Still don't own Sailor Moon unfortunately. Enjoy!
" That was our best set ever!" Mina exclaimed, as the band wearily packed up their instruments after their third gig in as many nights. Although the performance at the Green Eyed Cat had been a little stressful, word had gotten around about their new, improved sound and in the past week alone they had performed at five different venues. Though exhausted, spirits were high as they split the profits from that evening's show.
" Wow, I might be able to live off this, if we can keep up with the shows", Lita said. " I really hate getting up so early for work, even if it is to cook."
" I just can't believe the crowds lately! They're so supportive. Aren't fans the greatest?" Serena said excitedly.
" Yeah, so long as you're playing in front of them. You were positively green before tonight's performance", Darien said, laughing lightly.
" Well even green, I'd look better then you", Serena retorted. Darien grinned at her as he took the gibe without rancour. Ken walked out to the van with their last amplifier, and loaded it easily into the back of the vehicle.
" You guys were on fire tonight! I think that every time I hear you, you get better", Ken said. Ken still hadn't found a new job but seemed content to act as the band's roadie for the time being. It was a lot easier to get from place to place when you had Ken around to handle all the heavy lifting and even the electrical set-up. In fact, Raye was considering asking him to be their permanent handyman, but that would only happen if business continued to be good, otherwise they wouldn't be able to afford him.
" Thanks Ken", Lita said. " I agree, we are sounding fantastic. Now we just need some new songs to really show us off…"
" I know, I know. We've really got to buckle down and bang out some new tunes", Raye said. " But that takes time, and we're really busy with bookings lately. Oh my God, I completely forgot! I got a call today, just before we left, about a gig."
" So, what else is new?" Amy shrugged.
" Nothing, except we've never been asked to play at the Epson before. (AN: sorry, that's the name of my printer – I was really at a loss for ideas)." Raye said slyly.
Mina nearly exploded, " The Epson theatre wants us? You're kidding right? Oh God Raye, if you're teasing me I swear I'll wring your neck."
" No kidding, I promise. It's not a paying spot, but they're having a mini-showcase of local talent, next week on Saturday and Sunday. Six bands will be performing both days to various audiences, and the bands are by invitation only. It's supposed to be fantastic exposure", Raye said enthusiastically.
" And we're one of the six?" Lita asked.
" Yeah, can you believe it? There's going to be lots of media people there and even a few talent scouts. We might finally get someone to listen to our demo tape", Raye explained.
" Then we should really make a better tape. The last one still had too much distortion on it. Maybe we could rent some better equipment for a day", Amy said.
" Actually, that's a really good idea. We should get Andrew in on this. He's working on a degree in computers, and I'm sure he would have some good ideas about how to record a professional sound", Darien said.
" Yes, let's call Andrew. In fact, let's call him right now. Actually, calling at this hour would be quite rude. Let's go over there. In fact, I'll go over there and I'll wake him up and…"
" Mina, do we really want to hear the rest of that sentence?" Lita asked, interrupting Mina's excited spiel. Mina blushed,
" Probably not. Maybe I'll just call him tomorrow before he goes to work", she said.
" Good idea. Okay, I guess that's all for tonight. We're meeting tomorrow at six, right?" Amy asked.
" You bet", Raye said. She got behind the wheel of the van, and stuck the key in the ignition. She was always nervous when she had to drive Chad's company van herself, but there was no way she trusted anyone else to drive her boyfriend's van, when he had to work. Lita, Ken, and Mina left in Lita's car as usual.
Raye dropped both Darien and Amy off at Serena's house. It was nearing on four AM when Serena unlocked the front door to her home. Amy went directly into the bathroom to take her contact lenses out, while Darien headed straight into the kitchen for something to eat. Serena shook her head in amazement at her two friends who were completely comfortable in her house. Serena headed into the kitchen, deciding Darien had the right idea.
" Want a sandwich?" Darien asked.
" Sure", Serena chirped, surprisingly awake considering the early hour. Amy wandered back into the kitchen, and Darien ended up making three sandwiches. With their food and three glasses of chocolate milk, they headed downstairs where they could be as loud as they wanted without fear of waking up Serena's family. Not that they were particularly noisy, but it was common sense, especially when you had Darien and Serena in the same room. After eating, Serena flipped on the old television and spread herself out on the carpet in front of the screen. Amy was enveloped in the deep, careworn, armchair, her blue eyes drifting closed of their own accord under her glasses. Darien was lying out on the couch, his feet propped up on the armrest. The three made inane comments about the terrible mid-morning television shows, before each one falling asleep.
Serena was the first to wake-up, probably because the floor was the least comfortable of the impromptu sleeping areas, and glanced at her watch. It was just after ten, and Serena yawned quietly and wondered if it was worth going upstairs and attempting to go back to sleep in her real bed. Deciding it wasn't, she stood up and stretched. Glancing over at Amy, who was curled up into an adorable little ball, Serena shook out a brown afghan blanket and put it over her friend. She then looked over Darien's sleeping form, thinking that he looked much younger when his long eyelashes hid his piercing gaze, and that he would be the perfect man to wake-up next to. She gently pushed a lock of his black hair away from his face and Darien smiled softly in his sleep. Serena smiled back, tempted to steal that grin away with a kiss, but instead she stood up and sighed. Trudging wearily upstairs, she decided to take a shower before attempting breakfast.
Two days later the band had finally organized an occasion to work on some new songs together. Andrew had come and was setting up some recording equipment that the band had rented for the day.
" Well, that about does it. Should give it a test drive?" Andrew asked. The band was eager and ready to play so they went straight to work. Andrew fussed with a number of dials and slides before being totally satisfied, but when they were finished, and all the songs they wanted were recorded, everyone agreed that the sound quality on the demo tape had much improved. Andrew volunteered to drive the equipment back to the rental place, and Mina offered to go with him. The rest of the band talked back and forth, fishing for some inspiration for a new song. Lita kept pounding away at her drums, claiming that the beat helped her think.
" Well, it's not helping me think, unless we want our next song to be called 'Pounding Headache' or ' Death of a Drummer', so knock it off, would y'a?" Raye said.
Lita didn't take any offence, although she did stop drumming for a moment. Smiling, she said, " 'Death of a Drummer', huh? How would that go? 'Life would be sweet, without any beat, drummer admit defeat, before…"
" I kick you in the seat", Raye finished. The other's laughed and began throwing in some more bad rhymes and goofy lyrics.
" At least I'm always neat", Darien said.
" And of course I never cheat", Serena contributed.
" Worth much more then concrete?" Amy finished lamely, unable to think of something quickly.
" I think we can safely say that our creative juices have been used up for tonight", Serena said, laughing.
" Is it okay if I leave now? I mean, we're done for the night, are we not?" Amy asked.
" Yeah sure, Ames. I can't think anyway, for some reason, I have a headache", Raye said, turning around and glaring at Lita. Lita shrugged sheepishly,
" Sorry", she said. " Why the rush, Amy? Hot date tonight?"
" Actually, yes. Greg's taking me out somewhere special, so I want to get home and get dressed-up", Amy said happily.
" Knock him dead, girl. Need help getting ready?" Serena offered.
" No thanks. It takes me way longer to get ready when I've got you hooligans around, going through my closet", Amy teased.
" Fine, reject out expertise. But you'd better tell us all the details tomorrow, or the next time you go out, we will help you dress, and we'll have you convinced that you actually look good in blue eye-shadow. Oh the horrors", Lita joked. Amy rolled her eyes, and then waved good-bye to everyone.
" It's only ten, you guys want to do something?" Serena asked.
" Not me, I'm going to bed early tonight. Grandpa got me up way to early this morning", Raye said.
" And don't forget that headache of yours", Lita said, laughing when Raye glared at her again. Raye let herself out of the temple room, and waited for the others to follow her before locking up the doors and heading up the hill towards her room. Darien and Lita, by unspoken agreement, were heading over to Serena's house.
" Hey kids, how was practice?" Irene asked, when the three stepped inside the house.
" Great, you should hear our new tape. It'll get us on the radio for sure", Serena said happily, sitting down on the couch next to her mother.
" That's nice. Darien, are you getting taller? Or am I just accustomed to Lita being the tallest one around here?" Irene said, letting them both know she was only teasing. " Anyway, I rented some movies if you want to watch something, and you all know where the food is. Serena, I'm going to go to bed. Tell your brother when he gets home, that Steve called, something about soccer practice. He's to call back", Irene said, placing a kiss on Serena's forehead.
" Sure mom, will do."
" Good night, Lita, Darien", Irene said.
" Night", said Darien, while Lita just nodded.
They put on one of the movies and then argued over who got to sit in the 'prime' spot on the couch.
" It's my house, and my couch", Serena said.
" No, it's your mom's house, and her couch, and you know she adores me", Darien teased. " Besides, you're supposed to be nice to guests."
" Well, I'm a guest, and a girl too, so that makes two reasons why I should get first pick", Lita said. She then pushed Serena out of the way and dove for the best seat without further argument. " And I'm already sitting here, so there", she said, sticking her tongue out childishly. Serena and Darien looked at each other before making simultaneous movements for the second best seat in the house, the one next to Lita. They ended up landing in a heap on the couch, jostling Lita and causing the springs to groan with their combined weight. Darien was sprawled over Serena, his face inches from her own, their legs intertwined. Had situations been different, Darien would have been enjoying this, but as it was he didn't want either girl catching on to the fact that he had something of an infatuation for Serena, so he quickly got off her.
" Fine, take the seat", he said, and turned away. He rushed into the kitchen, " anybody want something to eat?"
" Can I get a coke?" Lita asked.
" Sure, Serena, how about you?"
" Yeah, a coke would be good", she said, when she had gathered her wits enough to answer. He'd been right there, his body pressing into hers, his lips only a few precious breaths away. Oh, it was a good thing he had moved or she would have kissed him, and wouldn't that have been embarrassing?
In the kitchen Darien grabbed three cokes, though his real purpose for leaving the living room had been to allow his pulse to return to normal. He opened the freezer to get some ice and the cold air rushed over his flushed face; he stood there for a moment, his head practically in the freezer, when a voice rang out.
" Looking for something?" Serena asked.
" Just some self-control", Darien muttered to himself. To Serena he replied, " just getting the ice". He pulled out the ice-cube tray and a moment later, Serena helped him carry the drinks back to the living room. They watched a James Bond classic, 'Thunderball', and then Lita and Darien went back to their respective homes.
***
" We're going to Epson, Andrew, which is only the biggest, nicest theatre in town! Okay, so maybe it's not the biggest or the nicest, but it's a real theatre. I'm so excited!" Mina said.
" Really? I couldn't tell", Andrew said.
" Oh quiet, you. Or I won't let you come to the concert."
" You can't stop me, I already got a ticket", Andrew said, smiling at her.
" Fine then, I'll just wear something tight and revealing so that the guys will be all over me. How does that sound?"
" Mina, Mina, Mina, what am I going to do with you?" Andrew asked rhetorically.
" Fall in love with me?"
" Too late, I think I already am", Andrew said, serious for the first time that night.
" I think I might be too", Mina said, the smile fading from her face as she took a step closer to him. Andrew's arms came around her waist gently, pulling her to him slowly. His lips descended on to hers with tenderness, before giving way to strong passion. Mina let herself get swept away by the kiss, and felt her legs going weak.
" Mina? Do you want to, uh, go back to my place?" Andrew asked nervously. Mina nodded gently and placed another light kiss on Andrew's lips. The tension in the car on the ride back to Andrew's apartment was palpable. By the time they were standing outside of Andrew's front door, their lips were already locked together and their arms were wrapped tightly around one another.
" I've got to… you know…"
" Open the door?" Mina teased, a little breathlessly.
" Yeah", Andrew said, fumbling through his pockets for his key. The door came open and they retreated behind it. Andrew locked the door behind him and even slid the chain-lock into place. This was one night they did not want to be interrupted. Mina unplugged the phone before abandoning rational thought for pure joy.
A glowing Mina, and a delightfully bewildered Andrew, arrived at Raye's the following morning. Mina was more then a little excited about the thought of performing at the Epson theatre – so much so that the band considered purchasing earplugs just for the ride over to the theatre.
The Epson theatre was comprised of six stages areas, and the Lunatics were told to set up at stage number four. They would be playing from this stage six times in the next two days. Serena spent most of their set-up time running to the bathroom and throwing up. The thought of performing in front of all those people was making her as nervous as Mina was excited. The other band members were more down to earth about their upcoming performance. Darien was as calm and cool as ever, though he was more then a little worried about Serena. Raye was ordering everyone about loudly, and almost rudely, but then that was hardly different then her usual personality. Lita was worried about the condition of one of her drum skins – she didn't think it sounded quite right, but Ken convinced her it was all in her head. Ken, Chad, and Andrew were all around to help out and to provide support. Amy looked a little forlorn since Greg had promised to come, and yet he hadn't arrived yet. She knew he was busy, but this show was very important to her – it was a turning point in her career as a musician, didn't he appreciate that?
" Why so glum, chum?" Lita asked, noticing Amy was sighing far more then usual.
" It's nothing", Amy said dismissively.
" Nothing as in the medium height, brown haired, pre-med man kind-of nothing?"
" Yeah, that kind", Amy replied sadly. " But I don't want to think about this anymore, we're here to have fun, right?"
" Yeah, and to get recognized so we can become fabulously wealthy and popular, and have our pick of men", Lita teased.
" Sounds like a plan", Amy said with a laugh. The first performance of the Lunatics for that day was fraught with technical difficulties. Raye's microphone kept emitting whining noises at the worst possible moments and Darien's guitar gave him a nasty electrical shock. The sound cut-out halfway through one of their songs and even Amy's keyboard decided to start acting up. Fortunately, for their second performance, Andrew and Chad had worked out all the kinks in the equipment, and the band performed perfectly. Serena, however, was kept in a permanent state of nervousness, only broken by the brief periods when she was on stage.
The last show took place in the evening and the crowd was twice that of the previous audiences. The band played their best ever and they were met with thunderous applause when they terminated their set. After packing away their instruments into the protected storage room, the band wandered out into the lobby of the Epson theatre where they were given name tags, and asked to answer a few media related questions. Serena hid behind Darien and Lita, while Mina and Raye answered any and all questions with enthusiasm.
" Well, well, well. I didn't think I'd be seeing you here, Darien", said a low, melodious voice. Darien was preoccupied with thinking about Serena so it took him a moment to realize he was being addressed.
" Setsuna?" (AN: Sorry, I kept the Japanese names for the outers, okay?) Darien eventually asked. He turned to find the tall, immaculately dressed Setsuna standing right in front of him. " I should have guessed you'd be here. It's, uh, good to see you again", Darien said. The two stood there awkwardly for a moment, before Darien gave her a slight hug and an impersonal kiss on the cheek.
" You're looking good, as usual. I caught your act; I was impressed", Setsuna said. " I'm sorry, I'm being rude. My name is Setsuna and I work for Nemesis Music Company. You, 'Lunatics' have caused quite a stir today."
" Thank you. I'm Raye, it's nice to meet you", Raye said shaking the other woman's hand.
" Right, um, let me introduce everyone", Darien said. He made the necessary introductions and then explained, " Setsuna and I used to date, back when I was a lowly solo artist."
" Yeah, and I wanted to sign him but he refused to be on stage by himself. He doesn't think he can sing."
" You sing?" Mina asked curiously.
" No", Darien said forcefully.
" Yes, he does, thought it's like pulling teeth to get him to do it. Seems like you've found the solution to that though, and you couldn't have picked a better band. I've been watching you ladies for quite some time", Setsuna said kindly. " Actually, I had a different reason for speaking with you tonight, other then seeing Darien squirm. My label is considering promoting you."
Stunned silence greeted her words before Mina screeched, " Are you kidding?"
" I don't make jokes about my work", Setsuna said calmly.
" Oh my God", said Lita, her eyes wide in disbelief.
" I think I'm going to be sick", Serena said shakily, before fainting. Amy managed to keep Serena's head from hitting the floor, and Darien rushed to pick her up.
" Always has to steal the show", Raye said, when she was assured that Serena was fine, just a little overcome with the strains of the day's performances, and the excitement of a possible record deal. Darien decided to take Serena outside for some fresh air, and Setsuna watched them leave with a thoughtful expression on her face.
" So, what do we have to do?" Mina asked Setsuna, when she had calmed down a bit.
" Basically, me and my associates will be watching your shows tomorrow, to assure that your work is consistent, and if we're as impressed then as we were today, than we'll ask you to sign a contract", Setsuna said. The four women asked Setsuna a hundred questions, their enthusiasm hardly wavering even when Setsuna had to leave. Amy wished Greg were there to share in the good news.
" Amy?"
" Greg! You came", Amy said happily, giving him a hug. Then her expression darkened. " You missed everything, why are you so late?"
Greg pulled her away from her friends so that they could have a modicum of privacy. " I'm sorry, Amy. I completely forgot about this paper that's due Monday, and I had to go to the library since it will be shut tomorrow, but I rushed here and, well, I guess I missed you playing huh?" Greg asked sheepishly.
" Yes you did. And we were really good, we must have been, because we were offered a record deal tonight", Amy said, stretching the truth just a little bit because she was angry.
" You're always good", Greg said, attempting to placate her.
" Don't be condescending, Greg. I'm not in the mood. I don't ask for much, and yet you managed to ruin what should be one of the best days of my life. Can't you even say you're happy for us, because of the deal?"
" Of course I'm happy for you, although it will mean we'll spend even less time together", Greg said.
" Oh, so it's okay if we're apart because of your schoolwork, but not because of my 'little' band thing?"
" Hey! I never said 'little band thing'", Greg said a trifle angrily.
" No, you didn't have to", Amy said coldly. She turned and began walking angrily out of the building. Greg cursed under his breath and then made to follow her.
" Wow, where's Amy going in such a hurry?" Darien asked, when Amy walked straight past him and Serena, who were standing just outside the entrance of the building. They watched as Greg ran past a few moments later, catching up to her in the parking lot, and obviously convincing her to get in his car so they could go somewhere and talk. " Well, I guess that answers my question."
Serena merely nodded, still feeling a little bit ill. So, Darien and Setsuna had once been a couple, nothing out of the ordinary there, but then why had Serena instantly been so jealous? Was it because Setsuna was so gorgeous, sophisticated, and elegant? Was it because the difference between them, in looks and personality, was like night and day? Was it because there was still a lot of visible tension between Darien and Setsuna? Was it because Serena was totally in love with Darien, while he was probably looking for someone just like Setsuna? Someone who wasn't a shy, socially awkward, immature, dull, blonde-haired, girl. Serena felt more depressed then ever.
" Feeling better?"
" No", Serena said sadly. " Do you think we can go yet?"
" Yeah, I suppose so", Darien said, offering Serena his hand, which was ignored. Seeing Setsuna again had brought up a lot of unresolved issues. They had been together for three years, more or less, and had even been engaged when Setsuna had broken-up with him. She had said that it was wrong to be together, just because they were afraid to ever fall in love. He hadn't understood her then, but it was starting to make sense now. He had never been in love with Setsuna, but otherwise they had been perfectly matched. Serena was his complete opposite in many ways, and yet he felt something for her that he had never felt for anyone. And it scared him. To know that Serena held so much power over him, and to know that she alone could make him happy, made him feel very vulnerable. He was falling for her and there was nothing he could do about it. But was it really so bad? Maybe she was worth the risk? But how could he ever let her know he liked her, if it meant possibly losing her entirely?
***
The following morning, Amy arrived at the Theatre on her own. Greg had left early that morning, after a rather tiring evening, in order to get back to the University with enough time to finish his paper. Rather then being angry, however, Amy felt as though she were floating. After picking her up last night, Greg and she had continued arguing, until things had gotten out of hand and Amy had started crying. Greg had gotten unbelievably upset, and he had started rambling about his fears that she would find someone new and exciting. Rather then risk driving; they had pulled into an all-night diner, where they had had a heart to heart, over coffee. Gradually, with their grievances aired, they had begun laughing. Then it was just like old times, laughing and talking. They had ended up at Amy's house, where they had made love until sunrise. Greg had propped himself up on an elbow, had looked lovingly down at her drowsy form, and then he had proposed. Amy gave a little sigh of complete happiness and then looked down at her finger to unsure that last night hadn't been a dream. The gold band with the small diamond was still where Greg had put it the moment Amy had said yes.
" Amy? Can you help me set-up your keyboard? I'm not having any more technical difficulties today", Raye asked, seeing the blue-haired woman approaching. Amy nodded and started fiddling with the connections to her keyboard.
" Amy Anderson! What is that on your finger?" Raye screamed, when she saw the ring. Instantly, the other woman had crowded around Amy as she flashed her ring to the excited group.
" Um, guys? I have something to tell you. Greg asked me to marry him, and I said yes."
" Oh Amy! I'm so happy for you!" said Serena, jumping into her best friend's arms and giving her a fierce hug. " This is what you wanted, isn't it?"
" Of course it is, Meatball head, or she wouldn't have said yes", Mina said giddily. " Congrats, girlfriend!"
" Yeah, you're too good for Greg, but since you love him, I guess he'll do", Lita said smiling, also giving Amy a hug when Serena was finally finished.
" Thanks everyone, I have the best friends", Amy said.
" And don't forget that when it comes to planning your wedding", Mina teased. " I envision lots of flowers, a beautiful, expensive white dress, and lots of fabulous wedding gifts."
" Mina! I'm only engaged, and Greg isn't even out of school yet!"
" Hey, it's never to early to start planning", Mina said.
" Well, what do you say we start planning what we're going to play today?" Raye said, reminding them why they were together in the first place. The others retook their places and went to work. Raye gave Amy a hug of her own, " Not that I'm not thrilled for you myself", Raye said softly.
" Thanks Raye, now let's get to work. Apparently, I have an expensive dress to pay for."
The band played all three shows to an enthusiastic crowd. Word had gotten around that the 'Lunatics' were the band to watch, and by the time the band finished, they had made more then a few fans. One young man in particular had appeared at all six shows. His nametag identified him as Melvin, and he was easy to spot since he always wore the same black clothes, and thick round glasses.
The band met up with Setsuna again after their last show, and were told that they were invited to a special promotional party the company was holding the following afternoon. Nemesis was considering having their band, open for one of their established stars, which was about to go on tour. Playing the opening act for the world famous Beryl, would be a huge step in the right direction.
" This party looks really lavish", Lita said in awe. The Lunatics were told to dress formally for the Nemesis Company party, and all of them were nervous that they might not fit in with the opulent setting.
" Look, there's Beryl", Mina whispered, pulling an autograph book from her purse.
" She's not so tall in person", said Lita.
" Or so pretty", Amy said, and then blushed at the unflattering comment.
" Hello, glad you could make it", Setsuna said, breezing up beside the nervous group. Setsuna seemed perfectly at ease with the celebrities and high-profile guests, and Serena begrudgingly noticed that she looked amazing in the maroon coloured silk she was wearing. " I'll introduce you to Beryl".
Setsuna marched through the throng of admirers that were crowded around Beryl, and loudly cleared her throat. Beryl coolly turned her head and acknowledged Setsuna's presence.
" Beryl, this is the band, the 'Lunatics', who will be opening for you on your 'Dark Ride' tour." Setsuna then introduced all the members of the group.
" It's so nice to meet you, I'm a huge fan", said Mina. " Can you sign my autograph book?"
Beryl looked at the offered book and smiled. " Malcolm? Get this girl one of my pictures", she said to the man standing beside her. The man nodded his white blonde head, and retrieved a glossy photo of Beryl from a steel briefcase. The photo had Beryl's signature on it, but nothing to say that she had given Mina any personal consideration.
Mina smiled politely and took the photo. She was turning away when she heard Beryl say, " If I have one more nobody ask for my autograph, I'm going to scream. Don't they know that I'm a celebrity, because I didn't waste my time on such trivial things?"
Mina felt her face go hot, first with embarrassment, and then with anger. What was Beryl talking about? The only reason Beryl was a celebrity, was because she had fans. It was the fans to which she owed all her achievements.
" Serena, promise me that if we ever get famous that I never get such a swelled head, or forget to say thank you to my fans?"
" Deal. I'm actually not so happy to be playing for her anymore. She's such a phoney", Serena said angrily. She could never understand people who deliberately hurt other people. Beryl had been so callous towards their band, and especially to Mina - Mina who had never hurt a single person her whole life.
" This should prove to be an interesting tour", Darien muttered cynically, agreeing entirely with Serena's assessment of the red haired singer. " Setsuna says we can leave now, and I for one have had enough of Beryl's ego."
The rest of the band agreed and were gathering their things to leave when Beryl also decided to make her exit. Trailing behind Beryl was a number of agents, photographers, and, of course, Malcolm, her manager. Just outside the front door was a crowd of adoring fans. Literally thousands of people were crowded into the street, having stood there for hours, just for the opportunity of seeing Beryl. Police barricades had been set up, and several uniformed officers were milling around just in case things turned ugly. Unfortunately, it seemed like things were indeed about to turn bad.
" Shit, who leaked to the press that I would be here? I am not about to pander to this group of Neanderthals. I am tired, and if they want to see and hear me, they can damn well rent a music video", Beryl said huffily, turning to go back inside.
Malcolm fidgeted nervously beside her before saying, " Beryl, it might be a good idea if you just said a few words. A crowd this size, and they've been waiting for a very long time… they might cause a riot. People could get hurt".
" And I suppose that's my fault? I didn't tell them to come. Hey, if people get mad when I don't show up, that's their problem. I'm getting out of here", Beryl said, pushing back through the crowd at the entrance, nearly elbowing Raye in the face, and then ordering her crew to sneak her out the back way.
The Lunatics stood in the entrance in shock at Beryl's attitude. They overheard one of the policeman voice his concerns about the crowd. It seemed the rumour that Beryl was not going to appear was already making its way through the crowd, and people were understandably upset.
" We have to do something, people could get hurt or even killed", Lita said, eyeing the mass of people. Serena looked at all the eager fans, and felt her anger towards Beryl rekindle. How could someone treat his or her fans, or even just people, so lackadaisically? All it would have taken was a few kind words to say that she appreciated that they had come. Fuelled with a peculiar urge to protect these people, Serena pushed her way through the crowd to the band's van, which was parked a small distance from where they were standing. Snatching a mega-phone from a policeman's hand, she climbed shakily to the top of the van, and stood on the roof. Visible to the entire crowd in her white silk dress, she put her mouth to the mega-phone and started to sing.
The words to Amazing Grace soon filtered out over the crowd and the cries of anger and hurt were drowned out. A sense of wonder filled the ears of the mob, and soon there was a shift in the general mood from dangerous, to peaceful. Serena's high soprano continued to sing out unaccompanied over the audience, who were now almost entranced by the angel standing on a van roof. Serena finished the song 'Amazing Grace' and then looked at her friends, and gave a little shrug. She had no idea what had compelled her to such an action. Fortunately, while Darien and the others were still standing in shock, Raye was busy supporting Serena's plan. She had already rushed to the van and flung open the doors and begun pulling out instruments.
Raye scrambled up to the band roof, and handed Serena her guitar. She then whispered into the blonde's ear, and Serena grinned. The crowd was still milling around, uncertain about their actions now that the music had stopped. Then a guitar string twanged, and Raye started singing a song guaranteed to boost morale. As 'Twist and Shout' began, the rest of the 'Lunatics' caught on to the idea and went for their own instruments. A few other bands, who were also being considered for promotion by Nemesis and had therefore been at the party, set up their own instruments and followed the lead taken by Serena and Raye.
They played a number of classic rock and roll favourites, inviting the people to shout out their requests and to sing along. The policemen officially were opposed to the impromptu dance festival of the streets, but unofficially were thankful that the crowd was neither going to riot or stampede. It seemed everyone now was here just to have a good time. After an hour of playing, nobody cared if they ever saw Beryl again.
They were starting a rendition of 'Proud Mary', when Serena looked over to find Darien staring at her. She smiled then, a true full-blown smile that hit him straight in the heart. There was nobody else in the world like her, he realized, and there never would be anyone else for him. The siren had drawn him in, and this time he was willing to give up his heart in the bargain. She was definitely worth the risk.
Next, the band goes on tour, and you won't believe the stuff I have planned! Please, review; tell me to quit being so lazy, and to get to work (I can be such a slacker!)
