"What do you mean he's puking his brains out!?" Eddie questioned in an agitated tone.

Eddie was having a decent day, good day in fact, that was until he saw that Al; a fellow Hellfire member and the other guitarist in Corroded Coffin wasn't at their table today. This normally wouldn't be a problem but today was Tuesday. He felt his blood boiling since the gig at the Hideout was very precious and a commitment they all needed to respect. It wasn't much, but it was something important to him.

"Yeah, food poisoning. You know how he is sometimes. Doesn't pay attention to how food is until it's half eaten, thus puking his brains out." Gareth expressed nervously.

"I know this sucks Eddie, but we can't help him getting sick?" Jeff added.

Eddie sighed and he nodded in agreement even though this was stupid as hell.

"Still I can't believe the dumbass. He's a friend, yes, but he really needs to stop thinking with his stomach. He can't pay attention to food until after he eats half to realize it's rancid and makes him sick. How does he not known when food is spoiled, fuck." Eddie cursed angrily.

Gareth and Jeff didn't want to suggest not performing tonight since music was a passion of Eddie's along with Hellfire club on Fridays.

"Maybe we can just perform with the three of us?" Jeff suggested.

Eddie glared at Jeff as he popped a fry into his mouth and ate it angrily. Jeff really wasn't suggesting they go a man short. The songs they made were well made for four people, two of which were guitarists.

"You know that's not going to fly Jeff. All of our songs need two guitarists and I know I'm good, but I'm not 'playing like two' good." Eddie expressed.

Gareth sighed since Eddie was being an ass. It wasn't their fault Al got sick and he shouldn't be blaming them for it.

"Well, unless you know another guitarist that knows our songs and how to play them, there's literally nothing we can do." Jeff expressed.

Eddie groaned in annoyance and questioned,

"Did one of you buttheads call him before coming here?"

"Yeah, face was in the toilet puking the leftover chicken he chowed down last night. He's really messed up." Gareth expressed.

Eddie sat back in his seat and let out an audible groan.

"Shit!" Eddie exclaimed as he slammed his fist on the table enough so everyone turned to stare. He glared at the onlookers and they quickly shifted their focus. Even if they only had five drunks as 'fans' and the pay was kind of shit; it was still a gig. He didn't want to cancel since he loved performing.

Mike and Dustin just looked at Eddie in confusion since there was someone he could ask; someone very close in fact.

"What about Nicki?" Mike questioned.

Eddie shot his head up and he did think about it for a moment.

"As in my girlfriend Nicki?" he asked.

"Uh...yeah? I mean she can probably play songs right? You've been playing with her so she must be good right? She might like performing with you tonight." Mike suggested somewhat nervously.

"Mike has a good point. She can play guitar and didn't you mention you were teaching her how to play our songs?" Jeff asked.

He nodded but he really wasn't sure about asking Nicole this. Eddie really didn't want to put his girlfriend out on the spot in front of people. However, Nicole was in a band before so she must have experience playing for gigs. Nicole also did know most of the songs they played and maybe for tonight they would put covers as well just to not overwhelm Nicole with a bunch of new songs she's never played live before. It was a shot, shot in the dark but still a shot.

"Wait here." Eddie said as he stood up from his seat. He headed towards the music room since Nicole said she will be there today. Sure enough she was at a table eating and writing in her notebook. Nicole heard footsteps and glanced up and saw Eddie.

"Hey you." she said sweetly as she munched on a peanut butter and fluff sandwich.

Eddie looked at the sandwich and let out a small chuckle. Oddly this was one of her normal sandwiches but he didn't mind her quirks, in fact he adored them.

"Hey, how's lunch?" Eddie said as he sat down next to her.

He knew it was a big favor he was about to ask but he had to try. Nicole had expressed wanting to be part of a band again and even if this was just for tonight, it would make her night.

"Decent enough. I ran out of bananas home to complete this sandwich sadly and the ones in the cafeteria looked like shit to put in this. But it's still a good lunch all the same." she spoke as she finished a lyrical line.

She glanced up and Eddie looked a bit…edgy like being on edge about something.

"Okay did one of the jocks piss in your lunchbox or something?" she asked.

Eddie managed to chuckle at that since yea that would annoy and piss him off as well.

"No, much worse than those jock assholes… You know Al right, the other guitarist in my band. Well he got food poisoning and he is puking his insides out cause he can't be bothered to read expiration dates or can't tell if food is bad until he has already eaten at least half of it… So we have no one to perform with us tonight." Eddie expressed.

Nicole sighed in annoyance.

"Al's a major dumbass. That does sound like a massive blow Eddie, really. I wish I could be of help." she said, giving him a small peck on his lips.

Eddie kissed Nicole back and pulled away smiling.

"Well um…you kind of can help me, help us actually?"

Nicole wanted to be sure she heard that right. Eddie, her Eddie, a literal rock god asking her to perform with them. Her hand twitched a bit and she questioned,

"Are you asking what I think you're asking?"

"Yes I am. Would you be willing to fill in his place? You're good at playing, and you know some of our songs including one we were supposed to play tonight. I know it's last minute and totally unfair to ask but please, Nicki can you help us out?" Eddie pleaded

Nicole was caught off guard and her pencil snapped in two. This made Eddie flinch a bit as he saw Nicole sighing and pondering his request. Nicole really wanted to help but she was being thrown into a fire again and a short lived one. She'd hadn't played a gig since late July with her former band and she's only just learned the chords to all the songs Corroded Coffin has and songs from radio they use in their sets. She bit her lip nervously and doubts started to flood back in her head.

"That's a big ask Eddie, a really big ask."

Nicole bit her lip and saw Eddie's eyes glancing at her with a soft, pleading look.

"I know it is Nicole, but I really and literally can't ask anyone else. You're the only person I know can play guitar and knows our songs by heart. I know it's silly and the band can cancel, but I really feel like we could get somewhere tonight."

Nicole sighed again and tapped her finger nervously on the desk. Everything Eddie said was true. There wasn't a metalhead group at school and even if so, no one would be able to master or at least learn the chords to their songs on such short notice. Eddie had at least been teaching her for at least two months and she does know the song covers they sprinkle in too. He could cancel like he said, but she really didn't want to put Eddie in that position. She didn't want to upset her boyfriend unless she really had to.

"You really need me…don't you?" she questioned as she shoved food into her mouth.

" Yes the band needs someone, but I need you. I will even help you with practice before we go on. I will do anything to make up for this." Eddie asked with a playful puppy dog expression.

Nicole thought long and hard. She really didn't want to give her hopes up. It would only be for a night and really it would just feel good to be on stage again. Plus, the look Eddie was giving her was too sweet to ignore.

"What time are you picking me up tonight?" Nicole asked with a smile.

Eddie's eyes lit up at her question and he couldn't help but jump out of his seat in excitement.

"Yes! You mean it!? You're going to play with us tonight!?"

"I really can't leave you or the band to drown can I? Besides, I want to feel that excitement like I did back then." she said with a small smile as she got up from the desk to clean up.

Eddie pulled her into a hug and was just so amazed by what Nicole would do for him. She was too good for anyone, let alone himself.

" You're a lifesaver, you know that?" Eddie asked.

Nicole chuckled as she reciprocated the hug.

"Don't say that, I haven't performed yet. Tell me when we have the show." Eddie chuckled but nodded.

"I'll pick you up at 6:30. Show will start at 7:30 and it will end at roughly 9:30."

"Sounds like a plan.

Eddie rolled by her place at the agreed time and he rang the doorbell. His mind was curious as to how the night was going to go. He was kind of excited to have Nicole perform with him and to see just how much of a stage presence she would have.

Nicole popped her head out to see him and he already noticed Nicole was wearing makeup; specifically red eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, and maroon lipstick. Her hair looked to be styled but it was hard to tell. She normally didn't wear such bold makeup and he knew she got all glammed up for their show, which touched him.

"Hey, you're ready?" he asked with a light grin.

Nicole nodded and she said,

"I hope you're able to control yourself."

This piqued his interest. Nicole opened the door and Eddie was a bit floored by what he saw. Nicole wore her red leather jacket with a black almost corset like top, black leather pants, a studded belt, and red ankle boots. She wore a black and pink cat choker and cuff bracelets on her wrists. Her hair was blown out and looked jagged, much different than the waves or ponytail she wore normally.

"Wow, way to go for a full look for the show. Thanks again for doing this on short notice the band and I really appreciate it" Eddie said sincerely with a smile.

Nicole frowned slightly and rested a hand on his chest while the other held her guitar.

"Not the reaction I was expecting from you honestly. Kind of lukewarm and I feel a bit cheated." Nicole expressed with a slight smile.

Eddie chuckled a bit and kissed her cheek. She was beautiful beyond words.

" I meant you look amazing Nicole, sorry compliments aren't my strong point at times." Eddie grinned sheepishly.

"And yet you can describe scenarios in D&D with such aplomb and details. It's alright since I know you like what you see."

"I always do." Eddie murmured in her ear.

She kissed his cheek before heading towards his van. Eddie helped to put her guitar in and they made their way to the Hideout. Nicole was fidgeting with her cuffs and felt her stomach churning. She was quiet and was just thinking back to her band, sighing. Her thoughts were of them and how in some ways she was moving on from her past. Eddie noticed the eerily quiet silence and that wasn't like his Nicole at all.

"Nicole, you okay?" he asked concerned

Nicole snapped out of her thoughts and nodded.

"Yea….this just kind of takes me back with Jersey Sirens. Heather had like this big van to drive us all to small gigs out of town so I wouldn't be caught. The four of us would sing along to songs on the way to gigs and the concerts were just so freeing and a joy. It just…stirs the old times of being in your van going to a show. How I missed it and I should miss them but it hurts to know I have those memories." she sighed.

" I know being dumped by them sucked and totally betrayed you, but we are not like that. We will only kick anyone out if they are assholes, selfish or if they truly want to leave. As for practice, if this works we practice often so you will be able to learn the songs and play the way you are comfortable. Forget them Nicki, you are awesome and I think you will do great tonight, as a cynic that's saying a lot since I am doubting a lot." Eddie assured

Nicole nodded as they arrived at the Hideout. Eddie walked close to her so the drunk older guys wouldn't try hitting on her. Jeff and Gareth noticed Nicole and their mouths dropped.

"H-Hey guys." Nicole waved.

"Well hello Nicole. You're performing with us tonight?" Jeff asked.

Nicole nodded and she looked at Gareth. He was still a bit unsure of this whole thing but they had no other options. Besides he knew Nicole could sing from her own party but he and Jeff never heard her play guitar.

"Show us something Nicole, a solo of a song of your choice." Gareth asked.

Nicole clenched her case tightly as she went onto the stage to plug in her guitar to the amp. She got out her guitar and just on a whim practiced with the guitar solo for Mr. Crowley by Ozzy Osbourne just to get some nerves out. Jeff watched and he was impressed with her speed and finger work. He glanced over to Eddie equal parts impressed but shocked. Eddie grinned and he looked at Gareth who was very satisfied with her playing and skill. Nicole stopped and noticed the guys staring at her.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing Nicole, it's just…you're really something huh?" Jeff commented.

Eddie smirked, she would be perfect for them in things worked out.

" So is she good enough for you now?" Eddie asked placing an arm around Gareth

Gareth chuckled a bit and playfully shoved him.

"We will judge after the show man. Now make sure she knows the setlist for tonight. You might have started this band, but it's all our work." Gareth said as he went to his drum set.

Nicole glanced at the set list, remembering which song was which of Corroded Coffin's catalog. She also looked to see what covers were included in the set for tonight and she was enamored with the choices.

" I know it is Gareth," Eddie said before turning to Nicole.

She looked so serious reading the list and that concerned him.

"What's wrong? You know all the songs do you?" Eddie asked

Nicole nodded but she was biting her nails from the stress. She stroked her arm nervously and glanced up at Eddie.

"I really don't want to let anyone down again." she expressed.

Eddie took Nicole by her shoulders. There was no reason for her to be so panicked. All this was and is supposed to be fun and he couldn't imagine not having fun with his girl in his band.

" You can do this, Nicki. We practiced and I know you're really good, focus on music and synchronize with us. If you really want motivation just imagine you trying to prove your previous band wrong by playing well and making them eat their words." Eddie said.

It was probably a shitty attempt at a pep talk but it was the first thing that came to mind. His words somehow worked since Nicole smiled and kissed his cheek. She really hated her ex band members and she would imagine them in the crowd as she played.

"Let's do a run down before we start."

The band and Nicole went through two songs of Corroded Coffin's originals and oddly she didn't sound out of place among them. Jeff and Gareth also took notice of that as Nicole played with them and whatever Eddie did with her was working.

"This is going to be a great show, fellas and my fair maiden." Eddie said with an energetic smile.

Nicole took a deep breath and nodded in agreement.

"Let's give them a hell of a show." Gareth expressed with optimism.

They got settled on stage and Eddie turned his attention to the usual crowd.

"Well good evening everyone. As you can see, Corroded Coffin has a small line up change for this evening. Instead of our usual Al, we have our living breathing Hellfire Angel. Please be kind and give a nice welcome to Nicole Lowell!" Eddie expressed, trying to hype the drunken crowd up.

Nicole smiled and played a very sharp yet playful solo to the crowd. She got back into her 'battle mode' when she was in the Sirens and a wily smirk came on her face. Might as well give them a show, even for a one time show.

"Why thank you for your kind and inviting words Munson, but how about we start the crowd up with a song they know from one of our contemporaries and one of my favorites. What do ya say?" Nicole mused with energy.

Eddie chuckled and loved the fire in her heart. She was a natural frontwoman and performer.

"What do you say for Rock of Ages?" Eddie asked Jeff and Gareth.

They both nodded as they started to play the notes of the song and Nicole couldn't help but be in such a great mood. "All right, I got something to say, Yeah, it's better to burn out. Yeah, then fade away!" Nicole sang as the music started to go in full swing. She glanced at Eddie and as if he read her mind, he took the next part and they knew how they were going to perform it together.

"All right. Ow gonna start a fire, C'mon! Rise up! Gather round. Rock this place to the ground." Eddie started.

"Burn it up, let's go for broke. Watch the night go up in smoke." Nicole sang after.

Gareth and Jeff provided backing vocals when needed and sang the chorus while Nicole and Eddie co sang the song. There was truly a fiery and burning connection with the pair as they sang along to the chorus together and that energy went to the crowd as they sang along too. More people seemed to be there and coming in to see them. That just made everyone more pumped and excited.

After the success of the first song, Eddie couldn't help but to thank the crowd.

"So much energy tonight, guess there are some of you out there that aren't drunk this evening." Eddie said with a chuckle.

"Now now Eddie, be nice to your new and old fans. They make the band what we are, am I right?" Nicole exclaimed warmly.

"Yes!" the crowd shouted.

Eddie playfully bowed to Nicole before addressing the crowd.

"Alright everyone. This isn't just going to be us doing karaoke, we have our own songs to play as well. No worries, we will have classics thrown in so let's continue this wild night!" Eddie addressed the crowd with some attitude.

They went on to perform some originals like Hellfire Angel and Corroded Curse. They sprinkled in other covers such as Van Halen's Ain't Talkin' Bout Love and Breaking the Law by Judas Priest. The crowd was very into the band this evening and they even got an encore for Hellfire Angel, which really pleased Eddie greatly. Jeff and Gareth were also stunned by the reception and the guys all knew this was because of Nicole. She had a presence on stage and melded well with the band. Her vocals and guitar playing complimented Eddie's well and she was able to synchronize with the band. When they performed Hellfire Angel again for the encore Eddie allowed Nicole to have the solo and it was nearly perfect in execution. In fact, Nicole hardly had any problems and that made him proud and thrilled. When the band finished their set, there seemed to be more than the usual crowd. In fact, it seemed like it was at least triple or quadruple the crowd size at least. Eddie was thrilled since it felt awesome to play and to have everyone working to be in sync. Nicole, while being a temporary replacement, was more amazing then Al ever had been. Her energy, her fire, the way she worked off him; it just made the band…better.

The band had a meeting afterwards with water and wings on the house from the bar owner. They even made slightly more money tonight, much to the delight of everyone.

"Gentlemen, Nicki, that was incredible, great job, we kicked ass!" Eddie said with a proud smile.

"And some of your new crowd is sober…that's good right?" she asked as she ate her wings.

" Yea we get people who aren't wasted out of their minds for once, huge progress." Eddie confirmed.

"Glad I could be of help." Nicole said with a smile.

Jeff and Gareth looked at each other and nodded.

"So Eddie…maybe we should have a band meeting tomorrow before Thanksgiving break. After tonight…we might need a lineup change." Gareth suggested in a whisper.

Eddie didn't seem too bothered by that and he looked at Jeff.

"Al's going to be upset though isn't he?" he whispered.

"Well even without tonight with him being sick, he kind of told us his heart's not in it as much. Like it's not going anywhere and it feels it may be on him. He said we could start looking around." Jeff added, making sure Nicole didn't hear them.

Eddie cracked a small smile at Nicole and he told them both,

"I think we have someone for Al to pass the torch to."

"Where the hell are we going Eddie!?" Nicole asked.

Eddie was being cryptic and mysterious as sin and not in his usual charming way either. He shot over a soft grin to her and simply said,

"A revival of sorts, be patient angel."

Nicole snorted at that since again, he was being cryptic. Eddie was planning something she thought, what was on his mind. Was this like a date, no since he would have at least said that before they left. Nicole was getting this bad feeling in her gut despite Eddie being in an extremely good mood. Last night was amazing and Nicole actually had more fun in their band that one night then most nights with her previous band. She needed to get that thought out of her head since she won't be a homewrecker, a Yoko, or just awful like Christina had been. Despite all that, she loved performing with Eddie and that made her sigh.

They finally arrived to where they needed to be and Nicole's bad feeling got a bit worse when she saw it was Gareth's house. He was there with Jeff and Al, all of them were sitting around waiting for Eddie she'd suppose. Eddie politely opened the door for Nicole and she got out. Nervously, she clung to Eddie's arm as he walked up to the rest of his bandmates.

"Alright now that everyone is here, we can proceed with our little ceremony of sorts." Gareth expressed.

Nicole raised an eyebrow and glanced at each member.

"Ceremony?"

Jeff chuckled warmly and answered,

"Yes, ceremony. Eddie is never one for making occasions like these boring. You know that since you're his girlfriend."

Nicole glanced at Al and he didn't seem angry. They had to have told him she covered for him last night, right? He managed to laugh at Nicole's nervous and almost fearful look and he assured,

"Relax Nicole, I'm not mad about anything. It was kind of cool you stepped up when I couldn't. Besides I heard it was a kick ass show for once."

"I mean it kind of was." Nicole said, trying to down play it as much as possible.

Eddie shot her a look of disbelief since last night had been amazing. They both were great together, vocals had never been better, and it was electrifying. He kissed her on the top of her head, chuckling.

"Kind of? Kind of?! Nicole the show last night was amazing. We've been doing this since we were all in middle school and we didn't have a crowd that good in a long , long while. We all know it was because of you." Eddie told her.

Nicole looked to Jeff and he added,

"You were the lead back in your old band right?"

"Just a lead singer and a guitarist. However, if I get a new band I may let go of the reins and have it be more open if talent's there. There was a lot on me as a lead and apparently it didn't matter because they backstabbed me. Then again maybe I was just their puppet and they were in control of me. I might have been lead singer but I was the very bottom of the totem pole and my ejection proved that…god look at me, I'm rambling."

"It's fine, we all know those sirens are a sore spot. But man if they saw you last night, they would be kicking themselves that they let you go." Gareth praised.

Nicole glanced at Al. He seemed to be calm, too calm.

"I might as well come out and say it. All of us were talking today about Corroded Coffin's future and we all agree that a change is in order." Eddie started.

Nicole's mouth dropped in shock. There was no way she thought, no way they were just going to kick Al out for her.

"Yeah since…I'm not going to lie to you guys, but I'm not really all here anymore, perhaps even for a while. It's not as fun as D&D is and quite frankly…I kind of suck and I'm holding you back." Al expressed to the group.

Nicole stepped back from the guys and she felt her heart drop.

"I'm sure Eddie would be willing to help you improve if you feel you suck Al. Trust me, you're going to feel awful if you're replaced without a chance to improve or grow." Nicole expressed adamantly.

Al chuckled but shook his head.

"That's pretty much been this past year Nicole. I'm playing the notes but there's no fire in my soul, not even a spark. I'm not going to lie, I've been asking Gareth and Jeff to look for someone else for at least a month now." Al expressed.

"And why didn't you tell Eddie?" she questioned.

Al sighed and answered, looking to Eddie,

"I didn't want him to think I was a traitor or a bad friend. Honestly, we all became friends because we formed this band and I didn't want him to think I would end everything if I told him I wanted to quit."

Eddie nodded and said,

"But I am thankful you're telling us now and not like when we start getting serious with traveling and trying to put us out there. Am I upset, honestly just a little bit but you're always going to be a brother to us all. Plus you're not ditching Hellfire so all's good man."

"Yeah no Eddie, Hellfire is something I won't quit. Over my dead body for that. But the band…I do want to quit and I don't want to hold everyone back." Al stated.

"We respect that, we knew when you told us to start looking you weren't in it. Wish you could stay but we understand. Music suffers if the heart isn't there." Gareth mentioned.

"I'm glad you told us and just, you know, stopped coming to practice and our gigs. Last night was you being sick so I don't count that man. We will still hang out of course, Hellfire and all and just as friends as well." Jeff said as he high fived him and pulled Al into a hug.

Nicole was fascinated just how everyone was cool with this. I mean Nicole might have been a little upset if her whole band had a meeting before kicking her out and not just replaced her outright and hid it for weeks. Al wanted to quit the band and the others acknowledged his wishes and didn't just outright replace him before he wanted to quit.

The four guys turned to Nicole and Eddie smiled warmly towards her.

"Well with Al wanting to leave…we need someone to take his place in the band. Last night confirmed who that person should be." Eddie expressed.

Despite her insecurities, doubt, and hesitancy, Nicole couldn't suppress the clear smile that was forming on her face.

"You mean?" she asked.

Eddie looked at the guys and they all nodded, making him grin as he walked up to Nicole and gently placing his hands on her tender shoulders.

"If you'd like…we would all want you to become our newest member of Corroded Coffin as a guitarist and co vocalist. What do you say to that?" he asked softly.

Nicole let out a slight girlish scream of excitement and hugged Eddie tightly.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! I'll join!"

The guys laughed at Nicole's excitement and Eddie just held her tightly in his arms. They pulled away and Al couldn't help but smile at this bittersweet moment for him.

"Let's make it official." Al expressed.

Nicole raised an eyebrow as Eddie pulled away, chuckling. Him, Gareth, and Jeff stood around Nicole while Al got out his guitar.

"Always with theatrics huh Eddie?" she questioned with a soft expression.

"Always babe, always. Besides, be honored we're celebrating this torch passing with some flair." he expressed to her warmly.

Al got it out and approached Nicole with a neutral expression. He placed the flat end of the headstock on her left shoulder and asked,

"Will you, Nicole Lowell, take my place as a guitarist for Corroded Coffin. To ensure the band has many more great shows and someday a wonderful career in music?"

"I accept with every fiber of my heart and soul." Nicole stated.

"Will you always give your all, honor the band, and to never hurt or betray them?" Al continued.

"Corroded Coffin will be another family to me and I will never hurt them." Nicole expressed calmly.

Al chuckled at that since she was like Eddie in her spirit.

"Will you contribute to the band with your skill set, partake in the journey of musical melodies, and always have your heart set on the music and those who will grow to care for you." Al finished.

"I swear it, swear to all of it Al."

He placed the headstock on the other shoulder and he expressed,

"I hereby pass the torch onto you Nicole. May you be welcomed into the band as a sister and to help bring it to rocking glory." Al spoke with a smile.

Nicole laughed softly and answered,

"Well maybe to Gareth and Jeff I would be a sister…but I think Eddie still wants me as his girl?"

"Damn right I do! My girl's in the band and we're going to give them hell! We're going to rock this town and others like this!" Eddie exclaimed as he enveloped Nicole in a hug and twirled her around in his arms.

The guys chuckled at Eddie's excitement and love for his girl while Nicole was laughing.

"Stop it Eddie! I'm getting dizzy!" she yelled playfully.

Eddie stopped so Nicole could get her footing. He gazed into her eyes and stroked her cheek with his thumb tenderly. She was a major part of his life in a lot of areas and now she was in his band. Things couldn't be more perfect. She cleared her throat and couldn't help but be blushing so hard.

"S-Sorry…I'm still a girl so I'm not completely hard core. I still get embarrassed and get a bit emotional. This is just so….amazing." she mentioned.

"You're not like most so that's fine by us. We're glad you're a part of this band. Now she will be needing to rehearse with us Eddie. First one will be on Monday at 5. We normally rehearse Monday, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Also you already know, we perform on Tuesdays at the Hideout. It's kind of a commitment like Al mentioned. So let us know now if it's too much." Gareth expressed.

Nicole shook her head.

"I can work around my tutoring sessions at the schools to accompany my new schedule. I can do my homework with you a lot and it might be a bonus for you since I can help with yours as well, as much as I can anyway. Plus I know rehearsals on Saturdays won't eat up the whole day so that still leaves them open for me. Sounds great and much more doable than my last band."

Jeff chuckled and clapped.

"Cast those harlot sirens out of your head. You're a part of Corroded Coffin now, a new start and new beginning for your dreams girl." Jeff told her.

Nicole chuckled at that but also felt…moved. She didn't think she would have a band again but now she did and one her own boyfriend was a part of. It wasn't like her old band and she did have hopes of an all girl band…but that didn't work out so well the last time. Jeff, Gareth, and Eddie were all guys that cared for music but also each other, something she honestly couldn't tell if she had that with her old band.

"Well I'm going to head back home guys. I do hope Nicole brings you all better luck and that you'll have fun." Al said with a smile.

The guys gave Al a final hug before he went to his car.

"See you all Monday!" he yelled as he drove off.

Nicole recalled what day it was and she blushed.

"Eddie, I don't have my guitar!"

Jeff chuckled and mentioned,

"You didn't listen huh, there's not one today since we all kind of have to get ready for Thanksgiving plans. Gareth needs to finish packing and I need to head home as well. We just didn't want to wait to do this knowing what we knew about Al. Now that we settled this, we shall all meet again on Monday."

"Sure will and no worries, I will limit my displays of affection for Eddie when we're practicing."

"Good since we don't want the whole time being taken with Eddie sucking your face off." Gareth teased.

Eddie rolled his eyes and playfully slapped Gareth in the back of the head.

"I have some control with my girl Gareth. Least I got so lucky."

Gareth could hear his mother screaming for him and he sighed in annoyance.

"Meeting's done. Mom wants my ass to finish packing. Good to have you Nicole, it will be nice having you with us." Gareth said as he went through his garage and into the house.

With the meeting over, Eddie decided to take her back to her house. They chilled in the basement with Nicole gently strumming her guitar while she rested her head on his lap. Both of them were content, blissful, and serene. Nicole's smile and confidence made Eddie's heart melt. He was glad to help Nicole in her dreams like she was happy to help in his. Her eyes lingered on him as she finished her last note.

"Feels like I'm invading a lot in your life. School, Hellfire, and now your band. You're going to get sick seeing me so often." Nicole mused as she put her guitar back in her case.

"Nah. If anyone should be sick it should be you. I know at times I don't want to see me either so I worry for you if you'd get sick of me."

Nicole chuckled softly as she locked her case and went to sit with Eddie on the couch.

"How can I be sick of the guy I love so much?"

Eddie's ears perked up and he could tell by Nicole's face that she did slip out a very potent word.

"Love?"

Nicole blushed and averted her eyes from his gaze.

"S-Sorry…too much too soon…"

Eddie cupped her chin and had her look at him. Nicole's face, her love for him, and everything she made him feel truly made him whole. He kissed her lips tenderly and sweetly. Nicole took this as a cue to sit on his lap and kiss him back just as hungrily and tenderly. She could feel Eddie's other arm being wrapped around her waist and felt secure as they kissed.

"No worries Nicole." he murmured in between their kisses as he nipped her lips gently with his teeth. Nicole squeaked a bit in pleasure and Eddie took the chance to slide his tongue to explore her mouth sensually. When they finally pulled away, the pair couldn't stop smiling at the other.

"I'm thankful the girl I love is in my band and that we can achieve our dreams together and not apart."

Nicole heard those words and felt her heart melt.

"You love me too?" she said softly.

Eddie grinned and stole another kiss from her.

"A maiden like you; of course I love you. The day I stole your heart…you stole mine. A thief behind the bard, capturing my heart like you do…Of course I was going to love you."

"And I'm always going to love you too Eddie. We will make our dreams come true, together."

Kind of long, again, but it's sweet. Not sure how people will feel with Nicole being in Eddie's band but for story beats it makes sense. Nicole abandoned by her old band and now has a second chance at her dreams with the man of her dreams. Feedback helps and next one might be a bit sad.