“You see something in me, the dreamer I used to be.”
Star
aspiring singer-songwriter.
semi decent guitar player.
phoenix transplant.
heart-led.
dreamy. soft-edged. human.

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@aliveinoverdrive
“You see something in me, the dreamer I used to be.”
Star
aspiring singer-songwriter.
semi decent guitar player.
phoenix transplant.
heart-led.
dreamy. soft-edged. human.
hey! you find a band to rock out with yet, or are you still flying solo?
( @aliveinoverdrive )
Hey, again, Starlight-Always a pleasure to see your face around, girl…I can admit the situation isn’t what I would’ve wanted nor expected it to be. There’s this guy I met my first night here-Kinda hard to really put him into any other words exactly other than a prick who’s been offering for me to play with him as a duo…But, well-it’s not really an instrument I’m interested in playing out for a crowd of people I don’t know all that well. Feeling more than a little apprehensive, to tell you the truth about it, friend…Guess it could go any way I want it to for me…
I like seeing your face around too, David. Oo, sounds mysterious. Was he cute, at least? Aw, come on — don’t tell me you’re getting shy about playing the guitar. It’s not like he asked you to back him up on the triangle… did he? Well — you’ll be amazing no matter what you do. Still plenty of time to figure things out. If you ever wanna rehearse, I’m happy to bring my guitar along too, sing a little back up. I miss harmonies — you can’t really do ‘em when it’s just you, y’know? It’s funny you mention it — I met a guy too. Very charismatic, almost as much as you —
Everyone in this place seems more than a little preoccupied and taken up with him for better or worse…Can’t say I disagree entirely. He’s not hard on the eyes to look at-gotta give it to him there…just grading on what left exists of my dignity. Hmm, now that you mention it, his instrument of choice for me was to play the triangle for him. Thought I’d look ‘cute’ onstage with it. Whatever he said-Wasn’t entirely listening to what he was saying after he got to the ‘triangle’ part. Don’t know what it’s all about...His problem but it’s clear to me as the day he’s got one…Not sure what I’m supposed to think about him. A rehearsal with you sounds better than that-Always up to see what we got together...With the strings and our voices…Now what are the odds of that? Guess now we’ll have to fight over you for your affection…Whoever he is must be special enough to have caught your eye then…
Aw, he got to you too, didn’t he? Don’t feel too bad, happens to everyone, like you said. Wait, really? God, I was just kidding… yeah, I can understand how that wouldn’t really be your scene. I mean, in your defense, you’d look cute with anything onstage — um, you’d be good with anything onstage, I mean. Yeah. Ah, if you’ve got some time, I’m free to rehearse a bit now. We already make a pretty good team, so it should be pretty smooth. At least, I think so. Oh my God, don’t start. He’s… pretty special, yeah. And I think you are too. No need to fight, though, I promise. If anything, it sounds like I’m gonna have to fight him for your attention.
Eh, never said that…Admitting a fact and observation more than a personal feeling, Star. As much as I hate it he seems more than willing to give me a shot if I “prove it to the boardwalk” didn’t know this life as a musician was a club we were supposed to join into…Flattering and sweet but tell me have you ever looked in a mirror lately? Bet that would do you much for learning who’d look best up there-Really are a catch above the rest of us fish in the sea. That’s alright. Should have some time to kill before my next shift-We really do, don’t we? Oh, it sounds like it…Haven’t seen you so starstruck before-Doubt that-Was more calling you special than him.
You seem like the type who likes a challenge, but not necessarily the sort of person to rise to one. Prove him wrong, or don’t — that doesn’t make you any less of a person, or a performer. Oh really? Who’s flattering and sweet now, hmm? I’m gonna have to stop coming around you if I ever want to have a single coherent thought or not feel like I’m pretty much burning up. Time to kill… I’m gonna write that down, hold on — I’m not starstruck, I’m just — ! Struck, really. You can’t call a girl special and expect her not to be affected. Not all of us can be as removed as you are, even if we try. Anyways, I’m dying to hear what you’ve been working on, so the sooner we get practicing, the better. And, David? If I’m special, you are… so much more.
Well, is that a challenge? Maybe then I’ll have to rise to the one I’ve been given. Less about being challenged more not being sure what I want the local night life’s first impression on me to be. Hard to be taken seriously when I’m “Michael’s triangle boy” or whatever he tells them. Glad I can at least make you feel something even if it’s incoherence. Got another song idea to hit me with, Stardust? All the more reason to get to practicing the sooner we can, huh…Eh, maybe it’s good you’re not. I like your zest for life-makes things more exciting for us “too far removed” on the outside…Haven’t gotten much by comparison of you but I’ve been trying to write, my appreciation for your craft only grows as I try. Keep talking like that and you’ll get me blushing with you too…
Michael? Did he cast a spell on this entire damn town? Uh, yeah, the triangle’s probably not how you wanna debut, completely understand that. You know me, I’m full of ideas, always got something new to work on. Mm, you’re gonna have to let me under that hood eventually. In-um-a way that sounds more normal than what I just said, Jesus, Star — Like, you-you can’t be aloof and unapproachable forever, is all! Okay, you have to let me see what you’ve been working on. Wait, I’ve got you blushing now? It looks great on you, really brings out your eyes…
Sounds like you two are familiar…Guess Michael gets around then? Wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he did…So, it would appear-I’ve gathered. A girl whose mind runs a mile a minute…Faster than her body can take her. Someone’s gotta have all the ideas and you’ve never managed to disappoint me-uh, us so far. Oh? And what would you want me to do to let you “under my hood?”Nah, don’t worry. I get whatcha mean completely. Maybe I can’t fight it forever but it’s worth a shot-While I’ve still got the fight left in me. Ah, ah, ah…Nosy-Always the one with too many questions. If you really want to see I’ll show it to you. Just gotta promise me not to laugh too hard at it when it’s nowhere near as poetic as anything you can do. Buuut I say it’s gotta hell of a hook if I can brag a little. At least it brings out something good in me…Try not to get too used to the sight, Star.
I wouldn’t say familiar — you probably know him better than I do. You’re both pretty mysterious. I’m happy I’m exceeding your standards — it’s nice to find someone who appreciates how quick my brain can go sometimes, it hasn’t always been considered my best trait. Ha — I am not telling you that. All you need to know is that I’m gonna wear you down eventually, David. Just you wait. You could give in now, spill your deepest darkest secrets, skip all the rest and cut right to the chase… I won’t laugh at you, cross my heart. Oh, I think I’m gonna do whatever I need to, to see it again and get used to it. It’s one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. It’s only fair, we should be on equal footing. And I’m starting by telling you I know your song is incredible, and I’m demanding to hear this hook right now.
014. Detail one secret shame your character feels.
021. How do they display affection?
055. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert?
💫 Curiously enough, it’s leaving. Because when she goes, she doesn’t say goodbye. She’ll pick up in the middle of night and head out, onto the next place. Personally I HC that Star left her family like that, no warning, no nothing, because she just couldn’t take it. She’s a leaver at her core, but it’s something she hates about herself. It feels cowardly, and she isn’t sure how to be brave about it.
💫 Star is sooo touchy-feely once she’s comfortable! Holding hands, playing with hair, hugs, back rubs, allll of it. She’s also fairly vocal about how she feels, once she’s certain it’s reciprocated. Girlie will shout it from the rooftops if allowed! She’s a bit Orpheus core in that way.
💫 I want to say more of an ambivert, honestly. She comes off fairly extroverted and friendly, but when she’s locked in, it’s easy for her to forget anything or anyone else exists. She likes her alone time when she’s really trying to focus… but overall, I’d say she’s more extroverted. 70-30.
100 Random Character Development Questions
001. When is their birthday? 002. Do they do anything to celebrate their birthday? 003. Does your character like coffee better, or tea? 004. Do they prefer being alone or with others? 005. Are they in good health? 006. What sense do they most rely on? 007. Is your character an optimist or a pessimist? 008. What is their favorite fairy tale? 009. Do they believe in happy endings? 010. Do they believe in love at first sight? 011. How would your character court the person of their dreams? 012. What makes your character embarrassed? 013. Have they ever been bullied or teased? 014. Detail one secret shame your character feels. 015. Are they most likely to fight with their fists or their tongue? 016. What is their choice of weapon? 017. When does your character think that violence is justified or deserved? 018. Your character wakes up to find that war has been declared. What do they do? 019. If they could have a superpower, what would they choose? 020. What are their hobbies? 021. How do they display affection? 022. What is the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen? 023. What do they consider beautiful in others physically? 024. What do they consider ugly in others physically? 025. What do they consider beautiful in others personality-wise? 026. What do they consider ugly in others personality-wise? 027. What is their idea of perfect happiness? 028. What makes them laugh out loud? 029. What sort of sense of humor does your character have? 030. Do they believe in the afterlife? 031. Are they superstitious about anything? 032. Does your character believe in ghosts? 033. Do they keep their promises? 034. What’s their view of lying? 035. What is the most important rule your character lives by? 036. How honorable is your character? 037. If your character saw someone drop a large sum of money and knew that they could probably take it without anyone noticing, what would they do? 038. What bad habits do they have? 039. What do they think is the worst thing that can be done to a person? 040. What is their obsession? 041. Are they comfortable with technology? 042. What is their greatest achievement? 043. What will they stand up for? 044. What disgusts them? 045. Does your character have any chronic medical conditions? 046. How do they handle getting sick? 047. What was the last medical problem your character had? 048. Do they have any allergies? 049. How does your character feel about growing old? 050. How does your character feel about their own mortality? 051. If they knew they would die tomorrow, what would they do today? 052. What is your character’s worst flaw? 053. What is your character’s greatest strength? 054. Does your character want power or authority of any kind? 055. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert? 056. Has your character ever struck someone in anger? 057. Has your character ever killed anyone? 058. What is your character’s idea of a perfect day? 059. List several phrases your character is fond of uttering. Where did they pick them up? 060. What is your character’s attitude toward education and learning? 061. Does your character prefer adventure or safety and security? 062. What sort of legacy does your character wish to leave behind? 063. How well does your character handle difficult people? 064. In what ways does your character annoy others? 065. Is your character better at leading or following? Which do they prefer? 066. Does your character prefer city life or being out in nature? 067. Does your character believe in fate or destiny? 068. How strong is your character’s sense of responsibility? What kinds of things trigger it? 069. What about your character is heroic? 070. What about your character is cowardly? 071. How kind is your character? 072. In a Dungeons & Dragons game, which class would your character be? (wizard, fighter, bard, priest, ranger, etc.) 073. In a novel, what plot role would your character fill? (hero, anti-hero, sidekick, villain, etc.) 074. What is your character’s favorite game? 075. Is your character ticklish? 076. How do they express anger? 077. How often do they cry? Over what? 078. How emotionally stable is your character? 079. How easy is it for them to read the emotions of others? 080. How easy is it for others to read your character’s emotions? 081. Is your character religious? 082. What are your character’s sleeping preferences? 083. What is the first thing they say and/or do when they wake up? 084. Describe your character in one word. 085. Describe your character in three words. 086. How would your character describe themself in one word? 087. How would your character describe themself in three words? 088. Is your character quiet or loud? 089. How vocally expressive is your character? 090. How bodily expressive is your character? 091. What type of music does your character like? 092. What emotion does your character evoke in others? 093. What is your character’s goal in life? 094. Name three things most would not expect your character to be able to know. 095. Name three things most would not expect your character to be able to do. 096. How do they move and carry themselves? What energy do they project? 097. How well do they adapt to change? 098. Does your character like animals? 099. Do they talk to inanimate objects? 100. Does your character dream? If so, what do they dream about?
closed starter for @aliveinoverdrive !
The crowd was exceptionally loud today.. Michael couldn't help his smile at their rowdiness. They were the exact opposite of the kind of crowd expected at shows like his; a humble acoustic guitar player was meant to have a humble audience, but since when did Santa Carla ever pay attention to the norms and structures of society? No, the crowd was screaming, jumping, all reaching their hands out towards the stage as if they could ever get close to what Michael had made of himself.
He never really registered the faces of the people that frequented his shows, it always felt like a given to see the girl with pink hair or the guy with piercings for days.. What his eyes often focused on was new faces, people who he could either make a meal of if they stuck around until the end of the month or new fans to sing to and bask in the admiration of. He felt terrible admitting it, that people nowadays were nothing more than passing interests, but who was he to allow himself company? If someone ever got too close.. He didn't want to think of what would happen.
The guitar strings felt safe under his fingers, the one thing in this world that kept him grounded to it. His notes started soft, simple, dragging every listener into an almost hypnosis, before his voice grew louder, more desperate, more passionate, because that was the kind of singing that his crowds loved. They could ignore the cracks in his voice for the euphoria his music brought.. Could ignore how ingenuine it all felt, at the end of the day. Those eyes of his scanned the crowd, and that was when time stopped. A new face, one he hadn't seen before, staring up at him with such a dreamy look in her eyes that he could almost laugh. She was cute.. Adorable in ways he had never seen before. But that could only reinforce she would remain a fan, and never a meal. His powers slipping everything back into place, he lowered his head and continued his song.
Enchanted wasn’t the word. It was too light, too airy and fluffy. The crowd was the loudest Star had ever heard before, a far cry from what she was used to, far smaller venues, or even just alone in her room, an audience of one. Santa Carla’s music scene was intense, explosive, even — she’d never seen anything like it. She’d ambled down to the boardwalk searching for an adventure, or further inspiration, and stumbled upon a killer show. At first, all she’d been able to hear was the cheering. She slipped through the crowd, jostling her way up to the front of the stage. It hit her then — his voice. Clear and powerful, almost ethereal. She was transfixed, entirely unable to move, only able to listen as their eyes met. He was a bolt of lightning, and she was electrified.
Time itself could have stopped, and she wouldn’t have noticed.
There was an awestruck smile on her face as she watched, and it grew brighter when he pulled back, as if in hope that it would shine out through out the crowd, that he’d see it. That he’d notice her again. Her feet moved before her brain had the chance to get up, her hands reaching out to pull her body up, scaling the scaffolding so she could see him better. It was such a groupie move, one she’d curse herself for later. But right now, she was wholly focused on watching the incredible performance happening before her eyes.
She was back on the ground before it ended, thinking only with the heart pounding in her chest when she found him after the show, an almost shy smile on her lips as she made her way forward. She stopped at a respectful distance, giving a two fingered wave.
“You sounded great tonight. That was… out of this world.”
Michael had always known that his shows weren't exactly following the norm, knew that to anyone new to the scene, it would be a lot. But he couldn't bring himself to care, not when their cheers of his name kept him going, kept him performing, kept him out of that endless pit he always seemed to end up in the moment the night fell too silent. He was wrapped up in his music, the chords and notes that came so easily to him now, he could almost believe he was actually a legit performer. He could almost believe he deserved to be up there in the first place. He would never be able to shake off that sense of insecurity towards his music, but hey, what else was he supposed to do? Nothing was as entertaining as singing up on that stage.
His head lifted on a note, and there she was, on the scaffolding like she belonged up there. His lips couldn't help but quirk up at the sight, amusement shining in those eyes of his as he tilted his head in her direction, a subtle approval of what she was doing. He always enjoyed watching people lose themselves in the moment.. Thought that if he could bring them the freedom he would never have, then maybe he could live through them, and learn what it would be like to have that sort of carelessness again.. He was never the calmest kid before all of this, after all.
The after show was always the part he dreaded the most.. Some people never knew how to keep their hands to themselves, and forcing a smile was practically protocol nowadays.. But when she appeared? Suddenly the smile on his lips was very genuine, his head bobbing in a small nod in greeting. He hadn't expected her approach.. Not that he hated it.
"Appreciate it." He somehow sounded softer up close, his hand held out in her direction before he could stop it, "Never seen you around.. You new around here?" His voice stumbled at the end, as if the charm he was putting on was faltering in the face of someone that he was actually worried about impressing.
Fuck. He was actually talking to her. Star didn’t think she’d get this far; she wasn’t one to think about anything, really, other than her lyrics and song construction too deeply, preferring instead to be guided by whatever felt right, whatever felt real. Right now, that was him, and whatever tenuous thread that tied him to her, the spell he’d put her under with his song. She couldn’t help it, the fact that she was sucked right into his orbit without so much as a warning or a second thought. And sure, he probably spoke to every person who approached him after a show, most likely interacted with friends and fans alike, made them all feel aglow with what he did. She wouldn’t put herself down for basking in it.
She looked at his hand for a second too long, taking it and shaking it gently before her fingers returned to her sides. She tried to ignore the heat that accompanied it, and the heat that painted her cheeks over as she said, “Yeah. I just moved here from Phoenix.” She looked around, a soft grin on her face as she added, “I’m really liking Santa Carla so far, though. You’re a local, I’m guessing? Of course you’re a local, you seem really comfortable here. I mean, you looked amazing on stage — amazing as in totally comfortable, I mean. My God, am I still talking?”
She shut her mouth then, shaking her head at herself. This she would put herself down for, running her mouth like a goddamn idiot in front of someone she hoped to make a good impression on. She tried her best to recover, shifting a few of her locs behind her ear as she hummed, “I’m Star. And I’m sorry — I didn’t catch your name earlier, the crowd was absolutely insane.”
There. That was good. That was normal and manageable and absolutely regular. Surely she could get through a conversation, couldn’t she?
She could not, in fact, get through a conversation.
“Really, though,” Star added on after a beat, “you were incredible up there. Doing all that without a band is so difficult, and you made it look like a walk in the park. It’s… inspiring, honestly.”
Michael never really liked interacting with his fans one on one, which only made sense from how the adrenaline of performing was the only thing keeping his mind at bay from having so many eyes on him.. Usually his fans were more like zombies when he talked to them, still recovering from the effects of whatever magic he did on stage. Star was surprisingly genuine from what he could tell, and it only made the smile on his lips brighter. He couldn't remember the last time he had a conversation with a fan that left him feeling like this.. So light and carefree, like everything he said actually mattered for once. He would have to let himself bask in the high, didn't know if she would ever come back to a show.. That was always the thrill of it, wasn't it?
He found himself staring at his hand for a moment after she shook it, shocked himself by the warmth it brought to his chest. His head snapped up to her at the mention of Phoenix, an unreadable look crossing his eyes before he returned back to that same soft look, a smile on his face. "Phoenix, hm? I grew up over there. I'm trusting not much has changed?" Of course things had changed. Phoenix now was probably nothing like it was decades ago.. But it kept the conversation flowing, didn't it? He couldn't help but chuckle at her rambles, finding the awe in her voice absolutely cute, as he nodded his head. "Been living here for quite a while.. And thank you, I'm glad I seemed.. comfortable, as you put it." Tone lilting into a tease, he couldn't help himself. He wanted to see every reaction she had to him..
"Star, huh? That's a pretty name." His voice slipped into a more genuine admiration, dark eyes stuck on nothing but her as she spoke. She really was enchanting.. If he was still mortal, he was sure his heart would be pounding in his ears by now. He grinned, shrugging his shoulders as he tilted his head. "I'm Michael, but the people around here call me all kinds of stage names.. Comes with the territory of performing, I guess."
"It's not that bad." Shrugging, he always was more humble about his performances, "The only part that makes it difficult is trying to sing over everyone.. My crowds get kinda loud, as you saw." He looked at her, eyes wandering up and down before he could stop himself. "Do you do music too? Sounds like you know a thing or two about the solo act.."
Star found Michael fascinating. How could she not? He was… really hot, up close, but the way he spoke to her made her believed he genuinely wanted to hear what she was saying. If it was an act, it was incredibly convincing, but Star couldn’t bring herself to believe that was true. It felt real, and he did too. That was enough for her.
“God, I hope not. If it has, I’ve moved all the way out here for nothing.” It was her attempt at a joke, coupled with as casual a shrug as she could muster considering she still felt like she had come into contact with a live wire after she touched him. Phoenix was entirely the same, and that was the problem. She’d done everything she could do there, had reached her peak and her limits. Now she wanted to soar beneath the California skies, to lose herself completely in Santa Carla, even if it hurt a little. The best things usually seemed to, anyway. She was more than happy to lose herself here with him, entirely concentrated as she was on their conversation. A giggle escaped her at his change in tone, and she looked down immediately afterwards, mouth closed, though unable to keep a smile off of her lips.
Damn. She was in so much trouble already.
God, she couldn’t wait for whatever happened next.
“You think so?” she asked him next, lifting her gaze up to his, her voice soft and evidently flattered. Her heart was practically pounding out of her chest as she told him, “Michael’s pretty cute too.” It was obvious, her attempts at flirting with him. The best she could do currently, while her mind raced. All she knew was she had to know him, and if he let her, she’d talk him up all night.
Star watched Michael’s eyes as they roamed over her, took it as permission for her to do the same. Her gaze swept him head to toe and back up again, lingering on his lips when he spoke. She nodded, snapping back into their conversation with another smile.
“I do, yeah. I sing. My guitar skills are passable. I write songs, too — I’d love to show you some time, if you’re free.”
It was a bold invitation considering they’d just met, but she couldn’t help herself. She wanted so badly to see him again — she at least had to try.
“No pressure though, of course,” she rushed to add afterwards, “I’m sure you’re, like, insanely busy and everything —”
He definitely had better things to do, probably, most likely, but on the off chance he found her as interesting as she found him, she figured she’d better take the opportunity as it came. That was what she always did, whether it was a hit or a miss. She only hoped this time it would work out for the better.
“You said you grew up in Phoenix, yeah? What made you want to come to Santa Carla?”
If Star found him fascinating, Michael could only describe her as brilliant. She definitely reflected her namesake.. Left him wanting to stare up at the night sky and count every constellation with her in mind. She made him take the moment to slow down, when his mind was usually so wrapped up in everything and nothing all at once. Her little joke brought a laugh out of him, a genuine sound that tapered off into a cute little snort. "Ahh, well you can always count on Phoenix to stay consistent.. Not much happening out there in the desert. Can't say I miss it much.." His shoulders shrugged in a casual gesture, even when his eyes seemed tight from the mere mention. Everything that transpired in Phoenix felt like forever ago.. But the bite of it still stung, the scars that it left on his heart always reminding him of the family he had lost, the killer he had become. Her giggle brought a bit of light to his eyes though, a hunger to bring that noise out of her again filling him before he could truly stop it. He wanted to capture that noise in a bottle, and keep it all to himself-
No, he couldn't do that. She was far too bright to be trapped in his darkness.. A burning sun to his endless night sky. "I know so." His reply, still teasing and flirty, came out softer than intended, the cheeky smile on his face mellowing into something kinder. "Michael's a simple name, really.. Could never compare to yours." He shrugged, but it was all true. There would be countless Michaels out there in the world.. He was certain there would never be anyone quite like Star. She was a different being entirely- A girl that kept him breathless, a girl that made him want for something he had shoved down for years upon years. What kind of person could shake an immortal's heart so easily? The answer laid simply in the beaming smile of the girl before him.
Her boldness had his eyebrows lifting in shock, in intrigue, but there was certainly no disagreement to be found.. No, his head bobbed before he could stop it, an easy agreement as he brought a hand to his chin, playful and light all at once. "Wouldn't mind taking the break to listen to you." The words flowed easier than he expected them to, and a triumphant grin crossed his face before he could really stop it. He knew it was a terrible idea.. That dragging her into his world could only lead to a horrible ending, but he had spent so much time alone, why wasn't he deserving of the company for once in his life? It wasn't like he'd do anything to her, anyway.. Would probably just listen to a few of her songs, give a critique and a compliment, and send her on her way before the hunger in him could even begin to build up. "I'm sure we could help each other.. Musicians have to look out for one another, don't we?"
Her last question had his shoulders tensing for a moment before he let them drop, a careless hum escaping him as he waved his hand around. "'s not important, really.. Santa Carla just offered a different scene than Phoenix did." He would never tell her about the horrors that brought him there, the screams, the blood on his hands- His expression stayed calm, he found it was getting easier to navigate that storm without losing his cool. "Probably the same reason you escaped out here, I take it?" Shift the topic to her, that would certainly keep his mind off of everything..
“I don’t miss it either.” Star’s admittance was soft, but the words that came after were spoken with a specific authenticity, as though she was telling him everything that was on her heart, “Santa Carla’s a lot more… exciting.”
Star ducked her head, smiling down at the ground. God, she was lame, she knew that, but she couldn’t help it. There was just something about him. It made her want to unwind him, to figure him out, to lose herself in whatever darkness he was cast in and find out what made it up, what made him up. She wanted to surrender to the shadows, wrap herself in them completely until there was nothing left, to dissolve into him. It should have terrified her. It enlivened her instead, almost begging her to see it through to whatever end arrived.
“You’re way too sweet,” she murmured, hushed and half breathless before she remembered herself, “like, seriously. Let’s call it equal, or we’re gonna be here all night.”
She had to keep herself in check; she couldn’t just say every single thing that crossed her mind in front of him, could she? And if she could, would that be so bad? To have finally found someone to truly share with?
“That we do,” Star grinned. “You let me know when you’re free, time and place, and I’m there.” She wouldn’t be so bold as to assume he’d want to hear her now — he was probably exhausted after the show. The fact that he was still talking to her made her ridiculously happy; was she still eating up his time? What if he was only being nice, trying to put on a good show? It didn’t seem that way, though. She was way out of practice here, almost out of her depth.
She cringed when she saw his shoulders drop — that had been so stupid, asking about the place he’d said he’d left and presumably hadn’t returned to since.
“Probably,” Star said, nodding quickly, grateful for the chance to continue talking, that he hadn’t dismissed her off of one bad comment. “I, uh, just… wanted something different as well.” It was a cagier answer than she wanted to give, tinged with melancholy, almost wistful, wanting. She wanted so much still — the wanting hadn’t stopped when she’d arrived, merely shifted onto her latest experience. What she wanted now was to see him smile again, to watch his eyes change as they briefly had, to see the set of his shoulders relaxed, to hear him speak to her in that softened tone. Maybe she was in way over her head here (she didn’t know him, after all), but all that meant to her now was that she’d just have to prove to herself that she could handle it. And what better way to prove that than by diving headfirst into everything he was?
“I think I’ve got it,” she said next, braving another step closer to him. “This is… different than anything else I’ve ever experienced.”
Ever felt, in fact. Fortunately, she kept that bit inside of her head, lowering her voice to give another addition to her earlier words.
“Do you, maybe… wanna get out of here?”
Michael's smile softened impossibly so, his head tilting in a careful manner, as if knowing he was handling something delicate. His hum was gentle as he regarded her, knew exactly what kind of feelings she was probably having at the moment- "Excitement is all we can chase nowadays, huh?" His voice lilts, cautious yet caring as he chuckles. "Santa Carla's good at that.. Making you forget everything that came before."
"I'd argue I'm not sweet enough." He was used to putting a bit more sugar on his words.. Making the syllables on his tongue something tangible and sweet for the people he was talking to. But Star made him add some genuineness to his tone he didn't often share, a glimpse into what was left of the soul behind the facade. "But alright, I can slow it down for you.. Wouldn't want you to melt before we can properly get anything going, right?" His words were accompanied with a small wink, one that he almost immediately cringed afterwards towards. God, what was he doing? Making a fool of himself in front of her.. He felt like he was ruining whatever impression she had of him, and as determined as he was to keep it that way, even he knew he was coming off as bumbling and stupid.. But maybe she was into that kind of vibe?
"Usually free throughout the week.. When I'm not performing, I'm not doing much else." His shoulders lift in a casual shrug, attention never leaving her. He definitely would've been happy to hear her at the moment, but he didn't want to put her on the spot.. Knew what it was like to be asked to perform without the proper preparation. Not that he was exactly like her in terms of performance, he was definitely different from the rest of his fellow musicians in the sense that he could really only perform well once his listeners were under his spell.. But he wouldn't reveal that to her, probably wouldn't anytime soon. He wanted to keep that air of mystery, after all..
He nodded in understanding, smile softening despite himself as he listened to her. She was much more like a kindred spirit than he would've expected.. A runaway from Phoenix looking for something different wasn't found often, after all. "I hope Santa Carla's given you the kind of different that you need, then." He hummed, glancing out towards the boardwalk before he looked back at her. He knew what it was like, needing a change of pace, a place that would make you forget all about your past and give you a better future- Santa Carla had given it to him in spades, and he would be more than happy if the same could be said for the girl in front of him. "You tell me if you need help finding it though, alright? Wouldn't want you getting lost looking for something I could probably help provide.." He didn't often offer his leadership like that, even felt himself wanting to stumble as he did. But he couldn't help it with her.. If she needed the guidance, he would've been happy to offer it.
Her step closer made his eyebrows raise, but his smile simply slipped into something hungrier before he forced his expression to soothe out and soften, a soft chuckle escaping him before he could stop it. "And where would we go, Star?" Her name left him in a coo, his head motioning outwards, "The world's your oyster.. Wanna show me what you've got?" A playful challenge, he wanted to see what exactly she was capable of..
Star barely held back a sigh. It was like he could read her mind, or her soul somehow — just reach right in and give a voice to exactly what she was thinking. It was a power she wished she held in this moment, something to put them on equal footing. “That’s all I want,” she admitted, “something new. This place looks easy to lose yourself in, too.” If his song was anything to go by, he definitely had, probably knew a shortcut to wrapping himself up in everything Santa Carla had to offer.
She stilled when next he spoke — God, could he be any cuter? Though she wasn’t sure if she could handle whatever ‘properly going’ went if she kept blushing and stuttering like an idiot whenever he complimented her.
“Right,” she managed past the breath that had left her body, “Slow is good.” Slow was smart. Safe. Somewhat opposed to what she usually got into. “It’s not fair,” she said after a few seconds, “I haven’t gotten you to melt once yet.” It was meant to steer their conversation back towards a lighthearted direction — she held no genuine frustration, but she wondered if she affected him at all, made his heart skip a few beats, even if her attempts at flirting weren’t as smooth as his.
“Michael,” Star laughed, “I don’t even know where to find you after this. Kinda the whole point of the ‘specific time and place’ bit.” That, and confirming his interest. She’d learned that vagueness meant it wasn’t that serious — in other words, no. She wanted to hear him say he wanted to see her again, and give a few extra details to solidify that he was genuinely interested in meeting up again. She’d drop it if he wasn’t, of course — the last thing she wanted to do was stay if he didn’t want her around. She wasn’t interested in crossing any of his boundaries, or in driving him off being overly eager. It was a difficult balance to maintain with her inner sunshine in the mix, but she did her best to walk the line, refusing to relinquish an ounce of authenticity.
“I’m not gonna say no if you want to help me,” Star said, her own smile soft and small. “Different should be way easier to find with such a gorgeous tour guide.” If anybody knew the city, it was him. So, really, it seemed like wherever he was, was the right place to be. More and more, Star was convinced that there was nowhere else she wanted to go.
His words emboldened her, brought her close enough to reach out and offer him her hand. He could take it or discard it, but she didn’t want to steal the choice from him. Still, she couldn’t hang back any longer. She had never been the type to do so, to stay safe and sound behind the scenes. His earlier words rang in the back of her mind.
Fuck slow.
“You’re the native, why don’t you tell me?” Her hum was softer now as well, since she stood so close to him, closer than she probably needed to. She inhaled quickly, holding tight to all the courage she held within her as she looked up at him and murmured, “You said you wanted to help me find something different, right? Why don’t you show me?”
“ Could this world exist without you? ” - @makeyoufeellikethat // can we ignore that i still have five billion things to reply to for you. im so sorry i cant resist/silly
“I don’t think it could exist without you.” For once, Star wasn’t nervous to give her admission. She spoke calmly and clearly, as if it was something she had always known. Still, she reached for her usual cover out of habit, quickly humming afterwards, “I, uh, think that’s perfect for the song. Don’t you?” She chewed on the edge of her pencil, staring down at the haphazardly scribbled lyrics covering the sheet as though she was trying to burn a laser hole through it with her eyes.
There was no denying it in Michael's head- He was being genuine in his previous words, almost scarily so. But her hums snapped him out of the trance she unknowingly put him under, and it was almost natural to force an easy smile on his face as he nodded. "It's a great lyric.. I'm sure it'll get into everyone's heads." That was always what he looked for when he was writing songs, anyway- That the lyrics could stick long enough for his fans to keep their eyes glued to him on the stage, even if none of them would be able to repeat it later on.. "You're really good at this." The compliment came out in a blurt as he reviewed the lyrics they had worked on together, his shoulder almost pressed against hers.
It was a terrifying sincerity that haunted Star now, alongside the fact that she’d meant what she said completely. Even worse (or better, so, so much better), he sounded like he had too. But how could she be sure? Especially since she’d been so quick to move from it, just in case he thought it was weird of her to say? “Me and my earworms are rarely wrong,” she joked back, cringing at herself five seconds later. Unknowingly, she pressed her shoulder against his, electricity rippling through her as he returned, “It took a lot of practice. You’re not so bad yourself, you know.” It was meant to be lighthearted, but landed closer to devotional. Her voice lowered, slightly hoarse as she asked him, “What’s the next line?”
hellooooo? earth to michael? you’re kinda… staring…
( @aliveinoverdrive )
"Hm?" The frankly unsettling blank stare that Michael had locked on Star shifts into a rapid blink, before his usual smile slips back onto his face like nothing had happened. "Oh, Star! Sorry, got a bit lost in my head.." More like he was thinking about the future, but details. "What were you saying?"
“I was saying that you look like you’re starving.” Star’s voice, light and airy, floated across the space between them, a teasing smile on her face. “Do you wanna go grab a bite? Your eyes are all, dark and intense and totally gorgeous — I mean, you look, uh, really concentrated!” She tapped her fingers against her lap, fighting the warmth that had already begun to creep across her cheeks. “Really, though. Are you okay?”
Ah. Starving.. It was approaching that time of the month, wasn't it? Michael's smile tenses for a second before he shakes his head, waving a hand around. "I'm alright, dear.. Just thinking hard. I wouldn't mind grabbing food if you're hungry though." He chuckled as she rambled, eyes lidded with a different kind of hunger as he looked at her.. She really was dangerous, huh? "You think so? Guess I'm just looking at something worth the concentration.." His gaze didn't wander as he nodded. "I'm fine, really. Are you?"
She was going to jump on him if he kept looking at her like that. Star couldn’t have looked away from him if she wanted to. “I’m all good,” was the answer she gave him, also filled with a particular hunger. Her own eyes were darkened as she added, “I’m not hungry.” A lie. “What were you thinking about?” she mused next, lacing her hands together behind her back to keep from reaching for him. “You were totally on a different planet for a moment there.”
Michael rose a brow, even if he was never the most observant, he always could tell a lie when he heard one. "You sure? There's a diner not too far from here.." His head tilted in the direction, and even though he hadn't been in a long time, he would be happy to do what it took to keep one of his favorite humans well-fed. "It's not important." He shrugged, trying to keep the attention of him and definitely failing miserably. "You'll find the longer you're around me that I often get lost in my head."
Star’s heartbeat kicked up, and she swallowed, shaking her head back and forth rapidly. “No, I mean — I don’t want food.” She was definitely still hungry… just not for anything she could technically eat. “I don’t mind you getting lost in your head, Michael,” she said next, quite eager to leave behind her previous words. “If anything, I’m wondering what goes on up there.” It was up to him if he wanted to let her into his world or not, though she hoped he did. “You don’t have to tell me, though. But if you want to… I’m listening.”
Michael's brows lifted, and if he still had blood running through his veins, it definitely would've rushed to his cheeks. A small laugh escaped him, head tilting in a careful manner. "Oh? You are hungry for something though, right?" Bait set out for her, simply to see if she would take it. His expression grew a bit distant as he regarded her, the never-ending fight within him to see just how much he'd let her into his walls.. He was heavily guarded for good reason in his mind, but the last thing he'd want is to drive her away.. Settling for a casual shrug, he leaned back, eyes flitting from her to the air above. "Nothing you need to worry about, Star.. Just all the little details for my shows and stuff, it's all really boring." A lie, but it was believable enough. A solo artist like him definitely had a lot to consider after all..
“You could say that.” Blood flooded Star’s cheeks so much around him she could’ve sworn he was partway controlling it. He had to know what he did, the effect he had on people, on her. She watched him carefully, giving him a measured nod. “Boring,” she repeated, forcing herself not to feel to put-out by the evasion. He was brushing her off, even if he didn’t mean to. Still, she wouldn’t force it. She had plenty of better ideas to go through than trying to wear down his walls before she was ready. “Sounds like we need some excitement, then.” Her eyes glittered as she sat up, a half formed plan appearing in her mind. “I’m still finding my way around here — I’d love a tour from a Santa Carla native.” Now she grinned at him, delighted. “And I know you’ve probably got the coolest places to go under your sleeve.”
hey! you find a band to rock out with yet, or are you still flying solo?
( @aliveinoverdrive )
Hey, again, Starlight-Always a pleasure to see your face around, girl…I can admit the situation isn’t what I would’ve wanted nor expected it to be. There’s this guy I met my first night here-Kinda hard to really put him into any other words exactly other than a prick who’s been offering for me to play with him as a duo…But, well-it’s not really an instrument I’m interested in playing out for a crowd of people I don’t know all that well. Feeling more than a little apprehensive, to tell you the truth about it, friend…Guess it could go any way I want it to for me…
I like seeing your face around too, David. Oo, sounds mysterious. Was he cute, at least? Aw, come on — don’t tell me you’re getting shy about playing the guitar. It’s not like he asked you to back him up on the triangle… did he? Well — you’ll be amazing no matter what you do. Still plenty of time to figure things out. If you ever wanna rehearse, I’m happy to bring my guitar along too, sing a little back up. I miss harmonies — you can’t really do ‘em when it’s just you, y’know? It’s funny you mention it — I met a guy too. Very charismatic, almost as much as you —
Everyone in this place seems more than a little preoccupied and taken up with him for better or worse…Can’t say I disagree entirely. He’s not hard on the eyes to look at-gotta give it to him there…just grading on what left exists of my dignity. Hmm, now that you mention it, his instrument of choice for me was to play the triangle for him. Thought I’d look ‘cute’ onstage with it. Whatever he said-Wasn’t entirely listening to what he was saying after he got to the ‘triangle’ part. Don’t know what it’s all about...His problem but it’s clear to me as the day he’s got one…Not sure what I’m supposed to think about him. A rehearsal with you sounds better than that-Always up to see what we got together...With the strings and our voices…Now what are the odds of that? Guess now we’ll have to fight over you for your affection…Whoever he is must be special enough to have caught your eye then…
Aw, he got to you too, didn’t he? Don’t feel too bad, happens to everyone, like you said. Wait, really? God, I was just kidding… yeah, I can understand how that wouldn’t really be your scene. I mean, in your defense, you’d look cute with anything onstage — um, you’d be good with anything onstage, I mean. Yeah. Ah, if you’ve got some time, I’m free to rehearse a bit now. We already make a pretty good team, so it should be pretty smooth. At least, I think so. Oh my God, don’t start. He’s… pretty special, yeah. And I think you are too. No need to fight, though, I promise. If anything, it sounds like I’m gonna have to fight him for your attention.
Eh, never said that…Admitting a fact and observation more than a personal feeling, Star. As much as I hate it he seems more than willing to give me a shot if I “prove it to the boardwalk” didn’t know this life as a musician was a club we were supposed to join into…Flattering and sweet but tell me have you ever looked in a mirror lately? Bet that would do you much for learning who’d look best up there-Really are a catch above the rest of us fish in the sea. That’s alright. Should have some time to kill before my next shift-We really do, don’t we? Oh, it sounds like it…Haven’t seen you so starstruck before-Doubt that-Was more calling you special than him.
You seem like the type who likes a challenge, but not necessarily the sort of person to rise to one. Prove him wrong, or don’t — that doesn’t make you any less of a person, or a performer. Oh really? Who’s flattering and sweet now, hmm? I’m gonna have to stop coming around you if I ever want to have a single coherent thought or not feel like I’m pretty much burning up. Time to kill… I’m gonna write that down, hold on — I’m not starstruck, I’m just — ! Struck, really. You can’t call a girl special and expect her not to be affected. Not all of us can be as removed as you are, even if we try. Anyways, I’m dying to hear what you’ve been working on, so the sooner we get practicing, the better. And, David? If I’m special, you are… so much more.
Well, is that a challenge? Maybe then I’ll have to rise to the one I’ve been given. Less about being challenged more not being sure what I want the local night life’s first impression on me to be. Hard to be taken seriously when I’m “Michael’s triangle boy” or whatever he tells them. Glad I can at least make you feel something even if it’s incoherence. Got another song idea to hit me with, Stardust? All the more reason to get to practicing the sooner we can, huh…Eh, maybe it’s good you’re not. I like your zest for life-makes things more exciting for us “too far removed” on the outside…Haven’t gotten much by comparison of you but I’ve been trying to write, my appreciation for your craft only grows as I try. Keep talking like that and you’ll get me blushing with you too…
Michael? Did he cast a spell on this entire damn town? Uh, yeah, the triangle’s probably not how you wanna debut, completely understand that. You know me, I’m full of ideas, always got something new to work on. Mm, you’re gonna have to let me under that hood eventually. In-um-a way that sounds more normal than what I just said, Jesus, Star — Like, you-you can’t be aloof and unapproachable forever, is all! Okay, you have to let me see what you’ve been working on. Wait, I’ve got you blushing now? It looks great on you, really brings out your eyes…
[ closed starter for @lostandlookingforthelight ]
Santa Carla’s Boardwalk was a magical place. Well, less magical and more chaotic, but it provided the perfect avenue for Star to try and write a new song. She hadn’t written anything since she’d landed in the city — not a single note or lyric flowed past her brain and out of the tips of her fingers. Normally, writer’s block terrified her; it was one of the most frustrating sensations on Earth, being unable to start or finish a song. Now, she welcomed the challenge, almost craved it. It was a welcome distraction from the restlessness in her body, something to consider other than everything she’d left behind. She tucked herself onto a bench, scanning the crowd in front of her, her notebook spread across her lap, her pencil lifted, poised to scribble a few lines.
There was no shortage of interesting people to look at, countless stories to imagine behind them. Still, her eyes kept returning to a blonde stationed somewhere in the mix. She knew how it looked — it was definitely strange, potentially off-putting and probably (unfortunately) a little bit creepy, just watching someone she didn’t know. But there was something about him that begged to be explored, practically called out to her to consider more closely. It worked like a charm — her pencil practically flew across the page, two lines of lyrics spiraling across the previously empty paper like nothing.
He wouldn’t mind, she hoped, and if he did, she could always apologize, or offer to show him the finished product, once she’d polished it up a bit. Still, Star was grateful that she was able to write anything at all, and she wasn’t letting this moment go to waste. She was all too happy to lose herself, here and now.
David wasn’t unfamiliar to the sensation of being watched, though it usually was in a more judgmental connotation than it felt like it was now. He had been walking around the boardwalk and managed to get sucked into one of its many crowds of tourists. Didn’t know what he had been expecting-maybe not for a town like this to have such a bustling night life at least…His grip tightened ever so slightly on his guitar case-the one with too many decals spread out all over it…Trying to feign an air of mystery when all he really was, was frustrated by the circumstances he found himself in instead. His internal paranoia only persisted until he found the direct cause of it…A girl sitting on a bench with a note pad in hand. Normally he would’ve tried to be polite enough not to stare back at her but the trip here was long enough it made him too tired to care all that much about it.
For a long time he just stared back, a long, unblinking stare-he was good at those, back at home when he still lived with his father he had a certain reputation among the block for that same unblinking stare. Now all the good it ever did him was to ward off unwanted attention and watchers. But, it would be a lie to say he wasn’t at the very least interested in what she was writing…Even if he had the inherent expectation to find it wasn’t something nice to read or else she would’ve just said it out loud to him. It was harder to get to him than it looked, easier too-but he was too stubborn to give ‘em that much. After a while he decided to take a walk over to the girl.
“Ever been told it’s never nice to stare?”He snarked at her, dropping his guitar case in front of the bench before sitting down beside her without an invitation given…Trying to spread out with a sly expression even as the frantic tapping of his boot gave away his true feelings and nature.“Writing something of note and-is it about me? C’mon…Tell me you like what you see…”
He was staring at her. He was staring at her. Star felt like she was on fire — was she actually on fire? Her eyes flickered down to her pants, which were, thankfully, not going up in smoke or sparking from any smoldering embers. His gaze was just so goddamn intense — it pierced her straight through, giving her enough inspiration to continue with the pieces of the song that was now forming in her mind.
Rock, for sure, something hard and fast; a quick hit. Something real too, raw, none of the souped-up counterfeit bullshit that coasted over the radio airwaves. Amidst the slight terror she felt at being stared almost unblinkingly, there was a ravenous excitement, a thrill and a joy at the words flowing from her fingertips, practically flying across the page now. One catchy refrain, a couple of well placed chords and a title that demanded the attention of a crowd, and she would have it. She was so close.
Star’s focus cracked in half when he started moving.
Shit, shit, SHIT, is he walking over here?
Her thoughts raced, and she desperately tried to hold on to the last vestiges of concentration she had, fortunately able to tack on an ending line before her fingers stilled when he arrived at the bench she was currently seated on.
“I’m sorry,” she said immediately, though her mouth closed and her eyes widened when he sat down next to her. She shifted over an inch to give him some space, blurting out, “I do — I mean, you just, looked interesting. Like you might have a story, or something. I know the staring was totally weird, and I am sorry about that, seriously, I don’t normally just look at people for that long and shut up Star — ”
The last three words were a mumbled command beneath her breath to herself. She offered an embarrassed, apologetic smile.
“It’s a song,” she told him next, softer, holding out the notebook so he could look at it if he wished. “I dunno how accurate it is, all things considered, but, I think it’s got potential.”
“Well, we can only hope it’s a good interesting.” Hmm, never heard a girl like her call him “interesting” before-as hard to believe as that might’ve been if you weren’t him. Must’ve meant the new appearance was working after all…Haircut and a little alterations to all of it he wore took to make him unrecognizable enough to pass as something he wasn’t to many in the past…Maybe his chances weren’t as bad as he though they’d be-
He rung his arms with a lazy wink, still overselling it but hoping she wouldn’t notice or acknowledge it. “Nothing to apologize for and certainly no need to shut up…” Star. The girl’s name was Star, like the sky above them-Star…The blonde nodded his head, slightly skewing the message. “Nah. People watching isn’t a bad thing to get caught doing.” He shrugged it off. “Besides this crowd around us isn’t exactly a normal one to take a look at. Don’t know how they all do it, but they do. Gotta admit this place has its appeals, doesn’t it? It’s-Not every town in California can you see a shirtless guy playing sax, right?” He chuckled.
“We all have stories to tell, even me, Star…” He suddenly readjusted himself in his seat. “What’s yours? Must be a hell of a lot more interesting than mine…”
He doubted that…He really did. But! It was a nice enough of a way to distract her before she got on his ass with too many questions about his past.
David lit up almost immediately at the mention of it being a song she was writing, raising his arms up in the air excitedly and standing up on the bench. “Ah! A fellow musician!” He declared before sitting back down with a not so smooth jump and landing.
“You play at all? Solidarity-is best found in people with common interests and goals.” He couldn’t hide how excited he was-practically beaming like a child who’d been given his favorite toy jumping from a kind of youthful joy. “I play guitar…Looking for my next gig and a band to play in…” Saying he knew the instrument he played all that well was more than a stretch…But! He had more time to kill here now than he had. Another thing she didn’t need to know about him-by the time she’d ask him about it he was sure he’d have more proficiency at his disposal.
With a snap of his fingers and holding his index finger up in the air he got up for a second time since sitting down with her-This time to open his guitar case and pull the beat up thing out.
“Here…” He held the instrument out for her. “If you play guitar. Play me what you got. Go on…I won’t judge if you’re a little…rusty and all. Don’t worry about it. Just us and the strings…”
Jesus Christ. She wanted to cringe, to bury herself beneath the sand on the pier. Anything was better than telling a hot guy to his face that he a; looked hot, and b; looked interesting. It could be taken in a myriad of ways. Thankfully, he seemed to take it well enough. In fact, her words appeared to embolden him, which in turn, only caused her to duck her head, laughing awkwardly as her cheeks warmed. She was usually better at beginnings, but this start was more unique than the rest. At least she hadn’t dropped anything, or made a true fool of herself. Though, any embarrassment she found while in pursuit of her art was worth it.
“You can’t see a shirtless guy playing sax this good anywhere else, that’s for sure.”
She could smile now, be amused as relief permeating her entire being as the topic of conversation moved along smoothly. He moved fast, this smooth talking blonde, and she wasn’t quite sure if it was a good thing or not. All she knew was it captured her attention and kept it, and that was worth seeing their conversation through to the end.
“You don’t get my story until you give me your name,” she said, finally lifting her gaze back up to him. She hadn’t received it yet, and she wanted it. He’d chosen to speak with her, and the consequence of that choice would be indulging in her curiosity about him. It still seemed like a fair trade, some of her personal details for some of his. Besides, she had to redeem herself. Though she may have come across as delicate, Star was far from a wilting flower. She was still in the process of blooming amidst her latest replanting, but giving Santa Carla her best effort was a hell of a way to kickstart it all. It would pay off in the end, and until it did, she was going to keep seeing it through. It was that or run off again, and she didn’t want to disappear, not now, not yet. She brightened at the mention of music, nodding excitedly.
“Oh my God, that’s so cool!” Star exclaimed at his mention of playing guitar. “You have to tell me if you find a good band — I’d love to join one too.”
Her eyes widened once more as he opened his case, presenting the guitar to her.
“Oh! Um, I… I guess I could… play… a little…”
She took it carefully, tuning it and strumming a few chords to test it. Star balanced the guitar against her body, sliding her notebook off to the side so she could read the lyrics she’d just written. Then, she opened her mouth and sang for him. Her fingers moved with a practiced air, strumming along as she sang her new melody out. While her guitar skills were admirable, Star’s true power came through with her voice. It was strong and confident, entirely emotional without so much as a whisper of a crack. She lost herself in the song, only returning to the moment once she’d realized she’d sang through the entire thing. She tossed a few locs over her shoulder, wordlessly holding the guitar out to him.
After a moment, she murmured, “I think you owe me a song now too. Still nothing to worry about, right? Just us and the strings?”
Star was blushing? He didn’t know what he said or did to get her flustered like that…Maybe she was just easily embarrassed? Could’ve been acting smoother than he thought he was. It didn’t matter really-this conversation had proven another way to try out this new persona and personality he’s been testing out-Wanting to see if he could pull it off and if people would like it…Last town he’d done the opposite-Soft and sweet boy but…it didn’t last long. Wasn’t him. Though neither was this-but the sugar isn’t too sweet for him now…Always liked rock music and wondered what it would be like to play rockstar for a day and that’s what he’s doing…If he’s as good at it as Star is acting may he never have to be anyone else ever again.
“I’m David.” He introduced himself with a bright smile-If he’d been thinking clearly enough he should’ve put teeth whitener in first-That would’ve sold it. Chicks dig a big and pretty smile…
Never mind how “David” wasn’t really his name-It was the name he’d chosen now but it wasn’t the one printed out on his birth certificate…On the ID he left back at home and can never go back for now. It was a fair enough trade-Didn’t mean he liked it. Talking about himself when he didn’t know who he was and where he was going next…Star hadn’t seemed to catch onto that yet. Well, they say fake it til you make it for a reason, ah…
“Born in Massachusetts, made a name for myself up there…” Then he took a sobered up pause. “Then I ran. Haven’t been back since.” David’s eyes darkened a little at the memory, his hands on his knees drumming away as he avoided eye contact with the girl sitting beside him. Knew better than to share…But, something about Star was so inviting and warm it drew him in…Like a cozy fire after a long winter in the frost. A part of him wanted to stay there and see how much it warmed him up too in spite of his better judgment and awareness of how things are. “I’ve walked alone since…Popping place to place with no expectations to stay. Doubt here will be any different-” That last part was mostly a grumble to himself. In a new place like this he always tried to keep his hopes low and attachments at a minimum even as lonely and desperate as he was-The boy was trouble through and through and he knew it was only inevitable trouble would come his way again.
If trouble found him or he was the trouble was up to you to decide-He couldn’t say. Didn’t want to know or admit to it either way. “Some things are better left up to your imagination, Star.”
He dodged eye contact again by looking at the stars she’s presumably named after.
When she started to play he sat up straighter, eyes locked in and fully on her finally with no hesitation.
He could admit she was more than admirable at playing guitar, but what he was really focused on was her voice and writing ability. Star had a real knack for taking you on a journey when she sang-her voice as dazzling as it was powerful. As rude as it may have been he couldn’t stop himself from tapping his foot and snapping his pale fingers stained with dark nail polish to the rhythm-Music was and always has been a foundational part of the way he saw the world after all…When the time came for him to play he got more nervous again…Even if he tried to keep his eyes on the strings so she wouldn’t see the flushing or sweat beginning to bloom out on his face…With a sigh he took the guitar and began to play-All of it more-*rudimentary,* the way he took to play and the song he sang. He could only hope the folksy and rock adjacent timbre of his voice could cover up his inadequacies from her.
Eventually he put the guitar back up. “Maybe I oversold my own skill…” David said quietly, aware it made him sound bashful when he didn’t want to. Still was fighting off the urge to apologize and run off from the scene like it hadn’t happened.
“Nice to meet you, David,” Star grinned back. She stayed quiet all while he spoke, taking in the story he gave her. She had no reason to question it, or his name — she took everything he said for the truth. Besides, he sold it all rather charmingly, flashing that gorgeous smile with half of his sentences. She didn’t say anything when he turned away, merely made a mental note of the action and moved along.
“It might be,” she hummed when he finished, “Different, I mean. That’s what I’m hoping, at least. I just got here from Phoenix — needed a change of scenery badly. And I’m really hoping Santa Carla is worlds away from where I used to be.”
She was running too. From what, she wouldn’t say, but she knew that whatever was in front of her had to be better than whatever she was leaving behind. This was already miles ahead — a potential new friend and a completed song, alongside the chance to perform it? She couldn’t have dreamt up a better beginning.
“Maybe,” Star returned, watching as David’s eyes turned up towards the sky. She kept hers on him as she continued, “Or maybe, some things are even better than you imagined.”
She didn’t have much evidence to back up her statement, only unfailing faith that it was true. Fortunately, she was able to perform for him, give him her song and let the rest of the world fall away. She beamed when he took the guitar, her attention rapt when he played. It wasn’t as technical, that she could admit, but there was a certain energy in his voice that carried. He sounded raw, authentic, which to her, was addicting. She was so wrapped up in it that she hardly noticed he’d finished, staring at him for a few extra seconds once the song concluded. Star closed her mouth rapidly once she realized, shaking her head back and forth quickly.
“No way — that was awesome.” She leaned in towards him, excitement brimming out from her entire being.
“Where did you learn to do all of that? I mean, I’ve taken some lessons and pieced some shit together, but I haven’t been able to hit that timbre you’ve got. Like, wow.”
She leaned back when she realized she was probably too close, another half awkward laugh bubbling up from her lips.
“You’re gonna find a band in no time, David. Trust me. There’s no way you’re gonna stay solo for long; unless you want to be.”
Really, truly, he was good. And if he worked at it, he could probably become great. If that was what he wanted, of course. Not everyone chased new heights like she did — some found the distance dizzying, the fall imminent. Star rode the highs like they belonged to her, and this was another one. She couldn’t get any higher than music, and if Phoenix had stifled her creativity, Santa Carla was freeing it, easy.
“Do you write too?” she asked next, ever curious about him. He was so mysterious, yet he seemed almost grounded by his own mannerisms — a refurbished record. She was stuck now, trapped like a butterfly in amber, determined to learn as much as he allowed her to while they spoke.
“Phoenix?” His dark eyebrow quirked up a little bit. “Never been…Heard it’s hot as shit up there.” David deadpanned. Didn’t mean anything bad by it-It was just the truth he had always heard. “Maybe you could’ve used the change of scenery because it’s so hot and bright outside all the time there…” The joke wasn’t especially clever on his part but he was trying and that had to count for something. “Nice to meet ya too, Starlight.” He smiled genuinely for once-the first time in a while for him.
The blonde had caught onto the innuendo of what she was implying-“a change of scenery” “worlds away from where she was” those were the kind of excuses he would’ve made too if he was her…No, Star was more like him than she let him in on…Another running kind, could only hope not for the same reasons he had to run back then-
Upon his worldview being challenged so brightly all he could muster was a sentence: “For a girl they call ‘Star’ you sure are a ray of sunshine.” It sounded meaner than he meant it-He was already cursing himself a little for saying it out loud…Innocence like hers in adversity is a noble thing, really-but the concept of it has grown so foreign to him by comparison.
He almost pitied her in that respect-The world chews out bright and sunny people trying to make it through the night like them all the time…in another way he almost envied it.
In a lot of respects, the runaway boy had to grow up faster than his body did. When you’ve lived alone long enough to barely be able to afford your next meal much less a hit…The rare flashes of joy are always welcome but just that, rare…Every high in his life left him with a cataclysm fall and a long way to climb back out of…Always searching for something worth living for when he knew those times hit. Something good enough to outweigh all the bad…He hadn’t found it yet and he’d almost all but abandoned the search when things got too real for him. If only he could be more like her and less like her…With a wild enough imagination to enjoy the thrill of the chase but his feet firmly on the ground enough to not get lost up in the stars overhead.
David was caught off-guard by Star calling what he did “awesome”. Hadn’t expect a girl of her strengths to do anything but mock him for it.
It almost felt too good to be true, so for a moment he thought it wasn’t…The praise and kindness. “My old man never said I was all that good.” It was a quiet admission and one he regretted saying as fast as it came out.
“Forget I said…I didn’t say that…So…” He quickly tried to brush it off-he never was good at taking genuine encouragement from someone else. Much better at giving it out.
He took a long pause to think about what she said though, trying desperately to let it sync in even if it was failing to.
“Solo or in a band?” Was now the question that echoed in his mind instead. Wasn’t sure-to tell you the truth. The blonde thought of himself as an individualist, a leader type made a lone wolf by circumstances…But, he was also regrettably starting to grow tired of walking this world alone. He wondered what it would be like to be a part of something-a family, a brotherhood, a relationship-something that made him feel more alive than dead…For now he felt like a ghost floating around while all of life’s meaning escaped him. He wanted to stand apart but maybe more than that he wanted to belong to something or-someone…Someone that made him want to stop running for a change and stay.
“Not as much as I’d like to.” He told it to her straight. “Never seems to be enough time in the day…Must have more time than I do.” David looked back down at her pen and page-not to reread what she just sang to him but looking almost melancholic and forlorn that he wasn’t doing the same right now-
Starlight. Star’s heart stuttered in her chest at the name, but she was grateful that he couldn’t hear it inside of her chest, even if he probably could see the ridiculously wide, incredibly bright smile on her face. The smile he gave her looked equally genuine, and that only increased her happiness. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed a conversation this much; talking to strangers didn’t always pay off so big, she knew that very well.
It must have been going a little too well, because the next thing he said made her flinch. “Am I supposed to be something else? You don’t even know me,” was the first thing she said, a brittle snap. He had no idea what she’d done to keep her optimism, how she’d fought to stay hopeful amidst everything the world threw at her. Yes, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, and yes, she’d recently found out Santa Carla was known as the Murder Capital Of The World (which didn’t exactly bode well for her fresh start), but that didn’t mean their couldn’t be something good in the in between, something other than constant disarray or despair.
She inhaled deeply, murmuring to him, “I’m sorry. I just mean — there’s more to me than just that. Besides, the sun is a really big star, so it’s actually more accurate than you’d think.”
Maybe she should’ve been more like him. Guarded, grounded in the world around him, clearly seeing things how they were rather than how they could’ve been. It had gotten him this far, after all.
She forgave it all in an instant; music was one of the quickest ways to her heart. It was something she lived for — some days she was certain if her veins opened, notes would fall out. It had held her when she had nothing else, comforted her in the absence of her family. She wasn’t sure if Santa Carla would bring her a new family, a place to belong, someone to belong with, but she wanted to believe, desperately, fiercely, ferociously, that everything was shifting for her favor.
Her eyes softened as David mentioned his father, a small nod of understanding dipping her head forward.
“He was wrong,” was what she told him, quiet but strong, entirely certain of his talent and potential. The stirrings of greatness were definitely there, and it looked like he’d already had a few brushes with naysayers. They were a part of every great artist journey, but so were supporters. And lucky for him, he already had a fan in her.
“Do you wanna try right now?” It was the perfect time to write, Star thought. She flipped to a fresh page, her excitement returned in full force. She offered him her pencil eagerly, beaming again.
“C’mon — no time like the present, right? And if you’re starved for inspiration, I can go stand over there and you can stare at me for awhile.”
An awkward pause rose, and she forced out a laugh, shaking her head at herself as she whispered, “Stupid,” beneath her breath.
“It’s not that I have more time, I think — I’ll just scribble stuff down and go for it, flesh it out later when I get home. You gotta seize the moment, you know? Just… do it.”
Her ramblings faded out as she offered him an encouraging smile.
“Don’t be afraid. Give it a shot.”
Seeing Star so happy in that moment made him happy too…More than he thought it would. Didn’t know why but it did-the girl practically glowed and beamed in everything she did…Something angelic and bright in a way he was almost completely unfamiliar to. His heart was in a flutter, choking on that lump in his throat as he felt his own pale face grow hot. If she’d smile at him like that forever than he might never need the light of day ever again-
When she snapped at him, he recoiled ever so slightly into himself…More than he would’ve liked to-All it had been was a slip of the tongue he regretted instantly as it left his mouth. He knew more than anything that he shouldn’t show his own weakness unless necessary…They were just starting to talk and she had been buying into all his words without question, something that felt nice for a change. A conversation without the threat of exposure or scolding-he liked the acknowledgement and attention she gave and she must’ve needed that back from him in return. But, he’d gone to ruin it all. He would’ve stood up and walked away to leave her to her own devices if his body wasn’t so stiff in fright he could barely move. “I didn’t mean it as a bad thing.”
Trying to save his own skin without running away again, he kept talking. “The sun is great. I like the sun. We all could use a little sunshine in our lives.”
“It’s-admirable of you…May the world never dim your light. For all we know it could be what guides the both of us out of whatever happens to us next.” A reassuring smile on his lips-David wasn’t one to give advice often but he wanted to lift her spirits up wherever he could.
When it felt like all was forgiven between them he could feel a tension inside himself loosen up…He didn’t know what he’d do if she hadn’t wanted to talk to him anymore either-painful as it would’ve been to lose his first friend in as long as he can remember. Especially since deep down he had a feeling he had a kindred spirit in her…The sun to his moon they reached balance when she was up there twinkling in his orbit. He was searching to believe in something so why not her? Of all the locals he’d met tonight so far she had been the least dizzying to speak to.
Even so much as a look of eyes softening was enough to make his shoulders tense up noticeably-the blonde dreamed of being perceived but known as little as he could be.
Her strong resolve in what she said was almost enough to shake him to his core-make him rethink so much and tear up on the spot but he didn’t. “Thanks for listening.” Was what he got out instead meekly. “Looks like I’ve got a fan in you and you’ve got a fan in me…That’s more than what we had before.” The boy tried to follow in her footsteps of optimism as hard as it was to make sense of.
He was taken aback by her offer but not against it-just surprised is all. “If you’d let me try…” The blonde took to grabbing the notebook and pen-staring at the blank sheet with both fear and anticipation alike.
Blank things were as scary to him as things already written if not more-An opportunity to figure out who you’re meant to be…Destiny calling if only you can put it into words.
David chuckled at her joke, finding it more cute than she did as she sounded so humiliated. “Aw, something tells me that’s the best view in town, gorgeous.”
More flirtation on his part-didn’t feel like he knew how to talk to someone in his new version of himself without it-a little flattery got you a lot of places he discovered…Wasn’t like he didn’t mean it earnestly either.
With a deep breath and a theatrical flick of the wrist, he put the pen down on the paper.
“I intend to not be afraid of anything ever again here.”
Star hadn’t expected him to backtrack on his words. Most people didn’t — they stood in what they said like it was law, never considered how she might have felt, or tried to explain further. It could be so cold sometimes, like she was talking to a stone wall rather than a person. David wasn’t like that, though. Yes, he was flirtatious and charming and absolutely trouble, but there was something that flashed in the back of his eyes, in between all the bravado he carried like it was second nature to him. Something genuine, that caught at her, invited her to try and gain a closer look. Whatever it was spurred her on, made her a little bit bolder. There was an unexpected warmth that spread through her chest at his words as well, spiraling throughout her entire body all while he continued.
“If I’m the sunshine and the stars, what does that make you? The moon? The earth? You’re magnetic enough for it, after all.”
Her musings were muted, but not angry. If anything, they were another olive branch extended alongside her apology, something to let him know she wasn’t mad anymore. They were also genuine, another attempt to connect with him, to find out what he thought, to know him further.
“Y’know, since we’re in this together now. I’ll keep on shining, but you gotta believe in yourself a little more too. The sun can’t shine alone.”
She wanted to give him what she felt, make him feel as though he truly was as important as she now believed he was. Watching him smile at her only strengthened her resolve — she’d see that expression again, no matter what she had to do to earn it. If it was the last thing she did, she’d see it. It was dazzling, but there was something unapologetically real about it. If he was smoke and mirrors, then that was the light shining through. There was something magical about bringing light into a cloudy room, piercing the veil of darkness and lifting someone out of the depths they were caught in. She wished, briefly, deeply, that he’d let her see the depths lurking behind his eyes, wondered about what else he held. Maybe she’d know him long enough to find out. She hoped she did, hoped their paths would continue to cross.
“Any time,” Star whispered, more vow than she’d meant it to be. She liked listening to him, probably more than she should have knowing him so quickly and soon, but if there was one thing she’d learned throughout her life, it was that time was relative. People and experiences, however, were not. Whatever he was, he understood her, matched her in some way, and she did the same.
“We’re on our way to an entire fan club, at this point,” Star joked, lighthearted once more. It was easy to fall into their back and forth, to whatever it was between them that had captivated her. There was so much she still didn’t know, but she was starting to feel like she was making progress, like they were actually on their way to truly getting to know each other.
“Go ahead,” she encouraged again, thrilled he’d chosen to take the chance and let her witness it. “It can be scary at first — I was terrified of fucking up when I wrote my first song. But then I wrote a bunch of other bad ones, and eventually, they started being halfway decent, and halfway decent turned into pretty good.”
She closed her mouth then — he hadn’t asked her to explain in depth, and it was a habit she’d have to get a handle on if she was ever really going to make it around here, try and find something of a home out of the ashes of her old life.
“You’re gonna rot my teeth,” Star murmured next, refusing to look into his eyes after the compliment he’d given her made her smile so wide she was almost convinced her face would split. She placed her fingers up to her cheeks, hoping to cool them down.
“Well then. Here’s to no fear.”
She extended her hand out to him, for him to do whatever he wished with it — it was meant to be a gesture of support.
“Now focus up. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”
For a long time, the blonde sat there quietly trying to think of an answer he thought would’ve wowed and intrigued her more than anything before settling on: “The sea.” He responded smoothly, as if it was the easiest answer that could’ve came to his mind. “Vast…But, deceptively never ending…Have to be careful in it too-you’ll either swim or drown in it if you get too close to what’s underneath that shimmering surface. But…Most of all, the sea reflects off of others-the brightness of the sun or the twinkling of the stars…Dark or light it’s still the same as it always was just seen under a new perspective you wouldn’t’ve had before…Sound about right or did I take a turn for the pretentious somewhere while talking?” He teased her, more than a little self-deprecating on his part. “If you got something better I wouldn’t mind hearing it. Never really thought about it before you asked…”
It was unsubtle fishing on his part to know what she thought of him. He really did want to know…The blonde could only guess his fondness was returned by the way she spoke about him.
All of her musings were introspective to say the least. She was wise-in spite of how naive she could come across. But, he shouldn’t be all that surprised by it. The sun and stars-for all their beauty and brightness had been around the world a long time, seeing everything and everyone in its wake and chose to shine anyway…Really how much more beautiful can you get than that?
“I believe in myself more than others believe in me.” He tried his best to muster up a good comeback to what she was saying but it was all landing flat out on his face.
The blonde hadn’t been told many nice things very often-the few times he had he held so tightly onto it like it was enough to last a full lifetime of ego. most of the time he was told to give up on the dream and do something else of more use or substance…But, with the life he’d been living he needed to cling onto that desire he had to play like it was his only lifeline-The only thing he had going for him left. If he gave up on music then he wouldn’t be himself anymore. He would’ve done all this running for nothing…A life without music for him was a life not worth having. Only to be met with another brick wall to the face and a crowd of all the adults older than him who’d disapproved being right about him all along.
He knew he was lost…But playing made him feel found and fully-realized. He’d found his calling-All he had to do was find out how to answer. Watching his idols up on that stage made him want to be something…To give that feeling back to others. Prove once and for all that there was a place in this world for someone like him who felt so alone otherwise…And to get there he’d do almost about anything asked of him-More than anything that’s what would’ve made him trouble to most…The desperation and determination mixing into a willingness to go along with things he shouldn’t if it got him the life he deserved to have in spite of his cynicism and stubborn nature.
But, something inside him said Star wouldn’t ever let him fall too far from the heavens above the way he would on his own-that he might’ve had someone truly noble in her…Time will only tell but it was another thing for him to believe in if he wanted to make it through this night and every night coming after. “Any time at all.” He repeated quietly before gently patting her hand like she was a treasure to him already.
“Before you know it will be the biggest thing this town has ever seen.” He smirked. “A new place offers new opportunities, right? If we can’t find a pre-existing band we could also always make our own. This town’s our own oyster, Star. Can make it-and ourselves whatever we want to be…” The boy was starting to get excited…Her optimism and dreaminess getting the better of him even if he knew now that the high he was experiencing with her would only be met with a bruising kind of fall later.
“I can only imagine you were always good at it.” He murmured. “All the best writing comes with experience but even then some have an inherent knack for it. Got a heart full of song and poetry on you…I know you do from the way you talk and-the way you write…Can only begin to scratch the surface I presume of how good you really are…”
David could see the ways Star kept silencing herself when she’d talk too much…He didn’t like it when she did that. He liked her talking, it made the quietness of their surroundings and the emptiness he feels inside melt all away in an instant. The world needed more people who were open and sharing since he wasn’t one of them.
“Wouldn’t want to have to call up a dentist.” Though from how wide and pretty a smile she gave him when she thought he couldn’t see that didn’t seem all that likely anytime soon. She really was stunning when she blushed…He hoped to see more of that soon, if he was lucky he would’ve been the one causing it.
“To no more fear anymore.”
Without another word, he took her hand in his, lacing their fingers and giving it a tight squeeze like they were always part of one…
As he started writing he tried his best-Came easier to him than he thought. He had so many feelings hidden away…Experiences and stories worth sharing with the world if he wasn’t so afraid. At least he knew he had Star as a captive audience and listener. The feeling of her skin on his helping keeping him relaxed as nervous as he was to write in front of a more skilled and accomplished songwriter.
The sea made sense. Again, mysterious, dangerous, drowning anyone who wasn’t careful. It was a shame, then, that Star still had a reckless streak. She was more likely to throw herself to the waves than to give up, not when she was so intrigued by what was beginning between them. The high was always worth the fall, and when she eventually crashed back down to Earth, she was positive she would still think of the entire experience as worth it. Everything that hurt a little was, anyway.
“Not pretentious,” Star murmured back amusedly, “more… thoughtful.” He’d taken her question seriously, and that meant a lot to her. She allowed the full weight of her gaze to settle on him when she answered him next.
“I think you’re the whole world.”
She took a moment to gather her thoughts, fidgeting with her locs as she continued, “Not in like, a weird way — I know we just met and everything, but… you’re… vast, like you said. As unpredictable as the sea, for sure, but I don’t know. You, uh, you look like the sky when you smile. And when you sing — that’s all grounded, really rich, like soil. You’re bold too, probably the boldest person I’ve ever met; you seem like you don’t let anything stop you, you just run straight through it like the wind and — I’m getting way too poetic, so I think I’d better stop there. Hopefully not too pretentious either.”
She could lose herself in metaphors any day, fantasies of every kind. It was useful for song writing, creating worlds out of thin air, or even just freestyling, singing and playing out whatever crossed her mind, but spiraling off into dream after dream ensured that her head stayed in the clouds instead of on the ground. It wasn’t safe to throw herself into so much so quickly, but in all her life, her safety was one of the things she was least concerned for. Whether or not she actually felt alive was the most important part, and right now, she’d never felt so present. She always lived in the moment, right on the edge, but this — this was free falling past a cliff’s edge, careening through the sky.
It was everything she wanted.
She tilted her head when he spoke of belief, noting his confidence in himself. He seemed so sure — of everything, of who he was, his place in the world, what he could do. There was a thin line between confidence and arrogance, but he held his own on it, entirely captivating. It was like he held the secrets of the universe in his hands and he was simply waiting for the right opportunity to hint at them. It never took someone like that long to rise, and she was certain he’d be going straight to the top sooner rather than later.
Star exhaled when he touched her, barely audible, though she brightened when he spoke.
“Then we should,” she returned, “we already make a killer team — we’d make an even better band!” She fell into her enthusiasm as easily as ever, her mind sprinting ahead with the endless possibilities now presented to her.
“I’m hoping it’ll pay off,” she hummed over to him, “all these songs and poetry. That it’ll turn into something real, eventually.” She wasn’t too sure on when anything would materialize, only that it would, that it had to, even if she had to claw it out of the dirt herself.
“If you write like you flirt, I’d say you’re in pretty good shape,” she joked, ignoring the somersaults her stomach was doing. She squeezed his hand while she watched him work, her thumb mindlessly brushing a pattern across his skin.
“Let me know when you’re finished.” She wasn’t going to rush him, just wanted to make sure he knew he could take his time. She focused on the feeling of his hand in hers, the weight of it, how it kept her calmer, more still — it didn’t feel like she was a ball of energy, zipping around, searching for the next thing to jump into. By contrast, it made her slow down, blocked out the world around her until only the two of them remained. There was nowhere else she wanted to be, and no one else she would have rather been with.
hellooooo? earth to michael? you’re kinda… staring…
( @aliveinoverdrive )
"Hm?" The frankly unsettling blank stare that Michael had locked on Star shifts into a rapid blink, before his usual smile slips back onto his face like nothing had happened. "Oh, Star! Sorry, got a bit lost in my head.." More like he was thinking about the future, but details. "What were you saying?"
“I was saying that you look like you’re starving.” Star’s voice, light and airy, floated across the space between them, a teasing smile on her face. “Do you wanna go grab a bite? Your eyes are all, dark and intense and totally gorgeous — I mean, you look, uh, really concentrated!” She tapped her fingers against her lap, fighting the warmth that had already begun to creep across her cheeks. “Really, though. Are you okay?”
Ah. Starving.. It was approaching that time of the month, wasn't it? Michael's smile tenses for a second before he shakes his head, waving a hand around. "I'm alright, dear.. Just thinking hard. I wouldn't mind grabbing food if you're hungry though." He chuckled as she rambled, eyes lidded with a different kind of hunger as he looked at her.. She really was dangerous, huh? "You think so? Guess I'm just looking at something worth the concentration.." His gaze didn't wander as he nodded. "I'm fine, really. Are you?"
She was going to jump on him if he kept looking at her like that. Star couldn’t have looked away from him if she wanted to. “I’m all good,” was the answer she gave him, also filled with a particular hunger. Her own eyes were darkened as she added, “I’m not hungry.” A lie. “What were you thinking about?” she mused next, lacing her hands together behind her back to keep from reaching for him. “You were totally on a different planet for a moment there.”
Michael rose a brow, even if he was never the most observant, he always could tell a lie when he heard one. "You sure? There's a diner not too far from here.." His head tilted in the direction, and even though he hadn't been in a long time, he would be happy to do what it took to keep one of his favorite humans well-fed. "It's not important." He shrugged, trying to keep the attention of him and definitely failing miserably. "You'll find the longer you're around me that I often get lost in my head."
Star’s heartbeat kicked up, and she swallowed, shaking her head back and forth rapidly. “No, I mean — I don’t want food.” She was definitely still hungry… just not for anything she could technically eat. “I don’t mind you getting lost in your head, Michael,” she said next, quite eager to leave behind her previous words. “If anything, I’m wondering what goes on up there.” It was up to him if he wanted to let her into his world or not, though she hoped he did. “You don’t have to tell me, though. But if you want to… I’m listening.”
“ Could this world exist without you? ” - @makeyoufeellikethat // can we ignore that i still have five billion things to reply to for you. im so sorry i cant resist/silly
“I don’t think it could exist without you.” For once, Star wasn’t nervous to give her admission. She spoke calmly and clearly, as if it was something she had always known. Still, she reached for her usual cover out of habit, quickly humming afterwards, “I, uh, think that’s perfect for the song. Don’t you?” She chewed on the edge of her pencil, staring down at the haphazardly scribbled lyrics covering the sheet as though she was trying to burn a laser hole through it with her eyes.
hey! you find a band to rock out with yet, or are you still flying solo?
( @aliveinoverdrive )
Hey, again, Starlight-Always a pleasure to see your face around, girl…I can admit the situation isn’t what I would’ve wanted nor expected it to be. There’s this guy I met my first night here-Kinda hard to really put him into any other words exactly other than a prick who’s been offering for me to play with him as a duo…But, well-it’s not really an instrument I’m interested in playing out for a crowd of people I don’t know all that well. Feeling more than a little apprehensive, to tell you the truth about it, friend…Guess it could go any way I want it to for me…
I like seeing your face around too, David. Oo, sounds mysterious. Was he cute, at least? Aw, come on — don’t tell me you’re getting shy about playing the guitar. It’s not like he asked you to back him up on the triangle… did he? Well — you’ll be amazing no matter what you do. Still plenty of time to figure things out. If you ever wanna rehearse, I’m happy to bring my guitar along too, sing a little back up. I miss harmonies — you can’t really do ‘em when it’s just you, y’know? It’s funny you mention it — I met a guy too. Very charismatic, almost as much as you —
Everyone in this place seems more than a little preoccupied and taken up with him for better or worse…Can’t say I disagree entirely. He’s not hard on the eyes to look at-gotta give it to him there…just grading on what left exists of my dignity. Hmm, now that you mention it, his instrument of choice for me was to play the triangle for him. Thought I’d look ‘cute’ onstage with it. Whatever he said-Wasn’t entirely listening to what he was saying after he got to the ‘triangle’ part. Don’t know what it’s all about...His problem but it’s clear to me as the day he’s got one…Not sure what I’m supposed to think about him. A rehearsal with you sounds better than that-Always up to see what we got together...With the strings and our voices…Now what are the odds of that? Guess now we’ll have to fight over you for your affection…Whoever he is must be special enough to have caught your eye then…
Aw, he got to you too, didn’t he? Don’t feel too bad, happens to everyone, like you said. Wait, really? God, I was just kidding… yeah, I can understand how that wouldn’t really be your scene. I mean, in your defense, you’d look cute with anything onstage — um, you’d be good with anything onstage, I mean. Yeah. Ah, if you’ve got some time, I’m free to rehearse a bit now. We already make a pretty good team, so it should be pretty smooth. At least, I think so. Oh my God, don’t start. He’s… pretty special, yeah. And I think you are too. No need to fight, though, I promise. If anything, it sounds like I’m gonna have to fight him for your attention.
Eh, never said that…Admitting a fact and observation more than a personal feeling, Star. As much as I hate it he seems more than willing to give me a shot if I “prove it to the boardwalk” didn’t know this life as a musician was a club we were supposed to join into…Flattering and sweet but tell me have you ever looked in a mirror lately? Bet that would do you much for learning who’d look best up there-Really are a catch above the rest of us fish in the sea. That’s alright. Should have some time to kill before my next shift-We really do, don’t we? Oh, it sounds like it…Haven’t seen you so starstruck before-Doubt that-Was more calling you special than him.
You seem like the type who likes a challenge, but not necessarily the sort of person to rise to one. Prove him wrong, or don’t — that doesn’t make you any less of a person, or a performer. Oh really? Who’s flattering and sweet now, hmm? I’m gonna have to stop coming around you if I ever want to have a single coherent thought or not feel like I’m pretty much burning up. Time to kill… I’m gonna write that down, hold on — I’m not starstruck, I’m just — ! Struck, really. You can’t call a girl special and expect her not to be affected. Not all of us can be as removed as you are, even if we try. Anyways, I’m dying to hear what you’ve been working on, so the sooner we get practicing, the better. And, David? If I’m special, you are… so much more.
questions only sentence starters
if you are sending to a multi-muse, remember to specify the muse that the sentence starters are being sent for .
who . . .
“ Who are you? ”
“ Who do you serve? ”
“ Who taught you that? ”
“ Who’s really in control here? ”
“ Who are you running from? ”
“ Who did this to you? ”
“ Who’s coming for us? ”
“ Who do you think I am? ”
“ Who else knows about this? ”
“ Who are you trying to protect? ”
what . . .
“ What are you? ”
“ What do you want from me? ”
“ What are you hiding? ”
“ What were you planning to do? ”
“ What just happened? ”
“ What did you see back there? ”
“ What did you promise them? ”
“ What happens if I don’t let you go? ”
“ What are the rules I’m not supposed to break? ”
“ What happens after the portal closes? ”
where . . .
“ Where did you come from? ”
“ Where are we? ”
“ Where are you going? ”
“ Where were you when it happened? ”
“ Where does this path lead? ”
“ Where did you get that scar? ”
“ Where is everyone else? ”
“ Where should I stand? ”
“ Where did you put the body? ”
“ Where were you hiding all this time? ”
when . . .
“ When did this start? ”
“ When were you going to tell me? ”
“ When was the last time you felt safe? ”
“ When do we leave? ”
“ When did you stop trusting me? ”
“ When does this end? ”
“ When did you realise the truth? ”
“ When do things go wrong? ”
“ When did you choose this path? ”
“ When will you look at me and be honest? ”
how . . .
“ How long have you been watching me? ”
“ How did you survive? ”
“ How much do you remember? ”
“ How are you this calm right now? ”
“ How bad is it? ”
“ How did you know my name? ”
“ How far are you willing to go? ”
“ How many lies have you told me? ”
“ How do you live with this? ”
“ How are we supposed to fix this? ”
are . . .
“ Are you human? ”
“ Are you okay? ”
“ Are you lying to me right now? ”
“ Are you scared? ”
“ Are you tired? ”
“ Are you hiding something? ”
“ Are you bound by oath or by magic? ”
“ Are you trying to start a fight? ”
“ Are you always this dramatic? ”
“ Are you going to explain or just stare? ”
do . . .
“ Do you trust me? ”
“ Do you remember your name? ”
“ Do you remember me? ”
“ Do you miss them? ”
“ Do you always talk this much? ”
“ Do you have any idea what you just did? ”
“ Do you ever sleep? ”
“ Do you want me to stay? ”
“ Do you think I’m stupid? ”
“ Do you believe in fate? ”
have . . .
“ Have you eaten yet? ”
“ Have we met before? ”
“ Have you been here long? ”
“ Have you done this before? ”
“ Have you ever killed someone? ”
“ Have you been lying to me? ”
“ Have you lost anyone? ”
“ Have you forgiven yourself? ”
“ Have you always been like this? ”
“ Have you already chosen a side? ”
is . . .
“ Is this place real? ”
“ Is something bothering you? ”
“ Is that weapon even legal here? ”
“ Is this your idea of a joke? ”
“ Is this your way of flirting? ”
“ Is someone watching us? ”
“ Is it supposed to hurt like this? ”
“ Is there a way out? ”
“ Is this what you wanted? ”
“ Is it too late to turn back? ”
can . . .
“ Can I ask you a weird question? ”
“ Can you hear that? ”
“ Can I trust you? ”
“ Can you keep a secret? ”
“ Can we slow down? ”
“ Can you help me bury a body? ”
“ Can you look at me? ”
“ Can we talk about what happened? ”
“ Can you stop pretending? ”
“ Can you promise me something? ”
will . . .
“ Will you stay with me? ”
“ Will you tell me the truth? ”
“ Will this ever end? ”
“ Will you protect me? ”
“ Will they come back for us? ”
“ Will you remember me? ”
“ Will you choose a side? ”
“ Will you regret this? ”
“ Will you still look at me the same way? ”
“ Will you stop me if I’m wrong? ”
should . . .
“ Should I be worried? ”
“ Should we be running? ”
“ Should I follow you? ”
“ Should I be afraid of you? ”
“ Should we pretend this never happened? ”
“ Should I stay or go? ”
“ Should I believe you? ”
“ Should I be honest with you? ”
“ Should we trust them? ”
“ Should I have come here? ”
would . . .
“ Would you do it again? ”
“ Would you lie to protect me? ”
“ Would this have been different if I had stayed? ”
“ Would you really let me die? ”
“ Would you have saved them instead? ”
“ Would you still care if you knew the truth? ”
“ Would you leave if I asked? ”
“ Would this hurt less if I understood? ”
“ Would you forgive me? ”
“ Would you choose me this time? ”
could . . .
“ Could you survive without me? ”
“ Could this world exist without you? ”
“ Could this get any worse? ”
“ Could you teach me how to do that? ”
“ Could you be wrong? ”
“ Could you be lying to yourself? ”
“ Could you forgive them? ”
“ Could this be a trap? ”
“ Could you handle the truth if I told you? ”
“ Could you live with the consequences? ”
// bc my writing brain turned OFF like an hour ago i ended up doodling and um. yea idk what this is supposed to be but yk i was reading yalls (@lostandlookingforthelight + @aliveinoverdrive) thread earlier and it inspired this so. shrugs! take the stupids!
hellooooo? earth to michael? you’re kinda… staring…
( @aliveinoverdrive )
"Hm?" The frankly unsettling blank stare that Michael had locked on Star shifts into a rapid blink, before his usual smile slips back onto his face like nothing had happened. "Oh, Star! Sorry, got a bit lost in my head.." More like he was thinking about the future, but details. "What were you saying?"
“I was saying that you look like you’re starving.” Star’s voice, light and airy, floated across the space between them, a teasing smile on her face. “Do you wanna go grab a bite? Your eyes are all, dark and intense and totally gorgeous — I mean, you look, uh, really concentrated!” She tapped her fingers against her lap, fighting the warmth that had already begun to creep across her cheeks. “Really, though. Are you okay?”
Ah. Starving.. It was approaching that time of the month, wasn't it? Michael's smile tenses for a second before he shakes his head, waving a hand around. "I'm alright, dear.. Just thinking hard. I wouldn't mind grabbing food if you're hungry though." He chuckled as she rambled, eyes lidded with a different kind of hunger as he looked at her.. She really was dangerous, huh? "You think so? Guess I'm just looking at something worth the concentration.." His gaze didn't wander as he nodded. "I'm fine, really. Are you?"
She was going to jump on him if he kept looking at her like that. Star couldn’t have looked away from him if she wanted to. “I’m all good,” was the answer she gave him, also filled with a particular hunger. Her own eyes were darkened as she added, “I’m not hungry.” A lie. “What were you thinking about?” she mused next, lacing her hands together behind her back to keep from reaching for him. “You were totally on a different planet for a moment there.”
hey! you find a band to rock out with yet, or are you still flying solo?
( @aliveinoverdrive )
Hey, again, Starlight-Always a pleasure to see your face around, girl…I can admit the situation isn’t what I would’ve wanted nor expected it to be. There’s this guy I met my first night here-Kinda hard to really put him into any other words exactly other than a prick who’s been offering for me to play with him as a duo…But, well-it’s not really an instrument I’m interested in playing out for a crowd of people I don’t know all that well. Feeling more than a little apprehensive, to tell you the truth about it, friend…Guess it could go any way I want it to for me…
I like seeing your face around too, David. Oo, sounds mysterious. Was he cute, at least? Aw, come on — don’t tell me you’re getting shy about playing the guitar. It’s not like he asked you to back him up on the triangle… did he? Well — you’ll be amazing no matter what you do. Still plenty of time to figure things out. If you ever wanna rehearse, I’m happy to bring my guitar along too, sing a little back up. I miss harmonies — you can’t really do ‘em when it’s just you, y’know? It’s funny you mention it — I met a guy too. Very charismatic, almost as much as you —
Everyone in this place seems more than a little preoccupied and taken up with him for better or worse…Can’t say I disagree entirely. He’s not hard on the eyes to look at-gotta give it to him there…just grading on what left exists of my dignity. Hmm, now that you mention it, his instrument of choice for me was to play the triangle for him. Thought I’d look ‘cute’ onstage with it. Whatever he said-Wasn’t entirely listening to what he was saying after he got to the ‘triangle’ part. Don’t know what it’s all about...His problem but it’s clear to me as the day he’s got one…Not sure what I’m supposed to think about him. A rehearsal with you sounds better than that-Always up to see what we got together...With the strings and our voices…Now what are the odds of that? Guess now we’ll have to fight over you for your affection…Whoever he is must be special enough to have caught your eye then…
Aw, he got to you too, didn’t he? Don’t feel too bad, happens to everyone, like you said. Wait, really? God, I was just kidding… yeah, I can understand how that wouldn’t really be your scene. I mean, in your defense, you’d look cute with anything onstage — um, you’d be good with anything onstage, I mean. Yeah. Ah, if you’ve got some time, I’m free to rehearse a bit now. We already make a pretty good team, so it should be pretty smooth. At least, I think so. Oh my God, don’t start. He’s… pretty special, yeah. And I think you are too. No need to fight, though, I promise. If anything, it sounds like I’m gonna have to fight him for your attention.
[ closed starter for @lostandlookingforthelight ]
Santa Carla’s Boardwalk was a magical place. Well, less magical and more chaotic, but it provided the perfect avenue for Star to try and write a new song. She hadn’t written anything since she’d landed in the city — not a single note or lyric flowed past her brain and out of the tips of her fingers. Normally, writer’s block terrified her; it was one of the most frustrating sensations on Earth, being unable to start or finish a song. Now, she welcomed the challenge, almost craved it. It was a welcome distraction from the restlessness in her body, something to consider other than everything she’d left behind. She tucked herself onto a bench, scanning the crowd in front of her, her notebook spread across her lap, her pencil lifted, poised to scribble a few lines.
There was no shortage of interesting people to look at, countless stories to imagine behind them. Still, her eyes kept returning to a blonde stationed somewhere in the mix. She knew how it looked — it was definitely strange, potentially off-putting and probably (unfortunately) a little bit creepy, just watching someone she didn’t know. But there was something about him that begged to be explored, practically called out to her to consider more closely. It worked like a charm — her pencil practically flew across the page, two lines of lyrics spiraling across the previously empty paper like nothing.
He wouldn’t mind, she hoped, and if he did, she could always apologize, or offer to show him the finished product, once she’d polished it up a bit. Still, Star was grateful that she was able to write anything at all, and she wasn’t letting this moment go to waste. She was all too happy to lose herself, here and now.
David wasn’t unfamiliar to the sensation of being watched, though it usually was in a more judgmental connotation than it felt like it was now. He had been walking around the boardwalk and managed to get sucked into one of its many crowds of tourists. Didn’t know what he had been expecting-maybe not for a town like this to have such a bustling night life at least…His grip tightened ever so slightly on his guitar case-the one with too many decals spread out all over it…Trying to feign an air of mystery when all he really was, was frustrated by the circumstances he found himself in instead. His internal paranoia only persisted until he found the direct cause of it…A girl sitting on a bench with a note pad in hand. Normally he would’ve tried to be polite enough not to stare back at her but the trip here was long enough it made him too tired to care all that much about it.
For a long time he just stared back, a long, unblinking stare-he was good at those, back at home when he still lived with his father he had a certain reputation among the block for that same unblinking stare. Now all the good it ever did him was to ward off unwanted attention and watchers. But, it would be a lie to say he wasn’t at the very least interested in what she was writing…Even if he had the inherent expectation to find it wasn’t something nice to read or else she would’ve just said it out loud to him. It was harder to get to him than it looked, easier too-but he was too stubborn to give ‘em that much. After a while he decided to take a walk over to the girl.
“Ever been told it’s never nice to stare?”He snarked at her, dropping his guitar case in front of the bench before sitting down beside her without an invitation given…Trying to spread out with a sly expression even as the frantic tapping of his boot gave away his true feelings and nature.“Writing something of note and-is it about me? C’mon…Tell me you like what you see…”
He was staring at her. He was staring at her. Star felt like she was on fire — was she actually on fire? Her eyes flickered down to her pants, which were, thankfully, not going up in smoke or sparking from any smoldering embers. His gaze was just so goddamn intense — it pierced her straight through, giving her enough inspiration to continue with the pieces of the song that was now forming in her mind.
Rock, for sure, something hard and fast; a quick hit. Something real too, raw, none of the souped-up counterfeit bullshit that coasted over the radio airwaves. Amidst the slight terror she felt at being stared almost unblinkingly, there was a ravenous excitement, a thrill and a joy at the words flowing from her fingertips, practically flying across the page now. One catchy refrain, a couple of well placed chords and a title that demanded the attention of a crowd, and she would have it. She was so close.
Star’s focus cracked in half when he started moving.
Shit, shit, SHIT, is he walking over here?
Her thoughts raced, and she desperately tried to hold on to the last vestiges of concentration she had, fortunately able to tack on an ending line before her fingers stilled when he arrived at the bench she was currently seated on.
“I’m sorry,” she said immediately, though her mouth closed and her eyes widened when he sat down next to her. She shifted over an inch to give him some space, blurting out, “I do — I mean, you just, looked interesting. Like you might have a story, or something. I know the staring was totally weird, and I am sorry about that, seriously, I don’t normally just look at people for that long and shut up Star — ”
The last three words were a mumbled command beneath her breath to herself. She offered an embarrassed, apologetic smile.
“It’s a song,” she told him next, softer, holding out the notebook so he could look at it if he wished. “I dunno how accurate it is, all things considered, but, I think it’s got potential.”
“Well, we can only hope it’s a good interesting.” Hmm, never heard a girl like her call him “interesting” before-as hard to believe as that might’ve been if you weren’t him. Must’ve meant the new appearance was working after all…Haircut and a little alterations to all of it he wore took to make him unrecognizable enough to pass as something he wasn’t to many in the past…Maybe his chances weren’t as bad as he though they’d be-
He rung his arms with a lazy wink, still overselling it but hoping she wouldn’t notice or acknowledge it. “Nothing to apologize for and certainly no need to shut up…” Star. The girl’s name was Star, like the sky above them-Star…The blonde nodded his head, slightly skewing the message. “Nah. People watching isn’t a bad thing to get caught doing.” He shrugged it off. “Besides this crowd around us isn’t exactly a normal one to take a look at. Don’t know how they all do it, but they do. Gotta admit this place has its appeals, doesn’t it? It’s-Not every town in California can you see a shirtless guy playing sax, right?” He chuckled.
“We all have stories to tell, even me, Star…” He suddenly readjusted himself in his seat. “What’s yours? Must be a hell of a lot more interesting than mine…”
He doubted that…He really did. But! It was a nice enough of a way to distract her before she got on his ass with too many questions about his past.
David lit up almost immediately at the mention of it being a song she was writing, raising his arms up in the air excitedly and standing up on the bench. “Ah! A fellow musician!” He declared before sitting back down with a not so smooth jump and landing.
“You play at all? Solidarity-is best found in people with common interests and goals.” He couldn’t hide how excited he was-practically beaming like a child who’d been given his favorite toy jumping from a kind of youthful joy. “I play guitar…Looking for my next gig and a band to play in…” Saying he knew the instrument he played all that well was more than a stretch…But! He had more time to kill here now than he had. Another thing she didn’t need to know about him-by the time she’d ask him about it he was sure he’d have more proficiency at his disposal.
With a snap of his fingers and holding his index finger up in the air he got up for a second time since sitting down with her-This time to open his guitar case and pull the beat up thing out.
“Here…” He held the instrument out for her. “If you play guitar. Play me what you got. Go on…I won’t judge if you’re a little…rusty and all. Don’t worry about it. Just us and the strings…”
Jesus Christ. She wanted to cringe, to bury herself beneath the sand on the pier. Anything was better than telling a hot guy to his face that he a; looked hot, and b; looked interesting. It could be taken in a myriad of ways. Thankfully, he seemed to take it well enough. In fact, her words appeared to embolden him, which in turn, only caused her to duck her head, laughing awkwardly as her cheeks warmed. She was usually better at beginnings, but this start was more unique than the rest. At least she hadn’t dropped anything, or made a true fool of herself. Though, any embarrassment she found while in pursuit of her art was worth it.
“You can’t see a shirtless guy playing sax this good anywhere else, that’s for sure.”
She could smile now, be amused as relief permeating her entire being as the topic of conversation moved along smoothly. He moved fast, this smooth talking blonde, and she wasn’t quite sure if it was a good thing or not. All she knew was it captured her attention and kept it, and that was worth seeing their conversation through to the end.
“You don’t get my story until you give me your name,” she said, finally lifting her gaze back up to him. She hadn’t received it yet, and she wanted it. He’d chosen to speak with her, and the consequence of that choice would be indulging in her curiosity about him. It still seemed like a fair trade, some of her personal details for some of his. Besides, she had to redeem herself. Though she may have come across as delicate, Star was far from a wilting flower. She was still in the process of blooming amidst her latest replanting, but giving Santa Carla her best effort was a hell of a way to kickstart it all. It would pay off in the end, and until it did, she was going to keep seeing it through. It was that or run off again, and she didn’t want to disappear, not now, not yet. She brightened at the mention of music, nodding excitedly.
“Oh my God, that’s so cool!” Star exclaimed at his mention of playing guitar. “You have to tell me if you find a good band — I’d love to join one too.”
Her eyes widened once more as he opened his case, presenting the guitar to her.
“Oh! Um, I… I guess I could… play… a little…”
She took it carefully, tuning it and strumming a few chords to test it. Star balanced the guitar against her body, sliding her notebook off to the side so she could read the lyrics she’d just written. Then, she opened her mouth and sang for him. Her fingers moved with a practiced air, strumming along as she sang her new melody out. While her guitar skills were admirable, Star’s true power came through with her voice. It was strong and confident, entirely emotional without so much as a whisper of a crack. She lost herself in the song, only returning to the moment once she’d realized she’d sang through the entire thing. She tossed a few locs over her shoulder, wordlessly holding the guitar out to him.
After a moment, she murmured, “I think you owe me a song now too. Still nothing to worry about, right? Just us and the strings?”
Star was blushing? He didn’t know what he said or did to get her flustered like that…Maybe she was just easily embarrassed? Could’ve been acting smoother than he thought he was. It didn’t matter really-this conversation had proven another way to try out this new persona and personality he’s been testing out-Wanting to see if he could pull it off and if people would like it…Last town he’d done the opposite-Soft and sweet boy but…it didn’t last long. Wasn’t him. Though neither was this-but the sugar isn’t too sweet for him now…Always liked rock music and wondered what it would be like to play rockstar for a day and that’s what he’s doing…If he’s as good at it as Star is acting may he never have to be anyone else ever again.
“I’m David.” He introduced himself with a bright smile-If he’d been thinking clearly enough he should’ve put teeth whitener in first-That would’ve sold it. Chicks dig a big and pretty smile…
Never mind how “David” wasn’t really his name-It was the name he’d chosen now but it wasn’t the one printed out on his birth certificate…On the ID he left back at home and can never go back for now. It was a fair enough trade-Didn’t mean he liked it. Talking about himself when he didn’t know who he was and where he was going next…Star hadn’t seemed to catch onto that yet. Well, they say fake it til you make it for a reason, ah…
“Born in Massachusetts, made a name for myself up there…” Then he took a sobered up pause. “Then I ran. Haven’t been back since.” David’s eyes darkened a little at the memory, his hands on his knees drumming away as he avoided eye contact with the girl sitting beside him. Knew better than to share…But, something about Star was so inviting and warm it drew him in…Like a cozy fire after a long winter in the frost. A part of him wanted to stay there and see how much it warmed him up too in spite of his better judgment and awareness of how things are. “I’ve walked alone since…Popping place to place with no expectations to stay. Doubt here will be any different-” That last part was mostly a grumble to himself. In a new place like this he always tried to keep his hopes low and attachments at a minimum even as lonely and desperate as he was-The boy was trouble through and through and he knew it was only inevitable trouble would come his way again.
If trouble found him or he was the trouble was up to you to decide-He couldn’t say. Didn’t want to know or admit to it either way. “Some things are better left up to your imagination, Star.”
He dodged eye contact again by looking at the stars she’s presumably named after.
When she started to play he sat up straighter, eyes locked in and fully on her finally with no hesitation.
He could admit she was more than admirable at playing guitar, but what he was really focused on was her voice and writing ability. Star had a real knack for taking you on a journey when she sang-her voice as dazzling as it was powerful. As rude as it may have been he couldn’t stop himself from tapping his foot and snapping his pale fingers stained with dark nail polish to the rhythm-Music was and always has been a foundational part of the way he saw the world after all…When the time came for him to play he got more nervous again…Even if he tried to keep his eyes on the strings so she wouldn’t see the flushing or sweat beginning to bloom out on his face…With a sigh he took the guitar and began to play-All of it more-*rudimentary,* the way he took to play and the song he sang. He could only hope the folksy and rock adjacent timbre of his voice could cover up his inadequacies from her.
Eventually he put the guitar back up. “Maybe I oversold my own skill…” David said quietly, aware it made him sound bashful when he didn’t want to. Still was fighting off the urge to apologize and run off from the scene like it hadn’t happened.
“Nice to meet you, David,” Star grinned back. She stayed quiet all while he spoke, taking in the story he gave her. She had no reason to question it, or his name — she took everything he said for the truth. Besides, he sold it all rather charmingly, flashing that gorgeous smile with half of his sentences. She didn’t say anything when he turned away, merely made a mental note of the action and moved along.
“It might be,” she hummed when he finished, “Different, I mean. That’s what I’m hoping, at least. I just got here from Phoenix — needed a change of scenery badly. And I’m really hoping Santa Carla is worlds away from where I used to be.”
She was running too. From what, she wouldn’t say, but she knew that whatever was in front of her had to be better than whatever she was leaving behind. This was already miles ahead — a potential new friend and a completed song, alongside the chance to perform it? She couldn’t have dreamt up a better beginning.
“Maybe,” Star returned, watching as David’s eyes turned up towards the sky. She kept hers on him as she continued, “Or maybe, some things are even better than you imagined.”
She didn’t have much evidence to back up her statement, only unfailing faith that it was true. Fortunately, she was able to perform for him, give him her song and let the rest of the world fall away. She beamed when he took the guitar, her attention rapt when he played. It wasn’t as technical, that she could admit, but there was a certain energy in his voice that carried. He sounded raw, authentic, which to her, was addicting. She was so wrapped up in it that she hardly noticed he’d finished, staring at him for a few extra seconds once the song concluded. Star closed her mouth rapidly once she realized, shaking her head back and forth quickly.
“No way — that was awesome.” She leaned in towards him, excitement brimming out from her entire being.
“Where did you learn to do all of that? I mean, I’ve taken some lessons and pieced some shit together, but I haven’t been able to hit that timbre you’ve got. Like, wow.”
She leaned back when she realized she was probably too close, another half awkward laugh bubbling up from her lips.
“You’re gonna find a band in no time, David. Trust me. There’s no way you’re gonna stay solo for long; unless you want to be.”
Really, truly, he was good. And if he worked at it, he could probably become great. If that was what he wanted, of course. Not everyone chased new heights like she did — some found the distance dizzying, the fall imminent. Star rode the highs like they belonged to her, and this was another one. She couldn’t get any higher than music, and if Phoenix had stifled her creativity, Santa Carla was freeing it, easy.
“Do you write too?” she asked next, ever curious about him. He was so mysterious, yet he seemed almost grounded by his own mannerisms — a refurbished record. She was stuck now, trapped like a butterfly in amber, determined to learn as much as he allowed her to while they spoke.
“Phoenix?” His dark eyebrow quirked up a little bit. “Never been…Heard it’s hot as shit up there.” David deadpanned. Didn’t mean anything bad by it-It was just the truth he had always heard. “Maybe you could’ve used the change of scenery because it’s so hot and bright outside all the time there…” The joke wasn’t especially clever on his part but he was trying and that had to count for something. “Nice to meet ya too, Starlight.” He smiled genuinely for once-the first time in a while for him.
The blonde had caught onto the innuendo of what she was implying-“a change of scenery” “worlds away from where she was” those were the kind of excuses he would’ve made too if he was her…No, Star was more like him than she let him in on…Another running kind, could only hope not for the same reasons he had to run back then-
Upon his worldview being challenged so brightly all he could muster was a sentence: “For a girl they call ‘Star’ you sure are a ray of sunshine.” It sounded meaner than he meant it-He was already cursing himself a little for saying it out loud…Innocence like hers in adversity is a noble thing, really-but the concept of it has grown so foreign to him by comparison.
He almost pitied her in that respect-The world chews out bright and sunny people trying to make it through the night like them all the time…in another way he almost envied it.
In a lot of respects, the runaway boy had to grow up faster than his body did. When you’ve lived alone long enough to barely be able to afford your next meal much less a hit…The rare flashes of joy are always welcome but just that, rare…Every high in his life left him with a cataclysm fall and a long way to climb back out of…Always searching for something worth living for when he knew those times hit. Something good enough to outweigh all the bad…He hadn’t found it yet and he’d almost all but abandoned the search when things got too real for him. If only he could be more like her and less like her…With a wild enough imagination to enjoy the thrill of the chase but his feet firmly on the ground enough to not get lost up in the stars overhead.
David was caught off-guard by Star calling what he did “awesome”. Hadn’t expect a girl of her strengths to do anything but mock him for it.
It almost felt too good to be true, so for a moment he thought it wasn’t…The praise and kindness. “My old man never said I was all that good.” It was a quiet admission and one he regretted saying as fast as it came out.
“Forget I said…I didn’t say that…So…” He quickly tried to brush it off-he never was good at taking genuine encouragement from someone else. Much better at giving it out.
He took a long pause to think about what she said though, trying desperately to let it sync in even if it was failing to.
“Solo or in a band?” Was now the question that echoed in his mind instead. Wasn’t sure-to tell you the truth. The blonde thought of himself as an individualist, a leader type made a lone wolf by circumstances…But, he was also regrettably starting to grow tired of walking this world alone. He wondered what it would be like to be a part of something-a family, a brotherhood, a relationship-something that made him feel more alive than dead…For now he felt like a ghost floating around while all of life’s meaning escaped him. He wanted to stand apart but maybe more than that he wanted to belong to something or-someone…Someone that made him want to stop running for a change and stay.
“Not as much as I’d like to.” He told it to her straight. “Never seems to be enough time in the day…Must have more time than I do.” David looked back down at her pen and page-not to reread what she just sang to him but looking almost melancholic and forlorn that he wasn’t doing the same right now-
Starlight. Star’s heart stuttered in her chest at the name, but she was grateful that he couldn’t hear it inside of her chest, even if he probably could see the ridiculously wide, incredibly bright smile on her face. The smile he gave her looked equally genuine, and that only increased her happiness. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed a conversation this much; talking to strangers didn’t always pay off so big, she knew that very well.
It must have been going a little too well, because the next thing he said made her flinch. “Am I supposed to be something else? You don’t even know me,” was the first thing she said, a brittle snap. He had no idea what she’d done to keep her optimism, how she’d fought to stay hopeful amidst everything the world threw at her. Yes, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, and yes, she’d recently found out Santa Carla was known as the Murder Capital Of The World (which didn’t exactly bode well for her fresh start), but that didn’t mean their couldn’t be something good in the in between, something other than constant disarray or despair.
She inhaled deeply, murmuring to him, “I’m sorry. I just mean — there’s more to me than just that. Besides, the sun is a really big star, so it’s actually more accurate than you’d think.”
Maybe she should’ve been more like him. Guarded, grounded in the world around him, clearly seeing things how they were rather than how they could’ve been. It had gotten him this far, after all.
She forgave it all in an instant; music was one of the quickest ways to her heart. It was something she lived for — some days she was certain if her veins opened, notes would fall out. It had held her when she had nothing else, comforted her in the absence of her family. She wasn’t sure if Santa Carla would bring her a new family, a place to belong, someone to belong with, but she wanted to believe, desperately, fiercely, ferociously, that everything was shifting for her favor.
Her eyes softened as David mentioned his father, a small nod of understanding dipping her head forward.
“He was wrong,” was what she told him, quiet but strong, entirely certain of his talent and potential. The stirrings of greatness were definitely there, and it looked like he’d already had a few brushes with naysayers. They were a part of every great artist journey, but so were supporters. And lucky for him, he already had a fan in her.
“Do you wanna try right now?” It was the perfect time to write, Star thought. She flipped to a fresh page, her excitement returned in full force. She offered him her pencil eagerly, beaming again.
“C’mon — no time like the present, right? And if you’re starved for inspiration, I can go stand over there and you can stare at me for awhile.”
An awkward pause rose, and she forced out a laugh, shaking her head at herself as she whispered, “Stupid,” beneath her breath.
“It’s not that I have more time, I think — I’ll just scribble stuff down and go for it, flesh it out later when I get home. You gotta seize the moment, you know? Just… do it.”
Her ramblings faded out as she offered him an encouraging smile.
“Don’t be afraid. Give it a shot.”
Seeing Star so happy in that moment made him happy too…More than he thought it would. Didn’t know why but it did-the girl practically glowed and beamed in everything she did…Something angelic and bright in a way he was almost completely unfamiliar to. His heart was in a flutter, choking on that lump in his throat as he felt his own pale face grow hot. If she’d smile at him like that forever than he might never need the light of day ever again-
When she snapped at him, he recoiled ever so slightly into himself…More than he would’ve liked to-All it had been was a slip of the tongue he regretted instantly as it left his mouth. He knew more than anything that he shouldn’t show his own weakness unless necessary…They were just starting to talk and she had been buying into all his words without question, something that felt nice for a change. A conversation without the threat of exposure or scolding-he liked the acknowledgement and attention she gave and she must’ve needed that back from him in return. But, he’d gone to ruin it all. He would’ve stood up and walked away to leave her to her own devices if his body wasn’t so stiff in fright he could barely move. “I didn’t mean it as a bad thing.”
Trying to save his own skin without running away again, he kept talking. “The sun is great. I like the sun. We all could use a little sunshine in our lives.”
“It’s-admirable of you…May the world never dim your light. For all we know it could be what guides the both of us out of whatever happens to us next.” A reassuring smile on his lips-David wasn’t one to give advice often but he wanted to lift her spirits up wherever he could.
When it felt like all was forgiven between them he could feel a tension inside himself loosen up…He didn’t know what he’d do if she hadn’t wanted to talk to him anymore either-painful as it would’ve been to lose his first friend in as long as he can remember. Especially since deep down he had a feeling he had a kindred spirit in her…The sun to his moon they reached balance when she was up there twinkling in his orbit. He was searching to believe in something so why not her? Of all the locals he’d met tonight so far she had been the least dizzying to speak to.
Even so much as a look of eyes softening was enough to make his shoulders tense up noticeably-the blonde dreamed of being perceived but known as little as he could be.
Her strong resolve in what she said was almost enough to shake him to his core-make him rethink so much and tear up on the spot but he didn’t. “Thanks for listening.” Was what he got out instead meekly. “Looks like I’ve got a fan in you and you’ve got a fan in me…That’s more than what we had before.” The boy tried to follow in her footsteps of optimism as hard as it was to make sense of.
He was taken aback by her offer but not against it-just surprised is all. “If you’d let me try…” The blonde took to grabbing the notebook and pen-staring at the blank sheet with both fear and anticipation alike.
Blank things were as scary to him as things already written if not more-An opportunity to figure out who you’re meant to be…Destiny calling if only you can put it into words.
David chuckled at her joke, finding it more cute than she did as she sounded so humiliated. “Aw, something tells me that’s the best view in town, gorgeous.”
More flirtation on his part-didn’t feel like he knew how to talk to someone in his new version of himself without it-a little flattery got you a lot of places he discovered…Wasn’t like he didn’t mean it earnestly either.
With a deep breath and a theatrical flick of the wrist, he put the pen down on the paper.
“I intend to not be afraid of anything ever again here.”
Star hadn’t expected him to backtrack on his words. Most people didn’t — they stood in what they said like it was law, never considered how she might have felt, or tried to explain further. It could be so cold sometimes, like she was talking to a stone wall rather than a person. David wasn’t like that, though. Yes, he was flirtatious and charming and absolutely trouble, but there was something that flashed in the back of his eyes, in between all the bravado he carried like it was second nature to him. Something genuine, that caught at her, invited her to try and gain a closer look. Whatever it was spurred her on, made her a little bit bolder. There was an unexpected warmth that spread through her chest at his words as well, spiraling throughout her entire body all while he continued.
“If I’m the sunshine and the stars, what does that make you? The moon? The earth? You’re magnetic enough for it, after all.”
Her musings were muted, but not angry. If anything, they were another olive branch extended alongside her apology, something to let him know she wasn’t mad anymore. They were also genuine, another attempt to connect with him, to find out what he thought, to know him further.
“Y’know, since we’re in this together now. I’ll keep on shining, but you gotta believe in yourself a little more too. The sun can’t shine alone.”
She wanted to give him what she felt, make him feel as though he truly was as important as she now believed he was. Watching him smile at her only strengthened her resolve — she’d see that expression again, no matter what she had to do to earn it. If it was the last thing she did, she’d see it. It was dazzling, but there was something unapologetically real about it. If he was smoke and mirrors, then that was the light shining through. There was something magical about bringing light into a cloudy room, piercing the veil of darkness and lifting someone out of the depths they were caught in. She wished, briefly, deeply, that he’d let her see the depths lurking behind his eyes, wondered about what else he held. Maybe she’d know him long enough to find out. She hoped she did, hoped their paths would continue to cross.
“Any time,” Star whispered, more vow than she’d meant it to be. She liked listening to him, probably more than she should have knowing him so quickly and soon, but if there was one thing she’d learned throughout her life, it was that time was relative. People and experiences, however, were not. Whatever he was, he understood her, matched her in some way, and she did the same.
“We’re on our way to an entire fan club, at this point,” Star joked, lighthearted once more. It was easy to fall into their back and forth, to whatever it was between them that had captivated her. There was so much she still didn’t know, but she was starting to feel like she was making progress, like they were actually on their way to truly getting to know each other.
“Go ahead,” she encouraged again, thrilled he’d chosen to take the chance and let her witness it. “It can be scary at first — I was terrified of fucking up when I wrote my first song. But then I wrote a bunch of other bad ones, and eventually, they started being halfway decent, and halfway decent turned into pretty good.”
She closed her mouth then — he hadn’t asked her to explain in depth, and it was a habit she’d have to get a handle on if she was ever really going to make it around here, try and find something of a home out of the ashes of her old life.
“You’re gonna rot my teeth,” Star murmured next, refusing to look into his eyes after the compliment he’d given her made her smile so wide she was almost convinced her face would split. She placed her fingers up to her cheeks, hoping to cool them down.
“Well then. Here’s to no fear.”
She extended her hand out to him, for him to do whatever he wished with it — it was meant to be a gesture of support.
“Now focus up. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”