Author's Note: Holy crap. I honestly can't believe I'm updating this. I got a random review and PM today asking for it and here I am. I'm not sure if you gals are still out there, interested in anything I have to write. I heard the Jonas Brothers are going to release a new album. Maybe it'll provide some inspiration. If any of my old readers are still out there, please accept my sincerest of apologies for my extended hiatus and enjoy this new chapter.
The brothers exited their room slowly. They didn't bother closing the door behind them. They moved cautiously through the hallway, Kevin in the lead. They passed the elevator without giving it a second thought. The exit sign over the stairwell shined like a beacon.
A lifetime of fire safety speeches, television blurbs, and movie moments ran through Kevin's mind as he extended his hand guardedly, praying no heat would be felt.
A relieved sigh escaped his throat as his hand collided with cool metal.
"You guys ready?" Kevin turned to his brothers, noting their nervous but determined faces.
"Yeah," Nick nodded his head shakily.
Joe stepped forward and threw the door open. "Let's get out of here."
Nick and Kevin followed Joe through the door. They walked down one flight of stairs, staying unconsciously close together.
"It's getting smoky," Nick pointed out.
Kevin and Joe didn't reply. They descended more stairs. They saw that they had gone two flights, but the smoke was increasingly more think.
Joe stopped to cover his mouth and nose with his shirt. He turned and motioned for Kevin and Nick to do the same; they immediately complied.
All three boys were coughing when they started moving again. Joe took a moment to look over the railing and his heart dropped. The smoke was too thick to see through. He turned to his brothers and pointed up.
"We can't go down here," he coughed. "Too much smoke."
Nick's eyes widened. Panic was starting to invade his mind at the mere thought of being trapped. Kevin placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and turned him around. He nudged him forward, urging him to go back up the stairs.
"It's alright Nick. We'll find another way down." Kevin assured him confidently.
They began making their way back upstairs. Kevin took the lead once more, feeling slightly better that the smoke thinned out as they went higher. The door to the floor below their penthouse came into view and he stopped.
"Kev?"
"This is the only stairwell from the penthouse," Kevin stated. "But the other floors must have stairwells on both ends of the building. Right?"
Joe and Nick shrugged.
"It's worth a shot bro," Nick confirmed. "Let's do it."
Kevin tentatively reached for the door handle, relieved once more when it was cool to the touch. He threw the door open and started walking quickly down the hall. He heard Joe and Nick following behind him. Their coughing had slowed.
Relief washed over him when he saw another 'Exit' sign shining above a door at the far end of the hall.
"You were right!"
Kevin smiled at his youngest brothers' excitement.
"Thank the Lord," Joe said to himself.
He rushed passed Kevin, eager to get out of their fiery prison. He grabbed the door handle, ready to throw it open run down the stairs.
"Shit!" He exclaimed and withdrew his hand as fast as he could.
He shook it back and forth, trying to relieve the burning sensation that seared across his palm.
"Joe!" Kevin and Nick ran forward, concern on their faces.
"Dude, it's hot," Joe stated, his voice sounding slightly pitiful.
Kevin looked up at the door, fear written on his face. He could feel the heat coming from behind the door just from standing near it. He stood on tippy-toes and looked through the small glass window on the top of the door.
He swallowed in defeat as his eyes landed on flames.
He turned to see Nick holding Joe's hand gently, checking the damage. Joe's eyes were locked on Kevin's though.
Kevin shook his head slightly and Joe's head fell.
They were going to have to find a more creative way out.
It's super short, and I wrote it really fast. I'm trying to get a feel for whose still reading before I commit to anything long term. If ya'll are still out there, let me know what you think. Feel free to actively scream at me for abandoning you.