Synopsis: Reggie decides to join you for a night at your home while you’re parents are out of town.
Author’s Note: This is just a small little blurb completely written for no one but myself. Hopefully you guys like it and if you do, please let me know! :)
WordCount: 1k
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It was quiet in the room, all besides the sounds of your breath filling the empty air. Creaks from around the house rang out into your ears and you squeezed your eyes shut for a moment.
It’s just the house settling, you thought to yourself.
You hated to admit that the creaking freaked you out a little bit. It wasn’t that you really believed anything was there, but it was always lingering in the back of your mind. It was like a little fly that wouldn’t stop buzzing, allowing the intrusive thoughts in.
Your parents were out of town for the weekend, deciding to celebrate their anniversary away from the bustle of everyday life. You didn’t mind, but in moments like this you could feel the foreboding sense of hopelessness.
The light from your phone screen grabbed your attention and you couldn’t help but smile as the caller name lit up the screen. A small wave of comfort washed over you and you reached out quickly, answering the call.
“Hello?” You answered, not quite knowing why your boyfriend would be calling you this late.
“Open the door.” He didn’t say anything more and you were left grasping for straws. The call ended quickly and you looked at the screen for a moment of disbelief, not really knowing if the phone call had actually occurred.
The sound of knocking rung from the front door and you rolled your eyes, throwing the blankets off of your legs. Turning on the lights as you went you moved from your bedroom, through the living room and to the front door of your home.
Through the small window in the door you could just make out the smiling face of Reggie behind the glass. You opened the door quickly and stared at him for a moment taking in the sight.
He stood in front of you wearing a onesie that you had happened to buy in a pair. In his arms was a stack of movies that he must have stolen from his mom’s house, different Star Wars movies taking up at least three cases. As your eyes locked with his own he gave you a small pout.
“I wanted to come over and watch movies because you said you were gonna be alone this weekend, and I know you think your house is haunted.” You scoffed at Reggie’s blatant disbelief in the ghost you were sure lived with you.
You gently smacked his chest and motioned to close the door on him. His foot quickly caught it and he laughed as he made his way into your home. He moved with ease, knowing the place like the back of his hand since he seemed to spend so much time here.
Without bothering you he began to set up the first movie, setting up the couch the way he would want to sit on it. You didn’t bother to deny him as you closed the door and welcomed the much needed presence. You kept quiet as you moved from the living room to the kitchen and began to make popcorn.
Leaning against the counter you stared down the microwave waiting for your snack to pop. The sound of footsteps echoed into your ears and you looked over as Reggie made his way into the kitchen. He ignored the microwave, immediately blocking your line of sight and putting his hands on the counter, trapping you in.
“Well hello handsome.” Reggie blushed at the compliment, a smirk taking over his lips and you chuckled slightly.
“How was your day?” He asked, his eyes holding a sincerity that you had become used to. It was the way he looked at you that made your heart flutter, the feeling almost addictive.
“It was good, Julie had some questions about math class so I spent most of free period tutoring her.” You explained, thinking back to the school day. Reggie nodded along, paying less attention to the words you were saying and more to the motion of your lips.
“Mhm, how was that?”
“Well Julie’s kind of helpless in math, it was almost like teaching a toddler how to read.” This got Reggie to laugh. A big warm-hearted laugh that caused him to throw his head back slightly. You couldn’t help but laugh along at the comment yourself.
The sound of the microwave stole your attention and you pushed Reggie away gently. The two of you moved in sync, Reggie grabbing a big bowl from one of the cupboards, holding it out for you to pour the bag into. Without a word he gripped your hand and led you back to the living room, getting comfy on the couch and opening his arm to welcome you in.
You sat beside him, letting his arm wrap it’s way around your shoulders, pulling you tightly into his side. The popcorn bowl was placed on your lap as Reggie leaned forward grabbing the remote. He settled back in and the two of you sighed happily as you cuddled on the couch.
“What’d you do today?” You asked quietly as Reggie got to the DVD menu.
“Hung out with the guys, we skipped school again and played down at the boardwalk.”
“Reggie…” You chastised. It was common for the boys to ditch the last school day of the week to go down to the beach and play, Julie having joined on occasion and dragging you along. He knew you didn’t approve but that you would let him because it was something he loved.
“I love you.” He sang the last word as he began pressing kisses into the side of your head. You couldn’t help it as laughter bubbled up out of you and began to break free.
The two of you settled and you turned to look at him, making sure he was looking back at you before you spoke.
“I love you too.” You pecked his lips gently and brought your knees up as you pressed into his side. Taking a deep breath, Reggie pressed the play button and you sighed as the beginning of the Imperial March theme started to play.
@netflix - step into your greatness and RENEW Julie and the Phantoms! My poster for the poster campaign for renewing the show for season 2 🔥 #netflixrenewjatp #julieandthephantoms #julieandthephantomsfanart #jatp #jatpfanart #juliemolina @julieandthephantoms @themadisonreyes @lovelyrugbee_art
It’s the beginning of the new year, so I would like to wish everyone their best. And I also wanted to let you guys know I am going to be opening requests for imagines very soon and I’m super excited. It might take me a little while to get back in the swing of things but I hope you’ll bear with me.
Just wanted to put this out, I really like your story Before Us. I really like the twist you gave the story with adding Johanna and Riley. I am currently at part 6 and I really enjoy it. Thank you for feeding my need of more Julie and the Phantoms storylines. Love from Dianne
Awe this honestly makes my heart swell a little bit. Thank you so much honey and I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Honestly I enjoy it every time I reread it
Synopsis: In 1995, Sunset Curve was set to play The Orpheum. 25 years later they wake up in a whole new world and Luke finds somebody he once used to know.
Authors Note: I’m so sad to see this come to an end, but I’m incredibly happy knowing that people enjoyed it and liked the story! Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this fic. Hopefully I’ll start posting imagines (or possibly a Reggie fic I’m planning)
catch the stydia reference from teen wolf because i love them
PREVIOUS | END
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Electricity flooded through Riley’s veins as she sat in the car with her dad. He had taken the night off of work to come and support Julie with his daughter, per request of one Ray Molina. Riley was glad to see her dad doing something other than work, but her thoughts didn’t stay on that long as Luke popped back into her brain.
She didn’t know what she was going to say when she saw him, didn’t know how she was going to tell him that she loved him back, after only just finding out about him. The car slowly pulled up to the front of the building and Riley hopped out, her dad driving off to go park the car.
Ray greeted her out front and ushered her in past security, not even waiting to push the girl to where the set was being finished. The doors would be opening in a couple of minutes and soon this entire place would be packed.
Her eyes widened as she took in just how amazing the inside was. It was decorated beautifully, with couches and chairs and tables lining the entire room. She could see on the stage where the bands instruments were set up and she could already hear the echoes of people talking.
As she made her way further into the Orpheum she watched as a frantic Flynn came running out onto the floor. Her eyes widened as she spotted Riley and she ran over, quickly grabbing onto her arm.
“Have you seen Julie, the boys haven’t gotten here yet and she disappeared.” Riley paused as the words hit her. The boys weren’t there, Julie was missing, and the show would be starting any minute now.
Riley didn’t hesitate as her feet began moving, running to the back of the club and heading to where she found Julie’s dressing room. The room was completely empty, no Julie, no boys. She swallowed the lump in her throat that was forming and she tried to stamp down the tears. Flynn appeared behind her and grabbed her hand.
“Come on.” She dragged the girl with her, pulling her in an entirely new direction. Riley couldn’t seem to see anything in front of her as her mind became crowded. The only thought ringing through her head was the idea that the boys were gone and she wouldn’t have been able to say goodbye.
“Flynn!” Riley halted, her feet no longer moving. “I’ll find Julie, just try and stall them long enough for me to get her.” Flynn looked at the girl, nodding when she saw the desperation in her eyes. Riley separated, letting her feet take her wherever they desired. Riley hoped with every ounce of her being that she would find the girl, pleading with herself as she opened doors to empty rooms.
She was making her way up the stairs when she heard it, the sounds of the street from outside. She pushed open the door, daring to take a peak when she spotted her best friend standing on the wet pavement.
She turned, hearing the door open. Julie’s eyes locked with her own, the same tears being mirrored back at her. It was the moment that she saw the girl Riley felt the tension in her snap.
“Julie.” Her voice broke as she said the girl's name, the tears now flowing freely. Julie immediately ran up to the girl and pulled her into a hug. “God Molina don’t ever scare me like that again, I thought you had made a bolt for it.”
“No, Riley, god, I just needed a moment.” She squeezed the girl tighter and pulled her inside, letting the door close behind them. “Come on, the show's about to begin.”
“Julie.” Riley stayed planted in her spot as Julie tried to pull her with her. “I didn’t get to say it back.”
Julie knew, knew how it felt to have unspoken words left between you and the person you love. She stared at the girl for a moment, thinking to herself and remembering the dahlia she held in her hand.
“He knows, Riley. I promise you.” Julie smiled at her friend, gaining a small one in return. “Now that’s my girl.”
“Come on, Molina. You’ve got a concert to play.”
‘
Riley stood beside her dad and the Molina’s as she watched Julie run out onto the stage. The girls had made it back to their respective spots and Riley clapped along with the crowd as the speakers announced Julie and her band.
She watched as the girl approached the microphone, taking it off the stand as she welled up the courage to start talking. She breathed in deeply before beginning to speak and smiled at the crowd.
“Hi. I’m Julie. Tonight, I’d like to dedicate this song to my mom, who’s been there with me every time I’ve played. And thank her for not giving up on me. I’d also like to dedicate tonight’s performance to three special friends who have changed my life completely--”
Riley watched as Julie continued talking about the boys and she had to breathe deeply to keep the tears from welling up again. She didn’t want it to hurt this much, but that wasn’t up for her to decide. It was Julie’s voice that broke her out of her thoughts, tuning into the song.
Immediately her eyes welled up with tears as soon as Julie’s voice flooded throughout the theatre. Alone, Julie was raw, emotional, completely overwhelmed by the music. Riley could feel the electricity buzzing in her veins. It was finally happening.
The slight rise in the music caught Riley’s attention and before she could even blink Alex appeared on the stage. A smile erupted on her face, her body finally feeling as it had before she had arrived at the theatre. Reggie joined in soon after, his bass falling in time as Julie continued singing.
Riley’s heart clenched, waiting to see Luke appear on the stage. It was nearing the chorus when Luke’s image started to slowly flicker onto the stage. Riley cupped her hands together, closing her eyes and putting all of her energy into trying to call Luke as she had before.
“Luke please, I need you.”
As soon as the words came out of her mouth his voice rang clear. Her eyes shot open, instantly locking with the pair of brown she had fallen in love with.
She had known it for so long, but had been hesitant. She didn’t want to admit that everyone was right about what was going on between them. But as she stood there with tears streaming down her cheeks, she realized she didn’t care anymore about others. She just wanted to be with Luke.
Her eyes remained locked with Luke’s, the lyrics long forgotten in her mind. A smile lit up her face, radiating everything she was feeling towards him.
It was time for Alex and Reggie to sing their solo lines, and as Luke left his microphone forgotten he mouthed the words Riley had heard just a few hours ago.
“I love you Riley.”
Her cheeks burned, the blush slowly beginning to cover her whole body. He continued singing to the girl, both of their faces covered in grins that lit up the room.
‘
Riley’s heart ached. Despite the excitement that was hiding underneath her skin, her heart pulled in her chest. All of her thoughts kept drifting to the last image she had caught of Luke before he finally disappeared off the stage with the other two boys.
The tears brimming his eyes as he stood upright, and the final flick of his wrist as he waved goodbye. Riley had tagged along back to Julie’s home, wanting to stop by the garage to grab the things that Luke had said he wanted her to have.
The sounds of the others singing around her seemed to fade to nothing, those three words washing over her and polluting her thoughts.
She could hear Ray talking with Julie, but she ignored the conversation, waiting for her friend to join her on their way down to the garage. Julie only took a minute before she gripped onto Riley’s hand and began leading her down the familiar steps.
Riley allowed herself to be pulled along, the realization finally dawning on her that this would be the first time in a while the practice room would be empty. The first time there would be no one waiting for them.
Julie opened the doors, pushing the girl inside first. She knew she hadn’t gotten to say a proper goodbye, had never been able to say the words back to Luke before he was gone.
Her eyes welled up again and she took a deep breath, steadying herself on her feet. It felt like within any moment her legs would turn into jello and she would collapse. She looked to Julie, the girl nodding at her to say what she needed.
“I’m gonna miss you guys, a lot. I want to say thank you, for helping Julie—“ She paused, sniffling. “And for being my friends.”
“You’re welcome.” The sound of another voice followed by a groan caused the girls to look between each other in confusion. Julie moved to the light before Riley could think and quickly flicked the switch on.
Riley turned to look at the floor as the lights came on, taking in the sight of the three boys laying on the floor. Alex began coughing and she gasped, taking in each of their images.
“Why—“ Julie paused. “Why are you here? I thought.” She wasn’t able to continue as a jolt rocked through each of the boys and they all cried out in pain. Both the girls were shedding tears now, watching their friends writhe in pain in front of them.
“No... no! We thought you crossed over. Why didn't you cross over?” The question came from Julie’s lips and Riley couldn’t help but feel the same panic settle in.
“I guess playing the Orpheum wasn't our unfinished business.” Alex started.
“Point Caleb.” Reggie called quietly. He looked so helpless, leaned against the couch in front of them.
“We wanted you to think that we crossed over, so we pretended to. We just… We had nowhere else to go.” It was the gasp that followed Luke’s words that made Riley move.
She couldn’t help it. Her entire body ached as she watched on, moving without thought. She dropped to her knees beside Luke, reaching out and hugging him as tightly as she possibly could.
“We thought you guys would go straight to bed.” Reggie admitted. Luke pulled away from Riley and moved a strand of hair behind her ear, keeping his eyes locked with hers.
“Yeah, well, I knew they were gonna come out here, but nobody ever listens to me.” They all cried out again, Alex’s words dying off as another jolt hit them.
Riley leapt to her feet, feeling the anxiety take over her body. Her hands went to her hair as she began speaking, her words rushed and chaotic just like her thoughts.
“You have to save yourselves right now. Go join Caleb's club. Please. It's better than not existing at all.” Riley started, moving between each of the boys as they began standing up.
“Please just go. Go! Poof out! Do something! Please. Do it for me.” She turned to Julie, pleading with the girl to say something, to convince the guys to do something. Her voice came out broken as she begged. “Please.”
“We're not going back there.” Reggie admitted.
“No music is worth making, Riley, if we're not making it with you guys.” It was Luke who moved towards her, gently taking her wrists in his hands and moving her hands away from her hair and lowering them in between their bodies. “No regrets.”
She cried as she hugged Luke tightly, letting herself bury her face into his chest. Riley could hear Julie crying as well as without thinking she reached out for her best friend.
Julie moved quickly, wrapping her arms around the two standing there before speaking.
“I love you guys.” It took a moment for either of them to realize what had just happened, but it was Julie who pulled away first. She looked at Riley, and then at Luke, who she was touching.
Luke began glowing, not brightly but enough that Riley noticed it right away. She gasped, a smile slowly coming over her face as she realized what had just happened.
“How can she feel you?“ Riley asked, the joy slowly creeping onto her face.
“I don't know.” Luke admitted. Riley held both of their hands for a moment before turning to the other two boys.
“Alex, Reggie, come.” The other two came and joined the group hug quickly, and soon all three of them shared the same glowing aura. Riley felt a wave of relief run through her as she sighed in the arms of her friends.
“I don't feel as weak anymore.” Reggie spoke up first, the group finally starting to pull apart.
“Yeah, me neither.” Alex added. “Not that, you know, I was ever that weak.”
Alex’s words made everyone chuckle but it was soon cut off as each boy hissed and grabbed at their wrists. Both of Julie’s and Riley’s eyes looked down, locking on the marks the boys had received from Caleb. Each brand began glowing and Riley stared on in awe, watching as they all disappeared.
“What do you think that means?” She asked, looking between the many faces surrounding her.
“I think the band's back.” Luke said, his arm reaching out involuntarily to wrap around Riley’s shoulders as he pulled her into his side. She leaned in happily, letting her head fall on his shoulder.
“You guys think we could try that hug thing one more time?” Alex asked quietly and Riley didn’t hesitate to reach out and pull the boy to her.
Quickly, the other three joined in and soon the entire group was jumping up and down in joy. It was refreshing, for all of the anxiety in Riley’s chest to be gone. To have the boys so close and not having to fear losing them anytime soon.
As they pulled apart again the group began talking but Riley couldn’t help the last little bit of nerves that lingered. She pulled herself away from the group, her mind travelling back to everything that had happened these last few weeks.
She moved away from them, letting her feet take her outside of the garage. She kicked the toe of her shoe into the driveway, turning around as she heard another pair of steps behind her.
A smile crossed her lips as she looked at the boy in front of her. Luke’s hands were once again tucked into his pockets, but he shared the same smile on his face, neither of their moods being ruined by the lingering thoughts on their minds.
“I think we need to talk.” Riley sighed, looking down at the ground once more.
“I said it because I didn’t know if I was going to see you again, but that doesn’t change the fact that I mean it.” He admitted. Riley’s eyes travelled upwards and locked with his.
“You have no idea how scared I was when you guys weren’t there.” She paused as she began moving slowly towards Luke. “I never said it back”
“And you don’t have too.” Luke’s hands came up and landed gently on her cheeks, holding her face still so he could make sure she was looking at him.
“Yes I do. Because I love you, Luke. I don’t want to lose you without you hearing it from me.” She moved, not waiting for a response as she kissed him, their lips colliding in a fight for dominance.
Luke won quickly, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her forward so that their bodies were flush against each other. She smiled into the kiss, happy to finally be here with Luke like this.
“So-“ she started as they pulled away, “do you think I can still have all your stuff?”
“You’re lucky you’re cute, Jennings.” Luke rolled his eyes and Riley let out a laugh she had been so desperately waiting for.
She hugged Luke once more, before deciding it would be good for the two of them to go back inside and spend time with the friends that she had made throughout this crazy journey.
But honestly let me go on a rant about Jeremy Shada real quick because it’s crazy to me how much this man has been in my life without me realizing.
I’ve been a fan of both Adventure Time and MakeOut Monday (jeremys band if you haven’t listened to them please do, my favourites are Shake It Like a Polaroid and Bullet For Your Sweetheart)
But like I had no idea who Jeremy actually was until I started watching JATP, and I was like, “wow, respect for Jeremy for doing it all”.
Anyways Jeremy Shada deserves all the love and support this world has to offer, thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Should I continue writing imagines after I finish Before Us? I honestly don’t think my writings that good but if you guys would like me to please let me know
Synopsis: In 1995, Sunset Curve was set to play The Orpheum. 25 years later they wake up in a whole new world and Luke finds somebody he once used to know.
Authors Note: Second update today because I missed Tuesday’s update, next part in the FINAL CHAPTER GET READY!!!!
PREVIOUS | FINALE
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Riley stormed into Julie’s house, slamming the door shut behind her as she made her way upstairs to her best friends room. Ray stared at the girl as she walked inside, opting not to say anything to her in her fit of rage.
Riley stomped her way up the stairs throwing open Julie’s bedroom door and seeing the girl sitting there with a dismayed look.
“Did they tell you!” She picked up one of the pillows from Julie’s bed and threw it at the girl, not stopping her rant. “You knew about their unfinished business and you didn’t tell me.”
Riley thought back to the conversation she had had with Luke. She thought about the way she had stormed out on him, the way she had thrown everything she could get her hands on.
“I need to tell you something.”
Riley paused, looking at Luke and bracing herself for whatever he was going to say. He sighed, completely turning himself so he was looking directly at her and took her hands in each of his.
“We figured out we have unfinished business. That’s why we came back as ghosts.” He paused, looking into Riley’s eyes so he could judge her reaction.
“Okay, well what is it?” She asked.
“We have to play the show we never got to play.”
“At the Orpheum? That makes sense.” It was as the last word left her lips that the shock of light coursed through Luke’s body and he threw himself back in pain.
Riley gasped as she watched his face screw up, his eyes squeezing shut as he cried out. Riley reached out but halted when Luke pulled away from her.
“We don’t have a lot of time.” Luke started.
“What was that? Are you okay?”
“We did something that we shouldn’t have. The night that we missed the dance, we met this ghost, and he put this curse on us. If we don’t do what he says then those jolts will destroy us.”
“Well then you gotta do what he says, Luke are you kidding? Don’t be stupid?” Riley arose from her bed, her hands travelling to her hair where her hands began the familiar action of pulling at the strands.
“He wants us to be in his house band for eternity. But if we can play the Orpheum soon, then we can avoid all that and actually cross over.” Riley’s actions halted as the words left Luke’s mouth.
Tears clouded her eyes as she realized what he was really saying and she smiled sadly.
“Cross over? As in, like what? Go to heaven?”
“That’s what we’re banking on.” Luke stood from the bed himself, taking a step towards Riley. She backed away from him, raising her hands up in defense so he wouldn’t touch her.
“So it’s either you cross over, be in his band for eternity, or be destroyed by those jolts? You realize in every scenario you’re leaving-“ She didn’t say it, cutting herself off before she could say the word “me”.
“Riley—“ He moved towards her again and Riley didn’t hesitate.
“Don’t.” She moved quicker, throwing the flannel she was still holding into his chest and running out of her room.
“Riley, they only told me a couple hours ago.” Julie admitted. Riley’s anger disappeared almost instantly, sadness coursing through her veins and the tears once again threatening to erupt.
Julie seemed to notice the change in her friends' demeanor, moving quickly to pull the girl into her arms. Almost immediately Riley began crying, letting herself have a moment to fall apart, knowing Julie would be there to put her back together when she was done.
“We can either be sad about it, or we can do something good and help the guys cross over. You can be mad and angry at Luke for not telling you, for keeping it a secret, but don’t let that spoil the little bit of time you have with him.”
Riley sighed, squeezing Julie tighter before pulling away and wiping at her eyes with the backs of her hands. Julie’s own fingers came up and wiped her cheeks, caressing the skin for a moment to offer comfort.
“He cares about you, Riley. I can see the way he looks at you every time you enter the room. Be with him now.” Riley smiled at her friend, nodding.
She knew Julie was right. She didn’t have much time left with Luke, and she didn’t want to spend it being angry or upset with him. She wanted to be able to tell him how she really felt.
“Flynn was here earlier, wasn't she?” Riley asked, laughing as she noticed the chapstick the girl used sitting on Julie’s chair.
“She was. And she told me the same thing I’m gonna tell you. We’re gonna lose them no matter what, but we can at least help them and make sure they do it the right way.”
Riley nodded, a smile coming over Julie’s face as they locked hands. She pulled the girl after her, dragging her down the stairs and out the front door of the house.
She laughed as Julie began running to the garage, the both of them bursting into the room and seeing the boys sprawled out on the ground. They were all lazily sitting, Reggie strumming chords on his bass that wasn’t connected to an amp.
Riley crossed her arms over her chest as Julie placed her own on her hips. They stood there for a moment, none of the guys noticing their presence.
“Snap out of it!” Julie yelled the words, causing all three of the guys to jump. They turned their heads in unison, Luke’s gaze locking onto Riley who now stood in front of him. He jumped into a standing position, not really believing that she was there.
“Do you guys wanna cross over or what?” Riley asked the question, Luke’s brows coming down in confusion.
“Get it together.” Julie said, clapping her hands together.
“They’re never gonna let us play the Orpheum.” Luke began.
“We’re nobody.” Alex pointed out.
“We’re less than nobody. We have no bodies.” Reggie added.
“Someone once told me you don’t ask for permission. You book gigs by doing.” Julie started.
“This isn’t over. We were all brought together for a reason, to help each other.” Riley looked between all of them, taking Julie’s hand in her own.
“Yeah, but like Luke said, people don’t just play the Orpheum because they want to.” Alex tried to protest and Riley couldn’t help it as she rolled her eyes.
“People don’t.” She started.
“But ghosts do.” Julie finished. The boys looked between Julie and Riley, a smile coming over each of their faces.
“So we’re really doing this?” Luke asked. Riley giggled quietly, nodding as Julie confirmed the news.
It was silent for a second before suddenly Luke was running across the room and pulling Riley into his arms. She hugged him back immediately, only briefly noticing as Julie ushered everyone out of the room.
She pulled away from his grasp, staying close enough that he could keep his arms wrapped around her waist.
“I didn’t mean to get angry at you. I was just upset about the news.” She explained. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize. Just promise me when we play the Orpheum you’ll be there.” He lifted a hand, extending a pinky for the girl to lock her own around.
“I’ll be there front and center.” She chuckled as she wrapped their pinkies together, locking the promise in place and confirming that she would be there.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Luke moved away from her, running back over to the couch and pulling something out from behind one of the cushions.
“I left this at your house earlier but you kind of threw it at me when you got mad.” Riley watched as he stepped towards her, the flannel in his hands once again. “I want you to have it. I actually want you to have all my stuff when I’m gone.”
“Luke, no, I can’t.”
“Yes, Riley, you can. It would mean a lot to me, if you were to have it.” Riley could tell that there was something more to his words but she didn’t want to push him anymore.
“Okay.” She whispered, smiling to herself. She thought about everything that had happened between them. Where they had ended up in this short amount of time that they’ve known each other. “Luke, I need to tell you something.”
His brows furrowed as they always did when Riley surprised him, but he didn’t speak, allowing her her moment.
“I like you, like a lot. And I know that tomorrow you’ll be gone but I don’t want you to leave without knowing how I feel about—“ Riley wasn’t able to continue, her words being cut off by Luke’s lips on her own.
She kissed him back immediately, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him close, wishing that this moment would last forever. She didn’t want him to go.
She didn’t want him to move on, but she knew that he had to.
They pulled away from each other, breathing in each other’s presence for a moment before Luke spoke up.
“I’m in love with you.”
Riley blanked as Luke said the words to her, not having expected that. She pulled him into another hug, just wanting to be able to remember this moment, the feeling of his arms around her before she wouldn’t have it anymore.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, have a good night's sleep.” Luke kissed her forehead once more before ushering the girl out of the room and smiling at her.
As she exited the garage, she noticed Reggie and Alex leaning against the side pretending to play it cool. She wasn’t sure if they had been listening to her and Luke but she didn’t care. The smile Alex gave her made her calm down and she waved goodbye to them all as she made her way inside.
‘
Riley had been pacing Julie’s room all night. The other girl had nodded off around three in the morning, but for some reason the other girl's nerves wouldn’t die down.
She found herself tracking a line throughout Julie’s room, the carpet becoming worn where her feet had been through and through again. But no matter how much she wanted to, Riley couldn’t bring herself to stop.
The clock flashed at her from across the room, the time reading almost eleven am. She knew she should probably wake up Julie and bring her down to the garage but she couldn't bother her when she looked so peaceful sleeping.
The boys and them had come up with a plan, and the boys would’ve been putting it into motion at any second. She sighed, running her hands through her hair, thinking about all the things that could go wrong.
“It’s like I have my own personal Roomba that doesn’t clean.” Julie’s voice attracted her attention and she turned her head, looking at the rat's nest that sat atop her best friend's head.
“Don’t start Molina, we gotta move girly, it’s time to get down to the garage.” She threw a pair of clothes at Julie, the pair she had picked out hours earlier when she was looking for something to do.
“Someone’s a little cranky.” Julie’s comment caused Riley to roll her eyes as she threw herself down onto the bed.
“You would be too if the guy who told you he loved you was leaving you.” The words came out muffled in the blanket that Riley stuffed her face into.
She wasn’t prepared for the attack that would happen as Julie rolled her over and sat on top of the girl.
“He told you he loved you and you didn’t say it back?” She asked incredulously. Riley gasped for breath, her air source being cut off as Julie tried to suffocate her. The said girl moved slightly, allowing for Riley to get some air and cough.
“What’s the point? He’s gonna be gone by tonight anyways.”
“The point is Luke loves you and he’s gonna disappear without ever hearing you say it back.” Julie pointed out. Riley blinked at her a couple times, not having thought about that.
Julie groaned, standing up and changing into her clothes before grabbing Riley and heading out of the bedroom. Riley allowed herself to be dragged, used to this behavior and action.
They left the house quickly, saying goodbye to those they ran into, and headed down to the garage. Julie busted the doors open to reveal an empty garage and the girls looked between each other.
“Okay, you head on home. Choose something incredibly hot to wear tonight, and then you are going to tell Luke before the show that you love him and we are going to play the best show ever.” Julie clapped for the girl and Riley smiled, nodding along to her best friend's suggestion.
“Thank you, Julie. Seriously.”
“Don’t thank me. You’ve been my biggest supporter since day one. You’ve helped me the absolute most when my mom passed, and if it wasn’t for you and Flynn and the guys, I don’t think I would’ve ever played music again.”
Riley’s eyes clouded over and she didn’t hesitate as she threw herself at Julie and wrapped her arms around the girl. She hugged her tightly, hoping the other girl knew just how much she loved and cared about her.
“I’ll see you tonight, you’re gonna rock it Molina!” Riley let out a cheer as she left the garage and waved goodbye to Julie before making her way off the property.
