CROSSROADS
CHAPTER FOUR
The next day, Valary and her sister Michelle picked me up at 9:00 in the morning. I was up, showered and ready to go, as Val told me on the phone that we'd be going shopping and helping the band set up at 7. Needless to say, my dad wasn't too happy about it. Maybe it was the fact that Michelle kept honking or that I was going to the concert, but he was in a bad mood.
"What the hell!" he yelled, running down the stairs to find me walking out the door.
I shrugged. "What? I'm going to go hang out with some of my friends. Is that a crime?"
My dad sighed. "What friends?"
"Val and Michelle. They're dating the guys down the street." I could tell that my dad was getting angry (his face always turns purple, and was that vein always there?) so I quickly added, "Bye! Love ya!"
I bounded out the door and sprinted towards the Honda Civic. I hopped in the backseat, panting, and pointed towards the road. "Drive!" I croaked. Michelle put the car in gear and sped out the neighborhood, almost hitting Mr. Jones's cat and Mr. Jones himself.
He waved his fist at us. "Stupid kids!" he screeched.
I leaned my head out the car door. "Sorry Mr. Jones!"
Val laughed. "So what's the rush, Mia?"
I leaned my head back. "Sorry. My dad's been a little coo-koo lately." I waved my finger around my ear for emphasis.
Michelle smiled. "So you're the great and all-wise Mia Johnny's been talking about so much."
"Wise? Yes. Great? Not exactly. And Johnny's been talking about me? What'd he say?" I was practically bouncing in my seat.
Michelle waggled her eyebrows. "Let's just say that when Johnny and Brian get drunk and start talking together, you hear some things that shouldn't be for mortal ears. I.e. dreams."
My eyes widened. Johnny, having dreams about me? I'm nowhere near as pretty as Tiffany, and that's exactly what I told them.
Val snorted. "Please. You're ten times prettier than that fake Barbie, and ten times nicer. She was a total bitch."
Michelle nodded. "I hated her so much. She kept flirting with Brian at every practice, shamelessly might I add."
"So you guys really hated her?" I asked.
"Definitely," they responded in unison. I shuddered.
"What?" Michelle said.
"Nothing. It must just be some twin thing. You'd think I'd be used to it, seeing as there are so many sets of twins at Hogwarts, but it kinda creeps me out."
Michelle grinned. "You go to Hogwarts? What year?"
"Going into seventh. Head Girl candidate right here." I pointed to myself and smiled.
Val laughed. "Just like Michelle. Prefect, Head Girl, top student and Dumbledore's pet."
Michelle shoved her. "Shut up!"
I groaned. "Yeah, but that pureblood snob Draco Malfoy will probably be Head Boy."
Michelle snapped around, almost sending us into another car. "Did you say Draco Malfoy?"
"Eyes on the road, Michelle!" Val yelled. Michelle turned back around.
I was confused. "Yeah. Why?"
Michelle sighed. "He's bad news. He knocked up my cousin last year."
"Seriously? What a jackass. How old was she?"
"Fourteen."
I swear my eyes bugged so much they fell out of my sockets. "Fourteen? Oh my God!"
Val shook her head. "I know. My aunt wanted her to get an abortion, but she kept the baby and is living at the Malfoy Manor."
"His parents are helping with it?"
"Yeah. When me and Michelle went to go visit her there, Narcissa was all over Dennis."
"So Narcissa Malfoy is actually nice?"
"Yeah. Shock surprise. It's Lucius that's a jerk."
"I kinda figured that. 'I am a pureblood, and you are lowly scum of the Earth for you are not as pure as I am!' Give me a break."
Michelle snorted. "Exactly like him. And he drinks way too much champagne. We should give him Jack Daniels next time we visit."
"Or better yet, Vodka. The idiot will probably drink the whole bottle and end up dead."
Val laughed. "Now that's something I wouldn't mind seeing."
We pulled up to the mall and got out of the car. Michelle didn't bother locking. "It's a piece of shit anyways," she explained to me as we walked inside. We entered Hot Topic and began our search for the perfect outfit.
I picked out a white plaid miniskirt with black suspenders and headed to the dressing rooms. I tried on the skirt. A perfect fit. I heard Val and Michelle come in and I came out and modeled it for them.
"DAMN!" Val said with a wolf whistle. "Mia got a body!"
I laughed. "Very funny. Now I just need a matching top."
Michelle gave me a devious look. "I have just the thing. Follow me."
Skeptical and a bit hesitant, I followed Michelle back into the store. She headed straight for the lingerie section. Figures. "Michelle, I'm not wearing slut wear to the concert!" I told her firmly.
She rolled her eyes. "Yes you will. What's your size?" She began browsing through a pile of purple and black corset tops.
"But Johnny'll think I'm a slut! And medium."
"No he won't. Besides, you need more of an edge to your clothes."
I threw my hands up in the air. "Fine!"
Michelle clapped her hands. "Yay! Now go try these on." She shoved the purple and black corset into my hands with a long and silky red corset also.
It was actually pretty comfortable. And it fit quite nicely. I have boobs! "Hey guys, whaddya think?" I asked, walking out and modeling the purple corset.
"If I were a guy, I'd tap that!" Val said with a laugh. "Get it!"
I walked back into the changing room and put on my normal clothes. With the clothes in one hand and my parent's credit card in the other, I walked out to the cash register.
I nearly dropped my purchases.
BLAISE?!
"BLAISE?!" I yelled.
He grinned a Chesire cat grin. "Why yes, it is I, Blaise!"
I rolled my eyes. "Obviously. What're you doing here?"
He shrugged. "Me and Draco took jobs here at the mall. He's at American Eagle."
I snorted. "Figures." I put the clothes on the counter.
Blaise raised his eyebrows. "A corset? Special occasion tonight?"
I laughed. "Just the usual. Sex, drugs, ritual killings. Actually, I'm going to my friend's concert."
"And does this friend happen to be a boy?"
"Why yes he does."
Blaise put my purchases in the bag. "Just be careful, Mia. Those kind of guys can be trouble. 45.25."
I handed him the credit card. "What kind of guys?"
"The good looking band mate guys. The ones who get wasted, sleep with a random girl and ends up getting her pregnant. Like Draco."
Val popped up. "Erm, excuse me, but your little friend Draco happens to be the father of my cousin's baby."
Blaise sighed. "Look, I'm not dissing your cousin, or her baby. I'm just saying, Mia, for the love of God, be careful tonight and don't do anything stupid."
Can't promise you that, Blaise. "Sure," I said, just to make him happy.
He ruffled my hair. "That's my girl. Now write. And come over here some more. I sure could use the company."
I smiled. "Okay. And you write too. Lizzy wants to get out more."
Val and Michelle quickly bought their purchases (a plaid mini dress for Val, and a green and black skirt with a matching corset top for Michelle) and we walked back to the car. "So, Mia, how'd you know him?" Val asked as we sped out of the parking lot.
"He's dating my friend Ginny. One of the nicest Slytherin's you'll ever meet too."
"So where d'you girlies wanna go for lunch?" Michelle asked, smoothing down her silky water chestnut locks. We thought for a moment before deciding on Panda Express.
As we sat at the table, plates heaping with sweet 'n' sour pork, noodles and egg rolls, Valary said the one thing that almost made my Dr. Pepper come out my nose.
"Johnny wants you bad."
And then came the fountain of soda all down my shirt.
"Gross!" Michelle exclaimed. I ignored her.
"What did you say?"
Val leaned back in her chair and smiled. "Johnny came over yesterday and had a drinking contest with Jimmy."
"And….?"
She grinned. "Johnny wants to see you as a nurse. 'Nuff said."
My head nearly dropped into my shark soup. "Fuck fuck fuck!" I whisper-yelled, on account of the family sitting behind me. "What do I do?"
Michelle rubbed my back. "Listen Mia. Blaise is right. You shouldn't do anything stupid with him tonight. But take my advice. Follow your heart. It'll tell you what to do."
&
3rd Person POV
Mia walked into the backstage area. Everything was set up perfectly. She smiled and adjusted her new corset top. I hope he doesn't think I'm a slut, she thought with a gulp.
"Mia!"
Hermione turned around, hoping to see Johnny. Instead, it was Jimmy, who picked her up and gave her a bear hug. "How's my favorite sister in law?"
Hermione snorted. "I'm not your sister in law. And put me down. I just bought this top."
Jimmy set her down. "Not yet, you mean. And nice corset. I'm sure Johnny's like it." He gave her a wink and headed into one of the dressing rooms, chugging down his beer.
"Hey." Johnny.
Hermione smiled, then dropped it once she saw Johnny's face. "Hey. What's wrong?"
He rubbed his neck. "Can I talk to you for a minute? It's important."
"Sure."
Johnny led her to one of the dressing rooms and shut the door. "Mia, I need a huge favor."
"What is it?"
"We're performing a somewhat different type of piece, and our celloist/backup singer dropped out at the last minute. Do you think you could….?"
Hermione thought for a moment. "Well, I'd need the sheet music and the words….and a cello."
"So you'll do it?"
"Yeah."
Johnny's face broke into a huge smile. "Oh, thank you Mia, thank you!" He picked her up and spun her around. "I promise I'll make it up to you!"
"No need for formalities, Johnny ol' boy. But could you put me down? I'm getting a little nauseous."
He blushed. "Sorry." Johnny gently set her down, but his arms remained around her waist, and hers around his neck. His hands moved up and down her back, feeling the soft silk. "You know, that's a really nice top," he whispered in her ear.
A shiver went down her spine. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," Johnny muttered. He moved his lips from next to her check to her ear. He began tracing small kisses around her earlobe, down to her jaw, and back to her cheek. Hermione looked up at him.
"You're amazing," she whispered. Her lips softly met his for a deep, meaningful first kiss. No tongue yet, no groping or handling, just lips meeting lips, softness with softness, hands exploring sweetly on the body.
Johnny's hands found Mia's bum. And that's where it really started. Innocence changed to want and need in a matter of seconds. With one hand on her butt and the other supporting her, Johnny lifted Mia up. She instinctively put her legs around his waist and sighed into his mouth. He growled and pushed her up against the wall. She gasped.
"Johnny," she sighed. Johnny's lips found her neck. He began kissing and sucking on it. She shivered and pressed up against him. Mia's hands ran up and down his rock hard abs and chest, exploring and feeling. Her hands swiftly removed his black tee shirt, revealing tattoos and muscles. She smiled and began tracing small kisses down his chest. He groaned again.
"God, Mia," he muttered, lifting her head up to meet his. He trapped her in a kiss while his hands explored more of her body. He liked being in control. One wandering hand found a breast. She gasped at the touch. Johnny grinned and began massaging it. She arched into him.
"Oh Gods," she whimpered, trying not to scream. His lips went lower and lower until….
"JOHNNY?! WHAT THE FUCK?!"
The couple looked up so suddenly that Hermione fell. "Ouch!" she growled. Johnny helped her up and looked to see who the intruder was. Brian. He was standing with his guitar in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other.
"Johnny! Hermione! What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Well, you see-"
"It's actually a funny story-"
"You'll laugh when you hear this-"
"See, Johnny-"
"Mia-"
Brian held up his hands to stop the stammering. Hermione looked from him to Johnny, then to him again. "Uh, maybe I should go help Val with….that thing that she needs help with….away from here." She sprinted out of the room, leaving the two angry young men together.
Johnny glared at Brian. "What the fuck man? I finally got the nerve to kiss her and you kill it!"
Brian glared back. "Kiss, eh? 'Cause it sure looked like more than a kiss to me! Johnny, what the hell are you thinking? She's sixteen!"
"So?"
"So? SO? It's illegal, dumbass! You'll get arrested and jailed if you have sex with her!"
"Who said I was planning on having sex with her?"
Brian scoffed. "Planning? Johnny, you don't plan. You don't think. That's your problem. Use your fuckin brain for once."
Michelle came up from behind Brian. "Hon? Is everything okay?"
Johnny snorted. "Michelle, teach your dumbass boyfriend to knock every once in a while." He put his shirt back on and pushed past them.
Michelle stared after him as he stormed down the hall. "What happened?"
Brian ran a hand through his hair. "I walked in on him and Mia going at it. Not fully," he said quickly, seeing Michelle's shocked face. "But it woulda happened soon if I hadn't come in."
Michelle rubbed Brian's back. "You did the right thing, babe."
"That's the thing. Maybe I shouldn't have."
&
Legend for sons
Johnny: Italics plain
Johnny + Jimmy: Bold
Jimmy: Bold Italics
Hermione: Italics Underline
Zacky, Brian and Johnny: Bolded Italics Underlined
Brian: Bold Underlined
"How we doin' tonight London?!" Johnny screamed into the microphone. The packed crowd inside the large bar screamed and cheered.
"Mortal Death! Mortal Death! Mortal Death!"
Johnny nodded and the band started up their first song.
This shining city built of gold, a far cry from innocence,
There's more than meets the eye round here, look to the waters of the deep.
A city of evil.
There sat a seven-headed beast, ten horns raised from his head.
Symbolic woman sits on his throne, but hatred strips her and leaves her naked.
The Beast and the Harlot.
She's a dwelling place for demons.
She's a cage for every unclean spirit,
every filthy burden, and makes us drink the poisoned wine to fornicating with our kings.
Fallen now is Babylon the Great.
The city dressed in jewels and gold, fine linen, myrrh with pearls.
Her plagues have come all at once as her mourners watch her burn.
Destroyed in an hour.
Merchants and captains of the world, sailors, navigators too.
Will weep and mourn this loss with her sins piled to the sky,
The Beast and the Harlot.
She's a dwelling place for demons.
She's a cage for every unclean spirit,
every filthy burden, and makes us drink the poisoned wine to fornicating with our kings.
Fallen now is Babylon the Great.
Guitar break
The day has come for all us sinners.
If you're not a servant, you'll be struck to the ground.
Flee the burning, greedy city.
Lookin' back on her to see there's nothing around.
I don't believe in fairytales and no one wants to go to hell.
You've made the wrong decision and it's easy to see.
Now if you wanna serve above or be a king below with us,
You're welcome to the city where your future is set forever.
She's a dwelling place for demons.
She's a cage for every unclean spirit,
every filthy burden, and makes us drink the poisoned wine to fornicating with our kings.
Fallen now is Babylon the Great.
The crowd cheered. They were pumped and ready for more. Johnny grinned and Brian started up a mad riff for their next song.
Caught up in this madness too blind to see
Woke animal feelings in me
Took over my sense and I lost control
I'll taste your blood tonight
You know I make you wanna scream
You know I make you wanna run from me baby
but know it's too late you've wasted all your time
Relax while you're closing your eyes to me
So warm as I'm setting you free
With your arms by your side there's no struggling
Pleasure's all mine this time
Johnny looked over to Hermione at backstage as he was singing it. He made eye contact with her and winked. She blushed and gave a flirty wave back.
You know I make you wanna scream
You know I make you wanna run from me baby
but know it's too late you've wasted all your time
Cherishing, those feelings pleasuring
Cover me, unwanted clemency
Scream till there's silence
Scream while there's life left, vanishing
Scream from the pleasure unmask your desire
perishing
We've all had a time where we've lost control
We've all had our time to grow
I'm hoping I'm wrong but I know I'm right
I'll hunt again one night
You know I make you wanna scream
You know I make you wanna run from me baby
but know it's too late you've wasted all your time
Cherishing, those feelings pleasuring
Cover me, unwanted clemency
Scream till there's silence
Scream while there's life left, vanishing
Scream from the pleasure unmask your desire
perishing
Some live repressing their instinctive feelings
Protest the way we're built don't point the blame on me
Scream, Scream, Scream the way you would if I ravaged your body
Scream, Scream, Scream the way you would if I ravaged your mind
Cherishing, those feelings pleasuring
Cover me, unwanted clemency
Scream till there's silence
Scream while there's life left, vanishing
Scream from the pleasure unmask your desire
perishing
The crowd was completely wild by now. Brian pumped his fist into the air and gave a war yell. "Aiiiiii!" he screamed into his microphone. The crowd repeated the yell and jumped up and down.
"You ready for more?" Johnny yelled.
SSSHHH quiet you might piss somebody off
Like me mother fucker,
You've been at it for too long
While you feed off all these insecurities
You stand in front of me and bite the hand that feeds
Self-righteousness is wearing thin
(Lies inside your head your best friend)
Heart bleeds but not for fellow man
(Broken glass, your fake reflection)
Telling them it's all for something real
Don't respect the words you speak,
Gone too far,
(A Clone)
Spoken- Johnny- "hey" repeated in background by Brian, Zacky, Jimmy and Matt
So how does it feel to know that someone's kid in the heart of America
Has blood on their hands, fighting to defend your rights
So you can maintain the lifestyle that insults his family's existence?
Well, where I'm from we have a special salute we wave high in the air
Towards all those pompous assholes who spend their days pointing fingers
Brian screaming
Fuck you!
SSSHHH Quiet you might piss somebody
Like the heartbeat of this country when antagonized too long
I'll be damned if you count me in
As part of your generous hypocrisy collecting enemies
Tabloid gossip queen, worthless man
(There's no need for us to bury you)
Selfish agenda, once again
(Right this way, deter your own grave)
Telling me its all for something real
Don't respect the words you speak,
Gone too far,
(a clone)
Johnny speaking- "hey" repeated in background
All the way from the east to the west
We've got this high society looking down on this very foundation
Constantly reminding us that our actions are the cause of all their problems
Pointing the fingers in every direction
Blaming their own nation for who wins elections
They've never contributed a fucking thing to the country they love to criticize
Excuse the unseen, ignore the untrue
Depictions we see, try and get through
Admitting mistakes can hurt
I'm not the last but I sure ain't the first
Guitar break
Self-righteousness is wearing thin
(lies inside your head your best friend)
Heart bleeds but not for fellow man
(Broken glass, your fake reflection)
Telling me its all for something real
Don't respect the words you speak,
gone too far,
(A Clone)
Sweat was dripping down their faces as they finished the third song. Johnny raised his microphone into the air and screamed. The crowd cheered and he brought the microphone back to him.
"For our last song, I'd like to introduce a guest singer and celloist to the band: Miss Mia Granger!"
Hermione gulped and walked out onstage, her cello and bow in one hand and the sheet music in the other. Johnny gave her a large smile and she smiled nervously back.
"Don't worry, you'll do fine," he whispered. She nodded and set up her cello. Brian wheeled out the organ, Matt replaced his bass for a violin, and Zacky set down his guitar and picked up an old trumpet.
The beginning of the song sounded like an orchestra. Hermione closed her eyes and let the music flow over her. A choir came in behind them.
And then the real carnage began.
Jimmy was going nutty on the drums. The crowd yelled and screamed their approval as Johnny began to sing.
Before the story begins, is it such a sin,
for me to take what's mine, until the end of time
We were more than friends, before the story ends,
And I will take what's mine, create what
God would never design
Our love had been so strong for far too long,
I was weak with fear that
something would go wrong,
Before the possibilities came true,
I took all possibility from you
Almost laughed myself to tears
Zacky-laughing cynically
conjuring her deepest fears
Matt-shouting-"COME HERE YOU FUCKIN BITCH!
Must have stabbed her fifty fucking times,
I can't believe it,
Ripped her heart out right before her eyes,
Eyes over easy
Eat it eat it eat it!
She was never this good in bed
even when she was sleepin'
now she's just so perfect I've
never been quite so fucking deep in
it goes on and on and on,
I can keep you lookin' young and preserved forever,
with a fountain to spray on your youth whenever
'Cause I really always knew that my little crime
would be cold that's why I got a heater for your thighs
and I know, I know it's not your time
but bye, bye
and a word to the wise when the fire dies
you think it's over but it's just begun
but baby don't cry
Now possibilities I'd never considered,
are occurring the likes of which I'd never heard,
Now an angry soul comes back from beyond the grave,
to repossess a body with which I'd misbehaved
Smiling right from ear to ear
Almost laughed herself to tears
Hermione-laughing just as cynically as Brian
Must have stabbed him fifty fucking times
I can't believe it
Ripped his heart out right before his eyes
Eyes over easy
Eat it eat it eat it!
Now that it's done I realize the error of my ways
I must venture back to apologize from somewhere far beyond the grave
I gotta make up for what I've done
'Cause I was all up in a piece of heaven
while you burned in hell, no peace forever
'Cause I really always knew that my little crime
would be cold that's why I got a heater for your thighs
and I know, I know it's not your time
but bye, bye
and a word to the wise when the fire dies
you think it's over but it's just begun
but baby don't cry
You had my heart, at least for the most part
'Cause everybody's gotta die sometime, we fell apart
Let's make a new start
'Cause everybody's gotta die sometime yeah
But baby don't cry
I will suffer for so long
What will you do, not long enough
To make it up to you
I pray to God that you do
I'll do whatever you want me to do
Well then I'll grant you a chance
And if it's not enough
If it's not enough
If it's not enough
Not enough
Try again
(Try again)
And again
(And again)
Over and over again
We're coming back, coming back
We'll live forever, live forever
Let's have wedding, have a wedding
Let's start the killing, start the killing
Do you take this man in death for the rest of your unnatural life?
(Yes, I do.)
Do you take this woman in death for the rest of your unnatural life?
(I do.)
I now pronounce you...
'Cause I really always knew that my little crime
would be cold that's why I got a heater for your thighs
and I know, I know it's not your time
but bye, bye
And a word to the wise when the fire dies
you think it's over but it's just begun
but baby don't cry
You had my heart, at least for the most part
'Cause everybody's gotta die sometime, we fell apart
Let's make a new start
'Cause everybody's gotta die sometime yeah
But baby don't cry
"Thank you London, and good night!"
&
It was about 12 when they all decided to head home. Jimmy was drunk (per usual) with Michelle, Johnny and Brian were being barely civil to each other, Val and Mia were taking turns braiding each others hair and Matt and Lacey had already gone home.
"Well, my parents are probably worried about me," Mia said, standing up and putting on her black jean jacket.
Johnny jumped up. "I'll walk you home," he said. "It's not that far from here. And Michelle's in no condition to drive."
Mia nodded. "Sure." Michelle was now downing whiskey shots with Jimmy. "Don't drink yourself to death, Michelle."
Val rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. I'm sober. I'll drive the idiots home. You two have fun."
Johnny flipped the bird at her. She flipped it back and laughed. He shook his head and lead Mia out the backstage door.
It was silent for the first few minutes of the walk. They passed a couple making out in an alley, and a man dealing drugs to some kids. Mia shook her head.
"It's a shame to see kids my age and younger doing drugs."
"I know. They're just gonna kill themselves doing heroin and crap."
Mia saw a dark alley up the street and groaned. "What's wrong?" Johnny asked.
Hermione shook her head. "That's the street where the gang bangers do stuff to their enemies. It's a pretty scary place to pass by at night."
Johnny wrapped his arm around her protectively. "It's okay. I won't let them harm you."
Mia smiled and snuggled into his worn leather jacket. She felt protected and safe in his arms. Johnny smiled down at her and stroked her hair.
"Hey there pretty mama!"
Hermione jumped as a loud voice with a heavy accent leered at her. A group of gangsters were standing in front of the twosome, arms folded and grinning.
"Why don'tcha ditch freaky boy and come hang with us? We won't hurt ya," the obvious leader said the Mia. His eyes fell on her short skirt and he smiled evilly. He licked his lips and started towards her.
Johnny pushed her behind him. "Back off," he growled, his teeth baring menacingly.
The gang leader stepped towards him. "Hey man, you back off." He pulled a knife and held it up. "Or I might have to use this."
Johnny scoffed and reached into his jacket pocket. "I'm sure mine will beat yours," he said in an evil type voice. Johnny pulled out a shiny and expensive looking handheld gun and cocked it. "Scram before I shoot you."
The gang quickly parted and Johnny grabbed Hermione's hand. He led her through the parted way quickly and stuck the gun back into his jacket pocket.
"Thanks," she whispered. Johnny wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her forehead.
"Think nothing of it. I didn't want them messing with you."
She smiled. "So I guess we're even."
"If you want to be."
They reached Johnny's house. "I think I can go from here," Mia said. Johnny hugged her.
"You're beautiful."
Mia looked up. "Really?"
"Yeah."
Her hazel green eyes met his beautiful emerald ones. "And you're the greatest guy I've ever met."
Their lips met for a soft kiss. Not innocent, but not rushed, just sweet. Johnny ran a hand through her soft hair.
They parted and Johnny opened the door to his house. They both knew what was going to happen.
That night they met, officially together, in a blaze of passion and fire.
A/N: Dang that was long! It took me forever to finish! The songs I used for the concert were all Avenged Sevenfold songs:
Beast and the Harlot
Scream
Critical Acclaim
A Little Piece of Heaven
I definitely recommend listening to these songs. They're great!
And review! Please??