Author's Note: Song is the acoustic of Backseat Serenade by All Time Low :)
Chapter 4
Nat woke up the next morning, and stretched. As he did every morning, he immediately checked his phone. He had three texts: one from Dolly Records telling him to come in to the studio, and two from his father explaining that he wouldn't be home until later in the week. Nothing new there.
He set his phone down, then went downstairs to grab some juice before he took his morning shower. He'd been rifling through the fridge when he heard a knock at the door. Who the hell would be at his door at nine in the morning?
He went to the door and opened it, shocked at who he found on the other side.
"Hey Goldberg," a pissed-off-as-usual Rave greeted. "I think I left my phone here last night. Seen it?"
Nat barely registered what Rave had just said. He was too busy internally pinching himself because he was sure he was dreaming. His crush was at his door of his own agenda.
"Uh, I don't know," Nat said nervously. "Come in. I'll help you find it."
Rave shrugged, and entered the household, Nat shutting the door behind him. The actor sifted through the couch cushions, raising an eyebrow at Nat, who'd left the room and returned with an acoustic guitar.
"How is that supposed to help find my phone, Goldberg?" he spat.
Nat shrugged at the violet-hared rage case. "It probably won't. However, any good search montage needs ambiance." He strummed a chord, then paused. "I can sing, y'know."
"Then why is Nazz your lead singer?" Rave asked, lifting a cushion.
"I have stage fright."
Nat began to strum softly, singing in a sweet baritone.
"Lazy lover
Find a place for me again
You felt it once before
I know you did
I could see it
Whiskey Princess
Drink me under, pull me in
You had me at come over boy
I need a friend
I understand"
"I know this," Rave interrupted. "It's a nice song."
"Then sing it with me," Nat said, smiling. "From the chorus?"
Nat plopped down on the couch, disrupting Rave's search. Always up for a challenge to strut his stuff, he sat beside Nat and took the lead, counting them off and the two began to sing…
"Backseat serenade
Dizzy hurricane
Oh god, I'm sick of sleeping alone
You're salty like a summer day
Kiss the sweat away
To your radio
Backseat serenade
Little hand grenade
Oh god, I'm sick of sleeping alone
You're salty like a summer day
Kiss the pain away
To your radio"
Nat played the ending chord, and grinned widely at Rave. Their harmony had been so delicate and graceful; Rave's gracious tenor perfectly complimenting his baritone. They were obviously meant to be, as cliche as that sounded, and yet Rave completely blew him off. He had to have this boy. Just think of their harmony in bed…
"Rave," Nat said seriously, leaning in so his chin was on the taller boy's shoulder, "please go out with me. We belong together. Just one date. If you don't have a good time, I'll back off."
Rave blinked. Nat was being so genuine. He'd never poured his heart out to him in such a manner. The passion in his words certainly peaked his interest. He could tell Nat really wanted this.
"One date," Rave said, giving in. "But grab my ass once, and I'm out."
"Damn babe, that's really asking a lot from me."
"Don't call me babe."
Nat smirked. "Can I call you my precious Grape Crush?"
"Fuck off. Pick me up Friday night. You better not waste my time, Goldberg."
Nat handed Rave his phone, which had been on the kitchen counter. "I wub you too baby."
Rave rolled his eyes. "7 sharp," he said as he walked out. "If you're late, I'm not going."
Sucker For Sore Eyes and Don't Turn Around sat in the conference room at Dolly Records, each band on the opposite side of the table. Edd and Kevin stared each other down, trying to will things to return to normal after the event that had occurred last night. Nat was trying to make cow eyes at Rave, but the singer was shielding his gaze from the rival guitarist. Jim smiled shyly at Plank, who stared blankly back. It really confused Jim, because the boy seemed indifferent to everything. Everyone else was spacing out.
President Jimmy and Sarah walked into the room, standing at the head of the table.
"In lieu of letting you work this feud out amongst yourselves, I've decided to take action myself," Jimmy announced. "As you all know, this summer we'll be sending some bands on nationwide tours, and I thought 'What better way to make two rival bands get along than to force them together for three months?' Therefore, your bands will be touring together this summer, and if you don't come back united, you won't come back at all. Your feuding is bad for business, and I won't tolerate it. Any objections?"
No one said anything. Both bands were shocked beyond belief.
Jimmy smiled. "Good. The tour is on."