sleep, content to stay there for as long as possible, but all too soon a squealing noise was going through the air, and then Joey was speaking to her, saying it was time to get up. Coco groaned and rubbed sleepily at her blue eyes, not really comprehending what was going on. "What?" She muttered, her eyes opened and she noticed Joey sitting up in bed. The sheet was pooled down around his waist, making her want to reach for him. That was when everything came rushing back, her eyes widened and she felt like someone had just punched her in the gut, the breath had left her body in a quick whoosh. Joey. Leaving. Morning. It all came crashing down, and she was forced now to face the reality of it all. "Oh," was all she could get out, Coco rolled over onto her side and looked at the windows, which weren't even letting any light in yet. She blinked back the tears as fast as she could, she would not let him see her cry. "I'm going to take a shower," She said in a rush and practically ran from the bed to the bathroom, she closed the door and turned the water on, her clothes were off in no time and soon enough she was in the shower crying, she washed her body as fast as she could, letting the tears fall in the shower was okay, but she knew that that was it, the tears would have to be dried up when the water turned off. She took a deep, hiccupping, sigh as she turned the water off, she wrapped herself up in a big, thick terry robe and took her time brushing her hair in front of the mirror in the bathroom. Coco wasn't one for dramatics, as a matter of fact she didn't express herself too often to other people, with JOey though it was different. She felt more comfortable with him and her emotions than anyone else, but now she had to bottle them up. Coco took a deep breath after getting the bathroom essentials out of the way and reopened the bathroom door to see how Joey was getting along.

[Mallory]

Joey lowered his hands from his hair, turning his head to look at Coco. She had rolled over quickly, not facing him, and then said that she was going to take a shower. He almost spoke out, his mouth open but she was up and out of bed before he said anything. Right, okay. A small realization hit him that he wasn't the only one that was having to deal with being away. He was going somewhere else than home, but she was having to deal with normal surroundings without him. It was probably best for both of them if the didn't get to attached right now. Swallowing hard when he heard the water begin to run, Joey swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet hitting the cold floor. A bag had already been pre-packed the night before, filled with mixed-matched clothes and a few belongings for the upcoming tour. The black lump was stuffed in the far corner, away from sight, and he couldn't be happier. Yesterday was filled with worry but still something enjoyable, but right now was dreadful and he wanted to crawl back under the covers. Joey stood and walked over to the dresser, his finger hitting a switch on the wall to make light filter throughout the room. He took a moment to stretch, but within time he had on a pair of dark jeans and was making his way over to the closet when Coco stepped out of the bathroom. He looked at her, a sympathetic half-smile on his lips, but he continued to sift through the shirts hanging up. "You're not mad at me, are you?" Joey pulled a navy blue polo over his head, turning to look at the girl as he waited for an answer. It was a dumb question, but she didn't seem in the happiest of moods. It was most likely just the whole aspect of him leaving, but he had to be sure. He couldn't leave without knowing she was okay, or that she was or wasn't mad at him.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco found her eyes going to the walk in closet, there was Joey, half clothed. Her fingers itched to get one more touch to his bare skin, all too soon though he had a shirt on and was staring at her with questioning eyes. She tried to remember what he had just said, something about being mad? She thought that was it, yeah. Coco shook her head, sending her hair going in different directions, she reached a hand up and smoothed it down as she inched toward her own closet and began looking through clothes. "I'm not mad, just bummed out," She pulled out a denim skirt, lace leggings, and a band tee that had Joey's band written across the front. Yep she was going to be supportive, all the way, Coco took some undergarments from a drawer and then got dressed quickly by the bed. Not wanting to make Joey late for his first tour. "I know that its only 4 months, but I'll miss you with every breath I take," She admitted in a quiet voice, she barely kept it from wavering. The breakdown could wait, could wait until after her husband was gone. Once she was dressed Coco pulled on a pair of soft, suede boots, light in color, then sat on the edge of the bed and looked over at Joey, "All packed?" The question brought the remembrance of a song, it played through her head as she stared. Cuz I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again....

[Mallory]

Joey watched as she tossed her head, answering his question by saying she wasn't mad at him but instead bummed out. If only there was a way to fix that emotion. He took a few steps toward her, and in his mind tried to work out how all of this would actually fall into place. He would call her once he landed in San Francisco, and most likely text her throughout that day. After that, he had no idea how any of this would work out. It would have to be tried, though, because he wasn't about to lose a relationship because of a four month long road trip. "It won't be that bad," Joey tried to comfort her, but knew he was doing as terrible job. "It'll go faster than expected." How did he know? He didn't. It was a hopeful guess, and right now even he needed someone to tell him that everything would be okay while he was gone. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he began to pull on a pair of black DC shoes, listening to Coco's voice as she asked if he was packed. He nodded once his shoes were on, and walked to the corner of the room to pick up his bag. "Let's hit the road." He held his hand out, a gesture that silently begged Coco to walk with him. It was so early, the sun not even up yet, and a steady drizzle falling over the town of Seattle. It was times like this that he would miss. He would miss walking in the rain with her, miss walking through stores and getting excited over certain items. They were a team, and you couldn't exactly split a team up without hardships coming right after that. "I'm gonna miss you," Joey whispered just moments after they began walking again.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco knew that Joey was just trying to alleviate the tension in the room, to make her feel more at ease with the big trip he was taking, but it didn't help much. She offered him a feeble smile and took his hand. It was so warm and firm as it wrapped around hers, she felt a tingle shoot through her arm from their closeness. She would never get used to being with him, it was still hard to believe that he would pick her out of all the girls he could have. She followed him out of the flat, and whispered back, "Me too." She didn't want to make this a sad goodbye, but it seemed as if that was exactly how it was going to turn out because of how she was feeling. Coco knew that she would probably be donning a lot of Joey's t-shirts while he was gone, moping about. Of course she wouldn't be that way the whole time, she had promised him that she would try to get out. Maybe she would start some projects or something to keep herself busy, and away from depressive thoughts. Coco walked out to the street with Joey and slid into a cab that was waiting for them, this was going to be the longest four months of her life.

[Mallory]

The sun's rays should have been beginning peer through the glass buildings but the clouds were heavy and dark. Not only did he feel waves of sadness washing over them, apparently nature did as well. Coco's voice was soft, so he knew that she must've felt similar. He squeezed her hand a bit tighter, taking in a deep breath as he caught sight of the taxi. This was it, huh? This was the last time they would walk out of their apartment together for the next four months. This was one of their last moments together. Joey's throat tightened, but he bit his lower lips to keep from showing any emotions. If Coco wasn't doing anything more but trudge along, then he definitely wasn't about to break down here and now. The two of them climbed into the back of the taxi, and he shut the door once he stuffed his bag into the floorboard. "The airport," he told the driver, looking at Coco with an empathetic half-smile. Joey sat back into the seat, his eyes facing the front of the car, wishing for the day to be over so he could be one day closer to returning back home, returning back to normal. Without a second thought, he tilted his head to the side, his head resting against her shoulder. Why couldn't they stay like this forever?

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco watched as Joey put his bag in the floorboard, one lone bag to last him the whole trip for four months. Would it be enough? Did he pack toothpaste? His favorite cologne? What about his fedora? Coco had the sudden urge to reach down and snoop through the bag, because if he had forgotten anything, anything at all, then they would have to turn back. The panic that was rising inside of her was slightly calmed when Joey leaned over and set his head on her shoulder. She let out a small breath and leaned her head on top of his, she squeezed his hand in return. "So..." She spoke softly, "You'll call me once you land right?" Coco was already worried about Joey, wondering if he would do okay in the plane and at the airport. Hopefully his luggage wouldn't get lost or anything, Coco knew she was needlessly worrying, but she couldn't help it. She had to do something or she would just freaking lose it and be a sobbing mess before Joey left. That would just be a disaster, so she was doing what she could to stay level headed when all she wanted to do was freak the hell out and beg Joey not to leave her.

[Mallory]

Joey let his nerves calm when Coco leaned her head against his. Everything wasn't okay, at least not now, but for a split second he felt as if everything was normal. For a moment he felt like he wasn't about to leave and they were just going to to take a quick trip to the park or grocery store. Then it all came back. He was leaving and wouldn't be coming back for four months. He was leaving her and they would only be able to speak through video and phone calls. His throat tightened, but eased up whenever she spoke. Nodding, he agreed to what she said. "Yeah, of course." His voice was soft, but filled with emotion. Joey took in a deep breath and tried to get everything back in control. It would be fine. This would work out. It wasn't like they would be unfaithful while the other was gone, they weren't like that. Everything would be fine. "I should land around eight, and then the rest of the day we're just preparing to leave." His eyes lit up just by thinking about playing in actual arenas. This was something new, something he hadn't done before, so of course he would be excited. Joey sat up, his head turning to look at her. "I'll try to call you every night, I promise. Just don't get worried if you don't hear from me." The last thing he wanted was for her to worry. Coco had nothing to worry about, or at least shouldn't worry about.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco nodded, he would call her once he landed, good. He would probably be exhausted by that time, so she lectured herself early that she shouldn't expect a long phone call. This first week was going to be the hardest, going to bed with no one lying beside her, no adorable guy to cuddle up to. Tears threatened to fall down her cheeks, she should have appreciated him more, his closeness, his attention. Coco gulped as quietly as she could and dug her nails into her leg to get her emotions under control. This was going to be the biggest test of her entire life, and she wasn't exactly sure if she was ready for it. Joey was sweet to her, yeah they had an odd relationship if you compared to other people, but he was good to her and made her feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. "Yeah of course," She murmured when he mentioned that he might not get to call her every night. Honestly she was expecting a phone call a week, maybe, if that. Coco didn't have her hopes up about him calling her a lot, he woul dbe on tour after all, she couldn't expect all that much contact wise. She would write him, e-mail, text, leave cute voice mails. But she knew it would mostly be one sided, she just hopped her efforts helped him get through the four months. She was shaken from her thoughts when the cab pulled into the airport, it was time.

[Mallory]

Joey could see the sorrow in her eyes. He hadn't even left yet and she was already digging herself into a hole within her mind. Now he really didn't want to leave. Half of him wished that he could postpone the tour and spend one more day with her, but the other half of him wanted to get a move on and be one more day closer to being back to normal. He looked down at his lap, recollecting his thoughts about what was to come. He would leave, he would fly to San Francisco, he would get off the plane and hop a cab to the record label, he would meet the rest of the guys he was touring with, the kinks would be sorted out, and he would spend the night in a van while they started out on the road. It was terrible when it was put into a list, but altogether it couldn't be that bad. Except for the fact that he wouldn't be able to physically touch Coco, everything would be fine. Joey looked back up when the taxi slowed, and his eyes caught the sight of a view of cars, people walking in and out of a huge building. They arrived at the airport much quicker than he had expected. Holding his breath, he stole a glace at the girl beside him before grabbing his bag and opening up the car door. Once he stepped onto the damp asphalt, he waited by the door for Coco to join him, not letting her get away that easily. "C'mon, let's get inside." it was a blank statement, something that said he wanted to say his goodbyes somewhere other than within the humid rain.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco snuggled as close as she could to Joey for the few minutes the cab crawled forward in the long line of cars. She almost held her breath like it would help her keep him, instead of the cruel universe taking him away. Nope, didn't help, Joey was asking her to get out of the cab and go with him inside the airport. Coco took a deep breath and got out of the cab, she asked the guy to wait for her. Coco took hold of Joey's free hand and followed him and the throng of other people, into the airport. The inside was clean, white, full of kiosks, lines, and luggage. There were escalators taking people either up or down, security points. Coco knew that she wouldn't be able to go past the checkpoint, that was where she and Joey would have to part, where they would have to say their four month goodbye. Some of his band members came into view as they headed toward the terminal Joey was assigned, Coco blushed when the surrounded them, they all gave Coco hugs and patted Joey on the back.

[Mallory]

Joey held onto her hand tightly, trying to not lose her within the crowd of people. Alone and by himself, crowds were never his thing, but when with someone he was familiar with, he could easily be confident around others. Perhaps that was why he enjoyed preforming so much. It wasn't about the amount of people that turned out, or even if the attendees knew every word to the songs you were singing. It was about the people on the stage with you, your band mates, your family. It was about having fun with the people you enjoy most, as well as impressing yourself. There were always people you wanted to share moments like that with but knew you couldn't, which was something he understood quite well when it came to Coco. Once inside the airport, he began to catch glimpses of familiar faces. His own band mates would be flying on the same airplane, which was just common logic, but he wasn't exactly expecting them to greet him in the lobby. Joey stiffened when hands slid across his shoulders and back, a friendly greeting that he had yet to get used to. A wide smile crept onto his face and he couldn't shake it off. He was excited for the tour, no doubt about it, but these next few moments were something he wasn't excited for. He nodded to his friends, telling them that he would catch up with them in a handful of minutes. "Four months," he breathed out, turning to Coco. The days would either go by quickly or very slowly, and there wasn't much of an in between. Swallowed hard, he looked at her, not blinking to try and capture her facial features. Joey tried to hold back his emotions, but knew that they couldn't be shoved down any longer. His arms wrapped around her frame in a hug, his face pressed against the side of hers. "I'm gonna miss you." he murmured, closing his eyes to keep from looking at the surrounding world.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco could feel the energy around them, the guys were excited, as was Joey. Whether he could admit It or not she knew that he was just as excited as his bandmates. She couldn't compare to this, to this life that he was being offered, this opportunity. coco mentally shook her thoughts away, she knew that she shouldnt' be comparing herself to a band tour, it was illogical. She just didn't know how to handle everything that was the real problem. She looked up as Joey turned her to look at him, he was hugging her, and talking to her about four months and missing her. It was too soon, it was all too soon. Why hadn't he told her earlier? How could he be leaving already? This wasn't happening, no, no it couldn't be. Coco buried her face against his shoulder, Joey's shirt, doing her best not to cry but failing miserably. "I'll-" She choked, "I'll miss you too." Coco wrapped her arms around Joey and hugged him tighter than she had ever hugged anyone in her life. Like she could imprint his body against hers somehow. In the back of her mind she was remembering that the band was there and watching them, but right then she really could care less about them and their opinions. It was just her and Joey, saying their goodbyes before he left on that airplane that would take him far away from her. "Four months," She repeated to herself, in a hoarse voice, she hated that she hadn't stayed brave the entire time like she'd planned.

[Mallory]

Her voice was shaking. She wasn't ready to say goodbye. Then again, neither was he. They could have stood there all day, arms wrapped around one another with a heavy pile of dread on their shoulders. Joey wanted to be back in their apartment, snuggling under their bed covers while a steady rain padded against the window. He wanted to play and replay the same old records all day long, giggling and sending one another into a situation where all they could do was blush. That wasn't possible while on the road. None of that would be possible while on the road. He took a step back, detaching himself from Coco when he began to notice the multiple pairs of eyes on them. "I'll call you when we land," he repeated, wanting to make sure that she knew he wouldn't forget. Joey paused, seriously debating on canceling and hopping back into the cab. He didn't want to leave. No, that was a lie. He didn't want to leave her. Taking in a shaky breath, he blinked slowly. "I love you." he told her before side-stepping and trying to remove himself from his wife. His eyes were still locked onto hers, waiting for the sign that told him it was alright to leave.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Joey was stepping back, away from Coco, she winced slightly, like he'd physically hurt her. "Right," She nodded her head, her body was slightly trembling, and she couldn't get it to stop. "I love you too," She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips, normally they didn't show much affection in public, but she couldn't help herself, they were leaving one another for four months. There was no way that she was just going to let him leave without one more kiss, she pulled her mouth away from Joey's a few seconds later "Bye," Coco bit her bottom lip before turning and walking away, she had to force herself to take each and every step that took her further and further away from her husband. The tremors didn't stop even when she stepped outside, it had started sprinkling, typical Seattle weather. She stood there a moment, letting the cold, wet droplets cover her face, hair, and arms, it made her shiver harder than before. Coco hurried toward the cab and slid into its warm, dry, Joey free interior. "Home," she choked out between her tears, Coco buried her face into her hands and sobbed quietly all the way home, her thoughts on only one person, and one person only, the love of her life, Joey.

[Mallory]

((So I'm just gonna skippy skippy))

If he concentrated deeply, he could still feel the faint tingle of her lips against his, could still hear the loving and relieved tone in her voice whenever he called. Four months was a long time to be away from someone you loved so much, but he had pulled through. Whether it be the distraction of how many people actually knew the words to his songs, or even the amount of Tylenol and Melatonin he took to wear off the jitters of the night, it wasn't as bad as he had expected. Yeah, of course there were some nights that he wanted to quit the tour early and return home, but in the end he felt better with sticking it out until it was over. Joey took in a shaking breath as he stepped off of the airplane, trying to collect his thoughts as he remembered what was about to happen. He was about to see her, about to see his wife, about to see Coco. What if something had changed between them, though? What if she moved on and found somebody else, or realized that she was better off without him? Joey shook his head, knowing that it wasn't logical. But what if....? His feet carried him throughout the building, dragging him past varieties of people until he got to the beginning of the escalator, the moving stairs begging him to go down. What if she saw him before he saw her? What if she wasn't even here? Millions of thoughts were running through his mind and they refused to keep still. They would settle when he had her in his arms, but only then. After four months of being away, it's hard to keep yourself very sane.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco looked in the mirror, turning this way and that, trying to figure out if what she was wearing was okay. It was a white top that showed her protruding belly fairly well. At six months she had finally really started showing, it looked like she might have had a basketball under her shirt. Her hands rubbed the mound with love, this was what had helped her get through the terrible four months of her husbands absence, the baby. They were going to have a baby, she hadn't told him yet. Coco had known that if she'd told Joey about the baby then he would've returned home immediately, and it would be a regret that he had for the rest of his life. She couldn't let him do that, so she'd kept it a secret, always making sure during Skype calls that the camera only showed her face. Now she was about to go pick him up and she was so nervous. She had on the shirt and a pair of maternity capri's, it all looked cute on her, her new friends all said that she was adorable pregnant. She just hoped Joey thought so too, because she would die if he called her fat. Coco's cheeks turned slightly pink as she thought about Joey being disgusted with her new look, her blue eyes stared back at her from the mirror, full of nerves and stress. Coco took a deep breath, gathered up her purse, keys and the 'Surprise You're Gonna be a Rock Star Daddy' t-shirt that she'd bought for him. Coco headed down and out of the building, there was a cab waiting already, she slid in and breathed in the used, cab smell that was always lingering in such things. She slipped some money to the driver and gave him the address to the airport before settling back. Good thing the morning sickness has all but passed, she thought to herself, she leaned against the door and watched the city fly by as they made good timing to the airport. Within 17 minutes they were pulled in and Coco was getting out, she had her coat on before she even got out, a thick, wool, black coat that kept her warm even in the cold rain of Seattle. It also kept her bump pretty well hidden when it was buttoned up. Her mother had gotten it for her, the two had rekindled their relationship almost immediately after Coco had found out she was pregnant, her parents had visited twice in the past two months. She'd withheld that information from Joey too, not wanting to freak him out. Her flats made no noise as she walked briskly into the airport, she beelined for the escalators near the luggage carousel. She stood right at the bottom and watched as Joey came down, a bright grin was on her face, and tears were welling up in her eyes as she waited for him to come down.

[Mallory]

(I STARTED WRITING THIS AND JET PACK BLUES CAME ON OH GOD)

Joey saw her. She was dressed in a thick coat, not surprising since the weather outside was cold and rainy. He had missed the downpour of Seattle, listening to raindrops beat on the windows of cars and the slick surface of roads. Within his life, he hadn't exactly ever left the state of Washington, so being forced to travel the country was possibly a good thing. He bit his lip, trying to stop from feeling so nervous. Why was he even nervous? It was his wife he was looking at, not the head of a corporation or someone that was about to change his life forever. Well, that last part was debatable, but he hoped that his life wouldn't be changed drastically whenever he finally was able to talk to her face-to-face. Joey wanted to run down the escalator, wanted to push down the person in front of him just to get to the love of his life as quickly as possible, but knew that he wouldn't be able to do that. He had waited four months for this moment, couldn't he wait a few seconds longer? His hands were balled into fists, desperately trying to get himself to stop shaking. His throat was tight, his eyes burning and on the edge of tears. Skype calls weren't the same to him. He needed a body, needed someone to physically be there with him. Joey tried to walk slowly when he got to the bottom of the descending stairs, his legs at a walk when his mind was screaming at him to run. Meeting at a compromise, he jogged up to her, his face a light shade of red while his eyes threatened to cross over into the verge of tears. His hands went to the sides of her face, cupping her cheeks to pull her towards him into a kiss. People were watching, sure, but that didn't stop him. It had been forever since they last saw one another and he wasn't about to give up being close to her again just because it didn't "feel right".

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco watched with painstaking patience, the girl in front of Joey seemed to just be in the way, Coco had to hold back from running to him. It wouldn't be good for her if she fell, for her or the baby. So she stayed still, Joey however, as soon as he was off the damn machine, well he was jogging toward her. His hands felt hot on her cheeks, warming her from head to toe as his lips sent fire over hers. A soft sound came from between her lips as she put her hands over his and deepened the kiss, their audience be damned. It wasn't until she heard the sound of clapping that she was brought back to reality, her cheeks were bright pink as she pulled back slightly, wonder in her eyes that her husband was finally back home with her. "I've missed you so much," She whispered against his lips, her blue eyes were warm and loving. She felt nervous, really nervous, but she knew it was because of the big news that she had to deliver to him. She was keeping her body carefully away from him, leaning forward so that he wouldn't accidently realize that something was different about her body. She wasn't sure yet how she was telling him, or when. Would it be in the airport? The cab? The flat? Coco tried to keep her face happy and worry free, it was hard though with the excitement and nerves building up in her. "Bag? Bags? Did you need to pick those up?" She managed to get out as she intertwined her fingers with his.

[Mallory]

A shiver went through Joey's body when her hands touched his, something that he was going to have to get used to all over again. Coco broke away from the kiss, just enough to keep him away from her. Their faces were still close, close enough to where he could see the different shades of blue in her eyes. It was something he didn't even know he missed until now. While away he used to think about how they would spend their weekends walking the streets of Seattle, settling into some old music or book store until they moved on to their next attraction. He thought about what they would do the moment he returned home, if they did anything at all. He thought about how their neighbors used to occasionally complain about how loud he played his music, and that he should rehearse more quietly, and he often wondered if Coco danced around to CDs too loudly while he was away and got yelled at by their crabby neighbors. The thought also put a smile on his face, but he never asked if it was true or not. When Coco spoke, he couldn't hold it in any longer. He let out a singular sob, which had yet to lead to any tears to fall down his face. Water welled up in the corner of his eyes, threatening to drift downward. "Yeah, I've missed you too." his voice was soft and he raised the back of his hand to quickly rub his eyes, trying to man up and not seem so emotional. Joey let her take his hand, their fingers clasped together so tightly that said they both never wanted to let go. Coco started to ask if he needed to pick up his bags, which was an obvious yes, but he just nodded as he began to lead to to the carousel. "I don't want to leave any time soon," he said, turning his head to direct the statement towards her. It was fun, the tour was, he couldn't deny it, but if he was told he had to leave again in a week or two, he would turn it down without a doubt. It was hard being on the road like that, and he needed some time to recuperate.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco nodded, of course he would need to get his bags. Where else would they go? Who else would pick them up? Coco knew that Joey was emotional, she felt emotional as well, the four months had really been hard for the both of them. Coco avoided being ran over by a large child, getting closer to Joey. "Don't want to leave?" She questioned, slightly confused by his statement at first. Did he not want to leave the airport? It was a strange request, but one that she'd go along with if that's what he wanted. It took a moment, but then she realized that he probably meant the city, her. Or she hoped he meant her as well, she smiled at him as they watched the luggage going around. "I don't want you to leave anytime soon either," She agreed with a tight voice, emotions were high. "Joey... there's..." Coco took a step back, releasing her hold on his hand. Her heart sped up as she prepared to tell him the big secret she'd been hiding. "While you were gone," She wrung her hands together and a tear slipped down her cheek, "I found something out, and I swear I wanted to tell you right away. But I couldn't, I didn't want you running back here, or ruining your career because of me," Coco's chin was trembling by that point, her fingers clumsily unbuttoned the buttons on her jacket, she didn't open it up yet though. She pulled the shirt for Joey out of her bag, and handed the rumpled cotton to him before pulling the coat back and turning slightly to reveal the evident baby bump. "Joey, we're pregnant," The whisper was full of love, nerves, and a little fear. Coco knew that she would die on the spot if Joey took any sort of negative take on the situation, she just wouldn't be able to stand it if he hated the baby or her.

[Mallory]

Joey nodded when she said she didn't want to to leave as well. It wouldn't be happening for a while, at least he hoped not. He knew that touring was beneficial for his career, but as for his family life, his home life, it could possibly tear them apart. He needed time to readjust before heading back out on the road, and he wasn't exactly sure how long that would be. Coco took her hand out of his as they watched the luggage pass by, his eyes searching for the black lump that he called his own. Then she spoke, her voice scared and worried. He wanted to ask her what was wrong, if she was alright, but it was very obvious that something was happening. Her words were very vague, leaving him to guess about what the situation was. She wanted to tell him when she found out, but didn't want him to come home. It sounded like she had terrible news, something that was downright awful to share, and he couldn't help but slightly squint his eyes as he tried to figure out what was happening. Twist her words very slightly and she could have been cheating on him, but that wasn't the case. Coco pulled out a white bundle and handed it to him, his hands fumbling with the shirt until he could read the words that were displayed on it. Rock Star Daddy...? What was that supposed to mean? Joey tilted his head sideways, his eyes squinting in confusion and misunderstanding. Then he looked up, seeing the protruding belly of his wife at the exact same moment that the words hit his ears. We're pregnant. He blinked, trying to comprehend it all. A confused smile cracked across his lips, and he shook his head softly. "Pregnant?" he asked, his eyes beginning to show the amount of excitement he was experiencing. "Like small child, baby pregnant?"

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

Coco read the confusion in her husbands eyes, she wondered what was going through his mind as he looked at the shirt that she'd just given him. He looked at her with a strange expression, then realization seemed to dawn on him and his lips turned up in a sort of smile. She laughed lightly, a smile gracing her face as well, "Yes, yes as in small child baby pregnant. We're pregnant, six months." She was delighted that he hadn't looked at her with disgust, or like he might want to kill himself rather than be the father to their child. "I hope you're not too made that I didn't tell you sooner," Her face said that she truly was sorry, but there was no way that she would let the love of her life put his career on hold for her and the baby. His bag started coming round, "Oh your bag!" She said, completely distracted from the big announcement that she'd just made. It was going to go all the way back around if Joey didn't get it though, so she figured it was kind of important to point out the piece of luggage. It still amazed her that he could travel with just one bag, when she went places it was bare minimum two bags. Coco let the flaps of her coat fall back over one another and walked towards the bag as if to grab it for Joey.

[Mallory]

He had to remind himself that now was not the time nor the place to let his emotions show. He wanted to cry, laugh, make Coco feel the love he couldn't show over messaging, but still keep her comfortable due to the news he was just told. A baby. Their baby. It all seemed so surreal. This couldn't be happening, right? They were still the two seventeen year old kids back in the coffee shop, to shy to even look the other in the eye. He began to wonder if her parents knew about this, seeing how the two people weren't exactly in her life when he left, but he decided that they most likely already knew. Their daughter would be having a kid, and she didn't tell him when she found out, so who else would she have told other than her mother? Joey started to think about what his own parents would say to the news, if they didn't already know. Would they be happy for them? Would they just scoff and leave them be? It wasn't something he thought about often, his parents, but right now they were a topic he couldn't exactly shake off. Coco then said that she hoped he wasn't mad for keeping her pregnancy a secret until now, and all he could do was shake his head. He kept leaving for a tour until the day before he actually left, so he couldn't exactly be mad at her for anything with time in the essence. "Six months, though." his voice was in awe, absolute amazement. How did he not notice before he left? It made him wonder how unobservant he actually was, but his thoughts were cut short when Coco pointed out his bag and began to step towards where it would be picked up. Joey cut in front of her, though, not wanting her to bend over too far or stretch something. Was that even possible? He had no idea, but didn't want to risk it. "I got it," he told her, his hand grabbing onto the bag before stepping back and looking around for where the exit would be. All he wanted to do was get home, under the roof of their apartment and take a few minutes to soak everything in. It had been so long, and he couldn't help but wonder if she redecorated or moved any furniture around.

[Leena, Cute and fluffy]

She stepped back just in time to let Joey in so that he could grab the bag, she smiled as they went towards the exit. Babies, baby, baby shower, baby clothes, baby accessories and necessities, these had been in her head for a couple of months, now her soul mate was home and she could share all of her thoughts finally. Her mother had wanted to do the decorating for the nursery, and theme it with Spanish crap, but Coco had held her back from doing anything, or buying anything besides Coco Medical insurance. She wanted to make the decisions with Joey, not with her mother. Of course she wasn't about to decline the payment for her medical bills, having a baby cost over 30,000 dollars, her and Joey couldn't afford that. Coco blinked, they were at the curb, getting into a cab already. She got in, a little more awkwardly than last time as she managed her belly. Coco glanced over at Joey, he looked so full of amazement and wonder, surprise as well. She couldnt' help the happiness that was welling up inside of her to see her husband so positive about the little life that would be coming into the world in three more months. Three short months, it was so little time to get so much done, she'd bought barely anything for the baby, mostly because she was underqualified in such things, but also she wanted to see what Joey thought as well. She told the driver the directions to home, then settled back to lean against Joey.

[Mallory]

Joey followed her through the airport, one of his hands gripping the bag and the other holding onto Coco's hand. Everything he was feeling right now was simply bliss. He was back at home, back with the love of his wife, back with their child. It all seemed like a dream. This couldn't be real, right? It was too perfect. The signature rainy weather, the warm feeling in his soul... He knew he would wake up any minute back on the tour bus, having to spend just one more week away from all of this. Joey shook his head, dismissing his thoughts and instead looked over to Coco. She was even more beautiful in person. How did he ever get so lucky? This girl could be anything she wanted to be, could be something much more bigger than what he could ever become, but she chose to stay with him, chose to become his wife and now the mother to his child. He understood that's what true love was, but he didn't understand why she loved him so much. Never in his life had he been loved the way she loved him, not in past relationships, and not by his parents. Their love was unconditional, it knew no limits. As they walked outside and onto the pavement, Joey watched as she maneuvered into the taxi. It would take a while for him to get used to Coco's belly, but he honestly believed it wouldn't be as bad as he thought at first. "I love you," he told her once they were both in the car and the door was shut. He had been gone for far too long, and all he wanted to do was get home and have a semi-normal day.