Difference Between Love and Hate- Part 4 ~*One week later*~
I ran off the stage after my set, grabbing a bottle of water, and sank to the floor, leaning against the wall.
Kevin walked over and kneeled down beside me.
"You okay?"
"Peachy."
He laughed. "Good job out there."
"Thanks." I smiled at him, then saw Nick over his shoulder. My smiled turned into a look of disgust.
"Why are you within 10 feet of me?" I said. Nick gave me a look.
"Excuse me, your highness, but I need Kevin," He said icily. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Enough you two." Kevin stood up. "See you in a couple hours," he said as he and Nick walked off.
I stood up and went off to take a quick shower and change my clothes.
When I came out, the backstage area had been vacated. The guys had taken the stage.
I went on back to my dressing room and got some more water, then packed up my things and got on the bus. I climbed on my bed and got my CD player and some sheet music out. I pulled a CD labeled 'Mary's Xmas' from my CD case and popped it in.

*Kevin*
As I stepped onto the bus, I was a little surprised to hear "Silent Night" being sung, as it was the middle of July. I headed to the bunks and peeked into Mary's bunk.
She was in there, her headphones on and sheet music in her lap. Her hands moved as her voice went up and down.
I watched her a minute, thinking she'd notice me. When she didn't, I tapped her knee lightly.
She jumped and looked at me, lowering her headphones.
"Good God, what the hell do you want?"
I laughed. "Sorry. It sounded good though."
She grinned and turned her CD player off.
"C'mon up." She slid over and I got up on the bunk with her.
"Why you doin' Christmas stuff?" I asked, picking up her sheet music. "It's not even Halloween yet."
"I wanna do a Christmas album."
"Yeah?"
"Yep. Favorite holiday of the year. Always wanted to do an album. I love Christmas music."
"Whatcha gonna put on it?"
"Mostly traditional stuff. I don't want any fake stuff. I want pure instrumentals. Piano, violons, bells, stuff like that. Guitar."
"Sounds good."
"I know."
I laughed. "When you gonna try to release it?"
"Probably not 'til next year. Since I'm lyrically challenged, I need some people to write some new songs for the new album."
"I could help."
"Are you kidding me? After this tour is over, you're not gonna wanna have anything to do with me."
"Not true."
She looked at me skeptically.
"Believe me or don't, makes no difference. You'll see, though."
She just smiled. "Whatever you say."
"Trust me. Ya know, that thing you dread so much."
She laughed. "I trust you."
"Good."
"You gonna get down now?" she said.
"I really don't feel like it. But I guess I should. G'night, Mary."
"'Night, Kev."
I stopped and looked at her.
"Wow, you're using a nickname now."
She kicked me lightly. "Go!"
I laughed and jumped down. As I was heading for my bunk, I heard a whisper.
"Hey, Kev."
I looked directly next to me. It wasn't Brian, he was asleep.
"Down here," the voice muttered impatiently. I kneeled down and came face to face with Nick.
"What do you want?"
"What were you and her doing?"
"Talking, Nick." I witheld a sigh and refrained from rolling my eyes. "Why do you even care?"
"I'm watching out for you."
I stopped myself from laughing. "Why on earth are you 'watching out for me'?"
"I swear she's evil."
I groaned. "Go to sleep."
I stood up and got on my own bunk.