𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃.

𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐨?

[kimonokoko]

[axlrvse]

“yeah, she’s pretty nice.” a little smile pulls at his lips, lot nicer than what he grew up with. “no, she’ll be a little all up in the air for a few seconds… but she’ll get over it, she’d rather us be at her house than out on the street. it’s fine, i promise.” otherwise he’d still be panicking and stressing, too. plus they really have no other choice. blushing lightly at the kiss he earns to his cheek, heart fluttering in his chest. “yeah, of course, don’t gotta thank me for that.” shaking his head, thats something she never needs to thank him for. “exactly, erin! and now that punk loses the game. sucks for him.” quietly he grins, taking the bike once he spots it and then rolls it in front of them before climbing on, “okay now you’re gonna have to slip on the front.”

[erineverly]

“that’s how grandmas should be.” that’s how mothers should be, too. she shouldn’t have to stress so badly at the mere thought of her mother finding out that she’s sneaked out with her boyfriend. venetia doesn’t even know that she has a boyfriend. she’s just way too controlling and strict to be trustworthy. “think she might have a soft spot for you.” his grandma. she hopes to meet this wonderful lady one day. just not tonight or tomorrow. and under different circumstances. she’d like to make a good impression on her. “i know but i want to thank you. most guys would run for the hills.” they’re so young and everyone keeps telling her that relationships like theirs don’t last, but no one could ever compare to him. he’s the only person who’s never abandoned her. how could that ever be topped? “i’m gonna get him back for it. next time he needs a ride? too bad, i have to study. need money for a new game? i’m not a bank. oh, he’s gonna regret this.” she’s not a vengeful person but edan’s gone too far tonight. “okay, you holding it tight?” she knows he won’t let her fall, and it’s the only reason why she climbs on without a fuss. besides, the pink tassels adorning the handlebars make the whole thing look less scary.

[axlrvse]

“well, yeah. besides… its not like my grandma will be that hard on me like your mom will be.” he explains, “she won’t see you on the side with the window. she never comes in that far. she just opens the doors sometimes and then leaves, but she probably won’t even do that since my room is upstairs and she doesn’t climb the stairs often.” so she’s really not a problem unlike her stupid brother and then her mom is, wouldn’t even be super mad anyway if she did see erin. “around nine o’clock. you could even leave then come back to your house before your mom wakes up and just make it look like you’re outside, readin’ a book or something.” he could give her one and make it a whole set up in the morning. “anyway, lets go.” taking her hand, he gently pulls her up and goes for the bike.

[erineverly]

“must be cool to have a grandma like that.” someone who’s always in his corner. “does she ever get mad at you? and are you sure she won’t be angry if she somehow finds out that i’ve stayed the night? i mean, if my mom ever learned about this, she would put bars in my window.” venetia most likely wouldn’t go to such extremes but she would be very upset. axl’s grandmother seems like an angel in comparison. “okay, that’s good,” she mumbles after a second of hesitation, reaching for his hand and getting up. she hopes he’s right and not just making things up. she dusts her shorts and offers the other a sweet smile. “thank you.” she rises up onto her tiptoes and kisses his cheek. “for not letting me spend the night outside.” for taking care of her. “hey, that’s actually a very good idea. i’ll just play it off as oh, i woke up early and wanted to read outside.” light returning to her bright blue eyes, she beams at the other and leads him around the house again to get the bike. “edan will be so annoyed, i bet.”

[axlrvse]

“probably the neighbors next door.” he chuckles lightly, it would make more sense why hes never felt he fits in. but it actually is a really serious thing that bugs him secretly. “am not, i can play any tune long as i know the song.” just listens to the notes in his head and knows what ones to hit. “well never said i’m the best singer plus i’d really like to play guitar but it’s just not somethin’ i picked up like the piano.” he tells her, smiling at her copying his voice. “good, that’s what you should do. get lost and turn the radio up.” chuckling, but genuinely feeling proud of her for doing that if she ever found herself in a situation like that. shoulders scrunch, his nerves feel soothed and good when her fingers run through his hair, loving that a lot. “okay, yeah, that makes sense… well what about another window? she hasn’t forgotten even one? jeez.” this time he takes a seat in the grass, resting his elbows up on his knees and studying what is in front of him to think of a new plan in the dead quiet.

[erineverly]

 “or some wandering rockstar, would explain why you’re so musically gifted,” she teases but the good-natured humor is slowly evaporating from her voice, replaced by fear. her heart dropping into her stomach, she reaches for the door again and rattles it, harder this time, but it stays firmly locked. “we can try the garage door?” panic begins to spread throughout her chest because she already knows that her little brother’s made sure to lock everything up. “my mom is very particular about safety but she wouldn’t close my window. that’s all edan… he wants to get me in trouble.” she never does things like this. she never sneaks out, never breaks the rules, never gives her mom a reason not to trust her. still, she doesn't regret going to the party with her boyfriend. the night had been exciting, full of laughter and freedom, like one big adventure. what terrifies her now isn’t what she did, it’s the possibility of being caught but she’s running out of options. standing in the darkness, trapped outside her own house, her stomach twists with anxiety. “see anything?” she quietly asks, walking down the steps to sit in the grass beside him. it’s terribly uncomfortable with damp clothes and soaked sneakers on. “i’m serious,” she says after a moment, tucking his hair behind his ear. “i won’t be mad if you go to your grandma’s. i’ll just… i’ll give you fifteen minutes and ring the bell, try to wake my mom up. i won’t say we were out together. you’ll be okay.”

[axlrvse]

“no, i’m not doing that. just have to sit here and figure out what to do until i think of it.” shaking his head, appreciates her thought but he’s not going to protect himself and leave her behind. he’d feel like a piece of shit and worry she even got in. his mind is made up on that, no debating that. “at this point, you should just come to my grandmas. you’re gonna be grounded either way, but at least you could stay all night.” shrugging, face looking irritated in defeat of all this as he keeps his voice low, all he needs is them hearing them and barging out here on them next.

[erineverly]

“really? you’d rather get in trouble than leave me behind?” a blush blooms across erin’s cheeks, but the night keeps it hidden, and she is quietly grateful for that. her fingers twist a blade of grass as her heart stumbles over itself because no one’s ever cared about her so deeply, smiling shyly. it means the world to her, knowing he won’t leave her behind to save himself. it’s romantic. romeo and juliet have nothing on them, she thinks, looking at him with these bright blue eyes as if he hung the stars. “that’s very kind of you,” and he’s right, she’s getting grounded either way, she’s grateful she doesn’t have to spend the night outside, “but what if your grandma decides to check in on you and finds me there?” she’s fuming on the inside. if edan was standing beside her, she’d get violent for the first time in her life. “what time does she usually wake up?” maybe she could sneak out before that happens, leave unseen. 

[axlrvse]

“probably the neighbors next door.” he chuckles lightly, it would make more sense why hes never felt he fits in. but it actually is a really serious thing that bugs him secretly. “am not, i can play any tune long as i know the song.” just listens to the notes in his head and knows what ones to hit. “well never said i’m the best singer plus i’d really like to play guitar but it’s just not somethin’ i picked up like the piano.” he tells her, smiling at her copying his voice. “good, that’s what you should do. get lost and turn the radio up.” chuckling, but genuinely feeling proud of her for doing that if she ever found herself in a situation like that. shoulders scrunch, his nerves feel soothed and good when her fingers run through his hair, loving that a lot. “okay, yeah, that makes sense… well what about another window? she hasn’t forgotten even one? jeez.” this time he takes a seat in the grass, resting his elbows up on his knees and studying what is in front of him to think of a new plan in the dead quiet.

[erineverly]

 “or some wandering rockstar, would explain why you’re so musically gifted,” she teases but the good-natured humor is slowly evaporating from her voice, replaced by fear. her heart dropping into her stomach, she reaches for the door again and rattles it, harder this time, but it stays firmly locked. “we can try the garage door?” panic begins to spread throughout her chest because she already knows that her little brother’s made sure to lock everything up. “my mom is very particular about safety but she wouldn’t close my window. that’s all edan… he wants to get me in trouble.” she never does things like this. she never sneaks out, never breaks the rules, never gives her mom a reason not to trust her. still, she doesn't regret going to the party with her boyfriend. the night had been exciting, full of laughter and freedom, like one big adventure. what terrifies her now isn’t what she did, it’s the possibility of being caught but she’s running out of options. standing in the darkness, trapped outside her own house, her stomach twists with anxiety. “see anything?” she quietly asks, walking down the steps to sit in the grass beside him. it’s terribly uncomfortable with damp clothes and soaked sneakers on. “i’m serious,” she says after a moment, tucking his hair behind his ear. “i won’t be mad if you go to your grandma’s. i’ll just… i’ll give you fifteen minutes and ring the bell, try to wake my mom up. i won’t say we were out together. you’ll be okay.”

[in-a-dark-wonderland]

Madonna Material Girl 1985

[axlrvse]

“probably.” probably more him since she doesn’t act like a grouch like her mom does. “i start to think so, yeah.” nodding, chuckling a little at the nudge he earns, playfully pinching her arm- just a squeeze, not a tiny sharp pinch or anything. “that’s true, least i can say i have a talent now. i can play the peanuts theme just fine.” he jokes while he watches her play with his fingers, feeling the urge to mimic it but keeping his mouth closed, he knows the time and place when to be annoying. “i wish but no, just piano. a voice is an instrument though.” meaning he sings, but she knows about how choir days, hes told her all about that. “mhm, pretty much, don’t got a mind of her own.” never has, that woman. always irritated him dating back long time ago standing at five years old and couldn’t help but feel a deep seated anger towards her for being a follower rather than a leader. “glad SOMEONE thinks so.” his grandma didn’t say much about it, either. so that’s a relief theres some people who arent giving him a hard time without wanting to look like a rock n roller. “like i said… she just does whatever he says,” shoulders shrug, no other explanation for it, he cant believe it either how she never takes his side. “yeah i’m not gonna do that…like i’d just leave you here to do that.” he’s not the best boyfriend or person in the world, but he wouldn’t do that. “that little punk just had to do that,” eyes roll, right now he didnt care whose little brother he was calling a name. “i could get into it, but then it’d break the lock then you’d be set up for questioning later so either way- this is fucked. unless we broke the window then replaced it tomorrow by some miracle we find a window, find money for it and your mother doesn’t find it til then. don’t know how all that will align, though.”

[erineverly]

“genetics are weird.” giggling when he pinches her arm in retaliation, she swats his hand away and jokingly insists, “yeah, bet a leprechaun left you on the baileys’ porch.” she has to bite her lower lip to keep from giggling some more upon hearing the comment about the peanuts theme. “now that takes real talent. you have to show me one day ‘cause i’m not sure if i should believe you.” teasing, she’s trying to make light of the situation they’ve found themselves in. “you’re just bragging now. just piano. oh, and i sing, too.” lowering her voice to try and mimic his, looking at him all smitten because he’s so cute. “how strange,” she blurts out, shaking her head. “sorry. i just mean, if you asked me to stop listening to the songs i like ‘cause you don’t like them, i’d tell you to get lost and turn the radio up.” some women are like that, though. they do whatever their partner tells them to. “i’m surprised it’s such a big deal to your dad. it’s just hair.” running her fingers through his damp strands, she almost wishes it was longer. “yeah, but it’s one thing to turn the radio off and another to say nothing when your kid gets kicked out. it’s her house, too.” frowning, she can’t help but think there must be something wrong with his mom. “if you stay, we’ll both be in trouble, and my mom will call your parents in the morning.” it’s very chivalrous of him, has her heart beating faster and cheeks heating up, but given the circumstances… his father’s already mad at him, and she doesn’t want to give that man any more reasons to be upset with bill. axl. “he thinks it’s all one big joke, the idiot that he is.” little punk. it makes her chuckle. there are worse names sitting at the tip of her tongue now. “could you do that?” break the lock? she’s tempted to ask where and when he’s learned that skill but chooses to question him some other time. “my mom will freak out when she finds it broken. she’ll call the cops.” they’ll dust for fingerprints or find their footprints or something like that. she doesn’t want to send her own boyfriend to jail. “there’s no way we’ll be able to replace a window without her knowing. i’m so dead… was nice knowing you.”

[axlrvse]

arm lifts, wrapping it around her when she rests her head on his shoulder. thinking he will work harder to have some kind of transportation for them because this is just embarrassing and ridiculous. “cause he doesn’t understand music. he mixes up the idea of religion too much.” he tells her lightly when in stronger words his dad’s just a psycho, he’s finally grew to understand that after all these years of pretending oh it’s just dad. “or i can let you draw a heart on my skin and get THAT tattooed.” he chuckles, somewhat considering it but then realizing he doesn’t really want any permanent hearts. maybe something else though. “i feel so soggy.” it’s gross, he thinks, expressing his thoughts out loud. “the battle scar is doing alright?” brows perk, poking his chin. “in her bed? and what happens if your mom comes in dropping her laundry off or something and doesn’t see a blonde girl but a red haired person? sure she will be freaked out.” axl tells her after sliding off the bed of the truck, shutting the door back and waving them a good night. “i better not. i better get back to my grandmas.” shaking his head as he hesitates the idea, walking across the grass and to the window that he remembers is hers.

[erineverly]

smiling as his arm coils around her, erin quickly realizes that there’s no place she’d rather be. soaked, chased by the cops, tired, none of it matters as long as they’re together. “it’s kind of ironic when you think about it.” she almost asks what religion has to do with music? but bites her tongue, not trying to sound rude. “a guy who doesn’t like music has a son who loves it. is your mom musically gifted?” she wonders, trying to figure out if talents are hereditary in some way. her little brother’s inherited some of their father’s love for music but he’s nowhere near as talented. “that would be so romantic.” eyes twinkling as she looks up at him, she likes the idea a little too much. “but if your dad doesn’t like music, i can already imagine how he feels about tattoos. even my mother despises them.” thinks only criminals get them, and she’s nowhere near as strict as his dad. “so do i. my sneakers are drenched. we look like wet dogs.” giggling quietly, she just hopes they don’t smell like wet dogs. “don’t touch it. it’s gonna get infected,” she warns, even though it probably takes more than a little poke to a small scratch for an infection to form. “yeah, okay, that would freak her out but what if you stay at my room?” she has enough blankets and pillows to make it comfy on the floor, and figures if her mom decides to check in on her, he can hide under the bed or in the closet. that’s better than walking alone at night to his grandma’s house. “you can take my bike,” she offers, reluctantly following, wishing they wouldn’t have to part ways so soon. time always flies when they’re together. “will you come in for a second? i’ll give you a dry sweatshirt and take a look at that —” cut. but just as she’s about to finish her sentence, her gaze flickers up to her bedroom window only to find it… closed. “shit.” she cusses so rarely that the word tastes foreign on her tongue, and yet seems to be so very fitting. “no, no, no… i even stacked up a bunch of paperbacks, there’s no way… maybe the back door’s open.” she’ll go check but already knows what she’ll find. venetia’s been obsessed with safety ever since that actress and her friends got murdered not far away from their own home in the summer of ’69. she now locks every door and closes each window for the night. 

[axlrvse]

“i know, it doesn’t really make sense huh? like we’re not even related cause we’re total opposites.” he scoffs, oblivious to how it weirdly made so much sense. “he wanted to do piano, but didn’t… as a kid. so he pushed it on me. i was mad back then, but i’m glad now. and no, my mom isn’t musically gifted. she secretly likes certain music, but won’t even admit that.” brainwashed too by his father, man’s got the entire household feeling psychotic about their every move and actions. “well maybe i will have to,” he smirks, the way shes looking at him has him enticed enough to actually lose all train of thought and his senses to really do it in that moment. “i will just have to wait then, he can’t control me forever though… he’s already complaining about my hair. that’s why i’m staying over my grandmas tonight.” these past two weeks. “said i have to cut it before i can be allowed back in. but guess i won’t be allowed back in,” shrugging, not giving a damn. doesn’t he know hes doing him a favor? its been nice not getting beaten and yelled at. dumb fuck. “okay okay.” obeying about not touching it, refraining from playfully rolling his eyes. “making it hard to decide,” he groans, “just dont want to risk getting caught.. and my grandma might call your house.” when she wakes and sees hes not made it in. erin cussing? brows raise and he knows that must be a bad sign, of course it is… “oh great.” hands go to his face, about to tear his hair out. “not this, now theres ANOTHER problem. fuck- fuck everything tonight,” this is just pissing him off, its one thing AFTER ANOTHER. “how the fuck can it be?” throws his hands up in frustration at the stupid window before following along to the back. “now what when that’s locked too??”

[erineverly]

“can’t relate ‘cause i look just like my father, don’t know if i act much like him, though.” she would have to spend some time with don first to find out what his personality is like. “maybe you’re adopted,” she muses, elbow gently nudging his side. it’s a harmless joke, of course. she’s been teasing her little brother this way since the day he was born basically. “sometimes having parents who want to make their own dreams come true through you isn’t such a bad thing. i mean, at least now you’re like the second coming of beethoven. got magic fingers,” she giggles, taking him by the hand and making his fingers wiggle. “do you play any other instruments?” she wonders, trying to focus on anything other than the fact that someone purposely closed her bedroom window. it couldn’t have been her mother or there would be police cars in the driveway and cops already looking for her. it had to be edan. “so, your mom won’t admit she likes certain kind of music just because your dad doesn’t like it at all? things people do for love.” she thinks it’s weird but has enough common sense to say nothing. “i’ll give you a temporary one first, see if you like it.” giving his hand a gentle squeeze, she can’t help but think that a couple of tattoos would actually look real good on him. anything would look good on him. “what’s wrong with your hair?” lifting an eyebrow, she looks up at his damp hair and reaches over to ruffle it gently. “i think it looks cool.” playful expression growing solemn, she frowns and wonders what kind of parent kicks out their kid for refusing to cut his hair. “how could he do that? what did your mom say? that’s not fair at all.” she shakes her head, thinking it’s too harsh of a punishment. and how come his mother is on board with this? she can’t wrap her head around it. “i’m sorry, that’s horrible, but he’ll probably get over it eventually,” she says, trying to cheer the other up, softly adding, “so, you’re staying at your grandma’s now?” it’s a good thing he has a roof over his head, but she still feels bad for him. all this because he wouldn’t cut his hair! it’s unfathomable. “edan must have done it.” little shit. “saw me sneak out or something. he wants to get me into trouble.” she doesn’t know if all little brothers are that annoying but hers is insufferable. she pulls on the back door only to find it locked. fuck. yeah, fuck indeed. “locked. my goodness… i’m done. that’s it. my mother will ground me for life when she finds me here in the morning.” and she’ll never see him again! “we can try to break in but we’ll make a lot of noise.” might as well knock on the door or ring the bell, wake venetia up. “well, you can take my bike and go to your grandma’s and i can stay the night on the porch,” she sighs, running her fingers through her wet curls. no need for BOTH of them to get busted. 

[axlrvse]

hearing her words, he lets them sit on his heart for a long moment before the weight of them starts to feel too heavy. “i’d rather die too.” all those times he did live without her felt like dying. “don’t cry, erin. you know i’ll start in next…” he frowns when he sees her face, hand immediately coming to cup her cheek, thumb swiping the tears from her skin away. chuckling at his own words to try and make something lighthearted out of it, but its true… two more seconds and he will tear up too. “me too, though. more than anything.” worst feeling in the world for him and that’s say a lot compared to all the horrible feelings he has felt along the way during this whole life journey in his twenty something years. “i’m alright, i really am… don’t worry about me. i’m doing good.” tattooed arms squeeze her tight when she comes to cling to him, kissing her back just as soft then landing one on her forehead. “yeah it does,” agreeing with a nerdy smile, squeezing her one more time before forcing his arms to drop to grab another towel, “want this one for your hair?” he questions before leaning over the tub to let the water out.

[erineverly]

“yeah?” she mouths, unsure whether she’s supposed to find solace in his words or more heartache. “feels like i’ve already died when you’re not around.” part of her is happy to hear that the feeling’s mutual, that he loves her in this crazy, twisted way, too, but another part wishes that they could just have a good life together. a healthy marriage. “don’t cry, look…” she smiles up at him, letting him wipe away her tears even though the sadness lingers. “i’m not crying now.” feeling like her heart might just burst into a million tiny pieces if she keeps looking into her husband’s eyes, she wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him a little tighter. “i hate fighting with people in general but when we’re fighting, it’s like the world’s ending.” when she’s sad or hurt, he’s the only person she wants to run to. he’s her person. when they’re fighting, she can’t run to her person. “think i’ll always worry about you,” she sighs, letting him comfort her, smiling sweetly when he kisses her forehead. there’s something special about forehead kisses. “yes, thank you very much, kind sir,” she muses with a laugh, taking the towel from his hands and wrapping her curls up in it. she leans over the row of candles, figuring they should blow them out before they leave, and jokingly asks, “want to help me out with these? make a wish?”

[axlrvse]

well thank god he manages to pacify her, he thinks as soon as he sees the smile to his relief. “yeah that’s the kind.” nodding once, amused smile of his own writing across his face. “that’s how much i do.” he chuckles, moving a piece of hair off his cheek that’s itching him. “yeah i agree, which is why we have to hold on to it.” if they don’t end up breaking each others promises and ruining that promise all over again. it would be nice to live in a moment like this forever, that’s really his only goal in life. “drill sergeant? is this what i am?” another chuckle sounds from him, lifting the deep thought off his expressions. “i don’t see why not.” shoulders lift then fall in a shrug, no need to get rid of it to him when they have plenty means to put it. “good, cause me too, erin rose.” correcting himself this time with a smirk, pressing one more kiss to her jaw then pulling back, “well i think so too.” the singer snorts, he’d like that idea as much as he likes the idea of her being possessive. once they part ways, his heart’s fluttering again and lips are swollen, legs feeling like jello when he grabs the towel and climbs out then wraps it around his waist. axl grabs for another towel, holding it open for her to take to wrap her up in once she steps out.

[erineverly]

“i’d rather die than live without you,” she whispers, pale blue eyes stinging, filling up with tears at the mere thought of their marriage failing. she tries to blink them away but a few spill over and end up rolling down her cheeks. “i’m sorry… i just — i hate it so much when we break each other’s hearts.” even if they do manage to mend them in the end, it still hurts because love isn’t supposed to be this complicated. it’s the drill sergeant remark that has her smiling again, wiping at her face and nodding her head. “well, yeah but only sometimes, baby. like, mostly when it comes to your work ‘cause you want everything to be perfect. you work and work and work, and i worry about you,” she admits, focusing on the way candlelight plays across the contours of his handsome features, dancing softly on the purple shadows beneath his eyes. “see? that sounds much better.” erin rose. smiling when he kisses her jaw, awakening the butterflies in her belly. “thank you for always taking care of me,” she coos, stepping out of the tub and into the towel he holds open for her, grateful for the warmth of it against her skin. she barely manages to secure it around herself before she’s closing the distance between them. her arms slide up around his neck, looping loosely over his shoulders as she leans into him and kisses him softly. 

[axlrvse]

arm lifts, wrapping it around her when she rests her head on his shoulder. thinking he will work harder to have some kind of transportation for them because this is just embarrassing and ridiculous. “cause he doesn’t understand music. he mixes up the idea of religion too much.” he tells her lightly when in stronger words his dad’s just a psycho, he’s finally grew to understand that after all these years of pretending oh it’s just dad. “or i can let you draw a heart on my skin and get THAT tattooed.” he chuckles, somewhat considering it but then realizing he doesn’t really want any permanent hearts. maybe something else though. “i feel so soggy.” it’s gross, he thinks, expressing his thoughts out loud. “the battle scar is doing alright?” brows perk, poking his chin. “in her bed? and what happens if your mom comes in dropping her laundry off or something and doesn’t see a blonde girl but a red haired person? sure she will be freaked out.” axl tells her after sliding off the bed of the truck, shutting the door back and waving them a good night. “i better not. i better get back to my grandmas.” shaking his head as he hesitates the idea, walking across the grass and to the window that he remembers is hers.

[erineverly]

smiling as his arm coils around her, erin quickly realizes that there’s no place she’d rather be. soaked, chased by the cops, tired, none of it matters as long as they’re together. “it’s kind of ironic when you think about it.” she almost asks what religion has to do with music? but bites her tongue, not trying to sound rude. “a guy who doesn’t like music has a son who loves it. is your mom musically gifted?” she wonders, trying to figure out if talents are hereditary in some way. her little brother’s inherited some of their father’s love for music but he’s nowhere near as talented. “that would be so romantic.” eyes twinkling as she looks up at him, she likes the idea a little too much. “but if your dad doesn’t like music, i can already imagine how he feels about tattoos. even my mother despises them.” thinks only criminals get them, and she’s nowhere near as strict as his dad. “so do i. my sneakers are drenched. we look like wet dogs.” giggling quietly, she just hopes they don’t smell like wet dogs. “don’t touch it. it’s gonna get infected,” she warns, even though it probably takes more than a little poke to a small scratch for an infection to form. “yeah, okay, that would freak her out but what if you stay at my room?” she has enough blankets and pillows to make it comfy on the floor, and figures if her mom decides to check in on her, he can hide under the bed or in the closet. that’s better than walking alone at night to his grandma’s house. “you can take my bike,” she offers, reluctantly following, wishing they wouldn’t have to part ways so soon. time always flies when they’re together. “will you come in for a second? i’ll give you a dry sweatshirt and take a look at that —” cut. but just as she’s about to finish her sentence, her gaze flickers up to her bedroom window only to find it… closed. “shit.” she cusses so rarely that the word tastes foreign on her tongue, and yet seems to be so very fitting. “no, no, no… i even stacked up a bunch of paperbacks, there’s no way… maybe the back door’s open.” she’ll go check but already knows what she’ll find. venetia’s been obsessed with safety ever since that actress and her friends got murdered not far away from their own home in the summer of ’69. she now locks every door and closes each window for the night. 

[axlrvse]

“gotta do what ya gotta do.” he snorts, shrugging casually. “no but i need to invest in a bike at least.” even that would be better than nothing. his dad keeps talking about giving him a truck, but he hasn’t seen any sign of it yet. “nah, we’ll find a way to still talk and hang. if i can just get my dad on board with the idea of workin’ there though… i just know he’ll give me shit for it,” the redhead sighs, almost huffing in irritation. its always like that… he thinks of one good idea then remembers his dad is always in the background trying to dictate his every move. “if i get another, i’ll let you draw hearts,” he chuckles, hopefully not another any time soon though. “i think it is, finally!” he exclaims, keeping his hands over her waist in case she falls before climbing up next then turning to slam the door back. “alright.” giving the crew up front a thumbs up through the open back window, he sits down in the bed next to erin. “thank god. sorry to interrupt.” telling the stranger next to them sitting quietly before they shrug with the coke can in their lap while wearing a pepsi muscle tee, hat on top of his dirty blond curly hair, “you guys are good.”

[erineverly]

“guess so, hopping into the bushes is better than going to jail,” she agrees, resting her head on his shoulder once he’s climbed in. “yeah, a bike would be a good option. it can get us places.” not too far but they wouldn’t have to hitch rides with strangers. it’s something that her mom’s always warned her about but people in indiana are different. they’re kind. “why?” she wonders out loud, thinking it’s a little strange for a parent to keep their kid from working at a record store. “maybe he worries about your well-being?” she’s never met his dad, seen him here and there but never actually spoke to him, and so it seems like the only rational explanation. “please, don’t get another. i can just draw hearts on your skin. like, temporary tattoos,” she offers with a smile, thinking it would be fun. “and your chin’s stopped bleeding, don’t think it will scar.” so, yeah, they’re the lucky ones! the ride isn’t long and still, with her head on the other’s shoulder, erin has to fight off sleep and keep her eyes from closing every two seconds. it’s been such an eventful night and so now that the adrenaline’s wearing off, she’s realizing how tired she is. once it’s time for them to hop out, she smiles sleepily and waves goodbye at the ford truck, happy to be home and feeling terrible her boyfriend’s come all this way just to see her off safely. “you can stay, you know?” realizing how this offer may sound, she blushes furiously and adds, “i mean, on stacy’s bed. she’s in new york now.”

[axlrvse]

“crazy but it works.” he’s done it before, been getting to be a professional at it. “no, we’re definitely not doin’ that.” talking to them, being avoidant is the best option, talking just leads into more questions and being nosey. “i guess or an ego boost.” doesn’t realize he’s probably being targeted even more because it runs in his blood, his real father he doesn’t know of was the same way years back. “yeah it happened awhile back,” the cat house adventure did anyway, “mine was just white. and yeah, for some reason we as kids get real mad when we don’t break something just for the cast.” which was funny to think about, that’s crazy he thinks. “nahh, not that,” he denies, shaking his head amusingly. “too risky.” not getting jumped on by her mom and being banned from seeing her, not worth the risk. “no that’s okay, i wouldn’t want you to. i have to make my own money for my own things.” shaking his head, not about to accept that offer ever even if it’s nice of her. “the drive in is only making so much, maybe i can ask about the record store too- that way we could still talk and stuff-” words cut off, distracted by the ford truck passing by, there’s three people in front and one in the back of the bed which gives him an idea there’s room for them. bill axl lets go of erins hand and takes off, right up to the drivers door, waving them down, “can we get a ride to the west side?” he’s asking and then the brakes slam on, “alright! thanks guys.” spirits are lifted then and he doesn’t waste time lifting the door down, “come on erin, climb in.” quickly waving her over, ready to help lift her in once shes close enough.

[erineverly]

“hiding in the bushes?” she can’t help but sound a little amused, trying to picture her boyfriend in a situation like that and thinking it’s almost cartoonish. “okay, we’ll split up, then. you’ll hide and i’ll talk to them.” teasing, she just doesn’t understand why he’s so adamant. “outrunning the local track star… yeah, okay, that’s enough for an ego boost, bet those cops brag about that at dinner,” she says playfully, figuring if that’s the case, then those grown men in uniforms are nothing but idiots. “well, white’s not a bad option at all. i mean, you can ask people to sign it and draw cute things on it. had i known you back then, i would’ve drawn hearts on it for you.” that’s almost as fun as a colored cast. “maybe we can just get bikes, then? my mom has a bike. do you have one?” even if he doesn’t, it’s not as expensive as a car. “well, yeah but…” she pauses, glancing down at her feet, white sneakers still soaked. she wishes she could just give him half her savings. “if you get another job, we won’t see each other much.” she wishes, in that selfish, privileged way, that they could just do nothing all summer long. “well, you’d be right at home there.” at the record store. it’s not such a bad idea, after all. she could visit him there, hang out with him from time to time, and he knows a lot about bands and music and stuff. getting distracted, she almost doesn’t notice the truck passing by. “you’re a man of many talents.” giggling as he hitches them a ride, blue eyes twinkling because it all feels like one big adventure, she runs up to where he’s waiting for her, the engine idling, and climbs in with his help. “must be our lucky day! hi, thanks for giving us a ride!”

[justseventeen]

August 1983. ‘At the senior prom, Doug left me with a kiss, a corsage and a Care Bear. I still have the Care Bear.’

[axlrvse]

bill doesn’t work well under pressure, never did and especially when fear is running through him like wildfire. “no problem,” managing to say calmly, taking her hand and leading their way down the street. mentally kicking himself now for jumping in that stupid pool. “i don’t know, they’re just assholes. cops are.” shrugging, secretly disliking he was being questioned because he didn’t have a good enough lie cause far as they knew he was a criminal. a teen delinquent to keep a watch out for in the small town, since this town is really strict about keeping things tight knit, strict and quiet. “already did that once, that really wasn’t fun.” breaking his arm, but he won’t elaborate how that happened. “just some road burn.” folding his hand over, palms upright, just some grain stains and a tiny scrape. “alright, yeah, we just have to make it there first.” going to take days if they don’t rob a car, eyes moving back on the street in front of him, trees hanging over their heads and porch lights some turned on and some off. “i’m pretty sure they did, seemed like the whole place cleared out before the cops actually got in the place.”

[erineverly]

glancing at the redhead, erin can sense his unease but doesn’t fully understand its culprit. in her world, that of a privileged white girl, cops aren’t bad. they help people. “let’s hope they don’t pass us by ‘cause we look a little suspicious.” dripping wet, goosebumps dotting her arms even though it’s a summer night and the heat’s still radiating off the asphalt. she’d fold them over her chest if she wasn’t holding his hand. “yeah, guess so,” she agrees but questions still linger at the tip of her tongue — how does he know that? has he ever been in trouble with the law? if so, what for? “the only good thing if we got caught, maybe they would give us a ride home.” it’s merely a joke. she obviously doesn’t want that. her mother would ground her for life. “ouch, how’d that happen?” trying to sympathize, it seems like a natural follow-up to the confession and so she doesn’t think she’s being nosy. “you’re tough,” she coos, wrapping her arms around his skinny bicep, seeking warmth but also trying to cheer him up, “i’m such a baby about stuff like that. i’d be bawling my eyes out.” nodding in agreement when he points out that they have to get to her house first, she quietly expresses her naive hopes, “maybe izzy and the other guys will find us. that friend of yours who has a car.” she’s forgotten the name and feels bad about it.

[axlrvse]

“well that’s why we’ll jump in a bush if they do.” or whatever is around if one drives by, that’s why he’s staying on edge, looking behind him every few seconds at any sound of an engine to check. “in another world they would, but they’re so assholey and get a high on getting people in trouble.” all that power ego, he’s figuring is what makes them that way. they were probably picked on in school and a nobody, now they want revenge and make themselves feel good about picking on teenagers. “playing on my grandma’s cat house.” well it wasn’t too far off, he at least had hurt his arm doing that, didn’t break it necessarily— but it was good enough answer than the real one. “maybe my pain tolerance is higher.” or immune. “i really have to work harder and get my own car… get a second job at the grocery store or something or this would be solved right now.” he sighs, looking annoyed up at the sky before glancing at who is going by now. it’s a red toyota car and their car looks full, he’s not running them down, he decides. wait for the next ones. “but yeah, i don’t know why those idiots ain’t at least trying to find us.”

[erineverly]

“that’s a crazy idea,” erin points out with a giggle, not realizing that the other is being serious. “or i can just talk to them.” she’s charmed her way out of trouble a few times in california. cops can’t be much different than teachers. “and that’s it? so, they just do it for some sick satisfaction?” thinking about it, she’s coming to the conclusion that surely they aren’t getting a promotion for busting a bunch of kids who are out late partying, which means that axl is right. they’ve got some sort of a personal vendetta against kids like them. like him. “oh, that must have hurt. i’ve always wanted to climb one of these,” she admits with a smile, fingers brushing against his forearm. “glad it’s all healed up now. did you get to have a fun, colorful cast at least? my brother sprained his ankle the other summer and was real mad when the doctor said he wouldn’t need a cast.” because he wanted to get the blue one so bad. “probably, yeah.” which makes her wonder why some people have higher pain tolerance than others. born this way, surely. “or you’re just pretending, trying to look tough to impress me,” she teases, wishing they at least had a flannel or something to keep themselves warm. “well, we could have taken my mom’s but that’s always a little risky.” what if she somehow woke up in the middle of the night and saw it was missing? or what if they scratched or crashed it? “you already work a lot, though,” she sighs, worrying about his health and selfishly thinking that they’ll have no time to see each other then. “maybe i could get a summer job. we could be saving up for one together,” she offers, figuring she could just give him some of her savings but suspecting that he wouldn’t accept such help. “probably figured there’s better chances of getting busted if they kept driving around, looking for us.”

[axlrvse]

bill doesn’t work well under pressure, never did and especially when fear is running through him like wildfire. “no problem,” managing to say calmly, taking her hand and leading their way down the street. mentally kicking himself now for jumping in that stupid pool. “i don’t know, they’re just assholes. cops are.” shrugging, secretly disliking he was being questioned because he didn’t have a good enough lie cause far as they knew he was a criminal. a teen delinquent to keep a watch out for in the small town, since this town is really strict about keeping things tight knit, strict and quiet. “already did that once, that really wasn’t fun.” breaking his arm, but he won’t elaborate how that happened. “just some road burn.” folding his hand over, palms upright, just some grain stains and a tiny scrape. “alright, yeah, we just have to make it there first.” going to take days if they don’t rob a car, eyes moving back on the street in front of him, trees hanging over their heads and porch lights some turned on and some off. “i’m pretty sure they did, seemed like the whole place cleared out before the cops actually got in the place.”

[erineverly]

glancing at the redhead, erin can sense his unease but doesn’t fully understand its culprit. in her world, that of a privileged white girl, cops aren’t bad. they help people. “let’s hope they don’t pass us by ‘cause we look a little suspicious.” dripping wet, goosebumps dotting her arms even though it’s a summer night and the heat’s still radiating off the asphalt. she’d fold them over her chest if she wasn’t holding his hand. “yeah, guess so,” she agrees but questions still linger at the tip of her tongue — how does he know that? has he ever been in trouble with the law? if so, what for? “the only good thing if we got caught, maybe they would give us a ride home.” it’s merely a joke. she obviously doesn’t want that. her mother would ground her for life. “ouch, how’d that happen?” trying to sympathize, it seems like a natural follow-up to the confession and so she doesn’t think she’s being nosy. “you’re tough,” she coos, wrapping her arms around his skinny bicep, seeking warmth but also trying to cheer him up, “i’m such a baby about stuff like that. i’d be bawling my eyes out.” nodding in agreement when he points out that they have to get to her house first, she quietly expresses her naive hopes, “maybe izzy and the other guys will find us. that friend of yours who has a car.” she’s forgotten the name and feels bad about it.

[axlrvse]

“of course i promise, hurry up.” not meaning for it to come off as hasty as it does, but he’s under pressure and so the sting comes unintentionally, flailing arms around & waving her forward. he knows he will catch her, so there’s no use in being scared. hands grab on tight once she lets go and like he promised, gets her back on the ground. “because they love to target me, so i’m not riskin’ it.” putting it vaguely, not about to tell her he’s already been almost arrested once so he’s on their shit list. “outta sight, out of mind.” about evading the police, can’t be a victim of jail if they don’t see him. “i’m alright, it’s fine,” waving her off, keeping his scraped chin held up as he stalks out of whoever’s back yard and down the street opposite from police. he’s took a lot worse than that, can carry on just fine without any scrapes being that painful enough to stop walking now. and great… they got so split up, they don’t even have a ride now. another thing irritating him. glancing down the street, he’s contemplating on asking the next stranger for a ride, since erin’s house stretches quite a few blocks from here.

[erineverly]

erin doesn’t understand why the other’s in such a hurry when no one seems to be following them, frowning briefly upon being rushed. getting distracted before his tone can fully register and hurt her feelings, she finds herself in his arms, breathless and blushing. it feels like a movie, makes her heart skip a beat. “thank you.” for helping and getting her back on the ground safely. she refuses to let go of his wrist as they find their way back onto the streets, feeling a little light-headed from all the adrenaline. “why do they target you? shouldn’t they be focusing on actual criminals?” she wonders out loud, looking over her shoulder to make sure that they aren’t being followed. “you’re lucky you didn’t break your arms. think it’s still bleeding a little.” his chin. “what about your hands?” walking under the street lamps, she takes a look at his palms and knows they’ll sting like hell. “will you come inside with me for a moment? when we get to my house, i mean. i’ve got bandaids in the bathroom. i’ll get you cleaned up. you don’t have to worry about my mom. once she’s out for the night, she’s out.” one good thing about sleeping pills. it takes a lot to wake venetia up. it’s her turn to refuse to elaborate, changing the subject instead, asking in a hushed tone, “think izzy and the others got out?”