A/N:
In a comment exchange, I realized that 4 shows that I enjoyed had characters in the LA area at the same time. I decided to write this little crackfic to get it out of my head. It's a mild four-way crossover.
Anyway, this is insane obviously, but it was pointed out that the boys of Sunset Curve were growing up when Shawn Spencer would have been in high school. So I looked and realized that I could work in Buffy and Chuck as well... So I did. It's absolutely a fluffy crackfic, and if you're a fan of any of the shows I'm sure you'll find something that'll make you chuckle.
Please note that this was written and posted one evening and has only been lightly reviewed for spelling/grammar issues
I hope you enjoy!
This is is a playlist of some of the music I listened to while I wrote this, it's a little insane, but welcome to how I listen to music:
playlist/68lGDOiDCpUHImdPunS7EM?si=JoyyFptXQZCiX87mR-FkZQ
Luke was so frustrated he was practically vibrating as they left their third club by being laughed out of the room, "How is anyone supposed to get a gig when places will only book you if you've got a gig?!" He shouted at no one in particular.
"It's definitely a catch-22." Bobby chimed in.
"I think if we were 22 we wouldn't be having this issue," Reggie commented.
"That's not…" Alex started, "Nevermind. I don't know what to tell you, Luke, most clubs aren't going to take a couple of kids all that seriously."
"I mean, we just need one gig, right?" Reggie asked.
"Apparently we need to get started with one show somewhere. Somewhere not totally lame." Luke said, forestalling any of the bad recommendations he's already shot down.
"I met a guy at the pier who might be able to help," Reggie said thoughtfully.
"When were you at the pier?" Luke asked, "We've been practicing every night for the past three weeks."
"Oh, it was a while ago. I wasn't sure if it was a great idea, but it might be worth it." Reggie said with a shrug. "What do you guys think?"
"I'd rather go to the pier and see if we can find this mystery guy than get laughed out of another club. At least at the pier, there are girls in bikinis." Bobby cast his vote.
"I guess it couldn't hurt." Alex agreed.
Luke just shrugged, "I hope this isn't a waste of time."
"I'm sure it'll be fine. The guy lived pretty close by and I've seen him there since, although I haven't talked to him. I dropped his name at school and heard some interesting rumors."
"What sort of rumors?" Luke asked as they waited for a bus to take them to the beach.
"He's apparently a huge prankster and scammer, but when I mentioned the band he got really excited and just started singing at me." Reggie chuckled, "He's pretty weird, but I got good vibes from him."
Luke and Alex shared a dubious look, but Bobby seemed happy enough to just be going somewhere with his favorite part of being in the band: girls. The bus ride was fairly quiet as the boys thought about what might be waiting for them at the end of this little adventure.
When they got to the pier Reggie gave them all a vague description of the guy, "He's about average height, thin, brown hair, and an earring."
"Great, that really narrows it down." Alex said sarcastically looking around, they got to the end of the pier and didn't see him, but on the way back Reggie darted off to the side.
"Hey!" He called out as he grabbed a guy who didn't match the description at all, "I remember you, you're Shawn's friend, right?"
"You could say that. I'm Gus, are you looking for him? What did he do this time?"
"Nothing, he offered to help my band get a gig a few weeks ago and I wanted to take him up on it, I brought the band with to talk to him. Is he around today?"
"Yeah, just give him," Gus paused and looked down at his watch, "He should be here any second." A rock landed next to Gus with a rope tied to it.
"What the!?" Gus shouted.
A faint, "Shut yo' mouth!" came from below the pier.
All 5 boys looked over the edge to see Shawn waving - "Tie that off!" he called again.
Gus just rolled his eyes, "I"m not doing that Shawn!"
"Would you just work with me, for once!" Shawn hollered back up.
"Any of you guys good with knots?" Bobby asked.
"I got it." Gus said, annoyed with apparently everyone around him.
The rope was tied off and then there were some… fairly feminine grunts coming from the other end. All 5 looked back over the edge to see Shawn had gained about 3 feet.
"Should we just go down and meet him?" Luke asked, baffled by the scene he was witnessing.
"Probably - unless you don't have anywhere to be for a few hours."
"Let's go," Alex said.
"Me first!" Reggie called, grabbing the rope and shimmying down.
"That's not... " Alex didn't even finish.
"Seems faster, I'll see you down there," Luke said, following his bassist.
"Well, this seems like a much better idea." Shawn said, "Why didn't you guys just offer to come down in the first place, way faster this way."
"I don't think any of us were aware of the plans." Luke said once he landed on the sand, "I'm Luke by the way."
"I'm Shawn. I recognize you," He said looking to Reggie, "You were trying to book a gig, for your band, right?"
Reggie nodded, "Great memory, that's me."
"And do you happen to know where my best friend is?"
"Probably with the rest of the band, they decided it would be better to walk the long way." Reggie said, "Which might not have been the worst idea, that really hurt my hands."
"Eh, you'll be fine. I've heard rope burn is great for the skin." Shawn said.
"I don't know about that," Luke said, checking his own hands, "I'm pretty sure it's bad for you."
"Eh, I've heard it both ways. Anyway, you want to get a show booked, right. Where are you thinking?"
"Anywhere decent. We need one show at a pretty cool place so we stop getting laughed out of venues all over town. How do you know anyone in the music business? Are you in a band?"
"Occasionally, but we've been struggling, primarily because my bandmate is generally busy doing his homework. But I know a venue that'll work for you guys, I've got an in with a guy. But I'll need a favor from you guys first."
"What's the favor?" Reggie asked.
"There's a girl I need you to get there. She's not anyone I know, but the guy who can get you in has a massive crush on her - saw her across the room at a party or something. To chicken to meet her."
"So you want us to do him a favor, what do you want?" Luke asked.
"To have fun. Include me and a plus one on the guest list and we're golden."
Luke's eyes narrowed at that, "You sure about that?"
"Of course. Here they are. Finally!" He shouted in the direction of the trio walking towards them, "Did you get lost or something? There was a rope right there to shimmy on down."
"No thanks, probably get a fungal infection from that gross rope. Where did you even get it from?"
"My dad's boat." Shawn shrugged.
"Are you kidding me?"
"It'll be fine, so long as we don't lose it - I'll bring it back and put it in place. It would have made for a killer entrance."
Gus just rolled his eyes at his friend.
"You still know that nerdy kid?" Shawn asked.
"I don't hang out with nerds," Gus said quickly.
"Sure, but that one kid you were mentoring in some weird after-school program. He had the genius buddy - am I getting any hits here? Anywhere near your battleship."
"Morgan? Yeah, I can probably meet up with him, why?
"I need to see his buddy, Chuck."
"You want me to call the kid I mentored last year to see if I can set up a meeting with his best friend?"
"I don't see the problem."
"It's weird."
"No, it's not. Tell him I'll get the girl there."
The boys of sunset curve were just watching the conversation as if it was a tennis match.
"There's no way he's still obsessed with her."
"He's like 15, of course he is." Shawn said with finality, "Alright - that's squared away - "
"No, it's not!" Gus yelled.
"It is, I'll meet you guys here on Thursday about 5 o clock, alright?"
"I guess?" Alex said.
"Some of us will be here at least."
Shawn nodded and turned to walk up the beach with his arm around Gus. While the band couldn't hear what he was saying, they could see his arms flailing around indicating something that they couldn't figure out.
"That was…" Bobby said.
"Weird," Alex finished.
"Definitely weird," Luke said, "I don't know if I love that guy or hate him."
"I like him." Reggie said with a broad smile, "I guess we'll see what he can do in a few days."
**Thursday Evening**
"Alright boys, this is Chuck, Chuck this is… Those guys and you've all met my partner in crime 'Lard Tubberman.'"
"Isn't his name Gus?" Alex asked.
"I've heard it both ways. Now, Chuck. I've told you what we need and what you'll get. What do you need to make it happen."
"Well, probably just a distraction. I can't imagine their computer system is tougher to crack than anything I've worked on. But, do you really think you can get her there?"
"Oh yeah, we just need her name, school, and a picture. Can you do that?"
"Name, school, description?"
"Can you guys work with that?"
"Depends on the school and the description, I suppose." Alex said, "Who is this girl anyway?"
"Her name is Willow, she goes to Sunnydale."
"Sunnydale?" Luke asked, "Anyone have an idea of where that is?"
"I think I've heard of it. It's a bit of a hike though, how are we going to get her to the show?" Bobby asked.
"Think you can borrow your parents' car?" Luke asked looking at Bobby.
"Aw, c'mon, why is always me?" Bobby complained.
"Well, I live in your garage," Luke said flatly.
"And my parents have threatened to kick me out, which is why most of my wardrobe is also in your garage," Alex said
"And I haven't spoken to either of my parents in weeks," Reggie said quietly.
"Right, sorry guys. Just a little frustrated. I think Alex will be the best person to approach her. He's got a less desperate vibe and less threatening look than either of you." Bobby said, "Let's plan on cutting out after lunch tomorrow and we'll head up there. When's this show going to be?"
"We'll figure that out now," Shawn clapped his hands, "Luke, Reggie you come with us. We'll get to the club and see if we can get this worked out."
A few minutes later found a fairly odd group of Chuck Bartowski, Burton Guster, Shawn Spencer, Luke Patterson, and Reggie Peters walking into the club district.
"Alright guys, here's the plan, Gus is the manager, I'm the drummer and singer, and you guys do what you normally do. We'll distract the manager while Chuck sneaks behind the bar and does his computer voodoo."
"Do you really this'll work?" Luke asked, doubt seeping through his voice.
"His plans are usually insane, and somehow they usually work. If it doesn't work here he's got a backup as well," Gus said.
They entered into the dark coolness of a bar that absolutely exuded cool. There were posters advertising upcoming shows, and the line-ups were impressive.
"Madam! I'm here to speak with the booking manager!" Shawn called out to the bartender.
"And you are?" She asked, her voice a perfect monotone.
"I'm a future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and I've got some scrubs here that are currently backing me up," Shawn said.
Luke stiffened at the comment but felt Chuck's hand on his arm, the younger boy whispered, "You want him to remember Shawn, not you guys."
"Do you pull scams like this with him often?"
"Only once or twice, usually to get my buddy Morgan out of trouble."
Shawn was now dancing on a chair, while Gus was trying to placate the bartender. Shawn jumped onto the table, screaming "Weevils!"
"Be right back," Chuck whispered ducking behind the bar as the bartender went out the other side.
Shawn had started hopping from table to table, leaving absolute pandemonium behind him, Luke and Reggie just watched, absolutely stunned by his antics.
Shortly thereafter Chuck was back, "Alright, you're set. We should help contain him now. He could go like this for hours."
The trio rushed off and caught up to Shawn as he jumped onto the stage. Luke grabbed his leg and he slammed into the stage and they pulled him off, Reggie and Luke hiding their faces on the other side of his writhing body as he continued screaming about 'weevils, whatever those are.
Gus was apologizing profusely and promising he would stop Shawn from ever coming back as they exited onto the street.
"Well done boys!" Shawn said as Luke dropped his legs and he clung on to Reggies back for a few steps of a piggyback ride, "Did you get it, Chuck?"
"Yup, they're opening for a band on Saturday night in three weeks."
"We're opening?" Luke said sounding disappointed.
"Yeah, some new band. But I figured opening on a Saturday is better than closing any other day?" Chuck asked, looking at his Converse.
"No, you're right. Do you remember the band?" Reggie patted the kid on the back shooting a glare at Luke.
"Uhm, it sounded familiar but I couldn't remember. Foo Fighters?" Chuck said.
Luke and Reggie both stopped dead.
"Did you just say 'Foo Fighters'?" Luke asked.
"Uh, I think so?"
"YOU LITTLE GENIUS!" Luke hollered, drawing stares from passersby as he hoisted Chuck up by the waist spinning in circles.
"Did we miss something?" Gus asked, "What do World War II fighters have to do with this?"
"That's Dave Grohl's band! The guy from Nirvana!" Reggie shouted, picking Gus up and spun him around.
Gus reacted by smack Reggie in the head, screaming, "Put me down you lunatic!"
"Alright, I like you guys." Shawn said, "Let's go find somewhere to hang out. Except Chuck, you probably need to head home soon right? Your mom might be worried."
Chuck just stared down at his shoes for a moment, before looking up, "I'm fine. Let's hang out."
"Wonderland?" Reggie turned, still being smacked by Gus who was still aloft.
Luke nodded, "Yeah. Let's go."
The group ended up back at the studio and enjoyed a rehearsal show and some general shenanigans before they broke up. It was decided to wait until the next week to head up to Sunnydale.
The Friday came and they decided to take Reggie with as his cheerful disposition was difficult to turn down. They pulled up as the school was letting out and they kept an eye on the doors.
"What she supposed to look like?" Bobby asked.
"She's about 5'3", long red hair, and dresses conservatively. Hangs out with a tall skater dude." Alex recited.
"He's a tall skater dude." Reggie pointed.
"No, he's too cool. Supposedly this guy is a bit of a nerd who just happens to skateboard." Alex reacted instantly.
"No, he said she was slim." Alex said as Bobby pointed to someone else.
The flood of students had turned to a trickle when a guy tried to jump the stairs on a skateboard and wiped out. Hard.
"That might be the guy," Reggie got out of the car and ran over to him, "That looked rough buddy, you alright?"
"Huh? Yeah - there aren't any girls around, right?"
"I don't think so." Reggie said, looking around.
Alex came up, "This might be weird but are you Xander?"
He gave him a close look, "Maybe?"
"A friend of ours has a crush on a friend of yours. We were sent to invite her to a concert in two weeks." Alex said by way of explanation.
"Willow?"
"Yeah, that's her name. How'd you know?"
"I don't have a wide variety of people who are friends with me."
"Ah…" Alex said, unsure how to react to that.
"Well, you've got 2 more now. Do you think you could introduce us to Willow?"
"I guess?" Xander said, "I think she's in the library on the computer."
"Sounds good." Reggie said casually heading for the door.
"So there's a concert?" Xander asked after an extended and thoroughly awkward silence.
"Yup," Reggie answered, "We can see if we can get you on the list too."
"The list? Are you trying to sound like a big shot?" Xander asked.
"Trust me, he's not. We got lucky and have a major opening slot in a few weeks." Alex chimed in.
Xander nodded, but didn't say anything taking a quick two steps he pushed open a pair of double doors - "Willow, you in here?"
"Yeah. Xander, what are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be rushing home to catch Baywatch"
"I met some people who were looking for you."
"Who?"
"That's a good question, I know it's Reggie and Alex, but other than that I got nothing."
"We're with a band called Sunset Curve," Alex said.
"Tell your friends," Reggie chimed in.
"O..K…" She said, looking to Xander who just shrugged.
"A friend of ours saw you at a party a few weeks ago. He helped us get the gig so as payment we told him we'd invite you to the gig," Alex said, "It's at Franklin House two weeks from tomorrow. We'll put both of your names as guests of us if you can make it so you don't have to pay a cover charge."
"The party down in LA? You knew someone there?" She asked
"Yeah, we skipped the second half of classes today to make sure we got up here early enough," Reggie said.
"What do you think Xander?"
He shrugged, "I mean, free concert? And we'll be able to get in now unlike The Bronze."
"True," She said, "If I can make it I'll be there. With Xander, it has to be both of us, I'm not going to a random club in LA without some backup."
"Fair enough. It's done." Alex said, "Hopefully we'll see you there."
With that the boys high-tailed it back to Bobby and the car so they could start rehearsing for the show of their lives.
"You guys ready for this?" Luke asked on the afternoon of their show.
He received a few nods from his green-faced bandmates.
"Come on guys, this is it. The start of it all. We're going to ride Grohl's coattails all the way to the stratosphere. We got this!" He received some more energetic reactions this time. "Alright, boys, let's load up and head out to meet our destiny."
They loaded into the venue and did their sound check before huddling at a table in the back corner. First Shawn and Gus came in, Shawn wearing a truly terrible fake beard, Chuck was trailing them, apparently he had to argue that he was their personal tech support just in case something broke.
"Wait, you can fix gear?" Bobby perked up.
The kid shrugged, "I mean, it's just electronics. Yeah, I can probably fix it."
"Perfect, I've got a pedal that's been out of whack for weeks. Come on."
Next to find them were Xander and Willow. Chuck was still near the stage, but he hadn't missed her entrance.
A few minutes later Chuck and Bobby walked back to the table.
"Uhm, Hi." Chuck said, looking at her feet rather than her face.
"Hi, are you the one who invited me?"
He nodded.
"Well thank you, it looks like it'll be a good party. I'll expect to dance with you before the night is through."
Chuck blushed so deep it matched the cherry red of Reggie's bass.
"Alright boys, we better get back up there. This place is starting to fill up," Luke said before he turned back to the table, "Hands in." The band instantly put their hands in, the rest just looked nonplussed.
"All of you, you all helped us get this gig." Once all the hands were in he said, "'Legends' on three."
"One. Two. Three. Legends!" They all shouted.