I don’t typically talk about my AUs or ocs here but this was a rlly fun idea so I’m gonna share it
New AU Modern. HorrorDust / Kist flavored. [End goal: Poly]
Horror and Dust are married, and they are very happy. They might not be the most perfect couple but they usually can get through everything together with no problems.
Except one day they have an argument.
It’s not unusual for them to Argue. But this one of the more severe ones. Both were screaming, Dust was on the verge of crying, his voice cracking with each word he yelled at Horror.
He gets so worked up that he takes off his wedding ring and throws it at Horror, declaring that they were breaking up.
A divorce.
Horror is in shock, but he snatches the ring and snarls at Dust saying that “He’ll come back eventually” and stomps off, expecting Dust to return to their bedroom within a few hours.
But Dust doesn’t.
He doesn’t show up for days.
Horror is upset all over again, And decides to go out and see if he can find his runaway “husband.”
He eventually finds him! At a bar. (Note: it’s a gay bar but that’s not important. Except to me) Dust is practically in the lap of some dude that Horror has never seen before.
He marches up to his supposed Ex-Husband and demands he comes home. But Dust refuses, staying nice and snug against some skeleton with dripping mascara.
“I told you, we broke up.”
“I thought you were joking.”
“And I thought you were smarter than that, guess we’re both stupid.”
Horror bristles, looking From Dust to this new skeleton. He asks who the hell is this guy and Dust goes “Killer, he let me stay at his place when he caught me sleeping by this bar.”
Horror is livid, but he doesn’t say anything else and eventually leaves — not without glaring at the skeleton named Killer
Horror is constantly going back to this bar to see Dust, but he never approaches. Because Dust seemed perfectly fine snuggled up with some random ass dude. (Seriously, how much bonding did they do for them to be so touchy?)
Its takes time, could be weeks or even months, but eventually, Dust decides to make a compromise. Since Horror seems so keen on him returning and putting the argument behind them (And truly, Dust still had feelings for Horror. He still loved his husband — they never got officially divorced after all — and well, he missed Horror. He missed being in the larger skeletons arms, missed his cooking, missed his touch.)
So Dust talks to Horror and says “I’ll come back” and just before Horror can relax, Dust adds on “But only if Killer can come too, and you get along with him.”
Horror doesn’t want Killer to ““come along”” he doesn’t want anything to do with the cretin that sole his husband’s heart. But, he wants Dust back. He misses him desperately.
So he agrees, and now the three have to work together (more like Horror and Killer sksk)
Way way wayyy down the line Horror will catch feelings for Killer but there’s gonna be a lot of conflict in between.
I wanna write this one day, a friend of mine has been geeking out with me in my DMs and it makes me happy to be passionate about something again. Au is called “Second String” like the red string of fate trope :3
Series Summary: Childhood friends to lovers to nothing. You and Joe had history, you were each others first and then you were nothing. Years later, you guys rekindle the flame but with more obstacles in the way this time.
Chapter 6 Summary: You and Joe try to move on from the scandal.
Word Count: 4.4k
Warnings: Afab!reader, smut, swearing. Oral (female & male receiving), vaginal fingering, penetrative sex, vaginal sex, unprotected sex, cheating! (You are the side girl, sorry.), the small fight scene, jealous Joe, mild violence, stalker
Series Masterlist
You lock yourself in your office, trying to avoid co-workers and patients. Your phone is blowing up with texts from family, friends, and random people who have your number somehow. All of it was sending you into a panic. Joe's name flashes on your phone.
"Joe." You cry.
"I'm so sorry, baby. I'll fix this. I promise. I'm going to fly home right now."
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Don't look at any of your social media accounts, and don't answer phone calls. I'll see you when I get home. I love you." Joe hangs up, leaving you alone again. Tate knocks on your door, but you're too ashamed to open it. He uses his master key and opens the door, locking it behind him.
"Mya is calming things down out there." Tate walks over and hugs you. You can't stop crying; people have already been texting you hurtful things. Tate takes your phone, so you can stop reading your IG comments which are flooded with hateful words.
"What am I going to do?" You can't stop crying. Your chest is so tight that you begin to hyperventilate.
"Hey, you have to calm down. Think about the baby. Hey!"
Tate's words are muffled together and unheard because of your rapid heartbeat. All you can hear is the blood pulsing. And then everything goes black. When you wake up, you're in a hospital bed with your OB next to you.
"Relax. You're okay. You started having a panic attack. Tate came to get me. I'm taking you off the rest of your shift. Tate is going to take you home." She says. Mya is sitting next to you with an apologetic look. You comply with your OB's ruling. Tate takes you home, and Mya promises to come by after work. When you get home, Tate turns off your cell phone and takes it. You argue that Joe might call, but Tate says he will handle it. George is on high alert because your new address was also leaked. You know that your parents must be blowing up your phone, so you cry yourself to sleep. a few hours later, Tate wakes you up to eat and let you know Joe is on his way home. You refuse to eat, but he drags you from bed downstairs to Mcdonalds on the dining room table. You take a seat, picking at the fries. The front door opens. Joe rushes to you, and you immediately break down. His eyes glare at Tate as he rubs your back. He knows this isn't the time to be jealous, but the thought of someone else comforting you pisses him off.
"I'm going to fix this. I promise."
"Joe, I don't think you can fix this," Helen states, making her presence known. You try to calm down and wipe your eyes.
"There has to be something. I won't deal with the media talking about her like she's a side piece."
"Joe, when you started a relationship with her, she was one. I told you to leak the story first; now the ball is in Nicole's hands. I don't know how you will be able to fix this." Helen looks at you with a frown.
"Sorry to step in on this, but you should come clean about Nicole. Do an interview and tell the truth."Tate says, making everyone turn to him.
"I'm not doing an interview. I never have and never will do one about my personal life. It's no one's business." Joe's intense, and you hold his hand to calm him down.
"The kid is right. This might help clear some things up."
Joe lifts you and takes you upstairs. He doesn't want to hear a thing from anyone else. For the next few days, you hide out with Joe inside your home. Joe misses practice, but he doesn't care. Your health and sanity are far more critical. Today, your parents are coming over, which sends you into a further spiral.
"I don't even know what to say! What were you thinking!" Your mother shouts, pacing the living room. Joe's parents and your father sit quietly to the side while your mother spends the next 10 mins chewing you and Joe out.
"You don't even want to know what the people at my church have been saying about you!" Your mother directs her anger toward you this time.
"Ma'am-"
"Boy, do not even fix those lips to interrupt me. I am speaking to my daughter."
"I understand that, but I'm not going to let you speak to my wife like that." Joe stands up in front of you protectively. Your mother's eyes widen along with everyone else.
"Your what?" Robin speaks up, this time entirely shocked by this news.
"What we did was wrong. I know that. I ended this with Nicole. I know I should have been upfront about everything, but I wasn't. That's on me. I kept telling Cheeks things with Nicole were over, and she believed me. So don't put it all on her. We love each other, and I'm going to be with her. I'm going to marry her. She is the mother of my child and future children. I'm not going to let you or anyone on this Earth disrespect her, ma'am." Joe's words take the room by surprise, and shut your mother up. Your dad coughs. Mr.Burrow comes forward.
"Joe came to me some time ago and told me about them."
"You knew?" Robin's voice is filled with disappointment. Your dad stands up.
"I think we all knew deep down. Look at them. The kid's been in love with my daughter since he was 12. Our daughter has been equally in love with him too. Right now, all we can do is support our children. I don't care what the media or church says about my daughter. Because she is my daughter, and I know her." Your dad kisses your head, and Mr.Burrow nods. Your mother leaves the room, and Robin stares at you and Joe.
"Dad." You whisper, hugging him.
"Your mom will take some time, but she will get over it. You and Joe are adults. What choices you make do not define the whole picture." He says, kissing your head before going off to find your mother. Mr. Burrow pulls Joe away, and Robin finally gets up. She puts her hands on your belly, smiling with tears in her eyes.
"That's my grandbaby."
You nod your head.
"I'm happy. I wish you would have said something to me. You or Joe, but I get it. You're not little kids anymore. No one wants to run to their parents." Robin continues rubbing your belly until your mother comes back. She won't even look at you. You don't blame her. Your mother grabs her things and leaves with your father behind her. Joe's parents stay awhile talking to the both of you; they leave an hour later when Helen comes.
"So here's the thing we need to take this thing head on."
"What are our options?" You ask, biting your lip.
"Interviews. You need to do one or Joe." She says, staring at you. You look at Joe for an answer.
"I can't. Doing an interview like this is too personal. There's nothing else?" Joe stands, running his hand through his hair. He's flustered and pissed, so you try your best to keep him calm by holding his hand.
"I-I'll do it." You whisper. It's been days since you've heard your own voice outside of crying. Joe shakes his head.
"I'll do it. Baby, I want you to rest. You don't need to be in front of the camera for them to ridicule you even more. I will come clean about everything."
"This is good. You two need to go out on a date. Show the world how in love you guys are. Your parents need to be on board with this too. A family outing. That's good." Helen claps at her brilliant plan. You give Joe an uneasy look. There is no way your mother would agree to this. Helen tells Joe she will take care of the interview and let him know when it is all set. The object is to get in front of the TV before Nicole. After Helen leaves, you're left alone with Joe. There hasn't been much talking between you two since the story broke up. Joe follows you to the bedroom, contemplating what to say. You sit on the bed staring out the window. Joe squats in front of you, rubbing your legs.
"I'm sorry about all of this. I should have ended things with Nicole right away. Talk to me. Please?" He begs. Your eyes look down at him, but you can't bring yourself to acknowledge his words.
"I need to go to work." This is your only response. You push his hands off your legs and walk to the bathroom. Joe stands up and follows you, but you slam the door in his face. You know you have no right to be mad. This is just as much your fault as his. But it hurts, and being pregnant fuels every little emotion inside you. So the only way you know how to cope is to ignore Joe and go to work, burying yourself in something you love.
You don't know why you thought work would be the best place to be because half the staff keeps asking you questions. People you've never met from the other departments. Tate protects you from most of their comments and questions, threatening to beat them up.
"Mr.Cove? Tell me where the pain is?" You ask, checking on a patient.
"Uhh, my right."
You look at the chart, which said his left side was the trouble area.
"Your right?" You question, walking to the other side of the bed.
"Yeah. I think. I need to ask you a question."
"What's up?" You ask, lifting his shirt.
"How long was the affair with Jie Burrow, and is that his child?" The man asks, pulling a tape recorder out of his pocket. You smack it out of his hand and call security.
"Come on! The silence is killing everyone! It has to be his child, right?" The guy shouts as security removes him. You return to the office, where you find Mike and the Hospital Director, Max. The board called a meeting to determine if you are eligible to remain head of the ED. You stand in the room watching everyone vote.
"All in favor of removing her as head of the ED? Raise your hands." Elaine says. Seven out of nine people raise their hands. Max looks around the room, shocked.
"We don't have a choice. The scandal will only cause further donations to stop. We're sorry. Mike will be named head immediately." Elaine states.
"What we do in our personal lives has nothing to do with work. She has worked her ass off-"
"Max, it's fine. I'll get going." You whisper, walking out. Mike wears a big victory smile. You don't burst into tears until you get home. Joe pulls you into a hug apologizing again. He was going to practice but said he would miss it and stay with you. You shake your head.
"I'll be okay. Quinn is coming this evening. Go to practice. you missed enough days." You whisper. Joe kisses your lips and grabs his bags. At practice, not much is said to him about the scandal. Everyone is focused on going to the championship and then the Superbowl. In the locker room, Ja'Marr sits beside Joe, shaking his head.
"How's Cheeks?"
"Not good." Joe looks down at his phone. Helen was able to get him an interview for 20/20.
"If there is anything we can do, let me know. It's really shitty how Nicole went about this. Like there is no way she didn't know the story was coming out." Ja'Marr says. Joe nods his head.
"Good looking out. Right now, Cheeks is struggling. They fired her from the head of ED."
"That's crazy. She's an amazing doctor." Sam chimes in. Joe nods his head. Dj walks by, not saying a word but making sure Joe hears him chuckling. Joe stands up, and Ja'Marr jumps and stands before him.
"Don't let him get to you. Focus on taking care of Cheeks and getting this ring." Ja'Marr tells him. Joe grabs his things and leaves the locker room. Leaning on his car is a young woman.
"I'm not answering any questions. Get off my car." Joe says, throwing his bag in the backseat.
"I didn't want things to get like this, Joe. It was honestly a huge mistake. I just wanted things with you and Nicole to be over. I thought she would end things. And the other girl, I thought if I scared her, she would stop too. I'm sorry."
"What? Who are you?"
"Your biggest fan. Here this is for you." She tries to hand Joe an envelope, but Joe reaches over to grab her hood. The girl drops the envelope and runs. Joe picks it up and empties the content in his hands. Inside are photos of DJ and Nicole from when he first got drafted. Joe looks around for the girl but can't find her when he gets home. Quinn is in the kitchen for the first time in days; he hears your laughter. Joe walks in and leans against the door frame watching you and Quinn.
"Joseph!" She waves him over. Joe stands behind you, rubbing your belly. You lean to the side so he can kiss your cheek.
"How are my babies?" He whispers into your ear. You nod. You were actually feeling better because of Quinn. Dr. Brian called you, telling you it wouldn't let this slide and would have it handled by Monday. Quinn walks away to answer a phone call, and Joe tells you about the interview. He shows you the photos of Nicole and DJ. You place the photos down on the counter.
"So this all came from that stalker. Your fan. Joe, that's scary. What did they want from this?"
"Me to be single, I guess. I didn't look at her face well, but I think we'll be okay right now. I will figure something out about it next week." Joe holds you and sighs. He asks you what he should do with the pictures. You tell him not to leak it. You don't want to fight dirty with Nicole. The next day you build up the strength to speak with your mother. She sits across from you while your father and Quinn stay in the kitchen.
"I don't hate you. I'm not mad, just disappointed. Everyone is saying such nasty things about you. They called you the new age Monica Lewinsky." Your mother shakes her head. You try to cover your laugh, but you can't. You start laughing hysterically. Your mother looks at you like you have two heads and laughs. Both of you are laughing so much that tears are rolling down your faces.
"Monica? That is the funniest thing I have ever heard." You wipe your eyes, and your mother smiles. She stands up and takes a seat next to you.
"I had to say unholy things to the women at the church. I will never let anyone disrespect my baby or my grandchild. I love you both so much, and Joseph. If you are happy, all I can do is support you. I hope you learned from your mistake."
"I mean, I have the man of my dreams. I don't plan on cheating or being a side piece again."
Your mother frowns.
"Don't talk about yourself like that."
"Mom, it's true. I've come to terms with what our relationship was. But we're past that, so we will focus on our family now and growing." You rub your belly, wearing a big smile. Your mother kisses your head and rubs your belly. Your father joins you with Quinn. Before you know it, Friday arrives. You and Joe have been seen out and about without a care in the world of what people think. While in LA for the interview, Paparazzi followed you guys, and you did your best to ignore them and their questions. You sat behind the scenes watching Joe sit across from the host.
"So, How about you tell us about her? Just the story between you two."
Joe smiles.
"We met in 6th grade during this meet new sixth graders event. She is allergic to bees, so when I met her, her face was swollen. She had just got stung by a bee. That's where the nickname Cheeks came from. In the back of my mind, I've always loved her since that moment. I couldn't really put my feelings into words." Joe chuckles.
"But you knew it was love. You guys dated?"
"We dated in college, yeah. We broke up because I went on to LSU, and she stayed to start her internship. We just kind of fell apart after the breakup."
"So things with Nicole. Why cheat?"
Joe sighs. This was hard for him; you knew it and gave him an encouraging smile.
"I wanted to end things with Nicole, but she was going through a lot, so I didn't want to add to the heartache. In the long run, I was a fool for that. I hurt both women in the process. I've apologized to Nicole many times. I completely understand if she doesn't accept my apology." Joe states. You told him not to bring up Nicole's threats because it would only look bad on his part. To the world, Nicole is the only victim. Joe continues answering every question thrown at him. He responds with honesty and with ease. It warms your heart every time he talks about you and his daughter.
"I'm excited to be a father. I'm excited to marry my first love, and I'm excited about everything in the future."
"What would you like to say to the fans who feel like you've let them down?"
"I would like to say I'm sorry. At the end of the day, I am a human, and I have flaws. I love this woman, and that is not one of my flaws, and I would like everything to pass and to move on. I know it will take some time for people to forgive me, but I am working on being a better man." Joe's words are soft-spoken.
"Anything you want to end on?"
"Cheeks, I love you. I'm sorry that you have to go through all of this because of me, but if I had to do it again, I would love you each and every time. In every life, In every world. I promise I will find you and love you every time." Joe is now looking at you. You wipe your tears and whisper you love him back. The guy ends the interview and shakes Joe's hand wishing him the best of luck. When Joe takes off his mic and makes his way over to you, you waddle as fast as you can to him, meeting him halfway and kissing him with so much love and passion. Everyone in the room smiles, looking on.
"I love you so much." You cry. Joe smiles in between kisses.
"Yeah? Enough to marry me tonight?" He asks. You nod your head.
"But My parents and-"
"Already handled that," Quinn says, showing her phone. You guys finish up on set and leave for a tiny little chapel where Joe's parents and your parents are waiting. Fran and Quinn stand to the side as you walk down the aisle. And in that tiny little chapel, you guys get married. You guys fly back to Cincinnati so Joe can get ready for his game. After the interview, people seem to have a better picture of you and Joe. And the weeks go by quieter than that scandal-breaking week. Joe is going to the Superbowl, and everyone is in a better place. Nicole does an interview that doesn't add on to your hate but doesn't make people like you more. But recently, you've come to terms with not caring about the outside world's opinion about you or Joe. You post Joe all over your IG and limit the comment sections for your mental health, and so Joe doesn't start cursing people out because he has twice already on his backup, of course. Joe posted you one time on his story, and the majority of people loved it; maybe because you are pregnant, no one wants to bully a pregnant person.
The night before the Superbowl, Joe's attention is focused on the game, which is driving you crazy. You'll be nine months soon, and your hormones have been through the roof, so you sit on his lap, cockwarming him. Joe rubs your back and turns rewinds the play. You want to move badly, but Joe only allowed you in this position if you stayed like that for 30 minutes. You shift, causing him to groan.
"Has it been 30 mins?" You whine. Joe kisses your neck.
"It's only been 10 mins, baby. Stop." Joe warns, his voice getting deep. You smirk and shift in his lap again. Your belly was preventing you from being close to him.
"You've been studying this same footage all week. Philly this, Philly that. fuck me right now." You moan, circling your hips. Joe groans and presses pause. He holds your hips and starts bouncing you on his cock.
"You are so needy, Cheeks. Begging me all week to fuck this pretty little pussy. Why?"
"I miss-mm-mm you." You moan, stuttering, when Joe's tip touches your cervix. Joe speeds up, bouncing you on his lap like a rag doll. You take every inch and begin sobbing as you feel your walls breaking; an orgasm follows after.
"Feels good. So good." You cry as you cum on his dick. Joe smirks and lifts you with his dick still inside of you. he carries you to the bed holding your legs up as he fucks you into the mattress. You awakened a monster because you knew before a big game Joe enjoyed fucking pretty much all night. During college, he would fuck you all night only to wake you right before 6 am practice to fuck you again. And just like college Joe takes you all night, but this time he lets you sleep in, cooking you breakfast in the morning.
"Nervous for tonight?"
"A little, but I have a good feeling," Joe says as his phone rings. You look at the name. Both of you are shocked.
"Nicole?" Joe answers, putting it on speaker.
"I just wanted to wish you good luck."
"Thanks," Joe replies. The line is quiet.
"Why didn't you leak anything about my bullying or my threats? Why would you take all the heat? You found out about me and DJ, right? I mean, it was only twice better than what you did to me."
"It wasn't worth it. I hurt you, and I was going to pay for it. Whatever happens next for you is on you. You can't live your life being nasty to everyone you meet." Joe answers. Nicole is quiet again.
"I hate you, and I don't think I will ever get over how you made me feel, but I hope you win."
"Thanks. Goodbye, Nicole." Joe ends the call and gives you a what the fuck look. You laugh and lay back on your bed. Joe kisses your naked body before picking you up to shower with him. After the shower, you dress and get ready to meet his parents for lunch and game time. Quinn sits next to you as you get ready to cheer Joe on. He finds you in the crowd and blows you kisses during warm-ups. The game is neck and neck, with the Eagles scoring, then the Bengals. Usher is the halftime performance, and you and Quinn lose your mind during the set. During the third quarter, you start to feel uneasy and slight pain.
"Are you okay?" Robin asks with a worried expression. You nod, but then another pain rips through your belly.
"Something is wrong with the baby." You cry, buckling over. Quinn jumps up.
"Honey, you stay here. Quinn and I will take her to the medical unit." Robin says, helping you out of the area. From the Medical unit, you are sent directly to the hospital.
"You're going to have to baby today or the wee hours of tomorrow."
"But I'm not due until the end of February. I really can't have the baby. Joe's playing. I can't give birth." You cry. Robin holds your hand, trying to get you to calm down.
"You are in the right time frame to give birth, and your blood pressure is very high, so the best thing to do is to induce labor." The doctor says. You nod your head.
"Can you at least turn on the game?"
"Of course. Let's get you started." The doctor says, leaving. Robin calls Joe's dad to tell him the news. Your mother and father hop on the first flight to Vegas. They induce labor as you sit there watching Joe battle for his ring.
"Ouch! I need the-"
"On it!" Quinn jumps up to get the nurse. You find out you are 7 centimeters dilated and ask for an epidural. After you get it, you are doing much better and can enjoy the game.
"Touchdown!" You, Robin, and Quinn shout as Ja'marr scores a touching putting the Bengals in the lead with only 30 seconds left in the game. Joe goes off the field feeling amazing. He watches the next 30 seconds praying for the defense to hold it down. And they do. The Bengals win 24-14. Joe cheers with his teammates, forgetting to look into the crowd. A few people grab him for an interview. Helen grabs him before he can get caught up.
"She's going to be giving birth soon. You need to go!" She shouts, smiling. Joe looks at the crowd and doesn't see you. He takes off his pads and sprints to the back. Joe gets to the hospital in record time.
"You did it!" You shout. Joe kisses your lips.
"Today? We're having a baby today?" He asks. His mother nods her head.
"I'm dilating pretty fast. Joella is ready to come out and see us."
Joe doesn't leave your side for the rest of the night, and at 5:15 am, you give birth to a healthy baby girl. Joe tries to hide his tears, but he can't stay calm. When he makes skin-to-skin contact, he breaks down. You cry, staring at your husband holding your daughter.
A/N: Well lol This chapter is blah! But I hope it was decent enough. I'm sorry if it sucked! If you guys wanted more drama sometimes I hate dragging the story out too long and I felt it was time to wrap it up! There will be a short follow-up chapter! For sure! What kind of series would you guys like to see after this?
Inspired by @rainbowjunko‘s great drawing of Jun and Tetsu playing guitar and bass, respectively.
AU: rock band!AU
Also on AO3.
Jun’s band needs a new bass player. Ryousuke knows a guy.
—
Jun dropped onto the couch, letting his arm fall over his face.
"Chris is out."
His phone slipped out of his hand and onto the floor, due to tiredness rather than surprise. He saw it coming. He'd seen it coming for months now. He selfishly tried to ignore it and the guilt gnawed at him from behind his eyes.
The rest of the room was uncomfortably quiet.
"His shoulder?" Ryousuke finally asked.
"Yeah," Jun answered. "He said it should heal but he can't play until he's done with physical therapy."
He moved his arm, turning his head, surveying what was left of his band. Miyauchi huffed on the far side of the room, idly turning a drumstick between his fingers. Ryousuke sat on an amp, his guitar propped up against his legs. He looked up from his phone.
"How long?" he asked.
"The surgery's next week," Jun said. He strained against the words, the implications. He rolled onto his side, pulling a pick out from between the couch cushions and tossing it away. "The whole rehab process could take six months to a year."
Jun stared at the ground. The pick had slid in Ryousuke's direction. He kicked it back at Jun.
"I know a guy," Ryousuke said. "Do you have time tomorrow?"
Jun wanted to say no.
He was tired. He was tired of spending all of his time chasing a dream that never seemed to get any closer. He was tired of gigging, of selling himself, of working boring, tedious jobs just to get by. He was tired of having to rebuild his band every six months, first to replace Tanba and now Chris. It was draining and demoralizing, even for Jun.
He wanted to say no.
His stupid dream reared its ugly head.
If you stop now, you'll never make it.
Jun sighed, reaching down to scoop up the pick. He looked up at Ryousuke.
"I got time," he said.
Ryousuke was back on his phone again.
"I'll set it up."
—
Jun turned to Ryousuke, who was pecking at his phone.
"This guy?" he asked, low and hushed. Their space wasn't that big. "Really?"
He was wearing a tie.
Ryousuke looked at Jun, turning a smile on him that pushed Jun back into his chair.
"Do you want to hear him play? Or would you rather wallow in the slow decay of your band?" he asked, the question sharp.
Jun turned away, waving his hand carelessly. "Fine. Just get on with it."
Ryousuke's narrow gaze stayed on Jun for a long moment before he addressed the suit holding a bass.
"Play anything you want."
The tie guy nodded.
Jun crossed his arms and slumped low in his chair.
He hated losing Chris, he really did. The guilt he felt over letting Chris play as long as he did was earned and well deserved. Jun knew he should've spoke up sooner but things were just starting to work. They were just starting to gain traction, starting to get noticed, and the thought of having to start all over again was like a punch to the gut.
One that left him winded and tired with a strong aftertaste of remorse on his tongue.
It was so hard to find Chris. It was going to be so much harder to replace him.
The tie guy plugged his bass into an amp, letting the slack of cord coil at his feet. He plucked a test note, frowned harder than Jun had ever seen, and adjusted one of his pegs until the note rose out of flatness. He paused for a moment, his hand flat on the strings to kill any lingering reverberation. He nodded to himself and started to play.
Jun sat up in his seat.
He started easy, playing a simple line, his fingers plucking out a rhythm that was even and steady. It was basic and fundamental but Jun had seen worse, so much worse. After a few bars, he adjusted the tempo, pushing the beat, adding speed without sacrificing rhythm or musicality. He transitioned into a more complicated riff, one Jun recognized but couldn't name, showing skill in addition to competency.
He was good.
"Well?" Ryousuke asked, smiling as if he already knew the answer.
Jun stood up and approached the tie guy. He could learn to overlook the tie.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Yuuki Tetsuya."
"Yuuki," Jun said. "We need a bass player. You're a hell of a lot better than I expected given that Ryousuke recommended you, no offense."
"None taken."
"Offense taken," Ryousuke bit from behind Jun.
"We practice every day except Monday and Thursday from seven to nine and we have a standing gig at this club in Shibuya every other Saturday, including this week. What do you say?" Jun asked, expectant and anxious. They'd never find anyone else this good this quickly. "You in?"
Yuuki nodded, making Jun grin.
"I'm in."
—
Jun had regrets.
About a lot of things really. He should've tried harder in school, he should've given college more than one semester. He should've, at some point, considered what he was going to do if he didn't make it with his guitar.
Today, however, his regrets were centered around Yuuki.
Auditioner's remorse.
Jun waved his hand in the air. The song came to an abrupt stop, Miyauchi's palms muffling his drums into a dead quiet.
"You said you could read music," Jun growled, looking over at Yuuki.
"I can," Yuuki said, frowning at the sheets in front of him.
"That's a triplet."
"I know."
Jun groaned, letting his arms fall at his sides.
Yuuki's rhythm was terrible. The steady line he played during his audition must've been entirely muscle memory because he stumbled over the easiest beats in their music. He misread rhythms, he got lost in the tempo, both lagging and rushing at different times, even with Miyauchi pounding out like a metronome behind him. And he had the gall to stop and look at his bass as if it was somehow at fault for his mistakes.
Jun turned to Ryousuke, who was deliberately not looking at him, pretending to need all of his attention to adjust his A string. He dragged a hand over his face, glancing back at Miyauchi, who huffed once amid impatient foot tapping.
"If you need more time to look it over," Jun started through gritted teeth.
They didn't have time. They lost Chris on Sunday and picked up Yuuki on Monday. There were only two days left to practice before Saturday, three if he could convince Miyauchi to change his schedule, which Jun had no interest in even attempting. Two days left and they'd only gotten through three songs.
Out of fifteen.
Yuuki made a mark on the music in pencil. Jun scoffed. Like that would help.
"I'll get it."
Jun turned to him, surprised to see his own frustration mirrored in the hard lines of Yuuki's face. He made another note on the sheet and took up his bass in both hands.
"Can we do it again?" he asked.
Jun sighed. The process was painful but he could respect the persistence.
"From the top," he said, grabbing a pick out his pocket.
Miyauchi counted them in, at full tempo because Yuuki insisted.
Jun just hoped they could reach the chorus.
—
Yuuki's weekday attire was dictated by his job.
He had an office job, Jun learned between repetitive run-throughs that almost made him hate his own music. A desk job at a manufacturing company, the kind with endless emails and company-wide morning meetings. It was more respectable than Jun's current stint at the bookstore, Ryousuke's convenience store graveyard shifts, or Miyauchi's warehouse stocking. It was the kind of job Jun's mom was still hoping he'd end up in.
The kind that liked ties.
Jun breathed a sigh of relief when Yuuki showed up at the club on Saturday in dark jeans, a fitted white shirt, and a jacket hanging off his shoulder. He looked the part and maybe, just maybe, this could work.
"That's a step up from the ties," he said, holding out his hand to help Yuuki onto the stage.
Yuuki looked down at himself, his case held in one hand. "You didn't say what to wear."
"It's fine," Jun said, watching Yuuki unpack his bass. He looked younger out of the stiff button down shirts, taller even with the tapered cut of his jeans. "You look good."
Jun bit his tongue but it was too late.
Yuuki stilled, as did Ryousuke and Miyauchi, the latter huffing in a way that almost sounded amused. Ryousuke turned away, strumming four bars of a song Jun hated, the unsung lyrics mocking him. Yuuki stood from where he had been crouched next to his case, glancing at Jun as he lifted the strap over his shoulders.
Jun shoved a piece of paper at him before he could say anything.
"Set list," he muttered in explanation.
Yuuki frowned, thankfully distracted. "I don't need this."
Jun stared at him and Yuuki stared back. Jun canted his head, waving his hand at the stack of sheet music scattered over the bottom of Yuuki's case, each one heavily notated. Yuuki resisted for a beat and then sighed, accepting the roll of tape Miyauchi tossed his way. He bent down to tape the set list to the floor next to his mic stand.
"Just for today," Jun said, aiming for good-natured with his tone. Teaching Yuuki their set had been tortuous but there were glimmers of hope; once he learned a rhythm, it set like concrete in his bones. "You'll get it."
Yuuki nodded, a dangerous smile drawing up the corner of his mouth. He looked like he belonged there, standing next to Jun, in the too bright lights of the stage.
"Are you done?" Ryousuke asked, his voice criminally sweet.
He started the song again and Jun yanked the cord out of his guitar. Jun turned to Yuuki as Ryousuke plugged himself back in.
"Ready?"
"Of course."
Jun grinned, wide and dangerous.
"Count us in, Miyauchi."
—
Nothing was better than a good set.
Jun could barely contain his excitement.
Yuuki was good. He was finally starting to sound like his audition and the fucking potential coursed through Jun's blood like fire. He was amped up, excited about his own band for the first time in months, eager to play more even after their hour expired. Yuuki was good, he fit, he understood their sound.
Jun couldn't ask for anything more.
"You were really good," he said, once the crowd died down, a heady grin owning his face.
Yuuki wiped his sleeve across his forehead. His jacket had come off some time in the back half of the set, thrown over his case at the base of Miyauchi's drums.
"You too," he said.
"It is my band," Jun pointed out.
Yuuki shrugged as if that was inconsequential, which made Jun laugh, manic energy spilling out of him, adrenaline warming his face. He set his guitar down.
"You want a beer?" he asked, inclining his head towards the bar.
"Sounds good," Yuuki said with a nod.
Yuuki put his bass down on a stand and followed Jun as he jumped from the stage.
The crowd had dispersed, leaving their press against the stage to mill into other areas of the club.
The band did the same.
Ryousuke was already long gone. He would be impossible to find until all of their gear was packed back into Miyauchi's van. The drummer himself was standing in an alcove next to unused pay phones, his attention focused on a shorter guy pointing at something on his phone. Jun had seen him before, at other shows, but he kept his distance, knowing better than to get involved with anything that made Miyauchi smile.
He found a space at the bar, leaving what room he could for Yuuki to take the spot next to him. They were forced shoulder-to-shoulder as Jun held up his hand, catching the attention of a familiar bartender and signaling for two beers. Two bottles landed in front of him, still dripping with water from the cooler. Jun pushed one in Yuuki's direction as he reached over the bar to pay.
Yuuki frowned. "You don't have to-"
"We're celebrating your first set," Jun said, cutting off his protest. "Which went pretty damn well, all things considered. I'm sure you'll get better after more than three days of practice."
"I will," Yuuki said, the heavy weight of his tone making his words unquestionable.
"And so will we," Jun said with a smile. He wouldn't be outdone in his own band. He held his bottle up in the cramped space between them. "To a great first set."
Yuuki smiled, subtle but sharp, nodding as he tapped his beer against Jun's.
Jun watched as he took a long drink, knowing just how good a cold beer tasted after a hard played set.
Yuuki still wore a sheen of sweat from playing, the heat of him reaching Jun easily where he stood too near, almost touching. His shirt clung to him, revealing broad shoulders and toned arms that had been hiding under pressed dress shirts. He was still smiling when he lowered his beer, the hard line of his jaw drawing Jun's eyes down as Yuuki looked out at the remains of the crowd.
He looked good.
Jun forced beer into his mouth to keep any unwanted words from falling out.
He wouldn't make that mistake - those mistakes - again.
This could work. Yuuki, the band, his dream. It could work.
